AlgarvePLUS - March '20

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M O R E T H A N Y O U E V E R I M A G I N E D

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PEOPLE PLUS

Jim

H A I R A RT I S TS

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to the first issue of Algarve Plus, the new monthly magazine that promises to deliver more than you ever imagined.

Our ethos is about quality content and that means innovative, original and enticing reads produced by publishing professionals for a discerning audience.

You will not find where to have your shoes resoled or your tiles re-grouted here – there are plenty of other publications that serve as good directories. Our passion is directed at feature material that will broaden your knowledge, delight your senses, and have you coming back for more, every month.

We have highly-respected writers contributing to our mix of comment, opinion, advice and, as of now, you are part of our story.

SUSI ROGOL GOODKIND

Editor, +351 965 581 831 | susi@algarveplusmagazine.com

C O N T A C T S MARTIN GOODKIND

Publisher +351 963 146 398 martin@algarveplusmagazine.com

HARRIETT PENA

HELAINE BROWNHILL

Advertising Executive +351 910 450 847 harriett.algarveplus@gmail.com

Advertising Executive +351 910 450 866 helaine.algarveplus@gmail.com

KIM COLLEY

T: +351 914 452 315

Design +44 7973 426196 dk.colley@btinternet.com

W: Jimhairartists.com APT 1093, EC Olivas de St Ant (Loulé) 8101-904

E: jimhairartists@gmail.com Estrada Vale do Lobo 947A | 8135-016 Almancil

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Printed by Gráficas Piquer, Almeria Algarve Plus is published monthly. 6000 copies are made available through a hand-picked distribution network from Faro to Paderne, Almancil, the Golden Triangle, Loulé, Sao Bras and Santa Barbara.

Copyright 2020. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any written material or illustration in any form for any purpose other than short extracts for agreed review purposes, is strictly forbidden. Algarve Plus does not accept liability for loss or damage to any materials submitted for publication. The views expressed by interviewees or contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor or Algarve Plus.

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NEWS PLUS

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The work of Germanborn sculptor Georg Scheele who is based today in Monchique is instantly recognisable for its adventurous interpretation of curves and shape within shape. Art Catto in Loulé is currently showing one of his bronzes and has two large pieces on display in the Conrad Hotel.

Prices vary, according to size and the degree of intricacy, from €2,500 to €25,000.

SHINING EXAMPLES F R O N T COV E R : Handcrafted plates and bowls by Ben and Nadrali Ceramics – see more about them on page 32.

Jim Van Hek of Jim Hair Artist in Almancil is constantly on the look out for new products for his discerning clientele. “Apart from living up to their promise and delivering the best results, I wanted a range that is as environmentally friendly as possible and cruelty free.” When Jim came across the Californian Olaplex range, he saw something different. “This seven-product collection is sensational,” he says. “and each one does a distinct job. This is all about producing amazing results every time and on every hair type and quality.” Pop into Jim’s on Estrade Vale do Lobo and find out for yourself.

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Light on Mr Wattson is a handmade LED lamp that will make you smile. Fully adjustable, the ash wood body and headlight inspired by the 1946 Vespa have made Mr Wattson something of a style icon. He can be positioned with both ‘feet‘ in the air, or with legs dangling from a shelf edge, or sitting up straight… you choose and have fun. The headlight comes in seven colours. Take a look at the whole range at Galeria Corte Real, €190.

On Valentine’s Day, a new GNR station was inaugurated in Almancil, next to the municipal stadium which will bring important changes to the efficiency of our police. Previously operating out of a small private house on the Almancil-Loulé road, their ‘station’ had little in the way of resources. The new premises includes victim care rooms, an operations room, dormitories for police personnel, a gymnasium and changing rooms. The numbers of officers will increase to form a 26-strong force, responsible for an area of 63km2 and more than 10,000 residents. Eduardo Cabrita, Minister of Internal Administration said at the opening of the new station: “This is what makes the difference for investors and tourists when they choose Portugal as their destination. Security is a fundamental factor of social cohesion and a guarantee of quality of life for the Algarve and those who visit the region.”

B OYS’ ZON E

B E W I T H Y O U S H O R T LY Mytheresa.com has great headbands that can get you through a bad hair day in style. This velvet number by Lele Sadoughi – previously Jewellery Design Director at Tory Birch – is studded with crystals set in gold metallic surrounds.

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You probably saw this amazing bit of art-meetsfashion on our Instagram page. These beach boys come from Dunas Lifestyle in Quinta Shopping and are just one of a range from Orlebar Brown, the Brit brand that specialises in tailored men’s swimming shorts the cut of which is based on the 17-piece pattern of men’s suit trousers. Yes, really. Dunas carries a big range from this label – including plain colours for the conservative dresser – and shirts and shoes along with the shorts.

If you thought Bo Concept in Faro was only about contemporary furniture you’d be wrong. Tucked between under-stated leather sofas and classic curved swivel chairs, there are plenty of fun décor ideas, like this skate-boarding dog, €79.

MAKING THE ALGARVE SAFE

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NEWS PLUS

N EED TO KN OWS

THE BREXIT EFFECT

Okay, it’s not hot hot hot yet, but it will be soon, so spoil yourself now with the latest in casual kit. Fabrics go with the flow, colours wash in to one another and thisis the look that will take you from beach to beach bar in style. There’s a big selection at Florentinta in Tavira and some fab casual jewellery to dress up the look

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The wedding season is upon us. But it’s not just the brides who want to dress the part.

Blokes, too, are looking to make a bit of a statement and the top menswear designers are having a heyday. The British tailors are going for colour; the Portuguese, like Torre and Lucciano Rivieri are heavily into blues and greys; and the Italians – well, for them every groom is a prints charming. This is Luigi Convertini’s newest look.

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With the UK withdrawal from the EU, it is important to be aware of rulings that may affect you and your family during the transition period up until 31 December 2020.

Website www.gov.uk carries regularly-updated information that covers, among other things, driving, pensions and healthcare. Worth knowing is that once you have taken up residency here, you are entitled to state healthcare. Register at your local health centre and get a user ID number by showing your residence certificate and passport. You can continue to use your European Health Insurance Card to access healthcare in Portugal until 31 December 2020.

EAT UP Our restaurant choice this month is Brava - see page 15 but here’s a bit more about Filipe Alberty’s pride and joy.

He opened up in November 2018, after nine months of renovation. Brava seats 40 inside 45 on the terrace but wherever you sit you’ll be looked after by the very charming Wilson Silva and fed by Chef João Santana who will whip up a vegan speciality on demand.

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NEWS PLUS

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Poeta Azul offers an enchanting collection entitled Lota da Quarteira, or Quarteira Fish Auction, which is where the fishmongers buy from the local fishermen to sell in Loulé’s market. The collection, with illustrations drawn by Loulé artist Metkhabala, includes handbound and string-tied notebooks using acid-free Portuguese card; bookmarks, and a rubber stamp, laser engraved on a base of red and white clay.

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BY FOUR Facing Loulé’s municipal market, take the lane on the right hand side, past the much-photographed bronze figure of an old lady by Teresa Paulino, and a few shops down you will find a small gallery, Collectivo 28, which is home to four uber-talented artisans who came together to share space and retail responsibilities, allowing each to have the time they need to focus on their crafts.

Manoli Ortiz de La Torre is a Spanish artist who lives in Salir and produces a stunning array of hand-printed fabrics, using locally-grown plants and leaves from trees. Pattern, colour and structure are her three priorities and the results are amazing in their many differences. At the gallery, Manoli shows clothing, bags, floaty scarves and table accessories.

José Machado Pires is the master ceramicist of the foursome, known for his bold pieces, flow of colours, and innovative shapes. Some pieces are small and intricate, little mugs with elaborate borders, others huge and demanding space to show off every curve.

Jewellery maker Silvia Rodrigues makes up the quartet. Her Amar Cássima© collection combines handcrafted newsprint with ancestral copper techniques and tells the story of Moor Cássima and a tumultuous period in the history of Loulé, during the control of the Moors and the conquest of the city in 1149.

The copper strips are long, straight and asymmetrical with sharp tips; while others embrace the coils of newsprint (the precious stones of this collection) just as the governor of Loulé embraced his three daughters and, wanting to protect them from captivity, left

them enchanted in a fountain before fleeing to Tangier.

The collection comprises three sets, each one dedicated to a particular sister: Lydia , Zara and Cássima.

Legend has it that Lydia and Zara were freed from the enchantment by a carpenter slave, using two breads brought from Tangier at the behest of the governor, that contained the key to disenchantment.

It is said that Cássima remains enchanted in the fountain because the bread was cut by the carpenter slave’s wife, annulling the magical powers to release her.

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I S L A N D S IN THE SUN J U S T A S H O R T B O AT R I D E AWAY A R E T H E G L I T T E R I N G I S L A N D S , WA S H E D BY T H E S E A A N D WA R M E D BY T H E S U N , WH E R E YO U C AN E XP E R I E N C E A VE RY D I FFE R E NT ALGARVE

Wo rd s:

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BRIAN REDMOND

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TRAVEL PLUS

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Ancão peninsula in the west is commonly known as Faro Beach but is also known locally as Faro Island. The Ancão inlet separates it from Ilha Barreta or Ilha Deserta as it is popularly known. The next inlet is the Faro Olhão inlet on which work began back in 1927 to improve access to the ports of Faro and Olhão.

But it got ignored and fouled up in political indifference for many a decade, and was not completed until 1952.

The next barrier is a confusion of names. On the

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Which is which?

one hand it is called Ilha da Culatra and on the other Ilha Farol. In fact it is just one island and its true name is Ilha Culatra.

There are two villages on the island; Farol which is just across the water from Ilha Deserta and Culatra on the lagoon that faces Olhão. Eastward of Ilha da Culatra is the Armona inlet and then Ilha Armona itself followed by the Fuseta inlet with Ilha Tavira on its shore. Tavira inlet leads on to Ilha Cabanas and finally the barrier islands finish at the peninsula of Cacela. Confusing, yes, but only at first; the joy of discovery takes over fast and always delights.

The Ria Formosa Natural park meanders along the coast for 60 kilometres and runs through five municipalities: Loulé, Faro, Olhão, Tavira and Vila Real de Santo António. It was constituted in 1978 and is recognised by the Ramsar Convention for its crucial importance as a wetland habitat.

Each island hosts some form of human activity including Ilha Deserta which is home to the renowned sea food restaurant, Estaminé, worth a trip for an unforgettable lunch. Apart from the restaurant, the majority of visitors mainly enjoy the seclusion of the place. Many bring picnics and simply relax in the unspoilt surroundings. The island also features the most southerly point of Portugal at Cabo de Santa Maria.

The neighbouring island of Culatra consists of three parts – Farol, Culatra and Hângares. The entire island, which is vehicle free, is six kilometres in length and one kilometre at its widest and has a resident population of 1,000. The ocean side of the island has beautiful golden sand beaches and on the lagoon side there are marinas and moorings for leisure and working boats.It is also the starting point for the channels of Faro and Olhão. A dramatic focal point, a lighthouse, interestingly also named as Cabo Santa Maria is in the village of Farol

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HIS A TRUE STORY. A TOUR REP

was once asked by a newly-arriving holiday maker in Albufeira: “How big is the island of Algarve?” The bemused rep replied that the Algarve was firmly attached to Portugal whereupon the tourist angrily exclaimed: “I thought I was going to an island off the coast of Spain!”

Of course the Algarve is not an island but it does boast a string of remarkable coastal barriers and islets that make up part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. From west to east these barrier islands are separated by natural and man-made inlets and bookended by two peninsulas.

Opposite page: Ilha Deserta, This page; fishing is the business of the islanders

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TRAVEL PLUS

on the western tip of the island. There is a network of boardwalks criss-crossing the island one of which connects the villages of Farol and Culatra.

A nice way to experience the island is to take a ferry from either Faro or Olhão to Farol, walk the sand-roads lined with colourful houses, lunch at one of the cafés and then stroll across to Culatra village.

