Tomorrow April 2015 edition

Health: Breathing: Allow some positive changes to happen. Breath can tell us

so much about how we

are...

Bridget Hicks was many things to many people and one thing to stray animals: A constant warrior.

Bridget passed away in late February, finally succumbing to a bad pneumonia. I was at the LAPS shelter (i.e Bridget’s house) two days before she passed. Those of you who knew

Bridget might be heartened to hear that she was strong of mind and sharp of tongue, as usual. Her enthusiasm for her dogs was unusually mixed with enthusiasm for the new young horse that had arrived there. The dogs in the shelter were none-too-impressed, as you could imagine, except for the young’uns who took great

joy in nipping around his heels (not that the horse minded in the slightest).

Bridget remained bright and personable as always (whilst bullying her helpers) and very happy for a visit from the ‘bloody Orrstrayan Vet’ as she would call out whenever I arrived.

When I was in Australia last I spoke on the phone with a vet called Max Zuber, a decorated professor of surgery on the behest of Bridget; they were very close when she was there a lifetime ago, aiding in animal charity work. His voice became soft and far-away when I mentioned Bridget’s name, a friend he had not heard from in a long time.

Bridget had close friends all around the world. A close friend died last year in her eighties, trying to save baboons from a house fire in her South African shelter. Bridget set up legacy charities there, in the Philippines (with the help of Imelda Marcos…probably got some shoes on the side), Sri Lanka, Australia, India. A friend worked with a lady in Alvor who knew Bridget in those halcyon days, of her she said ‘You

The AlgArve ProPerTy SPecialiSTS

TGFH Ad - Tomorrow APR2015.indd 1 19/03/2015 15:28

A tribute to a local legend

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A cOMMunITY neWSLeTTer fOr THe WeSTern ALgArVe APRIL 2015

In this issue...

Community: Exploring the west coast’s wild retreats

What's On: Tomorrow’s Summer Masquerade Ball

Outdoor: Palms, palms, beautiful palms

And so much more...

Continued on page 14 >

By Lars Rahmquist

2 | www.tomorrowalgarve.com | facebook: TomorrowAlgarve

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Welcome to our April editionWe have had a wonderful March for sure with weather that made our families and friends in the uK pretty envious.

As the pound hits record highs more and more people are looking to come on holiday and many are looking to buy houses too. Based on these factors the property market seems to be booming all around. Add to this the number of new businesses opening up in the area and you can almost feel a mini-boom is on its way, let’s hope it is here to stay.

With all of this very much in mind we have noted so much more optimism around the western Algarve with road construction and the major work to the bridge heading from the Avenida to Maia Praia hopefully being completed very soon.

Our summer charity masquerade ball is booked for June 20th at the Tivoli Hotel and we are confident of a great turnout as it’s the first such event here in the western Algarve.

We heartily endorse the work of John Hill and Tom Longhurst as the Algarve Triathlon comes to the streets of Luz on April 25th. Last year was fantastic and this promises to exceed all expectations.

The very same day there is the annual craft fair set in the lovely gardens of the fortaleza da Luz with a 20-piece orchestra, lots of interesting stalls, homemade ice cream and just a great social occasion. It starts at 11am and finishes 5pm and is free of charge.

Another busy month is promised and we would like to add your events to our really excellent facebook page ‘TOMOrrOWALgArVe’ which is helping everyone to connect ahead of all the local events.

Thanks for your comments yet again about the magazine - you really make our efforts feel valued.

Tom, Amber and the team at Tomorrow

Call Tom on 919918733, email [email protected] editorial to [email protected]

Useful NumberseMergencY 112HOSPITAL 282 770 100HeALTH cenTre 282 780 000fIre SerVIce 282 770 790POLIce SerVIce 282 762 930gnr nATIOnAL guArD 282 770 010TAXI SerVIce 282 460 610BuS STATIOn 282 762 944TrAIn STATIOn 282 762 987AerODrOMe 282 762 906cITY cOuncIL 282 780 900TOurIST OffIce 282 763 031TOWn InfO 282 764 111cuLTurAL cenTre 282 770 450TAXI-PeDrO cOSTA 917 617 675LAcOBrenSe cHeMIST 282 762 901neVeS cHeMIST 282 769 966rIBeIrO LOPeS cHeMIST 282 762 830TeLLO cHeMIST 282 760 556SILVA cHeMIST 282 762 859D cOncePT DenTAL cLInIc 282 763 496fArMAcIA (ODIáXere) 282 798 491cHrIrOPrAcTOr LAgOS 282 768 044DenTAl ClInIC - AlmáDenA 918 366 646LAgOS cIneMA 282 799 138

OTHER USEFUL NUMBERS:-LuZDOc (LuZ) 282 780 700BrITISH cOnSuLATe 808 203 537TOurIST SuPPOrT 808 781 212TeLecOM nAT. InfO 118LAgOS VeT 282 782 282VIP cHAuffeurS 914 479 300grAPHIc & WeB DeSIgn 916 606 226WWW.creATIOn-MeDIA.neTgenTLe Bee TrAnSferS 917 370 294IrISH eMBASSY 213 308 200

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Welcome to Tomorrow Algarve...


How on earth does he do it? Performing impossible card tricks, reading people’s minds, making objects move by sheer willpower - Paul Philippart confounds the guests at fontanario restaurant in espiche.

I am here enjoying an evening out, sitting at a candlelit table, sipping my complimentary drink while Philippart goes around each table chatting to guests, doing his party tricks. Dressed in a black shirt and trousers with a silver coloured jacket and with his engaging manner he makes an impact even before dazzling everyone with his magic.

replete after an excellent meal, we are treated to the main show. Philippart storms onto the raised stage, now dressed in a colourful red and black jacket, singing with gusto: “Let meee - entertain you!” And entertain us he certainly does. Illusion acts, many involving unsuspecting guests, are followed by songs performed by Lexii

Marcela, a promising young local singer. All is done tongue-in-cheek, laced with a good portion of humour.

I can recognise a good quality act when I see it – and this certainly is one. I want to know more. Where has this surprise act come from and how did it find its way to the Algarve?

not long afterwards I visit the home of Paul and his partner, Anja, just outside the small town of Odiáxere, near Lagos and learn about their remarkable story. Their house stands on elevated ground and commands a stunning view over the surrounding countryside. A separate building houses a variety of large scale props and innumerable fanciful costumes.

Paul Phillipart and Anja gerwen have been performing professionally for over 26 years. And yes, Paul’s name really is Phillipart, “A

useful stage name,” Paul laughs, “no one ever knows what to expect.”

Having had a house in the Algarve for thirteen years, it is only now that they have settled down making it their permanent home. for the last two and a half decades they have been jetting around the word entertaining audiences with their particular brand of illusion showmanship. They have celebrated success in far flung places; from monte Carlo, rio de Janeiro, new Orleans, china and Malaysia to Sun city in South Africa.

And what’s so special about their shows? early in the 1990s they developed a unique act that took the magic show business by storm. Heavily made-up in bizarre wigs and outlandish costumes they adopted the personae of clownish, mischievous and menacing characters that got entangled in situations on stage. combined with pulsing music, magic and weird and wonderful props, they had managed to come up with a winning formula. “up till then there had just been conventional stuff but all of a sudden this crazy duo appeared with a mad cap show,” Paul explains, “We won several awards and work just started to flood in.”

Magic in the Air By Lena Strang

Community...

Lexii and Philppart in full swing


Community...

And how did it all begin? Both Paul and Anja grew up in Holland and were attracted to the performing arts from an early age. Paul’s interest in magic started when at the age of ten he watched a Swedish children’s programme on television called ‘carlton from the roof’. “I saw how this ordinary little boy opened the window in an attic room and with a propeller attached to his back flew over the city looking down on life below”, Paul smiles. “This was a magical moment for me as I thought that maybe one day I could fly like Carlton!” Despite completing two years at Drama School, singing in a rock band and playing a variety of instruments along with doing magic tricks as a hobby, he was still waiting for his big break. And this came in the form of Anja van gerwen.

“I wanted to develop a fast moving musical show that required someone with stage experience. I put word round that I was looking for a ‘crazy dancer’,” Paul explains. “And this how I met Anja!”

By this time Anja was already performing professionally as a dancer. She had worked as a teacher for some time but was always attracted to dance having studied ballet from an early age. Minor show productions led to a contract at the casino in Madeira. “Yes, I was intrigued by Paul’s offer but wanted to complete my contract,” Anja says.

A unique opportunity presented itself for the duo. Anja had been asked to redesign the, by now, tired show at the casino in Madeira. She put her heart and soul into the new production. She sourced an old sewing machine and out of curtain material and recycled outfits, made alternative costumes. With new choreography and music, her efforts met with the full support of the Artistic Director.

She was subsequently offered the chance to do her very own show. “I couldn’t believe it at first but I just had to grasp the chance. And of course, I knew a magician,” Anja laughs. “We were given only three months to put together a brand new show.” Back in Holland they set about preparing the work – recruiting dancers, arranging music, making costumes, producing magic props, “and of course, I needed practice with illusions as it was new to me,” Anja adds. She choreographed the show integrating dance and magic, something that had never been done before.

“I was absolutely petrified as this was my first serious performance,” Paul remembers, “But luckily everyone loved it!”

for the next four years they toured Portugal with their ‘Bel Sprit’ show (1987-89) and visited the Algarve many times. “Whenever the aeroplane doors opened and we breathed in the fresh smell of the Algarve air, we knew that this would be a place we would one day like to call home,” Paul says.

But before then they had a world to conquer. Having gained recognition in europe, their first big production show ‘Beyond Belief’ (1996-98) took place in Sun city and became the longest running international show ever in South Africa. Their hallmark became large-scale thematic shows featuring big illusions.

Continued on P6 >>

Anja with her wonderful costumes


Community...

Magic in the AirContinued from P4

And how did they manage all those props? “When we started out there were no prop makers and we had to build our own,” Paul explains. “The big tube we used for our ‘Slicer Illusion’ was made out of scrap metal.” Having seen their show on DVD, I witnessed for myself Anja entering the ‘Slicer’ and being cut into seven separate pieces. Amazing what one can do with pieces of scrap metal! from then their repertoire of ever more imaginative props grew.

I know that Anja always emerges unscathed from these illusions but I wonder if there have ever been any mishaps? They both burst out laughing and regale me with numerous occasions when things have gone wrong. usually ‘the show must go on’, but Anja being set on fire once and having to be rushed to hospital put an abrupt end to that particular show. “I have a tendency to fall off the stage,” Paul admits, “During the opening evening in Monte carlo, the most beautiful theatre in europe, what do I do? Fall off the stage and dislocate my shoulder. I finished the act but had to be taken to hospital in an ambulance. I was wheeled in, dressed in costume and in full make up. You can imagine the looks I got, many probably thinking “whatever that fool did to himself, he must have deserved it!”

Having seen the sheer energy expended by Paul at the fontanario restaurant, I assume the work must keep him in good shape. “The sheer adrenalin during a show keeps you going and the response of the audience always spurs you on. But yes, you have to be fit. Six months before a big show, I always used to start a rigorous work out programme,” Paul tells me.

