Tomorrow Aljezur to Lagos - March 2019

5.000 FREE COPIES March 2019 | Edition 88

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Editor's note

 TomorrowAlgarve www.tomorrowalgarve.com EDITOR Amber Henshaw amber@tomorrowalgarve.com

SALES Tom Henshaw tom@tomorrowalgarve.com +351 919 918 733

January and February have flown by and we still seem to be blessed with great weather and hopefully this will mean winter itself will be much shorter - we can only hope!

We hope you will enjoy our March edition which is packed with a selection of quirky and eclectic stories. We hope that there is something for everyone!

Good news on the CASLAS car we are slowly nearing the target, now standing at €11,315 and so once again we ask you to consider supporting this very worthwhile cause, ‘every little helps’.

While we are mentioning CASLAS, we have been asked by Ana and Susana if there any men locally that would like to help with the children.

DESIGN Creation Media phil@tomorrowalgarve.com

They have lots of female volunteers but think the children need some male input to help with their development. Please email Steven Sutton at steven@tomorrowalgarve.com for more information or to volunteer.

Palliative care charity, Madrugada, has now moved its operations so that it can give more care and support for people affected by life limiting illness. Speaking with the leadership team about their plans to ‘be there’ for more people it was fully apparent that their commitment is a big bonus for the western Algarve.

We have started publicising the Primavera evening at Boavista on April 13th. A three course dinner with drinks and live music for only €30 per person it’s a chance to put spring in the air. Please email Steven Sutton at steven@tomorrowalgarve.com.

Don’t forget that our charity TACT was set up to help local good causes. Please contact us if we can help a charity that you are involved with.

ON THE COVER

We wish you a great March,

CASLAS CAR CAMPAIGN

Amber, Tom and the whole team

Millenium BCP Account Name: ASSOC TOMORROW ALGARVE CHARITY TRUST IBAN: PT50 0033 0000 45513973438 05 BIC / SWIFT: BCOMPTPL REFERENCE: CASLAS Car

Cover photo taken at Loulé Carnival last year. Don't forget that carnival season is coming up - this year's Loulé Carnival takes place between March 3rd to 5th.

SEDE: 86, MILBOROUGH CRESCENT, LONDON, UK , SE12 ORW. UK .

PERIODICIDADE: MENSAL . TIRAGEN: 4,000 | TIPOGRAFIA: C/ AL MEDITERRÁNEO, 29, POLÍGONO DE SAN RAFAEL, 04230, HUÉRCAL DE ALMERÍA CIF: B04250056

CONTENTS COMMUNITY

4 - 33

WHAT’S ON

BUSINESS

58 - 65

34 - 44

FOOD & DRINK

66 - 69

SPORTS

46 - 49

ENVIRONMENT

70 - 71

HEALTH

52 - 57

OUTDOOR

72 - 75

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INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO EDUCATION Plans for an innovative new English school in the Algarve have just been made public. Tomorrow Magazine sent Sophie Sadler to interview headteacher Penelope Best to uncover all the details.

I meet Penelope in the new Eupheus office in Carvoeiro, which is a happy blend of minimalist white interiors and colourful children's toys, which very much sums up the concept behind the Eupheus school, currently under construction near Loulé.

The school will embody a new technological approach to 21st-century learning, whilst staying true to core old fashioned-values and the British curriculum. It is being marketed as a preparatory school for ages 3-11. Penelope tells me; "Eupheus means lifelong learner in Greek and also implies originality and something unique. The school’s USP is small class sizes, allowing an individual approach to learning for each child."

An educational visionary, Penelope Best, will be head of school. She is a highly experienced primary head, well-known for her educational and philanthropic endeavours in the Algarve over the past 18 years. After 10 minutes in her company, I challenge any parent not to want their children to be in her care!

Her enthusiasm and ideas are infectious and most importantly she makes school sound fun!

Its press release announces that Eupheus will be an Apple School and I am still thinking this may mean they are focusing on ‘core’ values or

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nutrition! I learn, however, that we are talking about technology giant Apple Inc. Penelope says: “We will be piloting the only Apple School in Portugal and will only have Apple products and be totally interactive. Every aspect of Apple will be incorporated into every element of the school from the classroom, communication and administration. Which doesn't mean to say the children will sit on ipads all day, but it will make the children prepared for the technology they will need to embrace in the future."

Apple's website sums up the concept: "Apple Distinguished Schools are centres of leadership and educational excellence that demonstrate Apple's vision for learning with technology — and we believe they are some of the most innovative schools in the world."

Penelope explains what this will mean for her school: "We are the first pilot school in the Algarve. Apple invests in the school and the school invests in them, teaching and learning on both sides. There will be interactive screens to help with age-appropriate demonstrations and research. It will be used where this would be advantageous and will be entirely dependent on the subject and totally will not take away from the importance I place on reading and writing. Rather it will enhance 21st-century learning by providing an engaging way for children to process information."

For parents there will be posts created by teachers and the pupils, showing what the children have done throughout the day, allowing them to be part of their children's education. Apple says: "We've developed tools to make it easy for you to guide how your students use devices and apps in the classroom and to provide valuable insight into each student's progress. So you can focus on what's most important: teaching."

Will this put parents off because they are coming to the Algarve to escape technology? Penelope thinks not:

COMMUNITY "parents want the best education possible for their children, at the highest level so that they can return to their home country at any time.

We are going to have a selective entrance, small class sizes and be at the forefront of education.

A concern of parents, when they come to the Algarve, is will their kids keep up? I can now truthfully say, Yes, they will."

All prospective pupils will be interviewed and given diagnostic tests, the UK National Curriculum will be delivered by fully qualified and experienced teaching staff, personally recruited

by Miss Best. "It is all about teachers and how the education is delivered," she says. They are also going to be following the concept of the forest school, "There will also be an emphasis on embracing the outdoor classroom and taking learning outside as much as possible and embracing ecological themes.

Penelope shows me the plans of the new school situated to the south of Loulé located a short distance from junction 12 of the A22 motorway.

It is a pleasant modern looking building with undulating curved walls, which she points out, by a twist of fate, mirrors the shape of their school mascot, the owl. All classrooms are purposebuilt, age specific and have very wide windows providing natural light and all open onto an outdoor learning area.

The property was built for another function and then abandoned and as they are refurbishing the building, they have the potential to create the areas that will contribute to the forest school ethos. There is a good amount of outdoor space which will incorporate a playground and sporting areas.

makes things easier and the Loulé Camara have been very open and helpful and we have worked with the Ministry of Education."

Her aim is for every child to have a fluency in Portuguese, they will assess each child and they will then learn accordingly. They will have a dedicated Portuguese teacher educator to help meet the aim throughout the school.. .

English, mathematics, science, information communication technology, design technology, geography, history and art will be among the subjects taught "We will make the British curriculum purposebuilt for our children. All sports will be offered within the time-table including, gymnastics, games, football and dance. Assemblies will reward good work and celebrate school activities. School dinners will be multi-national and nutritious created by a hand picked chef specialising in children's nutrition."

The sound of her Ancient Greek days make me want to return to school again! "Everyone is involved in the day, designing their outfits, preparing Greek style food, inventing activities and learning through games." She will be building on the owl theme by making owl houses, inviting the children to design owls out of recycled materials and studying nature. "We also want to embrace world events and embrace the cultures of the different pupils and celebrate International events." 

Has she found getting the licences difficult?

"No, because I am working with very experienced and knowledgeable people who know exactly what they are doing.

Although it is a challenge, because of rules and regulations, we know that our school will be one of the few fully licensed private schools in the Algarve. The fact that we are creating a school from scratch also

WWW.TOMORROWALGARVE.COM

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and tartan school uniform and extracurricular activities, which will be tailor made to suit the children's individual needs, although Penelope is keen to offer Royal School of Music lessons and exams.

Parents will have the option to pick up the children at 3:30 if they are not doing activities and homework is focused on reading and research on topics and discovering information. Penelope is not a fan of hours of textbooks once they get home; "I want my kids to come in and say look, Miss Best, what I found out about Van Gogh, not having spent time working through exercise books. That is our job."

One of the things that I most admire about Penelope is her desire to embrace the community into the school not act as an island in the middle. "I want to embrace our surroundings and our people. We have already built a strong link with Loulé Câmara. We can step onto a beach in minutes so I want us to embrace our surroundings. We are already linked with the local orphanage to exchange ideas, bringing the local children to us and us to the local children. You have to infiltrate the local community and learning Portuguese is something we have to focus on and activities within the community. I am all about learning to speak first, building confidence and then everything follows."

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So who is funding the project? "It is funded by likeminded investors that I know, who have experience in education and who I have trust in and have educational experience. They have put their trust in me to bring this to fruition."

So how much does all this cost? Unusually the school fees will stay the same whatever the age of the child, Penelope says; "The younger ones actually need the same specialised teachers so it has never made sense for me that older children pay more." The fees will be €9,990 per year and that will include all insurances and school trips. The only extras will be the colourful burgundy

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She is also open to any new approaches that come along and has a very international stance as she recognises the target market is no longer predominantly British, but must incorporate children from all different countries who, though they recognise the benefits of an English education, may speak two or three different languages.

What does she think education should be? "Enjoyable, everyone working together including parents, teachers, families, admin staff and the community to create lifelong learners. I feel there is a need to create a community which works together for the benefit of our children."

So if you are thinking of signing your children up Penelope is currently meeting families, either at her office in Carvoeiro, on-site in Loulé or home visits.

She is already seeing a fantastic level of interest and anticipates having almost full classes when the first school bell chimes in September.

Penelope has an Albert Einstein quote hanging on her office wall: "Play is the highest form of research;" and this seems to summarise nicely this vivacious and dedicated educator's approach. I am just sad about one thing; that Miss Best never taught me!

+INFO:  www.eupheus.pt  +351 289 154800 / 910 323 080  penelope.best@eupheus.pt

COMMUNITY

PICKING WILD MUSHROOMS After the winter showers, when you can scent the wetland, Célia Celestino goes through the forest with a wicker basket in her arm and the intention of bringing a mushroom snack to her family!

Célia lives in Lagos, but as soon as she has time off from her work and home duties, she heads to where she grew up - Rogil. The grounds, the secret places and foliage are well known to her, and she has already marked the places where the mushrooms grow.

They are used to prepare delicious appetisers or side dishes: "mushrooms are sliced and fried with onions, or they are seasoned with aromatic herbs to accompany pork in the oven."

In our country mushrooms can be picked all year, but it is between November and March that most of the edible species grow: chanterelles, boletus, pine mushrooms, among others.

According to the book Código e Conduta do Apanhador de Cogumelos d’ A Pantorra, there is advise and several tips to take into account for those who have no experience in foraging wild mushrooms. It can be a blast to go to the forest to gather mushrooms but beware when it comes to harvesting, preparing, and cooking this ingredient as there are several non-edibles, toxic and even deadly species! Safe mushroom picking comes from experience and not just from free initiative or with the help of books.

In Célia’s case, the art was learned from her father who always advised her to "just catch the ones she knows well." So, she explains that she picks up "Amanita ponderosa growing close to cork oaks or where there is livestock"; looking for "Cantharellus cibarius on the Arrifana stems; and Hydnum repandum on the tree trunks of Serra do Espinhaço de Cão."

Célia confided to Mar d'Estórias that there were different techniques required for picking different

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mushrooms. She said: “Some you cut the stem with a razor and leave the seed to grow for the following year; there are others that are plucked up by the roots."

Celia even gives us a tip to prepare this delicious fungus of nature: "It is best to boil three times in different waters until the water becomes translucent so that any animal or impurity will disappear completely."

Amanita ponderosa

To the curious, interested and mushrooms lovers, we warn that it is best not to follow the myths!

There are those who say that there are tricks to understanding whether the mushroom is edible or not: "if the mushroom has a ring around the trunk or if silver or stainless-steel spoon does not rust when placed on the fire by the mushrooms." It is best to "take no chances if you don't know" and let the mushroom picking to specialists. At Mar d'Estórias it is only necessary to prepare them with the traditional seasonings of Portuguese cuisine and wait for you to savour these treasures of the earth without worries!

Cantharellus cibarius

Thanks to the team at Mar d’Estórias for this story. Mar d’Estórias intends to be an innovative place that values everything Portuguese with special emphasis on the Algarve. It was planned to provide a balanced passage between the different areas of the shop, the restaurant, the homeware and crowned by the rooftop terrace bar with a sea view.

+INFO:  mardestorias  mardestorias  www.mardestorias.com

Hydnum repandum

CASAS DO BARLAVENTO

ALGARVE REAL ESTATE AGENCY

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The apartment is finished to a high standard, and whether you rent or live in the apartment, the peace and quiet together with the luxury of the resort, with its 24 hr reception, 24 hr security, heated pools and many other luxury extras means that you will never be bored coming to the property for your holidays..

Apartments like this on the resort are few now, so viewing is highly recommended.

Estrada da Ponta da Piedade, Lote 26 - Loja B - 8600-512 Lagos, Algarve, Portugal E: info@casasdobarlavento.com | T: +351 282 780 870 | www.casasdobarlavento.com

COMMUNITY

The workshop was full with a total of nine participants and six observers, who came from all over the Algarve and the Alentejo to learn and help. Alternating between theoretical classes and practical exercises, Sandra Dias da Cunha gave the participants the necessary tools to be able to help immediately. Returning to work with the same horses the next day, the participants felt the enormous difference in their work.

HORSE RESCUERS

BY HOPE FAULKNER

Algarve Horse Alarm is a non-profit organisation, established early last year, which aims to reduce the suffering of mistreated horses across the Algarve, to support horse owners and the community through education and medical support.

The organisation was created by three horse loving friends, who decided that they could no longer continue to sit by and see poor horses needlessly suffer.

The mission, to rescue as many horses as they can, rehabilitate them and ultimately find a loving forever home for them.

Recently we contacted Sandra Dias da Cunha, a well respected Portuguese horse behaviorist. She very kindly agreed to donate her time by running a horse behavior workshop at our charity base here in the Western Algarve. Interest in our cause started to rise and soon all the places at the workshop were full. Ticket sales gave a much needed boost to charity funds and it provided us with fantastic publicity. It also helped us with our own understanding of the horses under our care and showed us and our attendees ways to develop a bond with a horse that may otherwise had seemed unruly. Hopefully helping us find new homes for the horses.

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All animals were allowed to be touched and to gain confidence voluntarily, without tricks or pressure. Even the most suspicious mares began to enjoy the company of people, to the great joy of the participants. It is to be remembered that Algarve Horse Alarm rescues are often traumatised animals that have completely lost confidence in humans.

We worked with many types of horses from grumpy mares to gorgeous stallions and to the cutest foals. The work with the foals was the easiest and the most fun, they showed us that they had the most trust in humans.

Meanwhile the hard work continues with 13 horses under our care and rising. Although definite improvements have been made in some places through our community outreach and education efforts, we are still regularly encountering horribly poor horses who simply could no longer go on without our help. Likely to be sold for meat.

A forever loving home is our ultimate goal for these horses. If you are interested in adopting a horse please contact us, there are many beautiful horses in need of a new home. Winter has provided us with much needed grass but the cost of the day to day care of so many horses continues to be a burden. Any donations would be greatly appreciated. Perhaps you have some land where horses can graze, or you would like to donate your time? Any help would be very much appreciated.

If you would like to help us make a difference, please contact us. To make a donation, please see below our bank details: IBAN: PT50 0010 0000 5605 8310 0011 1

+INFO:  algarvehorsealarm@gmail.com  +351 914 005 601  horsealarm  algarvehorsealarm

COMMUNITY Talking Heads

TWENTY-SEVEN YEARS AND STILL GOING STRONG

BY CHRIS WINSTANLEY

The membership of a drama group is a bit like having a bucket with holes in it…..providing the water is being tipped in faster than it is escaping from the holes, you haven’t really got a problem….