The direct walking route is four kilometres.

But this is a working island; the people here rely on fishing for their income and they work hard to make a living. The waters around the island contain an abundance of fish such as sole, flounder, plaice and turbot plus dorsal species like mackerel and rock salmon. Shellfish and 300 species of molluscs including ribbed clams and razor clams were once plentiful but have recently declined due to over catching and pollution. A recent proposal to establish a ten-hectare clam farm is meeting strong opposition principally because of its intention to introduce an Asian species of clam into what is, under international law, a protected marine environment.

East of Ilha da Culatra lies Armona, nine kilometres long but just as slim as its neighbour. It is home to a good number of small, characterful beach houses, some of which are available for holiday rental, plus a few quality cafés and restaurants. It is a favourite of those who want to escape the crowded beaches along the Algarve coast. Pristine golden sands run along the coastal side of the island where often no one is to be

seen. There is also an inland lake fed from the tidal lagoon that provides safe and peaceful bathing.

Getting there The availability of regular ferries is crucial to the survival of these special islands in the Ria Formosa.

There are a number of ferry companies running every day of the year from both Faro and Olhão with prices ranging from €3 to €6 for a return ticket, depending on your island of choice. Tavira island which has a popular camping site is serviced from the dock in Tavira and Ilha de Cabanas is reached by a short ferry boat ride from the village of Cabanas.

Some of the ferry companies offer other services such as hop-on-hop-off options to some of the islands and also eco tours and bird watching exxperiences.

There are more than 300 species of birds with a combined population of 30,000 in the Ria Formosa Natural Area ranging from, to name just a very few, Egrets, Terns, Cormorants, White Storks and of course the Great Flamingo. And the famous Portuguese Water Dog originated here; it was bred by fishermen who trained it to herd fish into their nets, to retrieve lost tackle and also to act as couriers to and from the shore to the inshore fishing fleet.

The seabed all along the Ria Formosa is home to a very special species that is facing a battle to return to the record numbers that were verified back in the year 2001. The highest population density of

People here rely on fishing for their income. The waters

This page: The white sands of Armona. Opposite page, top left clockwise: Seahorses; Ria Formosa; oysters at Estaminé restaurant on Ilha Deserta; Cultura and its famous lighthouse

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around the island contain an abundance of species seahorses in the entire world was recorded in the Ria Formosa then but by 2008 there was an alarming decrease – 94% in long-snouted seahorses and 73% in short snouted.

Very recently seahorses have been gathered illegally in the Ria Formosa and traded as nonsense curios and bogus Chinese ‘medicine’. The seahorse is indigenous to the Ria Formosa and its biology and ecology is remarkable. As well as the long- and shortsnouted varieties that were common here in Algarve, there are another 44 known species. Males fertilise the eggs and carry the babies to ‘birth’ in a pouch much like a kangaroo. They remain as monogamous couples throughout their lives and greet each other every day by entwining each others tails.

The seahorse is important in maintaining habitats like the seagrass and mangroves of the Ria Formosa.

Their natural surroundings are being eroded here by bad practice such as anchoring pleasure boats instead of using mooring buoys and by jet skiers practising their sport in the shallow waters of the lagoon and as a result tearing up the sea beds.

If you find yourself on a central Algarvean hill looking out to sea, observe a lighthouse a little to the left of the airport. That’s Farol, and a landmark surrounded by a unique seascape. Go and explore this special part of Algarve that is not actually an island but is made of islands. It will lift your spirits.

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GETTING AROUND WATER TAXIS from Faro to Faro Beach, Ilha Deserta, Farol, Hangares and Culatra, cost from €20 to €45 for five passengers and €5 for extras.

Call 924 400 173 to book.

FERRIES are cheap and cheerful and go from Faro, Olhao and Tavira.

For Hop-on hop-off options and tours with experts, check out go.deserta.pt and islands4you.pt

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FOOD PLUS

TA S T E S

g reat ...

Bravo Brava TH I S I S A S M A LL B U T P ER FEC TLY- FO R M ED R E S TAU R A NT TH AT U N D ER S TA N DS TA S TE

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E HAVE driven past Brava hundreds of times, coming round the bend from the fast road to Loulé and into Almancil. Driven past, but not stopped en route to Apolonia and yes, Aldi.

Then foodie friends from way out west who have moved close by and, with new house nearing completion, have been on the requisite journey of restaurant discovery.

They told us about Brava. Actually not told, they raved, and as they have good taste in everything, we took note, and booked a table at what advertises itself as a tapas bar.

Yes, a tapas bar.

Expectations? A blackboard

with the evenings specials. Brightcoloured plastic place mats. House wine. Realisation? None of above.

The décor is stunning, so much so my other half was rendered speechless. Great furniture, superb lighting. Wonderful ornamental props that added to the atmosphere.

And clever-placed mirrors that introduce another dimension through reflection.

So, once over the surprise, on to the menu. As I said before, none of the expected. Even the bread is special here. None of the trad carrots with garlic and sardine paste in a peel-top mini pack but instead olive and dried tomato tapenade and truffled butter. Small starters

FOOD Tapas but not the expected

DECOR You'll want to do the same at home

PRICE Tapas €4 to €9.50, puds average €5

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include prosciutto croquettes and wedge clam rissoles. Then there are the mains, and a great choice.

The meat tapas includes beef tataki with ponzu, roasted sesame and homemade pickle; black pork with apple and lime purée, sweet chilli chicken wings. From the sea comes adventurous dishes, the likes of octopus carpaccio with a salsa of peppers, fresh oysters with a shot of tarragon vinegar, braised tuna that’s barely looked at the heat There are ‘snacks’ including a favourite, fried padrón peppers with flor de sal, and chevre cheese puffs that come with a confit of figs in port wine and a toasted peanut salad.

Still not convinced? Want something more? Well, you can ignore the tapas (bet you can't) and settle instead for tagliolini with truffle sauce, or codfish pie, or a hearty ribeye with sweet potato fries.

Leave room for the puds, especially the apple and plum heaven - sorry, mean crumble – or the strawberry millefeuilles with pink peppers and white chocolate sauce.

On our first visit, we were the first to arrive. Within half an hour the place was heaving. And it has been packed every time we get that 'I need tapas' urge.

There is an outside seating area and now the weather is better, that, too will be busy.

We reckon two dishes per person to share will keep you very happy.

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‘Tapas, but not as you know it. Think adventurous’

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ENTERTAINMENT PLUS

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M A G N I L C N D A F the real deal

Dancing the real deal

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C A R O LY N

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d set in Seville an orus of ch a st id am e ic heroin ough it was an portrays a trag . Ironically, alth rls gi y ps gy wild med in 1875 its was first perfor attention of opera, when it th es focused e em th ch a us lo da scan any places su flamenco. In m . re fo all Europe on be heard or seen s had never been ence to prove that the root id zealous dance ev d the te as en y um da to oc n l-d el ow There is w ith a people kn p that ncing began w n ethnic grou ya Ar of flamenco da do In an e ricts of ar st ey di Th ab a. nj and the Pu Spanish Rom na ya ar H obably n, pr ha jast tanos, they originated in Ra le known as gi st. The op ue pe g nq co rin h de g the Mooris India. A wan rin du e im et m n so arrived in Spai is 1447. date of entry veloped as a first recorded ght to have de ou th is e nc da nger clicking co fi en d an am fl The e hand clapping e th to se castanets mad on e physical resp s’ songs. Crud no ta gi t. e en th m d te mpani that complimen ed as an acco in e sometimes us countries, but from shells wer on in many Mediterranean ey Th . ts en m mm sion instru These were co wooden percus e rhythm of the to in d ve ol ev Spain they ical beat to th lar r distinct mus come so popu added a furthe stanets had be ca y ur d– nt an ce lls th ba 17 h e is th songs. By andiose Span ed be heard at gr re they provid they could also – in Seville’s Cathedral whe y gl in s. more surpris and ceremonie d ious services the six-stringe drama to relig g century that in w Cadiz llo in fo d e te th ap g ad rin It was du strument was s oduced. The in ing of castanet guitar was intr ously, the play ne ta to ul d m te Si af . cr te lu be d ab from the Ar since they coul stomary to play sophisticated cu became more tch. It became pi and of ls rent leve the left hand in it g in ld produce diffe ho by et an st ca ho the lower mac ht. mbra in the rig the higher he A Carmen is

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WAY T O G O WA N T TO S E E T H E B E S T ?

Check out the late-night performances where the only thing on offer is dance.

No dinner no cocktails, just pure dance.

In Seville, Casa de Flamenco is one of the best, and worth the queuing. Los Gallos is another favourite, but there are many many more. In Jerez de la Frontera, Tabanco El Pasaje comes highly recommended, but check performance details well in advance.

FA N C Y T H E F R O C K ?

You cannot walk down a street in a Spanish town without seeing wildly colourful displays of the flouncy dresses, painted castanets, and the all-important dance shoes, the fans and extravagant haircombs favoured by by dancers and holiday memorabilia collectors alike.

D I D YO U K N OW ? Paradoxically, the gitanos who made such a significant contribution to Spain’s flamenco culture, are marginalized today. Of more than half a million in the country many live in shanty towns on the outskirts of cities.

Others still practice a Romany lifestyle, frequently being moved on by authorities and having to resort to hawking and begging for their survival.

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Head we the raspttfuor a couple o re, and th f hours an e breathl d experie ess passio nce n

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The characteristic foot stomping and feet tapping became popular in the 20th century and since that time traditional flamenco has hardly changed at all. There are pre-designated steps that must be followed but there is scope to show personal ingenuity and expression. Different styles are grouped into categories from sorrowful flamencos such as the siguiriyas and soleas to lively belerias, boleros, fandangos, alegrias and farrucas.

Of all these dances, the sevillana, which originates in Seville, is extra special to be enjoyed at a fiesta.

Almost every Spanish town has a dancing school where children learn the choreography of a sevillana. There is a degree of nostalgia embedded in the words of the songs that accompany the dance. They hark back to the simplicity of life and the importance of religion in the countryside years ago.

Flamenco is at the heart of much of the literary work of Spain’s pre-eminent 20th century writer, Federico Garcia Lorca. “Flamenco is an old tree with deep roots and many branches,” he opined.

In 1922 it was disdained as a low-class relic associated with brothels, taverns and immoral behavior. That is until Lorca wrote his essay Deep Song. The Primitive Song of Andalucia where he promoted its cultural heritage. Deep Song is a discourse about purism and authenticity in flamenco and Lorca argues that in its uncorrupted form it is a raw and genuine expression of the human spirit.

A rising literary star at the time, he was aged just 23 when he put forward his view. Going further, he asserted that although the artistry belonged to the gypsies of Andalucia it was also important to Spain as a nation. In his further writings such as Poema del Cante Jondo, he praised the antiquity and oriental roots of true flamenco challenging those who had negative attitudes towards it.

For some 14 years, Lorca’s influence was immense on this and other controversial subjects. In 1936 – at the outset of the Spanish Civil War – he was arrested and executed by right-wing Nationalist military forces. His place of burial has never been located.

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Melissa Jane

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+ 351 289 397 194

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W W W. M E L I S S A J A N E I N T E R I O R S . C O M

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20 l ALGARVE P L U S

W E D D I N G BELLES

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S O O N -TO - B E -W E D S F R O M A L L OV E R T H E WO R L D H E A D TO THE ALGARVE TO TIE THE KNOT WHERE THE SUN S H I N E S B R I G H T A N D T H E PA R T Y I N G P OS S I B I LITI E S A R E E N D L E S S . W H AT W I L L T H I S Y E A R ’ S FA S H I O N - F O R WA R D

in the sun

BRIDES BE WEARING? ANYTHING BUT SIMPLE IF THE D E S I G N E R S H AV E T H E I R WAY

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EDDING DRESSES today are designer-driven, celebrity-influenced, and wow-factor statement-makers, taking much from the high-fashion catwalks of the world and little from bridal tradition. And that means anything goes so long, of course, as it is chic, sharp, svelte, slinky, sexy and an instant signal of great taste. A difficult want? Absolutely not. There’s a world of wonderful gowns out there in fabulous materials with amazing detailing waiting for the bride-to-be to discover.