Their work has taken them to many corners of the world, performing for royalty in monaco and rubbing shoulders with film stars in Las Vegas. The last four years

were spent touring china, Vietnam and Malaysia. “You have to be sensitive to cultural differences,” Paul explains, “What works in one setting doesn’t necessarily work in another. each show is different and depending on the reaction of the audience, we adjust what we do.”

now that they have settled down in the Algarve will we see more of them? Yes, they assure me. Paul is already a familiar face as bass player and lead singer in the rock band ‘nighshift’ that has been performing their swinging dance tunes at Quinta dos Areões in espiche for the last two years.

Although the time of the big illusion acts is now behind them, Paul and Anja have designed four different smaller scale shows for the region. Providing opportunities for local talent such as Lexii is something they also relish. At present they perform at the fontanario restaurant but hope to add other venues soon. Audiences up and down the Algarve have a treat in store.

www.phillusions.com

Wonderful workshops This month the charity Madrugada is holding two workshops at its support centre in Luz.

The first is on April 16th. It’s a dementia workshops for family carers looking after someone with dementia.

This introductory session is the first of four dementia workshops to help family carers learn more about dementia, what support is available and how to look after themselves as carers.

The second is on April 22nd and is about why you should juice.

Drink your way to health - discover the incredible power of raw fruit and vegetables as a way to achieve health and vitality. Learn how juicing can boost your immune system through increased intake of anti-oxidant nutrients, a key to fighting infection and disease. In this introductory workshop you will:

• learn the principles behind juicing

• watch a juicing demonstration

• get top tips on how to get juicing the quick and easy way

• enjoy tasters of a selection of juices

If you would like to find out more information or book a free place, please contact Kathy at Madrugada on 282 761 375 or email [email protected]

New funeral planIberian funeral Plans has launched a product specifically for those resident in the Algarve.

As with all Iberian Prepaid funeral Plans, this plan (costing just €2495) does not attract any IVA.

To learn more, email Iberian Funeral Plans: [email protected] or call 965 721 094.

Slicer illusion

Anja and Paul with Tom jones


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tomorrow_landscape.pdf 1 22/06/2014 12:21


Anyone who has visited the Boavista golf and Spa resort near Lagos is likely to have been charmed by the natural beauty of the landscape combined with panoramic views over the ocean and the Monchique mountains. But there haven’t always been manicured greens, fairways and water networks providing home for a variety of birds.

for the second of my articles on Boavista golf course I have found out what was there before the bulldozers arrived and the first bunkers constructed 15 years ago.

The area of particular interest is the ‘backlands’, a protected zone, where holes 5-12 are located. This is also where the first phase of the development took place. Philip Pope, Managing Director, tells me that it was abandoned farmland that was popular hunting ground for local people. “They were shooting grouse and rabbits,"he explains, "but when the construction of the golf course began there was no wildlife left whatsoever and no sources of water.”

However, there are vestiges of earlier activity in the forms of ruins that have been preserved. Originally, this was agricultural land and sustained four separate collections of farms. The dry, stony soil typical of the Algarve supported cultivation of cereals, almond, fig, carob and olive trees along with cattle. Subsistence farming provided food for families and any surplus produce was sold in the markets in Lagos.

The oldest building dates from the early 1920s and remnants can be found by hole 6. ruins have been incorporated into a modern toilet block with a more recent

wooden structure encasing the old ruins - an innovative way of using the old building.

The environment Impact Study completed before the construction of the golf course, indicates that the original building was a solid construction with thick, external stone and mud walls rendered with lime mortar. It had several large rooms each with heavy limestone lintels above the doors. A depression in the ground was found nearby where soil had been dug for the construction of the house. It is believed that the principal house related to a similar farm building near hole 8 and probably belonged to members of the same family.

A pathway complete with a stone and mud wall and flanked by a row of almond trees, along with a seasonal stream, connected the two properties. unfortunately, it hasn’t been possible to preserve this old pathway in its original form.

Philip Pope tells me about an intriguing discovery when the ruins at hole 4 were uncovered. “When earth was removed around the ruins, we noticed a Santa catarina brick underneath that had an imprint similar to the ‘Star of David’,” he explained, “Historians examined it but we still don’t know what its significance is.”

What we do know is that these particular ruins have an interesting history. It was a prosperous farmhouse, referred to as ‘Monte do Almeida’ on an old military map. On the façade the date 1924 was discovered. The construction of this building is different to the others with the thick exterior walls made of ‘taipa’. This is a ‘rammed earth’ method of

construction using natural materials such as earth, gravel or lime. The damp mixture was compressed into an externally supported wooden frame and rendered with lime mortar. Interior walls were made of ‘tabique’, a wooden construction that divided the rooms. none of the walls are intact today. nearby a collection of smaller houses served as servants’ quarters.

What I find particularly fascinating is the separate building that housed an oven, now in ruins, and a nearby circular flat structure that was a part solution to the scarcity of water. In summer it was used as a threshing floor and in the winter water was collected there and then channeled underground to a well close by.

The fourth farmhouse near hole 11, constructed with thick walls of ‘taipa’ has been reasonably well preserved. It is now incorporated into the present maintenance depot. An external bread oven has also been restored. An adjacent house and threshing floor 100 m away are believed to have been abandoned long ago, with only a pile of stones as reminder.

When the Algarve was opened up to mass tourism and alternative means of securing employment sought, these farms along with many others in the region were abandoned in the 1960s and 70s.

economic realities have changed in the last few decades and there is obviously no turning back. However, in its recommendations, the environmental Impact Study suggests that the ruins should be preserved and adapted and be part of the landscape: “If guidelines are followed, the preservation of the natural heritage and maintenance of a landscape characteristic of the Algarve, can be preserved.”

I think Boavista golf and Spa resort have gone a long way in attempting to do just that.

Community...

Boavista: Preserving the Past By Lena Strang


Villa with spacious entrance hall, 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, large lounge with log fireplace with heat recuperator, fitted kitchen with separate dining area, outdoor pool with BBQ, laundry room, , large pantry, Office, library, indoor pool with Jacuzzi and Turkish bath, storeroom.Garage for 2 cars. Central heating throughout, satellite TV, garden with automatic irrigation and well illuminated, dog kennel, solar panels. Slight sea view....and great country views. Great opportunity....

Ref: M/04292

Energy Rating: B-

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Price198,000 EurosEnergy Rating: B-

Price 395,000 Euros

Situated overlooking the 10th fairway is this well maintained apartment on the very popular Alto Golf Course. Use of all the facilities and only a short distance to the Vau beach, restaurants and bars.

Alto GolfAlvor

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Lovely semi-detached villa with amazing sea views and over the village, located in a quiet residential area, walking distance from the centre of the village and all the amenities. It has 2 bedrooms on suite, more 2 bedrooms with a share bathroom, large fully fitted kitchen, slow wood burner, central heating and with heated pool + cover. To be sold completely furnished. Viewing highly recommended!

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Licensed Estate Agent AMI-5486 . APEMIP 2231


The LBOA (The Luz Bay Owners Association) was originally formed in the 1970s as a forum for the Luz Bay Villa Owners to meet, socialise and discuss matters relating to the then sole development in Praia da Luz, which was the Luz Bay club resort! Apart from the luz Bay Club, the fishing houses, one small 'supermarket' and a few private houses in those days most of the current village of luz was fields!!

These days things have changed a great deal of course, with many developments having followed since then and with many more people around. The association is still a forum for discussion today; generally about

matters relating to the village of Luz but it is also a social gathering for many different nationalities who own property, or live and work in and around Praia da Luz.

There are at least two drinks parties a year and this year the Annual general Meeting is to be held at the Luz Bay Hotel at 11am on April 29th. Lunch will be available by prior booking only and at a cost of around 20 euros (please verify at the time of booking).

For more information and to confirm your attendance at the AGM (with or without lunch) please contact the secretary Sally Maltby: [email protected]

Calling Luz residents

Community...

Halfway along the stretch of the golden sands at Meia Praia Beach, Lagos, the solid remains of a fortification can be seen. The thick walls are fairly intact but enormous cracks are visible in several parts. It is possible to enter the inner courtyard, the dilapidated interior upstairs and access the ramparts. The splendid views over Lagos Bay makes the strategic position of the fort clear. however, the graffiti and the general degradation betray the fact that it has been abandoned for a long time.

forte de São roque or locally known as forte de Meia Praia was one of the early coastal defences in the Algarve, built between 1671 and 1675.

At the end of the 16th century the coast had become a target when Portugal came under Spanish rule and Lagos, situated on the route to the Spanish naval base of cadiz, was attacked by Sir francis Drake. The population of Lagos put up resistance and subsequently faro was sacked. A continuing threat were attacks by Barbary Pirates from north Africa keen to plunder and capture locals to be sold as slaves.

There was an urgent need to secure the coast and a string of forts was built in the

late 17th century including the fort at Meia Praia and the city fort, Ponta da Bandeira at the other end of the beach.

Meia Praia fort is considered to be one of the icons of early fortifications; square in design with the main gateway facing inland and guarded by two bastions.

The fort suffered damage in the 1755 earthquake, which is still evident today. In 1796 it was rebuilt in the face of the threat from france but decommissioned in 1840. It was given to Lagos council in 1873 and later handed over to the Customs office.

Although Lagos municipality has requested that the fort be transferred to municipal management this has been turned down by the government on several occasions. The council is keen to rescue the building and develop its potential for tourism. Plans have been put forward to turn it into a maritime museum or an eco-centre.

In January 2014 the fort was officially classified as a ‘monument of Public Interest’. As the fort is part of an important part of the history of the Algarve it needs to be preserved and be accessible for the general public to enjoy.

Meia Praia Fort By Lena Strang

Thanks to many people who have given us donations since our appeal in the Tomorrow newsletter last month.

We have helped several people as a result. A single mother with a two-year-old daughter, three families who live near Lagos, the old people’s home and day centre in espiche, twin girls who sadly lost their mother to cancer, to mention a few.

If you are having a spring clean of your wardrobes/cupboards, or updating old for new please think of our network. We need clothes, bedding, towels, and household goods.

We give to individuals, families, old people's homes, orphanages, homeless organisations across the Algarve.

Please get in touch with us via our Facebook page if:You would like to volunteer some of your time to help collect/deliver goodsYou have items you want to donateCan identify anyone who would benefit from the donations we receive.

Algarve Network for Families Need By Alison Webster

now that your pictures are on your computer, you might want to do some editing.

The programme you will use will depend on whether you want simply to share your photos with family and friends or be a bit more creative. Dedicated photo/image editing programs like Photoshop elements, Adobe Lightroom, or gIMP (free from google) will allow you to do almost everything, although you may need to spend some time learning them.

Alternatively, many social media sites such as facebook provide the ability to do some basic editing before you post your photos and will walk you through the process.


Top photo tip 4 By Helen Lynne Schicketanz


Community...

Don’t forget it’s the second annual Luz Triathlon on April 25th and there are scores of people coming from across europe to take part by themselves or as part of a team.

Tomorrow’s Layinka Howes and Amber Henshaw have joined forces with Ann de Jongh from fit 2 Love Life to put a team together so please come and wave us and all the other participants along. We’ll report back about how we got on next month – when we’ve recovered.