So what does that mean I hear you ask? Given the transient nature of expat life here in our little corner of Europe, The Algarveans membership has turned over several times since its early days. Despite that the group still has members from over 25 years ago along with many new members joining this group of fun loving thespians The Algarveans Experimental Theatre Group, as it is formally known was founded in September 1991, when, after an advertisement in the local paper, some 20 interested people gathered at a gentleman called Jerry Lane’s house. The outcome was the theatre group was formed and the decision taken to put on the pantomime Puss in Boots in the following January. Several of the original members had been members of a long standing social group.

Since its early beginnings the group has performed nearly 70 full scale productions , and enters its 27th Year with some exciting plans for 2019 and beyond.

There are still several members who were involved in the early days of the group. People like Alison Greening who was the principal boy in the first pantomime and is still very active in the group but these days prefers to be backstage rather than on stage. Another early member is David Butler-Cole who has written, directed and starred in many of the groups productions and was on stage last year playing Jim Trott in the production of The Vicar of Dibley. Karen Barroso is another long time member still involved who has been on stage and choreographed many of the pantomimes over the years and is directing for the first time in the Autumn of this year.

Of the original committee who ran the group sadly only Jenny Grainer is still here on The Algarve and whilst not an active member of the group these days, Jenny is often seen in Algarvean audiences and still being very creative, writing articles for local publications and running an annual charity variety show each year supporting local good causes.

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Through its entire existence the group has tried to stage two shows a year and has performed in a number of locations including Teatro Mascarenhas Gregorio in Silves, Camilo do Carmo Auditorium, Lagoa, Lagos Cultural Centre and Boa Esperança Theatre in Portimão.

As the name of the group suggests they have attempted many different types of productions over the years ranging from classics like Jane Eyre and Gaslight, popular plays such as Stepping Out and Calendar Girls, TV adaptations such as Hello, Hello, Hi-di-Di and The Vicar of Dibley, challenging and experimental pieces such as Alan Bennett's Talking Heads monologues and last November's production of Whose Life is it Anyway. Add to that a number of variety shows and old time music halls, the premiere of Pollen: The Musical for the group's 25th Anniversary show and 21 different pantomimes and you can see The Algarveans is not frightened to give anything a go!

The group has a social conscience and over the years has donated many thousands of euros to several local good causes from the proceeds of their shows. Castelo do Sonhos, The Bombeiros and The Algarve Oncology Association are just three of the groups to benefit from money donated from The Algarveans.

Any amateur theatre group is only as good as the efforts its members are prepared to put in, and although over the years members come and go it is pleasing to report that membership of this Algarve institution is on the rise again and has reached record levels in 2018 after seeing a drop during the recent recession as people returned to their base countries for a variety of reasons. Although the shows are performed in English the group has members from seven different nationalities.

The group has become a social hub for the membership over the years and the committee organises several social events each year above and beyond the productions and can boast the fact that several romances were blossomed out of membership of the group! 

Pollen: The Musical

COMMUNITY Auditorium. Angela Theobold, the director of the show, has some really exciting plans, which I am sure will wow big audiences as part of Lagoa Câmara’s Humorfest festival.

We will be performing A Bench in The Sun by Ron Clark on June 27th, 28th and 29th at new venue, the beautiful little theatre in the Lagoa Convento de São Josè as a studio production with new member Jim Landis directing. This is sure to be an interesting project and really does fill the “experimental” brief of the group.

The Vicar of Dibley

Age has never been seen as a barrier to entry and The Algarveans has had members as young as 10-years-old and others in their eighties! There is a home for everyone in a theatre group, onstage, backstage or front of house.

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Looking forwards The Algarveans are really excited to announce they will be staging three productions a year from 2019, a further sign of the health of the group. They have been working hard with Sr Paulo Francisco and his arts team at the Lagoa Câmara to make this happen. It is also exciting to have three new directors to the group taking the helm of these shows.

Ladies Day written by Amanda Whittington will be performed on March 21st, 22nd and 23rd, 2019 at Lagoa

Finally, The Algarveans are planning to finish the year at the end November back in the Lagoa Auditorium with a production of The Wizard of Oz which they hope will have a large cast and include some younger members of Algarve society. Long time member, but first time Director Karen Barroso has some fabulous plans for the show and we hope to sell out the theatre.

If you have ever thought of giving Amateur theatre a go in any capacity and whether you have experience or not, The Algarveans would love to hear from you. Please contact the group for more information. Chris is currently the chair of the Algarveans. The group has its rehearsals in Lagoa, O Tasco and Alvor.

+INFO:  info@thealgarveans.com  +351 919 198 840 (Chris)

NEW MADRUGADA SUPPORT CENTRE The palliative care charity, Madrugada, celebrated its 10th anniversary in its new support centre in Praia da Luz last month. An awareness coffee morning was organised to mark the anniversary. The charity first opened its doors 10 years ago in 2009 and has gone from strength-to-strength ever since.

The charity found its new support centre after an 18-month search for the right place. It opened its doors in November 2018 and benefits from having all its facilities on the same level for easy access, with ample parking outside.

The support centre includes the offices for administration, the management board and clinical Manager but more importantly dedicated space for holistic and creative therapies, and individual or group sessions, such as bereavement counselling. The new centre is a warm and welcoming space where patients and their loved ones can find help, information and support. Since its inception Madrugada has supported 140 patients and their loved ones. The increase in awareness of what Madrugada services offer in the

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local community, across all nationalities means that this number is increasing each year.

Of course, none of this happens without the help and generosity of many kind volunteers and donors who give countless hours and goodwill along with monetary donations to keep things running smoothly.

The support centre is open to visitors who can learn more about the services and support on offer from Monday to Friday between 10am to 4pm.

Visit its website for more information and you can also sign up to the charity newsletter. If you can help in any way, through volunteering or fundraising please get in touch.

+INFO:  www.madrugada-portugal.com  admin@madrugada-portugal.com

COMMUNITY

FROM ANGOLA TO ATLANTICO For more than 40 years Asseldo Duarte has been at the centre of life on Salema Beach. He’s seen dramatic changes since he returned from the Portuguese Army. Stuart Richards caught up with the former fisherman.

For anyone who has ever driven down to Salema Beach, your eyes can’t help but be drawn to the Atlantico Restaurant and Bar terrace overlooking the sandy shore.

You may have already been there, but what you perhaps don’t know is how it grew out of a young man’s formative years in the army; about going out in boats with customers to catch fish and then heading back to cook it for them; about ‘hippies’ in tents on the beach, or locals vs. tourists football matches; and how the story of Atlantico is far from over, even after 40 years and counting.

In the late 1970s, 23-year-old Asseldo Duarte (born and bred in Salema) had returned from three years’ conscripted service with the Portuguese army in Angola and was ready to carve out his own life.

Sitting in his restaurant (Atlantico #3, as he calls it), the now 65-year-old tells me: “I was a fisherman in Salema when I was younger. Then I went to hotel school

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[in Faro] to do a course. I had worked in five-star hotels [after the army], then I thought I had to have my own business and I went back to Salema – my place, my favourite place.”

Atlantico #1 was opened in 1978 in another location just 50 metres along the beach from the current site. The building was expanded over the years (becoming Atlantico #2), before changes to Salema seafront necessitated a move just along the shore. Asseldo bought a villa from a German family, but mostly what you see at Atlantico now is what the building was like then – “we only made changes inside,” he says. As many as 16 staff members can be working here during high season serving anything up to 500 customers a day, compared to an estimated 200-250 back when it all began.

“I was serving, everything was passing through my hands,” Asseldo recalls.

“I could go fishing myself, for squid, octopus, cuttlefish. I could go in the rocks and catch mussels for the restaurant. 

“I’m not prepared to stop yet, there will probably be a fourth Atlantico.”

COMMUNITY I took my clients fishing with their children, we’d catch fish, we’d come back, I’d cook it.” You get a sense of misty-eyed romanticism from Asseldo.

He’s got no problem with how the world and life itself have moved on, but he’s a sucker for the good old days in postrevolution 1970s Portugal.

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What came then ‘was the time of hippies’, according to Asseldo. He continues: “We had people coming from everywhere, they could put tents on the beach, have showers anywhere. I miss that time.

We played football on the beach… the tourists arranged a team and played against local people. Sometimes I slept on the beach when I was young. We had drinks, a barbecue, dancing.”

Not content with 40 years of doing what he loves, Atlantico #4 is now in the

pipeline. “I cannot live without this, it’s my life,” Asseldo says. “I’m not prepared to stop yet. There will probably be a fourth Atlantico,” he continues. “I have a new project to make the restaurant smaller, because it is costing me a lot of money to keep it how big it is. It’s better for business if I do some apartments on top, probably 10 small apartments for renting. A smaller restaurant will be easier to manage.”

When the time does come for Asseldo to step back from the business, he won’t be going anywhere else fast, saying: “This is my life and I cannot be away from the sea. When I drive to Salema and I look at the sea, my heart is open… it’s a fantastic feeling.”

+INFO:  Atlantico Salema

Burns Supper in Silves

BY DOUG MCADAM, CHIEFTAIN

The Saint Andrew’s Society of the Algarve duly held its Burns Supper at the Ponte Romana restaurant in Silves on Saturday January 26th and it was resounding success with over 130 participants.

As usual, bagpiper Malcolm MacGillivray got the evening off to a scintillating start by welcoming guests into the restaurant. Guests enjoyed a glass or two of excellent bubbly arranged by Joaquim Tinoco of Catuna & Silva.

The restaurant, which has had a very welcome makeover, has been used for this event for many years and is now well practised in preparing and serving the traditional Macsween haggis, tatties and neeps. I (fairly theatrically) addressed the haggis after it had been piped in and a dram offered to the piper and

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accompanying “kilties”. We were very grateful to Blevins Franks who sponsored not only the whisky, but also two tables, for the evening.

After the main speech - the Immortal Memory of Robert Burns by John Hope - the lighthearted and teasing Toast to the Lassies was made by Raoul Martinez and the more than adequate response on behalf of the lassies was made by Allison Hohnbaum! The assembled company then partook of lively and enthusiastic Scottish dancing – which included an Eightsome Reel piped heartily by Malcolm MacGillivray – and the proceedings were brought to a close just after midnight with Auld Lang Syne.

Anyone interested in knowing more about the Society is welcome to give us a ring.

Our Society is small and comprises many nationalities so no need to be Scots! And if you would like to give Scottish dancing a try (again, no need to be Scots) why not speak to Mardie Cunningham. It was she who introduced all the dances at the Supper and runs the dancing at the Nobel International School in Porches on Monday evenings from 7.30pm - 9.30pm.

Please make a note now in your diaries that our next event will be the Saint Andrew’s Ball at the Hotel Penina: it will actually be on Saint Andrew’s Day, i.e. Saturday 30 November.

+INFO:  +351 935 577 362 (Doug) 919 635 246 (Kathy Prentice)  +351 282 356 029 (Mardie Cunningham)

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111 PLACES IN THE ALGARVE German-born Catrin George Ponciano was a chef for many years before moving to Alvor, falling in love with her neighbour, Arménio, and writing a travel book about one-off places in the Algarve that you won’t find in other travel guides. We managed to catch up with Catrin who is now an author and travel guide.

Please tell us about yourself.

I was born in August 1967 in Bielefeld, Germany, I have one younger sister. We were brought up in a farmhouse atmosphere in the suburbs. We had a garden and chickens, rabbits and sheep. When I was 10, I got a pony, so I spent every day after school with horses.

Later, when I was a teenager, our family moved into a small town and everything changed. We were living in a apartment and there was no more cottage, garden or animals. I carried on horse riding until I was 19.

Please tell us about your professional background.

My parents ran a restaurant and it was clear that is what I should do to. Until I was 40 I worked in restaurants - 11 years as a chef. During those years I occasionally published food articles, especially about cooking for men and children’s cookery and later about healthy eating.

Please tell us what brought you to Portugal?

After having moved and worked in Bavaria for 10 years, I decided, that I wanted to leave Germany and fulfill my teenage dream to live somewhere sunny. After a spell in Spain I decided to look for other opportunities. From an earlier holiday to Alvor I had kept a business card of a restaurant owner. I called him from Malaga and applied over the phone as a job as a chef and he asked me to start straight away. So at Christmas 1999 I moved from Malaga to Alvor, started working here on New Year’s Eve and stayed ever since.

In 2007 I stopped working in the restaurant and started as a freelance journalist publishing features about the Algarve and the rest of Portugal in local and international newspapers and magazines. In 2013 I opened my own exclusive small culture-travel agency called Algarve Tourguiding Service, and I organise and guide small groups, couples, and agency groups for individual days or 10-day-trips from Porto to Lisbon to Algarve, and occasionally to Sevilla in Spain, too.

Please tell us about your book?

The project for my new book 111 Places Along The Algarve That You Shouldn't Miss came about unexpectedly. When I started to correspond with the Emons Edition in Cologne, Germany to start thinking

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about writing a travel book about Portugal I was thrilled by their concept to talk about 111 places that you do not find in other travel books.

What a present for an author to choose places, buildings, nature spots, palaces or museums because they are different, interesting, they make curious, are adventurous, cruel, different, ugly, beautiful. In one word - special. So I started a completely different kind of research, especially for this book only From A – Z, I travelled through the archives and chronics of all 16 councils on the hunt for these special spots, which tell more about the place, and more about the people who live there. 

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The book is the 11 Places Along The Algarve That You Shouldn't Miss can you tell us your top three please?

My personal top three are:

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In Chapter 22 – Ponta da Atalaia, Aljezur, a divine spot for the mystic Sufi-Knights.

At this particular spot, 100 metres above the sea, you stand on the cliff between sky, ocean and horizon, you do feel divined yourself, even not knowing the meaning of this spot at the west coast of Algarve. A Ponta da Atalaia, most Westerly point of the Moorish Empire in the 11th century and if you follow the path from here to the other end, in the orient, you will come to Jordan. Here prayed the moorish mystic Cavellerists of Sufi-Imam Ibn-Qasim, and it seems, like their spirit of staying free and autonomous, still lives on at the Ribãt of Arrifana.

Chapter 24 – Ara Vitae, Benafim, the naked woman sculpture Love, Peace and Power have one spring fountain.

The woman. This message is perfectly adapted in this outstanding piece of art.

Chapter 60 – Convento da Graça, Loulé An old doorway is all that is left of the antique Graça-Monastery in Loulé. Above your head there is a pentagon scratched into the limestone of the arch. The middle-age sign for spiritual passing for the Templar-Knights. So when you pass the doorway, you leave the the demons behind you, and you step into the world of religious devotion, so the Knights believed.

What are you working on now?

At this particular moment I am finishing a crime suspense novel which takes the reader to Lisbon in 2019. It contains a politically motivated plot, taking place in the present with historical roots back to the dictatorship of Portugal and the Pide-Secret-Police before 1974.This novel will be edited and released in Emons Edition, Cologne in early 2020 - first in german, later maybe in english.

+INFO:  catringeorge@yahoo.de  www.catringeorge.com  +351 969 052 712

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YOUR HEALTH AND BREXIT

BY TIG JAMES As a member of the core groups of Brexpats Hear Our Voice and British in Portugal, two groups fighting for British rights across the European Union, I was interested in the sudden media activity regarding the health rights of British citizens living across the EU27 countries, following emails released by the British Government.

The press articles gave conflicting information regarding healthcare in the EU27 countries, including Portugal.

Consequently, I wanted to share an update I received from the British Embassy about the announcements on healthcare in a ‘No Deal’ scenario.

Fuller information is found on the gov.uk website under ‘UK nationals living in the EU: Healthcare’ and ‘UK residents visiting the EU: Healthcare’ and includes the NHS pages.