She’ll have done her homework online before hitting the bridal boutiques; she’ll know the names, recognise the look, and have decided on the silhouette well in advance of saying “yes, to the dress.” And the style of wedding does not dictate the style of dress. There used to be rules – well guidelines – traditional for formal celebrations with a bit of cover-up to keep it proper; short and sweet for registry office exchanges of vows; plain and simple for destination nuptials far away from home. Well you can forget that today.

For what is – hopefully – the best day ever, multi-skirted ballgowns can go with bare feet, laid-back boho with layers of macramé-style lace can head for the church; retro beaded frocks get the thumbs up with trainers. And why not? After all, if this is to be the best day ever, then a bride should wear exactly what makes her feel every inch the princess, the million-dollar star that shines bright.

It is reckoned that 2020 will be a very good year for weddings – far better than 2019. Why? Because an amazing number of couples said, when researched, that 2020 had a better ring to it! To those of us who said yes years ago, that’s a strange sentiment: we just wanted to do it, but reservations for this year have escalated everywhere, the greatest demand being for the 20th of any month.

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FASHION PLUS

Why here?

The Algarve is way up there in the European destination favourites and no wonder. Great planners, superb venues, pretty much a guarantee of good weather, brilliant photo opportunities and, of course, the price can be very right, whether one goes for a plush hotel, an extravagant

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BEAUTIFUL BOW

ILLUSION SLEEVES

Luisa Sposa

Daria Karlozi

luisasposa.info

darliakarlozi.com

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TR AN SPAR E NCY Far right: Claire Pettibone clairpettibone.com L AV I S H L AY E R S Right: Tina Valerdii tinavalerdi.com PLUNGING NECK Below right: Demetrios demetrios.com

contemporary villa, or a hidden-in-thecountryside private estate where guest ‘experiences’ are part of the package.

But we’re here to talk dresses, so let’s get on with that bit – the minute a “let’s do it” decision has been made, the frock thoughts move to centre stage and take over.

MAKING PLANS

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The trends Where to begin? Well, there are clearly-defined directions coming from the big designer names that include twists and turns in cuts, and different ways to use the latest fabrics. Tulle and lace are top choice for float appeal, while mikado is number one for more structured styles. Out-sized bows, laser-cut 3-D flowers and re-embroidered lace motifs join intricate beadwork as the key detailing, while illusion panelling is a star feature allowing for deep, daring front and back plunges that sit in place safely and securely.

Sleeves are big news. Even the simplest of sweetheart necklines are being dressed up with sumptuous shoulder detailing that cascades down to form floaty voluminous arm cover, sometimes caught at the wrist in elegant beadworked cuffs or gathered at the elbow and left to fan out. Still more are softly slashed open for a little exposé, or intricately worked with lace motifs and embroideries on flesh coloured tulle to create a wonderful tattoo effect.

Flurries of feathers and threads of tiny sparkling stones add a thoroughly modern personality to undersilhouettes and often form part of a capelet that ties with a soft bow.

The look is feminine, dreamlike, and always romantic.

Separates Separates have come into serious play allowing a bride to create any number of elaborate moods from the same beautiful basics. So, a simple skirt, or body-skimming dress or slender trousers take on a new personality with a fine lace T-shirt, a sculpted jacket, a flowing cape, or a top-skirt that adds a lush volume. Female same-sex couples will find some real treats in the ranges on offer, and can easily plan two outfits that share special features.

And there are more and more trousers around now, if not solo than in tailored jumpsuits topped with a long, lean jacket with flower-sprigged lapels.

Legs on show Cool and confident and stepping out in style are the newest gowns that feature daring slit skirts – some open to just above the knee, others braving it thigh high, and still more –those from the bar-raising designer names – making a

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There are some great wedding planners here, including: ALGARVE EVENTS

taelor@algarveevents.com 913 422 735 algarveevents.com D R E A M DAY W E D D I N G S

info@dreamdayweddingplanners. com 915 202 390 dreamdayweddingplanners.com GLAMOUR WEDDINGS

hello@glamourweddings.pt 919 917 268 glamourweddings.pt SONHO A DOIS

info@sonhoadois.com 914 376 015 sonhoadois.com

transparent statement.

So, knickers on show (but they are beautiful knickers), midriff exposed, built-in lace bra and often a high neckline to add a surprising finish. Great-looking shoes are an essential partner to the look; skyscraper heels a must.

Back issues The newest collections focus on extravagant special effects across the back, a play of fabric and finishes, perhaps, or cut and curve, or the shimmer and shine of intricately-worked jewels. Detail is what defines the features: a criss-crossing of lacey straps to form keyhole cut-outs, lavish lace motifs, a deep cowl, or a slender string of gleaming crystals forming suspended from the shoulders. And then there is the bridal fashionista’s favourite newcomer, the flowing cape – these are what make the difference.

Best news in the business is that almost every designer is going for curves and creating ranges within ranges that offer not just the cut and fit that plays up the positives, but the same fabulous detailing that every bride wants.

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A reference of good taste

Casavostra Mediterranean food

www.pizzeriacasavostra.com

Alquatro Interior Design & Lifestyle www.alquatro.pt

Av. 5 Outubro 302, Almancil (Opposite Apolรณnia Supermarket) 1-68_ALGARVE_FINAL.indd 23

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MUSIC PLUS

S O U N D S

WON DERF U L

T H E H I L L S A R E A L I V E W I T H … Y E S … I T R E A L LY I S T H E S O U N D O F M U S I C A S T H E A M I G O S D E M U S I C A S TA G E M O R E C O N C E R T S

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W I T H T O P A R T I S T S AT A S P L E N D I D C O U N T R Y S I D E V E N U E

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P IN THE HILLS above Santa Barbara de Nexe is a treasure, a magical quinta in a country estate that has been run by the same family for centuries. It is the setting not only for wonderful weddings, but also home to the Amigos, a group with an impressive history of bringing musical talents to the Algarve.

The Associação de Amigos de Musica de São Lourenco de Almancil was founded 30 years ago by Lady Christine Vavasour, John and Prue Levitt, actors Clive and Cilla Dunn, Mark Weinberger and Pedro Leitão, the eminent painter and sculptor from Lisbon, who moved forward the inspired thinking of Volker and Marie Huber, then proprietors of the Cultural Centre in São Lourenco – the first art centre in the post-Revolution Algarve.

What the members of the founding group had in common was the desire to make cultural pursuits available to everyone in the slowly-developing region and, although few of them are still with us today, the legacy they left has impacted on the lifestyle here – especially for those who want more than sunshine and golf.

In the early days news and information spread by word of mouth, shared by visitors to the Cultural Centre who felt they had made a discovery. The musical aspect of the creative offering, driven by Lady Christine Vavasour, resulted in the formation of the AAMSL which was set up as a private, non-profit membership ‘club’, that invited music aficionados to join and attend the concerts staged at São Lourenco.

However, as a result of the global economic crisis in 2007-2008 and the passing of Volker Huber, the Cultural Centre closed its doors in 2013 and the Amigos de Musica found themselves without a venue.

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Association President Helga Hampton was determined that the good things of the past continued to flourish and set forth on a year-long journey to find the right new home for the Association’s ambitious concert programme. “It was a huge challenge given the number of places now on our local map,” she says. “But we had a clear list of priorities. Key was that the chosen new home would provide the best facilities in prestigious surroundings and had a pedigree of service excellence; it was a task, yes, but one that was rewarded ten-fold when we identified Quinta dos Agostos as the perfect setting.”

To the owners of the estate, Maria and Antonio Farrajota, is was also a challenge. The former stable and adega, both renovated to the highest standard, lent themselves to the new joint venture, the adega – surprisingly – providing excellent acoustics; now an auditorium which seats 100, it has a speciallycommissioned stage built to accommodate the Amigos’ Yamaha C3 concert piano.

Planning the programme All programming is done by an elected executive committee, consisting of the President, secretary, treasurer, a PR specialist, an events- and a social specialist. Marie Huber remains a special adviser on the committee. This Executive Committee, as well as the AGM Committee and the Fiscal Council are elected every four years in September, at the beginning of each concert season.

But the actual selection of the artists is at the discretion of the President who is clearly focused on a mix of old and new musicians for the forthcoming 18-concert season. Old here is not age related, but refers Opposite: The glorious Quinta dos Agostos and Amigos de Musica’s guest musicians. top left: Milan Miladinovic; bottom left: Andey Gugnin; right: Konstantin Lapshin

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MUSIC PLUS

Right: Evgueni Sinaiski, in concert with Valeria Zorina and Kirill Timofeev on 19 and 21 May

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per person per season) you get gratis entrance to all 18 concerts on the annual schedule of events which runs from September to June. In addition – and it is a muchappreciated addition – there are activities planned such as specially-staged dinners with music, and trips to fascinating destinations.

Membership is closed for the current season, but new applications are considered in June for the following year. But of course, non-members are regular concert-goers, too, and can book tickets online at the Amigos website reservasconcertos@gmail.com. The €25 per person contribution towards 2020 expenses includes some pretty good pre-concert treats: the gates of Os Agostos open at 6pm giving access 24 A N D 26 MA R CH to the gardens and terraces of this Pierre-Andre Doucet, piano remarkable stately home where good wines and canapés are served 28 A N D 3 0 A PR I L providing a perfect opportunity for Andrey Gugnin, piano the audience to mix and mingle, discuss shared interests and perhaps 19 A N D 21 MAY forge new friendships. Concerts Russian Trio: start at 7pm promptly and there is Evgueni Sinaiski piano an interval where both appetites and Valeria Zorina, violin to performers who are also returners, conversations are further nourished.

Kirill Timofeev, cello having entertained and delighted And after each concert a number of audiences in past seasons. It is often Amigos are invited to dinner and to 16 A N D 18 J U N E their suggestions of other – often meet that night’s guest artists.

Konstantin Lapshin, piano emerging – musical talents, that helps That Amigo s concerts play to a full form the forthcoming programme. house – members themselves have to Every artist or chamber group book tickets in advance – is the sign involved is invited to the Algarve of a real success story and one that continues to push for a week. Their airfares are paid, they are given the boundaries, ensuring both the programme itself and accommodations and a rental car and in exchange the surroundings that are integral to the association’s they present two concerts with different content, on personality, deliver what the audience have come to the Tuesday and Thursday of their stay. It is a system expect. And an important part of that personality is that, started by the Hubers all those years ago, works the charity arm ‘Young Portuguese Music Student extraordinarily well and attracts world-class musicians Sponsorship’, a project that was instituted in 1995. All with skillfully-edited repertoires. monies collected from membership and ticket income, But it is not purely the musical offering that draws in after expenses, goes into this on-going programme an ever-increasing membership to the Amigos. It is also which has so far supported five young talents. Currently, the social aspect of what is, in effect, an ‘exclusive’ club. the project is giving financial support to a young pianist You have to be invited to join the group, for starters. As from Beja who is pursuing his studies in Germany an active member (there are currently €100 paying €200 AMIGOS-DE-MUSICA.ORG /

osagostos.com

Sponsorship

T H E A A M SL YOU NG P ORT UGU E SE M USIC I A NS’ SP ONSOR SH I P

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The present protégé, Tiago Rosario, is a 22-year-old piano student from Beja in the Alentejo. After graduating in 2015 from the Escola de Musica do Conservatorio Nacional, he completed his piano studies in Portugal at ESMA – the Musica Academy of Oporto under the guidance of Pedro Burmester, achieving the highest honors.