We spoke to rob cheney who’s doing the triathlon for the second time to get some top tips about what to expect.

1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself? My name's rob cheney. I'm 36-years-old and live in Portimão. I am married to Anita and have a 6-year-old daughter, Macy. Originally from Stevenage, Herts in england, I moved to Portugal in 2012 with my family to take up the position of golf Professional at Pestana Alto golf near Portimão. 2. Can you tell us about your professional background? I've been a qualified PGA Golf Professional since 1992 and specialise in golf coaching. I am the european Senior Instructor for Stack & Tilt Golf, as well as the only certified AimPoint golf coach in Portugal. I currently teach all levels of golfers, from beginners to tournament professionals. I also coach and mentor other golf professionals looking to develop their golf coaching business. I work at Pestana Alto golf near Portimão. www.robcheneygolf.com

3. How much exercise would you say that you did before you did the Luz triathlon last year? I was already into my running, and enjoyed going out on my (mountain) bike, so the only discipline I was worried about was the swim. I started slowly and would aim for 2 sessions of running, swimming and cycling per week. I averaged around 8 hrs training per week. 4. Why did you

decide to do the triathlon? My wife saw an advert for the ALVOr triathlon (10th May 2014) on fB and sent me the link. I thought it would be a cool thing to do and would add some purpose and variety to my training so I decided to give it a go. I then saw the advert for the Praia da Luz triathlon which was on 26th April (2 weeks earlier), so decided to attempt '2 triathlons in 2 weeks' and raise some money for charity. I ended up raising over £500 for MS-uK (my father has been a sufferer for over 30 years) and I raised 500€ for the local children's orphanage in Alvor. 5. Did you do it on your own or as part of a team? Individual Sprint. 6. Had you ever done a triathlon before? no, this was my first one ever! 7. What kind of training did you have to do? I did around 8 hrs per week. We have an indoor pool on the urbanisation where I live, so that was a big help. closer to the event, I started swimming in the sea - and that's so different to swimming in a pool! 8. How did you feel at the end of the triathlon? Tired. exhausted. Sore. Thrilled. Proud... and looking forward to doing it again. 9. How long did it take you? My time was pretty rubbish actually, around 1hr50mins (from memory). But I did make the decision to compete using my mountain

bike (not a faster road bike) as I wanted to make sure I really enjoyed triathlon before investing large sums of money into expensive equipment. my motto for the first triathlon was "complete, not compete!". I learnt so much in that first event that I knew I would save time if I did it again. The transitions are a big part of the race and something I didn't really consider until race day. 10. What was the thing you were most proud of? There was a huge sense of personal pride at completing something like that, but mostly I was proud of the money I raised and the huge support I had from friends and family. 11. What are you aiming for with this second Luz triathlon? I'm really looking forward to the event. John and Tom put on two great events last year, and I understand they have even bigger and better plans for Luz 2015! I am entering the longer (Olympic) event as a team with 2 friends, and I'm doing the 40km cycle leg of the triathlon. 12. What would you say to other people thinking about taking part? gO fOr IT! It's so much fun and the camaraderie and friendships I've made through training and competing have been great. 13. Do you have any top tips? If it’s your first one, just focus on completing, not competing. You don't have to spend a fortune on a wetsuit or road bike - just use/beg/borrow what you need. Train, train, train! make sure you give yourself time to get fit and if possible, seek out the help of the professionals. After the Alvor event, I started working with local trainers, Tomas Metcalfe and ricardo correia (Swift Momentum Sports) in preparation for the events later in the year (Armaçao da Pera & Martinhal) and I ended up taking over 30 minutes off my original time. It pays to talk to the experts (as a golf coach, I would say that)! 14. What's the biggest thing you have learnt from doing the triathlon? I've learnt that I really enjoy triathlon and the variety that the training brings. And the Algarve is an absolutely perfect triathlon venue, with the Atlantic Ocean, amazing roads for cycling and spectacular views make training and competing a really fun & rewarding experience.

www.algarvetriathlons.com

Let’s hear it for the Luz Triathlon


Community...

We left ulan Bator in november 1966. How to follow that? On a mid-tour break we had visited our Personnel Department to discuss this – we fancied somewhere equally remote. our postings officer had just returned from ruanda which sounded both remote and wild – he described arrows being fired at his small plane as he was departing. When deciphering the postings telegram it emerged we were next bound not for ruanda, but for Luanda, Angola as “Vice consul/Jack of all trades”– and we had to be there six weeks after leaving Mongolia.

Pre-Luanda preparation was very brief. The Foreign office managed to find us a Portuguese teacher who retired hurt after our first two-hour lesson (were we so awful?) and could not find a replacement quickly. I had some briefing in our Consular Department and spent some time with our political departments, and that was about it! So six weeks after leaving winter Mongolia we duly arrived in mid-summer Luanda not really knowing what to expect.

A real diplomatic posting after our somewhat surreal hotel-based existence in ulan Bator was a culture shock. Our consulate building was on a hill directly across a narrow road from the PIDe (Security Service) HQ – useful if Brits got into difficulties. The adjacent boss’s residence had a magnificent view over the Atlantic and we were fairly close to the governor’s Palace. The boss (consul-general) was quirky - as was his Brazilian artist wife - but concerned mainly with

writing a book. The equally quirky consul was interested only in commercial work, so I soon found I was running the post, assisted by the excellent Portuguese staff – all 3 of them! But having been thrown in at the deep end with virtually no Portuguese we had to assimilate quickly.

And we weren’t the only Brits in town! In fact, there were about 200 who worked mainly in companies supporting the oil exploration in cabinda – an enclave to the north of Angola, but also service companies like the ford and British Leyland agents. There were also other western consulates like the Americans and germans with whom we worked and played closely. We had a regular Saturday tennis group. And I joined a judo club near my flat which it turned out was being run by Portuguese ex-paratroopers – I was completely battered but have never been so fit!

It was a fascinating time to be posted to this Portuguese colony – almost literally one of the gang of four countries facing international criticism along with Portuguese Mozambique, Southern rhodesia where Ian Smith had made the unilateral Declaration of Independence and South Africa with apartheid in full flow. Apart from troop ships disgorging Portuguese conscripts in Luanda it was not at all obvious that an armed struggle was being fought to the north and east.

Doug McAdam retired to the Algarve 10 years ago after 43 years in the Foreign Office.

Diplomatic ramblings – part 4 By Doug McAdam

The world’s largest service club with more than 1,350,000 members in 46,000 clubs in over two hundred countries is now planning to come to Lagos.

Known for 27 years in the Algarve for amazing fundraising activities in order to serve the needs in the community, Lions clube de Loulé is the only club in Portugal conducting their meetings in english and is planning to expand their activities to the Western Algarve.

The Lion’s District governor carlos nunes and the President of the Lions clube de Loulé, ulla de Jager, are visiting Lagos and look forward to meeting other prospective community minded people.

The first meeting will be at the Tivoli Hotel in Lagos on April 15th at 3pm in the reception.All options to serve the community are covered by the members.

To register your interest please come along and or e-mail [email protected]

Visit the website for a more detailed overview of the Lions and their expertise: www.lionsclubs.org

The lions are coming

A tribute to Bridget HicksContinued from cover

were never in Bombay unless you’d had a gin n’ Tonic with Bridget Hicks, the Belle of Bombay’."

When Bridget first came to Portugal there were very few vets in the local area. On hearing that there was a vet shipwrecked (yes, literally) in gibraltar she contacted him by mail. It was through this connection that she helped Geoff Allen set up the Ferrel vet clinic. Geoff worked locally a long time, forging a close relationship with Bridget and helping many stray animals. He is remembered fondly by many in the area and left a legacy that is successful to this day.

I never knew Bridget in her younger years but her stories were fantastic. When she arrived in the Algarve the barbiturate used for humane euthanasia was not available. A local vet at the time assured her that when they used strychnine it only hurt for one minute before they lost consciousness. Bridget’s response was to grab a good pinch of the chap’s lock hairs (the painful ones above your ear) and lift him. The young well-mannered vet protested ‘Dona Bridget?!’ she replied “Don’t worry, only 55 seconds to go.”

A fitting farewell: Bridget’s funeral was a humble affair. When the pallbearers went to lower her into the ground the hole waiting for her was not big enough. Three times the fella had to hop in there with his shovel and chip out some more. certainly you’ll always need a bigger hole to bury such a strong person.

Those who were there laughed together knowing that, if she was there, Bridget would have sat up and said, “Oh, for god’s sake, boy. give me that bloody shovel!” rIP Bridget Hicks.

If you would like to share a story or memory about Bridget please email [email protected]


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The Seven Wonders of Portugal – a history in (tile) By Ray Gillman

This is the first part in a series about the Seven Wonders of Portugal by Ray Gilman. You will be able to read more over the next few months.

On 07/07/2007 the results were announced of the popular vote to select the ‘Sete Marvilhas de Portugal’. The Seven Wonders of Portugal.

The Portuguese Institute of Architectural Heritage originally selected a staggering 793 sites, buildings, and monuments worthy of consideration. Teams of experts whittled these down to an eventual shortlist of 21, which the public voted for via the internet, telephone and text.

The winners were: guimarães castle (10th century), Obidos (1195), Batalha monastery (1385), Alcobaça monastery (1153), Jeronimos monastery (1502), Pena palace (1838) and the Belem tower (1521).

I decided to depict each of the seven wonders on a series of panels to decorate the garden wall of our house in Lagos.

It is obvious that the places and buildings chosen touch on the essential history of Portugal from its foundation to the dying days of the monarchy. They tell of the great Discoveries, times of enormous wealth and influence, political and family intrigues, and

of the battles waged for the country to become, and stay, independent.

In a series of articles I’ll try to relate something of the fascinating history reflected in these ‘Seven Wonders’ of our beautiful, adopted, country. not being a historian, please forgive any inaccuracies or anomalies.

First, GUIMARÃES:The birthplace of Portugal

Living in the castle-fortress in the early twelfth century were Henry,

Duke of Burgundy and his wife Teresa, the illegitimate daughter of King Afonso VI of castile. Her husband and she had been granted the hereditary right to the governance of the two castilian provinces of Portucale, and coimbra.

In 1110 Teresa gave birth to a son who they named Afonso, for his grandfather. This baby grew up to become the first king of an independent Portugal.

“Sorry to tell you this, mum, but...”

Apparently an unruly child, Afonso did not get on with his mother, particularly after his father died and she administered the lands on his behalf.

He gathered support against the ‘castilian’ leanings of his mother, mustered an army, and defeated her forces at the battle of São Mamede in 1128 – aged 18!

“As for you, uncle...”

In 1135 he refused to join the other northern princes in homage to the new Spanish King Afonso VII. Our young Afonso took the title ‘Prince of Portugal’, and chose to swear and pay tribute to the papacy – although the Pope (doubtless mindful of the huge importance of Spain and france) did not recognise his claim and assertion.

As well as asserting his independence from castile and Leon (Spain) Afonso was intent on increasing his holdings to the south and pushing the Moors out of central Portugal. The Portuguese are coming...

In 1139 he captured the district of Santarem at the Battle of Ourique, declared ‘Portugal’ fully independent and became ‘Dom Afonso I’ – the new country’s first king. He gained control of Lisbon in 1147.

