Tomorrow june 2016 edition web

5000 FREE copies this month

A community newsletter for the western Algarve

Community

Tremendous triathletes

What's on Alvor Carnival

Health

To protect or not to protect – that is the question!

June 2016 | Edition 55

Business

Your TV channels

Food & Drink

Breakfast Oat Pancakes

Outdoor

Crazy about climbers Plus much more...

THE ALGARVE PROPERTY SPECIALISTS

Photograph courtesy of www.birchphotography.com

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Welcome to Tomorrow Algarve...

SEDE: 86, Milborough Crescent, London, UK , SE12 ORW. UK . PERIODICIDADE: MENSAL . TIRAGEN: 4,000 | TIPOGRAFIA: LISGRÁfica - Impressão e Artes Gráficas, S.A Rua Consiglieri Pedroso, 90 Queluz de Baixo 2730-053 Barcerena NIF: 500166587

Welcome to our June edition

Useful Numbers

We are very proud to announce that another Tomorrow Magazine is being launched in July for Ferragudo, Portimão, Alvor and Carvoeiro - the pressure is on again.

Steven Sutton and Stephanie Wood will be working with the existing team, under the same umbrella and with the same formula to bring the same mix of community support, news and valuable information to a new audience and new area. Please email Steven at steven@tomorrowalgarve.com in the first instance and ask for the media pack.

At the moment there is an awful lot happening in the western Algarve too with the Summer Ball coming up on June 18th at the Tivoli Dunas Beach Club. The event, which will feature spectacular entertainment with a fantastic band and Ashlene McAllinden giving a 30-minute Adele tribute show, kicks off at 7pm. The theme is Dress to Impress and it’s anyone’s guess what that means! See Steven’s article in the magazine to find out more. There is still space for another 50 people so if you don’t have a ticket yet please contact Steven at steven@tomorrowalgarve.com The Tomorrow and Espiche Golf Day is promising to be another smash hit – it’s taking place on July 22nd and you can still take part. Details about how to get involved can be found in the magazine. Our events help us to raise money for lots of very good and local causes and we will soon be able to show the results of the final girls' refurbished bedrooms at CASLAS proving that the money we raise does get used in the best possible ways. CONEXAO, the centre where anyone looking to meet up, have a chat and make new friends is going really well and ‘Tomorrow’ is providing tea, coffee and cakes and a taxi service free for at least another month!! Can any of you out there start a knitting class or similar such classes so that more people benefit for the CONEXAO centre?

Help us to help others - this is one of our main aims.

Have a great June from, Amber, Tom and the rest of the Tomorrow team Call Tom on 919 918 733 or email our editor at amber@tomorrowalgarve.com

Emergancy 112 Hospital 282 770 100 Fire Service 282 770 790 Police Service 282 762 930 GNR National Guard 282 770 010 Telecom Nat. Info 118 City Council 282 780 900 Tourist Office 282 763 031 Town Info 282 764 111 Tourist Support 808 781 212 Taxi Service 282 460 610 Bus Station 282 762 944 Train Station 282 762 987 Taxi : Pedro Costa 917 617 675 Aerodrome 282 762 906 Lagos Cinema 282 799 138 Cultural Centre 282 770 450 Health Centre 282 780 000 Luz Doc (Luz) 282 780 700 Chiropractor (Lagos) 282 768 044 Dental Clinic (Lagos) 282 763 496 Dental Clinic (Almadena) 918 366 646 Lagos Vet 282 782 282 Funeral Services 282 769 827

FARMACIA: Lacobrense Chemist (Lagos) 282 762 901 Neves Chemist (Lagos) 282 769 966 Ribeiro Lopes Chemist (Lagos) 282 762 830 Tello Chemist (Lagos) 282 760 556 Silva Chemist (Lagos) 282 762 859 Odiaxere Chemist 282 798 491

CONSULATES/EMBASSIES: British 282 490 750 France (Faro) 281 380 660 German (Faro) 289 803 181 Netherlands (Faro) 289 820 903 Canada (Faro) 289 803 757 Swedish (Faro) 213 942 260 Irish 213 308 200

NO JOB TOO SMALL: Portuguese Lessons €5p/h 912 417 994 Translations ENG/PORT 916 618 527 Alice (Survival Portuguese) 914 269 118 Gavin Cox (General Builder) 916 430 132 Tristan (Plumbing & More) 938 989 704 Helio (Electrician) 917 288 966 Luis (Locksmith) 964 605 215 Chimney & Window Cleaner 926 860 123 Kieron (English Mechanic) 917 637 475 Russell (English Mechanic) 282 639 778 Andy (Mobility Equipment) 964 230 225 Ana (Sewing) 919 747 591 Alison (Mobile Hairdressing) 918 663 352 Dave (TV & Satellite) 965 774 176 Steven (Computer MOT) 936 387 512 Pedro (Computers) 917 165 238 Xeli (Florist, Free Delivery) 282 768 129 Parcel Delivery to the UK 0044 208 123 1966 VIP Chauffeurs 914 479 300 Private Luxury Transport 910 384 382 Graphic & Web Design 916 606 226

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Community... her husband. We are sitting in the family living room with thick whitewashed walls and exposed stone surrounds, which once was a space for salting meat. “The farm has always been part of family history. In 1932 it was bought by my grandmother’s brother, Francisco Correia, an army captain,” she says, pointing to a sepia photograph hanging on the wall. “He did some work to the house, bought more land and replanted fig trees.”

Quinta das Alagoas: Rising from the past By Lena Strang

Born in Sintra, near Lisbon, she remembers spending many happy summer holidays in the farmhouse: “My grandfather, being good at carpentry, made a wheelbarrow for fetching water. I remember barbeques outside in the shade and storytelling sessions. There are so many old tales connected with the house.”

Quinta das Alagoas

From the top of the tower of the old farmhouse the view over the fertile valley is breathtaking. The green fields extend as far as the eye can see. I can just make out the course of a small river snaking across the valley. There are scattered white farmhouses nestling below and I can see a cluster of buildings in the distance.

But turn the clock back a few hundreds years and the scene would have been very different. The then mighty river Ribeira Vale de Barāo was navigable from the coast to the nearby village of Almádena up until the earthquake of 1755. Good for the many farms producing figs and other agricultural produce in the area but it also brought danger in the form of pirates.

Quinta das Alagoas was built in the 14th century as a fortified farm to repel raids from

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Barbary pirates that ravaged the coast of the Algarve. It is difficult to imagine that this was once part of the coastal defences that included forts such as those at Almádena, Burgau and Luz. Far from deterring visitors, the fortress has now opened its door to welcome anyone wanting to enjoy what it has to offer. This is all due to a remarkable couple, Barbara and Fernando Pimenta, who have single-handedly restored the fortress to its former glory.

Looking around the impressive buildings and surrounding land I can appreciate that it has been a real achievement. What propelled them to take on such a major undertaking?

Barbara is brimming with enthusiasm. I soon realise that the restoration is part of a life-time’s ambition both for her and

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In 1993 the farmhouse was passed on to Barbara and her husband. In many ways this became a turning point in their lives.

“We already knew that the countryside and living close to nature was something that we cherished but our lives were firmly anchored in Lisbon.” Although the house was in a poor state of repair, an elderly couple had been living there for some years. To make life easier for them Barbara and Fernando installed electricity and a telephone line.

When ill health obliged the couple to move, the challenges began in earnest.

So where did they begin? As the fortress wasn’t listed it wasn’t necessary to work with the archaeological department but they consulted an architect to get an idea of how to proceed.

“In 1996 we started the work and tackled the kitchen area first,” Fernando explains. “We had continuous problems with the walls that kept on collapsing and had to seek help from the Institute of Civil Engineering. This was our first hurdle and by no means the last.”

Community...

As they were both in full time work in Lisbon – Fernando as an engineer and Barbara as a teacher – in addition to raising a family, they were only able to spend weekends and holidays doing the renovation work.

“That’s why it has been such a long haul project,” Barbara says, “compounded by the fact that we had to keep saving money to do the work.” I am surprised to learn that no grants or allowances were available for the restoration of what is after all, a significant historical building.

Fernando and Barbara

There was also the additional worry of having to leave the property unsecured. “I had phone calls from friends in the area telling me about roof tiles that had been stolen and once that a fire had been started in one part of the building,” she adds. A wall constructed around the fortress helped and in 2003 further interior work was done including installing running water, adding bathrooms and windows. With Barbara having retired and able to spend more time in Lagos, work recommenced in 2010 and five years later all exterior work was completed.

How historically accurate has the reconstruction been, I wonder? Fernando tells me that all the original walls were maintained and none of the covered areas were altered. “We didn't want to be intrusive and change the original character of the buildings,” he explains. And as the area is renowned for its archaeological heritage,

was anything of interest unearthed? While nothing was found inside the buildings he shows me a piece of a Neolithic ceremonial axe that was found in the garden and also points to a mill weight and a brick archway which is part of a water course, that are thought to be of Roman origin.

Armed with all the information, I enjoy the guided tour through the fortress. The squat white stone clad buildings are built around two courtyards. We enter the main yard through an immensely thick gateway where on the wall the date 1364 can be discerned – probably the year of construction. Here we have access to the kitchen, Watch House, Salting House – all renovated as living spaces - and the tower where I was earlier admiring the views.

There are also the remnants of a watchtower in the southeast corner. The squat extensive walls with the loopholes on the lower levels indicate that firearms had been used in defence against pirates. I am interested to learn that King D. Pedro I in 1360 gave the inhabitants of Lagos permission to use guns in defence that were prohibited in other parts of the Algarve. What’s also unique about Quinta das Alagoas is the fact that due to its robust stone foundations much of it remained intact after the 1755 earthquake that destroyed so many other fortifications.

View from the tower

>> Continues on page 6

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Quinta das Alagoas: Rising from the past >> Continued from page 5

Casa dos Bezerrinhos

I am also taken to the second courtyard, with a number of spaces that have been renovated.

And this is where I am amazed once again at the ingenuity of Barbara and Fernando. All the spaces here have been converted to small apartments with air conditioning, kitchen and bathroom facilities, all complete with wifi.

A far cry from what the pirates would have discovered had they been able to penetrate the fortress all those years ago.

Now guests can enjoy the comfort of the “Casa do Garibaldi” named after the cow who used to reside there. How about “Casa dos Bezerrinhos” which was home to weaned calves and where the couple’s donkey Chica da Silva slept before the conversion? It is now a space adapted for people with reduced

mobility with all mod cons. Barbara is keen to show me the “Vacaria”, originally a twostorey barn used as a cow shed. The first floor houses a bathroom, living space and a kitchenette while the mezzanine floor has additional sleeping space. But what excites Barbara most is the deep recess in the wall adjoining the main house beyond. “This is “Porta da Traição” (Treason Door) which we only discovered when renovating this space.

It reminds me of a legend about a Christian soldier falling in love with a beautiful Moorish girl in this fortress and the role a secret door like this played in their love story.”

There are other spaces that have been converted to holiday accommodation including a room in the watchtower where I imagine visitors can enjoy both sunrises and sunsets from the elevated position. The income from the holiday business will help to maintain the property and develop further projects, I am told. Really? Now that the building renovation is complete, is there much more to do? Yes, they both assure me. They have grand plans for the 18-hectare farmland.

Already certified as producers of organic vegetables, they want to recuperate and replant many different varieties of fig trees the original produce of the ancient farm.

The immediate project is to build a natural pond and swimming pool with a zone for plants and wildlife and one for swimming.

But there is more. During the last year the couple have organised monthly concerts of classical music followed by a tasting of

regional wines and local delicacies in the courtyard. As each session is preceded by a guided tour around the fortress, it’s a good way to learn more about its history.

Although the farm comes under the jurisdiction of Lagos, there is also close cooperation with the district of Vila do Bispo in terms of nature studies and excursions.

Fernando likes nothing better than to guide youngsters on nocturnal walks to observe the stars. And he says there are so many stories to tell that enthral young listeners.

No doubt Barbara’s grandfather would be pleased that the tradition continues.

And did I mention that there are regular workshops on topics like organic agriculture, vegetarian cooking and bread making, where local women are likely to tell you how things used to be done in the past? I come away from my visit invigorated. After a long and arduous process Barbara and Fernando have managed to achieve something special. Not only have they restored a building of historical significance but they have also created a unique space for locals and visitors to enjoy.

Coming from Lagos on the EN 125 in the direction of Vila do Bispo, take the third exit by the Almádena roundabout. With the water sewage plant on your left, proceed up the road for about 800 meters. The farm is on your left at the top. www.quintadasalagoas.com Tel: 282 697 980

Swinging back to the sixties By Matt D’Arcy and wall posters set the scene. Tickets sold out within four days and those who were lucky enough to get tickets were not disappointed. The Bottles were shell shocked when they arrived and saw the set, and their performance certainly matched the venue.

They were overwhelmed by it all and said that they had never performed anywhere where so much effort was put in, for them to perform.

Community group Amovate’s events team built a fantastic replica stage of the Cavern Liverpool to host tribute band “The Bottles” in what turned out to be a fantastic first event night with The Fonte do Vale Restaurant.

Steve Baker's vision was turned into reality with a perfect back drop painted by Hugo and his father. The whole set took 8 hours to put together, when Steve Scott joined SB to build the base frames. Additional lighting

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their meals when they eat at The Fonte, on production of a current up-to-date membership card, a fantastic gesture by the owners. The evening went with a swing with two sets from firstly "Back to the 60s”, with the group playing many favourites that the crowd sung along to and then “The Bottles” suited, booted and wigs as well, taking us all back to the heady days of The Beatles.

The Fonte do Vale brought in extra staff to deal with the 100 plus ticket holders and their hard work was richly appreciated by all. Prompt service with a smile was the order of the day and manager Sofia was congratulated for all her help in making the evening an outstanding occasion.

A fantastic evening was topped off with a comment from Amovate's past President, Peter Johnson, who was lucky enough to go to the Cavern several times said: "I can’t believe how good these boys are, I was at the Cavern the lunchtime The Beatles announced and played their first record "Love me Do" and tonight brings back so many happy memories”.

Amovate members, it was announced will in future be awarded a 10% discount on

Now the question is shall we do it again? ………….Watch this Space

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Tremendous triathletes This month we wanted to turn the spot light on a few of the people that participated in the Luz Triathlon which took place at the end of April. Here are the stories of Catherine who took part in her first ever triathlon and two boys who are thought to be the youngest participants in the Luz event. Later on in the magazine you will get a fuller flavour of the day itself in our photo spread on page 40.

First time triathlete A few months ago we featured an article about Catherine Robinson, who runs a hair salon and lives in Burgau. Catherine had decided to take on her first triathlon this year after years of battling with health issues triggered by an eating disorder.

She was sick of being sick and tired. Here she tells us how she got on at this year’s Luz Triathlon which was held at the end of September.

“Well it's in the bag - first triathlon done and dusted.

Let me start by saying what an experience!

I’d advise anyone to do a triathlon, marathon, something of that sort at least once in their life. I think this year there were a few newbie triathletes, we were definitely first timers!

Having my sister Sophia to complete the triathlon with me has been the icing on the cake. It's always going to be a memory we have together, running through that finish line hand in hand!

The morning of the triathlon we got to the transition area and saw the swarm of

triathletes, the bikes, we felt the energy- the excited nerves. Suddenly it all became very real. I can't say we didn't feel a little like the odd ones out, we had no idea what we were doing really.

We weren't athletes, we had mountain bikes and 20€ wetsuits from Sports Zone.

The point, however, is that we were there, mixed in with everyone. As surprising as this may sound - it felt great. You have to start somewhere with everything you do and this is simply our starting point.

(if at all!). As if on purpose, my sister and I managed to be side by side for the final leg of the triathlon.

The run let us down in many ways, people started to pass us out and I think we both felt a little disheartened. Still spectators were singing songs of praise and we pootled along laughing and joking. As expected, seeing the finish line gave us the boost we needed to get our butts in full speed - we picked up the pace, grabbed each other's hand and there completed our fist ever triathlon!

For me the swim was great, I felt confident, the sea was calm and it calmed me. I was happy on my bike, it was familiar, I love getting out for a cycle and the triathlon felt a lot like any other day on the bike.

I've got a foundation now for training and I've managed to keep it up. I'm not exercising quite as frequently but managing to get our most days.

One of the highlights of the triathlon was the people marshalling, the screams of enthusiasm and support was overwhelming.

It was so motivational and felt like they were a part of you completing the race.

Mentally, I feel like I've been reset. Sports and exercise for me is simply an essential component to a happy life. Our bodies are designed to move and I realize that now more than ever.

By the time the run came I was feeling it, running was not my strong suit nor something I honestly trained for too much

I don't know what the future has in store but I feel like I'm only getting started.”

inspired just four weeks before the Luz Triathlon to raise money for the local dance School Move Ment.

also took part in the triathlon. The boys are now both studying at the International School of the Algarve.

The money they raised will help send the young dancers to represent Portugal in the World Dance Cup which will take place in Jersey on June 23rd. Cormac's sister, Nicole Fagan, is one of the competitors.

Mackenzie Burr, aged 14, took part in the triathlon for his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award requiring him to train for and complete the event which he easily achieved.