With the practical and financial assistance of the Amigos sponsorship programme, Tiago is now studying with Professor Heribert Koch at the Musikhochschule in Munster, Germany where he is making amazing progress. In January 2019 he played Chopin’s 12 Etudes op. 10 in a concert at the Hochschule to great accolades, and was recommended for participation in the important Piano Competition in Venice in May 2019.

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TECHNO PLUS

WORD PERFECT A L M O S T U N N OT I C E D , S P E E C H -TO TE X T TEC H N O LO GY H A S B ECO M E MORE AND MORE POWERFUL, AND S Y S T E M S A R E N O W AVA I L A B L E T H AT E N A B L E Y O U T O D I C TAT E E M A I L S , FAC E B O O K P O S T S A N D E V E N W H O L E D O C U M E N T S S I M P LY B Y S P E A K I N G T O Y O U R P H O N E , TA B L E T O R L A P T O P

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Practise and practise.

After trying out several of the most popular voice recognition systems, I think I’m getting the hang of it and will be using dictation much more in the future.

The top tip is to practice.

The grand old man of voice recognition is Nuance, with its DragonDictate product. After decades of development, it is the ultimate dictation system, picking up practically every word, and using voice commands to edit the text on the go; spacing and

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ORKING AWAY from the office used to be a major pain, involving lugging along a laptop and its mains lead or a spare battery. If you wanted to use your phone you would be forced to tap laboriously on the tiny keys on the screen or attach a Bluetooth keyboard.

Thankfully, voice recognition is now more than 95 per cent accurate even for the free systems installed on mobile phones and tablets, and they get even better as they learn to recognise your voice using artificial intelligence (AI). Regional accents, even Glaswegian, are less of a problem than they used to be.

However, dictation is not as easy as it sounds.

Perhaps it’s because I am a touch typist, but I find it difficult to formulate whole sentences in my mind before I start to speak. This is actually a problem with today’s voice recognition systems, because they use the cadence of your voice as part of the recognition process. If you try and dictate sentences word by word, the quality of recognition declines quickly.

You also have to remember the exact terms to use in punctuation and to enter new lines or capitalisation and other control functions.

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I think I am getting the hang of it and will be using dictation more in the future.

The tip is to practise capitalisation are handled accurately, and local punctuation is used so you can say “full stop” instead of “period”.

A particularly handy feature is the ability to ask for the system to display the list of commands, which is very handy in case of memory failure.

The big drawback with DragonDictate is the price.

The Windows package cost €159 for the home edition and €399 for a professional edition with sophisticated spreadsheet capabilities, all the voice commands you will ever need and other useful things such as the ability to insert the ‘canned’ passages beloved by lawyers.

The mobile version, called Dragon Anywhere, is a subscription service available for IOS and Android at €€15 a month. Dictated text is stored on the cloud

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TECHNO PLUS

and can be shared by email, Dropbox, Evernote and handling services. You can also buy a Bluetooth headset with noise cancellation to make dictation even more accurate.

Both Apple iOS and Google’s Android have dictation built in already, as does Microsoft’s popular SwiftKey onscreen keyboard available on both systems. They are not quite as good as Dragon but they do the job (the system on iOS is actually based on Dragon technology.)

And, best of all, they are free.

Press the right buttons In all the systems, you start dictation by pressing a microphone icon located either at the top (Google) or on a key at the bottom left (Google and SwiftKey). The keyboard will be replaced by a line that often animates to represent your voice.

In my experience, the Apple iOS system is easily the best. It was fairly accurate even at the start, and gets better as it learns to recognise your voice. It has a full range of commands so you can get it to format the document without having to return to the keyboard, though in typical Apple fashion it is really difficult to fi nd a list of them online.

Apple dictation also recognises most punctuation marks although some can be difficult to remember – saying “open bracket” will bring up a square bracket, for example. If you want the more usual curved brackets, you have to say “open parenthesis.”

Impressively, the system recognises the term ellipsis...

Some more technical dictation terms are a little bit hit and miss. Saying “six euros fi fty”, for example, may get

the expected “6.50” but sometimes you have to spell out “euro sign six point five zero.”

Correcting mistakes can be a little bit tricky too, involving tapping on the words you want to correct to select them, thus returning to the keyboard, forcing you to press the microphone again to dictate the correct version.

One of the really good features of Apple dictation is that it works off-line so you can dictate documents from the back of beyond. The quality of recognition is a bit reduced and it only works for English at the moment but presumably languages such as Portuguese are on the way.

On Android devices, Google’s Voice Typing feature provides good voice recognition but it tends to be a bit reluctant to recognise punctuation and control commands such as ‘new line’, which it just prints out so you have to go back to the keyboard and delete the mistake, which is irritating. Google Voice Typing is supposed to work offl ine.

There are several languages you can download including various types of English including US and UK, and also Portuguese (but only Brazilian) but I could not get it to work offl ine on my admittedly rather elderly phone.

Voice Typing also has a hilarious profanity fi lter – switch on ‘hide offensive words’ in the settings menu and it will replace any coarse language with the initial letter and the right number of asterisks.

Microsoft’s Swiftkey keyboard for iOS Is available on the App Store. In voice recognition mode, all the heavy lifting is done on in the cloud, so you have to be online.

Words are recognised fairly reliably but the system has an irritating habit of adding a full stop. Every time you make a little pause so. If you don’t fi nish your sentence in one hit. You have to go back and remove all the. Superfluous full stops. I have left them in the previous sentence so you can see how tiresome it is. In the Android version of Swiftkey. the microphone icon simply enables Google Voice typing, but less good than the native version. None of the punctuation seems to work. So, though the sliding keys and predictive text of the SwiftKey keyboard are excellent, for voice dictation it is better to stick to Apple dictation or Google Voice Typing.

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Switch on ‘hide offensive words’ and it will replace any coarse language with the initial letter and the right number of asterisks

When it comes together and you see the results, it is really rather pleasing despite the hiccups

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A

TRULY ADVENTUROUS couple, Ben and Nadrali started working together in the UK, in Somerset, taking advice from Ben’s mother who was an established ceramic artist. They travelled widely and to help them fund their journeys they made ceramics that utilised the local environment and available materials. Eventually they came to the Algarve and decided to settle here. “As soon as the Algarve sun lit up our eyes, we fell in love,” says Ben. At first they specialised in jewellery but then – and over several years –developed their skills to embrace, as well as intricate beadwork and body ornaments, sculptural homeware and decorative wall art. Today their enchanting glazes on elegant forms create stunning effects.

Hand-shaped with skill, no two items are ever alike nor can they be replicated; like snowflakes, every one of their creations is unique, an individual masterpiece with its own distinct personality.

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AD VEN TU Working under the name Ben and Nadrali the couple make their own glazes using cobalt and copper oxides to create distinctive shades of ocean blue and tranquil tones of green and turquoise. Different blends of local clays also impact on the colours and provide a variety of sensual textures.

To add interest to the ceramic surface the clay will sometimes be mixed with ash made from almond, vine and olive wood or roughsurfaced grog. Any pattern or design that might be needed is dextrously applied and the object is then fired in an outdoor woodburning kiln. If necessary it is sanded to give the finished surface a natural organic look.

These are pieces once seen, immediately wanted, so that the duo work closely with Galeria Côrte-Real comes as excellent news to collectors. The latest collection of ceramics on show at the Paderne gallery reflects an extra dimension, with splashes of gold applied to the twists and turns of new forms.

IN CERAMICS

RE

E X P LO R I N G T H E P OT E N T I A L O F C E R A M I C A R T,

BEN HOWE AND REBBECK A NADRALI ARE BOLD IN T H E I R E N D E AV O U R S , C R E AT I N G U N I Q U E O B J E C T S INSPIRED BY THE RADIANT SKIES OF INDIA , MOROCCO AND SOUTHERN PORTUGAL

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C A R O LY N K A I N

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COLLECTIONS PLUS

U GALERIA CÔRTE- REAL is signposted from Boliqueime, Ferreiras and Paderne O P E N : T H U R S D AY t o S U N D AY, 1 1 A M - 5 P M

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T: 9 1 2 7 3 7 7 6 2 / c o r t e r e a l a t e e . c o m

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TASTE PLUS

Brioche French toast with honey-glazed nectarines TH I S I S A P OS H VE RS IO N O F TH E EG GY B R E AD WE E N J OY E D A S K I D S . T H E VA N I L L A A N D C I N N A M O N A D D A L O V E LY W A R M T H T H AT C O N T R A S T S W I T H T H E S H A R P N E S S O F T H E F R U I T, W H I L E

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M ET HOD

2 eggs 250ml whole milk 1tsp vanilla paste 20g honey, plus extra to serve 1tsp ground cinnamon 4 thick slices of brioche About 100g unsalted butter, for frying Greek yoghurt, to serve

1 Preheat the oven to 160°C fan/180°C/Gas 4.

2 To roast the hazelnuts, toss them in the oil, spread out on a baking tray and roast in the hot oven for about 12 minutes, giving them the odd shake from time to time. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. When cool enough to handle, roughly chop.

3 In the meantime, place the nectarine slices in a frying pan with the orange zest and honey. Cook gently, turning them, for about 5 minutes or until soft and sticky.

4 In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs with the milk, vanilla paste, honey and cinnamon.

5 Dip the brioche slices in the beaten egg mixture.

Melt the butter in a frying pan and fry each brioche slice for 2–3 minutes on each side. Don’t shake the pan or fiddle with the bread, as you want it to caramelise in the pan.

6 Serve the French toast topped with the honeyglazed nectarines, chopped hazelnuts, Greek yoghurt and more honey.

For the roasted hazelnuts 150g hazelnuts 25ml vegetable or sunflower oil For the nectarines 3 nectarines, sliced Grated zest of 1 orange 75g honey

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SERVES 4

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of th e month ...

T H E R O A S T E D H A Z E L N U T S A D D A S AT I S F Y I N G C R U N C H

ANOTHER TREAT FROM THE SUNDAY BRUNCH COOKBOOK

BY SIMON RIMMER AND TIM LOVEJOY, PUBLISHED BY EBURY PRESS. YUMMY PHOTOGRAPHY IS BY DAN JANES

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of the month

PROPERTY

l 37 ALGARVE P L U S

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Exclusive Listing I M M AC U L ATELY- P R E S ENTED B E AC H FRO NT CO R N ER TOW N H O U S E WITH M AG N I FI C ENT S E A V I E WS , S E T I N A U N I Q U E P OS ITI O N WITH E A SY ACC E S S TO TH E B E AC H N E A R O LH OS D`AG UA 

Absolutely



100



3

unique property



Large



Communal



Double



Air



Alarm

meters walk to Falesia beach

bedrooms with fitted wardrobes/dressing area



3



Several

bathrooms (1 en-suite)

terraces with stunning sea views

swimming pool

glazed windows / electric shutters conditioning

/ sound system / central vacuum system



Entrance



Fully



Construction:



Light-drenched



Plot



EC:



Asking



Ref



hall / cloakroom

garage / basement with internal access

furnished and equipped kitchen / pantry living/dining room with fireplace

Covered

terrace with access to communal area / BBQ

approximately.

