Jan15 East Algarve magazine by Richard Bassett

EastAlgarve M

OLHÃO · SÃO BRÁS · TAVIRA · ALCOUTIM · CASTRO MARIM · VILA REAL DE SANTO ANTÓNIO

The Best Guide to the Eastern

Jan 15 €1 from newsagents

Algarve!

GOLF TIP

From professional at Monte Rei Golf, James Beesley

PORTUGAL A positive outlook.

GRAFFITI Art or eyesore?

GARDENING Water Gardens.

LEGENDS OF

OlhÃo

“I’m confused by the UK pension freedom from April. How can I be sure I make the right choice for me?”

Talk to the people who know. With the new UK pension regime, it is crucial you understand how all the options affect you. With the Blevins Franks Pension Review Service, our specialists analyse the pros and cons and advise on the best solutions to meet your personal needs. contact us now on

289 350 150

PWK009-pt

gavin.scott@blevinsfranks.com adrian.hook@blevinsfranks.com dan.henderson@blevinsfranks.com Blevins Franks Financial Management Limited (BFFM) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK, reference number 179731. Where advice is provided outside the UK, via the Insurance Mediation Directive from Malta, the regulatory system differs in some respects from that of the UK. Blevins Franks Trustees Limited is authorised and regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority for the administration of trusts and companies. Blevins Franks Tax Limited provides taxation advice; its advisers are fully qualified tax specialists. This promotion has been approved and issued by BFFM.

FR A NCE



SPA IN



PORTUGA L



CY PRUS



M A LTA



U NITED K INGDOM

w w w. b l e v i n s f r a n k s . c o m

Welcome...

...to your January issue. A very Happy New Year to you all. The first day of 2015 was a glorious day, cloudless blue skies and mild temperatures and a reminder of why we enjoy life here in the beautiful East Algarve. We are very excited about 2015, the region has been very prosperous in 2014, with much indication that it is set to continue to flourish. It has been great to see so many family and friends who have visited for the Christmas and New Year celebrations, and we now look forward to longer and warmer days to come. This month we have our regular health and finance news for you, plus a wonderful feature from our gardening expert Mark O'Shaughnessy for a fabulous water garden. We welcome back David Holland with some fun tips on learning Portuguese, and have a little bit of history behind Olhão's newest statues. We would like to thank you for your kind encouraging emails and continued support. Best wishes for 2015. Editor

"Casa das Portas" and "Sobre a Ponte" are in “Casa das Portas” and now “Sobre a Ponte” are “Casa Portas” and now “Sobre a Ponte” arethe in in thethe heart of historic Tavira. Come and experience thethe gallery of ofof heart historic Tavira. Come and experience the gallery heart ofof historic Tavira. Come and experience gallery extraordinary images of the area and stunning range of gifts extraordinary images area and stunning range gifts extraordinary images ofof thethe area and stunning range ofof gifts from Portugal and around the world.

from Portugal and around world. from Portugal and around thethe world.

Casa das Rua Dr Antonio Cabreira no 11, 8800 344 Tavira, Casa das Portas, Rua Dr Augusto Silva Carvalho, 3 -8800-324, Tavira Casa dasPortas, Portas, Rua Dr Augusto Silva Carvalho, 3 8800-324, Tavira telPhone +351 281 Phone n:328 00 351 n: 00 351246 281281 321321 025025 Sobre aaPonte, Rua 5Rua nos - 327, Tavira Sobre a Ponte, de Outubro, nos 18800 a8800-327, 3, 8800-327, Tavira Sobre Ponte, Rua 5dede5Outobro, Outubro, nos1a3, 1 a 3, telPhone +351 281 772281 Phone n:328 00351 328772 n: 00351 281 328772

ww.casadasportas.com ww.casadasportas.com

EastAlgarve M

PUBLISHER & DESIGNER Richard Bassett EDITOR Richard Bassett EDITORIAL CO-ORDINATORS Richard Bassett Snr. ADVERTISING Call 961 700 200 or email info@eastalgarvemag.com DISTRIBUTION 3,500 copies printed. All advertisers are issued copies for distribution, along with retail outlets. Cover Pic: Richard Bassett All rights reserved. Except for normal review purposes, no part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Every care has been taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the contents are only meant as a guide to readers. The proprietors of this magazine are publishers not agents or sub agents of those who advertise therein. The publisher cannot be held liable for any loss suffered as a result of information gained from this publication

Unipessoal Lda

Contents

5 NOTICE BOARD 6 NEWS 7 WHAT’S ON 8 HEALTH 12 CULTURE 14 PORTUGUESE LANGUAGE 16 PORTUGAL 22 PROPERTY 26 PROPERTY 28 GRAFFITI 32 GARDENING 36 FINANCE 37CURRENCY ADVICE 38 FINANCE 42 SPORT 44 SPORT 46 CLASSIFIEDS Your messages. Local news.

Things to do this month. Flexion distraction.

Legends of Olhão. False friends.

A positive look back at Portugal in 2014.

Documentation and legislation.

Property of the month. Art or eyesore?

Water gardens.

News from Blevins Franks.

From Premier Fx.

Finance news from Ricardo Chaves.

The latest from Chris Wright.

Pro Tip from James Beesley. Grab a local bargain.

www.eastalgarvemag.com

NOTICEBOARD TRACK DAY DRIVERS WANTED

Driver's and mechanics wanted Nissan Skyline GTR 33, V-spec at Portimao race track. Nominal joining fee and share of expenses is all it will cost! Call Richard on 961 700 200

ENGLISH MOBILE MECHANIC

GARAGE WANTED

LIVE MUSIC AT PINK FLAMINGO BAR TAVIRA

To rent in Tavira Tel 961 700 200

Live, Blues, So ul & Rock 'n Ro ll, plus ELVIS! Every Thursday fro m 9.30pm.

Call 00351 914 417 580

YOGA & PILATES

contact Hazel on 91 307 5555 or email: hazel.devine@ntlworld.com for more information.

it! SALE ROOM - OPEN DAILY ou buy ll it! e s BRITISH STYLE AUCTION u o Y FURNITURE • ANTIQUES re it! o t s e W ART • OFFICE • CATERING TOOLS • GARDEN & BRITISH STYLE ! e it v o SPORTS EQUIPMENT m We AUCTION HOUSE

WED 19 MARCH TH

BUSINESS AND HOUSE

•Direct Sales•Business & House CLEARANCES Antiques + Clearances•Free Valuations Collectables LONG AND SHORT TERM •Online Catalogue & STORAGE 07.00 PM Monthly Auctions!! TRANSPORT + REMOVALS Sat 10th Jan 10.00hrs – Stock Clearance/

Next Auctions: General auction – 50% of lots starting at €1 VISIT US, OPEN; SAT. 5TH APRIL Sat 7th Feb – 10.00hrs – General auction TUESDAY TO FRIDAY 09.30-5.30 RD Sat 7th Mar – 10.00hrs – General auction SAT. 3 MAY SATURDAY 09.30-12.30. TH GPS Wed 18th Mar – Antiques and SAT. 7 JUNE 37º04'55.27" TH Collectables – 7.00pm SAT. 5 JULY 7º54'51.46" Open: Tues - Fri Sitio 09.30dotoBesouro, 5.30 São Bras OPEN: 09.00 Conceição J14

Sat 10.00 to 4.008005-416 Faro

AUCTION STARTS: 10.00Email: info@ahalgarve.com

Tel: 438 289 832 380 Tel: Mark – 914 774 Tlm: 914 774 438 Office – 289 832 380 email: ITEMS BROUGHT TO Sítio do Besouro,info@ahalgarve.com Conceição, FARO AUCTION HOUSE:

www.ahalgarve.com

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

A22

N2 1,6km



To Tavira

Benamor Golf EN125

Estoi

Conceição WE ARE HERE

N2 Faro

ON FACEBOOK ww.ahalgarve.com www.eastalgarvemag.com AUCTION HOUSE ALGARVE

JOIN US

To Cabanas



Pick up your FREE copy of the East Algarve Magazine here! 5

News

Castro Marim explosion causes severe injury

n explosion in the early hours of Christmas Day left a man with severe burns and his property in São Bartolomeu do Sul reduced to rubble. The man was rushed to Faro hospital, and later was moved to a specialist unit in Coimbra, according to a source at the Vila Real de Santo António fire service. The explosion tore through the house at about 1.29 am. "Everything indicates that it was an explosion caused by a gas leak from a gas bottle which was being used as a lamp," said the first firemen on the scene. "The explosion had a big impact and brought down the roof of the house," said the same source. The victim lived alone in São Bartolomeu do Sul and had spent the evening with members of his family in Caçela. On his return home in the early hours it seems that he lit the gas which exploded in his face causing severe burns.

floors, two swimming pools, a tennis court, terraces and green zones. The hotel, built and owned by the coucil, has a baseline sale price of €1.3 million. "Taking into account the possibility of extending the existing building, its excellent landscaping, and the fact that there is shortage of hotels in the area, the council considers that there is market potential for the property," reads a statement from the council led by Osvaldo Gonçalves. The next step for potential hoteliers is to read over the tender documents and the hotel specifications, all available from the Administrative and Financial Division of the council.

Portuguese turn the internet corner

oday 70% of people in Portugal use the internet, up from only 40% in 2006. Half of all those who use it say that they do so every day whereas only 22% of users did so eight years ago. Across the wide European Union community, internet usage has sprung up rapidly to 65% of adults (between 16 and 74 years) who go online everyday. In 2006, this was only 31%. And today, only 18% of adults say they have never used the internet, down from 43%. Still, Portugal ranks fifth among nations whose populations have no experience of the internet as 30% report they have never used it.

lcoutim council has approved a plan to sell off its Guadiana River Hotel, and would-be owners have 60 days in which to check it out and put in an offer. It does not take a genius to work that, with the pending approval for a 200-megawatt photovoltaic power plant to be installed on 800 hectares in nearby Martinlongo and Vaqueiros, this could be a good time to gear up for the estimated influx of construction workers. The hotel is about a kilometre from the center of the Alcoutim on the banks of the Guadiana river with prime river views. There are 32 double rooms on two

Highest lack of experience was marked in Romania (39%) and Bulgaria (37%), but Greece (33%) and Italy (32%) also lagged slightly behind Portugal. Only 3% of people in Denmark, 5% in the Netherlands, and 6% in the UK said they had never gone online.