Brotherly love

One of the youngest competitors to take part in the Luz Triathlon this year managed to raise almost 1,000 euros to help send his sisters and a group of other students to the Dance World Cup which takes place this month.

The dance school consists of 12 students and is self-funded by the parents. Cormac and James raised between them €850 which will help buy the team kit for the World Dance Cup. James mentored and helped Cormac in his preparation for the race.

Cormac Fagan, at just 14, and an adult friend James Wright (son of June and Paul Wright of local restaurant and bar – Barroca), were

Mackenzie Burr, the other youngest competitor, who met Cormac at the age of three at Yvonne Fisher's swimming lessons

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Come and have a free and healthy breakfast! By Stephen Wakefield Maybe a ham, cheese or presunto roll with a yoghurt drink, a milky coffee or a choice of fruit? We only ask for a small favour in return - a pint of blood!

Do you realise that your ‘pint of blood’ can not only help save the life of more than one person, but giving blood can also improve your own health? Once your blood leaves the donation centre, it is rushed to a laboratory to be split into its main components in a completely sterile way. The result? A pack of red blood cells, a pack of platelets and a pack of plasma. These are stored in a fridge or freezer until required by a patient.

Perhaps your red cells will be given to an accident victim, your platelets will help stem severe bleeding in a leukaemia patient, and your plasma will help replace blood loss during heart surgery. Or perhaps your blood donation will be used to enhance the quality of life of someone with a chronic disease.

As for the positive effects on your body, giving blood regularly will: • provide you with a free health check because your blood pressure is taken and your blood is tested for any abnormalities • make your body replenish the blood it has lost which helps your body function effectively • reduce the risk of heart disease, particularly in men, by keeping the iron levels in the blood in check

Anyone 18-65 years may donate. Men can give blood every three months and women every four months at Portimão Hospital between 8am-5pm Monday to Friday and every first Sunday of the month. Parking spaces are especially reserved for you by the main reception. (Just inform security) The clinic “Imunohemoterapia” is on the first floor, squeezed in between the Intensive Care (CI) and the laboratorios. You can also give blood at Lagos hospital every last Thursday of the month between 9am-1pm.

Go and be a hero soon!

• lower the risk of some kinds of cancer The short 10 minutes you spend donating your blood will result in long lasting, positive effects for the different people who receive it and also for yourself!

If you're not already a blood donor perhaps the time is ripe to become one!

P.S If anyone is feeling hesitant or nervous on their first visit, free transport with a Portuguese speaking assistant is provided on the 23rd of June from Avenida Lagos, at 8.45 am, please contact 919 661 472 for reservation.

Diplomatic Ramblings (Part 15) By Doug McAdam After almost three years in London – with me in the dark world of counter terrorism and my wife Sue in the almost surreal world of dealing with Royal Households – the time approached for another overseas posting. This was always going to be problematical. Promotion was in the air for me and we would require a post large enough for us both to be able to work. In the end the Foreign Office came up trumps but at a post, possibly by reputation alone, at the bottom of most diplomats’ wish list – Lagos, Nigeria. I was to have one of the biggest overseas management jobs for my new grade – Head of the Visa and Consular Sections in Nigeria – and Sue was appointed to a new Vice Consul (!) position to tackle the huge queue for British Passports.

Having served as Vice Consul in Luanda and Immigration Attaché in Delhi in earlier

postings I was familiar with both areas of the work I would be dealing with. But I went to a couple of sessions of the Consular Course which Sue was attending. We will both for ever remember the aphorism of the experienced “dragon” running the course who impressed upon us that in consular matters you should never “assume” anything because to do so would, as she pointedly drew ass/u/me on her board, make an ass out of you and me!! I have since used this example in any number of cases in diplomatic life when officers working for me have done precisely that with serious consequences!

The main training course I attended was our media one run by an ex-BBC employee facing the media was a major part of my job and the advice was invaluable.

Much of Sue’s training concerned the British Nationality Act. A quirk of this Act, which dated to colonial times, entitled people of Lebanese extraction who were born on Lagos Island (and nowhere else in Nigeria!) to have a British Protected Person passport. These were much sought after by members of the substantial Lebanese community. The issue was extremely complicated and a massive backlog had developed since it the hard-pressed Consular Section had to concentrate on dealing with the multitude of day-today problems facing the large British community. Thus the creation of Sue’s job!

Her boss was to be the Consul (whose boss I was), so no direct conflict there!

Doug McAdam was in the Foreign Office for 43 years.

Mood music Colegio Bambino is presenting a Music Festival at the Lagos Cultural Centre on June 9th.

There will be two shows on the same day – the first one will be at 4pm and the second one will be at 6pm. The event at the Cultural Centre is free and everyone is welcome.

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There is always lots on offer at the Cultural Centre including exhibitions, music concerts and events so drop in to get their monthly guide.

There is also a cafe in the inner courtyard, with free wifi, which is a nice quiet place to catch up on emails and make travel plans.

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Happening at Vale da Lama Lots taking place at Quinta de Vale da Lama (near Odiáxere) in June. The activities kick off with a Counsellor Training course from 6th to 12th June at the educational campus Campo do Vale.

This is a training programme for young people and adults who wish to work with groups on environmental education, sustainability and social regeneration. The course is now in its 15th year. The biggest event of the year is also taking place in June. Everyone is invited to the Open Day “Festa do Sol”, the Summer Gathering, on the 18th June. This is followed by a Pizza Night at 7.30 pm with music from the group Jemadas. (€10).

There are two retreats taking place over the summer. The first one Heart / Healing Retreat: The Jewel of Yoga from 12th to 18th June.

These are healing and restorative retreats where people who need to take a break and recharge batteries have the opportunity to do it in the most wholesome environment under the attentive guidance of local teachers, Jenny and Igor.

There is a waiting list for this particular course but anyone interested can enquire about courses taking place on July 17th -23rd, September 18th -24th and October 2nd-8th. The second course this month, a Classic Yoga Course : The Jewel of Yoga, will

take place on the 19th to 25th June.

This is a retreat for those who already practice regularly or with the intention of starting. It is a week’s course that will provide the basis on which to build spiritual practice or the perfect opportunity to go deeper.

A Classic Yoga course is also offered on 18th to 24th September For more information on any of the activities please email: info@valedalama.net or phone (+351) 282 76 40 71 (+351) 91 3485568

Portugal international security report 2015 By Safe Communities Algarve Overall crime up 1.3%, violent crime down 0.6% - Algarve violent crime down 12% The Government has produced the 2015 Relatório Anual de Segurança Interna Report known as RASI. Together with this the Institute of National Statistics has published detailed figures showing the various crime categories in the municipalities throughout Portugal.

Overall Crime According to the INE total overall crime for Portugal for 2015 stood at 356,032 crimes an increase of 1.3% compared to 2014. This is the first increase since 2008, although crime over the last 5 year period has decreased by -14.5%. Of the 18 districts and two Regions (Azores and Madeira) eight showed decreases in crime and the others increases.

Fraud/on-line fraud - 7830 (up by 73.7%) The largest category of crime was theft from vehicles. Vehicle related crime i.e. theft from vehicles, theft of vehicles and drink driving (1.2 g/l) stood at 60,256 cases some 16.9% of all crime.

Violent Crime Violent crime fell slightly by 0.6% to 18,694 cases compared to 2014. There was a reduction in certain robberies in 2015 compared with 2014.

Overall robberies stood at 15,472 cases a decrease of -0.8%. Domestic violence stood at 26,595 cases. The number of homicides decreased by one case to 102 and serious assaults from 542 to 469 cases compared to 2014.

The area showing the largest increase in overall crime was Porto, which increased from 56,994 to 59,185 (source INE) an increase of 3.8% compared to the previous year. A small increase was also seen in the Lisbon Metropolitan area up 0.4% although in the Algarve overall crime decreased by -1.6% from to 21,851 (Source RASI) last year.

Robberies

2014 2015 % difference

Residential

163

In the Azores crime decreased by -3.6% but in Madeira it rose by 2.3%. Major crime categories and trends: Burglaries - 16,186 (down by 16.2%) Metal theft - 6604 (down by 21.9%) Theft from vehicle - 25,360 (down by 9.1%) Drink driving 1.2 g/l - 22,873 (up by 10.2%) Arson/Forest fires - 9988 (up by 106.2%)

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160

-1.8%

Cash in transit 18

15

-16.6%

ATMs

88

34

-61.3%

Carjacking

46

41

-10.8%

Pharmacies

29

74

189%

Petrol stations 99

88

-11.1%

Goldsmiths

25

-7.4%

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The largest category of robberies was snatch which constituted some 30.1% of all cases and other robberies in pubic places at 37.1%.

Drugs During 2015 a total of 2.4 tonnes of Hashish; 6.03 tonnes of Cocaine; 96 kgs

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of Heroin and 50,857 Ecstasy tables were seized.

Algarve Crime in the Algarve has continued to decrease over the last 5 years at a faster rate than the rest of Portugal. Compared to 2010 crime is down -25.9% compared to -14.4% for the country as a whole.

Violent crime in the Algarve decreased considerably from 1078 to 949 cases in 2015 (-12%) one of the largest reductions in the country as a whole. Crimes against property in the Algarve, which includes thefts and burglaries, decreased from 12,908 in 2014 to 12,903 in 2015 down -6.3%. One of the areas showing the greatest decreases in property crime was Loulé, down by -9.1% to 2071 reported cases.

In comparing the level of overall crime in the council areas compared to 2014, eight showed increases. Albufeira had the largest number of reported crimes at 3446, closely followed by Loulé at 3436. Although Loulé had the second highest crime there was a decrease of -5% compared to 2014. The lowest council area was Alcoutim at 124 reported crimes closely followed by Monchique 147.

For the first time Crimes against pet animals was recorded - showing 1224 cases for the country as a whole with 84 in the Algarve.

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Dialect Corner

New head at the Nobel International School Algarve

You thought learning Portuguese was difficult - try Geordie!

lead and design a school from a greenfield site. This school was called Pecanwood College and it started 11 years ago with 43 students and now has 783 students and over 150 boarders.

Vi Gillman was born in Scotland but grew up on Tyneside and she recalls the Geordie dialect words that everyone around her used - and probably still do.

Here are some of them - there are plenty more that she’ll reveal in a future issue.

At the beginning of May, Mike Farrer took over as head teacher at the Nobel International School Algarve. He was born in Liverpool, studied at Warwick University and took up his first teaching position in Coventry in a large secondary school.

We’re sure other readers will also have dialect words, and expressions, that people from outside their region may never have come across.

So - come on you Devonians, Glaswegians, Brummies, Welshmen, Cockneys, Yorkshire men and the rest of you who came here from all over the British Isles - share with us some of your hometown vocabulary.

Six years into his teaching career he was offered a life changing opportunity to go to one of the leading independent schools in South Africa. This move was only meant to be for one year but ended up turning into 20 years and a marriage, three daughters and building a school from inception.

Here Vi kicks off with some words used on Tyneside:

After nine years at St Alban’s, a group of business men asked Mike Farrer to build,

Gob - mouth Bairn - baby Hacky - dirty Clarts, clarty - mud, muddy Hunkers (on your) - to squat Worky - ticket - troublemaker Nebby- nosey Howk - pick, or scratch Bubble - to cry Gadgie - man Haddaway! - you’re kidding!

Clammin’ - hungry (also cold) Tab - cigarette Dump - cigarette end Now let’s hear some of yours!

If you want to share any expressions or words used exclusively in your home town or county please email our editor Amber at: amber@tomorrowalgarve.com In fact if you have any other news or views that you would like to share please get in touch with us.

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For more information about the school please email info@nobelalgarve.com. We hope to interview Mike over the next few months about his plans and ambitions while he’s in the Algarve.

17th fairway also helped boost the funds by placing a few coins in a charity box. The donation box remains in place, on the desk in Golf Reception, and takes the form of a jolly red rooster, enabling the continued collection of donations.

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Mike Farrer’s educational philosophy is one of a child-centred approach and as the child moves through the different grades they must take responsibility for their learning and with the teachers acting as the facilitator they must make the most of the opportunity that parents have given them. Mike wants children to remember their school days as “the best days of their lives”.

Captain’s Charity

Plodge - wade, or splash

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Last November Nobel Education Network offered Mike the opportunity to become head of school at the Nobel International School Algarve and he relished this new opportunity and challenge in a beautiful environment.

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2015 proved to be a very successful fund raising year for Derek Sells and the members of Boavista Golf and Spa Resort. The Captain’s Charity Day, held on 13th June, attracted 58 players and together with various events staged throughout the year, the sum of 11,322.40 euro was raised – an impressive achievement. The event is organised every two years and in 2017, Boavista will once again welcome players to participate in this most enjoyable and worthy event.

During the course of the year, the club also raised additional funds through organising events such as quiz nights, race nights and bingo evenings. Those golfers unlucky enough to hit a ball into the lake on the

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The ‘Palvista Trophy’ (Pamares and Boavista Golf Clubs) also raised in excess of 1,600 euro. The total donation to NECI (Núcleo Especializado para o Cidadão Incluso) will be 13,500 euro. NECI is a care association located in Lagos working tirelessly to improve the quality of life of those with disabilities, helping to make the most of their potential. They also support individuals and their families at home; especially those with social and financial constraints.

Madrugada and Bombeiros Voluntários de Lagos are two of the charities chosen by the new captain of golf, Graham Vince, this year at Boavista Resort. It is hoped that the generosity of the members, their friends and families will continue and that funds raised for these deserving causes will exceed those of previous years.”

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“They ask for my car key and put the groceries in the trunk” Anabela Santos int e r m a r c hé c li e nt

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Community...

Campaigners urge people to say no to oil and gas drilling

By Laurinda Seabra at Algarve Surf and Marine Activities Association (ASMAA) The Algarve needs YOU! Plans are afoot to begin exploration drillings in October this year for oil and gas in the Algarve and Alentejo offshore basins, just a few kilometres off the coast.

Residents, lovers and admirers of the Algarve beauty, please read on.

The consortium Repsol/Partex - owned by the Gulbenkian Foundation is financing the Algarve basin project, and in the Alentejo Basin the drilling project is being financed by the consortium GALP/ENI. Many people have concerns about Repsol and Eni's track record when it comes to environmental and safety regulations which raises worries from campaigners abot what they will do in the Portuguese waters.

Regarding our onshore, we are facing the spectrum of Fracking (Hydraulic fracturing) in the concessions of Aljezur and Tavira which covers nearly 90% of all land in the Algarve and was granted to the controversial company Portfuel.But the bottom line is that both offshore drilling consortiums as well as the onshore ones have been given the go ahead by government officials in Lisbon amidst strong local opposition.

Public outrage In an almost unanimous show of unity, organizations across the Algarve, including community groups, a few associations, local government institutions, some political organisations, town halls and local businesses are actively collaborating with each other with the objective to stop the oil and gas exploration going ahead in the Algarve.

IT’S URGENT THAT WE LOOK AT THE PRESSING OFFSHORE RISKS Issue 1 - Oil leaks and damage to coastline To begin with, they contest that there is a real danger of a potentially catastrophic oil leak deep beneath the sea, like the one seen in the gulf of Mexico during 2010 by BP, and more recently there was another oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico on May 12, 2016, in which 88,200 gallons of oil burst into the ocean, caused by Royal Dutch Shell operations. These are examples of terrible environmental disasters, which results in tragic, widespread destruction of coastline along with the death of countless fish, mammals and birds. We don’t want the same to happen in our waters.

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Issue 2 - Acoustic surveys and death of marine life. Great damage can also be caused by the acoustic surveys used in ‘phase one’ of such exploratory projects, emitting sound waves that can reach between 10,000 and 100,000 times louder than the engines of a jet plane. There is wide scientific consensus that such sound levels devastate marine life, interfering with ability to orientate, breed and navigate. Eggs and larva are destroyed and internal bleeding, injuries and eventually death, are the result.

Issue 3 - Danger to whales, dolphins and turtles. The proposed sites of the oilrigs also happen to be in the path of the migratory corridors used by whales, dolphins and turtles. Quite aside from being an ugly eyesore on the beautiful Algarve coastline, the oilrigs would threaten their survival.

Issue 4 - No more clean seas. Finally, the accumulation of toxic chemicals used in the second and third ‘phases’ of the drilling projects are inevitable results.

Issue 5 - Lack of Environmental Impact Studies or Assessments (EIS's/EIA's) The lack of EIS's or EIA's for public scrutiny means that the government and the companies have failed to comply with the European Union directive for Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration. There are allegations that an EIS was submitted to government by at least one of the consortiums, but if that is so, why was there no public consultation?

A key component of any EIS/EIA? We have a right to access any EIS's/EIA's submitted and we have demanded copies from the ENMC (The Portuguese Oil Licensing Authority) What can YOU do? Sign the Petition Here at ASMAA, we all feel that we have a responsibility to the Algarve. We love it here and do not want to see it destroyed.

So ladies and gentlemen, if you too love the Algarve, its natural magnificence, its beautiful beaches and healthy clean seas, we invite you to help to protect it.

Ways you can help: 1. In the Algarve right now? Sign the Petition.

Download and sign the official petition form that you will find in the attachment section below in this article and post it or email it back to us. This is the best help you can give! The official petition is important because decision

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makers in Portugal and in the European Parliament are legally obliged to consider it.