283sqm, Built in 2002 325sqm

C price: €625.000

R-BTO

A light-drenched corner townhouse with stunning sea views in a wonderful position, just a short stroll in the sunshine to Falesia beach

T O V I E W : T: +3 5 1 2 8 9 3 0 1 2 9 4 / E : i n f o @ y e l l o w h o m e s . c o m / W : y e l l o w h o m e s . c o m

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PROPERTY PLUS

BEDROOMS

Three with fitted wardrobes

B AT H R O O M

Three, with one en-suite

LOUNGE

With spacious terraces

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Large garage with internal access

ALGARVE P L U S

POOL

Communal pool 15x7m

Vilamoura Office EN125 Benfarras Boliqueime 8100-068 Boliqueime T: +351 289 301 294 Tavira Office Rua Dr. Jose Padinha 178 8800-354 Tavira T: +351 281 320 281 AMI: 6232

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READS PLUS

FULLY

booked

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W H E T H E R YO U A R E A PAG E R T U R N E R O R A K I N D L E TA P P E R , A D I P - I N - A N D - O U T E R O R A S TA R T-T O F I N I S H E R , Y O U ’ L L WA N T T O K N O W W H AT ’ S N E W , A N D W H AT ’ S F O R Y O U . A U T H O R D AW N A L L A N D A L E , WHO RUNS THE WRITER GROUP IN SÃO BR AS , AND HOSTS A BOOK CLU B , WILL COME U P WITH A M O N T H LY S E L E C T I O N , F R O M C L A S S I C S O F T H E FU T U R E A N D ACC L AI M ED PR IZE WI N N ERS , TO SC I - FI SAGAS , ROMANCE, AND THRILLERS

LOVE HER OR LOSE HER

A MEMORY CALLED EMPIRE

By Tessa Bailey Publisher: Harper Collins Genre: Chick lit

By Arkady Martine Publisher: MacMillan Genre: Sci-fi

This is a good ‘un – a mix-up of romantic comedy and chick lit with a touch of serious stuff for good measure.

A couple who were once hopelessly in love forget how to fancy one another and the sexy, lovey-dovey gooeyness has been replaced with taking-for-granted, can’t-be-bothered, generally irritating one another complacency.

Rosie decides to take matters in hand and suggests relationship rehab. Once she has recovered from the shock of her macho husband’s agreement to talk about his feelings to a weed-smoking hippie guru, off they go to a marriage boot camp.

It’s all a bit familiar huh? I guess all us girlies identify with going to bed with a full face of make-up right at the beginning which eventually metamorphosis into can’t-be-arsed to even put any on because he never notices anyway! So, Dom and Rosie toodle off to attempt to remodel their relationship and all goes swimmingly until Rosie discovers Dom has a deep dark secret.

This is great holiday read, nothing too heavy but defi nitely struck a chord. I liked the characters, felt empathy with them and it’s a thumbs up from me.

Book One in the Teixcalaan duology. A kind of outer-space soap opera which is more John le Carre than Eastenders. It’s fabulously political and full of goodies and baddies with loads of duplicity and secrets.

Ambassador Mahit Dzmare is sent from her home planet to take up her new position in the Teixcalaan Empire’s capital but when she arrives all is not quite what it seems. The previous Ambassador appears to have met with an untimely death which is being cited as an accident although Mahit soon realises that there is trickery afoot.

Mahit attempts to discover the truth behind her predecessor’s sudden demise whilst fighting off attempts from the Empire who have designs on her own home planet which is rich in much-prized minerals. The tales of the mechanisms of the imperial court, rich and colourful characters and of lessons that seem never to have been learned, are a delight.

Loved the book which also comes across as a bit of a warning; a kind of, for Pete’s sake kids – are you ever going to get your act together and stop fighting each other? A tale as old as time…

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Book of the month

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READS PLUS

THE OTHER BENNET SISTER

THE SUNDOWN MOTEL

By Janice Hadlow Publisher: MacMillan Genre: Historical

By Simone St James Publisher: Penguin Random House Genre: Horror

Pride and Prejudice is one of my favourite stories ever and this novel tells the tale of Mary Bennet, the much-neglected middle sister. We all remember Elizabeth who landed Colin Firth’s Mr Darcy (not jealous at all, she lied) and the beautiful Jane, naughty Lydia and the baby Kitty. Mary was number three; bookish and sensible, neither plain nor pretty, quite clumsy and unbeguiling, just herself without airs nor graces.

Mrs Bennet’s sole purpose in life is to see her five daughters successfully married off and whilst she succeeds with four of them, Mary remains the spinster who seems to drift between the households of her married sisters. She bravely stands up for herself and refuses to make a marriage for any reason other than true love, seeing that as the one thing she can truly take control of.

In true Jane Austen style we become immersed in the complications of that period of time when a good marriage was the be all and end all, the stuff that cemented together the foundations of empires and dynasties.

I felt so sad for poor Mary but understood her mother’s frustration. A reflection of society which was so difficult for those children born into families where a suitable marriage was considered from birth.

I was desperate to know if she found happiness and, without giving the game away, this book ticked all my Austenesque

If you like suspense you’ll love this one! The Sun Down Motel tells the story of Carly Kirk, a young lady who moves to New York in an attempt to discover the truth about the disappearance of her aunt who vanished 30 years previously when she she was working as a night-time receptionist at The Sun Down Motel.

Carly takes exactly the same job at the motel so she can delve into its secrets. The story is told in two voices; that of Carly in the present day and her aunt in the 1980s.

I’m not a lover of supernatural stories – I’m far too much of a scaredy-cat – and at one point I wanted to scream at Carly to pack and leave as fast as she could, but I stayed to the bitter end, determined to find out what had happened. Lots of twists and turns. It will make you jump, search under the bed thoroughly next time you stay in an hotel and give you the heebie-jeebies but well worth reading to the bitter horrifying end!

THE BINDING

By Bridget Collins Publisher: HarperCollins Genre: Fantasy Well, this is one of the most original books I’ve ever read. In a 19th century parallel universe, Emmett Farmer is sent to become apprentice to a book binder. This is a world in which people who have painful memories are able to wipe the slate clean by giving their story to a book binder who traps the memories between the pages of beautifully bound books which only the rich and powerful can buy. These memories, once given, can no longer haunt the tormented.

One day, Emmett senses a connection with the lordly Lucian Darnay who has arrived at the cottage to see his mistress, the book binder. The story unravels and the connection comes to light. The book is full of complex relationships, betrayal, love and a good old dollop of lust. Not for the squeamish, but original in every way.

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LADY IN WAITING

By Anne Glenconner Publisher: Hachette Books Genre: Biography This is an absolute stunner, all the more so because it was written by 87-year- old Lady Glenconner who has spilled the beans, in the nicest possible way, about her relationship with the Royal Family, especially her time as Lady-in-Waiting to Princess Margaret.

I’m sure there is actually nothing new in the book, no staggering secrets revealed because that just wouldn’t be cricket, but it’s fascinating to read the all the facts together.

Lady Glenconner was a childhood friend of the Queen and Princess Margaret, was Tatler’s ‘Deb of the Year’, was married to the chap who owned the island of Mustique, and, being a girl, was a huge disappointment to her father. The overriding feeling I was left with after finishing the book was of great sympathy for Margaret and Lady Anne who fulfilled no specific role other than to look pretty and produce male children.

Lady Anne describes Princess Margaret’s clandestine work with Aids victims, the terrible treatment they both received from their husbands, and the effect of being sent away to school at an early age and the lack of mother-love has had on the males of the aristocracy which, she believes, has led to comsiderable unhappiness.

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ORKING AWAY

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PROPERTY UPDATE PLUS

GETTING READY TO SELL

Clean up time This is also the time for the annual spring clean, which is especially important for those who want to sell their property. A well-maintained and perfectlypresented house sells quicker and is far more likely to achieve a higher price. If you are not living here or are unable to do the necessary tidy-up yourself, there are professional companies that can take on the responsibility. It is key… after all, how can you expect others to fall in love with your property if the property itself shows a lack of TLC? In addition to the spring clean and the removal of all clutter, take a good, hard look at the outside of your property – curb appeal is so important. Tidy up the gardens and where needed, paint/repair the fence and remove old building materials and clutter. The outside woodwork should be in good condition and if this is not the case, you really should get it repaired and repainted.

Try to spruce up the garden the day prior to the viewing. Right now the market is buoyant, and this could be the year that you succeed in selling.

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Safety first Owners are now obliged to clean the land within 50 meters from their house, meaning they have to clean up both bushes and trees. You need to apply a healthy dose of common sense here, especially if you have a landscaped garden with ornamental scrubs and trees surrounding your home; a well-irrigated and maintained garden has less chance of becoming a fire hazard.

Creating a firebreak between the landscaped garden and the rest of the land is important. In general, trees should be pruned up to 50% of the height with a maximum of four meters from the ground; shrubs need to be no higher than 50 centimetres. When you have ornamental trees in your garden you may not want to prune some trees in accordance with the government guidelines but you must make sure that dead wood and debris is removed and no dry scrubs are underneath the tree. In the countryside you find many carob trees protected by law which, if left to themselves, grow long sprawling branches reaching the ground. These branches should be pruned as part of fire prevention planning.

ALGARVE P L U S

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HEREAS THE MONTH of March in 2018 was one of the wettest for almost 20 years, it remains to be seen if the Algarve will achieve even normal levels of rainfall this year. It has been a dry winter and nature could certainly do with some heavy rains.

Springtime is just around the corner and it is probably one of the best seasons of the year to be in the Algarve with blossoming wild flowers everywhere.

From cliff tops along the coastline to the rolling hills in the countryside the land is carpeted by a wide variety of wild and often rare flowers.

If you own a property in the countryside you should pay particular attention to cleaning the land in order to reduce the risk of fire devastation; the government has made changes to the law and added new regulations to help to prevent and deal with fires in the future; these came into force on the 31 May 2018 and there is the threat of heavy fines for noncompliance.

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I F YO U A R E LO O K I N G TO P U T YO U R H O M E O N T H E M A R K E T, N O W I S A N E X C E L L E N T T I M E , S AY S R O B E R T B IJ K E R O F Y ELLOW H O M ES – L A N D & H O US ES ALGARVE . J UST MAK E SU R E YO U H AV E I T LO O K I N G T H E PA R T

Selling forces With spring just around the corner,, a prelude to a wonderful summer. If you have a property for sale or are considering putting your property on the market, chances are that you will sell sooner rather than later.

Our consultants at Yellow Homes - Land & Houses Algarve are looking to add quality properties all across the Algarve for both our Portuguese and International buyers. Help us to help you find prospective buyers of your property. Contact us today.

algarvepropertysearch.com / algarve-portugal-immobilien.de VILAMOURA OFFICE , EN 125, Benfarras Boliqueime, 8100 - 068 Boliqueime / T: 2 8 9 3 0 1 2 9 4 TA V I R A O F F I C E , R u a D r . J o s é P i r e s P a d i n h a 1 7 8 , 8 8 0 0 - 3 5 4 Ta v i r a / T : 2 8 1 3 2 0 2 8 1 ( A M I - 6 2 3 2 )

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GETTING

C R I A T I

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SUNSHINE, LEARNING TO MAKE BREAD, PA I N T A T R A D ITI O N A L TILE OR DISCOVER THE ROUTE OF THE BLOSSOMING ALMOND TREES? AN AMAZING I N I T I AT I V E I N L O U L É I S WHERE THE UNUSUAL IS HAPPENING

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OULÉ HAS A BUZZ, a magnetism that attracts visitors in increasing numbers. It’s not only festivals like Carnival, or Med, or White Night, or the winding streets of the old town, the bustling markets, or the Harley bikers’ Saturday meets, that have put this inland town on the map. It is also the opening of the astonishing salt mines beneath it, the ever-expanding art and gastronomy scene across it, and the jacaranda-lined Avenida that runs through it. At the risk of sounding like a flag-waving tour guide, Loulé has much to offer, including a rich historical and cultural heritage with roots linked to trade and craft activities.

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Wo rd s:

SUSI ROGOL-GOODKIND

The Municipality is one of the most forward-thinking and dynamic, fast to assess new concepts and develop opportunities that will make a difference to the growth and prosperity of the region.

Brilliantly conceived Loulé Criativo is a perfect example. A project that has been nurtured with care and supported with passion has blossomed into one of the most adventurous and impressive in decades.

It started in 2016 as a programme directed at visitors, looking to bring them in to the market town with the

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This is learning like never before. It is all-involving, immersing you in new worlds where you can discover an ability you did not know you possessed

promise of special events designed to enrich the mind with a bit of local culture and creative tourism. And to entertain, too.

In 2017 the Workshop Network took its first steps and then the Loulé Design Lab was born, gathering together professional artists, artisans and craftsmen who wanted to share their knowledge and demonstrate their skills in an environment that encouraged others to take part.