The information for UK nationals living in the EU does include that a UK-issued S1 form may not be valid after 29 March 2019 in a ‘No Deal’ scenario. However, the UK Government is seeking an agreement with Portugal to ensure the continuation of healthcare arrangements. Such an agreement seeks the continuation of healthcare for those registered under an S1 form. Those who are registered for healthcare under an S1 form therefore do not need to do anything.

Additionally, the healthcare system in Portugal is based on residency. In the absence of an S1 form, any UK state pensioner who is registered as a resident in Portugal is entitled to access the Portuguese public health system. The Portuguese Government has stated, in a ‘No Deal’ scenario, UK nationals, regardless of age, registered as residents

will have access to public healthcare.

This is important because if you obtain emergency care, only as a resident will further long term care be given.

Access to healthcare, if resident in Portugal prior to the 29th March 2019 in the event of a ‘No Deal’, will continue until 31st December 2020. If the Withdrawal Agreement is passed, healthcare for legally resident UK citizens continues until 31st December 2020. After the 31st December 2020, continuation of healthcare for British citizens is being negotiated and is partly dependant upon UK reciprocity.

As regards UK residents visiting the EU, in a no deal scenario, an UK-issued EHIC may not be valid to access public healthcare in the EU27 countries after 29 March 2019. The UK government’s advice is they have travel insurance cover.

It is not known if the EHIC card, for UK citizens living in the EU, will be valid in the event of a ‘No Deal’ after the 29th March 2019, so travel insurance may also be prudent.

Finally, the UK government cannot unilaterally protect all the rights, of UK nationals in a ‘No Deal’ scenario, living in the EU27. As can be seen healthcare is one such area.

When more information is available the Embassy will provide further updates.

+INFO:  www.brexpatshov.com  British in Portugal  Brexpats Hear Our Voice  In Limbo - Our Brexit Testimonies

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than a good likeness at this point. After that I would take photographs of the sitter and use these as reference to work from for the final portrait or arrange to meet them in their home or place of work for further sittings.

Meet the artist Next month Mark Fennell will be running his first portrait workshop in Luz. Here the 57-year-old tells us how he was fed up with his job, pulled a ‘sickie’ and ended up becoming a full time artist a year ago.

I am half-Italian with an Italian mother and an English/geordie father. I was born in Aylesbury Buckinghamshire and currently live in the hilltop village of Brill in Buckinghamshire.

I earned my living as an art director in advertising and marketing in and around London and Birmingham for over 30 years.

I worked on advertising and marketing campaigns, often teamed up with writers.

I spent most of my career with a pen in my hand, drawing up concepts to help sell our ideas to clients.

In the end I was driving a total of 130 miles a day to work in Birmingham, I was fed up with my job and disillusioned with the advertising industry so I pulled a ‘sickie’ from work. I lay in bed that morning thinking what shall I do today?

Suddenly it came to me - I’ll have a go at oil painting so I popped down to the local art shop, bought some materials, came home and painted a large conch shell that we had in our bathroom.

From then on I was hooked, I bought an easel which stood in the corner of our living room, and painted most weekends in the living room for years until my daughter left home and her bedroom then became my studio.

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I also took a pochade box (portable painting box) on holidays so I could paint little plein-air landscapes.

I had always done a lot of drawing from a very young age, so yes I suppose it was always my intention to be involved in art in some way but I didn’t start painting until 2001.

I always enjoyed drawing people, so decided to have a go at painting portraits, I had some books on various artists such as Velazquez, Renoir and one on Van Gogh’s portraits. From these books I tried to study the way these artists painted, which led me to buying more books to help me learn the more technical aspects of painting in oils and portraits in particular.

So far I’ve led three workshops in the Costa Blanca Spain and run various workshops and art demonstrations in the south east of England. This will be my first workshop in Luz, Caroline Wood saw an article about me and my work in The society for all artists Paint magazine and contacted me to see if I’d be interested in running a workshop for The Algarve Art Society.

My inspiration comes from the great masters, Rembrandt, Velazquez, Vincent Van Gogh, Lucien Freud as well as more current painters - Nicolas Uribe, Hollis Dunlap and Andrew James, to mention a few. For anyone who is thinking of taking up art I would say, it looks like a nice relaxing pastime but be prepared to put in a lot of hard work! People say to me it must be nice and relaxing to be able to draw and paint but it’s always a struggle, I’m never 100% happy with what I’ve produced therefore I will always think I can do better and constantly push myself to become a better artist.

As a portrait painter, obviously the intention is to get a likeness but I’m more interested in capturing the character, that inner self, I feel it’s really important to spend time with a sitter and get to know them. I would start a commission with a two to three hour sitting in my studio, where I would either draw them in charcoal or paint in oils.

I’m a member of The Royal Birmingham Society of Artists, Bucks Art Society and Oxford Art Society, which all have annual exhibitions where I can sell my work. I also submit work to The Royal Society of Portrait Painters annual exhibitions and occasionally get work accepted there as well as The Artist And Leisure Painter magazine artist of the year Patchings exhibition, of which I have exhibited in 2014 and 2018. Commissions come from different places and various walks of life, I’ve painted Antony Worrall Thompson, The Lord Mayor of Birmingham in 2006 and various portraits of people such as musicians, a judge, families, children, people and their pets. For me there’s nothing more fascinating to paint than the human face.

I play music and we chat, it can be a bit tricky as people are constantly moving and changing position as they talk but to me it’s more important to get a feel for their personality

Mark's workshop will be in Praia da Luz, April 4 & 5th and costs €145.

Contact Caroline Wood +351 968 881 725 caroline@carolinewoodpaintings.com.

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SURF TRUCK Ever fancied staying in a hotel that moves every few days so you wake up most mornings to a different view and sometimes in a different country?

Eduardo Ribeiro and Daniela Carneiro have created a way that you can do just that by converting a Mercedes truck into a Truck Surf Hotel. We spoke to them.

Please tell us about yourselves.

Eduardo, is a Portuguese surfer and longboarder athlete, an adventurer who loves traveling and practicing water sports. He is a kitesurf instructor and has over eight years experience working as a surf instructor and head coach. He grew up in Espinho, Portugal and started surfing when he was nine. Daniela is also a Portuguese surfer from Porto. She used to work as an environmental engineer when she discovered her passion for photography during a trip to Indonesia,Hawaii, Mexico and Brazil in 2013. Since then she started working in the tourism industry as a photographer and a surf instructor.

What is the Surf Truck Hotel?

It is a comfortable and unique hotel ‘on wheels’ that travels between Portugal and Morocco to provide surf, adventure and cultural experiences. This mobile accommodation offers the flexibility to explore different places and different surf spots. The hotel is a transformed 12 metre long Mercedes Truck, with two floors, five double rooms on the upper floor, for 10 people, and a kitchen, living room, toilet, shower, the team room and a lounge terrace on the down floor.

When did you set it up and why?

We have been traveling for many years in a campervan through Europe and Africa, exploring different cultures, surf spots, making new friends, with the freedom to live each adventure as one. We wanted to create something different to share this lifestyle and offer people the flexibility to travel with comfort and the best outdoor experiences. So in July 2017 we created the Truck Surf Hotel that gives the opportunity to explore uncrowded surf spots with the best waves, different natural parks and mountains, live different cultures with a luxurious hotel on wheels that goes everywhere. Our commitment

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to the local culture and environment spreads with us to our destinations. This project is all about sharing travel experiences, making new friends and connecting with each other, combining surf, nature and adventure in a new way of traveling. A unique experience you will never forget!

How does it work?

The Truck Surf Hotel does weekly trips along the west coast of Portugal, during the summer (between Sines and Lagos from May to August and between Viana do Castelo and Aveiro between August and October), and the west coast of Morocco during the winter time (between Essaouira and Agadir from Dec-Mar). The places we normally park in the Algarve are S. Torpes, Aljezur, Vila do Bispo and Lagos. Every week we will plan the activities programme with our guests according to their expectations, either surfing at different beaches, cycling, riding horses, doing yoga retreats among many other options.

For the surf lessons our school provides quality surf teaching with certificated instructors that will guide the surfers (beginners or experts) through the best surf spots. During each trip we move the truck every two days and explore the areas around in our van where we transport the guests and the surf equipment.

In terms of sustainability, what are the hotel’s sustainable, eco-friendly features?

The truck was designed with energy conservation in mind, we coated the walls with materials that conserve the temperature inside, LED lights to reduce the electric consumed and all the household appliance are energy efficiency (AA+). Our toilet is a normal toilet that flushes with water only, without any chemists. 

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Although we have a 500 litre tank we ask our guests to save as much water as possible. We have wooden walls to synchronize with mother nature, and large glassy windows, which allows in plenty of natural light during the day.

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We try to make our footprint as low as possible by using natural cleaning products, waste recycling, promote local food and fresh food markets, and always after a surf session we ask our guests to pick one piece of garbage from the beach - ‘one per session’.

What reaction do you get to the truck?

People get very surprised when they see the truck and realise how spacious and comfortable it is. When they join us on a trip they really love the experience once we take them to the surf spots where the waves are perfect on uncrowded beaches, and also for all the connections people make in the group and with the local communities we travel through. Most of the time when they finish a week aboard the Truck Surf Hotel they want to book the next trip with makes us feel really happy and thrilled to do what we do.

What are your ambitions for the future?

We have a new vision already to spread the Truck Surf Hotel concept. Keep up to date for our next steps.

When you are in the Algarve where do you base yourselves and why?

In 2019 we will be at Algarve and Alentejo (between Sines and Lagos every week) from May until August. We park in campsites, private lands and rural tourism farms close to the ocean. The places we normally park are in: S. Torpes, Aljezur, Vila do Bispo and Lagos.

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Any funny stories? What is the best things about it?

There are many good things about living this experience, from waking up in front of the sea and in contact with nature, to being able to travel everyday and explore new places, new cultures and new waves. Now it feels awkward when we stay in a normal house that doesn’t move. It’s totally addictive this lifestyle and we just want to keep on traveling.

+INFO:  trucksurfhotel.com  trucksurfhotel  trucksurfhotel

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© Yvonne Schmedemann Photography

workers would enjoy happy-hour beers around the same time her students were filing into an adjacent room for classes.

“I used to teach in a school where I had to move kids’ furniture around,” Toepfer said with a laugh. “It’s wonderful now to have a place where there is all the equipment, and everyone can just come, enter the room and just be there and drop into practice.”

NEW ERA OF YOGA ‘DAWNS’ ON WEST COAST

BY ELIZABETH MONTALBANO

Dawn Collective Shala in Vale da Telha offers dedicated space for local yogis to meet, move, breathe and practice.

In recent years, the Algarve’s west coast has blown up as an international destination for yoga enthusiasts to kick back, relax and practice the ancient discipline of movement, meditation and breathing in the natural beauty of the Costa Vicentina.

When they first arrived on the Algarve’s west coast, they used the area more as a “home base” and continued traveling often in Europe, Asia and Australia - particularly for Hartwig’s Yogabija (www.yogabija.eu) retreat platform -while also hosting events in Portugal.

But while the number of retreat opportunities for tourists has grown significantly in recent years, the west coast has lacked a space exclusively devoted to providing classes for local yoga practitioners—until now.

With already full schedules, the idea of starting a local studio in Aljezur wasn’t on the top of the busy couple’s list of things to do. However, as they connected more with other yogis in the area, the lack of a dedicated yoga space for the local community became apparent, Hartwig said.

In June, the Dawn Collective Shala opened in Urbanization Vale da Telha, providing the first dedicated space for local yogis to meet, stretch, breathe and share ideas about the ancient spiritual practice that unites devotees from all over the world.

Founded by a couple from Hamburg, Germany—Annette Hartwig and Daniel Schudt, both experienced yoga teachers—the space also provides a treatment room for Schudt to practice bodywork, drawing on 15 years of experience as a physical therapist.

The pair settled near Aljezur about six years ago after spending most of the last 10 years traveling. In 2009 they decided--like many who end up in the Algarve from other parts of the world--to leave the hectic city behind, setting out from Hamburg to host yoga retreats across Europe, as well as further afield in India and Bali.

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“We realised there’s actually no place around that is exclusively designed for yoga, holistic therapies and other mindful practices,” Hartwig said. “Most bed-and-breakfasts and guesthouses offer yoga to their holiday guests, however, those classes are not as easily accessible for everyone.” Indeed, while the region has many well-established and excellent yoga teachers, most of them offer classes just once or twice at week and nearly always at locations that also serve other purposes.

Jana Toepfer, founder of Ocean and Yoga (www. oceanandyoga.com), has been teaching yoga in Aljezur for about six years; she now teaches a weekly Hatha flow class at the shala. When she arrived in Portugal from Berlin, she first taught yoga in two local primary schools—one of which also served as a place where local

Even Dawn Collective Shala is situated in a rather unlikely place for a yoga studio—an apartment and business block in Vale da Telha, just next door to the busy local pizza restaurant. Upon entering, teachers greet students from behind a counter, offering fair-trade coffee and conducting the business end of things. Chai tea and water are on offer from a self-service station near the door. It’s once you walk through the alcove past ornate recycled antique wooden doors the outside world disappears. Of course, it’s still slightly visible just on the other side of gauzy white curtains and simple blinds that cover some of the large windows surrounding the yoga studio.

But the ambience of the dark-wood floors, the smell of incense and the steady hum of sitar tones playing softly inside the room evokes the sanctity of the yoga tradition itself.

The other benefit of being a place dedicated to yoga is the variety of class offerings.

Initially, Dawn Collective Shala began mainly as a platform for Hartwig’s Ashtanga Mysore practice, in which yogis work individually under a teacher’s guidance on their personal practice—typically first thing in the morning, hence the inspiration for the name “Dawn” Collective. However, the class schedule has since diversified. Hartwig and Schudt also “happily reduced” the number of yoga retreats they offer per year to focus more on sharing their vision with like-minded people for how the shala can benefit the holistic health of community, Hartwig said.

Dawn Collective currently offers yoga classes not only in Hatha and Ashtanga styles, but in others as well to suit various practices. The shala also offers holistic coaching and therapy and mindfulness courses, which will continue during a brief break in yoga classes from mid-February until the end of March. Dawn Collective will have a new full schedule of yoga classes starting again in April.

Connect with the Dawn Collective Shala in Vale da Telha online.

+INFO:  dawncollectiveshala  www.dawncollectiveshala.eu

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THRILLS AT THE AUTÓDROMO

BY PHIL EGGINTON

At the last Tomorrow Winter Ball, the Autódromo do Algarve donated two thrilling ‘Gold Driving’ experiences to auction in support of the Tomorrow Magazine charity, TACT. The experiences were successfully bid for by local residents Beverley Ellison and Matthew Renier. On a sunny Saturday last month both arrived at the Autódromo with a mixture of anticipation and excitement. The day started with an introduction to the three professional instructors, Miguel, Roger and Jorge.

Miguel gave a comprehensive briefing covering safety, the cars used and the techniques of driving fast but safe.

The first exercise was ‘drifting’. This took place in the race schools Porsche Cayman sports car on a specially prepared ‘drift circle’. The drift circle had water running on a smooth concrete surface. This meant low grip, so the car easily slides around. Individually Matthew then Beverley ventured onto the circle accompanied by an instructor. With great instruction they both quickly learnt how a car behaves when cornering. Either the front or rear end will slide according to the combination of steering and throttle applied. At low speeds this gave them a good appreciation of how to control cars in extreme road conditions such as snow, ice or heavy rain.

Both emerged from their experiences with a broad grin on their faces having learnt much.

On then to ‘dynamic control’. Using the tracks Honda Civic Type R, they followed a twisty course building upon the drift skills just learnt. The course had areas of low and high grip, emulating again conditions found in everyday driving.

The third element of the day featured a ‘moose test’.