We are targeting to raise 100,000 signatures so that we increase its chances of success.

Note: From 30 May to 15 August 2016 we will be distributing petition forms across the Algarve via the Post Office - starting with 30,000 to local businesses. 5,000 will be available through the counters at all local Post Offices during one week in June. This will be followed by drops in each council area to residences - we intend to distribute a total of 250,000 petition forms to local households.

2. Not in the Algarve but still want to sign the petition? Download the petition form, sign it, scan it and email it back to us please.

3. No access to a printer (sob!) but still want to help? You can sign an online petition at Change.org Petition – Anti Offshore/ Onshore Drilling. This petition has no legal standing for submission to Portuguese Parliament unfortunately, but it does assist in indicating strong public opposition to the oil and gas exploration in the Algarve and can be used as support evidence if we need to proceed with legal recourse through the courts.

4. Petitions aren’t really my thing, is there anything simple I can do? Yes! Share this article on your social networks (Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Instagram etc) and help to raise awareness.

You can find out more by going to these websites: 1. Concession map - http://asmaa-algarve. org/en/campaigns/contracts-enmc/en/latestmap-of-oil-and-gas-licences-in-portugal 2. Petition on Change.org – Anti Offshore Drilling: http://tinyurl.com/ns35lwm 3. Example of a contract concerns - http:// asmaa-algarve.org/en/campaigns/contractsenmc/en/lagostim-concession-copy-of-oiland-gas-contract-with-repsol-partex 4. Copy of a reply by the Oil and Gas authority (ENMC) to our questions - http:// asmaa-algarve.org/en/campaigns/contractsenmc/en/oil-gas-no-algarve-answers-byenmc-to-asmaa-s-questions The petition is available on the ASMAA website www.asmaa-algarve.org

Practice & Dine for 25€ Use the practice facilities and enjoy the “Daily Dish of the Day” in the Gecko Restaurant Package includes: 100 range of balls Dish of the day (lunch) & glass of wine, beer or soft drink Valid from Monday to Friday throughout June Booking essential / Please quote Tomorrow P&D on booking

To book contact: Tel: + 351 282 688 250 | Email: reservations-reception@espiche-golf.com | www.espiche-golf.com

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Peddling a green-fingered dream

Rosie and Rob

A first stay in the late 1980s was the start of a love affair with Portugal for Rob and Rosie Peddle. Rosie is a well known character across the Algarve – she’s a keen gardener who is involved with the Mediterranean Gardening Association – Portugal (MGAP).

We caught up with Rosie to hear more about gardening and life in general.

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself?

I was born and brought up in East Yorkshire, but we finally settled here in 2004. We have three sons and they are all good cooks now as I was usually in the garden and quite often at meal times! We moved to the Algarve from the Midlands and left a small town garden for four acres of wild and neglected agricultural land to make our Mediterranean garden.

2. Please tell us about your professional life?

I trained in Business Administration and ran a small family company providing industrial business units. I also worked as a volunteer with the National Plant Collection scheme charity in the UK, helping to put on displays at BBC Gardeners World, Hampton Court Flower Show and Chelsea over ten years. I value very much my fellowship of The Linnean Society of London, which promotes all branches of natural history for professionals and amateurs.

3. Please tell us why and when you moved to the Algarve and where you live now.

We first came to Portugal in the late 1980s for work in the Alentejo, but fell in love with the people and the landscapes. We have been returning ever since for work and for holidays. The eastern Algarve is our home and we have always felt very comfortable here.

4. What has been the biggest pleasure for you in moving to the Algarve?

Spending all the year round here means that we can see the seasons change in the

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countryside, the plants have always been the main attraction for us and making new discoveries is a constant delight. Having spent some time with those involved in plant conservation provoked a lively curiosity in plant communities and habitats and the Algarve is one of the best places in Europe to see good biodiversity right under our noses. Making our garden here also gave us the space to have our own natural swimming pond. We get to be face-to-face with the lily pad frogs, dragonflies and water lily flowers, as well as getting to know the local birds and keeping cool on hot days.

5. How did you get into gardens and gardening?

My parents were always keen gardeners so everyone was involved in taking cuttings, setting seed, watering in the greenhouse and, of course, the weeding.

6. Please tell us about your love of gardening?

Enjoying being out and about and in contact with nature is the basis for my love for making gardens and observing plants through the seasons. Having dirty hands in compost and raising plants from seeds and cuttings can be addictive!

7. How big a part does gardening play in your life?

If a day goes by without a walk round the garden then that is not a good day, seeing the latest changes and trying to grow appropriate plants is a fascinating and absorbing challenge. Even our holidays can be based around garden visits.

8. Please tell us about the Mediterranean Gardening Group project - what is it/why did you start it/what does it do.

I have always learned a lot from other gardeners and they usually are very keen to share their knowledge and experience, it seemed obvious to do the same when we moved to a totally different climate zone with totally different growing conditions.

We met many others who felt the same way and generously shared their knowledge, so forming a group for mutual aid and support was the next step, and there has always been a great response to events.

Many people who move here from more northern climates struggle with the conditions, and if they inherit badly managed and badly designed gardens, that can be the cause of unwelcome huge water

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and maintenance bills which are totally unnecessary. Getting people together and letting them know they are not alone can be quite liberating!

9. What are the challenges of working in countries where water is in limited supply?

The Mediterranean climate zones are not confined to Europe, Portugal is included just as South Africa, California and South Australia and are also designated Mediterranean. All these areas share long hot summers and cooler humid winters and they have all developed native flora to cope with these conditions. Moving to the Algarve is a wonderful opportunity to use this range of plants and accept that it is not necessary to have costly irrigation systems, lawns or palm trees. A beautiful garden can be inspired by the plants around us and at the same time need not be heavily irrigated or planted with horrendous bright green soggy areas that no one wants to walk on.

10. Do you think what you have learned about water conservation and plants could be useful in other context like developing countries facing water issues? And if so, how?

We have much to learn from the agricultural practices of hot climate countries such as South Africa and Australia, they have many generations of dealing with water shortages and this knowledge should be respected and shared as widely as possible. In the context of making gardens the same practical applications can be used, it is just a question of accepting that they are relevant and that they work.

11. Please tell us about the Mediterranean Gardening Association – Portugal (MGAP) The Mediterranean Garden Society is a Greek society based in Athens but it provided us with a starting point for activities in Portugal, as our own support and membership grew it became obvious that we could no longer operate in this way and we had to take the huge step of forming our own legal entity here with all the attendant costs and bureaucracy involved – this was successfully completed in 2014.

Since then the Mediterranean Gardening Association for Portugal has attracted new members and support for our events has grown, more importantly our wonderful volunteers know that we have a properly set up charity structure as a basis for their >> Continues on page 20

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V E R П K O Р C О H T Д АН E D N T Y Y M VENDID0 SOLD However you say it, Portugal Property will sell it.

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Portugal Property will sell it.

Rua Dr. José Francisco Tello Queiroz, Lote 1, Loja M. 8600-707

(+351) 308 800 878 | Info@portugalproperty.com | www.portugalproperty.com Offices in: Lagos - Vilamoura - Golden Triangle - Lisbon

Passion | Expertise | Exellence

Rua Dr. José Francisco Tello Queiroz, Lote 1, Loja M, Lagos 8600-707 (+351) 308 800 878 | Info@portugalproperty.com | www.portugalproperty.com Offices in: Lagos - Vilamoura - Golden Triangle - Lisbon 15_0306

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Peddling a green-fingered dream >> Continued from page 18 hard work. There are more people involved in running the new Association and there are many exciting projects being planned.

We have many nationalities represented and Portuguese members and all are welcome. I am currently involved in helping to run our web site, issue newsletters and write articles.

We also look after the supply of a good range of books on the natural history of the Algarve and Mediterranean gardening.

We have recently organised a weekend conference which was well supported and attracted other gardeners from France, UK and even Canada!

12. Some people don't have much confidence when it comes to gardening what would you say to them to give them a bit of encouragement?

The fantastic thing about plants and gardens is that no one knows it all ! Even

those who have lived and gardened here for many years are constantly learning about new plants and new ways of growing them. I have a big tub of plant labels from all the plants I have killed – a very sobering reminder of the things we have tried to grow and failed. Do not be afraid of trying new things, and if your plant dies, it is not always your fault, some garden centres are importing plants from Holland with light peaty composts which never get established here.

Come along to our events and meet other gardeners and you will find you are not the only one looking for encouragement and inspiration.

For the MGAP email newsletter please contact rosie@thebtf.net and go to www.mediterraneangardeningportugal. org for more information or Facebook page Mediterranean Gardeners Portugal

Calling new Lagos gardeners The Mediterranean Gardening Association is a forum for anyone passionate about plants and gardens of the Mediterranean.

The Portugal branch is currently based in the Eastern Algarve, but there are plans to have an informal group for the western Algarve, based in Lagos.

This is expressly for those interested in plants and gardens to come together for visits to gardens and plant nurseries or just to chat over a coffee with the aim to combine the "intellectual, practical and sociable". For example by organising interesting talks etc, practical hands on garden sessions with local professionals, and a sociable aspect like garden plant sales, seed exchanges coupled with lunches etc.

Anyone interested can contact Jeanette at jeanettealicefahlbusch@gmail.com or phone 969 439 867.

The great drug debate By Len Port Portugal’s decriminalisation policy on drugs has generated huge international interest with verdicts ranging from a “resounding success” to a “disastrous failure”. The latest research has produced what its authors call a more “nuanced” view.

It is 15 years since Portugal pioneered the decriminalisation strategy. While cannabis, heroin, cocaine and other drugs remain illegal, the personal use of all illicit drugs is deemed a matter for health officials rather than the judiciary – treatment instead of imprisonment. The success or otherwise of the strategy has been examined by a number of researchers over the years, most recently Prof Alex Stevens of the University of Kent in the UK, and Dr Caitlin Elizabeth Hughes of the University of New South Wales in Australia.

They found that reported drug use among the overall population in Portugal since decriminalisation in 2001 has decreased.

So has the number of problematic drug users. There has also been a reduction in drug-related deaths and infectious diseases.

On the other hand, cannabis use among adolescents has increased in line with several other European counties. A Portuguese study last year found that the social costs related to drug use since decriminalisation

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had been reduced by 18 per cent through a combination of reductions in costs related to the legal system and to health.

“But the financial costs of drug use are not the only considerations here,” says Prof Stevens and Dr Hughes. “Our interviewees in Portugal repeatedly insisted that the aim of the strategy was to create social solidarity; to bridge the divide between people suffering from drug problems and the rest of society.

“By reducing the punishment and imprisonment of drug offenders, by integrating drug users in treatment and reintegration services, by reducing mortality and viral infections, and by reducing the stigmatisation of drug use, the strategy seems to have succeeded in this aim.”

The bottom line in this latest study suggests Portugal’s combination of decriminalisation with expansion in prevention, treatment, harm reduction and reinsertion may indeed offer a model for other nations that wish to provide less punitive, more integrated and effective responses to drug use. Two years ago a major study in Britain argued there had been no lasting or significant increase in drug use in Portugal since decriminalisation, but the British Prime Minister David Cameron for one

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was not impressed: “We have no intention of decriminalising drugs,” he declared.

He’s not alone. Many hard-liners like him around the world remain locked into the “war on drugs” against a global trade said to worth around $435 billion a year. Reformists say the war is not winnable and a radical alternative solution is required. It was all too obvious at the end of April’s United Nations General Assembly special session on drugs - the first in almost two decades - that the rift is still wide between countries insisting on prohibitionist drug control and those seeking humane reforms. In failing to call for an end to criminalisation and incarceration for drug users, one commentator said the final declaration of the UN special session, “was out of step with mounting evidence and with public sentiment. Rather than offer practical solutions based on science, it doubles down on the status quo.”

It’s perhaps worth remembering in all this, incidentally, that even in countries where personal drug use is still a criminal offence, cannabis is often more readily available to young people than age-restricted alcohol.

You can read more of Len’s work at algarvenewswatch.blogspot.co.uk

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High blood pressure and cholesterol A second health forum, in collaboration with Luzdoc, has been organised by afpop to take place on June 3rd in the seminar room at Boavista Golf Clubhouse in Lagos.

The event will start at 2.45 pm (registration open at 2.00pm) and will focus on high blood pressure and cholesterol.

Following the success of the first event staged in March covering Diabetes and excess weight, this programme is intended to provide information that will help people take care of their health and adopt a lifestyle that will assist in the prevention of certain diseases.

Hypertension and high cholesterol can work together ‘silently’ destroying the cardiovascular system and consequently all the major organs. It is important that everyone is as informed as possible about the causes and consequences.

The first part of the event will comprise four presentations: • Prevention Basics: heredity and way of life.

Dr Joanna Karamon • Understanding blood pressure and cholesterol. Dr Rui Tomé • Eating with High Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol. Nutritionist Ana Rita Horta • Monitoring and Nursing Support with.

Nurse Niki Medlock There will then be a question and answer session with the speakers.

There will also be free screening available with a mini-checkup for high blood pressure and total cholesterol.

The second half of the event will be an open forum, with a panel comprising Dr Maria Alice, Dr Fátima Rodrigues and Nurse Sofia Pereira taking questions on any medical subject from the audience.

There will be an opportunity to speak to the medical professionals more privately, once the open section is completed.

Entry to this event is FREE for afpop Members and 10 euros for non-Members payable on arrival. Pre-booking is required as places are limited due to the nature of the subject.

To reserve your place please telephone the afpop office on 282 458 509 or send an e-mail to members@afpop.com.

Help back our bombeiros By Pat Allen As you know, the bombeiros run not only the Ambulance service, turning out for road accidents, household emergencies and transportation of the sick to outlying hospitals but they are also the Fire Brigade in Portugal.

The men and women are trained to deal with both aspects of their work and Summer time is particularly busy as the risk of forest fires is high. The recent one in Canada shows how they can quickly get out of hand and also how dangerous they can be, causing deaths, injuries and devastation not only to the bombeiros themselves but also to the public, the animals and the properties caught up in it.

Each fire department in Portugal has a prevention group which lasts throughout the three summer months but there are some simple enough things that you as individuals can do – some of which are actually legal requirements, mainly clearing the scrub and brush around your homes. This should be about 50 metres deep and of course, once you have cleared it, you cannot burn it!

The time for bonfires is over, they are only allowed between October and May even then, permission may be needed and fines can be imposed for not obeying these laws.

So your solution after making the firebreak

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is to call the Camara who will take away the dry vegetation.

A certain amount can be collected for free but there may be a charge if there are larger piles – but the cost will be less than losing your home, for sure!

Other things you can do to protect yourselves and others is to report anyone acting suspiciously regarding fires as a many are started maliciously. Other causes can be the careless disposal of cigarettes – again an offence – or trees spontaneously combusting during the high temperatures as of course pine and eucalyptus are filled with oils - as well as outside accidental causes like too enthusiastic BBQs, sparks from machine tools or motor cars for example.

If you do see anything that gives you reason for concern then report it to the authorities using telephone numbers 112 or 117.

This is being a considerate citizen to the neighbourhood and could help contain the devastation that these fires cause.

clothing and equipment which is vital to their needs. Currently I am using 2016 to try and raise money for a new ambulance as the cost of repairs to the existing older vehicles is very high.

If there is any way you can add to this fund by your own money-raising efforts and donations, the account is held at Credito Agricola in Luz and the IBAN details are: (PT50) 0045 7191 4018 8770 5586 1 One current fundraising scheme that’s running at the moment is proving to be very popular.

A lot of people are busy filling bottles with a euro for every time they have an alcoholic drink. A small plastic bottle - typically 33cl can hold 200 euro coins!

They do have teams patrolling but they cannot be on all fronts at all times so you can be extra look-outs for us all.

Why not give it a try when you’ve had friends around or when you’ve had an especially enjoyable night out, or had a good time with visitors - then think to yourself that deserves a euro for the Bombeiros!

You’ll be surprised how it will mount up and later in the year I will call ‘Time’ on the appeal and start calling in all the bottles.

Over the last 14 years I, with your assistance, have tried to aid the bombeiros in their valuable work ¬¬by helping to supply

We know that Portugal Property in Lagos and Boa Vista Golf Club are both doing things later in the year too – details to follow.

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Taking a leap

Tom Perkins was looking to start a new chapter in his life. He just needed to convince his fairly new girlfriend that she also wanted to change jobs and countries….

Here Tom tells us how things went as they made the move to the Algarve.

“May marked the one year anniversary of us taking the plunge and re-locating to the sunny Algarve and also Memory Box’s first birthday! Woohoo. I already had strong connections with this part of the world as I had been holidaying here since birth and my parents own property here, so I wasn’t stepping into the darkness completely but it was still a big decision to make - leaving my life in Swansea and I also had to convince my girlfriend to get on board with the whole idea too after only being together for around six months, a long distance relationship wasn’t very appealing.

I was working as an operations manager for Wales’ largest photobooth company and absolutely loved my job. I’m a very energetic person and it suits me perfectly working at large events, most of these weddings. These days in the UK, a photobooth is an integral

part of any event. For those who aren’t sure what one is- it’s a marvellous machine that people hire for all sorts of events. You simply step into it with up to six other people and the machine will take pictures of you whilst you wear silly props.

in Cardiff. However, I didn’t want to start my new adventure in the Algarve without her.