Then, just two years and countless special ‘experiences’ later, the stunning Gama Lobo Palace in Loulé came into the foreground as the new home for Criativo.

The 18th-century manor house – regarded as a landmark of Loulé’s civil architecture – is located on the northern slopes of the historic area of the city. The grand palace now houses a permanent exhibition gallery focused on art, crafts, heritage and creativity and provides space for in-house residencies, workshops and training.

The actual restoration of the palace took two years; renowned architect Luis Guerreiro saw his task as preservation as much as redevelopment, with the introduction of contemporary elements forming the personality and providing the ideal backdrop for the adventurous initiative. The building programme covers 1,557sqm over two floors, and represented an investment of €1.1million.

The learning curve Today the project has numerous arms that reach out and touch an ever-growing audience, fascinated by what is available. Tour the five disciplines in the Workshop Network and discover the traditional crafts that the programme has returned to life – palm weaving, clay modelling and copper beating, watch making and work on musical stringed instruments.

Visitors have the opportunity to get to know the person behind the skill, their story, their passion, and learn traditional techniques directly through their hands and the ancient wisdom that is embedded in their second nature. And there there are wonderful, original handicraft pieces to purchase, with the full sales price going to the artist concerned.

Experiences include cooking classes using traditional recipes and local ingredients – fig and chocolate ‘cheeses’, chocolate, cakes and bread – and offer the chance to learn the techniques of different schools of pursuits, from tile painting to grape harvesting. There are street photography sessions, flash courses to help ex-pat residents polish up their Portuguese, even a class in making cardboard furniture. There are learning opportunities outside of the city, too, as the result of partnerships with, for example, countryside guesthouses, promoting the riches of still untouched inland areas.

Last year Loulé Criativo organised more than 130 creative activities and 15 different training courses; close to 1,000 people took part and went away enriched. Many – very many – have returned again and again to pick up a new skill and also to meet like-minded people with whom they can forge a friendship based on shared interests.

That’s a pretty perfect formula, and one that has family values, too.

Visit Loulé Criativo’s website and discover a world of subjects that will arouse curiousity and draw you in to learn more. And visit Gama Lobo Palace to see what wonderful work has been done, and the options for a broad spectrum of courses. The Palace is open Monday to Friday, 9am-1pm and 2pm-6pm and on Saturdays from 9.30am2pm. You cannot fail to be fascinated, and to find yourself signing up for that special experience.

L O U L E C R I AT I V O . P T / R u a d a , R . d e N o s s a S r a . d e F á t i m a , 8 1 0 0 - 5 5 7 L o u l é

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team@mariasbeachalgarve.com .mariasbeachalgar www.mariasbeachalgarve.com

@mariasbeachalgarve

+351 289 358 675

Rooftop sunsets

Memoriei s arer made at Maria’ss

Extended restaurant . Large roof top bar and lounge, serving bites . 180Âş sea views . Open all day from 12.30pm til late Beach shack and sun beds from early spring

On the beach, between Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago, drive past Dunas Douradas Beach Club, we are at the end of the road.

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THERE ARE MORE THAN 40 GOLF COURSES IN THE ALGARVE, INCLUDING SOME OF THE BEST IN E U R O P E . T H E C L I M AT E IS PERFECT FOR THE GAME ALL THE YEAR ROUND, AND THERE’S S O M E T H I N G F O R P L AY E R S OF EVERY LEVEL

TEE TIME Wo rd s:

PAU L TO R Z

LET’S START WITH THE MOST distinguished course, Quinta do Lago South.

It was designed in 1974 by William Mitchell, whose vast legacy stretches across the east coast of the US and up to Canada. Mitchell was responsible for instituting American-standard greens, tees and bunkers here. QdL South was upgraded in 2014, has hosted the Portuguese Open eight times and won countless awards including Portugal’s Best Golf Course 2019 by the World Golf Awards.

18-HOLES PAR 72 GREEN FEE

FROM €118 BUGGY

€50

18-HOLES PAR 72 GREEN FEE

FROM €118

Quinta do Lago North is the sister course and is it includes two water hazards. It was totally redesigned in 2014 by Beau Welling and Paul McGinley.

BUGGY

€50

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SPORTS PLUS

36 HOLES PAR 72 AND 73 GREEN FEE

The nearby San Lorenzo Golf Course, designed by the American golf architect Joseph Lee was opened in 1988 and is part of the Dona Filipa hotel group. Taking advantage of wonderful topography on the Quinta do Lago estate, the course winds its way gently over undulating pine woodland bordering the Ria Formosa Estuary and salt-water lagoons.

FROM €57 BUGGY

€30-€45

18 HOLES, PAR 72 GREEN FEE

FROM €129

The Ocean Golf Course and Royal Golf Course at Vale do Lobo offer amazing views and challenging play. The two were designed by the late golfing legend, Sir Henry Cotton and redeveloped by American architect Rocky Roquemore. The Royal boasts the most photographed hole in Europe, the 16th, a par 3 which requires a carry over the cliffs. Both courses take players through umbrella pine and fig tree-lined fairways down to the cliff’s edge and alongside the beach.

BUGGY

€50

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SPORTS PLUS

18 HOLES, PAR 72

Closer to home The impressive, and important Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course in Vilamoura, designed by golfi ng legend Arnold Palmer, features an exceptional driving range and a putting green of some 2,500sqm.

Unsurprisingly, it has served as the host venue to the Portugal Masters on every occasion since 2007.

Also in the heart of Vilamoura is the grande dame of the game, the Old Course Golf Club. As one of the first-established courses in the region, the Frank Pennink-design is well regarded throughout the golfi ng world. This is a golf course that lives long in the memory – your author had his first hole-in-one on the 15th though it is said that the 4th has the same potential.

Meanwhile, the 75-acre Vila Sol resort, in addition to its much-acclaimed Pestana Vila Sol Golf Course offers the Pestana Golf Integrated Academy for those who want to up their game. Expert tuition is what makes the difference.

GREEN FEE

FROM €58 BUGGY

€50

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Further afield Laranjal is the new kid in the area and and set in stunning scenery with groves of pine, cork and orange trees. It has five magnificent lakes, five par 5s, eight par 4s and five par 3s and challenging narrow fairways.

From easy-going to seriously challenging.

You take your choice and get out there

27 HOLES PAR 72 GREEN FEE

FROM €58 BUGGY

€50

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Going east, in the direction of Vila Real, there are two courses, Quinta da Ria and Quinta da Cima, both well manicured and with some interesting holes and spectacular views of the coast line.

In the foothills with sweeping views of the Serra do Caldeirão mountains to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the south is the Monte Rei Resort, with the worldacclaimed Jack Nicklaus signature course, Monte Rei North, which opened in 2007. Water comes into play on 11 of the 18 holes, and the course features a series of eight par 4s, five par 3s and five par 5s in a challenging and distinctive layout.

Heading west, the Penina Hotel & Golf Resort is regarded as the home of Portuguese golf. There are three courses, one of which – the Sir Henry Cotton Championship Course – was the first 18-hole course on the Algarve, and legendary for its challenges.

Closer to the central region the 9-hole course at Pine Cliffs is one of the most dramatic . Architect Martin Hawtree’s was focused on keeping the natural pinewood environs as pristine as possible but the jewel of this perfectly-kept course is the par 3 sixth hole, known as the ‘Devil’s Parlour,’ built over a ravine that requires a 198 metre carrying shot over the cliffs to a narrow green.

For technically-skilled golfers who are into nature, Salgados Golf Course at Herdade dos Salgados, close to Albufeira, is a favourite. It is next to Salgados Lagoon Nature Reserve which is a shelter for various bird species, some under threat of extinction. The course offers golfers a unique experience with impressive views over the ocean.

Within the golfi ng world the Pinheiros Altos Golf Course is regarded as something of a mental challenge due to well-placed hazards. There are three independent circuits of nine holes – the Pinheiros (pines), Sobreiros (corks), and Oliveiras (Olives) all starting and ending, considerately, at the Club House.

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martina L O U L É

I am always even a little happier when spring is on our doorstep, the days are getting longer and nature is growing and blossoming.

This is the time when I design the summer collection of my jewellery.

My collection this year will be inspired by natures´ colours, wood in all shades, precious stones and tassels, in combination with brass and silver.

As jewellery and clothing go hand in hand, I offer a selection of clothes which follows the same philosophy.

My permanent choice of ceramics range from Portuguese tableware to unique pieces of handcrafted local pottery, which can truly be seen as art. You can find me in the shopping street of Loulé.

Natural textiles, like cotton and linen of high quality, from handpicked fashion labels.

martina

Rua 5 de Outubro nº 68 . Loulé +351 964 222 612 Instagram: www.instagram.com/martina.loule/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/martina.loule/

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E AC H M O N T H , M E M B E R S O F T H E A LG A R V E P H OTO G R A P H E R S ’ G R O U P W I L L B E TA K I N G O N A F R E S H C H A L L E N G E . T H I S T I M E R O U N D , I T ’ S S U N S E T S – A N D W H E R E B E T T E R TO C A P T U R E T H E L I G H T, T H E C O LO U R S , T H E S H A D O W S A N D T H E B I G , B I G S K Y, T H A N R I G H T H E R E A LO N G O U R C OA S T

JOHN MCCORMISH Santa Barbara de Nexe P E N TA X K200

MARY MCCLAY On a rocking boat CANON P OW E R S H OT

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PHOTGRAPHY PLUS

ANTONIO PIRES Gale Beach

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CANON EOS -1DS MAR K II

TONY WOODS Sta Luzia L I G H T L1 6

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PAST PLUS

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Anyone driving on European roads in the ‘50s and ‘60s will remember the Bubble Car. Those tiny egg-shaped vehicles, which held two people in very little comfort, were made by companies like the German Messerschmitt, who produced the KR175 and the KR200, and the Italian Iso Rivolta who made the Isetta.

With 700cc engines and a top speed with the wind behind you of around 47 mph, they offered cheap motoring for the masses. The original Isetta was a three-wheeler which proved so unstable that a fourth wheel had to be added. More than 217,000 were sold before the company stopped production in 1962.

If you thought you had seen the last of the Bubble Car, think again. Increasing concern for the environment plus pressure on our roads and parking spaces led to a Swiss company launching a modern version in 2016. The Microlino isn’t considered a car but a ‘motorised quadricycle’. Its inventors call it “the future of urban mobility” as it will travel between 60 and 75 miles per electric charge and manages 62 mph. If you’d like to see the Bubble Car as it used to be, and are in the UK, there are 50 on display at the Bubble Car Museum, near Boston in Lincolnshire.

50s

THE BUBBLE CAR

Increasing concern for the environment plus pressure on our roads meant that a Swiss company launched a modern version at the Geneva Motor Show in 2016

W H AT E V E R H A P P E N E D T O …

W E A L L G E T T H O S E S U D D E N F L A S H E S – A FAC E O R N A M E O R FA D F R O M T H E PA S T T H AT W E R E M E M B E R … S O R T O F. T H E Y M I G H T H AV E D R O P P E D O U T O F T H E P U B L I C E Y E O R C H A N G E D D I R E C T I O N S – Y O U O N LY K N O W W H E N Y O U S TA R T L O O K I N G WO R D S :

J i ll E ck e rsl e y

HEATHER MILLS

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When it comes to the Heather Mills story, it’s hard to separate the fact from the fiction! One thing is certain though, the 52-year-old former model and activist is as energetic and committed to her causes – veganism, animal rights and the environment – as ever. She first made headlines back in 1993 when she was hit by a police motorcyclist when crossing the road. The accident resulted in the partial amputation of her left leg. She used the profits from the story she sold to a Sunday paper to set up a charity delivering prosthetics to landline victims.