Only 16% of the Portuguese said they used cloud services for storing or sharing large files but this is not far behind the 21% average of all 28 EU member countries. The majority of cloud service users everywhere were those young people aged between 16 and 24, many of them prompted by the ability to use files from several devices and to share files easily. Concerns about data protection and the use of large memory space were other reasons. Perhaps surprisingly, access to large libraries of music, films, and TV programmes was the least important reason for using cloud storage.

www.eastalgarvemag.com

Source: www.algarvedailynews.com

Alcoutim's Guadiana River Hotel up for sale

What's on

Things to do this month There are plenty of things to do this Jnauary, in and around the East Algarve SCIENCE WORKSHOP FOR KIDS “ECO CANDLES”

10 January, 14:30 - 10 January, 17:00 Centro Ciência Viva de Tavira. What can you do with used cooking oil? This is a leftover that can and should be reused. In this workshop we will be making candles from this raw material. We will create environment-friendly candles, in all colours and scents! Tickets: 5€, Centro Ciência Viva de Tavira Convento do Carmo 8800-311 Tavira 281 326 231

JAZZ CONCERT

25 January, 17:30, Clube de Tavira. Jazz concert with Sávio Araújo & Miguel Martins Quarteto. Clube de Tavira, Rua da Liberdade, 23 8800-399 Tavira

MARKETS Castro Marim: 2nd Saturday of the month. Estoi: 2nd Sunday of the month. Moncarapacho: 1st Sunday of the month. Monte Gordo: 4th Saturday of the month. Quelfes: 4th and 5th Sundays of the month.

São Brás de Alportel: 3rd Sunday of the month Sta Catarina: 4th Sunday of the month. Tavira: 3rd Saturday of the month. Vila Nova de Cacela: 3rd Sunday of the month. Loulé: Every Saturday.

www.eastalgarvemag.com

THE HISTORY OF FADO

(Fado com História) Rua Damião Augusto de Brito Vasconcelos, nº 4 8800-343 Tavira. Tel. +351 968 774613 As featured in our December issue. If you haven't visited 'Fado com História' yet, don't worry, there's still time! Here are a few trip advisor comments: " Fantastic experience - Not to be missed " " Very Good, Recommended for all ages " "Excellent and innovative show of Fado"

ANNA FEDOROVA & JAMAL ALIYEV

27, 29 January, 19:00 , Os Agostos. Anna Fedorova is one of the world's premier young pianists. From an early age, she demonstrated an innate musical maturity and astounding technical abilities. Anna has claimed top prizes at numerous international piano competitions, including the International Rubinstein 'In Memoriam' piano competition and the Moscow International Frederick Chopin Competition for young pianists. Jamal has won three international competitions, Trakya International Competition, Muriel Taylor Cello Competition and V. Antonio Janigro International Competition as well as winning the Royal College of Music "RCM Concerto Competition 2014" and "RCM Violoncello Competition 2014". Os Agostos, Sítio dos Agostos, C.P.195 A, 8005-401 Santa Barbara de Nexe. Tel 289 999 147

CINEMA: THE RAILWAY MAN

29 January, 21:30, Cineclube de Tavira. Drama about a traumatised British prisoner of war. Directed by: Jonathan Teplitzky, Australia/GB/ Switzerland 2013, 116 min. PG-16, English with subtitles. Tel 281 320 594

Health

Flexion Distraction New System available at Fisioclube Fuzeta

ith the new flexiondistraction system, the patient is lying down during treatment; the table is set to an antalgic position meaning the treatment is completely painless. Initial flexion-distraction treatment lasts for 5 minutes, extending as the treatment progresses, and may reach 15 minutes. The drop system can perform direct manipulation on the patient without risk of injury and the treatment is more comfortable because there are no major levers to manipulate. Today the flexion-distraction system is undoubtedly one of the most efficient systems for the treatment of lumbar pathologies, including disc herniation, arthritis, spondylolistheses, discartroses and some types of back pain. This table applies a decompression force associated with bending of the spine at exactly the level to be treated. The effects of this technique flexiondistraction are: • The space of the posterior disc height increases; • Flexion decreases protrusion (forward displacement) of the disc and reduces stenosis (spinal

canal compression); • The bending stretches the yellow ligament to reduce stenosis; • Flexion opens the spinal canal by 2 mm (16%) or 3.5 mm to 6mm; • Flexion increases the transport of metabolites to the disk; • Flexion opens the apophyseal joints and reduces the strain on the rear disc; • The intradisco pressure drops in the draw to less than 100 mmHg. • The flexion-distraction increases the diameter of the spinal canal. • Opening of the intervertebral foramen, providing space for nerve and dorsal root ganglia. • Decreased local edema

After bending and decompression, therapy increases the height of the intervertebral disc (B) to remove the hoop stress on the nerve fibers (D), providing more space and improving circulation; Allows the

nucleus pulposus (A) - the center of the disc - to assume its central position within the annular fibers and alleviates irritation of spinal nerve (D); Restores vertebral joints (C) to their physiological relations movement; improves the posture and locomotion, while relieving pain, improving body functions, and creates a welfare state. The flexion-distraction system is already available in Fisioclube. We started the new year with the latest technology associated specialized training and experience. Treatments such as back pain, lumbar sciatic pain, sciatica and hernias are the most common health problems. Everybody will suffer these conditions at least once in their life. We combine the latest technology, and flexion distraction for disc decompression, osteopathy and the global postural reeducation for bone and muscle alignment, and the neural biopuntura for the relief of pain, inflammation and regeneration. We observed significant improvements in over 90% of patients with these conditions in an average of 3 sessions. Visit fisioclube, we can improve your quality of life! Happy New Year, Duarte Arrais.

www.eastalgarvemag.com

HARMONY massage and aesthetics boutique

Licensed by Ordem dos Médicos, ERS, INAC, EASA, ARS, ISQ

JANUARY OFFER 50% OFF ALL MASSAGES 24/7/365 Call Out Service Tel. 919 657 860

It`s HARMONY time

Rua 25 de Abril lote 2 r/c esquerdo, inside the Santiago clinic, near the court. Tavira, Telm: 914 653 900

DENTAL CLINIC Fisioclube FUZETA

HOLISTIC THERAPY

› Osteopathy › Physiotherapy › Global Postural Re-education (RPG) › Nutritional Therapy › Iris Diagnosis › MicroKenesitherapie › Neuromuscular Balance › Auricular Therapy › Neural Therapy › Therapy Taping › Cupping Therapy › Quantum Therapy

Tel 962 777 701

email duarte@fisioclube.net www.fisioclube.net

www.eastalgarvemag.com

TIAGO ESTRELA GROUP

• DENTISTRY (Teeth Restoration) • ENDODONTICS (Root Canal Treatment) • IMPLANTOLOGY • ORAL SURGERY • ORTHODONTICS (Dental Braces) • PERIODONTICS (Gum Diseases) • PROSTHODONTICS (Crowns and Dentures) • TOOTH WHITENING/ BLEACHING

WE USE THE BEST MATERIALS AND NEWER TECHNIQUES TO PROVIDE YOU A QUALITY WORK. Av. Da República, Edif. Milénio, Loja 4A, 8700 301 – Olhão Praça Alexandre Herculano nº 22 4ºD 8000 160 – Faro TEL: 289 822 068 / 934 936 176 faro@wesmile.pt

Elle day spa would like to wish all our clients a

HAPPY NEW YEAR

MIX N MATCH Choose one treatment from list A and another from list B for ONLY €29

LIST A Shellac Manicure, Full Body Massage, Anti Ageing Facial, Shellac Pedicure, LIST B Eyelash Tint, Eyebrow Shape, File & Poilsh, Lip Wax, Chin Wax, 1/2 leg wax, Mini Facial Situated down the avenue from Tavira train station in the square. I look forward to seeing you...

Tel; 919 630 255 elle_dayspa@hotmail.com 9

www.eastalgarvemag.com

Business

Portugal Scout

A brand new company based in Conceição de Tavira, dedicated to helping promote your business and the Algarve.

ortugal Scout is a national and international information and business network showing your clients who and where you are. Bring new clients (customers) and open new markets for business and products, search for investors or clients to expand or buy/sell your business or company or idea. They are an international team of experts from the fields of marketing, product placement, finance management, business administration and public relations with a wealth of 28 years of experience in large international companies; a total guarantee for an optimal/perfect service.

Fish restaurant in Faro???