As you can imagine, brilliant fun after having a few jars and I just love the fact people get to have an actual print out of their pictures, it’s a rarity these days to have photos to hold.

She quit her job in advertising and decided that she wanted to do something different out here. Jess jumped on board with the Memory Box idea and purchased a set of giant 4ft illuminated LOVE letters that we now hire out for weddings across the Algarve, we’re super pleased with them and they really do add that WOW factor.

The idea for Memory Box came about after me simply spotting a gap in the market over here. There was no way I could set up my own photobooth company in South Wales, it was already over run so I did some research and BAM! Came to the realisation that there wasn’t one photobooth company operating in the Algarve.

From that point I knew that I had to do it before someone else spotted the gap. It was all systems go from that point! After researching and making contacts I discovered actually how many events and weddings were taking place across the Algarve all year round. Hundreds of British and Irish couples come here every summer to get married in a warmer climate and also their money goes a lot further here.

So, after weeks of persuading and talking her through how fabulous our lives would be in Portugal she decided to take the plunge also.

A year on and we are happily settled living in Lagos and life has never been better.

We now have two photobooths operating all over the Algarve and have also taken bookings for events in Lisbon and Sintra.

We have absolutely no plans to return back to the UK anytime soon, life is just too good here.”

Please call 914202038 or email tom@memoryboxportugal.com

I was then faced with the task of trying to convince my girlfriend, Jess to move to Portugal with me. She was extremely reluctant at first, we hadn’t been together all that long and she was settled in a good job

Lagos Street Food Fest 2016 Oh Yeah, Lagos Street Food Fest is back again!! After last year’s success, food trucks are invading the streets of Lagos again with bistronomique burgers, Italian piadinas, Turkish sweets and even some vegan food directly from the UK just for the Festival.

From old VW’s transformed into Caipirinha bars to horse trailers transformed in pizzerias - you name it, they have it.

On July 15th, 16th and 17th, the Lagos Street Food Fest will be centre stage in Jardim da Constituição, in the Avenida for over 35 food trucks from across the country and Europe.

When asked about the Street Food Fest 2016, event co-ordinator Maria Nobre de

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Carvalho said: "Last year’s event was a huge success and we've had so many requests to come back this year that we couldn't let it pass. This year we are going bigger and better! We have food trucks coming from all across Portugal, Spain and even the UK." So this July get ready to spread out a picnic blanket on the grass, sip a cold beer, chill with signature cocktails, strike a pose at the Foodie Photo Booth again and get ready to eat to your hearts content.

"In addition to all the food trucks, the Lagos Food Fest 2016 will have a seating area, a covered tent with a cocktail bar and lots of music throughout the weekend," said Maria.

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So gather a group of friends, bring the family and get ready for a great weekend!

Tips?

Divide and Conquer: Come with a group of friends, and split up - some get drinks, others get bites.

Don’t Fill Up Too Fast: Plan to visit your favourites and must-try’s first before you fill up and pass out in the grass.

The event is open to everyone from 12 noon until midnight.

Contact Maria Nobre de Carvalho at lagosfoodfest@gmail.com

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Community...

Costa Vincentina Fun Dog Show By Wendy Smith

Organised by ‘The Friends of AEZA’ for the second time, a fun dog show specifically to raise funds for AEZA was held at La Preferida in Vales, near Aljezur on 18th April.

The weather was extremely kind to us and a fabulous day had by all. This year out of 56 entrants, our ‘Best in Show’ was won by Lottie, a 7-year-old Irish Wolfhound owned

by June Moody from Monchique. Think that her photo says it all - delighted!

Our very capable judge this year was Paula Vieira, who did a fantastic job, many thanks to her for giving her time.

Matilda took many fabulous photographs this year. They are all available to view, together with the class results on the Friends of AEZA website: www.friendsofaeza.weebly.com

Organisers would like to thank Dino Vallas for letting them use the venue which was officially due to open as a Peruvian Restaurant and take-away last month.

Thanks to Pedro at the local pet shop for arranging the prizes and for Matilda for the photographs. Many thanks to the numerous volunteers who helped set the event up in advance and for their hep during the day.

Thanks to the ‘Great Ladies’ in the team and to the many businesses for their sponsorship of five rosettes for the 15 classes.

About the shelter: Kerry, who deals with the day-to-day management of the AEZA dog shelter has given us some insight for 2015.

During the last year 173 dogs came to the shelter! Of those just 21 were returned to the owners and 9 died (including a bitch and her 5 pups). On a happier note, 130 were adopted.

On average, one third stay here in Portugal and the others are sent over to Germany and Great Britain to new forever homes.

The resident dogs are grouped in their kennel spaces according to size and temperament and, although our shelter is not pretty to look at, the space is used

New Lions in Lagos

wisely and most of the dogs seem happy and relaxed whilst they wait for the day they are chosen to get their permanent home.

For vulnerable dogs and those that struggle in the shelter situation, Kerry arranges foster care in the community.

We have a marvellous network of volunteers who regularly foster these more vulnerable dogs and cats here in the Aljezur district.

One family are on number 18 foster dog!

The other volunteers that are indispensable are the wonderful dog walkers! All our dogs get a walk 3 days a week. Sometimes not many walkers arrive and the key volunteers have to take many walks and much more of their time! The dogs really appreciate it though, it is apparent in their demeanour and level of fitness.

It is a Municipal canil and some help is received from the Câmara, however the majority of the financial requirement is raised by donations, subscriptions and fund raising events.

See the AEZA website for more information: www.aeza.org/en/ We are half way through our sterilisation campaign for dogs and cats in conjunction with the Câmara Municipal de Aljezur.

Love is in the Air

A new Lions Club was scheduled to come to Lagos at the end of last month when 27 charter members were due to celebrate with a ‘charter’ lunch. The event took place at Clube Artístico Lacobrigense in Rua General Alberto da Silveira in Lagos.

Wednesday of the month at 12.00hrs at Quinta de Seromonhos in Espiche, Luz. The meetings are conducted in English. Lions clubs are a group of members who identify needs within the community and work together to fulfill those needs.

From the amorous advances of a young gypsy to his gal, to a bevy of Belarussian beauties vying for the attention of the eligible bachelor and far more, the end of year show by the Associação da Dança de Lagos will be filled with colour.

During the ceremony District Governor Dr Carlos Torres presented the members of the new club with their official charter. Members of the Lions Clube de Loulé, who sponsored the formation of the Lions Clube de Lagos, were also on hand to congratulate the members of the new club.

For more information or to get involved with the Lions Clube de Lagos, please contact the club secretary: secretarylclagos_pt@yahoo.com or call 915 457 992 and check out the club’s website at www.lionslagospt.club

The dates are June 16th -18th at 7.30 pm. Tickets are 10€. Contact the secretary on 915812055.

“I am proud to welcome these men and women into Lions. Lagos will be proud to have such a fine group serving their community,” said the District Governor Dr. Carlos Torres and the President of Lions Clube de Loulé, Ulla de Jager. The Lions Clube de Lagos plans to engage with many activities serving the community.

Lions Clube de Lagos will meet every second

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Lions Club International is the world’s largest service club organization with nearly 1.3 million members in approximately 200 countries and geographical areas around the world. Since 1917, Lions Clubs have aided the blind and visually impaired and made a strong commitment to community service and serving youth throughout the world.

For more information about Lions Clubs International, visit the website at www.lionsclubs.org

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The 15 ADL dancers picked to represent Portugal in Jersey at the Dance World Cup from June 25th to July 2nd, are hard at work fundraising all over the region with an event at the Teatro Mascarenhas Gregório in Silves on June 4th and the Summer Garden Party in Torre, Odiáxere on June 10th (2.30pm to 6.30pm) where there will be live music, a dance show, activities and a delicious buffet. Please call Carolyn on 969216398.

Facebook page Atrás do Sonho DWC Jersey for details and the crowdfunding.

The Al ga r ve ’s Uni que Pri mar y- O nl y Sc ho o l • Open in term times and school holidays • Good parent/teacher communication, on a daily basis • Experienced and established teaching staff • Multilingual international environment • Small class sizes • Modern spacious classrooms • Bilingual reception class (3 to 5 years)

Primary School in Lagos for 3 to 11 year olds

• Interactive white boards in every class • Computer suite/library • Each child has a laptop • Portuguese, Music, P.E. taught by specialist Portuguese teachers • After school activities everyday: film, sports, arts, Portuguese lessons • 2 well equipped play areas and a all- weather football pitch

OPEN FOR VIEWING | Ferrel-Espiche, 8600-110 Lagos (near the Orbitur camping site) S I G N U P N O W : w w w. n o b e l a l ga r ve. com | l agos@n ob el al gar ve. com | + 3 5 1 2 8 2 7 8 9 2 0 6

Campuslagos_190x277mm.indd 1

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19/05/2016 13:07:50

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Community...

The low down on Brexit If you are wondering what Brexit is, it has become used as a shorthand way of saying the UK leaving the EU. It combines the words Britain and exit to get Brexit, in a same way as a Greek exit from the EU was dubbed Grexit in the past.

On June 23rd a referendum is being held to decide whether Britain should remain or leave the European Union. In a referendum almost everyone of voting age gets a vote which normally takes the form of a yes or no answer to a question. Whichever side gets more than half of all votes cast is considered to have won.

This referendum is being held after a promise made by Prime Minister David Cameron during the 2015 general election campaign. There had been pressure from his own Conservative MPs and the UK Independence Party (UKIP), who said that Britain had not had a say since 1975, when it voted to stay in the EU in a referendum.

Their argument was that the EU had changed a lot since 1975 that it had gained more control over our daily lives and it was time to ask UK citizens what they wanted.

The European Union – or EU - is an economic and political partnership involving 28 European countries. It began after World War Two to foster economic co-operation, with the idea that countries which trade together are less likely to go to war with each other. It has since grown to become a ‘single market’ allowing goods and people to move around, basically as if the member states were one country.

It has its own currency, the euro, which is used by 19 of the member countries, its own parliament and it now sets rules in a wide range of areas - including on the environment, transport, consumer rights and even things like mobile phone charges.

It’s likely the question people will be asked will be something like - should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union? If you are a British, Irish and Commonwealth citizens over 18 who are resident in the UK, along with UK nationals living abroad who have been on the electoral register in the UK in the past 15 years. Members of the House of Lords and Commonwealth citizens in Gibraltar will also be eligible, unlike in a general election. Citizens from EU countries - apart from Ireland, Malta and Cyprus - will not get a vote.

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It will be a similar system to that during other elections. Firstly, if you have registered to vote, you'll be sent a card telling you when voting takes place and where you should go to vote on 23 June. On that day, when you go to the polling station you will be given a piece of paper with the referendum question on it. You then go to a booth, which will have a pencil in it for your use. You then put a ‘X’ in the box which reflects your choice and put the paper into a ballot box. Alternatively you will also be able to opt to vote by post.

Some people want to leave the EU because they say it imposes too many rules on business and charges billions of pounds a year in membership fees for little in return. They also want Britain to take back full control of its borders and reduce the number of people coming here to work. One of the main principles of EU membership is free movement, which means you don't need to get a visa to go and live in another EU country. They also object to the idea of ‘ever closer union’ and what they see as moves towards the creation of a ‘United States of Europe’.

David Cameron wants Britain to stay in the EU, now he has got some powers back from it. Sixteen members of his cabinet also back staying in. The Conservative Party has pledged to be neutral in the campaign - but the Labour Party, SNP, Plaid Cymru and the Lib Dems are all in favour of staying in. US president Barack Obama also wants Britain to remain in the EU, as do other EU nations such as France and Germany. As mentioned above, according to polls, the British public seems pretty evenly split on the issue.

Those campaigning for Britain to stay in the EU say it gets a big boost from membership - it makes selling things to other EU countries easier and, they argue, the flow of immigrants, most of whom are young and keen to work, fuels economic growth and helps pay for public services. They also believe Britain's status in the world would be damaged by leaving and that we are more secure as part of the 28 nation club, rather than going it alone.

Big business - with a few exceptions - tends to be in favour of Britain staying in the EU because it makes it easier for them to move money, people and products around the world. Many small and medium-sized

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firms would welcome a cut in red tape and what they see as petty regulations. The British Chambers of Commerce says 55% of members back staying in a reformed EU. Several groups are campaigning for Britain to remain in the EU. One of the most significant cross party campaign groups is Britain Stronger in Europe, an advocacy group which is backing the United Kingdom's continued membership of the European Union in the 2016 British referendum. It was launched at the Truman Brewery in London on 12 October 2015 and declared as the official "Remain" campaign for the referendum by the Electoral Commission on 13 April 2016. It is headed by former Marks and Spencer chairman Lord Rose with supporters including Labour’s Peter Mandelson and business woman Karen Brady.

In a statement Britain Stronger in Europe said: “Being part of Europe makes our economy stronger, helping British businesses small and large, creating jobs for British people, and delivering lower prices for British families. Almost half of everything we sell to the rest of the world we sell to Europe - and we get an average of £24 billion of investment into Britain per year from Europe.”

One of the major forces in the campaign for the UK to leave the EU is Vote Leave. This is a cross-party campaign that has the backing of senior Conservatives such as Michael Gove and Boris Johnson plus a handful of Labour MPs, including Gisela Stuart and Graham Stringer, and UKIP's Douglas Carswell and Suzanne Evans, and the DUP in Northern Ireland. Former Tory chancellor Lord Lawson and SDP founder Lord Owen are also involved.

In a statement the Vote Leave Campaign said it believes the UK should leave the EU because: “Since 1973, we have sent over half a trillion pounds to the EU. The EU costs us over £350 million a week, enough to build a brand new, fully-staffed NHS hospital every week. This is almost £20 billion a year - half the entire English schools budget, or four times the annual Scottish schools budget and four times the science budget.”

With just weeks to go public reaction in the UK seems to be mixed with many people saying they don’t feel they have heard the facts.

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What’s On...

The Tomorrow 2016 Summer Ball There are just a few weeks until our second Summer Ball which promises to be, if possible, bigger, better and even more memorable than last year.

This year, we are pleased to offer you the chance to send in your bids, prior to the Summer Ball, for the amazing prizes below: • A Manchester United Football Shirt signed

by Bryan Robson • A World Atlas signed by Andy Ritchie, Dwight Yorke, Denis Irwin, Quinton Fortune, Bryan Robson, Gary Pallister, Lou Macari, Arthur Albiston, Paddy Crerand, Wilf McGuinness and Mickey Thomas • A week’s Stay for 4 in a luxury Apartment Luz • A week’ stay for 8 in a luxury Vila Alcalar.

• A family photographic session for up to 5 with Dan Birch To have a chance of successfully bidding for one of these fabulous prizes just send your bid, plus your name and telephone number to stevensuttonportugal@gmail.com. On the evening, it will be revealed who has submitted the highest bid and won the prize. Good luck to you all.

The evening will start at 7.00pm at the Tivoli Dunas Beach Club Meia Praia and will rock on until the early hours. The setting could not be more seductive, situated on the beach at Meia Praia with all the facilities the Beach Club has to offer, those of you who attended last summer’s ball will remember how brilliant the service, provided by the Tivoli, was.

There will be an amazing Adele tribute singer and the fabulous 5EX will be rocking the rafters with their particular brand of music which is guaranteed to get everyone up and dancing the night away. This year’s ball is being hosted by former SKY/ITN newsreader Lucy Fox and Steven Sutton, ball organiser. The price for this summer’s hottest ticket is 35euros, this includes a welcome drink, a buffet style meal and full evening’s entertainment.

The dress code is ‘Dress to Impress’ but the overriding rule is …………..prepare to enjoy yourself and have fun. Lest we forget why we are holding this event a proportion of the ticket sales goes to the following charities: Madrugada, The Soup Kitchen and Conexao all very worthy organisations and we are

proud to be able to donate money raised which will make such a difference to each one of them.

We would also like to help support the children from Lar, the Children's home in lagos, go camping this summer as we did last summer. Their school holidays last from mid-June to mid/early September and they do get cabin fever.

For their own security and because of lack of supervision, many of the children are locked in the institution for days. They are often not even allowed in the playground. Fortunately, there are some excellent Summer Camps we can send the children on...but it costs....

The Lar want to send 10 children to the camps at Val de Judeu @ 90euros each and 6 to Vale da Lama @ 250euros each. Total = €2400 so, if we raise enough money on the evening then we will be able to send the children away.

There are still a few tickets and a few tables left (a table is for 10), so if you want to be part of this amazing event, please email stevensuttonportugal@gmail.com for your tickets.

Food and faith Faith', in collaboration with the Universities of Leeds and Sheffield. Alice's study of the bioarchaeological data using dietary isotopes is the only method that can provide direct evidence for food consumption at the individual level. The research uses analysis of stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen to investigate the diets of Medieval Islamic and Christian communities from three sites in the south of Portugal: Lisbon, Beja and Silves.