At the Pride of Britain Awards in 1999 she met fellow veggie and campaigner Paul McCartney. When they started dating, and married in 2002, the tabloids had a field day. The truth about their relationship will probably only ever be known to the two of them – although Heather always maintained that it was Paul who pursued her. They were divorced in 2008, after Heather had poured a jug of water over Paul’s solicitor in Court. Once again, she was crucified by the media. She then became involved in the ‘Hacked Off’ campaign against phone-hacking and general tabloid excess. In July last year she received the highest media libel award in British legal history against News Group Newspapers, which she accepted on behalf of everyone whose lives had been ruined by press intrusion.

She remains an entrepreneur and businesswoman, launching her VBItes food range in 2009 and buying a 55-acre site in the North-East dedicated to vegan enterprises. Last Christmas she launched Vmega-3 Algal Oil, made from plant ingredients, and her 100% vegan make-up brand, Be At One.

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60s

60s

SIR JACKIE STEWART

The pain and suffering of dementia patients and their families is just horrendous

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Marianne Faithfull was the girl we all wanted to be, back in the Swnging Sixties. The beautiful ex-convent schoolgirl who had her first hit As Tears Go By when she was just 17 and ended up nabbing a Rolling Stone as a boyfriend, seemed to epitomise that flighty, frantic decade. The hits stopped coming, the relationship with Jagger went wrong, and Marianne descended into drug addiction and homelessness, including a suicide attempt in 1970 when she lost the custody of her young son.

Marianne was always tougher than she looked, and she fought back, continuing to record and perform. Her latest album, Negative Capability was released in 2018, to rave reviews.

Now based in Paris, she has collaborated with contemporary artists from Metallica to Blur to Jarvis Cocker and PJ Harvey.

She has always been a sensitive interpreter of others’ songs – such as Sad Lisa and The Ballad of Lucy Jordan as well as writing her own. She has survived breast cancer, a broken back in 2013 and a broken hip the following year.

She has three grandchildren and when she is not reading, writing songs and planning concerts, she enjoys walking her dogs round the Paris boulevards. Marianne spent her career establishing herself as a singer, actress and songwriter – although she once told me: “People are always much more interested in who you’re dating than the work you’re doing.”

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MARIANNE FAITHFULL

ALGARVE P L U S

Jackie Stewart was a legendary Formula One racing driver. Not only because he won three World Drivers Championships between 1965 and 1973, but also because of his tireless efforts to improve safety standards in what was easily one of the world’s most dangerous sports.

He was always interested in cars and trained as an apprentice mechanic in his family garage in Dumbarton, Scotland.

His first sport was shooting and he just missed a place in the British Olympic team in 1960. He then joined Formula Junior under Ken Tyrrell and BRM under Graham Hill. A horror crash at Spa in 1966 made him realise that safety standards for drivers at the time were, as he put it, “diabolical”; during his career he witnessed the death of more than 50 of his fellow drivers, among them Jochen Rindt, Jim Clark, Francois Cevert and Piers Courage. It’s largely thanks to Jackie Stewart’s efforts that modern F1 racing has become so much safer.

Today Sir Jackie and his wife are based in Geneva, Switzerland. Sadly Lady Helen was diagnosed with fronto-temporal dementia in 2014. With his awareness of the devastation that dementia can cause, Sir Jackie set up his Race Against Dementia charity in 2018, raising funds for pioneering research programmes which, he hopes, will help to both prevent and cure the disease.

“The pain and suffering of dementia patients and their families is just horrendous,” he said.

Marianne was the girl we all wanted to be back in in the Swinging Sixties

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ADVICE PLUS

YOUR money

In the UK, I can gift each of my grandchildren £2,500 a year, without them having to pay tax.

Does the same apply here if you are a resident, with children and grandchildren in the UK? There is no such thing as gift-tax in Portugal. Inheritance and gift taxes were eliminated in January 2004. While donations made between a couple, or parents and children or grandparents and grandchildren are exempt, if the amount is greater than €500, regardless of the form (cheque, bank transfer, cash) and whether the money comes from family or people who are not directly related, the beneficiary must report the gift to the Tax Authorities and pay the required ten percent stamp duty.

I am a retired Police Officer and was looking to spend my retirement years playing lots of golf here.

But it was not meant to be! Since arriving full time, I have been asked to help others out with advice on security, and my wife, a retired seamstress, has been getting curtain-making requests. If we go ahead with any of these ventures, how does it work?

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Do we need to invoice for our services and are we then liable for tax? I don’t know what the system is here.

To be able to provide these kinds of services in Portugal, you need firstly to register with the tax authorities. You can do this in person at the tax office or online in the tax portal. You will need to provide your bank account details and choose the appropriate activity codes. You also need to choose the taxation method that is applicable to you.

In most cases this will be the simplified regime, under which you are taxed on a percentage of your gross income, and the costs you incur won’t be deducted when your tax liability is assessed. The other option is to choose the general regime, where you will be taxed on the profit of your business.

When registering, you will need to provide your estimated annual income which will determine whether you are exempt from VAT or not (the current threshold is €12,500). If you are not liable for VAT you will not be able to deduct it on your purchases. Please note that the threshold is for VAT and not IRS; if your income is less than €12.500, income tax will still be due.

Another thing to consider is Social Security. In the first 12 months you should be automatically exempt, but after that you will need to make monthly contributions.

You should consult a tax specialist for advice so you know what to expect. They will be able to guide you through the whole process and make it simple, so that you just need to concentrate in providing the services.

ALGARVE P L U S

It seems that an increasing number of businesses and service providers ask to be paid in cash, including the gardening company I use, and the cleaning company who look after the apartment I rent out. If I pay them in cash, can I claim what I have spent as legitimate expenses, which they are?

Even my dentist asks for cash!

If that is the case, you should stop using those providers and choose others who comply with their tax obligations.

If you don’t get an invoice with your fiscal number, you cannot claim these expenses on your tax declaration.

Worth knowing is that an invoice from your doctor, or the pharmacy, with your fiscal number can be deducted from your IRS bill, regardless of the VAT rate. It is possible to deduct 15% of the amounts paid, up to a maximum of €1,000 per household. The health deduction covers a broad range of expenditures including consultations, surgical interventions, hospitalisation, treatments, medicines, prostheses, orthodontic appliances, glasses (including the frames) and health insurance.

Health care expenses with VAT at 23% must be backed by a medical prescription logged with its invoice in the personal page of the Tax Portal.

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R I C A R D O C H AV E S O F A L L F I N A N C E M AT T E R S I S O N T H E PLU S TE A M A N D H ER E TO A N SWER YO U R Q U ESTI O N S O N TH E I S S U E S T H AT A F F E C T Y O U R L I F E S T Y L E O N T H E A L G A R V E , F R O M TA X AT I O N T O P R O P E R T Y O W N E R S H I P

I am looking at buying a property here and like the idea of a complete project taking a house in need of work and bringing it up to a high standard. Is there a limit on what I can invest in a revamp and claim back as an expense when I sell it?

If you buy a property in Portugal and rebuild it, it is vital that you get invoices with your fiscal number for all the works carried out. These will then be offset against your capital gain, when you sell the property. There is no limit to what you can deduct; the limit is just the capital gain, as the tax authorities will not refund you should you make a loss.

Invoices referring to maintenance or refurbishment works can only be applied to the capital gain assessment for the previous 12 years. However, there is no limit to invoices referring to the building of a property.

Email your finance questions for Ricardo to martin@algar ve-plus .com for inclusion in the first available issue of Algar ve Plus .

To c o n s u l t d i r e c t l y w i t h R i c a r d o C h a v e s e m a i l r i c a r d o @ a l l f i n a n c e . p t

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NUMBERS D U B B E D T H E S I L E N T K I L L E R , H I G H B L O O D P R E S S U R E R A R E LY H A S SYMPTOMS YET IT CAUSES 60% OF STROKES AND 40% OF HEART AT TA C K S , S AY S K AT H E R I N E J E N N E R , C E O O F B L O O D P R E S S U R E U K

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ATHER shockingly,

it’s thought as many as six million people are undiagnosed and will only find out that their blood pressure is too high when they have a heart attack or stroke. Remember, your blood pressure isn’t something you can see or feel, but it’s there in your arteries.

It’s the force of your blood pushing against your blood vessel walls as it flows around your body, pumped rhythmically by your heart.

Your blood pressure can be healthy, it can sometimes be low or, more often, it can be high, putting your health at risk.

Why does your blood pressure matter?

If your blood pressure is in the healthy range, this protects your heart and blood vessels. If it’s raised, it damages them.

When your blood pushes with too much force against your artery walls, the walls become damaged. Over time, the blood vessel walls become thicker and the space the blood has to flow through gets narrower. Blood can’t flow around the body as easily as it should and the heart has to work harder to force it around.

This leads to a range of problems including heart failure, poor circulation and pain in the legs and feet, chest pains known as angina due to lack of oxygen to the heart, and a reduced blood flow to the brain which is being linked more and more to dementia. Blood clots can form in the damaged arteries and become lodged in a blood vessel, causing heart attacks and strokes.

Knowing your numbers is the most important thing you can do for your health because it’s the first step to preventing a stroke or heart attack” explains Katharine Jenner.

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How can you know your numbers?

There is only one way to know your blood pressure numbers and that’s to get a blood pressure test. It’s very quick and simple; your doctor or pharmacist or health centre measures your blood pressure with a bit of kit; the cuff round your arm inflates to gently compress the blood vessels; as it deflates, your blood vessels open up, allowing blood to flow. The machine detects this change and records your blood pressure accordingly.

Blood pressure can indicate the general health of your arteries and circulatiory system

Monitor your blood pressure at home Measuring your blood pressure at home when you are relaxed can give you more accurate results than in clinic. You can buy home monitors from pharmacies or online.

Choose one with an arm cuff because wrist monitors and smartphone apps aren’t yet clinically validated.  Keep active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of exercise a week and go for anything that gets your heart rate going like cycling, jogging, brisk walking or swimming.  Get enough sleep: Long-standing sleep deprivation has been linked to a faster heart rate and higher blood pressure.  Eat beetroot and celery: Beetroot and celery are rich in nitrates which are known to help lower blood pressure if you eat them frequently.

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HEALTH PLUS

WHAT IS A NORMAL BLOOD PRESSURE READING?

What causes high blood pressure?

BLOOD PRESSURE RATING

SYSTOLIC mmHg

DIASTOLIC mmHg

Normal <120 & <80 Prehypertension 120-139 or 80-89

Hypertension Stage 1

140-159

or 90-99

Hypertension Stage 3

160+

or 100+

Hypertension Crisis

180+

or 110+

(Emergency care needed)

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Knowing your numbers is the most important thing you can do for your health because it’s the first step to preventing a stroke or heart attack

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Your blood pressure will be written as two numbers – a top number and a bottom number. The top number is called your systolic blood pressure, which is when your blood pressure is at its highest as your heart beats. The bottom number is your diastolic blood pressure, when your blood pressure is at its lowest in between heart beats. It’s the top number that’s most important.

A healthy blood pressure reading is 120/80mmHg or below. Below 90/60mmHg is considered low blood pressure. It’s not usually a problem but can sometimes make you feel faint or dizzy. It can also occasionally be a sign that something else is going on so it’s worth a chat with your health professional.

A reading over 120/80mmHg and up to 140/90mmHg is considered pre-high blood pressure, and 140/90 or over is considered high. At this level the risks are notably higher and your doctor will want to talk to you about bringing your numbers down.

Doctors like to take several readings over a few weeks to get a better idea of what your numbers are like over time. Or you might be asked to wear a small monitor to measure your blood pressure over 24 hours.

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What should your numbers be?

The more you can avoid readymade, processed food and cook at home instead, the lower your salt intake will be.  TRY seasoning food (without adding salt) with chili, lemon, herbs and spices or low sodium salts like LoSalt. There’s also an app called FoodSwitch which will find you healthier alternatives to the packaged products you buy in the shops.  BASE your diet around lots of fresh fruit and veg, pulses like beans, peas and lentils, as well as wholegrains and some starchy foods to keep your blood pressure down.  DON’T SMOKE – your heart rate will lower, your blood pressure will fall and the other damaging effects of smoking will start to reverse.  WATCH what you drink. Stick to the recommended maximum of 14 units per week (for men and women), spread out across the week.