This test demonstrated how vehicles act when the driver needs to evade suddenly appearing obstacles! An emergency that could easily occur on any road, although not always a moose! Once again Beverley and Matthew took turns behind the wheel of the Honda, accompanied by an instructor. Beverley said: “That was great, I didn't realise how quickly you can steer a car to avoid problems. If you just brake you are more likely to skid into the problem than avoid it!”

The first three sessions were all designed to build up to the final element of the day. Fast laps of the full race track behind the wheel of the circuits Porsche Cayman.

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The sense of anticipation was clear in both drivers. Matthew had been joined by his wife, Kay, and their two children. Beverley's husband, also watching, has been a motorsport professional for many years. So, no pressure!! A total of six laps would be completed, the first being driven by a professional instructor.

Beverley was first out. “The instructor did not spare the horses on his lap. I certainly haven’t been driven that fast before.” Having swapped from the passenger to the driver’s seat, Beverley set off down the pit lane. Each lap gradually going faster and faster. “I felt no pressure to drive fast from the start. The instructor was nice and calm, gently persuading me to push on more”. After her laps she pulled into the pit lane and swapped with Matthew. It was clear from the start that Matthew was very much “up for” the track laps.

After the instructor lap, he was clearly pressing on faster and faster each time he passed the pits. He had a broad grin like the proverbial Cheshire cat as he emerged from the car. “That’s was fantastic, experience of a lifetime” he exclaimed.

Beverley and Matthew then gathered with the instructors for a debrief. Both received certificates to remember their day. Then the times achieved on the circuit laps were revealed. Overall, Matthew proved fastest but Beverley did set the fastest time in the second section of the circuit. Honours even at the end of the day! Beverley summarised the day: “Fabulous experience and very instructional. I thoroughly recommend it” Thanks again to Beverley and Matthew for the donations to TACT and to the Autódromo for the prizes. The Autódromo hold a wide variety of driving experiences yearround. Phil Egginton is a motorsport consultant and journalist who has now retired to the Algarve.

+INFO:  www.aia.pt

WHAT’S ON

JAZZ IN THE WINERIES This month the Paulo Strak Trio will be performing at Barranco do Vale, SB Messines in Silves on March 8th as part of the Jazz in the Wineries programme.

The trio led by Algarve bass guitarist Paulo Strak that offers a relaxed and enthusiastic musical interaction based on the greatest hits of the jazz universe.

A fresh jazz where blues and bossa nova are also prominent.

+INFO:  www.cm-silves.pt

What's on in March Music and masterclasses The third International Festival of Guitar Music takes place this month. There will be a varied programme of great national and foreign musicians, covering many musical genres.

The festival will feature 15 concerts ranging from jazz to classical music, bossa nova and electronic music, and traditional Portuguese music. This year's programme also includes two masterclasses, one on March 3rd,

TRADITIONAL SAUSAGE FAIR This year more than 50 exhibitors will be taking part in the annual free fair of sausages in Monchique on March 2nd and 3rd.

de medronho, homemade sweets, typical of the region, honey, liqueurs and handicrafts. There will also be musical entertainment.

The event aims to promote the traditional handmade sausages derived from black pork and produced according to the traditional methods of the region.

A selection of other products will be on sale including traditional aguardente

The fair will take place in the Municipal Heliport.

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+INFO:  www.cm-monchique.pt  +351 282 910 200

focused on the flamenco guitar and the Portuguese guitar, and a second on March 17th which will focus on jazz guitar.

The festival will be held at venues across the city of Faro, with the aim of engaging different audiences, age groups and revisiting Faro's historical heritage.

+INFO:  Festival Internacional de Guitarra de Faro

WHAT’S ON

SMUGGLERS FESTIVAL This year’s Festival do Contrabando takes place in Alcoutim from March 29th to 31st. The event focuses on a cultural and historical legacy that is collectively remembered throughout the region and the area, and which is part of the local heritage - smuggling in the late 1930s and early 1940s. This was a significant era along the Spanish Luso-Spanish border, due to the not so distant Spanish Civil War and the start of the Second World War.

and beyond linked to smuggling. One of the great attractions of this event is the Floating Bridge over the Guadiana River that allows local communities to see a longstanding dream fulfilled; allowing pedestrians to cross between the two banks of the river, during the three days of the event.

The festival is an event that re-creates a rural market of the era, combining all the activities of contraband, guards, and ancient crafts, with a street art festival and historical recreations that focus on themes like rurality, desertification, aging, customs and traditions of the region

Free Entry (Floating Bridge Crossing €1)

The festival is from 2pm to 2am on March 29th and between 10am and 2am on March 30th and 31st.

+INFO:  festivaldocontrabando  festival.contrabando@cm-alcoutim.pt

The Barlavento Festival of Performing Arts takes place between March 22nd to 24th with events that have been organised by Associação Teatro Experimental de Lagos in Portimão, Lagos and Sagres.

PERFORMING ART OUT AND ABOUT

There will be a whole string of events starting with one on March 22nd at Mar d’Estórias Bistro in Lagos at 7pm. For €18 guests will sail through Uncharted Sounds which is simultaneously a dinner and a sound voyage that addresses various tones and intensities emitted by instruments from all over the world.

Other highlights include a poetic show about love that endures in old age, with artistic direction from Sérgio Fernandes (Teatro Só) called Sorriso (or Smile) which

FREE YOGA Quinta Bonita and Body Soul Balance have combined energies to bring new experiences to Lagos and the surrounding areas. The brand new ‘Azulejos’ tiled studio which opened this month is set in the Quintas’ spectacular 2.5acres of majestic gardens and has huge glass fronted windows to maximise the tranquil views and Algarve sun.

To celebrate they are offering free classes for the opening week March 11 – 17th, including family yoga, SUP yoga on their pool, Vinyasa flow yoga and relaxing yoga. They aim to give local people an opportunity to try something different in a new location, creating a sense of community and wellbeing. This is just the beginning as they hope to offer day retreats throughout the year, beginners yoga courses and children yoga/SUP workshops during the school holidays.

For more information contact Chloe for class times.

+INFO:  chloewardhealing@outlook.com

will be free on March 23rd at Jardim 1º de Dezembro in Portimão at 4PM. In Sagres on March 24th there will be a performance of a musical called Milho por Peixe (Corn for Fish). The musical was created by Giacomo Scalisi and artists Arantxa Joseph and André Duarte.

These are just a few of the events.

There are many others and to see a full programme please go to the website.

+INFO:  +351 962 512 133  associacaotel@gmail.com  www.ajtel.org  www.365algarve.pt/en/agenda/7324/program.aspx

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CALENDAR

March Calendar FITNESS

EVENTS

March 1st, 8th & 15th Tao Inner Smile Meditation 2 - 3.15pm, €8, March 6th, 13th & 20th Qi Self-Massage 4.15 - 5.30pm, €8, InLight Lagos, inlight.pt, 913127421 March 9th & 10 Circus Workshop Day 1 2.30 - 5pm Families, Day 2 2.30 - 5pm Adults €10 each day, Aljezur T: 968296503 March 11 – 17 Open Week Celebrating the opening of the Azulejos studio Quinta Bonita are offering FREE classes: Hatha Flow Yoga Mon 6.30pm Family Yoga (adults & 5-10 yrs) Wed 5.30pm SUP Yoga Thurs 9.30am Breath & Stretch Yoga 11am (Must Book), Quinta Bonita Luxury Boutique Hotel Lagos T: 964593937 April 14th Craft Fair Crafts, arts, gifts, charity stalls & children's activities & Easter Egg hunt. Food availalbe all day from The Hook Restaurant

March 10th Nourishing Stillness Restorative Yoga Workshop 4pm - 6pm All welcome No experience necessary, €15, T: 912176914 March 2 Walk from S. Brás de Alportel to Milreu by the Roman Road (guided visit to Calçadinha Romana in S.B. d. Alportel & Roman Ruins of Milreu) €12 Estói March 10 - Live with Low Waste Mini Workshop & Beach Clean Up Free Praia da Angrinha, Ferragudo March 16 Via Algarviana (Barranco Velho to Salir - 15km) €10 Salir Quimera Experience, T: 962647741/ 969467275 Quiz Night Mon 8.30pm | Rodizio of Tapas (Call for dates) 7pm | BBQ Meat Feast Sun 2pm - 9pm €7.50 The Courtyard Bistro & Bar, Alvor, T: 912441143

Beginners Yoga Course (March 10th) 11am - 12:15pm, €45 (6 weeks), Inlight Lagos, T: 912176914 Cardio Flow Yoga Mon 6.30pm | Family Yoga Wed 5.30pm | Stretch and Breath Yoga Thurs 11am €10 SUP Yoga Thurs 9.30am €15, Quinta Bonita Lagos T: 964593937 Total Fitness Mon 7.30pm, €6 | HIIT Yoga Fri 9.30am €7 Burgau Sports Centre Legs Bums & Tums Mon 11am | Boxercise Tues 9.30am €6, Ocean Club Luz, Boxercise Wed 10.30am Praia Três Irmãos, Alvor €6 Soames Fitness, T: 913425893 Yoga Mon 11am | Fitness Tue & Thurs 9.30am | Pilates Mon & Wed 9.30am | Pilates for Pregnant Wed 11am, €5 Santo Antonio, T: 282690086 Gentle Hatha Mon 6.30 8pm Old School | Burgau Wed 12.15 - 2pm, Hotel Belavista | Luz | €8, T: 965201477

Pilates Wed 11am, Yoga & De-stress Fri 11am, Zumba Dance Wed & Fri 10am, Step! & Tone Thurs 10am, €7.50 Hotel Belavista Luz, T: 968288258

Pilates Mat Classes (All Levels) Mon- Fri 9:30am 10:30am & 6pm, €10 or €90 x10, AR Pilates Studio Chinicato Lagos, T: 966787280

Yoga Mon Wed & Fri 10am €10 Ocean Villas Gardens Praia da Luz, T: 282767303

Ashtanga Yoga Basics Tues & Thurs 10.30am | Ashtanga Yin Mix Tues 7pm | Yin Yoga | Wed 9.15am, €10/€65 for 8 (residents), Clube Desportivo do Burgau fit2lovelife T: 913202621

Pilates Mat Classes | Daily 9.15 & 10.30am & Mon 6pm €10 (€90-10), Barre Pilates Wed 12pm & Sat 10.15am Pilates Equipment Classes Duet Reformer | Semi Private & 1-2-1, Pilates Room Lagos, T: 926514613 Tai Chi Mon 8.30am (€5 sugg.donation) | Gentle Yoga Mon 12.30pm €7.50 Kundalini Yoga with GongBath Tues 8pm €15 (pls reg) | Therapeutic QiGong Fri 8.30am (€5 sugg.donation) | Yoga Nidra - Deep Relaxation Sun 11am €7.50, InLight Lagos inlight.pt T: 913127421 Vijnana Yoga | Mon 10am -12pm, | €9 / €7 regulars, Alma Verde Burgau T: 962492607

Hatha Yoga (Begninners) Mon Wed & Fri 9.45-11.45am, Yin Yoga Tues & Thurs 9.45am | | Booking required, €10, Boavista Golf Resort | Luz, Yin Yoga Mon 4pm, Hatha yoga (beginners) Fri 3.30pm, €12pc or €60x6, Alma Verde, T: 963614499 Hatha Yoga Mon & Thurs 10.30am | Kundalini Yoga Mon & Wed 6.30pm | Pre-Natal Yoga Thurs 12pm €12 | Qi Gong Wed 10.30am & Thur 6.30pm €8 Sat 10am & 4.30pm (Children) €10 | Ninjutsu/Budo Tajutsu Tues & Fri 7.30pm €10, Casa Sakra Lagos T: 916060814

CLASSES & ACTIVITIES Urban Dance Wed 5.15pm (Kids 7+) | 6.15pm ( Adults) | 7.15pm (Teens 12+) €8/€25pm, Alma Verde Burgau, Fri 6.30pm (teens) €7, Bombeiros Vila Do Bispo, Private Classes €20p/ Sess., T: 916022719 Junior Academy - PGA Golf Professional Alfredo Cunha Sat 11am (1st Lesson Free) Equipment provided | Book 24hrs advance, €25p., Espiche Golf Espiche, T: 282688250

Classical Guitar Classes (English Speaking ABRSM Certified) 1-2-1 for children, adults & seniors €20p/h (References available), Lagos, Paulo T: 962690582

Medieval Sword/Stick Fighting (All Ages!)Thurs 5pm, €8, Sargaçal/Lagos (contact for exact place), E: s.bieg@posteo.de T: 004917678678743

Aljezur International Choir Singers from the Southwest Algarve Thurs 2pm Sing in various languages, Music Room Aljezur Bombeiros, T: 914285640

Oriental Dance Class (beginners/interm.) Mon 7 - 8.30pm €8.50/class €30/ month, Lagos, T: 914851331

Open Mic Night Wed 9pm ’til midnight All artists musicians, poets, comedians, dancers & fun people welcome Free Admission Junction 17 (Under The Galley Restaurant) Luz T: 964201904/ 911568625

Open Painting Studio Wed & Thurs 10.30am | €12.50, Healing Painting For Generation 70+- | Thurs 3pm €10, Barão S. Joao, T: 962039574

Life Drawing Mon 11am - 1pm Beginners & Professionals, €10 p.sess | Marina de Lagos, T: 916035308

Watercolour Classes Thurs 10am, €11, Sala Paroquial (Church Hall) Praia da Luz, T: 912149839

Photography Advice Mon 11am - 1pm, Art Academy Marina de Lagos T: 917271789

Computer Classes Sat 10am All levels | Lagos T: 918764613

African Dance Classes Thurs 10.30 €10, Rancho Folclorico Rogil, T: 964588588

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Latin & Ballroom Tues 10am (interm) 11.30 (Begin & Improv.) & 12.15pm (begin.) Alvor Community Centre Wed 7pm (New Begin.) 7.45 (Improv.)