Best hotel in Lisbon

Golf course in Conceição de Tavira

A good lawyer in Porto

Can I advertise in more than one language? National and International A nice bar in Tavira

MONTE da PALHAGUEIRA VILLAGE

Villas from: £140,000 Ι Apartments from: £95,000

DESIGNED FOR THE OVER 55’S Monte da Palhagueira offers 33 houses and apartments, exclusively designed for the over 55’s. Set within a traditional village development of 22 acres, just 20 minutes drive from Faro International Airport, the village nestles in the tranquil and picturesque hillside of Gorjões, Faro in the Algarve. EXCELLENT FACILITIES The village offers many unique features, including its own own Anglican Church, public restaurant, tennis court, two swimming pools and an ornamental lake, all set within traditional village surroundings, bounded by stone walled lanes and terracotta tiled buildings. COMPLETE PEACE OF MIND In addition, village properties all have access to British trained medical staff, on duty at all times, via an aid call system linked to the village nursing home. MAKE AN ENQUIRY For further information please contact Clive Roberts on ++351 289 990900 E-mail: montedapalhagueira@gmail.com Ι Web: www.retirementvillageportugal.co.uk Monte da Palhagueira Village, Gorjôes, 8005-488 Sta. Barbara de Nexe, Algarve, Portugal. Part of the Amesbury Abbey Group, Church Street, Amesbury, Wiltshire SP4 7EX www.amesburyabbey.com

www.eastalgarvemag.com

Culture

FLORIPES

Chris Wright enlightens us on two of Olhão's newest statues

his a story of a beautiful young woman dressed in white who, in times gone by, often appeared near a tidal mill near the Grupo Naval de Olhão headquarters close to the ferry boat terminal for the islands of Armona and Culatra. The only person who dared to go there on dark moon less nights was a middle-aged drunk who often fell asleep in the road. The woman in white approached him affectionately and sat by his side. When he told this story to friends none of them was brave enough to join him and thus verify the story. One day he found that a friend was soon to be married. Taking advantage of the situation he promised his friend a plot of land as a wedding gift if he would accompany him to where he had seen the ghost. Although his friend was very frightened he knew the gift was too good to refuse, so he agreed. They went to the mill and waited for the clock to strike twelve. As midnight chimed, a woman dressed in a long white dress appeared at the door of the mill, the tattered hem of her dress covering her bare feet. Her face was covered by a veil and she had a flower in her blond hair. The boy, transfixed with fear, asked her who she was and where she came from. “I am the unhappy Floripes, an Arab girl bewitched, because when my people were expelled from here, my father and my fiancée left without being able to warn me. So here I stay alone, waiting for the time when they will return for me. One night while waiting, I saw the light of a boat in the distance. It was a stormy night and the boat was smashed on to the rocks. My fiancée was on board and

LEGENDS OF OLHÃO

www.eastalgarvemag.com

Culture he was swallowed up by the waves! My father heard of this accident and because he knew he could never come and rescue me, he put a spell on me.” The young man, upset by this sad tale, asked her if he could help. “You can help”, replied Floripes, “a man has to embrace me on the shore and hold me tightly in his arms. After this I will be immediately reunited with my family. But there is still one snag, the man who does this has to accompany me to Africa, crossing the ocean with two lighted candles and marry me when we get there. If he is unable to do this then I will surely die.” Obviously the young man was horrified by the difficulty of the task and therefore refused, explaining that he was already betrothed to another. And so, because no-one was willing to make such a sacrifice to help her, the

Boat, Olhão. Reflections are an easy subject to find and always give a Arab girl stayed under the spell, sitting great sense of balance. on the quay with her feet in the water waiting for her father to come back from Africa. Sometimes she was seen at night talking to a boy with big eyes and a red cap. Could this be an Arab boy who was also under a spell? Nobody knows. What is certain is that this boy, “MENINO DOS OLHOS GRANDES”, was also seen in the localities of Barreta and Levante. Many older inhabitants of Olhão believed in these legends and thought that Floripes appeared in the shops during the day. She was said to pay for her purchases with a gold coin and always disappeared without her change. She was also the personification of fear of the supernatural. If one wanted to warn someone, they would say, “Look out in case Floripes appears!”

Strange but true is what happened in Flanders during the First World War. A trench was defended by Portuguese soldiers one cold winter night when two soldiers from Olhão, on guard duty, spotted a white figure emerging from the snow. Paralysed with fear in case it was Floripes, they were unable to pull the trigger for a few moments. During those seconds they realised that the figure was not an enemy soldier. So, this was how Floripes saved the life of a Belgian woman who was fleeing from the Germans. Perhaps it was this event which released Floripes from the spell as she has not been seen since. Maybe she has finally returned to her home country. The statue of Floripes, by Portuguese artist Leonel Moura, was unveiled on 16th June 2014.

MENINO DOS OLHOS GRANDES (The boy with big eyes)

t is said that this all started one dark night at about midnight, when the inhabitants of Largo do Carolas (Bairro da Barreta) saw a scantily dressed child left in a corner with a wicker basket on his arm. The child appeared again the following nights and a woman with more courage than the rest went up to him to get a better look. He was a scantily dressed child with large eyes wearing a red cap. She attempted to lift him up but he was so heavy that she had to leave him there and return home. It was then that a rumour started going around Olhã o about a bewitched boy, so that people would not leave their homes at night for fear of also becoming bewitched, as according to some, just one glance from this boy could kill. This apparition also began to appear in the Levante Quarter which is close to the point where the ferries go to the islands. The truth is that this boy was only ever seen by lonely, drunk mariners. They told of seeing the boy crying, taking him on their lap and consoling him. The problem was that all this attention could never stop the boy crying and the longer they held him the heavier he became until it was impossible to hold him and he fell to the ground. At this point the child simply disappeared, whisked away as if by magic. Curiously, these tales began to appear at a time when there was a lot of smuggling taking place in Olhã o. The smugglers, not wanting people or Customs Officers on the streets as they moved their contraband from the beaches into the town, perpetrated the myth and thus went about their nefarious deeds without heed or hindrance.

www.eastalgarvemag.com

Portuguese "It was meant to be a compliment!"

FALSE FRIENDS Avoiding snares and sneers-Portuguese and English, by David Holland.

‘F

alse friends’ is a catchphrase encompassing words from different languages with similar appearance but different, often contradictory, meanings. The interaction between Portuguese and English produces its own fair share. A good example is the Portuguese word ‘puxe,’ (pronounced ‘pushe’) meaning ‘pull. ’ It is amusing to observe tourists ‘pushing’ shop doors in vain, mistaking ‘puxe’ as an instruction to push the door open. They will learn on the way out that ‘empurre’ means ‘push.’ The first ‘False Friend’ encountered here in Portugal is typically the common cold. Having a cold is ‘constipado,’ and the cold itself is ‘a constipação.’ The expression ‘prisão de ventre’ (‘belly prison‘ literally translated!) is the Portuguese

equivalent of the condition known as constipation in English. Whereas a gripe in English means any sharp pain in the abdomen the Portuguese ‘gripe’ is common flu. Beware of the look-alikes ‘enjoy’ and ‘enjoar.’ To express the hope that a guest is enjoying himself using ‘enjoar’ would not achieve the intended result. ‘Enjoar’ is to sicken. Divertirse,desfrutar or gozar would be better employed! Some other ‘false friends’ can also lead to trouble. An invite to ‘lanche’ may be a bit of a let-down if not properly understood. ‘Almoço’ is lunch proper, maybe lasting 2 hours with vinhos, entradas, pratas do dia, sobremesas, licores etc. but ‘lanche’ is merely a quick snack!’ As always, best to clarify the true nature of the invitation at the outset. A further case in point where the

nuances of meaning can cause friction, is the similarity of the English word ‘exquisite’ to the Portuguese ‘esquisito.’ Commenting to your date that she looks exquisite is a real compliment in English but its counterpart in Portuguese, esquisito/a, is not so. Romantic progress is likely to be halted in its tracks as ‘esquisita’ denotes ‘odd’, ‘queer’ or at best ‘weird.’ Best to play safe and stick to ‘bonita’ (pretty) or ‘linda’ (beautiful.) In a subsequent edition I will take a look at some of the strange translations of book and film titles where it seems anything goes. By way of foretaste the classic film title ‘the Good the Bad and the Ugly’ is in one version, translated into Portuguese, with almost total disregard for the original, to ‘Três Homens em Conflito’ (Three Men in Conflict!)

www.eastalgarvemag.com

People

Pink Flamin o mingo the 19th hole

Bar & Brasserie, Tavira

ENJOY THE VIEWS OF THE RIVER GILÃO & JOIN US FOR: cocktails · champagne · fine wines a full selection of international drinks LIVE GOLF ON LARGE SCREEN EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT, LIVE BLUES, SOUL & ROCK 'N ROLL, Starts 9.30pm, with Andre, Richard and a medley of

TAVIRA ROMAN BRIDGE

PINGO DOCE MILITARY BRIDGE

RIVER GILÃO OLD MARKET

BEACH FERRY PINK FLAMINGO VILA GALÉ

ELVIS songs from Richie Jnr.

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE WILL BE CLOSED FROM 11/1/15 UNTIL 19/3/15

Meet the owners of this delightful tea room and confectioners in Faro. in tavira town, located next to the tavira island ferry, open 5pm-2am Thursday, 3am friday & saturday tel ange: 963 398 869, rich: 961 700 200 email: richibass@hotmail.co.uk

www.eastalgarvemag.com

pink flamingo bar

Portugal

Positive about

Portugal C omparing Portugal to other European countries, at around 92,000 square kilometres it’s considerably smaller than the UK (244,000 km2), Italy (301,000 km2), France (547,000 km2) and its neighbour Spain (505,000km2). Population wise, Portugal is relatively small too. It has just 10.5 million inhabitants, 500,000 of whom are lucky enough to live within the Algarve’s 4,997 km2. That’s quite staggering when you consider that England’s capital city, London, houses 8.4 million people in just 1,577 km2; that calculates to 5,344 people for every 10 km2, compared to 99 people for each 10 km2 in the Algarve. But, when it comes to getting noticed, size clearly isn’t everything.