His victims in battle against them caused the moors to refer to him as the ’cursed of Allah’.

He died in 1185 at the remarkably old age of 75.

how gratified Afonso must have been to reign long enough to see the Papacy finally acknowledge Portugal as an independent Kingdom in 1179.

Ray Gillman had an advertising and design consultancy in Covent Garden, London, in the 1970s and 80s. He and his business partner also started a wine bar there.

In 1999 Ray, and his wife Vi, retired to Portugal and he became interested in the art of Portuguese ‘azulejos’ which he began to paint - fired by a helpful artist-friend with a kiln.

His works are displayed in the church of Saint Elizabeth of Portugal in Richmond, Surrey, the houses of family and friends in England, Canada, and Portugal and, particularly, the two houses he and Vi have owned since they moved here.

Community...

Afonso Henriques


According to the highly-acclaimed travel experts ‘Lonely Planet’ the Algarve’s western coast is the perfect wild retreat for those looking to escape from it all.

They write in fulsome praise of this area, largely untapped by mass tourism, that has made the southern Algarve, just a few dozen kilometres distant, one of europe’s “must-visit” holiday destinations.

“Portugal's least developed region, the western Algarve has nationally protected nature reserves, pristine beaches, wild coastlines, jagged cliffs, and is home to europe’s southwestern-most point, cabo de São Vicente (cape St Vincent),” they report in a recent article.

“from fresh seafood caught daily by local fishermen and the best beaches in Portugal to relaxing spas, coastal activities, and access to nature preserves, the western coast of the Algarve is the perfect wild retreat for those looking to escape from it all.

“One of Portugal’s protected natural parks, the Parque natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e costa Vicentina, wraps around the Algarve's cliffy coastline along the Atlantic ocean, covering a stretch of over 120km of lush greenery (much of it in the municipality of Aljezur) and wild fauna tucked amidst steep coastal landscapes.

“The coast, characterised by rugged rocks, boulders, sea stacks, sand stratified cliff faces caused by centuries of erosion, is perfect for long walks.”

now, in Aljezur, a couple who arrived there 11 years ago and fell passionately in love with the area, are looking to bring those breathtaking sights, described by ‘Lonely Planet’, to many more people, hoping these new visitors will also become enamoured by the natural beauty that surrounds those of us also fortunate to live here or spend much of our time here.

Anton nicholls and christin Bauer have set up a company, Sandytoes Algarve to reach the parts of the west coast others cannot reach.

Anton, born in Stockport near Manchester, worked in the offshore oil and gas exploration industry before falling in love with the Algarve’s west coast.

The couple have now been here 11 years, having bought an old ruin known as casa da Vina before spending years turning it into a beautiful home which is also the focal point of their business as they now prepare for their second season since launching Sandytoes.

from there they take clients to all points along the west coast, many of their tours beginning at Adega da craveira near Vales and heading south along the clifftops and through the valleys towards Bordeira. The trips take in many beautiful spots including Bordalete, near Bordeira, which Anton says is a stunning area, often with sightings of birds of prey.

The superb sandy beaches along the coastal strip, the outstandingly beautiful flora along the cliffs, the numerous wildflower meadows, and the mixed cork oak, and pine woodlands in the region offer an unparalleled opportunity to observe the teeming and diverse wildlife of the western Algarve.

Anton and christin claim that Sandytoes is a unique operation for the area.

christin, from germany, explained: “Sandytoes is family friendly activity fun. Most activity tourists come to this area to surf but we have set out do something different in the “outdoorsy” sense. With surfing, mum often has to sit on the beach while dad and the older children are out on the water. What we provide is a full-family experience for everyone—and our motto is that we cater for everyone from the ages of 9 to 90!

“But we also provide both for the solo explorer, or for couples who simply wish to walk or cycle together in each other’s company through some of the most beautiful scenery.”

Anton added: “I wanted to showcase the area and the best way I could do that was to take people out there and show them the vistas and the scenery that knocked me for six when I first ventured out into what, for me, was unknown territory at the time.

“I was hooked by the beauty and I want as many people as possible to share that experience.

“Having fallen in love with this area, we believe other people deserve to see what the hidden Algarve has to offer. We are trying to promote this area with alternatives to the "just surfing" mentality. Continued on P20>>

Exploring the west coast’s wild retreats By Matt D’Arcy

Community...


Community...

“Our mission statement when we started up Sandytoes was to highlight and showcase the natural beauty of the area by offering our clients fantastic bicycle, jeep (they have a 9-seater 4x4 Landrover), walking and motorbike tours to take them off the beaten track and show them that many parts of the west coast are not just havens; they are heavenly!”

Some of their tours will take in the castle at Aljezur and the historic centre. But as most people coming to the area will already have made it a point to see these attractions on arrival, most of their tours involve heading out into the hills and valleys of nature’s creation.

christin pointed out: “The west coast is a stunning, peaceful and largely unexplored area of the Algarve, pretty much unknown to most of the tourists flying in from northern europe, who are drawn to the south coast by the sunshine, the beaches and the golf.

“They stay in Vilamoura, Albufeira or Portimão and when they’re not sunbathing or swimming they are drinking pints of British beer, eating pie and chips or fish and chips, maybe going for the occasional curry.“They simply don’t know that just a few dozen kilometres away to the west there is a paradise of beautiful scenery, fantastic wildlife, with so much to do, so much to see”.

Anton, who is just about to embark on a motorbike trails riding project, alongside the other aspects of the business, added: “It isn’t just about the glorious and largely empty beaches out here, and the surfing that surpasses anything the south coast has to offer.

“Here there are landscapes and seascapes to blow your mind, valleys, cliff top walks that both literally and figuratively take your breath away, and all the peace and relaxation that the true beauty of nature brings to give you true peace of mind.

“People coming to the area and heading to the beaches, or passing through on the en125, miss all that. We wanted to offer a different project, one that allows our clients to get deep into these largely untouched areas of natural beauty, to become a part of it, not to be just a distant onlooker.”

Exploring the west coast’s wild retreats Continued from P18

Setting sail for charity Five young and obviously very fit people left Lagos recently to row their way across the globe to guyana in South America and all in aid of Macmillan cancer Support.

These brilliant young people are Sam greatrex, Tara Adams, nicholas Sen, Jim Alsford who are all from the uK and ralph Tujin from the netherlands.

So community-minded are they that they even supplied loads of chocolates and goodies for our very local worthy charity cASLAS, the local home for disadvantaged children.

‘Tomorrow’ wants to say a big thank you on behalf of the delighted children at cASLAS but also on behalf of Jo Brown of Lazyjacks who gave them the lowdown on the western Algarve’s community needs.

We also want to wish them well on their amazing adventure to raise funds for Macmillan cancer Support.

If you would like to sponsor them please go to www.justgiving.com/the world www.laptheworld.com

Slave market expansion underway Work has now started on the refurbish-ment of the slave market in Lagos. The slave market, which is one of the most important cultural sites in the western Algarve, is due to be re-opened in June.

experts believe that lagos offers a huge insight into europe’s African slave trade. The slave market in Lagos, which was set up in 1444, was the first of its kind in europe. It was here that the first slaves were sold after they had been captured and transported from Africa.

Skeletons uncovered behind the city walls when a car park was being constructed in about 2007, were found to be those of slaves that had just been thrown into a rubbish tip.

Academics have been studying the bodies since the discovery and have unearthed an enormous amount of evidence about the slave trade.


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Welcome aboardBrush up on your Portuguese on a fun day which is being hosted by hufilagos, the Language Lab and IT room.

The sailing trip is taking place on April 26th. It will be on the Bom Dia using the wind for power and sailing along the beautiful coastline of Lagos, followed by an informal lunch on the docks in a fishermans restaurant -a genuine part of the city's history that many will not see.

This is one of the many enjoyable multilingual events held by hufilagos where all are welcome – so come along and make new friends while trying out your best Portuguese!

For further details contact us on: [email protected] or go to our website www.hufilagos.wix.com/hufilagos

What’s On...

A fundraising golf day is being held on April 26th to raise funds for the sailing charity Vela Solidária.

The event, which is being organised by Affinity Global Wealth, is being held at espiche golf club.

The cost is 55 euros for visitors which will include the golf, a BBQ and a charity donation. The price for espiche members is 40 euros.

The Project Vela Solidária began in 2011 and enables children, teenagers, adults and disabled people, who otherwise would not have the possibility to practice sailing on a regular basis, to do so with the assistance of volunteers and specialized equipment.

For more information or to book your place please contact Pauline Binnie at Espiche Golf on 965 672 890, or email: [email protected] www.espiche-golf.com

Get golfing


The date has been set for April 25th for the fortaleza restaurant in Luz to host its ever successful garden party and craft fair.

This event will coincide with the Luz Triathlon which last year drew great crowds to Luz.

Organisers said: "There will be plenty going on in Luz that day with the triathlon and within the grounds of the old fort.

There will be live music from various local bands performing on the lawn all afternoon as well as a large selection of stalls showing off local crafts. With such a wide selection there's sure be something for everyone!"

Money raised during will be shared between necI and the animal charity, cadela carlota.

All welcome and admission is free. For more information on music and stands contact [email protected], www.fortalezadaluz.com

fancy a night at the races? Boavista golf club in Lagos is hosting a race night to raise money for the charity, riding for the Disabled.

The event is taking place on Thursday April 16th at 7pm for 7.30pm. There will be a fish and chip Supper and the cost is 10 euros per person (not including drinks).

Bets from as little as €1 per race and you can even become an owner - buy a horse for €5 (an optional extra). There will be prizes for the owners of the race winners

You can get tickets from David Hibbert by calling 93 6445945 or from Linda Hardy and her mobile is 967 904748.

Be the belle at the ball

Boavista golf club is hosting a Spring Ball on May 2nd.

The event costs 30 euros per person and will include a three

course dinner (including wine) as well as a ballroom

dancing show. There will be live music.

Please call 282 000 114 to book your tickets or email:

[email protected]

Fun at the Fortaleza

What's On...

Charity dog showA west coast dog show is being held in aid of Aljezur Dog Shelter. The event is taking place on April 18th at churrasqueira Mendes Vales near Aljezur. All profits from the event will go to AZeA.

For more information please contact: [email protected]

Giddy up

ella fitzgerald once said, “The only thing better than singing is more singing,” and we couldn’t agree more.

The Western Algarve choir is hard at work rehearsing our new Spring/Summer programme and we are really looking forward to our future performances for this season.

If you're still wondering whether or not to come along and join in, then here are three great reasons for catching up with us:

Joining a choir is a fun way to meet new people and to be part of a social group.Singing is a wonderful way to relax, de-stress and to build personal and social confidence.

Performing together for an audience is really rewarding (and not at all scary when you're part of a big group) and it's also enjoyable for your family and friends who can come and support you.

Does it sound like something you might be interested in...? The Western Algarve choir is an all-inclusive singing group with no auditions or previous experience necessary, and a strong emphasis on fun.

If you are interested in joining us, or for more information on booking the choir for performances or events, please contact choir leader Liz Roberts on: [email protected].

Try our choir

The last Supper club until after the summer is taking place on April 16th at café fresco in Lagos.