Carvoeiro Clube de Tenis, €5 T: 961916821

Circus VagabunT Classes for children (6-12yrs) Tues 2.30-6.30pm Aljezur/ Wed 2-5.30pm Budens/ Thurs Odeceixe 3-6.30pm, €25 p/m, Leo: 968296503 Lagos Walking Football Wed 9.30-11am | +50yrs Welcome, €3 | Boavista Golf Resort | Luz, T: 282790930

Music Lessons (Piano, Guitar, Keyboard & Voice) Beginners & Intermediate €25p.h, Salema T: 964201904 ROLL UP for experienced bowlers Mon & Fri 10am, Bowls for Beginners Tue 11am (1st lesson FREE), €10 (non mem.) | Floresta Bowls Club | Rua Direita | Praia da Luz, T: 919707635 Netball Wed 7pm | All ages & abilities,Tennis Courts Boavista Golf Resort charlie.milsom@gmail.com

USEFUL NUMBERS GENERAL FAITH Sunday Service 10.30am | International Christian Community, Madness Restaurant Lagos Marina, T: 932082813 Communion Services Said Holy Communion Thurs 10am & Sun 8am, Sung Holy Communion (with hymns) 11.30am, CoE | St Vincent’s Anglican Church | Praia da Luz (church by the sea), Chaplain T: 282789660

CHARITY & SUPPORT March 20th Alzheimer's/ Dementia Support Group 11am, Cafe Bom Dia, Rua Moinho do Azeite | Lagos, Carol T: 926297527 or Kirsteen T: 968084946 Riding for Disabled | Mon, Wed, Fri 10am | Volunteers welcome, weather permitting, Bensafrim, T: 915090044 AA International English Speaking Meeting Wed 7.30 - 9pm, Rua Da Freguesia Lote 12c, Lagos, T: 964201904 / 282760506, AA hotline: 917005590

INFO: WWW.CM-LAGOS.PT EMERGENCY 112 HOSPITAL 282 770 100 RED CROSS 282 760 611 FIRE SERVICE 282 770 790 POLICE SERVICE (PSP) 282 780 240 NATIONAL GUARD (GNR) 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 LAGOS CINEMA 282 799 138 CULTURAL CENTRE 282 770 450 HEALTH CENTRE 282 780 000 LUZ DOC (LUZ) 282 780 700 PRIVATE HOSPITAL 282 790 700 CHIROPRACTOR 282 768 044 DENTAL CLINIC 918 366 646 LAGOS VET 282 782 282 FUNERAL SERVICES 282 769 827 MOBILITY VEHICLES 964 230 225 ALL MOBILITY AIDS 282 760 611

PHARMACIES/CHEMIST LACOBRENSE NEVES CHEMIST RIBEIRO LOPES TELLO CHEMIST SILVA CHEMIST ODIÁXERE CHEMIST

282 762 901 282 769 966 282 762 830 282 760 556 282 762 859 282 798 491

CONSULATES/EMBASSIES BRITISH FRANCE (FARO) GERMAN (LAGOS) NETHERLANDS (FARO) CANADA (FARO) SWEDISH (FARO) IRISH

282 490 750 281 380 660 282 799 668 213 914 900 289 803 757 213 942 260 213 308 200

NO JOB TOO SMALL

Promote your events and activities here it’s FREE! Email your listings to us: for.tomorrow@hotmail.com

PORTUGUESE LESSON 912 417 994 TRANSLATIONS 916 618 527 ALICE (PORTUGUESE) 914 269 118 GAVIN COX (BUILDER) 916 430 132 HELIO (ELECTRICIAN) 917 288 966 LUIS (LOCKSMITH) 964 605 213 CHIM. & WIN. CLEANER 926 860 123 RUSSELL (MECHANIC) 282 639 778 ANA (SEWING) 919 747 591 STEVEN (COMPUTERS) 936 387 512 PEDRO (COMPUTERS) 917 165 238 XELI (FLORIST) 282 768 129 UK DELIVERIES 0044 208 123 1966 DESIGN 916 606 226 ALISON HAIRDRESSER 918 663 352 PAINTING - INT / EXT 925 374 624 CARPET CLEANING 915 532 850 PAUL (POOL REPAIR) 965 641 898 ACCOUNTANT 969 041 750

WHAT’S ON of plants with a well-known biodiversity, and with well-documented flora. This area has the potential to inspire the most fantastic natural gardens.

One of the objectives of the Association of Mediterranean Gardens in Portugal has been to encourage local nurseries to expand their range of plants. The small nurseries that propagate their own plants have responded to our requests, and we hope they have benefited from the growth in demand for more robust and drought resistant plants. Plants that are native to Portugal, as well as other Mediterranean climate areas, all suitable for our gardens here in the Algarve.

CALLING ALL GARDENERS

BY ROSIE PEDDLE This year, for the first time, we are very happy to be able to hold our event in the pleasant FISSUL location in Silves. The event will take place on March 16th (between 11am and 5pm) inside the building with its excellent facilities, extensive free parking, and will go ahead whatever the weather.

The aim of this spring event is to highlight and support the new project by MGAP for the Barrocal Botanic Garden and donations received on the day will go to support it. In keeping with this we will also have for sale native trees, seeds and plants. Visitors will be able to learn more about the Association's internationally recognised Botanic Garden project at Quinta da Figueirinha with a special free talk on the garden.

The Barrocal is one of the three ecological areas of the Algarve and has a distinct community

There will be nurseries specialising in droughtresistant perennials, herbs, fruit trees and shrubs - an excellent opportunity to find a variety of different plants. There will also be a variety of other exhibitors, with organic products, wines, essential oils, art with plants, and a demonstration of solar cookers.

In parallel with the sale of plants, there will be free illustrated talks by Fernanda Botelho and other authorities on Mediterranean gardening.

This event is the only opportunity to see a selection of plant nurseries all in the same space, on the same day, bringing the best they have to sell. Take part in this event on March 16th and you will find many suggestions for your garden.

There will be specialised books for sale, seeds of native plants and advice from members of the association.

Free extensive parking on site. Catering available.

Occasional music provided by Grupo Rancho Folclorico.

This event takes place in partnership with the Junta de Freguesia de Silves and with the help of the Câmara Municipal de Silves.

+INFO:  mgapfairs@gmail.com  www.mediterraneangardeningportugal.org  +351 918 718 474 / 289 791 869

Natural Essence An exhibition of paintings by Lagoabased artist Inna Hawker is on until March 8th at the Municipal Library in the town. The exhibition called Natural Essence shows many of the self-taught artist’s works. The library’s opening hours are between 2.30pm and 7pm on Monday and between 10am and 7pm from Tuesday to Friday.

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Inna Hawker is a self-taught artist who was born in Ukraine in 1981 and moved to Portugal 10 years ago.

+INFO:  +351 911 138 329  inna.hawker@mail.ru  Paintings of Inna Hawker

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WHAT’S ON

STREET CATS The Friends Of AEZA supporting their local animal shelter is hosting a charity Carnaval party on Saturday March 2nd.

The event at the Restaurant Vale da Telha in Aljezur at 7.30pm will raise funds to help build feeding stations for the area’s street cats. The group was created to supports Aljezur’s animal welfare charity, AEZA .

DANCE SCHOOL FUNDRAISER Sobre Artes- Escola de Dança is hosting a fundraising event on April 6th at 7pm.

There will be a curry night and entertainment including a dance show with race games.

Tickets cost €15 for an adult and €5 for children under 12 and include hot and cold food.

The money raised will be used for international examinations and improvements to the dance studio. The event, which will cost €10, including supper, will take place at Sobre Artes Dance School - CRCD Luzense, Rua Direita Praia da Luz. For more information or tickets please call Vanessa.

+INFO/TICKETS:  +351 915 968 260 / 960 306 049 / 965 343 356  +351 966 602 194 (Portuguese)

+INFO:  +351 913 832 335 (Vanessa)

GET READY FOR A GIGGLE In conjuction with Lagoa Humorfest 2019

by Amanda Whittington Directed by Angela Theobold

21, 22, 23 March 2019 Carlos do Carmo Auditorium Lagoa, 7.45pm "All the charm of Calendar Girls and The Full Monty, with a good dollop of Dinner Ladies" An amateur production by arrangement with Nick Hern Books

Tel: 913 745 261 www.thealgarveans.com

M/12

TICKETS 12€

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Sponsors

algarveansboxoffice@gmail.com

Play Classification:

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The spring weather may be unpredictable but laughter is certain to be heard in the Carlos do Carmo Auditorium in Lagoa. The Algarvean Experimental Theatre Group which has invited to take part in Humorfest, Lagoa’s annual comedy festival which is happening throughout March.

Members of the company are already learning lines, sewing costumes and building sets for their first production of the season; Ladies’ Day by Amanda Whittington which promises to deliver the humour of Calendar Girls and The Full Monty, with a generous dollop of the charm of Dinner Ladies.

Taking the reins as director for the first time with The Algarveans is Angela Theobold whom audience members will remember as

Vicar Geraldine Granger in last year’s popular production of The Vicar of Dibley. Angela has gathered a cast of fresh faces and experienced members, and brings many years of stage experience as well as her own brand of humour to rehearsals, where the emphasis is not only on producing an enjoyable, professional show but fun for those rehearsing.

You can read more about the Algarveans on page 12 of this month’s magazine.

Ladies’ Day is playing at the Carlos do Carmo Auditorium, Lagoa from March 21- 23. Curtain up at 7.45 pm. Tickets costing €12 can be booked by email or phone.

+INFO:  algarveansboxoffice@gmail.com  +351 913 745 261  www.thealgarveans.com

WHAT’S ON

On Tuesday March 12th , the Algarve Archaeological Association (AAA) will be presenting two lectures, in English, by Will Rathouse. The first lecture will be at 2.30pm at the Museu do Traje in São Brás, the second lecture will be at 6pm at the Convento de São José in Lagoa.

Thames Discovery Programme foreshore

'THE THAMES DISCOVERY PROGRAMME'

BY JANE ROBERTSON

Running through the heart of London is a mighty river: The Thames. It has played a central role in the history of the city, and when the tide is low, the capital's longest archaeological site is revealed. As the tides of the Thames reveal evidence of the past, this talk reveals the work of the river's foreshore. This project was initiated over 10 years ago by the noted archaeologists Gustav Milne, Nathalie Cohen and Eliott Wragg.

They had noted that the river was continually revealing and washing away archaeological features, some of which were going unrecorded. Funding for a sufficiently large dedicated team of professional monitoring archaeologists was (and still is) unlikely to be forthcoming. They therefore decided to involve

interested members of the public who were trained and organised into the Foreshore Recording and Observation Group, FROG for short. In this talk Will Rathouse will explain how they have operated and what they have found.

William Rathouse is a community engagement archaeologist for MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology) working on the Thames Discovery Programme and other community projects.

His responsibilities include outreach to over 75s and bringing in new groups to benefit from the project, including people with mental health problems and forces veterans.

Non-members are welcome to attend AAA lectures for a €5 admission fee, with all money raised by the AAA being used for archaeological grants and speakers. Please check the website or facebook page for any last minute changes.

+INFO:  algarvearchass@gmail.com  Algarve Archaeological Association  arquealgarve.weebly.com

JOINING FORCES The Western Algarve Community Choir (WACC) is excited to announce a joint performance later this month with two choirs - the Lagos-based Swedish Choir and Kraftkällan who, along with their Choir Leader Veikko Kiever, are visiting the Algarve from Sweden.

The performance will be held in Lagos on Saturday March 23rd. At time of going to press, the venue has not been confirmed - so for further details on venue, times and tickets, please do contact either myself on the email below or Lagos Swedish Choir co-Leader Annika Nyqvist.

We hope you can join us on what promises to be a very exciting and fun-filled evening!

The Western Algarve Community Choir is an all-inclusive choir with no auditions or previous singing experience necessary, and a strong emphasis on singing for fun. For more details about our events calendar, joining the choir, or for booking future events, please contact choir leader Elizabeth Roberts Honey.

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The Swedish Choir in Lagos was formed in summer 2017 by Carina Källström, Kerstin Ströberg, Berit Haraldsson och Kerstin Pääjärvi.

From the start the choir consisted of 10 women but has grown quickly and today there are 30-40 singers including a small section of gentlemen, and the interest to sing in the choir still grows.

The choir meets every Monday and the repertoire are Swedish folk songs and schlagers, classical choir songs. The experience of singing in a choir are mixed - so for some singers this is a new challenge. The concerts have been popular, well attended and given more members to the choir.

+INFO:  elizabeth_roberts15@hotmail.com  annikanyqvist@hotmail.com

TOM-7-14-engl-2_Jens-ESA 16.07.15 16:39 Seite 1

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WHAT’S ON

Carnival Time!

BY LENA STRANG

This is the time of year when towns and villages up and down the country prepare for the biggest celebration of the year. Carnival is a serious affair. It’s about music, dance and showing off in colourful costumes. Schools and leisure associations organise their own parades and merriment. There are countless bailles and themed parties with prizes for the best costumes. It is a time to truly let your hair down. Perhaps the most spectacular aspects are the official Carnival parades organised in many areas. Preparations start long before the actual event with the making of elaborate themed outfits and fancifully decorated floats.

What are the origins of Carnival? The earliest Carnivals were celebrated in Greece from 600 to 520 AD as gratitude to the gods for good harvests. In Europe Carnival originated in Italy hundreds of years ago when people would dress up and celebrate the day before Lent. There were large feasts where quantities of meat would be eaten as during Lent Catholics weren’t allowed to consume any. In fact, the word carnavale signifies ‘to put away the meat.” Carnival spread to other Catholic countries and arrived in Brazil via Madeira by Portuguese settlers.

Carnival is no longer religious in nature and continues well past Ash Wednesday and can last almost three weeks. It is a non-stop party where the focus is on fun and celebration!

There are many things happening in the Algarve during this time. Here are just a few: On Friday March 1st at 10am Carnival kicks off in Lagos with a Children’s Parade aided by several local associations. After making its way along the streets of the historic centre, the procession will end at the Praça do Infante (by the Church of Santa Maria). There will be lots of music, dance and surprises in store for participants and spectators!

In Odiáxere a Children’s Parade will take place on Sunday March 3rd at 2.30pm at the Recinto de Alegria (the square with the

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windmill) and on Tuesday 5th at the same time, the main Carnival Parade with its colourful floats and musical accompaniment will take centre stage.

As Portimão is the European City of Sport in 2019, the floats will reflect this under the slogan More Sport for All. Floats will parade the narrow streets of Mexilhoeira Grande on March 3rd at 3.30pm followed by a parade on March 5th, at 3.30pm in the centre of Portimão, ending in the Riverside zone. No doubt the perfect place to watch the proceedings. There are many more events in the region and readers are advised to check dates on the Internet.

However, I have saved the biggest and many would say, the best Carnival, for last. Loulé Carnival, which goes back over a hundred years, will take place from Sunday March 3rd to Tuesday 5th (the main Carnival day) at 3 5.30pm each day on the main Costa Mealha Avenue.

The theme this year is The Circus of Selfies and as expected, few are saved from the jokes and satire, with social media and the narcissistic act of taking pictures of oneself, having their share. As always, political figures of the day are targets. Apart from Presidents Macron and Trump we will see Teresa May and Angela Merkle battling it out in a weightlifting contest to see who will win the heavyweight category of Europe! Apart from the amazing floats, the area will turn into an enormous outdoor circus with trapeze artists, clowns, jugglers, entertainers and scantily dressed samba dancers doing their routines.

In an effort to make the event environmentally friendly all bars and restaurants will use 100% degradable and compostable cups and so reducing the use of plastic at events in the Algarve.

Tickets cost €2 and all proceeds go to charity. It is advisable to arrive early, and find parking near the Stadium.

Let’s enjoy Carnival to the full this year!

SPORTS

NEW CLUB CAPTAIN AT ESPICHE Brian Probert was born in Middlewich, Cheshire and made a living in the family business as a butcher. He started playing golf at the age of 40 at Peover Golf Club where he was a member for 10 years. Brian is a passionate golfer with a handicap of 22. He never had the time to practice much due to professional reasons, but this was about to change when he made his first visit to Portugal.

Brian is currently our Vice-Captain, playing three to four times a week and will be our next Club Captain in 2019.

have a good team that will work well for the Club. I won’t be making too many changes, but I would like to do some charity events to support Bombeiros.

Why did you decide to move to Lagos and why did you choose Espiche Golf as your home club?

I visited Portugal for the first time in 2004 and fell instantly in love with the Algarve. My brother was living in Lagos, so I decided to buy a holiday house here too that four years later would become my permanent home. In 2008, I moved permanently to Lagos, left my work as a butcher and joined Pestana. I was a member in Pestana for five years.

Being a ‘lefty’, tell us what your biggest challenges are when you are out on the course with other players?

That’s funny because I’m right-handed in all sports apart from golf and cricket.

I recently played the Roll Up with three left-handed golfers, which was a first for me. Being a left-handed golfer, I don’t think it makes any difference at all.

After all the travelling from Lagos to Silves to play golf, I was invited to play at Espiche Golf in 2012 with a member, Steve Knight. I really enjoyed the course and quickly decided to join in 2013 as a gold member.

What are your expectations as Club Captain?

It will be my first time as a Club Captain and I have to say that I’m really a bit nervous. I see myself as a quiet but friendly person and therefore not used to being the centre of attention. Alan Stavert will join the Committee as Vice-Captain and I believe that we will

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I hope members don’t expect too much of me though!

What are the top five golf courses you have played?

Silves International, Pestana Vila Sol, Vale da Pinta, Ribagolfe and of course Espiche Golf.