Portugal, and the Algarve in particular, has certainly earned its fair share of recognition in 2014. Off to a swinging start In November 2013, the Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) elected the Algarve as the European Golf Destination of the Year 2014. Quite an accolade considering more than 500 golf tour operators voted in the awards. The Algarve has 39 beautiful golf courses and is one of the top golfing destinations in the world. This year, the Oceânico Victoria Course in Vilamoura played host to the Portugal Masters and has been confirmed as the venue for the 2015 competition. Best value holiday destination There was more good news for the Algarve at the start of 2014, this time

for the tourist industry, when the UK’s Mail Online reported that the region was one of the best places in the world to ensure a value-for-money break. The news article detailed the results of a survey, carried out by Britain’s Post Office, which looked at 44 popular holiday spots to find out where British tourists could get more for their money in 2014. The Algarve came in at number one in Europe and number two in the world. 82 Blue Flags flying No less than 82 of the Algarve’s beaches and marinas were awarded the prestigious Blue Flag for the 2014 season, 13 more than in 2013! This means that they all met the stringent criteria set by the Blue Flag programme, which includes good water quality, environmental management, safety and services,

www.eastalgarvemag.com

Portugal 82 of the Algarve’s beaches and marinas were awarded the prestigious Blue Flag for the 2014 season.

and environmental education. Many of the Algarve’s Blue Flag beaches were also commended for providing good access and provisions for people with reduced mobility. Best place in the world to retire In June this year, Kathleen Peddicord of Live and Invest Overseas, revealed the results of their 2014 Retire Overseas Index, which received coverage by media worldwide, including highly regarded internet resource Forbes. The Retire Overseas Index is based on the findings of Live and Invest Overseas’ annual survey, that rates and ranks the 21 destinations worldwide believed to offer the best current options for the would-be retiree overseas. The survey considers factors including healthcare, cost of living, taxes,

www.eastalgarvemag.com

entertainment and existing expat community. The Algarve topped the rankings, beating other popular retirement destinations including Cuenca in Ecuador, Malaysia’s George Town and Chiang Mai, Thailand. The Huffington Post headlined the story ‘Europe’s Best-Known Retirement Secret’ and referred to the Algarve as ‘Europe’s newest tax haven’, praising the region for its beaches and golf courses, and for providing the lowest cost of living in Western Europe. The Algarve was also applauded for having some of Europe's friendliest people. Nine gongs for quality accommodation The Algarve scooped no less than nine Gongs in the World Travel Awards this year. Results of the

Awards received media coverage in Portugal and worldwide. Voting for the Awards - dubbed the ‘Oscars of the travel industry’ - is cast online by people all over the world, including thousands of travel and tourism professionals. The number of Algarve hotels and resorts that received a prize is a reflection of the quality of visitor accommodation offered in the region. Among the 2014 winners was Vilalara Thalassa Resort in Armação de Pêra, which was voted Portugal’s Leading Spa Resort. Martinhal Beach and Resort Hotel in Sagres was awarded Europe’s Leading Villa Resort and the Vila Joya Resort in Albufeira took the title of Europe’s Leading Boutique Hotel. Top nosh As well as being crowned the Leading

Portugal

Monte Rei Golf, Portugal's number one golf course... here in the East Algarve! Boutique Hotel title in the 2014 travel awards, Vila Joya’s restaurant is listed in the Michelin Guide to Spain and Portugal 2015, alongside four other Algarve restaurants which have been awarded Michelin stars for their gastronomical excellence. What’s more, the Vila Joya is listed in the top 50 best restaurants in the world – that’s some accolade! Bumper August for the Algarve “On Portugal’s Algarve coast, holidaymakers are back with a vengeance.” said The Sunday Times at the beginning of August. And they were right! Having reported a rise in tourism in the first half of the year, earning the state €238 million (up nearly 14% on 2013), in October, the Portugal News went on to describe August as a ‘bumper month’ for the region. A 16.3% increase in the number of visitors over August 2013 was heralded, with an overall increase in revenue of 14.8%; €160m. Winning wines call for a toast The great wines of Portugal are

renowned the world over. This year, the country made it to third position for trophy wines (after France and Australia) when it scooped 12 trophies for Port, Madeira and other wines in the International Wine Challenge. Algarve wines have become more widely recognised in recent years thanks to the skill and dedication of the region’s producers, and the perfect climate for the growing of vines of course! The team at Quinta dos Vales in Estômbar excelled themselves this year, winning The Best Wine of the Algarve title in the 2014 “7th Algarvean Wine Competition” held at the FATACIL in Lagoa this August. They went on to achieve further recognition in October when they won the FIJEV 2014 Trophy for the best red wine, in a competition held during the VINIPAX 2014 in Beja. Top tourist attraction The Epoch Times, which is published in 25 languages and reaches people in 35 countries, wrote in October:

“While Portugal might not be the richest country in Western Europe, what it has is a rich land with lively cities and plenty of attractions to see and enjoy” The report listed five top tourist attractions in Portugal, with the Algarve region at number three. The best place to golf The World Golf Awards, part of the World Travel Awards, were held in the Algarve this November. Not only did Portugal scoop the prestigious title of Europe’s Best Golf Destination, it also won the World’s Best Golf Destination title too. As if that wasn’t enough, the famous South Course at Quinta do Lago was awarded Portugal’s Best Golf Course and Quinta do Lago’s new North Course was voted Europe’s Best New Golf Course. Economic recovery With all the celebrations and razzmatazz of the awards ceremonies, it’s easy to lose sight of Portugal’s struggling financial system. But, there was encouraging news on the country’s economic

www.eastalgarvemag.com

Portugal

2014 saw the first ever 32 hour endurance race, here in the Algarve! front too. “The tide is turning,” declared The Sunday Times in their summer Portugal feature. An upturn in the Portuguese property market and a rise in tourism this year were two of many signs that the country’s economy is on the road to recovery. A fall in unemployment and a rise in industrial production and strong export growth were among other indicators of a bright future for Portugal. In fact October was reportedly the best month this year for Portuguese exports, generating €4.6 billion. Portugal’s National Institute of Statistics (INE) put the rise down to an increase in the export of vehicles and other transport equipment, mineral fuels and agricultural products. There was also a significant rise in

the number of exports to countries outside the EU. Positive trend in property market As for the property market, Meravista. com announced a positive trend in the Algarve market in May this year. This was supported by several media reports which spoke of an improvement in the Portuguese market overall, helped by national and international buyers taking advantage of low prices, the generous tax benefits offered to expat residents and the Government’s Golden Visa incentive which has successfully attracted investors from non-EU countries. Leading financial services company Deloitte described the country as: “one of the most affordable residential markets in Europe.” And, in July, digital newspaper The

London Economic placed Portugal in the top three Most affordable European property markets. The race is on In the run up to the end of the year, the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimâo held the first edition of the longest race in the world. Spanish company Maxi Endurance and the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve (AIA) have signed a deal which will see the AIA host the Maxi Endurance 32h for the coming four years. So, as we approach begin a new year in the Algarve, another big plus is the weather. With plenty of sunshine and blue skies to take us through into 2015, it’s hard to feel anything but positive. A big thanks to www.meravista.com who share our optimism in Portugal.

RONALDOS BAR The food and entertainment venue! Drinks ∙ Bar Snacks ∙ Sunday lunch. Fantastic viewing terrace, private car parking. Forthcoming events:

SUNDAY 25TH JANUARY, 4 COURSE SUNDAY LUNCH AND DANNY AND DAVE SING ROCK AND ROLL, RHYTHM\BLUES. ONLY 10€ GET BOOKED IN. ST VALINTINES DAY, SATURDAY 14TH FEB.12€ 4 COURSE DINNER DANCE BE QUICK.

RONALDOS CLOSED FOR HOLIDAYS UNTIL 24TH JANUARY

RONALDOS

CORTE MARTAINS

MONTE REI GOLF

Opening times; Wednesday to Sunday 10 am - 9pm. tel 964 581 213 or 966 775 417, Only 5mins from Monte Rei Golf

www.eastalgarvemag.com

Port Rua Dr. Augusto Carlos Palma, Nº 26 8800-345 Tavira AMI 4515

TAVIRA

(+351) 281 320 080 - tavira@remax.pt - www.remax.pt/tavira Praia Verde

3 bedroom townhouse roof terrace & 2 yards Walking distance to beach 260,000€ Ref.: 120871086-21

PROPERTY OF THE MONTH

Monte da Eira -Tavira

Apartments from 100,000€

Financing – Return on the investment Ref.: 120871086-21/120871043-986/120871085-43

Monte Gordo

4 bedroom detached villa Swimming pool High quality construction 575,000€ Ref.: 120871072-164

Contact us for free Comparative Market Analysis of your property MAIN OFFICE – E.N.125, Cevadeiras, 8900-024 Vila Nova de Cacela TEL: 281-951165 FAX: 281-951438 CABANAS OFFICE – (Waterfront) Ava Ria Formosa, Centro Comercial Loja 2, 8800-591 Cabanas de Tavira TEL: 281-370277 FAX: 281-370761 LICENÇA No 504-AMI

EMAIL geral@estealgarve.net WEBSITE www.estealgarve.net ▲

4 BED. VILLA W/ GARDEN - NEAR TAVIRA - Situated in a peaceful urbanisation, within walking distance to Tavira and commercial centre, w/ a beautiful 353m2 garden. *** ENERGY CLASS D - €325.000

▲

2 BED. APT. - VILA NOVA CACELA - Situated in the centre of Vila Nova de Cacela with a very large terrace, 2 kms from Manta Rota beach. Parking space in the basement. €99.000

EastAlgarve M

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS WITH US FROM ONLY €65, UP TO €295 FOR A FULL PAGE If you would like to promote your business with the East Algarve magazine contact us on info@eastalgarvemag.com or Tel 961 700 200.

As an advertiser you automatically become a distributer, and will be provided with a number of copies to issue to your customers. www.eastalgarvemag.com

FAB28RG1 FRiGoRíFico Anni 50

DESIESPAÇO DESIGN DE COZINHAS

SMEG LEADING PARTNER

www.eastalgarvemag.com

EN 125 - Sítio da Calçadinha 8800-067 CONCEIÇÃO DE TAVIRA LAT 37.147541° LONG - 7.613504° 281 370 962 desi@desiespaco.com www.facebook.com/desiespaco

www.desiespaco.com

Property

Documentation and legistlation PROPERTY MANAGEMENT ALGARVEAN COTTAGES

V I LLAS

H A P P Y H O M E S A L G A RV E A PA RT M E N T S

TOWNHOUSES

QU I NTAS

Happy Homes Algarve is currently looking for additional good quality rental Villas and Apartments to offer to our customers for next season. If you have a property to let, please contact us for more details'

Happy Homes has since 2003 provided outstanding property management services and value to non-resident property owners. covering every requirement, Including Inspection, maintenance, administration,letting and marketing services, we have developed relationships we are proud of with reputable accountants, architects, local councils, builders and housing professionals. Let happy Homes ensure that you have the best possible support to maximize and protect your investment for a brighter future!