The menu includes a couvert, Mediterranean vegetable soup followed by chicken, leek

and mushroom lasagne served with salad and garlic bread. The pudding will be homemade tiramisu.

Please call Vanessa to book on 913 733 684. Please let her know if you are a vegetarian. The cost is 10 euros per person. Everyone is welcome.

Supper Club

Nature weekThe first Algarve nature Week kicks off on 11th April 2015, running until 19th April. It’s intended to be an opportunity to showcase the nature tourism sector, showing that there is much more to the Algarve than just summer, sea and sand. There will be special offers and activities and lots of information on offer of the vast array of nature tourism activities that can be enjoyed in the region. Look out for information about events coming up during that week.

World danceThe Associação de Dança de Lagos is hosting a dance show at the cultural centre in Lagos on April 17th and 18th at 7.30pm.

To find out more or to buy a ticket, please email [email protected] or call Prof.ª Liliana da Silva on 912376595 or Viola Nascimento on 915812055.


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Stand up and paddle by Sebastian Wolff

What's On...

Are you looking for a reason to get your glad rags on, to air that party dress and shake out the bow tie or just need a reason to don those dancing shoes and give them a quick spin around the dance floor? Well – now there’s something worth dressing up for. The date has been set! The venue booked! The band is tuning up! We are pleased to announce that the first annual western Algarve Summer Ball will be held on June 20th at the Tivoli Hotel, Lagos. Help us make this event one of the highlights of the summer for residents and visitors alike. It is going to be fun and exciting, but it is also an opportunity to raise some much needed cash for very deserving Algarve causes.

This being a Masquerade Ball don’t forget your mask, let your imagination fly and there will be a prize for the best mask on the night.You can dance the night away to the music

of a live band or stroll around the pool, drink in hand, soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the ambience - the choice is yours.

It promises to be an extravaganza of music, dancing, laughter and lots of surprises. A big thank you to the Tivoli Hotel Lagos for hosting this event. Tickets will go quickly for this summer celebration so please log onto the address below to request yours. Tickets are €30 each and this includes €10 for the two local charities and an evening buffet and a welcome drink.

You can buy a ticket by emailing: [email protected]

If you would like further information or wish to make a donation please email: [email protected]

Or visit our website at: www.lagossummerball.com

Tomorrow’s Masquerade Ball

Three years ago extreme Algarve started to promote Stand up Paddle (or SuP) boarding in Lagos.

Since then me and my business partner randy from Holland have set up the Western Algarve’s first dedicated paddle board centre called Kai nui SuP (Kai nui means big sea in Hawaiian as paddle boarding originally comes from there).

Our aim is to turn Batata beach into a great place for SuP-ping as its perfect for starting our paddle trips, lessons, tours and rentals as it’s not as affected by the summerly nortada winds.

We are both qualified ASI SuP coaches, I hold a level 3 certificate and am also able to teach ‘down winding’ which is another form of paddle boarding.

I have competed on the national circuit for the last two years in racing and both randy and I will be competing this year. our first race being the Berlenga challenge which is a 15km down winder from the island of Berlenga to the mainland in Peniche.

We have a vast selection of boards, everything from race boards to wave boards and boards for touring around the grottos.

Our boards are all supplied by the world leaders in paddle boarding Starboard.for anyone that’s interested we will be running daily from just before easter.

The great thing about paddle boarding is that it’s actually a full body workout without you even realising it.

Please get in touch with Sebastian to find out more [email protected] or call 912 849 723. www.extremealgarve.com

This month the Algarve History Association will be hosting a talk called ‘Portugal Inside Out’ by Manuel Trindade. He will be giving the talk on April 13th at 6pm at the Municipal Library in Tavira and again on April 14th at 6pm at the Municipal Library in Lagoa.

There will also be a lecture entitled ‘The Portuguese inquisition in the empire’ by rachel Barnard on April 21st at 6pm at the Municipal Library in Lagoa and April 24th at 11am at the Municipal Library Tavira.

For more information please email Lynne Booker at [email protected]

Get historical

Car Boot Sale Sunday April 5th, and the first Sunday of every month: Old School House, Vales, Aljezur. unwanted household items only--no goods grown, made or bought for profit, please. Stallholders charged €2 for

each table space x multiples of €2 or €4 for vans i.e. Transit size and are permitted to enter and set up their tables from 7.30-9am with it then being opened to the public from 9am.

Car Boot Sale


What's On...

There will be plenty of things happening during the festival in Lagos taking place from 30th April to 3rd May. The theme for the festivities is the ‘conquest of ceuta’ by the Portuguese in 1415, which marked the beginning of the Portuguese discoveries. This year will be the 600th anniversary of the event.

The opening parade on the 30th April at 3 pm should be a feast for the eyes with participants dressed in period costume, representing the departure for ceuta. There will be a variety of tents and stalls around the square in front of Santa Maria church along with activities for children. Dramatic action will be provided by ‘Teatro experimental de Lagos’ through their use of marionettes and by enactments of the ‘Vivart’ theatre company. Also a surprise this year will be the Museum of costumes, featuring the beautiful work of the talented costumière, corinne Herrera.

On the 2nd May at 6 pm a royal Parade will take place, featuring children with the King and Queen, princes, nobility, knights, archers and moors. The parade will wind its way from gil eanes Square by the old câmara building, to the main square in front of Santa Maria church where onlookers will be treated to court dances, a marionette performance and a magician’s show. Isabel Baptista, teacher of world dance, will coach the children in court dance.

Organisers of the royal Parade are appealing for additional children (ages 5-14) to take part. “It’s a great opportunity for the children of lagos. Please, contact us to find out more,” said Bernadete Bishop.

Telephone 969 774570 or email Corinne Herrera on: [email protected].

British Ambassador Kirsty Hayes was in the Algarve recently and went to the new Madrugada Support centre accompanied by her consul, Simona Demure and Vice consul clive Jewell. They toured the centre and learned about the many services available to anyone living in the Algarve with a life limiting illness.

madrugada, now in its fifth year, has evolved quickly into an organisation that is really

making a difference by supporting people throughout serious illness and during end of life care, extending all its services to close family members. Madrugada’s President, Alison Blair, emphasised that nothing would have been accomplished without the hard work of 80+ volunteers and the regular fundraising events and donations received from a community that understands the importance of the vital services that Madrugada provide.

Festival of the Portuguese Discoveries By Lena Strang

Ambassador at new charity centre

Bawdy comedyBased on the marriage of King charles II to the Portuguese Princess, catherine of Braganza, ‘The rhyming Diary of Mrs Pepys’ is a bawdy restoration comedy.

following successful sell-out shows of ‘rags to riches’ the new play is written entirely in rhyme and features a cast of nine actors. Like her more famous husband - the diarist Samuel Pepys - Mrs Pepys recounts the sexual scandals and religious intrigues of the royal court in 17th century London. Based upon factual incidents, as the scenes unfold details of catherine’s extravagant dowry and charles’s lascivious appetite and seductive mistresses are revealed.

The play is directed at a fast-moving pace by Thomas Hartmann who has professional theatre, film and television experience in the netherlands.

Maximizing every comic moment, it has been written by author and Algarve resident, carolyn Kain. extensive research has revealed surprising new evidence about charles Stuart’s relationship to the current British royal family and members of the aristocracy.

The British and Portuguese connection between charles and catherine will be of special interest to local audiences, highlighting numerous risqué happenings as well as containing many funny lines and great performances.

You can see the production at the following venues:

São Brás MuseumApril 10th and 11th at 7pmTel: 966 329 073 to reserve tickets (8€) for the show.

Holiday Inn, Armação de Pêra April 14th and 15th at 7pm for 7.30pmTel: 282 320 260 to reserve 3-course Indian meal, wine and show (29€).

Feedback bar and café, Alcantarilha April 30th and May 1st at 9pmTel: 964 078 191 for Optional Dinner reservations at 7pm.Tel: 289 432 425 to reserve tickets (8€) for the show at 9pm.Indoor or outdoor venue - weather permitting

Thanks to the Algarve Daily News.

From left to right: Clive jewell, john hough, Alison blair, Kirsty, hayes, Cynthia Sheppard, Mark Stansfield


INSPECT A GADGETINSPECT A GADGET

Need technical support?Need technical support?

Computers | TV /AV | Phones | Gadgets | Websites

[email protected] | www.inspectagadget.com

Lou : 937 596 665 Lou : 937 596 665Based in Lagos, servicing the Western Algarve

ASK ABOUT O

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OLUTION


Allergic Conjunctivitis By Surali Shah-Neville

The two most common types of allergic conjunctivitis are seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAc) and perennial allergic conjunctivitis (PAc). Both are triggered by an immune reaction when you come into contact with a particular substance you are allergic to, leading to symptoms such as itching and sneezing.

eye allergies often affect the conjunctiva, a clear layer of skin overlying the eyes, which is the same type of skin that lines the inside of the nose; this is why the same allergens (e.g. pollen, grass, dust and pet dander) can trigger the same allergic response in both areas.

The main symptom of eye allergies is itchy eyes and may be associated with redness, watering, a burning sensation, and mucous production and blurring.

Diagnosis of eye allergies are usually made from symptoms and by examining the front of the eyes with a slit lamp (a special microscope) to check for dilated blood vessels, conjunctival swelling and eyelid swelling, all of which are indicative of an allergic reaction.

If you can identify and avoid the particular agent you are allergic to, symptoms will improve dramatically.

unfortunately, this is not always easy or possible! Some of the following treatments can provide relief from eye allergies: applying cold compresses, using artificial tears as needed, allergy eye drops and oral antihistamines. Avoid rubbing your eyes as this can worsen symptoms.

unfortunately, other than avoidance of the allergens, allergic conjunctivitis cannot be prevented. Although it is an annoying inconvenience and can sometimes make daily activities miserable, no long term vision loss is to be expected.

For more information, contact Surali or one of her team on 282761506.

Health...

Breath is something we take for granted. It is automatically carried out by our body so it is not something that we give very much thought to. In this very busy age, even our breath becomes rushed, most of us only breathe a small fraction of our breathing capacity, we shallow breath, with the breath only just going into our chest. This affects

our health, we get less oxygen into the cells, and breath helps when we are stressed, but too often we stop breathing when we are in fight or flight’ mode.

Breath has an amazing effect on the body, as well as being essential to life, it can enhance our life. It has been shown to help reduce stress levels, make us more relaxed, create mental clarity, help with sleep, reduce depression and many other things.

Take a moment to observe your breath, notice is it shallow or deep, fast or slow ? Spend a few minutes allowing the breath to slow down and to get deeper, not forcing it but just allowing it to happen. Spending time breathing with focus can allow some positive changes to happen, and make changes to how we feel, it can make us more mindful and allow us to check in with ourselves. The breath can tell us so much about how we are.

Breath is life energy. When we restrict our breath we diminish our life energy. Start by taking 10 minutes a day to consciously notice your breath and see where it leads you.