What are your favourite holes at Espiche Golf?

Holes 7, 8 and 17. I already did birdies on hole 8 and 17.

What would be your ideal 4 ball?

Personally, I like meeting new people, but I would love to play with Rory Mcllroy who is a big Manchester United fan too.

Besides golf, do you have any other hobbies?

I like watching all sports but particularly football because of my football club, Manchester United, where I’ve been a member for 60 years. I’m also waiting for my membership as a supporter of the Portuguese Football Club Benfica.

ANYONE FOR (PADEL) TENNIS? Clube Tenis de Lagos was founded 30 years ago, and six standard tennis courts plus a junior practice court were built on a big site near the Ship Roundabout in Lagos. A small, sloping part of the site remained unused until 2017 when the ‘clube’ decided to build two paddle tennis (padel) courts. The courts are only a third of the size of a standard tennis court.

And that is the beauty of padel! The courts can be built on small sites, in towns and cities, and people, young and not-so-young, working in town, can play after work, or after school or college.

Padel is very popular in Spain, and in Scandinavia, and the Lagos Clube is hoping to encourage more people locally to use the courts. Padel is a synthesis of the three major racket and ball games: tennis, squash, and ping pong.

The surface of a padel court is like the sand-filled carpet of an all-weather tennis court. The artificial court surface is much kinder to the knees and hips than the conventional hard tennis court. It has a tennis net separating the players. Both singles and doubles can be played on the same court. The ball resembles a tennis ball but is slightly spongier. The padel serve is underhand - unlike tennis.

The padel court is surrounded by fencing and glass walls and players are allowed to play the ball after it has bounced off the wall - much like the game of squash.

Finally, the ball is hit using a paddle - not a strung racket. It is similar, but more substantial than a ping pong paddle.

To find out more or to give it a go please call.

+INFO:  +351 936 568 858 (George, Tiago or Ricardo)  Near the Ship Roundabout, Lagos Avenida GPS N037.10982 W008.68063

Tomorrow 90x65 06-17.indd 2

19/06/2017 10:52

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SPORTS

Chipping

BY ALFREDO CUNHA

A chip is any short shot played around the green using a golf club from a 7 iron to a sand wedge.

Most golfers spend plenty of time on the range working on their long irons and woods but not enough on the chipping green. Mastering your shots around the green is key to lower your handicap. There are two main type of chips shots, using a lob wedge to land the ball next to the pin and spin it to a quick stop, or using a long iron for a typical links golf shot called the “chip and run”.

The basic idea is to land the ball on the green and have it roll to an area as close to the cup as possible. The first point of reference is the spot where you want the ball to land. That spot should be on the putting surface. Visualisation is a big part of chipping. Try to see the shot in your mind before you hit the ball. It is all about where is the ball going to land and how will it run after that.

Your choice of club depends on the amount of green you have between your landing point (inside the green) and the hole. For example, if you have 20 meters between your spot to land

the ball and the hole you should be playing a 7 iron for a classic “chip and run”. If the distance is more like three meters you can play a sand wedge to lob the ball and make it stop. Rolling the ball is always safer than “flying” the ball.

The movement: Your stance should be narrower than normal. Get your weight 70% on the left side, then use your putting grip to swing through the ball.

The key thing is to make a line between your left arm and club and keep it through the swing, same amount back and through.

Try to practice with every club in your bag starting with 7 iron and finish with the sand wedge.

Alfredo is the PGA Golf Professional at Espiche.

+INFO:  +351 912 370 309  acunha@espichegolf.pt  www.espichegolf.pt

The Beach Boys already sang about it in 1963. And the sound of it instantly induces happiness in many surfers. Of course I’m talking about: waxing down your surfboard!

You might not know it, but almost all surfboards need a layer of wax on top.

Without it, surfers would be helplessly flapping about, sliding off their boards anytime they try to stand up.

GOT WAX?

BY NIELS LABRUIJERE

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Surf wax is an important part of the surfer’s daily equipment and there are as many opinions about the best wax, as there are brands around. So, I hereby present you my ultimate pro-guide on choosing your surf wax: Water temperature Very important! All brands have a range of wax for different water temperatures, usually measured from very cold (Scandinavian seas) to hot (tropical deserted islands). In Portugal you will need wax for cold to mid-warm temperatures. The local surf shops will have plenty in stock, and it’s cheap!

2 3 Smell Do not underestimate this. Have you ever realised your nose is often very close to the wax while surfing? Perhaps that is why many brands have created wax that smell fantastic. Do not share your preference publicly if you are not up for heated debates on the subject of great smells.

Availability Surf wax has magical hiding skills.

Especially when the waves are pumping and you desperately need it. Therefore, your choice of surf wax is often depending on the type your friendly neighbor uses.

There you have it, use it wisely. And let’s be honest; the best smell is coconut.

Surf Guide Algarve does not offer lessons. Contact your local surf school for this.

+INFO:  +351 938 136 557  info@surfguide.com  www.surfguide.com

QPA HORSE RIDING CENTRE

Come horse riding at QPA this winter and enjoy the beauty of the countryside on well-schooled horses and ponies. _________________________________________________ For more information or to book, please call: Â Stables: 282 687 596 | Office: 282 789 801 After 18h: 282 687 263 www.qpahorseriding.com | qpahorseriding@gmail.com

special winter deal for residents

A fond farewell

BY TOM HENSHAW Clive Goodacre (1947 to 2018) was a great friend to both Amber and I and was a special ambassador for the Tomorrow magazine.

I met Clive about 15 years ago when he was a major contributor to the Goodlife magazine with his regular gardening articles matched with exquisite photographs of Algarve gardens.

I know that Clive was a very well known figure in the International graphic world for nearly 40 years, renowned for his breadth of knowledge, industry vision and unbounded enthusiasm for life.

A very smart, funny and intuitive communications professional Clive was greatly respected by his colleagues and the wider industry alike.

He lived a full life in the Algarve with his wonderful and supportive wife, Jenny who nursed him through the very difficult times when he became ill. He was involved in many activities and he certainly loved his cycling, photography and had a great love of music. At Clive and Jenny’s home you can see the beautiful garden where he indulged in one of his greatest pastimes, gardening.

He brought all his special gardening skills to bear in his regular monthly features in this magazine focusing on ‘The Algarve garden’ and so ensuring readers could be selecting plants and trees that worked in the local climate.

Clive will be sadly missed in many ways.

He was certainly a very talented man which he displayed in great abundance when working with the magazine. Even when he stopped writing he provided us with his professional and constant advice to ensure the magazine reached the standard it has achieved.

I considered him a personal friend who brought his talents to bear to ensure Tomorrow was a magazine he was proud to be associated with having worked for most of his life with large print companies and was group editor of Northwood Publications.

Thanks Clive for adding so much inspiration and enrichment to all who knew you.

We send our love and best wishes to Jenny and to their children, Vicky and Alex and grandchildren Riley, Lily and Lucas.

He started to teach at The International School in Porches. His free days did not last long as they were filled with requests from friends to tutor their children at home. Trudy joined him with the tutoring.

Together with the help of parents the tutoring moved to an area called Val Verde and Vale Verde College was started in a disused primary school at Quatro Estradas. Trudy said: “Jok

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George Bailey (March 17th 1922- January 12th 2019) was 79 when he and his wife Judith arrived in the Algarve and he lived until he was 96.

His first visit to Europe was in 1944 as a Lieutenant with the Heavy Regiment Royal Artillery. His heroic story of the war is told in his book George’s War which was published 2013 and received gratefully by the Imperial War Museum.

George had four daughters, eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

He was always interested in politics and kept himself up to date with world's current affairs and enjoyed a good old debate with friends and visitors.

He enjoyed painting and sketching in the first few years of his life in the Algarve and was always pottering in the garden and looking after the wild life.

The loss of a teaching talent Jok was born on June 5th 1936 and died on December 31st 2018. He came to the Algarve in the late 1980s followed by his partner Trudy.

An officer and a gentleman

was an excellent teacher with a warm heart and a fund of knowledge from unbelievable directions.

He always went to school with tremendous pleasure in his heart.”

She added: “He believed in the teenagers.

He always enjoyed his teaching and so did the students. They also liked that he often forgot to give them homework!”

Jok and Trudy's work is continued in Aljezur International School. His wisdom and knowledge are missed.

George turned his attention to horse racing in his last few years and enjoyed a little flutter when the major races were televised.

Needless to say he enjoyed the social lunches and dinners and was always the perfect host and poured the perfect gin and tonic!

George’s wife, Judi, said: “Thank you George, for your kindness, wisdom and generosity. You were a true gentleman who was loved by many and will be sorely missed.”

There will be a memorial to celebrate George’s life on March 17th.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

WHY DO YOGA IF YOU DO SPORT?

BY ANN DE JONGH

VARICOSE VEINS Signs, symptoms and complications

BY NIKI MEDLOCK

Everyone has different ideas when they think about what yoga is, from people sitting around chanting, to contorting their body into pretzel poses and everything in between. They think they have to be able to touch their toes to start yoga, or it is just for older people who are not ‘fit’ enough to do sport.

But the reality is nothing like that. It is something that can greatly enhance everyone’s day-to-day life.

For those that do sport whether competitively or for fun, yoga can help you to improve and is the perfect compliment. Whether it is golf, tennis, surfing, running , cycling or any other sport we all need to have a body that moves, is flexible, strong, has good core strength and a relaxed and focused mind.

Yoga can do all those things, dependant on the style of class depends how much strength and core that is involved, but all styles will help you to be more in tune with your body, to gain flexibility, to reduce injuries by keeping the body stretched and moving. Spending time on your yoga mat will also help to focus the mind, which is incredibly important, it can help to stay focused over that drive which may lead to you winning your golf competition, to serve that deciding point in a match, to keep running when you hit the wall, or catching that perfect wave.

Try adding some yoga to your weekly routine and see how it can help your game improve.

Ann teaches Yoga in Burgau Tuesday and Thursday at 10.30am, Wednesday 9.15am and Tuesday at 7pm. Why not come and give it a go?

+INFO:  +351 913 202 621  www.fit2lovelife.com  ann@fit2lovelife.com  fit2lovelife  anndejongh

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Varicose veins can be entirely symptom free, not causing any health problems and treatment for these is usually for cosmetic reasons. But when there is chronic venous insufficiency due to faulty valves then the most common signs and symptoms can include: - Mild swelling of the ankles and feet progressing up the lower leg; - Large or superficial ‘spider’ veins seen just under the skin; - Skin discoloration around the varicose vein - Pain, aching, heaviness, fullness, restlessness, cramps, throbbing and itching (sometimes this symptom is misdiagnosed as dry skin) in the legs.

Complications can include: Bleeding from trauma to the leg (as the vein is so close to the surface) can cause a significant amount of blood loss in a short period of time due to the ‘backward flow’ of blood.

Phlebitis This is where hard and tender clots form in inflamed superficial veins with accompanying inflammation of the surrounding tissue. Generally a tubular shaped lump can be felt with redness, tenderness and localised pain.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) This is when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one of the major veins, generally in the legs, causing leg pain, swelling and redness but can also occur with no symptoms. There is an important association between varicose veins and DVTs with recent studies showing that people with varicose veins are approximately nine times more likely to develop this complication!

Venous ulcers The increased venous pressure, induced by the varicose veins in the lower legs, cause the surrounding tissue to swell and affects blood flow thus disrupting oxygen exchange and the processing of nutrients and waste in the surrounding tissue. This process can cause the tissue to break down and form an ulcer.

Venous insufficiency can also lead to other skin problems such as varicose eczema resulting in red, scaly, flaky, skin and the formation of blisters and crusts, as well as lipodermatosclerosis which is a condition that usually affects the calf area causing the skin to become tight and hardened, and it may turn red or brown in colour.

Next month: Treatment.

Niki is head nurse at Luz Doc

+INFO:  www.luzdoc.com

What happens when you have DVT

We care for each other like family.

www.alacobrigense.pt

CLINIC:

PHARMACY:

+351 282 770 050

+351 282 762 901

R. Dr. José Francisco de Matos Nunes da Silva, Lt 5, Lj A • LAGOS

R. Prof. Joaquim Alberto Taquelim, Lt 8, Lj E • LAGOS

HEALTH & BEAUTY Ashwagandha, known as Withania somnifera due to its sleep-enhancing effects, is just one of the herbs that has kept me healthy and sane over the last few months.

Although pregnancy technically ends with childbirth, the three months after birth is often the most challenging time for new mums, like me - our hormones are going through massive shifts, our breasts are turning into mini milk factories, our bodies are recovering from potentially traumatic birth experiences, and our minds are grappling with the enormity of what lies ahead.

HERB OF THE MONTH

BY POPPY BURR BSC MCPP

The herb is best taken in powdered form - 1-2 teaspoons per day in hot milk (coconut, almond, hemp or oat) mixed with some molasses for extra iron. Yum.

Enter Ashwagandha…

For the full article on herbs for the fourth trimester, visit my blog at poppytheherbalist.com.

This all-in-one blockbuster of a herb helps to rebalance hormones, calm the nerves and provide much-needed nourishment during the so-called fourth trimester. It’s an ‘adaptogen’ - a class of herbs that help increase the body’s resilience to stress by acting simultaneously on the nervous, immune and endocrine (hormonal) systems.

SMALL CHANGES FOR BIG RESULTS There are many reasons why we pack on the pounds, but one of the biggest culprits is not realising how many calories we’re actually consuming during the day. One study by Cornell University, showed that we tend to

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By boosting thyroid hormone production (1), reducing stress & anxiety (2), promoting healthful sleep (3) and providing important nutrients such as iron, Ashwagandha is my number one herb for preventing this challenging and complex condition from developing in new mums.

All the while we’ve got a tiny baby demanding round the clock care and, after a few weeks’ rest, we’re expected to kick into gear and become supermum, complete with flat stomach and beaming face. Ha!

Right after birth the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone drop

It is reported that out of the world’s total population, over 39% of adults are considered overweight and 13% are considered obese.

Research suggests that from small changes, such as swapping fizzy drinks for water to big group exercise sessions that get you, your friends and your family moving can be very effective.

significantly, which commonly leads to an initial, temporary bout of the ‘baby blues’. Later on however, a combination of continuing hormonal imbalance, nutritional deficiencies and thyroid dysfunction can result in the more severe and long-lasting condition known as postpartum depression.

underestimate the number of calories we’re eating in large meals by around 30%. The guideline maintenance calorie amount for men is 2500 calories, whereas it is 2000 for women.

By keeping a food diary for one week, you will be able to track where you’re consuming additional calories above these guideline amounts and figure out where you can begin to make healthier food choices.

Poppy is a degree-qualified medical herbalist practicing from Aljezur and Praia da Luz. She offers holistic consultations and personalised treatment plans using plant-based medicine.

+INFO:  poppytheherbalist.com  +351 969 091 683

HEALTH & BEAUTY quite imperceptibly and then insidiously develop. As people (and animals) get older, incidence of organ problems tend to increase.

Over the years many people have said to me ‘I suppose the lameness is because he’s old’. My standard reply to this line of questioning has always been: old age is not a disease! Indeed, it is just a number. If the dog is drinking more or limping all day, it is BECAUSE: he has a disease causing these signs.

BY LARS RAHMQUIST

Pets Mate

BY LARS RAHMQUIST

As a 44-year-old man (I guess that’s middle-age, hmmm, it sneaks up on you hey?!) I had only frequented the doctor for veterinary related injuries. A broken sternum from a cow, luxated shoulder from a horse and the occasional chewed off fingernail.

As a new father I have been to the hospital many times in the last three months. It has been to address those niggling things that I had always ignored. When I put pen to paper I was intrigued to find how many things I had been ignoring. So, In the last few months I have had blood tests, ultrasounds, chest rads, a cat scan, just to name a few. Touch wood, most systems look like they’re still well-tuned.