C o n t a c t us t o d a y : 2 81 32 0 28 3

h a p p y h o m e s l d a. R u a D r. P a r r e i r a 1 3 7 next to Barclays Bank 8 8 0 0 - 3 46 T a v i r a

www.portugal-accommodation.com

REAL ESTATE G O L F P R O P E RT I E S

L A N D & H O U S E S A L G A RV E VILLAS

A PA RT M E N T S

T O W N H OU SE S

PLOTS

LHV - 1062

Covering the whole of the Algarve as independant real estate agents, we can provide you with unbiased advice when you decide to purchase a property and can introduce you to a wide choice of reputable mortgage banks, architects, lawyers, builders, chartered surveyors and interior designers. We have been in business for over 16 years, finding the right property for countless satisfied clients. We currently have over 900 properties available online and would be very pleased to help you find your ideal home.

If you are the owner of a good quality property and wish to sell, please contact us to arr ange an appoin tment TA VI RA

R u a J o sé P i r es P a d i n ha 1 7 8 880 0 - 3 5 4 T av i r a

C o n t a c t us t o d a y : 2 81 32 0 28 1

www.l a n d a n d h ous es a lga r v e. c om

V I L A MO U R A

N 1 2 5 , B e n f a r r a s , B o l i q u e i me 81 0 0 - 0 6 8 B o l i q ue i m e

Advice from property expert Robert Bijker from Land and Houses Algarve

ules and regulations can change over time, and it is therefore important to be aware of changes or pending changes. Depending on your level of preparation in 2014, you may be off to an easy start in 2015. If you are considering putting your property for sale in 2015, here is an overview of documents you will need: • Habitation / Utilisation license of your property (Licença de Utilização). Properties built before 1951 are exempt. • Non-certified copy of the Land Registry (Certidão do Registo Predial). • Tax registration document of the property (Caderneta Predial). • The property’s technical report (Ficha Técnica de Habitacão). Only needed if your property was built after the 31st of March 2004. • Borehole license from the Ministry of Environment (Ministério do Ambiente). Only needed if your have a borehole. • Energy Efficiency Certificate (Certificado Energético). When listing your property with an agency, you will need to provide copies of these documents. At the deed you will need to present the following original documents: Licença de Utilização, Ficha Técnica de Habitacão, Certidão de Teor do Registo Predial (not older than 6 months), Certificado Energético.

www.eastalgarvemag.com

Vila Nova de Cacela Caliço A L G A R V E

Park

PORTUGAL

COME AND VISIT US!

€40,000

Manta Rota Beach

5 famous golf courses only15 minutes away

€57,500

Close to several riding schools

€40,000

FOR A 360˚ VIEW OF THE PARK, SEE OUR WEBSITE; WWW.CALICO-PARK.COM 24h Security, Daytime reception, Free internet access, Post service, Laundry, Petanque. Tavira, Vila Real & Spain: 11km, Faro airport 45 mins. Sea views, 5km from the coast.

Tel: (00351) 281 951 360 Tlm: (00351) 917 925 031

€28,000 If you own a property located in the municipality of Tavira you may want to know that they have started with the updating and digitalisation of the land register as part of the national system called SiNErGIC (Sistema Nacional de Exploração e Gestão de Informação Cadastral) for the use and management of cadastral information. The main objective is to clearly document the exact delimitations of a property by integrating existing and new cadastral information for the purpose of future land planning policies, public works and a range of other governing policies such as the environment. Property owners have until the 24th of July 2015 to register for free, thereafter there will be a charge. All types of property must be registered. If you own a property which is part of a condominium the administrator of the condominium will make the registration. In all other cases the homeowner or their representative will have to make the registration. All land must have landmarks with the initials of names of the current owner of the property. SiNErGIC has an instruction folder available with instructions to the demarcation of a property. (A copy can also be obtained from our

www.eastalgarvemag.com

RESTAURANT, BAR & POOL offices). If you own a property which is available for short term holiday letting, you need to be aware that in addition to the Alojamento Local (AL) license you will also have to go to the tax office to register the letting as an activity. As the deadline for registration was in 2014, you may face a penalty. In addition, you must inform Town hall and the department of social security. With the registration of the activity at the finance department, they automatically inform the department of social security. You are exempt from making contributions during the 1st 12 months of operation, however it is advisable to already demonstrate (proof) that you are either making contributions back home or are a pensioner. In both instances you will not need to contribute again in Portugal, but you will need to inform them every year. The aim of the government is to widen the tax net, but the good news is that you will be able to lower your tax rate from 28% to less then 4%. This type of income is reported under category B of the tax filing document. The new legislation also brought a change in the invoicing and reporting of rental income to the

www.calico-park.com calicoparksales@mail.telepac.pt GPS: N – 37º 11' 12" W – 007º 33' 00" tax department. You will now have to issue an invoice for the rental income in the month that you rented out the property and report it the following month to the tax department. Income from long term letting is reported under category F and is subject to a 28% tax rate. Note: if you are involved in long term letting your property needs to have an energy certificate. Once issued, the certificate is valid for 10 years. To stay informed about property related rules and regulations check out the latest news under the Articles section on our website www. landandhousesalgarve.com. Robert Bijker Director Land & Houses Algarve – Yellow Homes www.landandhousesalgarve.com www.landandhousesalgarve.de Tavira Office Rua Dr. José Pires Padinha 178 8800 - 354 Tavira Tel: 281 320 281 Fax: 281 321 901 (AMI – 6232) Vilamoura Office EN 125, Benfarras Boliqueime 8100 - 068 Boliqueime Tel: 289 301 294 Fax: 289 301 439

JeM's S

Exclusive Homes Algarve Premier Portuguese Property For Sale

h o w r o o m

Golden from 55,000€

Second hand goods

Tel 919 767 066

Email: jems.showroom@hotmail.com Opening times: Mon-Thurs 9h-13h / 15h-18h Saturday 9h - 13h At the Old Mushroom Factory São Brás de Alportel EN270 To Tavira

Chicken Luis To Lidl

a re h e r

We Old Wood store

AMI 0319

Available now for sale

Conceição de Tavira from 80.000€

PROPERTIES REQUIRED clients waiting

Available Property Details now for sale PROPERTIES

Quinta do sobral 295,000€

ON RIGHTMOVE Rental and property management agent Property Details NO MANAGEMENT FEE (with full rental package)

Fantastic villa with four bedrooms, three bathrooms (one with hydro massage bath), very spacious and air conditioned. Has a private pool and a spacious garden.

The master bedroom has AC, a super king size bed and a closet and a private bathroom with shower and a double sink. The second bedroom also has ac and a super king size bed. All first floor rooms provide a lit balcony, and the fourth floor of the rest has just lit the garden.

Fantastic villa with four bedrooms, three bathrooms (one with hydro massage bath), very spacious and air conditioned. Has a private pool and a spacious garden.

Tel: 00351 281 370 719 www.exclusivealgarvehomes.com There are two living rooms, one with ac and lit the terrace and garden. A large well equipped kitchen, and a covered outside with a large dining Rua 25 de Abril nº19A 8800-061 Conceição de Tavira table and BBQ terrace. And a beautiful swimming pool (45m2) for a more relaxing day.

LwL Properties.com, Nº40a, Rua 1º de Maio, 8800-360 Tavira Office: 00351 281 327 656, Voip: 02070999193 295,000,00€ Email: info@lwlproperties.com Web: www.lwlproperties.com

There are two living rooms, one with ac and lit the terrace and garden. A large well equipped kitchen, and a covered outside with a large dining table and BBQ terrace. And a beautiful swimming pool (45m2) for a more relaxing day.

AMI 8799

Property Details

295,000,00€

Fantastic villa with four bedrooms, three bathrooms (one with hydro massage bath), very spacious and air conditioned. Has a private pool and a spacious garden.

295,000,00€

Renovated Quinta with Pool & Annex – São Brás, 435.000€

Modern Three Bedroom Ground Floor Apartment – Tavira, Price: 135.000€ Ref. 3600624

Ref. 3617657

Beautifully renovated farmhouse style property, set in a pretty countryside location, yet close to all amenities. The property was renovated in 2005 using modern materials, but keeping the original character. The Annex is fantastic for guests, and could still be renovated further. The area of Peral is only a short drive from São Bras de Alportel, and only 20 minutes from Tavira. This is a great opportunity to for a permanent, rental or holiday home.

This modern ground floor three bedroom apartment is located just north of the N125 in Tavira. Ideally located for an easy walk into the Historical town, where you can sit beside the river and enjoy the sunshine in one of the cafés or restaurants, or wander around the variety of shops. The apartment is well proportioned, and fantastic as a holiday home or for permanent living.

SÃO BRÁS Moorish Style Villa with Sea views & Pool – Santa Bárbara, 1.300.000€ Ref. 3564938

SANTA BÁRBARA

Luxury villa which has been built and maintained to a very high standard, and is located in a prime location with stunning sea views. A lot of thought and time has been invested into the property and the gardens. This would make a fantastic family home.

TAVIRA

www.eastalgarvemag.com

Gabigest Luís de Brito - Contabilidades, Lda.

ENGLISH SPEAKING ACCOUNTANTS All your accountancy issues explained and translated. Professional & Friendly Service Luís Manuel Duarte de Brito Chartered Accountant Rua 1.˚ de Maio, n.˚45-1.˚ Esq. 8800-360, Tavira. Near VILA GALÈ TAVIRA HOTEL Tel 281 324 962 Fax 281 324 222 luis.de.brito@mail.telepac.pt

Mortgage deals proving tasty in expat hot spots

Britons are returning to the overseas property market, attracted by low mortgage rates and bargains galore

ccording to the OverseasGuidesCompany.com inquiries from would-be overseas buyers are up 17pc since 2013. Spain, France, Portugal and Italy are all attracting interest from Britons. And partly, that’s thanks to low mortgage rates. Angelos Koutsoudes, head of OverseasGuidesCompany. com, said that nearly a quarter of its inquiries are from those wanting to buy in Spain, thanks to mortgage rates from 2.75pc and availability of cheap properties. According to spanishpropertyinsight.com, there are around 1.4m empty properties in Spain. In the Malaga region – popular with UK expats – there are 120,611 vacant homes, depressing house prices. And while Spanish property prices have been rising recently, they fell back last month by 6.3pc. That takes prices back to levels last seen in March 2003.