On Tuesday 7th June the Algarve Archaeological Association (AAA) will be presenting two lectures, in English, by archaeologist Alice Toso titled 'Diet in Islamic Portugal: insights from stable isotope analysis'. The first lecture will be at 2.30pm in the Museu do Trajo in São Brás, the second lecture will be at 5.45pm in the Library at Lagoa.

Alice Toso is currently a PhD research student at the University of York, UK and her project "Diet in Islamic Portugal" is part of the network 'Faith in Food and Food in

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groups maintained their independent traditions), first under Islamic political control, and later under Christian rule following the reconquest of the 12th century.

Diet had an important cultural and symbolic meaning in medieval societies. The way in which a food is chosen, prepared and consumed offers an insight into the more diverse aspects of a society: social and family organisation, social status, economic strategies as well as resource management and exploitation. This is especially intriguing as the multi-faith societies of Medieval Iberia were Christians, Muslims and Jews which coexisted during the medieval period.

The talk will highlight Alice's research on diet and nutrition in medieval Portugal which is addressing a gap in our current understanding of medieval societies and their traditions. The Iberian Peninsula, a crossroad between Africa and Europe, located between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, saw the birth of one of the first multi-faith and multicultural societies in medieval Europe.

Lunch in São Brás can be arranged in advance – please call Maxine on 917267948.

For seven centuries Jews, Muslims and Christians co-existed in this land shaping a unique pluralistic society (where minority

For more information contact algarvearchass@gmail.com or visit arquealgarve.weebly

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designworks!

Providing competitively priced home-based nursing care in the Algarve

home nursing and healthcare support

Trust Hibiscus to provide professional nursing care just when you need it most Short term hospital to home service for people recuperating from acute illness, injury or surgery Continuing care supporting chronic illness, frailty or advancing years Regular day relief and short and longer term breaks for carers Sleepover and active night duty care Personal care including hygiene and nutrition Dementia care and advice Specialist equipment for hire or purchase 00 351 282 798 013 | E: info@hibiscus-madrugada.com | www.hibiscus-madrugada.com All profits from Hibiscus go to our sister company Associação Madrugada which is a charitable organisation providing palliative care in the community.

Fridays (June)

Thursdays (July)

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What's On...

The Algarveans to fulfil 25-year-old dream!

The Pollen Creative Team - left to right Karen Barroso (Choreographer), Chris Winstanley (Director), Ian Carfrae (Musical Director) and Karen Carfrae (Vocal Coach).

The Algarveans Experimental Theatre Group has unveiled the production to mark their 25th anniversary of providing culture and entertainment to the Algarve.

entertainer Ian Carfrae, who has been a member of the Algarveans for over five years.

autumn, with performances starting at 7.45pm.

Ian was part of the New Vaudeville Band, who had many hits in the 1960s including the USA number one, "Winchester Cathedral" and will be the musical director of the show.“I had a pocketful of really good songs which I just felt deserved to be part of a musical so, in the 1990s, myself and an old band member took time out to write “Pollen: The Musical,” explained Ian, continuing, “and ever since it has been my dream to see the show performed live.”

The Algarveans are on the look out for new talent, young and old, to join the cast onstage or work backstage. The show calls for a big cast and the Algarveans want to have as many people on stage as possible to create a show to remember. Rehearsals will start in early May.

As the ‘experimental’ part of their name suggests they have not chosen a nice safe show to perform, instead, “Pollen: The Musical” will have its European premiere, and be only the second time it has been performed, later this year.

Pollen tells the story of an enchanted garden, in an old house, where the flowers allow themselves to be able to talk to the gardener Ben, who looks after them. The story tells of their battle against the new owner of the house, who intends to destroy the beautiful garden that has been created.

This is a story which will touch your heart whether you are 8 or 80 years old.

The show was conceived over 25 years ago by long-time Algarve musician and

The show will be performed at Lagoa Auditorium on October 20, 21 and 22 this

Fit, fun and fantastic On June 16th we are launching the "fitfuntastics" in the Algarve with the "Blue Skies Vitality ". A special programme for the ' boomers ' of all nations, deriving from best evidence based exercises that have proven to be most effective for us boomers.

There’s no boot camp, no cross fit or any other hype, but instead we offer a safe and sound, easy and fun to do movements and exercises you can do anywhere, at any time, on your own or with your partner or friends.

The programme will show you how to deal with all kinds of daily life movements and more important to make you move in an effortless way. Really, this programme is for all of us boomers and for everybody else who wants to learn more about the awareness of healthy and effortless movements with a ‘regime’ that you can seamlessly weave into your lifestyle.

Improve your game of golf, enjoy your gardening more, play with your grandchildren or just walk on the beach for hours.....; whatever your leisure activity is, we will help you turn it into a sensible, recreational and sound activity.

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The two co-presenters of the Blue Skies Vitality programme are both very well educated in the field of fitness and performance training.

They are Joel Fernandes, with his own physio practice in Portimão who is currently head rehab coach at the Portimão based football club Potimonens and Bo de la Haye, baby boomer (1953), former tennis coach - currently private fitness coach for CEOs and business owners, trainer of trainers in athletics and fitness in Holland.

They will both professionally guide you through the programme of ‘fitfuntastics’ on June 16th.

This will be an outdoor event, organised by the magazine "Tomorrow" on the grounds of the Boavista Golf Course. There is no entrance fee but perhaps you can give a donation to one of the Tomorrow's sponsored charities like The Soup Kitchen or Madrugada.

For more information please call Tom from Tomorrow on 919 918 733 or email b.delahaye@live.nl or jfernandes1980@hotmail.com

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“We want to welcome young people from the age of 10 to 18 to join the cast, we currently have four former young members of the group who are studying music and drama in Lisbon or the UK, and they all say that their love of the theatre was nurtured from being "members of the group”, said Algarveans chairperson Melanie Winstanley.

If you are interested in getting involved in "Pollen: The Musical" please call Chris Winstanley on 919 198 840 or Ian Carfrae on 964 707 084 and they will be pleased to answer your questions and invite you along.

Musical magic and other treats One of this month’s highlights for the Algarve History Association is a concert with Bergit Wegemann who is a soprano and Irene Ainstein who will be on piano.

The concert will take place on Sunday June 12th at 5pm at Quintinha da Música. For more information please contact Lynne Booker at lynne.booker@icloud.com.

Other events include a talk about the Battle of Jutland with Tony Peters. This is taking place at the Municipal Library Tavira on June 6th at 6pm and again on Tuesday June 7th at the Municipal Library Lagoa, also at 6pm.

You can also learn more about Almeida Garrett with Sandra Boto on Tuesday June 28 at 6pm at the Municipal Library Lagoa and again at the Municipal Library Tavira on July 1st at 11am.

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What's On - Your weekly events calendar...

Fitness Pilates Mat Classes with Lisa | 9.15 - 10.30, Mon, Wed (10.30am only) & Fri (1h) | €10 Equipment Classes | 8.30 - 16.00, Tues & Thurs Pilates Room, Lagos | 926 514 613 | www.pilatesroomlagos.com Pilates with Lucienne | 11.00 - 12.00 Wed | €6.50 | Hotel Belavista, Luz 968288258 | www.facebook.com/dancebodymind Pilates with Monica | 11.00 - 12.00 Tues & Thurs | €5 | Golf Santo Antonio, Budens | 282690086 | www.facebook.com/SantoAntonioVillasGolfSpa Pilates with Indah | 18.00 Mon & Thurs at Escola E.B. 2, 3 Vila do Bispo & 10.30 Thurs at Centro Cultural, Barão de S. João | €5 | 911754890 Pilates | 9.30 Thurs | Private class 25€, Boavista Members 8€, Non-mem.

10€ | Boavista | essential.reception@boavistaresort.pt | 282 790 930

Yoga Hatha Yoga with Noeline | 9.45-11.15am Mon, Wed & Fri | €10 |Essential Fitness & Spa – Boavista Golf & Spa Resort | 282 790 930 Gentle Hatha Yoga with Meg | 18.30 - 20.00 Mon - The Yoga Place, Burgau & 12.15 - 14.00 Wed - Hotel Belavista, Luz | €8 | 965 201 477 Hatha Yoga with Diana | 10.00 - 12.00 Tue | €7 (regulars) | €10 (drop-ins) Monterosa, Barão de São João | 962 492 607 Yoga Classes with Ann | 10.30 - 12.00 Tue & Thurs | for all levels Yin Yoga Class with Ann | 18.30 Wed €10 (residents pay €60 for 8 classes) | Burgau | 913 202 621

Sports Fun Tennis Doubles Men & Women | 17.00 - 19.00 Thurs | €6 Childrens Football Skills | 16.30 - 17.30 Fri | €4 Burgau Sports Centre | 282 697 350 Netball in Lagos | 19.00 Wed All ages & abilities | First session free 'Netball in Lagos' on Facebook | steffie_wood@yahoo.co.uk Walking Football Team | 9.30 - Wed Boavista Golf Club Football Pitch | 50+ years of age | €3 Nick - 910 751 615 | alvarezn738@gmail.com ROLL UP for experienced bowlers | 10.00 Mon & Fri | €10 (non-members) Bowls for Beginners | 11.00 Tue | 1st lesson free €10 (non members) Floresta Bowls Club, Rua Direita, Praia da Luz | 919707635 Espiche Golf “Roll Up” | 8.00 Thurs | Reduced Green Fee Women’s Beginners Group Golf Lessons | 15.00 Fri | 10€ pp Kids Golf School | 10.00 Sun | €20 p.m Private Golf Lessons (with Ethan Shaw E.G.T.F) | Everyday Espiche Golf | 282 688 250

Football Academy (5 - 10yrs) | 16.15 17.45 Mon | €5 | Burgau Sports Centre Tel: 282 697 350

Classes | Lessons Life drawing classes with Kasia | 11.00 - 13.00 Mon Beginners & Professionals | €10 per session Marina de Lagos | 916 035 308

Yoga Classes for Children | Sat 9.15 (4-7yrs) & 10.30 (8-12 yrs) | 9€ (Visitors), 7€ (Members/guests) | Boavista | essential.reception@boavistaresort.pt | 282 790 930

Stain Glass Classes with Dianne | 10.30 12.30 | Tues &Thurs €10 | Espiche 919 117 108

Yoga & De-stress with Lucienne | 11.00 - 12.00 Fri | €6.50 | Hotel Belavista, Luz | 968 288 258 | www.facebook.com/dancebodymind

Portuguese Language Workshop | 10.30 Sat | €5 Magnólia Beach Club, Lagos | Book on: 912 417 994 Email: ptlessons2011@gmail.com Dog Training & Agility with Albertina | 11.00 - 12.00 Fri & 16.00- 17.00 Sat €25 x 4 sessions | Espiche | 968 086 320

Zumba Zumba with Linda | 9.30 -10.30 Mon & Fri | €6 | Alma Verde | 918 461 840 www.almaverde.com

Teresas Computer Classes | 10.00 Sat | All levels | €10 | Lagos | 918764613

Zumba with Monica | 9.30 - 10.30 Wed | €5 | Golf Santo Antonio, Budens 282 690 086 | www.facebook.com/SantoAntonioVillasGolfSpa

Swimming Lessons with Yvonne | 14.30 Mon, Thurs, Sat & 9.00 Sat | €9 Holiday Courses with Yvonne | 3x per Week | €20 Members €25 non members Boavista Golf Resort | 917 953 914

Zumba with Lucienne | 10.00 - 11.00 Wed & Fri Zumba Step! with Lucienne | 10.00 - 11.00 Thurs €6.50 | Hotel Belavista, Luz | 968288258 | www.facebook.com/dancebodymind Zumba with Gi & Vitor | 19.15 - Thurs | €5 | Magnolia Apts, overlooking Praia do Porto de Mós, Lagos | 912 417 994 Other

Entertainment & Events

Body Fit Classes | 9.30 - 10.30 Tue & Thurs | €5 | Golf Santo Antonio, Budens 282 690 086 | www.facebook.com/SantoAntonioVillasGolfSpa Gymnastik with Irmela | 18.15 - 19.15 Mon | €7 | Hotel Belavista, Praia da Luz | 965 211 996 Fitness Circuit for Men & Women | 10.00 - 11.00 Wed | €5 | Burgau Sports Centre | 282 697 350 Aqua Aerobics | 16.00 Tues, 9.30 Wed & 9.30 & 16.00 Fri | 1 or 2 x week – 16€/23€ (Owners & Guests), 18€/28€(Visitors) | Boavista essential.reception@boavistaresort.pt | 282 790 930

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Capoeira Classes (Mestre Betāo) | 18.30 (kids) & 19.30 Mon | €7/9 Rhythm & Dance Classes (Tessa Sander) | 18:30 (basics) & 19:30 Tue | €7/9 Creative Yoga Class (Richard Brook) | 19:30 Wed Rhythm Class - Cajon (Walé Bakare) | 18:30 Fri | €9 Urban Kids Dance Class (Tessa) | 11.00 Sat Kapa Dois Center, R. da Canal 23, Lagos | 282 764 224

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Chicca’s Charity Garden Party | 11th June 12pm onwards | €20 AYC Eat & Drink (100% to Cadella Carlotta shelter) | All food and drink donated | Ginny's at Fontenario, Espiche | Francesca: 962742033 Life Music for Relaxation | 3rd June 19.00 | €7 REIKI Monthly Exchange Circle | 18th June 15 - 17:30 | €5 Yoga Nidra - Deep Relaxation | 2nd & 16th June 19:30 - 20:15 | €5 InLight Lagos, Travessa do Forno 4 | 913127421 Summer Open Day | 4th June 8am - onwards | Free entry | BBQ (inc. drinks) €18 pp/€12 (-12 yrs) | Essential.reception@boavistaresort.pt | 282 790 930

What's On - Your weekly events calendar...

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Entertainment & Events (continued) Fado Night | 11th June | 20.00 | eventos@boavistaresort.pt | 282 000 114 Boavista Golf & Spa Resort, Lagos Escola de Dança de Lagos | Raising funds for Dance World Cup in Jersey, U.K Dance Performance | 4th June Teatro Mascarenhas Gregório, Silves Summer Garden Party - Torre, Odiáxere | 10th June | 2.30 - 6.30pm Dance Performance | Lagos Cultural Centre 16th -18th June Carolyn: 969216398 Concert of Operatic Arias | 18th June | 9 pm | Reservation Only | €18 | Quinta das Alagoas, nr Almadena | 924 204 343 | geral@quintadasalagoas.com Live Music: Saxophone (Except 28th June) | Tues 19 - 22 | Mirandus Restaurant, Boutique Hotel Vivenda, Lagos | 282 763 222 | Info@vivendamiranda.com

Activities Bridge | 1.30pm Tues & Fri | Marina Hotel Bar, Lagos | 964188319 Dr. Why Quiz | Fri 20.00 | ( except the 17th June) | Clubhouse Restaurant Boavista Resort | eventos@boavistaresort.pt | 282 000 114 Talk & Workshop of Introduction to Meditation | by John Jackson, USA. 17-19th June | €5 | Quinta da Calma, Almancil ligminchaportugal@gmail.com | www.tsalungjohnjacksonportugal.info Mini Maratona - Marina de Lagos | 8th May | 09.30 to 13.00 Sponsorship; Free Screenings and other activities

Hypertension World Day | Workshop (open to everyone – population) 17th May | 15.00 to 16.30 | Messe Militar de Lagos Speakers: Prof José Coucelo (Cardiologist) and Dr. Marco Pereira (Nutritionist)

Charity | Volunteering | Support Groups Riding for Disabled | 10.30 Mon, Wed, Fri | Volunteers welcome, weather permitting | Bensafrim | 912967870 | www.riding4disabled.com AA International English Speaking Meeting | AA hotline: 919 005 590 19.30 - 21h00 Wed | Lagos Freguesia, Rua Da Freguesia Lote 12 c 18.00 - 19.00 Sun | 5 Travessa de Santo Amaro, Lagos 964201904 Nandi Animal Charity | Volunteers needed | 3 hour shifts: am or pm | Make some new friends while helping animals | 913 659 675

Faith | Spiritual Healing Worship, Praise & Teaching | 10.30 Sun | International Community Church (Newfrontiers), Lagos | 960450750 | www.icc-lagos.org Meditation group with Marion | 19.00 Tue | Figueira | 914523636 Life Journal Bible Study | 19:30 Tue Lively Worship and Biblical Teaching | 11.00 - 13.00 Sun Oasis Christian Fellowship | 936 358 553 | rolland@rollandwright.com Silent Group Meditation | 8:30 - 9:30am Sun | FREE | InLight Lagos, Travessa do Forno 4 | 913127421 Communion Services | 10.00 Thurs | 8.00 (oral) & 11.30 (choral) Sun CoE, St Vincent’s Anglican Church, Praia da Luz | 282 788 104 www.stvincentsalgarve.org

Tomorrow Calendar Promote your events and activities in the Tomorrow Calendar.

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What's On...

Dementia and Alzheimer’s support

Lots to do at Boavista Golf & Spa Resort!

Why not try something new this weekend?

There’s plenty on offer at Boavista Resort which offers a warm welcome to all guests, resident and non-resident alike.

The next Alzheimer/Dementia monthly support group meeting will take place on June 22nd at 11am. The meeting will be at Restaurant Pirilampo in Rua do Moinho do Azeite in Lagos.