A routine health check is certainly something that is recommended for people at a much younger age. And rightly so. There are many conditions which start off

KEEP HYDRATED Part two

BY DAVID MURPHY

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As dogs age they have an increased risk of getting a disease (it’s a numbers game, I guess). So, regular health checks can help pick up a problem before it becomes… well, a problem. For instance some older dogs develop growths on their spleen. Quite often these growths are not malignant, but all of them have a high risk of rupturing from a simple fall. If they bleed out from this, they can easily die. If we find an enlarged spleen on a health check we can ultrasound it and discuss removing it, thus preventing a life-threatening bleed from misadventure.

At Lagos Vet Clinic we have a large range of diagnostic equipment. With these we can do a thorough geriatric health check. From simple blood tests to check kidney function through to detailed ultrasounds and endoscopies for clients who prefer a more comprehensive check of their old pooch. The VAST MAJORITY of geriatric health checks flag something, especially if we include ultrasound and Xray studies.

The earlier we diagnose a problem, the better we can intervene to prolong a good quality life for your old mate. We have many older patients living today who would not have been if they had not had that geriatric health check. Knowledge is power…

Have a lovely March, I need to nip off for me next kidney scan…fingers crossed ‘n all that.

+INFO:  www.lagosvet.com

Water and athletic performance Glycogen is a substance deposited in bodily tissues as a store of carbohydrates which in turns feeds energy to the muscle. It’s stored in the muscle and liver together with water. One gram of glycogen is stored with three grams of water. This means when glycogen is used, water weight is lost in the process.

Water replenishment is the most important factor during and after any activity and exercise. On a normal day in the Algarve, you will perspire a lot and lose water naturally however once your temperature rises, your body will always sacrifice muscle function, for temperature regulation. This is done in order to bring you back to normal body temperature, hence much needed water is taken from your muscles resulting in increase of injury and cramp.

What’s the other benefits of water intake?

- Helps flush out metabolic waste products - Maintains the body’s cooling system - Prevents muscle cramps, strains and pulls - Increases energy and stops fatigue setting in early. Keeps internal organs and muscles working at high capacity.

David Murphy, Largo Damaso Clinic Physical Neuromuscular Therapist

+INFO:  +351 928022494  largodamaso@hotmail.com  Largo Damao Rocha, 7 Mexilhoeira Grande Portimão, 8500-132

BUSINESS

So that’s how you do it When you run a business you want to make it as efficient and successful as possible. Graham Jones tells us one way of doing this is through mapping processes with amazingly positive results. Here he explains how you can save yourself some serious headaches.

In business here on the Algarve, how many times have you employed people and ‘trained’ them up only to turn around and correct them or say: ‘that’s not how it’s done’. You then have to invest more of your valuable time doing it all over again with possible revenue being wasted too as you could be getting the money in instead of dealing with this distraction. Time during the summer you simple don’t have. So where does it fall down?

The answer is many fold but initially it is down to a person not understanding what the process is, what the timescales are and what to do next. Of course you have told them but how do you make sure they know.

The answer is process mapping. Writing down on paper exactly how things should be done can be a challenge as a lot of this is in your head and you know it so clearly but others have different ways of both receiving information and understanding it. An example is some like to be shown, some like to follow instructions, some like to just read and some want to be left alone to get on with it.

Think of Ikea flat pack furniture. Same principle. Some just get on with it, some lay it all out, some read the instructions. Nearly always, there are screws or bits left over or missing which there shouldn’t be! That is down to you.

So turning this scenario to business, revenue can go out the window simply because it’s not done the way you want it and know it to be successful, or people leave with you having invested your time with them or people just not knowing what to do next.

This is where I come in. I have worked with businesses here where we have done this. The outcome is that it has saved time, helped with training new people (or reaffirming to existing people), shown the transparency of the business and increased revenue flow by getting it right first time and quickly. All this by simply everyone in your business knowing and understanding what you want from them and how the business should be run to be successful. Knowing this will also increase your customer satisfaction too as we all know that here in the Algarve, it is very much word of mouth.

It can also be used for the individual too. Think about buying a property and the many things you have to

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consider. Or when you have to arrange a holiday.

To show how this has helped, here are some quotes from people and companies that I have assisted here on the Algarve.

Tom Henshaw – Tomorrow magazine "I have been dreading the time when I could no longer work my job efficiently or worse still die without a plan for the future in place. So when I had the opportunity of mapping my role in the organisation so that even a stranger could pick up all the aspects and continue professionally where I left off I felt totally at ease at the way Graham developed the map displaying all aspects of my part I was so relieved. Now I can continue working but at the same time knowing the organisation in total can continue. Well done-I do recommend the man and the process, practical and so professional!"

Carol Spires – Madrugada President "We are grateful at Madrugada Associação for the terrific support from Graham in developing our office processes which are helping us to be more consistent in our approach to specific activities. These have included tasks from responding to patient enquiries to processing new membership applications.

We are certainly benefitting from his expertise and organisational skills."

Matt Love – Algarve Business Directory and Consultancy "Structuring our business processes seemed like a minefield until I sat down with Graham who was able to map them out in an easy to understand way, which made everything clearer."

BUSINESS

I.T. CAN BE EASY

FULL OF BEANS Fancy winning a bean bag worth over €100 that’s been exclusively designed

by Abode?

Abode Furniture in Lagos are launching its new and exclusively designed indoor and outdoor bean bag collections and the team at Abode is inviting you to come up with a great name for the new range.

The new bean bags are made using market leading branded fabrics for superior quality and longevity, and with prices starting from €89 they are fantastic value for money. As they’re made in-house, they can also be created to your specifications. So please get your thinking caps on to help Abode name the new bean bags. Ideally the name should be something snappy, memorable, and catchy.

Please send your ideas to Abode and the winner will get one of the first bean bags off the production line. Your bean bag will be worth over €100 and Abode will deliver it to you anywhere in the Algarve.

Please send your ideas and suggestions to Sofia by the closing date March 20th.

The winning name will be published in the April edition of Tomorrow.

Please note that any entries received after closing date may not be entered in to the competition.

+INFO:  sofia@abode-group.com

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Time for a spring clean!

BY STEVEN DUNWELL Sometimes it’s not just the software in a computer that could benefit from an occasional clean. Cleaning the case and other parts on the outside helps keep everything in tip top order and can also prevent germs from spreading.

A few tips before you begin: - ALWAYS turn off your PC and disconnect the power lead; - Never spray or squirt any liquid onto any computer part; - Never use a vacuum inside your computer as it generates static electricity that can damage your computer.

Case cleaning Cleaning the case keeps it looking new. If you see slots for ventilation, clear these of dust or hair to help keep a steady airflow to the components inside.

Procedure: The case that houses the computer components can be cleaned with a slightly damp cloth, microfiber cloths are best. For stubborn stains, add a tiny amount of washing up liquid to the water. Do not use a solvent cleaner on the case, you could badly damage the plastic.

Keyboard cleaning A computer keyboard can be one of the most germ infected items in your home.

They could house more bacteria than your toilet seat, so cleaning it helps remove any dangerous bacteria and keeps the keyboard working properly.

Procedure: Before you start, turn off the computer.

A good way to clear crumbs, hair or other debris it to turn it upside down and shake it gently but firmly over a waste bin.

You’ll be surprised by the amount that comes out! Using a can of compressed air to blow the dirt out from between the keys works very well. Once cleaned, use a slightly damp disinfectant cloth and

clean the casing and then rub each of the keys individually, allow them to fully dry.

Computer screen cleaning Dirt, dust, and fingerprints can make the screen difficult to see.

Procedure: Before you start, turn off the screen. When cleaning a computer screen, it is very important to remember not to spray any liquids directly on to the screen. Do not put any pressure on the screen itself while cleaning and do not use paper towels as these can scratch it.

To clean a computer screen, use a soft microfiber or duster cloth. If a dry cloth does not completely clean the screen, try applying a small amount of rubbing alcohol to the cloth, this works a treat!

If you have any questions about this topic, suggestions for future subjects or require assistance with any I.T. challenges, I am always happy help. Have a great month, see you for another tip in April issue.

+INFO:  sdunwell@sky.com  +351 936 387 512  www.sdunwell.co.uk  StevenLagosIT

Free IT Support and help sessions for March 2019 The Tropical Café Av. dos Descobrimentos Nº 33, Lagos Tuesday 5th & 26th - 11am until 1pm Artesão Café Marina de Lagos, Lojas 11/12 Tuesday 12th Purchase something from the Cafe and I will give you 10 minutes free IT support. No appointment necessary.

GLO adverts x3 designs v2.qxp_Layout 1 19/05/2017 16:42 Page 3

SELLING YOUR PROPERTY AND NOT SURE HOW TO TRANSFER YOUR MONEY TO THE UK?

When it comes to selling your house and moving back to the UK we understand that you are looking for a fast, simple process that gives you great exchange rates.

We have been helping clients transfer money to and from the UK for over 13 years. Talk to us to find out how we can help you transfer your money simply, safely and quickly.

To find out more about all of our products and services please 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 GCEN is fully authorised by the FCA to provide payment service as an Authorised Payment Services Institution. Registration No. 504346.

BUSINESS

REVAMPED BAPTISTA RE-OPENS Great news for tourist and locals alike as Rui Baptista has completed the re-organisation and refurbishment of his very well liked and well established supermarket in Luz. The revamped store reopened on February 11th.

The very noticeable improvements create a more airy space with clean lines and a much improved shopping experience.

A firm favourite in the region we are sure this will only enhance the store’s reputation.

+INFO:  www.supermercado-baptista.com

Shopping for property where to start?

BY DAVID WESTMORELAND

Every person is different, and every buyer approaches the purchase of a property in a different way. Many property shoppers enjoy investigating the market from every angle and being totally armed with every conceivable detail, while others have complete open briefs.

So, what is the best way to start your search? The first step is to establish your priorities and a great place to start is with your budget. The purchase of a new holiday home should be hugely pleasurable experience and once purchased should be your home from home in the sun. So once you establish your budget, our advice is that you stick to it! The last thing you want is to put yourself under financial pressure and have your haven in the sun become a millstone and that defeats the whole object.

The next step should be to clarify in your mind what the objective of the property is. Is it for the whole family to use or a holiday escape for two? Do you plan to have large groups staying at the same time or just your immediate family? Do you like to spend time at home or out at the beach all day? What time of year do you usually take your holidays? Do you want a swimming pool? A gym? A garden? Do you need a garage? Do you want to walk into the town at night? Do you want privacy around your property?

There are lots of choices out there so a clear understanding of your needs will not only help you but also your agent.

Location – you may have spent your holidays for a couple of weeks every year in one location but when it comes to spending longer periods here location is key. Are there hospitals nearby?

Supermarkets? Pharmacies? Markets?

Bus stops? Taxis? You also need to think about winter time. Is the normal holiday location a busy community in the winter

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or does it simply close down? You don’t want to be the only person in the village in January…. Or maybe you do!

Services – do you plan to be totally self-sufficient or would you prefer a fully serviced property? Resorts offer all year round support from security, on-site restaurants, reception through to maid service, laundry and property management. Alternatively you can manage all of this yourself or find a halfway house by appointing a management company to assist you.

The final decision is how to find your ideal property. There are many agents out there, some good and some not so good. My advice is to find one you are comfortable with. One that listens to your requirements and asks you the right questions. At the end of the day you are the buyer and will buy what you want, not what the agent wants to sell to you!

Some agents may want to sell you a property and then walk away. Others, such as B&P, offer a complete service where we will help you find the right property for you and then assist you with the whole process going forward. At B&P we offer support on Lawyers, currency transfer, furniture choice and once you have bought Resort Rentals Algarve offer you full management support and will also rent your property out if you wish.

So if you are starting the buying process or about to start, B&P will give you a professional and friendly service ensuring the whole experience is simple and enjoyable.

+INFO:  david@bpaproperty.com

Weddings

Commercial

Tourism

BUSINESS

COVERING ALL BASES Gii Home, (pronounced Jee) opened its doors four years ago as a small home décor store run by Angela and offering affordable home furnishings that were exclusively selected by her.

Her partner Paul, an industrial and mechanical engineer with a background in marketing and construction moved to Portugal in 2003 from South Africa. He started a consulting business helping, mostly UK, expats solving a variety of problems that many experience when moving or investing in Portugal.

“If it’s too expensive or takes too long then try do it yourself!”

Paul and Angela started Gii Home with the intention of having a small business for Angela to run on her own, but they soon realized that their businesses complimented each other and after two years they expanded their business and shop to include project management services and interior design.

Paul has always been pro-active and often uses his ‘problem solving’ to get things done quickly.

When he first got quotes for the signage for their first shop, he found the prices expensive, so he bought a vinyl cutter online and did it himself.

For €340 he had all his signage done and equipment paid for to do more. Today Gii Home offers a full wide-format printing service with the possibility of printing simple wall art to doing complete commercial signage. They also have 3D printing facility offering unique wall art and decorative solutions.

Paul says it’s always been his way of thinking: “If it’s too expensive or takes too long then try do it yourself!”

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This proved the case when his local upholsterer kept letting him down and never completed project work on time, so Gii home started its own upholstery division. They manufacture a wide range of soft furnishings, curtains and offer a full upholstery and restoration service.

The project management and furniture sales kept growing and Gii Home now has interior designers offering a professional and personalized service, from basic mood boards to complex 3D designs using the latest software.

Gii Home has recently undergone further expansion and renovation. There modest 80m2 shop is now a 600m2 showroom offering a wide range of furniture and décor for all pockets and budgets. They have a wide range of products that are made in Portugal as this offers a quality and service factor that is not often available from imported products. Staying true to their initial moto of ‘affordable décor’ Gii Home have also added high end bespoke furnishings to their stock, from a €0.20 candle to a €15000,00 sofa, they have something for everyone.

The ‘new’ Gii Home offers a personalized project management solution where the customers needs are always top priority. Offering the customer, the peace of mind knowing that while they are in the Uk, Sweden or France their renovation or interior design project is going on without the headache of having to deal with 6 or 7 different contractors. Gii Home does everything for you, it’s a full turnkey setup. Even having a customer’s bicycles collected, serviced and delivered is a service they once catered for. From landscaping to kitchens, renovations to yacht upholstery, Gii Home can offer you a professional and custom project management solution and they have the furniture, decor and fabrics in stock to satisfy most projects.

Gii Home in Lagos is a must-see store, from the 1953 Lambretta hanging on a wall to the open plan workshop visible to the public, it’s a space that makes the customer part of interior design experience.

FOOD & DRINK

FRESH FOOD LOVERS DELIGHT A CUT ABOVE THE REST The Barbers Bar in Luz

BY KEITH GOODFELLOW A most welcome addition to Praia da Luz is the Barbers Bar which opened late last year.

Situated on Rua 1. de Maio, just down from the Spar supermarket, what makes the Barbers Bar so unique is that it incorporates high end barbering with a very nicely designed traditional bar serving a wide range of beers, wines, spirts, cocktails and soft drinks.

They also offer a good range of coffees and play some very cool music.

Georgia Newstead is the girl who dreamed up this unique concept and together with her partner Josh Harrhy are happily running what is proving to be a very popular attraction for both locals and tourists.

Georgia is a fully qualified barber having trained at the renowned Total Barbers Academy in London. She then went onto manage an exclusive barber’s salon in Bournemouth before returning to the Academy to teach, but it was always her

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dream to set up her own business.

Georgia knew Praia da Luz well having visited the town many times on holiday and together with Josh thought it would be the perfect place to start their new business venture.

From a simple dry hair cut or beard trim to a classic wet shave complete with cut throat razor, hot towels and moisturisers, Georgia aims to offer the ultimate in male grooming, at affordable prices.