EastAlgarve M

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS WITH US FROM ONLY €65, UP TO €295 FOR A FULL PAGE

Company AMI 7673 Office: Tel/Fax 281 952 820 Mobile: 00351 911 041 861/2 Casa Anibal R/C loja B, Estrada da Manta Rota 8900-038 Vila Nova de Cacela

SALES: www.algarvemantaproperties.com RENTALS: www.algarvemanta.pt EMAIL: sarah@algarvemanta.pt

PROPERTIES REQUIRED TO SELL! PLEASE CONTACT US.

If you would like to promote your business with the East Algarve magazine contact us on info@eastalgarvemag.com or Tel 961 700 200.

As an advertiser you automatically become a distributer, and will be provided with a number of copies to issue to your customers. www.eastalgarvemag.com

MANTA ROTA €275.000

REF: 1460 • Fantastic finishes • Shared pool • Air con cool and heat • 3 Double bedrooms • 3 Bathrooms • Private garden and terrace • 5 Mins on foot to beach • Great rental

COURT ANTONIO MARTINS €495.000 REF: 706

• Close to golf course • Detached generous bungalow • 4220M2 land • 4 Bedrooms (3 suites) • Private pool • Solar for hot water • Air con heat and cool • Enormous garage

Property

Property of the month

Manor house + 2 Cottages + Ruin + Garage and a large Pool, sitting in 1.1ha of land with fabulous country & hill views.

www.eastalgarvemag.com

Property

RUSSELL & DECOZ REAL ESTATE Tel: 00351 289 792 785 Mobile 963 085 580 Email: propertyrussell@mail.telepac.pt Buy the biggest part of an old village sitting on top of a hill overlooking the countryside. Isolated location. * 2 boreholes * 2 cisterns * 380V electricity * immersion water heater * Manor house with pre-installation for underf loor heating * double garage * workshop * Old threshing bed "Eira" with seating and a super large half moon "natural stone" pool with terra-cotta terrace * Terraced land going down to a small river which runs in the winter, with Cork & Stone oaks, lots of Palm trees and garden in need of TLC * Floor plans available. This is THE place for those who want to be away from it all and like to be close to nature! Perfect walking area with some lakes near. Ideal place for a Spa, B&B or rural tourism. LOCATION: Sao Bras de Alportel REF 1256Q

€550,000

www.algarve-pt.com

AMI License nº 870 - Member of APEMIP nº 1178 Av. Maria Lizarda Palermo 43a, 8700 - 081 Moncarapacho, Algarve, Portugal

PROPERTY REQUIRED Moncarapacho, São Brás, Estoi, to Tavira area, please call or email.

www.eastalgarvemag.com

Graffiti

www.eastalgarvemag.com

Controversial maybe, but there's no denying that Olhão is a more interesting, colourful place with the help from local graffiti artists.

ike it or loathe it, the town of Olhão is getting more and more colourful - and there are those who would like to call it the graffiti capital of the Algarve. All thanks to the works of 'art' from the capable hands of 27-year-old Dário Silva, better known as SEN (dirived from “Senator”, in the best American hip-hop style). Selftaught, SEN has put the Algarve on the map for this form of street art. Graffitiaficionados come from all corners of Portugal, even Europe, see his work and to paint alongside him, and contrary to what you’d expect, the local community likes what he does, and gives him every encouragement to paint their walls. His latest work has been the outstanding Victorian Villa, located on the EN125 as you enter the town center, a project undertaken with full permission from the local council, which has become a tourist attraction. In an interview with the newspaper 'Algarve 123' Dario explained that he had to stop painting with spray cans due to health reasons, had a child and is now entering a challenging new phase in his life, with exhibitions of paintings on canvas and requests to paint shops and buildings' facades... "I had a liver injury due to toxic vapours from the spray cans, and had to stop using them. It was a great

www.eastalgarvemag.com

Graffiti frustration for me, as I spent many years perfecting this technique. Therefore, I started painting with brushes and water-based paints", he says. "It is a striking difference, as the spray produces more vivid colours. It is what I like. But I think what happened to me was an eye-opener. I was consuming too many spray cans and I was not thinking about my health. I think it forced me to calm down, because I was almost always painting outside, sometimes not even sleeping", he confesses. "The street is my vice. I am very active again. But the difference is that in former times I could paint very fast, anywhere, anytime, with the spray. Now, I cannot. I am limited and have to carry buckets, water, brushes and everything else on my old psychedelic Ford Transit. During the recovery at home "many people advised me to try to paint on canvas, chairs, wood, chests..." SEN did so. "People liked it and started asking me to do exhibitions of my work." So is graffiti 'Art or Eyesore'? Well, as they say 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder'. I certainly think Olh達o would be duller without it.

www.eastalgarvemag.com

RENTALS & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Let us make renting easy.

SERVING YOU AND YOUR GUESTS WITH COMPLETE SATISFACTION IN MIND

MANAGEMENT PACKAGES TAILORED TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS ✓Advertising & Bookings ✓Guest Meet & Greet ✓Car Hire ✓Golf ✓Transfers ✓Cleaning & Laundry Service www.smartavillas.com

www.eastalgarvemag.com

SMARTAVILLAS

▲

Ana's Restaurant

Tavira

Mini Preco

EN125

Eurotel

Cabanas

▲

00 351 913 692 170 or UK 0161 298 4800

Mato Santo Espirito

Gran Plaza

Gardening

www.eastalgarvemag.com

Gardening

Your comprehensive guide creating your very own wonderful water garden.

www.eastalgarvemag.com

ater gardens, are a type of man-made water feature. A water garden is defined as any interior or exterior landscape or architectural element whose primarily purpose is to house, display, or propagate a particular species or variety of aquatic plant. Although a water garden's primary focus is on plants, they will sometimes also house ornamental fish, in which case the feature will be a fish pond. Although water gardens can be almost any size or depth, they are typically small and relatively shallow, generally less than twenty inches in depth. This is because most aquatic plants are depth sensitive and require a specific water depth in order to thrive. The particular species inhabiting each water garden will ultimately determine the actual surface area and depth required. When the aquatic flora and fauna is balanced, an aquatic ecosystem is created that supports sustainable water quality/water clarity. Elements such as: fountains, statuary, waterfalls, boulders, underwater lighting, lining treatments, edging detailing, in-water and bank side planting and watercourses can be combined with the pool to add visual interest and integration with the local landscape and environment. Water gardens, and all water features in general have been a part of public and private gardens

since ancient Persian gardens and Chinese gardens. Water features have been present and well represented in every era and culture that has included gardens in their landscape and architectural environments. Up until the rise of the industrial age, that introduced the modern water pump, water was not re-circulated, but was diverted from rivers and springs into the water garden, exiting into agricultural fields or natural watercourses. Water features were historically used for plant and fish production for food purposes as well as ornamental aesthetics. Though a water garden is restricted to a particular type of natural or man-made water feature, used for a relatively specific purpose or intended use, there are many other types of water feature types, styles and designs In the Chinese art of Geomancy (Feng Shui) there is nothing more ideal that having a source of moving water in your house or out in the garden for the perfect balance of ying and yang. However even without adhering to the principles of Feng Shui a water garden can drastically transform your landscape and the ambiance of your outdoor living areas.Â Water gardens have the ability to add beauty and tranquillity to your landscape for you to enjoy, relax and unwind. Water gardens are also called aquatic gardens.Â The term water garden is encompassing for it could refer to a backyard pond, a

fishpond or an ecosystem garden pond with waterfall, a pond-less waterfall or a decorative multi-layer fountain tucked in the deck or in the garden or any source of waterscape that is integrated to the landscape.Â CHOOSING THE RIGHT WATER GARDEN There are numerous types of water garden or water features that you can integrate in your landscape or inside your home.Â A water feature can be a small tabletop fountain or a container water garden, or a fish pond or a large man-made lake in the middle of a park.Â There are a few types of water features that you can use for a water garden. Fountain scapes are decorative features that you can incorporate in your garden. They can be in the form of small tabletop fountains, standalone fountains, container water gardens, spitters and bubbling urns and other fountains that need a direct supply of water and current to operate. Stand alone fountains are gaining popularity among apartment dwellers and compact residential homeowners as it's an easy and effective way to have a water garden. Container water gardens are also a very good option for indoor water garden or as an accent piece on a flower garden.