Ann is a personal trainer and yoga teacher. Please contact her on 913202621, email her [email protected], www.fit2lovelife.com

Breathing By Ann de Jongh

Golfing, tennis, walking, running or beach sports – no matter what kind of activity you participate in, incorporating reflexology into your life’s routine can be hugely beneficial.

reflexology can be very effective to overall physical health, performance and emotional wellbeing. It helps promote deep relaxation keeping the body’s circulation flowing smoothly, rejuvenating tired tissues, helping improve sleep, easing tension and stress which tightens the cardiovascular system, restricts blood flow causing it to become sluggish, tissues then become oxygen-deprived and the body’s energy drops.

According to research conducted in Australia, reflexology removes lactic acid build up four times faster than some other treatments. It increases blood circulation to injuries, enabling toxins to be removed, replacing them with oxygen and nutrients much faster. All of this promotes rapid recovery from injuries or surgery. The

increased circulation also assists in preventing cramps, spasms, aches and pains associated with extended exercise.

Today many people prefer to take preventative measures. for instance golfers and tennis players usually suffer problems relating to shoulders, arms, hands, knees and feet, addressing issues such as Tendonitis or Planta fasciitis (jogger’s heal). rather than take time out for surgery and recovery to deal with injuries they are starting to use reflexology as a valuable preventative tool for reducing problems caused in sports that overstress stress specific body areas.

If you don’t always have the time for a full traditional reflexology treatment, vertical reflexology is an effective, complete, but shorter treatment.

More details are on my websitewww.chrystalflowershealing.org.uk

Reflexology for the active By Becca Towers


Health...

The waste filtering and disposal system of the body, each kidney has around a million mini-filters called nephrons taking excess fluids and unwanted chemicals from the circulatory system and passing them to the bladder, whilst at the same time retaining water and important nutrients and returning them to the blood stream.

Around 200 litres of blood is processed each day with approximately 1 to 2 litres of waste leaving the body.

The kidneys are important in keeping the composition of the blood stable through the production and regulation of several important hormones and enzymes which help to:

- Prevent build-up in the circulation of uric acid and urea, the waste products from protein metabolism by the liver and creatinine, the waste product from the muscles of our body, using creatine as an energy source.

- Keep the levels of electrolytes (sodium,

potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium amongst others) stable.

- regulate blood pressure by secreting hormones and enzymes that control excretion of sodium ions and water so when blood pressure is low the kidneys will retain more water and when blood volume is high they will excrete it.

- Make red blood cells by producing the hormone erythropoietin which stimulates the cells of the bone marrow to increase their output of red blood cells when needed.

- Maintain strong bones by producing the hormone calcitriol which is the active form of Vitamin D made from inactive Vitamin D molecules. This stimulates the absorption of calcium from food in the intestinal lumen.

next month: What can you do for your kidneys?

Niki Medlock is head nurse at: www.luzdoc.com

What do your kidneys do for you?

good posture - head up, shoulders back, rear tucked under - and light bracing of key areas, such as the abdominals, plays a key role in your spinal health, helping to prevent back and neck pain

and even injuries to spinal structures. If you have a spinal condition, try to be aware of your posture and make good posture part of your normal routine.

If you suffer from back pain, you may consciously or subconsciously adopt an unnatural posture to try to limit movements that you fear will create potential pain.

However, unless there is a fracture or other serious problem, try not to take on an unnatural or stiff posture.

Be on the lookout for any of the following possible warning signs of poor posture:

• Back pain that is worse at certain times of the day or week

• Pain that starts in the neck and moves downwards into the upper back, lower back and extremities

• Pain that goes away after switching positions while sitting or standing

• Sudden back pain that is experienced with a new job, a new office chair, or a new car

• Back pain that comes and goes for months

If any of these warning signs apply to you, take note of your posture, seek help to identify the problem and areas that may need work, not only to reduce or manage the symptoms but help identify the cause.

At Lagos Health chiropractic clinic we will identify and treat your problem and advise on the best way to manage it.

Please call Lagos Health on: 282768044 or visit: www.lagos-health.com

Not just to look good By Dr Andrew Garbett

The do's and don'ts of vitamin supplements By Hannah Sharpe da Rosa

Do: Keep them in a cool, dark place.The effectiveness of vitamins is reduced when they're exposed to heat and light. Supplements that contain omega-3 fats like fish oils should be kept in the fridge.

Do: Pair your vitamins with the right foodVitamins A and e, D, and K are fat-soluble vitamins, which means they should be taken with a meal containing dietary fats. That way you will fully absorb them and reap the full health benefits.

Do: Be careful if you're already on medicationIf you're taking medication you should always check with your doctor or nutritional therapist for contraindications. for example, supplements like garlic, Vitamin K, and Omega-3 can interfere with certain blood thinning medications.

Do: Stick to the recommended dosage!

Do: Avoid certain supplements if you're a smoker. Smokers must do their research before taking vitamins because research suggests that some supplements like carotene can increase risk of lung cancer. Don't: Take your vitamins with tea or coffee

The caffeine and tannins can prevent your body from absorbing the nutrients. Waste of time and money!

Don't: Double upIt might be tempting to double your dosage if you forget your supplements one day, but doubling up is not wise. Just write off the missed pill and continue taking them as normal.

Don't: Take any new supplements if you are pregnant

Don't: Start taking any new vitamins when you are pregnant or breastfeeding without speaking with your health professional first.

Hannah is a registered nutritional therapist. Call 914 950 740 or see www.algarvenutrition.com for details.

By Niki

Medlock


We solve winter caused problems

the painters 282 991 962 • 918 748 755Jens Marquardt • [email protected] • www.jmpainter.comAlbufeira • Lagoa • Portimão • Lagos • Aljezur • Odemira

We repair cracked walls, eliminate mold, algae and efflorescence.We paint with know-how and top quality products inside and out-side. Our multi ligual experienced team works professionell, cleanand reliable. Free estimates and consultations.

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It’s better to KNOW and not need than to NEED and not know.

Course covers :

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), Defibrillator (AED) and Choking for Adults, Children and Infants

When : Saturday, 11th April 2015 Where: Boavista Golf Resort

Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fee : €55

Only 10 places available – Beginners and previous First Aiders welcome

To reserve a place please contact:

[email protected] www.ECSInstitute.org

www.djh-medic.ie www.aecs.ie/instructors.php

BASIC CARDIAC LIFE SUPPORT AND AED COURSE

22 YYEEAARR IINNTTEERRNNAATTIIOONNAALL CCEERRTTFFIICCAATTIIOONN


It’s spring in the Algarve and a perfect time to review our health and happiness levels before the busy summer. Maybe you’ve come out of the winter feeling a bit slug-like, with a few unwanted extra pounds and energy levels below par; maybe you’ve been down with winter bugs and your immune system is in need of a boost; or maybe you can’t shake off the winter blues and are looking for new ways to get motivated.

Whatever your story is, you could benefit from introducing new routines and healthy choices. Here are a few simple tips to add to your daily routine:

• Start the day with appreciation for life – on waking each morning, write down 10 things that you’re grateful for in your life. This daily ritual puts you in a positive mindset, even on days when you have to dig deep to see the good stuff!

• having counted your blessings, resist the first caffeine hit of the day and instead give your hardworking liver a gentle wakeup call with this delicious tonic – add a little bicarbonate of soda (1/4-1/2 tsp to start with) to the juice of half a lemon and then top up with water for a sparkling morning boost.

• Go for a walk every day – whether it’s an early morning ‘power walk’ to get you revved up for the day, or an evening stroll to appreciate the beauty of nature or find peace after a hectic day, you’re sure to feel the benefit of stretching your legs and your lungs.

• Commit to some time each day, or a day each week, when you’re simply not available to the outside world – in this era of over-encroaching technology you deserve the gift of true freedom!

Caroline offers home massage treatments throughout the Algarve.

Call 926 244 741 or email: [email protected] for more details.

Health...

getting bitten at dusk? Many readers will have noticed by now the return of the flying biters. for the last month the mosquito has been back with us and biting at our ankles. Know that not all of these bites are from mosquitos, but also from his cousin, the Sand fly.

Sand flies spread the organism leishmania. Once this protozoan gets injected into a dog it attacks the immune system and sets off a disease process which can affect any organ in the body.

…and it is incurable.

Leishmania infection can cause a myriad of clinical signs depending on the host-parasite response. Symptoms can range from very minor skin lesions and long misshapen nails right through to kidney failure and death.

As you can see from the photo, affected dogs often have skin lesions (anywhere on the body) often oozing foul smelling liquids from secondary infections. extreme weight loss is seen when dogs are badly infected as well.

Most dogs survive with treatment but invariably have a shortened life-span, with flare-ups of skin lesions and other problems during those years. Owners of infected dogs need to give (sometimes expensive) drugs throughout the dog’s life.

PREVENTIONThere are now two options for preventing your dog contracting Leish. With both options, however, dogs need some form of insect repellent. This can take the form of a collar (eg Scalibor or Seresto) or a spot-on (eg Activyl, Advantix, effitix).

1) There is a vaccination which has 3 initial injections as the primary course with annual booster jabs thereafter

2) An oral liquid called Leishguard. This is given on the food once daily for 30 days. This course is best repeated three times throughout the year. A good option for people holidaying here

If you are worried about any long standing skin lesions on your dog, weight loss, long strange nails; consider taking him/her to the vets for a Leish blood test. certainly we recommend that a blood test should be undertaken if you have never given your dog Leish protection.

For more information ask your vet or you can visit our website and click on the ‘Infectious Diseases’ link…or give us a call or an email. Prevention is better than a cure. This goes double-so when there isn’t a cure.www.lagosvet.com

Pets Mate By Lars Rahmquist

Spring into Action! By Caroline Taylor

I’m in heaven or at least my hands & feet are

new from Dr.Organic we bring you the most luscious moisturising gel socks and gloves. With organic lavender oil, Jojoba oil, olive oil and Vitamin e infused with a bioactive blend of organic essential oils, they leave your feet and hands baby smooth in just 20 minutes! They help to prevent the build-up of hard skin for smoother more supple skin. They are washable and reusable (up to 40 times!!).

Just imagine a pedicure and manicure whilst watching telly! no more dry cracked skin and with summer coming that is very good news for sandals and strappy shoes. Soft, glowing hands are always sexy. Don't delay because the low price on these will have them flying from my shelves. You won't be disappointed and might just purchase them for all of your closest friends and family! You will be a star!!

Come on in and see us today. Harmony Earth is in Luz.


When you purchase varifocal lenseswe will give you a pair of reading glassesworth up to 168�, absolutely free.

Offer includes frames from our icy or iwear range and hard coated single vision lenses.

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Offer can't be used in conjunction with any other offer and excludes multi-focal contact lenses.


When selling your property how do you choose an agent and what are the benefits of an exclusive contract versus a non-exclusive contract?

When you initially decide to list your property for sale you will find lots of estate Agents to choose from. So how do you choose? Well before you do, you need to decide whether to list your property with one agent or whether to list with several.