Everyone is welcome at the monthly meeting. Please contact Carol Evans 926975527 (English) or Kirsteen Landert 968084946 (English, German and Portuguese).

There’s also the Boavista Golf and Spa Resort’s restaurant - there is plenty to entice you – come along with friends or make new friends at a wine tasting dinner, listen to live music while savouring one of our chef’s delicious dishes or participate in the increasingly popular Friday night ‘Dr Why Quiz?’. Electronically mastered and garrulously hosted in English, the quiz

commences at 8.30pm allowing time to eat and chat beforehand.

For entertainment of a less taxing nature, join us for a traditional ‘Fado’ evening and soak up the true soul and culture of the Portuguese people. Make a date in your diary on June 11th to listen to the exceptional voice of Adriana Marques.

For further information, call 282 000 114 or email eventos@boavistaresort.pt Visit Boavista’s website: www.boavistaresort.pt

Chicca’s Garden Party By Chicca Chicca’s Charity is still going strong. This year we are focusing on providing various shelters with all the food the animals need.

Since December 2015 Chicca’s Charity has provided the dogs at Cadela Carlota with all the food they need every month.

My fund raising is mighty and we have found that there are always some funds leftover monthly, so we have footed several emergency vet bills.

We feel it is imperative to provide the shelter with a quarantine area to house new and sick dogs to prevent the spread of disease (like the parvovirus outbreak last month). A quarantine area would save many vet bills, not to mention lives!

It is our goal this year is to provide the dogs and cats with all the food they need. They want to provide a quarantine area, to enlarge the current housing areas by providing more fences and installing them, thus giving the existing dogs more space with less cramped conditions.

We aim to sponsor our vet for a year of preventative medicine. To create a play area for the dogs to enjoy out of their normal enclosures. To get more dogs adopted and sooner, by creating a networking web site promoting the dogs worldwide.

We are tireless in our endeavors to improve the shelters. Please, help me help the animals.

Al fresco singing By Liz Roberts meet all through the summer months and, as well as our regular and outdoor rehearsals, we also have a series of workshops or masterclasses where various choir skills are covered (such as rhythm, harmonising or singing technique). As always, anybody can attend any of these dates - so even if you're only visiting the area for a week or so but you still like the idea of singing with the choir, please feel free to come and join in.

The weather is hotting up and it's nearly that time of year when the choir starts to take our rehearsals and performances outdoors...what could be more fun than singing together and enjoying the beautiful evening sunshine at the same time?! Outdoor performance dates will be announced soon.

And just to let you know that we continue to

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The Western Algarve Community Choir is for people who want to sing for fun - there are no auditions and everybody is very welcome regardless of experience. For more information on joining, performances or for future bookings, please contact choir leader Elizabeth Roberts at elizabeth_roberts15@hotmail.com

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As money is tight, I asked the help of my good friends who have the best food establishments locally, to work with me to raise money for the project.

Ginny at Fontenario, Café Fresco, The Ice Cream Factory, Pashmina, Tomik, Serge & Satoshi from the Baptista Patisserie and Chicca’s Restaurant will all be donating lots of their amazing food for you to eat and drink on the terrace of the Fontenario Espiche on June 11th starting at 12 noon.

My lawyer friend Alexandra Soares is even making and donating her famous lasagne.

Tickets cost only €20 and 100% money goes to charity! PLEASE COME!!

Get artistic The Art Academy Marina de Lagos has the pleasure to invite you to a series of workshops this summer.

The workshops which are called Composition will take a place at the Marina de Lagos Gallery on the last Saturday of the summer months.

If you are interested to find out more please contact Kasia Wrona by email at kasiawrona@hotmail.com or call her mobile 916035308 for details. The first workshop took place on May 28th at the regular time of 11am to 1pm.

People will get the chance to learn about composition, practice it and later show their works during a cultural event in Marina de Lagos, in September.

CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE 2015

vila palmeira

BISTRO: 11:00 - 24:00 VIVENDO: 19:00 - 24:00 Spacious parking Closed Mondays

apartmentos turisticos ★★★★ Meia Praia . Lagos

Fine dining & beautiful surroundings Vivendo Restaurant & Bistro set in the Vila Palmeira resort.

Outstanding Mediterranean cuisine & excellent Portuguese wines offered at attractive prices.

The Wine & Dine four-course gourmet menu changes weekly.

Reservations: 282 770 902 | Email: geral@vila-palmeira.com | www.vila-palmeira.com

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What's On... Alvor Carnival

Second Alvor Carnival By M.A. Sutton Sunday, May 8th saw the second Alvor Carnival take place. Organised by Vivy Bee from Soul Network UK it looked as if it could be a complete washout. Earlier on in the day the heavens opened and the rain poured down, as it had done most of the previous week.

Boats that had been booked to ferry people from Lagos to Alvor had to be cancelled because of the inclement weather. The Carnival was due to start at 15:00, as the crowds started to arrive the rain let up and although the sun didn’t

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exactly shine things were hotting up and we felt sure it wasn’t going to rain on this parade. The music had everyone tapping their feet and bodies swaying in rhythm to the beat.

its way around the Alvor streets the locals were more than happy to join the fun.

When one local asked ‘what is it for’ the answer was a universal cry of ‘because its carnival time’.

There were some pretty awesome outfits, girls with feathery headdresses and skirts in beautiful electric colours and the guys were as equally impressive, lots of glitter and style, proper ‘carnival’ attire. As the DJ got everyone dancing and singing the atmosphere was definitely ‘Party Time’.

When the carnival moved on and shimmied

The rain held off, the music rocked, bodies danced and swayed, participants and spectators alike all had a great time. Let us hope the sun shines next year, although the weather did not dampen the enthusiasm of these carnival goers. It looks like the Alvor Carnival will definitely be a regular fixture in the social calendar.

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What's On... Thriathlon

Photos courtesy of www.birchphotography.com

Terrific triathlon This year’s Luz Triathlon was another massive success with a record number of entries. A huge amount of competitors came from overseas for the event and Algarve Triathlon teams, which have grown in number to 12, all showed up in force to compete in the new category, Club Cup. The streets were lined with family, friends and members of the Luz community who have always been very supportive of the event. The after party was fantastic with over 200 athletes and locals showing their support.

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Organisers, Algarve Triathlons, said: “We would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who helped to make this annual event such a success. It would not be possible without the sponsors, the volunteers and support of the local people living in Luz.” Donations from the event were made to the Bombeiros and to the local charity for people with learning difficulties and physical disabilities, NECI. You can find out more at www.algarvetriathlons.com

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What's On...

Time to retire to the Algarve? By My Destination Algarve

You may know the Algarve as a great holiday destination, but Portugal’s southern region is also a great place to retire. Easy to get to and easy to get around, the Algarve offers an excellent quality of life for retirees no matter what the budget. Here are some great reasons why you should think about retiring to the Algarve.

Algarve Senior Living offers rental based, independent living communities where retirees can opt to stay for long or short periods, in quality self-catering accommodation.

Common in the US and Australia, this rental based model has the obvious advantage of not having to commit to a real estate purchase before being totally sure that retirement in the Algarve is for you. Add in the safety net of onsite support, medical assistance, concierge services, as well as a ready-made community of new friends and the Algarve Senior Living villages are a great way to begin your retirement.

Sulcare Whether you opt for community living or to go it alone, it is good to know that should you already have or later develop mobility issues, professional support is on hand.

Sulcare is the leading supplier of quality mobility aids in the Algarve. Not only do they have a great range of products, their customer service is excellent. They help set up any aids you want, they can advise on improving accessibility in your home and they provide a reliable maintenance service.

Great value real estate Real estate in the Algarve is a very valuable commodity, and it is probably better priced now than for many years. If you prefer to buy than rent, now is the time. The range of properties available is huge – check out the Meravista portal for the largest selection of properties for sale in the Algarve.

Local agents, such as Lisa Lokkerbol from LWL Properties in Tavira have reported a surge in interest from those planning their retirement to the Algarve due to the region's charms as well as some great tax breaks and a lower cost of living than many other destinations.

Tax breaks Recent legislation in Portugal means that resident foreign retirees (with non-habitual resident status) can receive their pension

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tax free, for 10 years. There is also a cap on income tax for a range of professions for services billed from Portugal. So, your pension will not only go further in Portugal due to lower cost of living, you will have more of it.

Healthcare Portugal’s national healthcare system (SNS – Serviço Nacional de Saúde) is based on a universal care system. As with most national health systems, the Portuguese system does have its problems, however it offers residents access to low cost care, both ongoing and in emergency situations. There are also excellent private hospitals and clinics available across the Algarve. Costs can be high but health insurance can help ease the pain.

leisurely strolls on mild winter afternoons.

Quality of life Portugal is considered one of the safest countries in the world and the Portuguese people are very hospitable and courteous hosts. Tradition and family are important here. So too is good food.

The traditional diet of the Algarve with its Mediterranean influences is now considered one of the tastiest and most healthy diets around, featuring olive oil, lots of fish, fresh vegetables and fruit. Every day your local market will have a range of fresh produce available that would make any chef eager to hit the kitchen. And nothing beats buying fresh fruit from a roadside seller, the fruit plucked from the trees just that morning…..

Real life Moving to a new country is always an adventure, moving for retirement even more so. Without the scaffolding of a work place and schedule upon which to build your new life in a new location, how do you find new friends and a place in your new community?

Getting here There are several low cost airlines as well as national carriers with regular flights to Faro all year round from most major European cities. From further afield, connections are plentiful via the UK or Lisbon.

The good news is that in the Algarve there is a vibrant expat and local community spirit with plenty of active groups and clubs to suit all tastes. The village of Boliqueime for example, near to the Golden Triangle, not only offers great real estate, it welcomes newcomers with open arms.

And once in the Algarve, getting around is pretty straightforward, with a good road system serving the main urban centres, and very light traffic on country roads and in rural areas.

Joanna from Diamond Properties doesn’t just sell houses in the area – she welcomes people to their new lives in the Algarve with advice and friendship, easing the adjustment to life in the Algarve. And for a quick overview of expat life in the Algarve check out the Perfect leisure Of course, the decision to retire to the Algarve shouldn’t just be based on sound financial reasons. Fun should count too. If golf is your thing, then time in the Algarve is definitely on the fun list. With over 30 golf courses of exceptional quality to choose from, the biggest problem a golf loving retiree will have in the Algarve is deciding what course to play.

Birdwatchers, nature lovers, walkers – all are spoilt for choice with trails and paths to explore in the Algarve countryside. And then there are the beaches……..winter and summer the beaches are superb, perfect for summer fun with visiting family, just right for

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The weather And finally, the deal breaker……none of the above would convince many to retire to the Algarve if it rained almost every day. Happily, the weather in the Algarve is fabulous. In this glorious part of the world, the sun shines on over 300 days every year, and the climate is considered to be one of the most stable in the world, with both Mediterranean and Atlantic influences.

What that really means is that you can count on more sunshine than rain, that skies are more clear than cloudy and that the weather will not be a limiting factor in your new life in the Algarve.

Thanks to www.mydestinationalgarve.com for this article.

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Readers' Letters

We are always really pleased to get letters from our readers. If you would like to send us your views on anything that’s going on in the western Algarve or if you have any suggestions to make about the newsletter please email: amber@tomorrowalgarve.com

Praise for PDM Dear Editor, When I started to plan my annual family holiday in January I started on the usual route of going to all the websites and comparing costs of flights and hotels and transfers.

What a nightmare! This year things were a little more complicated as we wanted to go one week to Las Vegas then on to Mexico where I had studied in my youth for a year and still had friends.

We then wanted to go to a little town to the North of Mexico city called San Miguel de Allende to see Johnny Favourite who is a legend crooner who was previously a Luz resident. Whereas the internet is great for those who organise simple return European flights for yourself, when you are looking for more complex journeys with family members responsibilities change and things get a little more complicated.

I’ve always been a last minute kind of guy so I was desperately trawling the internet looking at flights early January not really knowing which one to go for. I was considering all kinds of stop overs, air companies etc. I was spending hours online looking and never being able to make up my mind. ‘We’re never going to go!’ My other half menaced.

As the task started to become more and more daunting I had growing doubts about the trip; what visas would I need, how would we get to the airport, should we buy the connecting flight online or wait to buy it out there?

In fact, I too began wondering if we were going to ever go at all. Then I had the idea of asking PDM travel who are just behind the Adega da Marina in Lagos. I hadn’t been to a travel agent since my student days when the internet had not been invented yet but they had organised a very successful corporate

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event for us sending our staff up the river from Portimão to Silves. I told them exactly what I wanted and what would constitute and ideal holiday for me. I wanted them to take care of everything and take the stress out of the whole journey. I wanted to stay at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas then wanted to fly direct to Mexico City with the minimum of hassle.

I was amazed with what they were able to organise for me at a price I could never match. I always thought going through a travel agent would be more expensive but I have been told this is not the case as they have access to special deals the general public are not privy to.

They sorted everything out from the train fare from Tunes to Lisbon, the overnight hotel in Lisbon, the connecting flights to Las Vegas, the chauffeur from Las Vegas to the airport and from the airport in Mexico City to our hotel.

I had to think of nothing. We said yes immediately and we all felt relieved that we were going to finally be able to travel. Needless to say the holiday went without a hitch. All the transfers were simple and effortless.

So for all of you out there who think that travel agents are a thing of the past I would certainly recommend using a travel agent for more complicated trips as they sure take the hassle out of travelling.

On a closing note I am now on the PDM mailing list and I see that they organise a whole host of very interesting local breaks.

So if going to see Rod Stewart in Lisbon, the Jerez and Cadiz horse fair, a shopping trip to Seville, a jaunt to Morocco seems too complicated to organise on your own PDM may just have something for you….

Yours sincerely, Luc St John Webb.

Fortaleza Restaurant, Luz

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Competition to get creative Dear Editor, We have launched our summer competition which is open to residents and visitors alike.

All you have to do is come up with a winning idea for fundraising. It could be a scheme or an event but it must be practical here in the Algarve and it must be legal!

The closing date for entries is 31st July so pick up an entry form today from Luz based Madrugada Associação HQ or from one of our charity shops in Rua Direita or email admin@ madrugada-portugal.com. Judging will take place early August and the winning entry will be announced in September’s issue. Remember to check out the legalities of your idea and keep it risk free. The prize is a week’s holiday accommodation in a delightful Luz Beach Apartment, kindly donated by Mr B Saddler.

Terms and conditions are detailed in the entry form. Fundraising is an essential part of income generation for all charities and Madrugada, as a non-profit association, is no exception.

The association provides a much needed, professional, home-based ‘end of life’ palliative care service which costs €420 per day per patient supporting people who prefer to spend their remaining days in their own home. We also offer a number of supportive therapies and activities at the Support Centre (Luz) for those living in the Algarve with a diagnosis of a life limiting illness and their close family and carers.

These services are delivered by a dedicated team of health professionals and are a charitable gift to our community and as such are free of all charge. Please do put on your thinking caps, get creative and help Madrugada Associação to continue its valued work well into the future. Because you care, we can.

Yours sincerely, Alison Blair Madrugada President

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Health...

A personal angle

Ann de Jongh What do you enjoy about our sessions?

We have fun, lots of laughter, its enjoyable, and Ann is very encouraging. I like the tailor made programme and how it is adapted to any health issues I may have at the time.

I enjoy the fact it is not in a big gym with other people around.

This month’s article is an interview with one of my clients, Hilary Longhurst. The reason I decided to interview her for the magazine was because she has a significant birthday this month, and I wanted to share her training with others who are approaching the same age to show that age is no limit to what you can do.

What made you decide to start having personal training?

It was three years ago, I was not looking forward to the summer, feeling a bit unfit, and people around me were having health issues which made me think I needed to do something for myself. I had done some Pilates classes with Ann at PDF and so sent her an email asking for help, and seeing if she could make me look like Twiggy.

How did you feel when you did your first session?

I was nervous about the first session, as I didn’t think I was fit enough to contemplate personal training. But during the session Ann alleviated all those fears and made me feel really relaxed and comfortable and I was surprised at how much I could do.

What benefits do you feel the training sessions have brought you?

From a health perspective I was taking supplements for osteoporosis, but after 18 months I had another bone density scan and my bone density had increased so I no longer needed to take my supplements anymore.

to keep training, to lift some heavier weights, as I know that I feel good doing it.

What advice would you give to anyone who is thinking about doing some personal training but is unsure?

Book a session, and have a go, you have nothing to be afraid of and you will really enjoy it.

Ann is a personal trainer, Yoga teacher and sports massage therapist.

Please call her on 913202621, www.fit2lovelife.com, email: ann@fit2lovelife.com or Facebook facebook.com/fit2lovelife

I suffer from chest bronchiectasis, and in the past would suffer quite badly, but this has reduced significantly as we do exercises to help strength and open the chest and diaphragm. I feel much stronger, I can lift and carry shopping and other things without as much effort, and I feel much more stable and balanced, and am more supple.

Mentally I feel stronger, more confident, and have a more positive outlook on life.

I stopped worrying about my body shape as much, and its more about how my body feels. But I have noticed that my body shape has changed, I even have a little bit of muscle definition now!