Spitters and bubbling urns are perfect features to add to your landscape. These are quite large and have to sit over a direct water line for the feature to "spit" and "bubble" out water. The water is re-circulated by the use of a small pump. These water features are an inexpensive way to create a water garden. "Pondless" Waterfall is a water feature that has a waterfall without the pond. You can enjoy the beautiful elements of a natural waterfall without the hassle of maintaining an actual pond. You can build the waterfall against a garden wall using natural stones. Add some marginal plants and your waterfall without a pond is all set. You need a pump for water to circulate and re-circulate. You could turn the motor pump off during the night to save energy. This water feature for a water garden is generally easy to maintain. An Ecosystem fishpond is your best option if you care to help Mother Nature provide food and shelter to the wildlife in your garden. This is not to say that your garden will open up to virtually every kind of animals (tame or wild). The ecosystem pond encompasses the birds, butterflies, algae, bacteria and fishes that thrive in such set up. You need a pond,

man-made or otherwise to start an ecosystem pond. The major elements of the pond are: a pump for the circulation of water to help oxygenate it. A filtration system that includes both, mechanical and biological filters. A biological system includes plants that can remove excess nutrients from the water. Excess water nutrients are feeds for algae. Plants will also provide the surface area for the good bacteria to adhere to and propagate. A mechanical filter will free the pond water of unnecessary debris to prevent the accumulation of organic matters on the pond's basin. Fish and aquatic plants are the necessary components of an ecosystem fish pond. What good is a fish pond if there are no fishes? Aquatic plants are necessary to act as biological filters and as a source of nutrients for the good bacteria that thrive in the pond as to help oxygenate the water. Rocks and gravel are essential to a fish pond too. The small gravel would do well as pond flooring while the larger rocks can line the pond. The rock and gravel can absorb the UV breakdown and provide surface area for the good bacteria to process and eliminate excess nutrients in the water.

www.eastalgarvemag.com

Words: Mark O'Shaughnessy

Gardening

LANDSCAPING & GARDEN CENTER

BEM-VINDO • WELCOME

QUINTA DAS PALMEIRAS CENTRO DE JARDINAGEM

EN 125, c.p. 126-E 8800-118 Luz de Tavira e-mail: geogardim@gmail.com www.geojardim.com Tel: 281 961 189

To Olhão

To Moncarapacho EN125 Fuseta

Find us on facebook at:

Geojardim Landscaping & Garden Center

BUILDING A POND The first thing that you should consider when building a pond is to decide on its location. The allotted space would dictate the size of the pond to be built. The next consideration is whether you want a water garden pond or a koi pond. A water garden pond is your basic ecosystem pond where you can put in some goldfish and water plants. A koi pond limits the amount of aquatic plants to be put in the pond as they eat the plants. A regular water garden pond is ideally 600mm deep while a koi pond needs to be 900mm to 1500mm deep. There's no need for you to dig and slave to build your pond as there are pond kits available in the market. Pond kits are available from sizes that could hold up from 850 litres gallons of water up to an impressive 49,000 litres. An 850 litre- fish pond is about 1200mm

www.eastalgarvemag.com

Luz de Tavira

by 1800mm by 450mm deep. PLANT CHOICES Water garden plants are divided into 3 main categories: submerged, marginal, and floating. Submerged plants are those that live almost completely under the water, sometimes with leaves or flowers that

To Tavira Look out for the Yellow flags

grow to the surface such as with the water lily. These plants are placed in a pond or container usually 1–2 ft (0.30– 0.61 m) below the water surface. Some of these plants are called oxygenators because they create oxygen for the fish that live in a pond. Marginal plants are those that live with their roots under the water but the rest of the plant above the surface. These are usually placed so that the top of the pot is at or barely below the water level. Floating plants are those that are not anchored to the soil at all, but are freefloating on the surface. In water gardening, these are often used as a provider of shade to reduce algae growth in a pond. These are often extremely fast growing/multiplying. For whatever your reason for building a water feature in your garden, you will be certain that the finished project will bring a new dimension to the garden and bring you a sense of peace and wellbeing.

Expert financial advice By Gavin Scott, Senior Partner, Blevins Franks

Is your tax and wealth management in shape for 2015?

o you have a considered, strategic tax and wealth management plan in place? If so, is it up to date with all the latest developments in Portugal and internationally that affect you? If not, make a New Year resolution to review your tax planning, investments and pensions. Are they designed to preserve your wealth over the long-term and meet your objectives? SAVINGS AND INVESTMENTS Many people have built up a portfolio of shares and funds bought over the years, without much consideration to how they work together or suit your aims. The chances are your portfolio is too risky for you and not best set up to meet your needs. Consider these principles for successful investing: Your appetite for risk - The starting point is to obtain a clear and objective assessment of your appetite for risk, or your portfolio will not be suitable for you. Matching your risk profile to the optimum portfolio - Every set of investments can be forecast to display a given amplitude of risk. The key is ensuring your investment portfolio matches your attitude to risk. Diversification - Ensure your investments are suitably diversified, so you are not over-exposed to any given asset type, country, sector or stock. A 'multi-manager' approach provides further diversification. Review – Review your portfolio around once a year to re-balance it if necessary, and consider if your circumstances have changed.

Tax planning Ensure your investments are held in the most suitable arrangement to limit your tax liabilities. The tax hikes introduced under Portugal’s bailout programme remain in place for 2015. Those with savings and investments need specialist tax planning to protect their capital and income from tax. Estate planning While the inheritance tax regime in Portugal is relatively benign, depending on whom your heirs are it may affect them. British expatriates also need to plan for UK inheritance tax. You also need to consider Portuguese succession law, the new EU European Certificate of Succession, and whether you can avoid probate on some assets for your heirs. UK PENSIONS 2015 is a big year for UK pensions. You need to understand the new pension freedom, the tax implications in Portugal and any opportunities, and weigh up your options to establish the best way forward for you. NEW RESIDENTS AND THE NONHABITUAL RESIDENT SCHEME If you are not yet tax resident, seek advice on Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident regime which provides beneficial tax treatment for the first 10 years of residence. Whether it is your investment, pension or tax planning, you need to seek specialist advice to ensure you do what works best for your personal situation. Use an adviser who can guide you on all these aspects and

provide holistic solutions. Summarised tax information is based upon our understanding of current laws and practices which may change. Individuals should seek personalised advice. To keep in touch with the latest developments in the offshore world, check out the latest news on our website www.blevinsfranks.com Gavin Scott, Senior Partner, Blevins Franks

Rui Horta Law Office

ESCRITÓRIO DE ADVOGADOS

LAWYER Purchase of Commercial and Residential Property • Mortgages on Property or Shares • Formation of Trust Companies • Banking & finance advice • Taxation Advice Development and Planning Law • Personal Injury • Contract Disputes • Powers of Attorney • Will and Probate • Debt Collecting and Process Service • Enforcement of Judgments • Maintenance Orders • Family Law and Divorce • Nationality and Residency Applications

PORTUGUESE, ENGLISH, SPANISH AND FRENCH SPEAKING SOLICITORS OFFERING CLIENTS THE BENEFITS OF LOCAL REPRESENTATION.

Telephone: 281 325 635 or 281 325 636 Fax. 281 325 612 Mobile Phone: 96 4043 380 or 96 207 6556 E-mail: advogados.law@mail.telepac.pt or mail@taviralawyers.com Website: www.taviralawyers.com Rua 1° de Maio, no 9, 8800-360 Tavira - Portugal

www.eastalgarvemag.com

Expert currency advice

Premier FX's Account Manager Cathryn Evans keeps us up to date with the latest currency news.

Managing your International payments

elcome to 2015 and a Happy New Year from all of us at Premier FX. 2014 is behind us, so where do we see the exchange rates heading? Are we going to see 1.30 or below the 1.20’s for GBP/EUR? The end of 2014 saw the GBP/EUR move between 1.25’s to the 1.27’s, we had the Chancellor’s Autumn statement, the last European central bank meeting of 2014, Bank of England minutes, UK unemployment data, UK retail sales data, German inflation results, Oil prices falling and Russia cutting interest rates. Whilst the US dollar held strong with oil prices falling, other currencies weren’t so fortunate, which helped the GBP. So moving forward into 2015 we have the UK General Election, this will bring some shift in the market, we saw how sterling reacted to the Scottish referendum in September, we need to be aware of the political

www.eastalgarvemag.com

and economic uncertainty and how currency and could mean it will it affects the market. The market weaken further, but mostly against hasn’t taken into consideration the the USD not the Pound. election as yet, and we don’t know So going back to what rate can we expect to see when this will 2015 is a big year for the in 2015…. If I’m happen. single currency and there honest I would If you would like love to have a to be kept up to are still some possibilities crystal ball and date with where of economic meltdown. be able to tell we see the rate going, please see our newsletter you, sadly I don’t. One thing is for on www.premfx.com, or you can sure volatility and uncertainty will not register for free online to have go away. Whether you are looking to set up access to the rates 24/7. When you know you have a a regular payment or making a one forthcoming transaction it can always off transfer, with no bank charges, be a risk waiting to see what happens, and no minimum amounts, Premier as soon as you know you have a FX is on hand to help; we are here transfer to make then its time to get to make your currency transactions in touch with your currency broker. At stress free and simple. Premier FX we offer a personalised Premier FX is authorised by the FCA (530712) and regulated by HMRC. service and keep it simple. CONTACT 2015 is a big year for the single Cathryn Evans currency and there are still some Tel: + 351 289 358 511 possibilities of economic meltdown. cathryn.evans@premfx.com This would not be good for the single

Expert financial advice

Keep up to date with our Finance expert, chartered accountant Ricardo Chaves from All Finance Matters.

Are you planning to buy a holiday home in Portugal?

f one of your new year’s resolutions is to finally buy the holiday home in Portugal that you’ve been dreaming of, congratulations! We truly believe that buying a home in Portugal is a wonderful idea, just make sure you assess your financial situation before you begin your journey. From the planning, visiting and financing of your property, through to completion and ownership, if one of these steps is not managed or researched carefully, problems can arise, typically leading to stress and the loss of money. We can assist you in all financial matters related with your purchase, including the mortgage in case you need one. Buying a property, and spending tens or hundreds of thousands of euros is a big decision and you need to understand your exact limits. Firstly you need to be sure how much money you can comfortably use and what your source of funds is – savings, selling or mortgage, etc. You also need to think about the other costs involved in buying a property (legal fees, tax, etc.) along with the annual expenditure for maintenance.

Also you may eventually need to be aware of how exposed you are to currency fluctuations, in case you are out of the Eurozone. The last thing you want to do is fall in love with and agree to buy a particular property you can’t realistically pay for. Many prospective buyers have fallen into the trap of failing to calculate all the costs and then running out of money before they have the house. Once you have confirmed the price range that you can afford and how you will finance the full purchase of the property, you can determine where and what type of property you can purchase. Paying for the property is only half of the equation – the other half is understanding the day-to-day costs of maintaining the property and your lifestyle. The key financial matters to consider are: • The total amount of money you have available to purchase a property • If you buy with a mortgage, how much of a deposit you will need and how you will service the monthly repayments • Costs that come with buying

property (i.e. taxes and fees) • Your maximum purchase price (including taxes and fees) • The cost of maintaining the property and spending time in Portugal Mortgage advice is one of our areas of expertise, and we strongly recommend our clients, to avoid re-mortgaging their home property. If anything changes in your life, it’s obvious that the property you will want to keep is the home where you live. Also, the difference of half percent, may represent thousands of euros, during the term of your mortgage. We search the market for the lowest rates regularly and save our clients thousands of euros when they move abroad. We also help you through the whole process. Mortgage offers change on a daily basis, so it’s best to contact a mortgage broker to determine what the current offers are. You will also need an understanding of how much cash (your deposit) is needed in relation to the mortgage amount. Currently, as a non-Portuguese national you will be asked for a deposit of between 20-40%, depending on the type of loan and

Offering a friendly personalised service. If you have any questions or need a helping hand, come in and say hello. We are located only a few minutes walk from Vila Galé Hotel in Tavira & or Albufeira Marina.