You may feel that the more agents you list with the better the exposure… I’m afraid this is not always the case. By listing your property with multiple agents can sometimes have the opposite effect. firstly, from the mind-set of the agents, if they know the property is with 5 or 6 different agents they know that there is a chance that other agents could well be presenting the property or have already presented the property to the prospective client. Therefore it is understandable that an agent would lead with properties that he knows only he can present and have a better chance of making that sale. This therefore has the opposite effect meaning that your property could be presented further down the line rather than first. Also on a marketing point of view again. If the property is listed with a number of agents and then included in marketing on the major portals this again could have a detrimental effect. The property shows up on the web portal several times and actually loses impact and can also look desperate. This can result

in prospective purchasers dismissing it or simply overlooking it. The alternative is to choose one agent that you believe can sell your property. You need to be comfortable with your agent and be happy with how they market your property. This starts at the initial meeting but follows through with the quality of the website, the quality of the pictures and the quality of the write up. remember this is the hook that will entice prospective buyers to either email an enquiry or walk in the door of the shop.

So, in summary. A little research and maybe even a face to face discussion with the agent will give you a better idea of who will present your property the best and also be the most committed to selling your property as quickly as possible. Don’t be afraid to ask how they plan to market your property, what web strategy they have and also how are they performing in terms of hits and enquiries. At the end of the day you are going to be paying them to do this for you! In the last 4 months B&P have sold over 60 properties. As previously mentioned 70% of our sales come from properties that have been on the market for less than 6 months. We now need more listing to cope with the demand of an improving market. If you are currently selling your property or considering selling your property B&P welcome the opportunity to sell it for you. Over 100 clients chose B&P to buy from last year and we made over 700 viewing trips during 2014 alone. If you want further information on selling your property contact me directly on [email protected] or call on: 282 764 193

The best way to list your propertyBy David Westmoreland

Business...

On the 4th July 2012, the eu regulation 650/2012 was approved by the european Parliament. This now means that anybody that deceases after the 17th August 2015 inclusive, instead of having their natural law (i.e. that of their nationality) applicable, the applicable law will be of where they have a habitual residence at the time of their demise.

This rule is not applicable to Denmark, Ireland and the united Kingdom.

In practical terms this means that whilst doing a will in Portugal for your Portuguese assets, the applicable law would have been of your nationality, whilst now, if you live in Portugal and Portugal is your habitual residence, your will, will be ruled by Portuguese law.

This rule can be ruled out if, when doing your will you categorically state that you would like your nationality law to apply.

If you have already done a will and it states that “you wish your personal law to be applied to the succession”, you are covered and there is no need to re-do.

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

Please contact me on, email: [email protected] or call: +351 967 550 485.

New succession rules By Cardine Martins

Do you need InspectaGadget?Like a lot of us, Inspectagadget grew up in the ‘Technology Stone Age’ – before computers, before mobile phones, before colour TV – yet he’s always had a passion for anything that “plugs in”.

He’s one of those lucky people whose work is their hobby and so his gadget knowledge is broad and always up to date. In his adopted home of the Algarve, he’s known for helping people with all kinds of

technology issues – from their computers, printers, networks and phones, to TVs, sound systems, home cinemas and even security systems.

He’s also concerned about people paying too much for IPTV systems and so at the moment he’s busy working on new solutions.

Whilst you might call him a geek, Inspectagadget speaks plain english, not

techno babble, so you can ask any question and not feel silly and you can expect to get a straight forward answer.

Based in Lagos, Inspectagadget makes house calls to anywhere in the Western Algarve, at very affordable rates.

Please call him on 937 596 665.


Relaxoverseas transfers are our business

Private Client ServicesGCEN is fully authorised by the FCA to provide payment service as an Authorised Payment Services Institution. Registration No. 50446

Considering buying or selling a property in Portugal?It is never too early to chooseyour foreign exchangecompany. We pride ourselveson getting to know our clientsand their needs.

Work with GCEN to:› Save money with no fees

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To find out about these &other products & services we provide contact us at:

Vilamoura Office 289 093 137Lagos Office 282 768 136UK rate 01622 815 201E [email protected]

90x135 RELAX_Layout 1 10/02/2015 17:02 Page 1

ALGARVE TRIATHLONS

for more information and to register please visit www.algarvetriathlons.com

WE NEED YOUR TEAM!REGISTER NOW!

25th April 2015Start time Sprint: 9.45 am

Start time Olympic: 10.00 am After Party 3pm onwards

Live Music BBQ Bouncy Castle

e: [email protected] t: (+351) 933 713 867

Praia da Luz


Business...

local heros is a platform that offers the possibility to be present online through a new and innovative marketing search engine (MSe) that promotes businesses worldwide.

nowadays, due to the strong demand to get results fast and more accurate, the trend is to search online faster and more effortlessly. The days where typing and tedious reading was a necessity in order to get results, are over. The evolution of technology is imposing a more up-to-date, closer-to-reality and innovative approach to on-demand searching.

Local Heros has developed a smart, easy-to-use, mobile friendly technology as the future of search-engines. Our MSe is based on symbols that are self-explanatory and are interconnected globally for a fast and easy search: jumping from icon to icon, from map to map, from business to business, with no typing, scrolling or any extra effort. There is no language barrier and businesses will be benefited from tourists finding the

information easily, in just one click and connected to offer a complete overview of the area and the possibilities associated to it.

On Local Heros’ platform, businesses are categorised by what they offer. Gone are the days of those long lists, and the rankings. everyone is eligible and have a Placemark on our MSe, whether they be an electrician, participating in a car boot sale, a local sports team or band, or even the owner of various companies. There really is no limit: acting locally, thinking globally. Promotions, news and updates are sent to Local Heros’ network, creating a link between the local community and its businesses.

By generating this flow of information, businesses in turn get an important, tangible advantage: sales increase, expansion of client portfolio and higher exposure to the general public.

To find out more please call 910 438 555, email [email protected] and go to our website www.localheros.tk

Go worldwide By Abstract Cloud Lda

Destination AlgarveWe are not just about property - we are also about people

With quality and excellence foremost in their business dealings as property managers, the team at Destination Algarve (established in 2004), has over 30 years' experience in customer-led businesses in the uK and mainland europe.

regardless of the size of your property, Destination Algarve offers a comprehensive service with exceptional quality and excellence; they care for your property as if it were their own.

Each owner and property is unique The team at Destination Algarve are also holiday rental professionals. As Sean Whittamore (founder of the company) comments: “This is an important part of our business, we don’t play at it.”

each owner and property is unique and the team can guide owners through the bureaucracy if they wish to rent their property.

If they only want to use your home for family and friends Destination Algarve

will ensure that they can relax as soon as they arrive.

Destination Algarve also undertakes the management of projects for absent owners ensuring the highest standards are achieved.

Benefits to ProfessionalsProperty professionals are re-assured when introducing their clients to Destination Algarve, with their many years of experience.

Introducing clients to Destination Algarve, real estate Agents and constructors know that the services provided will ensure that the owners' experience will continue to be positive, long after sale completion.

You can be sure of peace of mind when using Destination Algarve. Based in Lagos, it is a registered Portuguese company that manages and cares for properties across the Western Algarve from Alvor to Ingrina.

Visit www.destination-algarve.com or email [email protected]

An Eastern Adventure By Pat Allen

Want to see a casino show? Visit an award-winning Olive Oil mill? Do you fancy a Zip wire experience? enjoy the day-trip sailing along the guadiana for lunch? All this and more can be yours as a three-day trip is being organised by Pat Allen. And if you cannot make the 3 days, then the guadiana trip can be taken on its own – read on to find out more.

The coach starts from Almadena on the morning of Wednesday May 13th and picks up passengers in Luz, Lagos and other points along the n125, arriving at the faro catering college in time for a Silver Service lunch prepared and served by the students of the academy.

This is very popular and a high standard is expected and given. from there we continue to the Monte-rosa Olive Oil Mill – a company whose oils all won gold in 2014 – including one Best of class. When this tour finishes we continue to monte gordo for a 2-night stay in the 3* Hotel Alcazar – another popular choice.

Day 2 sees us taking a ferry to Spain and then Zipping back to Portugal on the world’s only zip-wire that spans two countries. The excitement continues as the evening will be spent at the casino enjoying dinner and the show ‘Kings and Queens’ celebrating the music of the kings and queens of the pop world. You can of course play the tables or slots whilst you are there if you wish.

The final day is the Guadiana river trip. We float to Foz de odeleite where we disembark for an ‘all you can eat and drink’ lunch before returning to Lagos mid-evening. The trip is remarkable value at only €270 (€235 for afpop members) as it includes 4 meals and all activities.

for those who only want the guadiana trip this will be on friday May 15th. We are hoping to organise a coach and the cost of this activity is €38 (€35 for afpop members) plus €10 for the coach.

Contact Pat for further information on the activities or for details about afpop and what it offers. Telephone: 282697548, mobile 969-814-789 or e-mail: [email protected]


Businesses For Sale in the AlgarveALMANCIL: Ref NO1411RB

Restaurant: 44 covers

Outside Terrace: 20 covers

Leasehold l Fully Equipped

Guide Price: €28K

LAGOS AREA Ref NO1510TBP

DIY sector supplying major UKpaint brands to expat market

Twenty year old business; wellestablished customer base

Includes Freehold premises

Guide Price: €250K

GUIA: Ref NO141B2B

Signage Company:

Main Road Position

Excellent turnover andhistory

Guide Price: €32,500

LAGOS AREA: Ref NO0211CR

Restaurant: 60 covers

Outside Terrace: 100 covers

Leasehold l Fully Equipped

Guide Price: €250K

For further information please email: [email protected]

Landline UK (+44) 1 202 023 024 Mob UK (+44) 7551 387 382 Port (+351) 916 386 186

Chrystal Flowers Healing Reflexology

Becca Towers Reflexologist - Lagos Area Treatments for Feet or Hands from €30 Home Visits

Gift Cards available for Special Occasions Please Phone me for bookings, or visit my Website to see prices & offers

E: [email protected] W: chrystalflowershealing.org.uk T: 918 960 393


Business...

A Tasca de Kiko By Tom HenshawDesire 2015 @ Conrad ResortBy Tomorrow’s sommelier, Miguel Martins Last month perhaps one of the greatest gastronomic events of the year was held at the conrad resort in Quinta do Lago.

This was very different from those that have been staged in recent years at an international level because unlike all other events where the main focus was the chefs, this time the idea was to raise the status of the sommeliers, who are equally important in gastronomy.

The event took place during two days and a sommelier was invited to represent each of the regions of Portugal. The first day I had the privilege of being the representative for the Algarve.

The challenge was simple ... one chef, one dish and each of the sommeliers had to choose the wine from the region they represented to complement the food. My dish was a niçoise salad with red shrimps from the coast of the Algarve and my first choice was Algarve rosé made by one of the best wine producers in our region, Quinta do Barranco Longo ... the freshness and the hint of red fruit as the dish included fruit and essentially because it is a wine that is reminiscent of the summer and the Algarve is synonymous with heat and sunshine.

guests circled the room and were served the dishes along with the respective wines. At each of the stands were the sommelier with the wine and the chef who had made the dish in order to provide an explanation for how the wine best complemented the food.

This event, which was widely covered by the media, goes to show the effort that is being made to promote Portuguese cuisine at the highest level.

If you want to talk to Miguel you can pop into his shop on the avenida in Lagos or email him at: [email protected]

Food & Beverage...

There’s a new tapas bar in Lagos that’s definitely worth getting excited about.

It opened at the end of february in the new Sopromar building on the way down to Meia Praia and about 200 metres after the railway station on your right.