Join Ann at the 4th Vintage Bike Ride which takes place on June 19th at 10am. It will start at Praça da República, Budens. The route is Budens, Vale de Boi, Praia da Boca do Rio, Budens. The bike ride and lunch are 10 euros.

As you are 70 this month, do you think that this will change anything?

Yes it will make me even more determined

Please register before June 15th with jacfonseca07@hotmail.com or call 919 104 280.

Not all children learn to communicate By Laura Newman One in 10 children have some form of communication difficulty, like producing certain sounds, making well-formed sentences, understanding instructions, socialising with peers.

They can be delayed in development or have a disordered system, like autism, stammering, dyspraxia, dyslexia. It can be a minor nuisance which they compensate for or it can affect every area of their life, their relationships, their ability to learn & their behaviour.

There are specific strategies to use and skills to teach depending on the nature of the problem. A speech therapist will be able to

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advice you on this after seeing your child.

Whatever the problem, it is a good idea to make sure they are getting enough sleep, good nutrition, emotional support at home and school, to restore their imbalance and any stress in their system.

General strategies for managing children with communication challenges are: 1. Give time for your child to talk and give your full attention. Don't rush them.

2. Give clear choices, not open-ended questions.

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3. Speak slowly, with pauses, and check they have understood instructions.

4. Make time every day to connect with your child and spend some time talking together in a playful way.

See www.talkingpoint.org.uk to check your child’s communication development or contact: Laura Newman BSc BSc MSc Speech Therapist and Parent Consultant 961633995 myconnectedchild@gmail.com / www.connectedchild.net

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Health...

Farmers’ market health foods

To protect or not to protect – that is the question! By Niki Medlock can stay in the sun longer without getting sunburnt. SPF 15 would allow you to stay in the sun 15 times longer than you could without protection – so if you begin to burn after 20 minutes without protection multiply this by 15 which is 300 minutes.

By Hannah Sharpe da Rosa Globe artichokes are in season now and whilst they might seem unfamiliar and hard to prepare, they’re easy to get the hang of and truly are one of nature’s superfoods.

Rich in the vital antioxidants quercetin, silymarin, rutin and cynarin, artichokes provide exactly what our bodies require in order to combat free radicals and to slow the onset of disease.

Consuming artichoke and artichoke extract has been shown to improve gallbladder function, reduce unhealthy cholesterol levels and calm inflammation in the body. The powerful substance cynarin found in artichokes is one of the best natural remedies for bringing cholesterol back to a healthy level.

Cynarin helps to stimulate the production of bile which is produced by the liver and is essential for good digestion and aiding in the absorption of nutrients. Artichoke benefits Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and other digestive disorders due to its high fibre content and the nourishing effect it has on the gut lining.

They’re also an excellent source of the minerals magnesium, potassium, manganese and chromium, and a very good source of vitamin C, vitamin A and the B vitamins.

A medium-sized globe artichoke delivers all these nutrients for a mere 60 calories and also provides 4g of protein and 11g of carbohydrate alongside plenty of fibre, making them a useful food in weight maintenance plans.

Hannah is a BANT registered nutritional therapist based in Lagos Please see www.hannahdarosa.com or call 914 950 740 for more information

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The Free Skin Screening on May 7th, which was a joint initiative between Tomorrow and LUZDOC/MEDILAGOS was a huge success. Unfortunately there were more people than places. Watch this space for news about the next skin screening at the end of the summer.

Four out of five cases of skin cancer could be prevented as UV damage, due to over exposure to sunlight, is mostly avoidable.

We have many tools at hand for skin protection: Shade, especially between 11:00 and 16:00 when UV rays are strongest (one hour of sunlight at 09.00 is the equivalent of 15 minutes at 13.00). Tightly woven hats and clothes (you cannot see the light through the fabric), a good pair of sunglasses - choose those that are labelled with a broadspectrum 100% UVA/UVB rating.

See a dermatologist before the summer to check for any potential skin problems that could be exacerbated by sun exposure.

Sunscreens - chemical barriers which absorb/ reflect UV radiation. Look for a broadspectrum (UVA /UVB) with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more. The number refers to the theoretical amount of time you

Be aware that SPF 30 is not twice as protective as SPF 15 and you should rather think along the lines of what percentage of the sun’s rays are blocked, for example when properly applied, SPF 15 will protect the skin from 93% of UV rays and SPF 30, 97%. SPF 50+ gives 98% protection so higher SPFs would give minimal protection increase. SPF only applies to UVB rays and you need to look for specific broad-spectrum sun creams which protect against UVA as well.

Remember you can get UVA sun damage without skin reddening and burning, caused mainly by UVB. Also be aware that certain medications, i.e. antibiotics / birth control / steroids and certain cosmetics can increase skin and eye sensitivity and susceptibility to sunburn. To make any sunscreen effective you must apply the correct amount (about a shot glass full), regularly (every 1 ½ to 2 hours even if they are “waterproof” or “sweat proof”) and especially after swimming or towelling yourself dry.

Next month – too much protection!

Niki Medlock is head nurse at www.luzdoc.com

It’s not just bad backs! By Dr Wen Oates DC MChiro In the last few weeks, in addition to the more common back and neck pain, we’ve been seeing patients with trapped nerves, sciatica and arthritis pain. Happily, we can report that they are all feeling much better and are now undergoing regular ‘maintenance’ treatment to make sure the problems don’t re-occur.

And we have some more good news. We’re happy to announce that, in addition to our specialized chiropractic care, we are now able to offer Reflexology sessions with Marta Silva, Reiki therapy with Nádia Marques and MoraBioResonance treatments with Rui Coelho.

All three practitioners are highly experienced in their field and have been working in and around Lagos for many years. As you may know, Reflexology is the application of

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pressure to specific areas on the feet, hands or ears that’s said to have a beneficial effect on a person's organs and general health.

Reiki is a technique for stress reduction and relaxation that’s also said to promote healing and the wellbeing of the mind, body and soul. BioResonance is the process of measuring the body’s energy to find out which organs are working well and which aren’t...and then trying to put things right.

Find out more at Lagos Health Chiropractic, online, call 282 768 044, or pop in …we’re in the big, pink building just across the road from the Lidl Supermarket.

You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter

“Your First & Best Choice for a Painting Holiday”

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Learn with some of the in all media All abilities welcome

Holidays in the UK throughout the year

Call +351 911 068 062 or +44 (0)1934 733877

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Health...

Pets Mate By Lars Rahmquist street. This raises interesting debates about addiction and self-awareness and selfcontrol. ‘In all aspects of live, there is always a trade-off’ a wise man once said. If you want to trade cardiac disease for a Dunkin Doughnut or diabetes for another ice cream Sunday, this is indeed your free choice in our democratic world. It does not have to follow that your need to do this to your pet.

Beach Bodies, anyone?

So it is that time of year again when the old stair-master gets dusted off, in time to work off the winter of hearty meals. ‘Pre-season’ training to get back into that beachwear from last year, or did the bikini shrink in the wash again over winter?

And so…a somewhat tenuous link to canine (and feline) obesity. It is a topic that most owners dismiss with a comical turn of phrase, but there is always a hint of guilt, sometimes only noticeable in the corners of their smiles.

Obesity is currently the second leading cause of death in the US. The rest of us are running (not literally though) down the same

I am no slim-Jim, myself, and the urges for a packet of Doritos and a coke do overwhelm me at times. But our pets don’t have the ‘luxury’ that we do, to do bad things to their bodies. So your dog might prefer the off cuts from your steak to a bowl of Royal Cani, but that is hardly surprising. We don’t need to reflect our inability to choose a salad over a hamburger onto our pets. We can still make healthy choices for them as to what they eat.

My dog, Norm, has only eaten top quality dog food throughout his life (OK, maybe an occasional chip off the plate, alright?!) and he is in tip-top form, running on the beach etc at 15+ years old. The arthritis he has in his hips is quite manageable and this is in no-small-part due to him not being obese (a

mature waist-line, perhaps, but not obese).

For posterity, here’s the list of diseases affected by obesity: Arthritis, diabetes, heart/liver/kidney disease, skin problems, endocrine diseases, respiratory disease and cancer. I also think general quality of life is relevant. Let us try and change our opinion from how cute the fat cat looks on the sofa.

This is an unhealthy animal and we are wilfully shortening his life-span. That fat lab would be much happier running around on the beach in good health, too.

Following our requests, Royal Canin have offered free tins of Obesity Management food with a bag of the same product. Our vets and nurses are trained in weight reduction programs for pets to help them lose weight SAFELY (this IS an issue with cats). If you want to do something about your fat pussy or overweight lab then contact us by phone or email or speak to your vet about it.

Then we can all be comfortable in our bikinis this summer… www.lagosvet.com

Avoid a painful death – get tested for Prostate Cancer early.

It’s hard to believe that three years ago we featured the local retired optician Victor Howitt who was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in 2011. As it’s the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Hospital Particular in Alvor where Victor was cured by the four urologists/oncologists, he has asked us to run the story again as a way of reminding other men to get into the habit of regular yearly PSA blood tests and scans.

Victor Howitt and his wife Betty are expats who retired to Praia da Luz. This is Victor’s story: “In the winter of 2011 my regular blood tests and scans of my prostate showed a sharp increase in my PSA, which is the reading taken from a blood sample.

A normal PSA is a reading of less than one with an upper limit of four. The scan showed my prostate size had gone from normal (20 grams) to 95 grams, very large by any standards, and my PSA had reached 8.29...so thanks to the doctors at both the NHS clinic in Luz, and the doctors at Luzdoc, I had a biopsy at the hospital in Alvor.

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The diagnosis was a prostatic carcinoma (cancer). The causes are unknown and prevention is not possible, but it is treatable by specialist oncologists. Mine was on the outer edge of the prostate which is where it is often found.

the radiologist the size and weight of you prostate.

Within the first six months following the treatment my PSA had come down from 8.29 to 0.45. So well under one. I kept a very positive attitude to the problem throughout and I’m now in remission. But I feel that most men do not understand the problem that confronts them, possibly, but less likely, at age 50+, but certainly over 60+.

Above all remain positive and active in finding the right GP’s and consultants to deal with any unusual readings... A biopsy is painless and can reassure or point you to remedial surgery or treatment.

Left too late, and if the cancer spreads (metastasis) to the bones it becomes almost impossible to treat.

Catching any cancer early gives you the greatest chance of a cure. Being positive the Urologist/Oncologists said was a very important ingredient to obtaining a good result. So, see your GP on the NHS, arrange a half yearly, or annual check on your PSA but get a scan at the same time and ask

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Knowing what is going on in your own body is vital in life, especially as you become part of the “third generation age group” in life...

I am a retired Dispensing Optician and not a doctor so I’m writing this article following my experience. I have been very lucky with the treatment and tests I have received, but don’t think enough men have important medical tests as they get older.”

Victor's PSA, now in his 4th year of final checks, is zero point 2 (0.2) Fantastic!!

You can get the scans and blood tests for six euros each on the NHS in Portugal.

For more details: www.prostatecanceruk.org

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Business Spring Festival at Golf Santo António the lucky winners. After the dinner Golf Santo António provided live entertainment and those in attendance danced the night away to the magnificent sound of ‘AndyRuy’.

Golf Santo António, at Parque da Floresta, held its Spring Festival between 15th and 18th April, consisting of a combination of events - Texas Scramble, Pairs Better Ball, Dubai and Am Am competitions.

The final day included a prize-giving dinner party, which filled the Clubhouse Spike Restaurant and prizes were distributed to

Golf Director, Rui Gloria was delighted with the success of the event: “The support we get for these events is really encouraging.” Hopefully, this will be the catalyst for future events, such as the Autumn and Christmas Festivals.

range at Golf Santo António is currently being refurbished.

Details for the Autumn and Christmas Festivals are available from the reception: golf.reservations@saresorts.com or call 282 690 054.

The Autumn Festival will run from September 23rd until 28th and again is sure to be a sell-out.

The club holds twice weekly competitions, which are open to visitors, and regularly attract in excess of 50 players. The driving

Resort versus off resort By David Westmoreland Once the decision has been made to purchase a home in the sun there is one further crucial decision to be made; do you buy on a managed resort or off resort where you are responsible for the upkeep of your property and surroundings?

the style of the resort. Condominium rules and regulations mean that you have little say in how this environment looks or indeed is run. Finally, there is a cost to this fine living, which can easily be as much as a small mortgage.

Well the answer is, as ever, it depends; it depends on a number of factors. Do you want to live on a development that is manicured, with good security as well as having on-site facilities and services such as reception or cleaners? Or alternatively would you prefer an area that has a more natural feel to it; closer to the locals, often closer to the beach or town and also having the freedom to keep your property in a style that suits you.

Some resorts have condo charges of around 400€ per month, on top of this a management charge to look after the internal aspect of your property could push this up to over 500€ per month. Add to this the gardeners and pool maintenance and you won’t see much change out of 10,000€ per year!

The local council is responsible for the maintenance of the roads and local area; which can be in the lap of the gods especially during these testing financial times. And finally, you will probably still require the support of a good management company to assist you in the running of your property ensuring that you don’t spend the first week of your holiday sorting out problems since you were last here.

Off resort – what about having your property in the town or close to the beach and live in the “real Portugal”? The property is yours and can be kept as you see fit. You can paint it the colour you want, you can have the plants you like in your garden and you can control the costs of running your property in line with your finances.

So, as I said at the beginning, “it depends” it depends on how you want to live your life on holiday, how much money you want to spend on the maintenance and management of your property as well as the environment you wish to live in.

The costs of an off resort property are also much less. Such as lower condo fees, for an off resort apartment these can be as low as 25€ per month to 150€ per month on one of the many new & smart small resorts.

Either way there are many properties on both resorts and off resort. Prices used to be considerably higher on the resort but this has levelled over the last few years meaning that manicured lifestyle can now be achievable but remember there is always a cost!

Let us look at some of the pros and cons of each.

On Resort – as previously mentioned, allows you to own your property in a controlled environment. For example lawns will be mowed, pavements weeded, flowers trimmed and overall a pretty and smart way of life. Golf is on site, so is the tennis and you can have a full massage just a few hundred metres from your home and often at a discount! In a way this is the good life. The downside is that in some ways this “controlled” lifestyle can be a little restrictive; your property has to be kept in

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Ancillary services can be negotiated with your management company which should offer equally good services to those offered

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by the large resorts (in many instances better!) So what are the downsides? Well for starters you have to rely on all your neighbours taking as much pride in their property as you do in yours.

For more information or assistance email me at david@bpaproperty.com

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To find out about these & other products & services we provide contact us at: Vilamoura Office 289 093 137 Lagos Office 282 768 136 UK rate 01622 815 201 E portugal@gcen.co.uk www.gcen.co.uk

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Business...

Dutch sisters boost maritime tourism By Bo Irik Founded in February 2014, the Portuguese start-up SeaBookings was the dream of two Dutch-born sisters who set out to boost maritime tourism in Portugal.

Since then, many ocean-lovers have booked their boat tours and water sports through the platform. SeaBookings is an online marketplace where you can discover, compare and book boat tours and water sports in Portugal and soon all around the world.

SeaBookings was founded by Femke and Bo Irik, aaged 25 and 27 respectively. The sisters have been living in Portugal for about 17 years now, since their parents decided to change their way of living from cloudy to sunny. At the time it was their parents’ choice, but now it’s the girls’. They’re on a mission: to boost the maritime tourism sector, starting in Portugal and targeting the world.

While working in the marine tourism

industry for five years in Lagos the sisters quickly sensed this unique opportunity. The entrepreneurial spirit they had inherited from their parents made the girls launch this platform that started in the Algarve now covers the whole Portuguese coast, and aspires to become a world leader in this niche market.

Back in 2014, SeaBookings kicked off with only five tour operators. Nowadays, SeaBookings.com offers a wide range of sea activities, over 150, from the famous boat trips to the dolphins and the caves in Albufeira to stand-up paddle boarding in Cascais.

They’ve got it all. On one hand SeaBookings helps small tour operators to gain visibility online and makes it easier for them to be found on the web, allowing for online bookings too.

On the other hand, Femke claims that the “goal is to allow tourists to book boat tours and water sports easily, anywhere and at any time.” As the website is mobile-friendly, this goal is achieved.

Bo, Femke’s sister adds: “We’re now leaders in Portugal and the world is the limit.” All beach-related touristic regions are on SeaBookings roadmap for the coming years.

The best seller of 2016 is expected to be the Cave and Dolphin trip from the Marina of Albufeira. This boat trip combines a coastal cruise along the most impressive caves and the thrill of searching for wild dolphins in the middle of the Atlantic.

Contact: Bo Irik on 916066429 or by emailing bo@seabookings.com www.seabookings.com

Your TV channels By José Muchacho Only 2 years ago Astra 2E reached its final orbital position of 28.5º east and all UK free view channels disappeared from satellite receivers in the south, and many parts of Europe.

A nightmare for many. Living without TV can be difficult when you live abroad, losing ties with language, news and culture from one´s country. In November 2013, here in "Tomorrow", we presented solutions: the TV channels by internet streaming through an Android Box still working today, despite some scaremongers saying that the internet would never cope with such demand or that Filmon would be closed very soon. And that having to install an internet connection would raise monthly expenses. Yes it does, but only a few of us can live these days without a smart phone, a tablet or a computer.