You can pop in for a haircut, just drinks or both! The barbers is open 9am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday and the Bar where you can sit inside or outside on the terrace, is open from 9am until midnight every day including weekends.

So, if you fancy a close shave followed by a cold beer, Tequila Sunrise or a Café Americano the Barbers Bar is the perfect place to go.

+INFO:  +351 926 825 051  www.thebarbersbar.pt

At the beginning of 2019 a new concept of healthy food arrived in the city of Lagos - Natur’all - Fresh Food Lovers. Here we practice the motto that good living starts with eating well. The goal is to provide the local community, and everyone, real flavours, combining them in the most organic way possible, with no colouring additives or artificial preservatives and preferably using local produce.

In this space it is possible to enjoy cafeteria services, where you can drink 100% organic coffee; bakery with products that recover the traditional artisan bread making; take-away to enjoy all of these flavours in the comfort of your home; restaurant for family meals; and grocery store with the freshest fruit of the season. In all these sections, there is an alternative to modern consumer habits, and therefore gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options are put on the front line. Here you will find numerous certified biological options and fair-trade, labels with which we take precedence.

All these issues that are evident in the daily action of this new space support a sustainable environmental policy, which includes, for example, providing biodegradable consumables for the customer, such as soup bowls, glasses, cutlery, among others, with a view to reducing the ecological footprint . All this in order to raise awareness for the protection of our planet, promote a more responsible use of natural resources and, of course, democratize healthy food rich in colour and flavour.

+INFO:  naturall.lagos

Kiko’s Tasca

Wine, food and friends.

Portuguese food. Tapas, lunch and dinner.

Come and try for yourself.

Open from 11am to 11pm. Closed on Tuesdays.

Tel.: +351 282 046 037 • Email: one.destino@gmail.com Centro Naútico Sopromar - Estrada Sopromar (Meia-Praia) • LAGOS • GPS - N 37º 06.433' / W 08º 40.176' • f facebook.com/tascadokiko

FOOD & DRINK

Markus: Head Chef, Alina: Kitchen Assistant, Lynda: Front of House

A HIDDEN GEM

BY TOM HENSHAW It’s so easy to pass by Cacto Restaurant in Odiaxere without realising what a little gem is there on the roadside on the edge of the village.

very comfortable and the unique ‘cinema’ seats transport you into another era.

bass which was a very generous fish and perfectly cooked.

It really is a restaurant of two halves, one half indoor is quirky dining and the other half is a delightful outdoor ‘al fresco’ experience which makes you feel you have been transported to some exotic location.

You do not get the impression of being rushed into your choices. Their menu is comprehensive with an international selection covering a wide mix of food choices from fish, meat to vegetarian. A great starter was their deep fried camembert and unusual pastry topping.

Superb!

We ended up with Eton mess which really did prove to be a great choice. Jean Michel and his team have created a great venue following on from the considerable success of Suzy and Vim. Well done. I do recommend booking to be reserve your table.

There is a huge welcome here and an inviting bar area to sit and catch up with friends. The whole atmosphere is eclectic, intimate and

As my main course I opted for the pork loin marinated overnight-truly delicious and flavoursome whilst Julie opted for the sea

+INFO:  +351 282 798 285 / 935 526 008  EN 125 Odiáxere  www.cactorestaurant.com

Rosé renaissance

BY LAURA TRUMAN

If you thought the rosé craze sweeping (what feels like) the entire universe was going to slow down at some point, you might just need to think again. Rosé sales are predicted to continue soaring and expert opinion would tell you to jump aboard...preferably on an expensive yacht, glass in one hand, Instagram app in the other #yeswayrosé.

Rosé has become so much more than just a wine; it’s a lifestyle. Thanks to millennials, and their love of all things pink, rosé now has a deep association with long summer days, picnics on the beach, sunsets and travel.

With over 300 days of Algarve sunshine a year, we don’t have to worry about whether or not it is rosé season. We are gifted with the perfect environment and backdrop to fully embrace rosé culture.

These three rosé cult classics are available at Pingo Doce Lagos Marina:

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Whispering Angel by Chateau d’Esclans is the King of the rosé renaissance. Back in 2007, when the market for rosé was very small, the wine started to gain popularity in the Hamptons.

People started to realise that rosé could be crisp, flavourful and refined. It wasn’t long before Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles, SoHo House in New York and Beverley Hills Hotel were all listing Whispering Angel. Not a cent spent on advertising... all word of mouth!

Whispering Angel

Côtes des Roses

Gérard Bertrand’s multi-award winning Côtes des Roses is outrageously popular. Beautiful and elegant wine with the bottle to match.

Mirabeau - The English wine producers causing a huge stir in Provence. This elegant wine speaks for itself and following the family’s inspiring lifestyle online is a real treat...

+INFO:  loratru.wine  primewine.pt

Mirabeau

ENVIRONMENT

ATTAINABLE SUSTAINABLE Fast fashion

BY LISA LOFTHOUSE AND ZOË LENKIEWICZ We are now buying 400% more clothes than 20 years ago, so this month we decided to look at fast fashion.

While most of us know it’s not good for the planet to wear something once and throw it away, it is surprisingly common.

A survey by Barclaycard found one in 10 UK shoppers admit to buying clothing only to take a photo on social media, and then return it to the store. This behaviour was most reported by shoppers aged 35-44, and men outnumbered women.

By 2030, it is predicted that we will be using two Earths’ worth of resources, and fast fashion is a major culprit.

Cotton is grown in sweeping monocultures of genetically modified crops, controlled by multinationals at the cost of biodiversity. Well-adapted insects can thrive on a single crop, so the industry is now pushing ‘super strains’ that can withstand more toxic chemical pesticides.

Cotton already accounts for 24% of the world’s insecticide use, which pollutes waterways and can cause serious birth defects.

What’s more, growing cotton is a thirsty business: according to the World Wildlife Fund, it takes 2,700 litres of water (roughly three years’ worth of drinking water) to grow enough cotton for a single T-shirt. Meanwhile textile dyeing is the second largest polluter of clean water globally, after agriculture.

Realistically you can’t buy a T-shirt for €2 and not expect it to have involved some kind of exploitation, and unsurprisingly child labour and lethal working conditions are rife in the garment sector. In 2013, in Bangladesh, the Rana Plaza factory collapsed – killing 1,127 poorly paid garment workers and making headlines worldwide.

Finally, waste from these factories is usually burned in the open, throwing thick smog from chemical dyes and additives into the air.

Whether standards and conditions have improved was the subject of a recent UK Environmental Audit Committee report that shows a patchy, and somewhat underwhelming response from the fast fashion industry.

The clothes are then transported to our shops and sold at bargain prices.

The UK’s Waste and Resources Action Programme found that an average piece of clothing in the UK lasts for 3.3 years before being discarded. Synthetic fibres release plastic microfibers into laundry machines, and finally, most of our clothes end up in landfill.

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It’s hard to read all this and think we can actually make an impact, but change definitely starts with each of us, the ‘consumer’.

By demanding clothes that have been sourced and made ethically, and that will last longer, we can start changing what the clothing industry offers us.

Here are some ideas for shrinking our wardrobe footprint – please join us online to share other tips and suggestions.

- Hold onto your clothes for longer: one campaign encourages shoppers to commit to 30 wears from an item of clothing. Do you think that’s realistic? Or not enough?

- Explore sustainable and ethical clothes brands – understanding the stories of the people who made our clothes can make a big impact on our buying habits.

- Build yourself a capsule wardrobe – get creative with a mix-and-match choice of classic essentials.

- Organise a clothes swap with your friends – you could even raise money for a local charity in the process.

Shop in charity shops or buy secondhand vintage clothes online – find those special items that you will love for years and years.

- Give your unwanted clothes to a charity shop – if they’re still decent quality, someone will be grateful of a bargain, and the charity will benefit too.

- Learn to care for and repair your clothes – sewing classes are growing in popularity and there are some great instructional videos online.

- Discover slow fashion and support your local dressmakers – these are special skills, and it’s great to support local craftspeople.

In the end, it’s about buying less and looking after what we have. Extending the life of a garment by an extra nine months reduces its impact by 20-30%. That’s an easy win.

Join us on facebook, Attainable Sustainable Algarve, and share your ideas and suggestions. Lisa and Zoë are writing these articles in support of WasteAid, a charity that tackles mountains of waste around the world. wasteaid.org

OUTDOOR

PARADISE GARDENS IN INDIA Part 2

BY TAMSIN VARLEY

Itimad Ud Daulah; Sandstone gateway and garden Itimad Ud Daulah; Chahar Bagh garden Amber Fort

Almost a year ago, I wrote about two iconic Mughal gardens in India that I had just visited on a recent trip there. I talked about Humayan’s tomb, which is the oldest Mughal tomb garden and the Taj Mahal which is the most famous. Just as a reminder, Mughal gardens are derived from the paradise or Charbagh gardens of Iran. Their main features are that they are enclosed, are divided into four quarters, have lots of shade and are dominated by water often in the form of canals, ponds and rills. For Muslims, such gardens are the earthly reflection of the paradise that awaits them after death as described in the Koran.

Now I want to cover two more iconic gardens India – the tomb of Itimad Ud Daulah and the Amber Fort near Jaipur.

The tomb of Itimad Ud Daulah is located in Agra in the Indian State of Uttar Pradesh on the banks of the river Yamuna. It is more commonly referred to as the “JewelBox” or the “Baby Taj”, both of which roll off the tongue so much easier! It was built between 1622 and 1628 and represents a transition between the first phase of monumental Mughal architecture (primarily built from red sandstone with marble decorations, as in Humayun's Tomb in Delhi) to its second phase, based on white marble and pietra dura inlay, most elegantly realised in the Taj Mahal. As with other Mughal tombs, the mausoleum sits in the centre of a four quartered garden criss-crossed by walkways and water courses.

It is the earliest Mughal tomb to be built from white marble. Inside, the walls are inlaid with semi-precious stone decorations, such as topaz and lapis lazuli, formed into garden images such as cypress trees surrounded by beautiful flowers or various specimen plants including lilies and poppies. There are four ornamental sandstone gateways surrounding the tomb – the main entrance is

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on the east and there is a pleasure pavilion on the west overlooking the river. The water channels were being renovated whilst we were there – I would love to return when they are working as it would make the gardens really spectacular.

What I really liked though was that the lawns were being replanted with fruit trees including guava and pomegranates, which would have been more like the original planting, although planting was being kept low by the paths so as not to impede your view of the mausoleum.

The Amber Fort is located on a steep hillside near Jaipur in Rajasthan state.

This spectacular sprawling fort is made of sandstone and marble and overlooks the man-made Maota lake, which is its principal water source. The palace consists of six main sections each with its own courtyard and gate. Construction started in 1592 and continued for another 200 years.

The gardens are a fusion of Indo-Indian garden art marrying the Islamic design traditions of the Mughals with the corresponding Hindi ones of the Rajput clan.

The first garden you see is the “Saffron” garden that is built on the lake. We gazed down on it from the second courtyard and it looked just like a Persian carpet floating on the water’s surface.

Rumour has it that it was originally planted with Saffron crocus bulbs and that their scent was blown up to the fort towering above it by the wind. This is rather fanciful, as saffron has no discernible odour and a very limited flowering period, but it’s a nice story. The second garden is located in the 3rd courtyard and separates the so-called Hall of Pleasure from the Maharajah’s private sleeping quarters also known as the Mirror Palace. It is a typical geometrical Mughal garden with a six pointed star shaped fountain at its centre, which is a symbol of intellectual powers. These gardens are also undergoing restoration and will apparently be replanted with vibrant coloured scented plants as they were centuries ago as opposed to the low maintenance rather drab coloured shrubs of today. Nevertheless, the gardens today are magnificent, so just imagine how much more spectacular they could look!

Tamsin Varley is the chairman of Clube Dos Bons Jardins, a small, friendly multi-national garden club that meets at different locations throughout the Algarve on the 2nd Tuesday every month except over the summer with an optional lunch afterwards.

+INFO:  Clube Dos Bons Jardins  algarvecbj@gmail.com

toldos - awnings sun wind rain protection

toldolanda

info@toldolanda.com | www.toldolanda.com | 914 609 517

OUTDOOR

Wildlife

BY Nuno Barros

What to look out for in March

Birds are starting to arrive and depart, but wildflowers are the stars of the March outdoor show.

Weather is rather unpredictable, sometimes sunny, others wet. It is a month of transformation you should not miss out on.

In the Rockrose dominated hillsides, Gum Cistus are now more abundant and start to cover the landscape in their big white flowers and it's conspicuous scent. But they are not alone in this take over. The deep yellow Genista hirsuta or the light purple of the French Lavender complete the colors.

There are also smaller flowers amongst them like the Spotted Rockrose.

Orchids are what most are looking for.

Naked-man Orchid, Green-winged Orchid, Pyramidal Orchid, Yellow Bee Orchid, Bee Orchid and Mirror Orchid are just some of the ones out there to look out for. Exciting times!

Naked Man Orchid © Nuno Barros Woodchat Shrike © Michele Lamberti Common Redstart © Edera Baltica Fields of Sagres © Gorse

Closer to the dunes and cliff tops, another spectacle is undergoing. Spring takes the form of delicate specialties like the Dipcadi, Single-leaved Squill, the Tree-leaved Snowflakes or the tiny Sand Stock. Yellow Sea Aster are present as well. Near Cape Saint Vincent and the cliffs towards Aljezur, endemics like the tiny Linaria algarviana or the more obvious Biscutella vicentina are now present. Other beauties to appreciate in these habitats are the spectacular deep blue Shrubby Pimpernel, or the lovely Portuguese Squill (a little more inland, mostly).

In the hills, the unmistakable song of the Cuckoo can now be heard. Blue Rock Thrushes, Wrens, and the

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recently arrived Iberian Chiffchafffs are singing, as well as all the finches. Forrest birds like Crested Tit, Nuthatches or Short-toed Treecreepers are now easier to spot, as are elusive scrubland dwellers like Sardinian and Dartford Warblers.

The drumming of Woodpeckers can be heard across the forests, and the bill clapping of the White Storks can be heard across fields and cliffs on the West Coast.

It is unmistakable. Breeding birds are arriving from Africa. This is more noticeable in Swallows – Barn Swallows and House Martins are now frequent, and Swifts – Pallid Swifts arrive first to the cliffs.

Short-toed Eagles are back in the skies and some odd migrants can show up in Sagres, like an occasional Black-eared Wheatear or a Woodchat Shrike. On a lucky Eastern wind day, more than one race of Yellow Wagtail can be spotted here, and who knows, maybe some rarity as well. Male Little Bustards are starting to display in the nearby fields.

Whinchats, Common Redstarts, Northern Wheatears and Willow Warblers make a more or less timid passage, but depending on the weather conditions in the Straight can be more obvious in some days.

Around mid-month, a lot of butterflies are flying – Swallowtail, Green hairstreak and Holly Blue join the aerial fest.

At night – finally – the timeless song of the Nightingale is back, filling everyone’s hearts with joy and putting a late night smile on our faces.

+INFO:  birdland.pt

REAL ESTATE. AGENCY LAGOS WESTERN ALGARVE

GENERAL AND FAMILY MEDICINE MEDICAL SPECIALTIES COMPLEMENTARY EXAMS OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE AESTHETIC MEDICINE SPORTS MEDICINE NURSING WE CARE FOR YOUR HEALTH

www.luzdoc.com

HOUSE CALLS

Luzdoc: Rua 25 de Abril, 12, 8600-174 Luz, Lagos 282 780 700

info@luzdoc.com

Medilagos: Rua José Ferreira Canelas, Loja 40, 8600-744 Lagos

282 788 217

medilagos@luzdoc.com

Urgência / Emergency

+351 919 869 700