ALGARVE P L U S

mmHg

There are different types of high blood pressure and they have different causes. It can be the result of another illness, especially kidney disease. This is called secondary hypertension (high blood pressure) and when you treat the underlying cause, the blood pressure should return to normal.

Primary hypertension, which is the more general type, comes down to a number of factors that include growing older, your genes, family history and if you are of black and south Asian descent.

Lifestyle is key. What you eat and do on a daily basis decides what your blood pressure will be.

Eating an unhealthy diet, being overweight, lack of exercise, smoking and drinking heavily will all raise your numbers.  AVOID SALT – if you eat more salt your blood pressure will go up, and if you cut back it will fall.

Getting treatment For many, lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough to bring high blood pressure down to a healthy level. Here, medications play a key role.

Blood pressure medicines are safe and usually work very well in lowering blood pressure and the risk of heart disease and stroke. There are several different drugs that are often used, known as ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers and diuretics. It’s common to take two or more different ones because they work in different ways.

It can take a bit of trial and error to find the right doses and combination to bring your blood pressure down enough while avoiding side effects.

The main thing is to keep in touch with your doctor or pharmacist to find the right balance, as taking the medicines every day is what will keep your blood pressure in check – if you don’t take them – they won’t work!

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DATELINE PLUS

THE agenda T H I S M O N T H ’ S S P E C I A L S E L E C T I O N O F T H I N G S WO R T H S E E I N G

A R T

GUDRUN BARTELS

Museu do Traje, São Bras, 14 March until 4 May gudrun-bartels.de

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This solo show opens at 6pm with a welcome drink. From 16 March for two weeks the artist will run a workshop at the museum, 2pm-6pm, using natural materials from the Algarve forests to make prints on a hand press. Sessions are in English and German and cost €30.

Materials are provide.

Call 966 329 073 for details.

Collective A R TC AT TO, LO U L É , O P E N I N G N I G H T 1 2 M A R C H , 7 P M - 9 P M artcatto.com

Galeria Corte Real, Paderne, on now corterealart.com

Fine ceramic figurines, inspired by the classical works of Rodin and the contemporary lines of Anthony Gormley, described by the artist himself as “a modern reworking of traditional sculptural art.”

Contemporary Scottish painter Colin Fraser known for his detailed still lifes and landscapes and his use of egg tempera which gives his work a light-filled, translucent quality; Chinese artist Shen Ming Cun who draws his inspiration from ancient traditions, crafts and cultures, and a marvellous retrospective of the work of the late Christian Gaillard.

Well worth the journey east

PIERRE WILLIAMS

JUAN GALAN TAV I R A D ’ A R T E S O N N OW taviradartes.com

Regarded as a master of light and shade, this wonderful Spanish artist captures the Mediterranean atmosphere.

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DATELINE PLUS

THE agenda T A L K S

D MARIA II

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with Isabel Stilwell Tavira Library 20 March, 11am

A R T

Celebrating the bicentennial of Queen Maria II’s birth, Isabel Stilwell’s novel Maria II: The Extraordinary Friendship of Maria and Victoria, two Queens in a world of Men, has been translated into English. Based on Queen Maria’s correspondence with Queen Victoria, it gives us an extraordinary account of the private lives of these two powerful women both struggling to balance motherhood with the responsibility of ruling a country.

THE VISIGOTHIC STATE with Peter Kingdon Booker Tavira Library, 6 March, 11am, Lagoa Library 31 March, 6pm

CARMINHO T E AT R O L E T H E S , FA R O, 2 4 M A R C H , 9 . 3 0 P M teatrolethes.com

Fado at its best, from one of the finest artists who has been touring the world, performing in more than 20 countries, since the release of her critically-acclaimed album, Maria.

This will be a splendid opportunity to see, hear and feel ‘Maria’ live. €22.50

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The Fall of the Roman Empire was a catastrophic shock for the people of Western Europe. What system of government replaced the 500 years of Roman rule in Iberia?

Who were the incoming barbarians, the new élite running the former Roman provinces? When there was a challenge to the Visigothic state, it collapsed and disappeared with remarkable rapidity. Join Peter Booker for an overview of this Dark Age period of Iberian history.

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DATELINE PLUS

For the Amigos de Musica concert programme, see page 26 Faro International Guitar Festival Faro, various venues, 7-29 March teatrolethes.com The 4th edition of this festival offers a varied programme with a range of musical influences from jazz to classic to bossa nova and electronic music. Visit festivalguitarrafaro.pt for details of who is appearing when and where. Or you could call 919 751 338 or email aga.algarve@gmail.com

Teatro Lethes, Faro, 5 March, 7pm, teatrolethes.com

Mozart, Beethoven and Hadyn: this ‘trio’ of composers became known as The Great School of Vienna.

Orchestra Classica do Sol will play works by all three.

Tickets are €6.

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ROMEO AND JULIET Teatro das Figuras, Faro, 20 and 21 March, 9.30pm teatrodasfiguras.pt A new production and a reinterpretation of the classics by Daniel Cardoso.

Book early, seats will be snapped up fast. Tickets €20-€22.

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CLASSICAL CONCERT

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E X P R E S S I O N S

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF PERFORMING ARTS

Volunteers have your say

Loulé, various venues, 4-7 March cineteatro.cm-loule.pt

CHARITY CHAT EVENT A L B U F E I R A , T U E S DAY 1 0 M A R C H , 3 . 3 0 P M - 6 P M

Do you volunteer? Run a charity? Would llike to volunteer? Need volunteers? This event at Marchat Al-Gharb Coffee Roasters is for like-minded people to get together to network, discuss ideas and opportunities, and share resources. Everyone will have the opportunity to talk about their cause, interest, or vision. The €9 per person includes high tea (cakes and sandwiches). coffee, soft drinks, wine or beer. For details or to book your place email carolinelangston@btinternet.com

It is absolutely worth popping into the Cineteatro on the Avenida in Loulé to pick up the details of this event which opens at Café Calcinha at 7pm on the 4th, and includes various performances on the following nights at the Cineteatro itself, ending with a party in the old town at 11pm on the 7th. Expect the wild and wonderful.

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DATELINE PLUS

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THE agenda

E X P E R I E N C E S

CLOTH DOLLS WITH A STORY

Loulé Criativo, Gama Lobo Palace, Loulé Until 15 March Filipa Faísca de Sousa, in her 80s, was born in Querença, and is regarded as one of the most charismatic artisans in the municipality. Her enchanting cloth dolls each portray in detail a craft or a tradition of Loulé.

WINE EXPERIENCE

Vale do Lobo Auditorium, 14 and 15 March valedolobo.com The second edition of the Wine Connection Tasting Experience promises to be terrific, bringing together wines, spirits and regional specialities. This is your chance to talk to the people T H E B I G S U N D AY behind the products, to learn about MONTHLIES: the wine-making process, and to 1 March, Moncarapacho discover the latest taste trends.

8 March, Estoi

Markets AND THE WEEKLIES:

MINDFUL MOVEMENT

Strauss Room, Vale do Lobo Auditorium 26 March 10am This one-hour session run by the Algarve Centre for Mindfulness could leave you feeling cool, calm and wonderfully collected. It includes a range of posture, breathing and gentle moves from Qigong and Yoga and is suitable for beginners and those with experience. The cost is €16, but just €8 for Vale do Lobo members.

SPRING MEDITERRANEAN GARDENING FAIR

Escola Poeta Berndo de Passos, Sao Bras, 22 March, 10am-4pm mediterraneangardeningportugal.org An opportunity to buy the most appropriate plants for your garden and to benefit from the workshops and talks that are an integral part of this twice-yearly event.

There’s lots of buy and a plant creche, where you can safely leave your purchase while you look around. Bring cardboard boxes and long-life bags to avoid plastics.

Wednesdays, Quarteira Saturday, Loulé IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE

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HUMPH PLUS

AND finally A M OVI N G STO RY FRO M A NTH O N Y M A RTI N WH O S TA R T S O F F H A P P Y W I T H H I S S U R R O U N D I N G S A N D TH EN H A S TO FI N D SO M E TH I N G TO G O A N D CO M PL AI N A B O U T. S O N O C H A N G E T H E R E T H E N

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H

ERE I AM, in my new home on my new page; the old one was fun, and I enjoyed my time there but hey-ho, life moves on. The move, if you can call it such, could not have been simpler... not a tea-chest in sight. Just me, my box of HBs, a pencil sharpener, the back of an envelope and a packet of chocolate-covered digestives.

We scribblers are easy to please and, here I am, ensconced at my new desk, which is what I call, between the hours of nine and late, the dining table. But in order to differentiate between the old job and the new job I’ve decided to sit on the other side of the table – I mean desk – where, instead or a view of the lower Alentejan hills through the branches of an aged olive tree, I’m looking at a brick barbeque and a knackered sun bed but, as it is said, a bit of self-flagellation is good for the soul and it may also, just possibly, get the creative juices flowing.

Some old friends have also joined me, names in the preceding pages that you will possibly recognise from the old job; it’s nice to be together, even if we don’t share an office and are therefore unable to screw up rejected copy and throw it at each other. However, the undeniable upside to this is that I don’t have to share my biscuits.

Now on to another subject: for various reasons I have, in the past few weeks, been telephoning assorted companies only to have been assailed with that bane of modern-day life, the dreaded hold music. But, becoming deeply depressed after listening to 20 minutes of Loulé’s medical services’ choice of music, which conjures up images of a school orchestra made up of 12 year olds tuning up in an underwater echo chamber, I decided to find out a little more about music choices.

I have now discovered that there are bodies that have been set up purely to study the differing effects of music on hold, or MOH, as it is known in in the trade. And thank God for that, for after many accumulated hours of listening to the first movement of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, change was not just overdue but imperative. Even You Keep Me Hangin’ On by the Supremes or possibly Cliff Richard’s We Don’t Talk Anymore would have been preferable.

In 2014, an unsuccessful online parliamentary petition was lodged demanding that the Department of Work and Pensions scrap the Four Seasons. It stated the following: “Anyone who rings the DWP with a query has to listen to Vivaldi’s Spring on repeat for 45 minutes. If being unemployed or disabled was a choice, people would get jobs just so that they don’t have to listen to it”. It was scrapped immediately.

Just so you know, MOH was discovered by accident in the 60s by a factory owner in the US when a loose wire accidently touched a steel girder and picked up the music broadcast from a neighbouring radio station which was, when callers were placed on hold, somehow transferred to his phone system. He immediately patented the idea and the rest is history; today the industry has its own association and yearly awards.

MOH is supposed to manage the caller’s anxiety. But by hearing a short piece of music on an endless loop you are more likely to become irritated and hang up and, after a dozen or so, “please hold, your call is important to us” followed by “you are number 38 in line; an agent will be with you shortly” you start to feel that life is no longer worth living.

But companies want to keep you on the line and will choose music to supposedly reinforce the service they offer. Online you will find tens of thousands of downloadable sound clips in every genre imaginable.

But just as the music from Loulé’s hospital and subsidiary clinics depress, there are others that elevate.

Occasionally, I have been known to phone a certain telecommunications company here in the Algarve, whose name I shan’t mention but it has five letters, the middle one being Z. I don’t call to talk to anyone there but instead either ask an obscure question, or query why my internet signal keeps dropping. They, of course, put me on hold whilst they check. And that is exactly why I phone.

Their hold music is fantastic. It’s funky, it’s get-upand-move music. I turn on speakerphone and, waving my biccies in the air, dance around the desk/table. It puts you in a great mood and the busier their lines, the longer they leave me on hold. In this case it is worth it.

Instead of the Alentejan hills, I am looking at a brick barbeque and a knackered sun bed

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