In the meantime, another player came around: Intelsat 907, (the so called military or Gibraltar Satellite), which offers a simple, but quality choice for BBC1, 2, 4; ITV1 and Channel 4.

The growth of bandwidth speed has been outstanding and will continue. This shows that the future of TV services will be over the internet. No one doubts that IPTV (TV over internet protocol) is the trend of multimedia broadcasting. BBC 3 is a good example being now an online only channel or take Netflix.

We can assist you in choosing a good ISP, an adequate package by landline or temporary 4G and we will talk to them on your behalf, should you need help.

The Set Top Boxes (STB) have also seen incredible progress. Where Android Boxes were the best machines two years ago, we

now find Linux based STBs that boot up in 20 seconds, providing an exceptionally dynamic picture clarity.

Services of IPTV are widely available these days. However only one can combine the UK free view and a flexible 30 days subscription for the premium channels, such as Sky Sports, BT Sport, CTH, Sky Movies, and more, for only 14.95 Eur. And you can even watch these channels on your Ipad. In short, your STB will always give you the UK free view channels even when you don´t pay the subscription. Further options are available with a Mag 250/4 STB, with up to 14 days catch up TV and packages from France, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, etc.

Call the Algarve Satellite Centre on 917545644 or 967505055

Loose coins It’s been announced by Coindrum that a loose change converter will be available at Faro Airport in the main duty free store (Nuance) airside departures from June 1st.

The Coindrum is a self-service machine in airports that allows passengers to convert unwanted coins into airport shopping vouchers. Coindrum opened at its first location with global duty free and travel

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retailer, Dufry, at Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) terminal one recently.

Lukas Decker, the 27 year old entrepreneur behind the innovation, said: “Coindrum addresses a simple but global pain point for passengers. The user uptake is testament to the need for the service which, with every transaction, drives uplift revenue to the tills of our retail partners.”

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Typically, machines can accept up to four different coin currencies (the most relevant to a location) which can be deposited together in bulk. The idea is that passengers can get rid of coins they think they will not use again as they depart a country, and get 10% more than the value of them as a store voucher.

Visit www.coindrum.com to find out more!

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Business...

Free legal consultations Two Algarve solicitors are launching a programme in which English-speaking clients will be offered initial advice on legal problems at no charge.

Maria Manuel Santos and David NevilleSmith say they will hold their “first port of call’’ meetings in Lagos and Alvor, perhaps later expanding to Albufeira. Their services will also be available to French-speakers. Mr Neville-Smith is as fluent in French as he is in English and Portuguese.

“Living in a foreign country can be a daunting experience for many people so far as legal matters are concerned,” says Mr Neville-Smith. “With our clinics we aim to fill the gap once occupied by a former English law practice based in Lisbon, which for years provided good support to the expatriate community.” The two solicitors expect to be consulted mainly about property, family and personal matters. Free half-hour sessions will be by appointment.

Mr Neville-Smith says his profession is changing rapidly. “The old chamber of solicitors has been upgraded to an order that enjoys a similar status to that of advogados.

The main difference between solicitors and advogados is that, as in the UK, we solicitors do very little court work.”

The clinics will be open for questions on such topics as property purchases and sales,

mortgages, boundary disputes, registration problems, licensing of commercial premises (bars, restaurants and shops), rights of way, building project approvals, contract supervision, condominium rules, company formations and registrations. Personal or family matters will include and wills.

Formal documents will be explained and translated if required for better understanding. This, say the solicitors, will be a key part of their service. Maria Manuel Santos is a Lagos-based solicitor with 24 years of experience in the profession. She is married to an architect, Rui Santos, who has his atelier in the same office building, so is used to providing cover for architectural problems as well as other matters.

David Neville-Smith has a degree in Portuguese applied law from the Beja Institute and is now completing his articles. He worked for the prominent law firm Neville de Rougemont for five years and was married to the Portuguese lawyer Carmen de Andrade Silva.

Contacts: Maria Manuel Santos +351 282 761 884 (+351 96029040); email - solicitadoraMMSantos@gmail.com David Neville-Smith +351 965352755; email - dewnsmith@hotmail.com

I.T. can be easy By Steven Dunwell Get it while it’s free! If you’re still running Microsoft Windows 7 or 8.1 you are entitled to a totally free upgrade to Windows 10. But hurry, it will only be free until July 30th 2016!

If you would like some advice or assistance with the upgrade, please contact me on the details below.

2. This will bring up the Explorer window and will list all the attached USB memory sticks as well as all the other storage devices in the machine, double click to open.

If you have any questions, suggestions for future tips or require assistance with any I.T. challenges, I am very happy help.

1. Press and hold the Windows key on the keyboard and then press the “E” key once, then let go of all the keys.

Please contact me via email: sdunwell@sky.com Or call me on: 00351 936 387 512 Have a great month, see you for another tip in the July issue.

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Boavista Golf and Spa Resort is hosting a day of fun, festivity and entertainment. It’s a Summer Open Day to mark International Children's Day. You are welcome to join us on July 4th from 8am until 7pm. There will be the chance to try your hand at a series of new skills in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

There will be archery as well as a whole host of other skill-based games that we offer. Let the children expend some energy on the bouncy castle and then cool off in the pool with games, water yoga or by joining the diving demonstrations.

If relaxation and a little indulgence is the order of the day, visit Essential Fitness and Spa where there will be some special offers on promotion. To round off a perfect day, feast at the BBQ while enjoying live music.

The day time activities are offered FREE but for the BBQ there is a charge of €18.00 per adult to include all drinks and €12.00 for children.

Booking for the BBQ is highly recommended - by email at Essential reception@boavistaresort.pt or by calling +351 282 790 930.

You can see the events of the day on www.boavistaresort.pt/spa/events

And here’s a nice and simple tip this month, requested by a regular reader of my article: “How do I view the contents of a USB memory stick or any other memory/disk drive plugged into my Windows computer?”

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Celebrate children’s day

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Business...

Food & Drink...

Ginny at Restaurante Fontenario By Julie Battersby choices and all very reasonably priced. This does not try to equal Spanish Tapas - it is way ahead of that with choices such as BBQ pork sliders, Parmesan Arancini, Prawns Ajillo and crab claw in garlic butter. There is a lot more choice than this and it changes every week.

Away from the madding crowds as the summer season builds up and a really refreshing way to spend a Sunday afternoon with Ginny and company at the lovely refurbished and elegant restaurant Fontenario in the village of Espiche.

They have a splendid outside terrace to enjoy a drink before you eat or to relax for the whole experience of what is on offer.

This takes you away from an average lunch to a splendid selection of brunch and Tapas

Add to this the fantastic brunch choices like Eggs Florentine (muffin, spinach poached egg with Hollandaise) French toast, hash browns, waffles, pancakes and more!

The options are marvellous and the flavours are awesome and I am totally happy in recommending this restaurant as I am sure you will rave about it too.

Call to book- I seriously recommend that you do. Ginny on 282 789 953

Sweet Temptation – Doce Tentação

By Tom Henshaw

the world pass you by and you become anonymous in a busy world.

The idea was born of a dream and that dream is and was to provide all their visitors with a special moment.

It is always a pleasure to saunter into a small and almost secluded square away from the main hustle and bustle of Lagos in the busier months and find this little gem.

There’s an excellent light menu and very reasonable prices for snacks and drinks, sitting quietly under an olive tree watching

They feel that every client is unique and their wish is that you feel free to ask them for something you would like to see there and cannot find and they will be ‘happy to include it in their dreams for your pleasure’.

Such a refreshing and innocent vision. We wish them well and hope they maintain the dream!

Rua Marreiros Netto 57. Lagos 8600-754

Delhi Darbar hits top spot Delhi Darbar, the Tandoori Indian Restaurant next to the Repsol Garage, has just got to the top of Trip Advisors best restaurants in Lagos.

One reviewer said: “The food here really was good and especially so for me being vegetarian in Portugal it was the best food out I had.”

Just about a year after it opened its now taken itself to the top of the list of favourite local restaurants.

Call to book 282 762 249 or 923 206 701.

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Quay Lagos and Quinta da Lapa By?????

At the end of April Quay Lagos hosted a really happy and enjoyable wine tasting evening with the superb wines from Silvia Maria Canas da Costa , the wine producer from Quinta da Lapa on Portugal’s silver coast which was established over 300 years ago.

Their wines have won five silver and gold medals in the last four years and they have the most beautiful country estate for visitors to stay over whilst enjoying their wines and hospitality.

Visit their website www.quintadalapa-wines.com for more information.

Susie, David and their excellent team made the most memorable even more memorable with the delightful six course dinner to accompany the wines that were selected to match each course.

To build on their growing successful formula they have brought in Chef Adam and I am sure in the coming months we will hear more about him.

I am sure there will be more such events so please look in the Tomorrow Magazine for their full range of information and events.

Quay Lagos is situated in the beautiful Marina de Lagos overlooking the marina and the town. As well as a restaurant and bar areas, there is also an al fresco dining area.

Please call Quay Lagos on 282 761 128 or visit the website on www.quaylagos.pt

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Food & Drink...

Wine Shop and Pairings This is the new concept of the Sommelier Wine Shop.

In May two years ago I embarked on the adventure of opening a wine shop in Lagos.

I'm happy and grateful to all the people who have supported me and to the many clients who have now become good friends.

It's because of them I will try to improve my project and give due respect to the manner in which we treat wine in Lagos.

From the very beginning my idea was always to include a component of "tapas".

This makes sense as I had chosen the word Sommelier for the store. The essence of a good Sommelier is undoubtedly to match food with wine. Therefore, from this month I will create a terrace space to take advantage

By Miguel Martins

of the excellent location overlooking the marina, and serve some food that will harmonise with the recommended wines.

I chose to call it “Wine Shop & Pairings” because of the following. It will never cease being a wine shop and pairing is what a Sommelier does. I didn't choose the word "tapas" as first and foremost I’m not Spanish and it has nothing to do with Portuguese culture. It is "pairings" that I propose to do in the store and the concept has been registered with copyright in Portugal.

The products that I will use are of the highest quality with clearly identified origins, such as local oysters from the Alvor area, Iberian ham directly from Spain and how about foie gras from France? For me it’s quality that counts.

I invite all readers of “Tomorrow” to take on board the new concept of the Sommelier Wine Shop and also to join us in wine tastings that will continue to be held in the store.

The idea will be to give the opportunity to all my clients to choose from the whole range of wines in the store. They can then enjoy a glass or a bottle on the elegant wooden terrace of the shop, taking in the views.

Havaneza meets Trico By M.A. Devoy Elly Pyrs has been living in Portugal for 37 years and has been owner of Havaneza for 13 of those years. Havaneza is a lovely restaurant situated in the middle of old Lagos occupying a prime spot just off Praça Luís de Camões (the 2nd square in Lagos).

inside and be charmed by the intimate new décor.

Now Havaneza has had a makeover, which has lightened and brightened the interior with all newly refurbished furniture, giving it a very pleasing modern rustic look.

The menu is not vast but is very nicely balanced so whatever your preference you will find something to suit your taste and at very reasonable prices. Amongst the choices you have are bruschetta, satay, burgers or ‘Surf and Turf’ and there is a ‘dish of the day’, I am sure you will not be disappointed whatever your choice.

It is open every day, except Sunday, for lunch and dinner but also for coffee and cake. There is outside space where you can sit and watch the world go by or go

You may remember at the beginning of the year "Tomorrow" did an article featuring a new and exciting business, ‘Trico’, that specialise in renovating furniture, among

a myriad of other interior services. The ‘new look’ Havaneza has Trico to thank for their makeover. It is a good example of the amazing work that Trico are capable of doing.

The address of Havaneza in Rua Marreiros Neto 37. Please call 282 764 716 or 919268040 or email ellyprys@hotmail.com.

Their website is www.havanezalagos.com If you would like to tell us about a restaurant that you like please email our editor amber@tomorrowalgarve.com

Breakfast Oat Pancakes By Ann de Jongh Ingredients: 1. For the Pancakes 2. 3/4 Cup Oats 3. 1 level teaspoon baking soda 4. 2 Eggs 5. salt & pepper 6. Butter or coconut oil to cook in 7. Topping 8. Smoked Salmon 9. Spinach

4. In a frying pan add the butter or coconut oil and heat up 5. Spoon the mixture into the pan to make pancakes (I made 6 with this mixture).

6. Cook for a couple of minutes until brown.

7. Transfer to a plate 8. Add the spinach to the pan and cook for a minute or two until it has wilted.

9. Layer the pancakes with smoked salmon and spinach, and you can create stacks or just layer each one.

Instructions: 1. Place oats, baking soda & salt and pepper into small blender and pulse to make the oats more like flour.

2. Add the eggs and pulse until all combined 3. Leave to rest for a couple of minutes

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Notes: 1. Alternatives would be to layer with bacon and tomato and spinach 2. Or you can also add a poached egg onto the top

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3. Serve with a delicious cup of organic coffee, the perfect way to start the day Contact Ann on her mobile 913202621 or go to her website to find out more www.fit2lovelife.com

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Outdoor...

Crazy about climbers – part 1

By Clive Goodacre

like the high Andes, forest floors or rough ground. Their root systems are relatively compact making them good in pots provided they don’t get overheated.Being so fast growing, they easily become starved so feed regularly with a potash-based compost and less frequently with sulphate of iron which also keeps slugs and snails at bay.

Generally frost either kills them or cuts them back to the ground. Passiflora pinnatistipula originating from South America is well established throughout Mediterranean regions and useful for screening and clothing dead trees. Equally rampant is P. Edulis producing delicious edible fruit most passion flowers produce edible fruit, although some are less tasty than others.

Passiflora quadrangularis

Terraces and pools need privacy and for the small garden the obvious solution is to plant climbers. June in the Algarve means pools are open for business and you will soon see (or be told!) where gaps need plugging either for privacy, wind protection or a bit of both. But in any case every garden needs climbers whether scrambling over walls, trained up pillars, giving groundcover over banks or just hiding a blot on the landscape.

Although amorphous they are architectural because they ultimately develop their own form after first taking on the shape of their supporting structure.

What makes climbers so useful is their ability to cover large areas without needing the space or architecture of shrubs and trees. In the wild, climbers tend to grow from shade to sunlight often scrambling from the jungle floor.

Their diet is normally lean and well drained, although climbers respond well to feeding every month or so in their main growing period.

The Mediterranean gardening year can be charted by which climbers come into bloom.

To take just a few: Winter and early spring for Hardenbergia violacia, Pyrostegia venusta, and Jasminum polyanthum; mid spring for Wisteria floribunda and Passiflora edulis; early summer for Campsis radicans, and more varieties of Jasmine; followed by Pandorea jasminoides, Mandevilla Alice du Pont and Podranea ricasoliana into autumn. Punctuating the entire year of course are the amazing Bougainvillea and Passiflora families.

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Climbers differ greatly in their root space requirements and it is these that define which can grow in pots and those needing more space. But in general climbers like cool roots, so consider carefully where you site potted climbers. If there is no alternative then consider placing one pot inside a larger one and filling the space with tree bark for insulation.

Although renowned for their vigour, climbers often take a year or more to become established and often look stringy and pathetic after winter. Always wait until late spring before giving up on them – a case of pull in haste and repent at leisure! It is amazing how bougainvilleas for example come back from dead looking wood.

Some climbers like honeysuckle, ivy and, of course, morning glory (Ipomoea indica) refuse to let go, so site them carefully. Newly planted climbers like to establish a firm support, get their roots down and then put on leaves and flowers. Be patient, let those long winding shoots take hold and don’t be tempted to trim them off, thinking they will lead to more substantial woody growth, because all the plant will do is keep putting on more until you leave it alone.

For sheer vigour and tropicality passion flowers are hard to beat, provided you can tolerate their rampant sprawling habit. They like well-drained soil with some sharp sand or gravel, plus compost and loam to reflect their natural growing conditions in places

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Altogether there are around 500 varieties of passion flower ranging from exquisite to bizarre. Passiflora quadrangularis is both of these in spades with its huge red, purple and white fragrant flowers floating amongst heavily veined leaves resembling something from Day of the triffids. It is a tender plant requiring heat and protection from wind, also the flowers last only an hour or two before closing and shrivelling. But flowers appear in steady succession throughout high summer, truly adding a wow factor to any garden or conservatory.

If P. quadrangularis makes a summer stunner then Podranea ricasoliana is an autumn star – especially after the first rainfall when it springs into life and flowers almost until Christmas. You will see its pink and white veined trumpet flowers everywhere along the Algarve growing over walls, trees, and fences and scrambling through hedges.

Originating from South America, P. ricasoliana forms long woody stems that can easily reach 10m or more. It needs tying and trimming to keep it from flopping, but its soil and water requirements are minimal.

One point to bear in mind is that it takes a while to become established – sometimes as long as three years – but once it gets going watch out!

Incidentally Podranea is an anagram of Pandorea, a closely related Australian genus which has evergreen glossy leaves and open wide white trumpets with maroon coloured centres. Pandorea jasminoides comes high recommended, being very easy to grow and flowering throughout late spring and summer.

REAL ESTATE. AGENCY LAGOS WESTERN ALGARVE

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