Kiko’s reputation in the area is well known and highly respected so Julie and I decided to go and check it out.

It is very clean cut and minimalist in style and you get great views out over the Sopromar boat yard activity and you feel immersed in the scene.

We were warmly welcomed by Mario, fabio and Suraia and we really did feel relaxed in this cool mix of pine and modern decor.

There is a myriad of choice, main courses, fresh tapas daily with regular changes and a great choice of desserts and whilst I normally don’t eat them I really had to try as they are far from the ‘ordinary’ on offer.

Kiko intends to stay open all year round, a real bonus as so many restaurants close for so long you struggle to know where to eat!

A really important factor here is the very reasonable prices meaning that you will be able to enjoy ‘A TAScA De KIKO’ more often.

We were thoroughly impressed with the wines and their great house wine is only €9.60 a bottle and glasses are only €2.50

We have to congratulate the chef rafa and his able assistant Dulce for the wonderful tapas on offer – each dish was beautifully flavoured with a masterful use of herbs and spices.

All our choices seemed to confirm that kiko is offering magic on plates, works of art with a delicate balance of flavours. Try for example the strips of beef, the perfectly seared tuna and the superb taste of boquerones. There was genuinely lots more choice than we anticipated.

Well done, you all deserve recognition and success and in our book you are totally on course for both!

Call to make a booking on 282 046 037 – it’s a must. It’s open 11am until 11pm.

'Attaboy Atabai'By Julie Battersby

A crowd of us took an evening to check out Atabai Bar in Barão de S. João and to confirm all the good things we had heard about this lovely and friendly bar.

firstly, we were really happy with the atmosphere and we immediately felt at ease.

There were 10 of us so whilst they were expecting us you wonder how it is all going to 'fall into place'.

It certainly did. We all had different meals and the house garlic pizza bread was a great change from bread and pate!

Atabai does live music every Saturday and all the reviews are excellent on these events too.

We can certainly recommend this highly and at €10 each with all we had was a total bargain. We will be back!

It’s open 6pm until 2am. Please call to book on 926 683 589 – it’s in the centre of the village.


Monthly

13th April -10.30am - Over 50s meet new friends | Oasis, Lagos Marina | 282 031 543

4.30 - 7.30pm - Happy Hour DrinksLazyjacks, Lagos Marina | 911 568 143

Easter Sunday Lunch | Barroca | 282 762 799

Dinner (Sun - Fri) - Soup + Main | € 10.95Valentinos restaurant | 914852266

8pm - Easter Sunday Lunch | 5 Course Meal & Live music | €25 | Barroca | 282 762 799

2nd May - Live Music & Hog Roast Food, 7.30pm €10 | Pigs Head, Burgau | 282 697 315

Tuesdays

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

Pie Night from: €6 medium, €8 large & sidesPigs Head, Burgau | 282 697 315

Wednesdays

12 -10pm - Wednesday Special | couvert + Main course + One drink | €12 | golf Santo Antonio, Budens | 282 690 051

Soup of the day/BBQ Spare Ribs/Dessert €10 | grapevine, espiche | 282 768 795

Thursdays

7pm - Malaysian Curry EveningOasis, Lagos Marina | 282 031 543

Beer Battered Cod & Chips, Homemade Mushy Peas & Tartar sauce | €9.95rockefellas | 282 798 634

Soup of the day/Chicken Piri Piri/Dessert €9.00 | grapevine, espiche | 282 768 795

Fridays

12pm onwards -Beer Battered Cod & ChipsOasis, Lagos Marina | 282 031 543

Restaurant listings for AprilTo be included, please email [email protected] with restaurant promotions and we wwill do our best to include you in our monthly list - IT’S FREE OF CHARGE

Fridays

Fish & Chips | €8 large, €6 smallPigs Head, Burgau | 282 697 315

Comedy + Curry Night | €5 | rockefellas282 798 634

9.30 pm - Fish & Chips and Live Music€9 | Turiscampo, n125 | 282 792 217

12pm- Fish & Chips or Freshly made Pies from €6.50 | fools & Horses, Lagos | 282 762 970

4pm-late - Fish,chips & mushy peas €6.95 | ‘TOMIK, Burgau | 282 695 525

Special, Traditional Fish & Chips (+ Full A La Carte menu) | €9.50 | Barroca | 282 762 799

Saturdays

Soup of the day/Fillet Steak/Dessert €14 | grapevine, espiche, 282 768 795

2 cocktails & Karaoke | €6 | fools & Horses, Lagos | 282 762 970

Sundays

12 - 9pm - Sunday Lunch | free 1/2 ltr of wine if you pre book | fools & Horses, Lagos 282 762 970

12 -10pm - Sunday Roast | couvert + Soup + Main course | €9.99 | golf Santo Antonio, Budens | 282 690 051

Sunday Brunch | €12,00 (complementary Bellini on arrival when booking in advance)espiche golf, espiche | 282 688 270

Sunday Roast | €5 Medium/ €7 Large, +€2 for Soup or Dessert | Pigs Head, Burgau | 282 697 315

Sunday Roast | 1-8pm | Barroca | 282762799

Sunday Roast | Live Music & 1/2 bottle wine, €12 | Turiscampo, n125 | 282 792 217

Sunday Carvery - Beef & Pork | Plate: €7.50 AYce: €10 | rockefellas | 282 798 634

Turiscampo

By Tom Henshaw

You can’t have too much of a good thing!

Take a wonderful spring day - enjoy a cool drink overlooking the camp’s wonderful pool and you will soon start feeling like an oligarch!

here we are to find out more of what espiche campsite family owners have done with their restaurant and bar since our last visit.

As soon as you enter the new bar area you are transported into a very different place with a beautiful wood burning stove and easy chairs. You automatically have the distinct feeling that you have made a good choice.

There are lots of parking space, easy wheel chair access and all new facilities.

The changes are endless and yet seamless and that is only the beginning.The outstanding buffet is a great credit to the chef, João Militão, because the choice and the flavours are really terrific and what’s more the menu changes regularly. At €8.50 for a full three course buffet, with these standards, it is incredible value. children are certainly not forgotten either as the full choice for them is only €6.30.

Open from 9am until midnight with a great choice of breakfasts and reasonably priced snacks all around €4.50 to €5.50 there really is something for everyone.

The buffet is open every day and has ever changing choices to keep us all wanting to return. Friday is fish and chip night with roast dinners on Sunday evenings for only €12 including half a bottle of wine per person and there’s a free bouncy castle for children. Marco Mauricio, the owner, is always attentive and oversees the smooth running of the restaurant and events which includes monthly fADO, Italian and carnival theme nights.

I could go on but suffice it to say – you really won’t be disappointed.Turiscampo is on the road out of Lagos towards Sagres and just before the village of espiche.

Please call on 282 792 217 or www.turiscampo.com

Food & Beverage...


Although there are around 100 types of palm in cultivation, the selection readily available and likely to thrive here numbers less than 20. Topping the list as recently as ten years ago would of course, have been Phoenix canariensis, but red palm weevil has made them into a specialist indulgence requiring continuous monitoring and treatment so reluctantly I won’t discuss them here.

excellent substitutes include two varieties of Washingtonia palms: robusta which can grow 30m or more; and filifera which usually grows half as high and is a much better landscaping specimen. Although both are similar when young, W. filifera has attractive whiskery threads hanging from its leaves so look out for them when making a choice.

Trachycarpus fortunei, commonly known as the Chusan palm, is renowned for its hardiness making it suitable for planting throughout northern europe. given a little shade it makes an ideal specimen tree here for a courtyard or lawn, seldom growing more than 5m high. Originating from china,

Chusans are slow growing and have very attractive brown hairy trunks and windmill shaped leaves. Although tolerating low water and poor soil, do not plant a Chusan in full blazing sun, as it will usually turn into a hairy brown stump.

Another slow growing chinese native is Livistona chinesis, otherwise known as the chinese fan palm. This develops a wide spreading crown even when young and ultimately forms a palm up to 8m high on a single trunk crowned with as many as 50 segmented leaves. full sun, good nutrition and some summer water give best results. for hardiness above and beyond the call of duty Chamaerops humilis is the one to go for. A Mediterranean native, it grows in clumps all along the Algarve and seldom exceeds 2m in the wild. But in cultivation with some summer watering and feed, can grow as high as 5m and develop into a handsome multi-stemmed palm producing bunches of glossy orangy brown fruit. C. Humilis makes a good container plant, but beware of the savage orange teeth lining the base of its fronds.

When buying a palm the best approach is to see where it is growing in the garden centre. If it is in the greenhouse then more than likely that is where it will do best. As a general guide for outside exposure avoid Archontophoenix cunninghamiana, Ravenea rivularis and anything else with a shiny green trunk or originating from the moist tropics or semi tropics. If you want something a little different then try Brahea armata (Blue hesper palm) that has high drought resistance, likes alkaline

soil, full sun and has few diseases. Although slow growing, an abundance of ice blue leaves and hanging fruit make it a striking specimen palm that will not outgrow its space.

Butia capitata (Jelly palm), is another slow growing palm having good drought resistance plus sweet tasty fruit which is used to make a jelly as its name implies. It is closely related to Syagrus romanzoffiana (Queen palm), which is easily obtainable here. unlike Hesper and Jelly palms, the Queen palm does not have spiky bases to its fronds. It is also faster growing and quickly develops a graceful arching crown.

Despite its mouthful of a name, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens with regular watering makes a beautiful potted specimen for a reasonably sheltered courtyard or veranda or unpotted in the garden. easily distinguished by greenish yellow bamboo stems, it is widely used as a houseplant under the common name of Areca palm. good size specimens are expensive and will usually be multi-stemmed, but resist the temptation to increase your stock by division as you will probably kill them all!

for colour impact nothing comes more fabulous than the red stemmed sealing wax palm (Cyrtostachys renda) originating from Malaysia and the Solomon Islands. This is definitely not one for the Algarve unless in a greenhouse or conservatory. Other tricky beauties include the fishtail palm known to grow here and the ubiquitous Macarthur palm found all over tropical Asia.

finally, we come to the most beautiful palm of them all – Licuala grandis – which has circular undivided pleated leaves and bright red fruit. originating from the South Pacific, you will find it in the house plant section of some garden centres here. needing dappled shade, good humidity, neutral pH, damp rich soil and only brief exposure to anything less than 15° it is worth every moment one manages to keep it going!

Next month I will discuss common palm problems and diseases

Palms, palms, beautiful palms By Clive Goodacre

Outdoor...

Sealing Wax Palm

Washingtonia Filfera

Blue Hesper Palm


REAL ESTATE AGENCYLAGOS . WESTERN ALGARVE

New evening classes available!Monday: 6 - 7pm (mixed) & 7.30 - 8.30pm (men’s)

Thursday: 6 - 7pm (mixed) & 7.30 - 8.30pm(mixed)

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T: 926 514 613 | www.pilatesroomlagos.com

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WE CARE FOR YOUR HEALTH www.luzdoc.com

282 780 700 282 780 709 [email protected]

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

282 788 217 [email protected]

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

GENERAL AND FAMILY MEDICINE

MEDICAL SPECIALTIES

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Tomorrow April 2015 edition

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