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News

Charity golf

Faro Lions club will be holding their 4th charity golf tournament on the 8th of August at Benamor golf course. The tournament is in aid of the Obra Social Madre Teresa de Cultura, (special needs school), and Faro’s oncology unit. Benamor are donating their facilities for the cause. To learn more about the event call 918 702 795.

Hire cars in Algarve become gold dust!

Sold!

Emma and Mike Skinner hosted their final auction last month. Hanging up her hammer, Emma did inform us that a new couple will run the Tavira auction from September, and it will keep the exact same format. We would like to thank them for supporting the East Algarve magazine, and wish them all the best for future ventures. There is a major shortage of hire cars this year with people receiving cancellations from hire car companies just days before their arrival and being left stranded in rural villas and not being able to make the most of their well earned holiday, with no transport, unable to visit the beach, shops restaurants etc. The shortage of cars will not be great news for the Algarve tourist industry, as it will inevitably put people off coming to the region. The problem has occurred due to the concentrated 5-week peak season and the current economic crisis, car hire companies have bought fewer cars, as they will sit unused for the rest of the year. On the brighter side though, taxi drivers are extremely busy! The problem should ease after August.

Bloody good cause

Anew, purpose built, mobile blood donor unit will start making its way from Vila real on the 3rd of this month, working its way across the Algarve coast. Giving blood takes only 30 minutes of your valuable time and is so worthwhile. It involves a blood pressure check and health questionnaire with a doctor before giving blood. Units open from 4pm until 9pm each day and residents or visitors are being encouraged to attend. Potential donors should be between 18 and 65 years of age and weigh a minimum of 50 kgs. For more details of the locations please call 282 417 295.

Dreams crushed

Plans to build a 20 hectare industrial estate in Mesquita, a small village in São Brás has angered the locals, many of them are retired and moved there for the peace and tranquillity. Plans for the site include a car crushing industry and cork related businesses. The plans are at an advanced stage and apparently, the Camara is weighing up the environmental implications against the need to boost local economy and provide much needed work for the community. We will try to keep you informed on any further developments.