Specialising in Accountancy & Reporting, Mortgages & Finance.

foreign exchange taxation services fiscal representation insurance brokerage TLM: (+351) 912 448 103 TEL (+351) 281 029 059 EMAIL: RICARDO@ALLFINANCEMATTERS.COM WEB WWW.ALLFINANCEMATTERS.COM

www.eastalgarvemag.com

Making Life Easier the borrower’s circumstances. Eventually mortgages up to 100% may be available, in case of bankrepossessed properties, but there are not a lot of these on the market. When applying for your mortgage you will need to provide proof of income, identity, and details of your bank account and liabilities. To buy property – as well as to open a bank account and to connect to utilities – in Portugal you will need a Portuguese Fiscal Number (NIF), which can be obtained from the local tax office. We can act as your fiscal representative and assist you in all these matters. If you are looking to buy a property in Portugal, or if you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us, we aim our expertise and know-how to work to your benefit. Pass by our office for a friendly chat and find out more about the mortgage that best suits your individual circumstances.

www.eastalgarvemag.com

Motor

Medical

Home

Pet Travel

We’ve got you covered for all your insurance needs! Get the cover you need at the right price from staff you can actually chat to in a local office. Angela and Erik are expats just like you and are on hand to help you throughout the term of your policy.

Tavira T: +351 281 325 842

tavira@ibexinsure.com Rua 1 de Maio 26B r/c 8800-360, Tavira

Ibex Insurance Services Ltd 2014. Ibex Insurance Services Ltd, 68 Irish Town, Gibraltar. Registered no. 77247. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Commission FSC 006 43B

Motor

Home

Marine

Travel

Medical

Holiday Apartment

Business

Pet

Community

Environment Ti red ofPor t uguese bureaucracy? JST helps you to sort it out! New services: ➔

Letting Licence (Alojamento Local)

➔

Energy Efficiency Certificate

For people who are not aware, as yet, about our services, we also deal with: ➔

Residency applications;

➔

Legalisation of your vehicle;

➔

Driving licence (renewal, changing and updating);

➔

Vehicle registration (Documento Único);

➔

Social Security applications,

➔

Renting your house;

➔

Finding you a temporary accomodation (house or apartment);

➔

Tax office bureaucracy;

➔

Road taxes (Imposto Único de Circulação);

➔

Via Verde (Tolls);

➔

Water, electricity and telephone contracts; JST

Saving your time and solving your problems! Agência de Documentação Unipessoal, Lda.

T: 281951108/ Tlm: 962831105 Email: jst.doc@sapo.pt

www.eastalgarvemag.com

SWIM-ARTE E.N. 125, Sitio de Sao Pedro 8800-407 Tavira Tel : 281 326 671 Fax: 281 324 618 Email swimarte@hotmail.com We speak: English, German, Dutch and Portuguese

SWIM-ARTE IS A SWIMMING POOL COMPANY WITH OVER 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE. • We are experts in pool renovations, pool building, pool covers, UV and salt systems, heatpumps, child safety fences, chemicals and anything else for your pool. • We are distributors for EUROPA Piscinas fibreglass swimming pools. • We service and do pool cleaning.

Protect-A-Child Pool Fencing is a strong,tight woven mesh fence which prevents tiny fingers or toes from climbing. The fence also conforms to any pool shape and is completely rustproof and maintenance free. LIFE-TIME GUARANTEE ON THE FIBREGLASS POSTS. THESE POOL FENCES ARE EASILY REMOVABLE. FENCING AROUND POOLS ARE SOON TO BE A NEW REGULATION IN PORTUGAL. LUGARDE designs and creates wooden garden houses, log cabins, verandas and garages for extra storage in a wide variety of models and sizes. They offer plenty of space for customers to meet their own specific demands. LUGARDE creates high quality products at acceptable prices.

•POOL COVERS AND POOL ENCLOSURES. •PREFABRICATED SWIMMING POOLS LESS EXPENSIVE AND FAST BUILDING. •DLW DELIFOL POOL LINING WITH A 10 YEAR FACTORY GUARANTEE UP TO 12 COLOURS. •WHIRLPOOLS AND SPAS. •WOOD LINE WOODEN POOLS IN OR ABOVE GROUND. •FILTER INSTALLATIONS AND EQUIPMENT.

www.eastalgarvemag.com

Sport

Villian turns hero All the latest sports news from Chris Wright.

lhanense started December with two poor defeats. Femi Balogun gave away a needless stoppage time penalty to hand victory (2-3) to CD Aves whilst a few days later a 2-0 defeat at Braga ‘B’ saw the troubled Olhão based outfit spiralling towards the relegation zone. Femi Balogun restored his, and the team’s credibility, with a late winner against Trofense in a game that the rubro-negros should have sewn up by half-time, such was their dominance. Whilst the Olhanense football team continues to struggle the number of expat fans supporting the team is growing and approaching the 400 mark. Many can only get to games when visiting the area, but never-the-less follow the team from afar with regular updates being circulated by the Olhanense Expat Supporters Group. Latest recruits are keen Arsenal fans Tina & Neil Bridges from Tavira who recently received their commemorative T-shirts and socio-membership cards from club president Isidoro Sousa. Holidaymakers from Europe are regularly seen at matches but

at the game against Trofense two new recruits from the USA, Kathryn and Ken Blundell from Kansas City, Missouri, roared the team on. Next up was a trip to the far north to take on third placed Chaves, a daunting prospect with four influential players missing; captain Semedo and Rodrigo suspended for amassing five yellow cards whilst Gonzalez Prado and Weldon were absent through injury. Regula and Giraldo returned to the starting line-up and it was Regula who gave the visitors a first-half lead from the penalty spot. Chaves unlocked a stubborn defence shortly after the break to level matters but Olhanense held on for a valuable point. Former Olhanense captain and 2009 promotion hero Rui Duarte has joined SC Farense whilst central defender Ubay Luzardo has had his contract cancelled by mutual consent and could be joining UD Socuéllamos, a 2nd Division team in his native Spain. Olhanense captain Semedo has been called up to the Cape Verde squad for the African Cup of Nations that takes places in Equatorial Guinea from 17th January to 8th February.

Colina verde golf & sports resort

his jewel in the crown of the east Algarve, at Maragota near Moncarapacho, has hosted many international sports teams and recently it was top rugby league team Hull FC who were put through their paces before the new season starts. Hull boss Lee Radford was full of praise for the facilities as his squad prepare for friendly games in January before their opening league game against Huddersfield Giants in February.

www.eastalgarvemag.com

Footgolf: a kick in the grass

he second monthly tournament held at the Colina Verde Golf & Sports Resort at Maragota, near Moncarapacho attracted twenty-eight entries including eight ladies. The record entry divided into eight teams who endeavoured to kick a football around the specially adapted twelve hole FootGolf course in the fewest shots possible. Jillian Lorimer took top spot for the ladies closely followed by Gaynor Stapleton, Tanya Fox, Nicole Syed, Barbara Harper, Christine Wright, Jane Knight and Vicki Bawden. Six of the ladies were playing for the first time. Tony Walters lead the field with a par forty-two which included six birdies. Nicole Syed, Filipe Cravinho, Kai Diprose and Chris Wright took the team award with Jillian Lorimer, Jane Knight, Jonathan Syed and Peter Dickinson in the runner-up spot. Colina Verde general manager Tony Smith complimented the competitors on their standard of play and was impressed with the overall performance. The next tournament will be on Wednesday 21st January.

Germany top Fifa rankings at year end

he world champions are in number one spot closely followed by the South American duo of Argentna and Columbia. Belgium and the Netherlands are fourth and fifth with sixth place Brazil just ahead of Portugal. Then come France,

Spain and Uruguay to complete the top ten. England languish in thirteenth with Wales (34th), Scotland (36th) and N.Ireland (48th). Cape Verde Islands (40th) are classified ahead of Sweden (44th) and the Republic of Ireland (64th).

An exciting year ahead for local sports fans

ycling fans will again be able watch the Tour de Algarve as it covers nearly 800kms of highways-and-byways after starting in Lagos on the 18th February. Finishing in Vilamoura five days later, the first top event of the new season covers Lagos to Albufeira, (168km: Stage 1); Lagoa to Monchique (192km: Stage 2); Vila do Bispo to Cabo de São Vicente (18.2km: Stage 3); Tavira to Malhão (212km: Stage 4) and the final stage on the 22nd February, Almodôvar to Vilamoura(178km). Gibraltar will continue to play their EURO 2016 qualifiers at the

www.eastalgarvemag.com

Algarve Stadium. World champions Germany will be the visitors on the 13th June whilst the Republic of Ireland are the opponents on the 4th September and Scotland make the trip to southern Portugal for both teams final Group ‘D’ game on the 11th October. The Portuguese Croquet Federation, founded in June 2010 and based at the Bela Romã o Country Club near Fuseta, will be staging the first ever Portugal Open next September. Top players from a number of European countries have already intimated their intentions to enter the prestigious event.

Walking football goes international

hen Portugal’s first Seniors Walking Football group got underway last September little did they imagine that they would be participating in an international tournament just five months later. On the weekend of 20th/23rd February seventeen players from Camberley, Surrey will be the opponents in what is considered to be the first ever international event for this relatively new sport. Walking Football for the over 50s is designed to help people keep an active lifestyle despite their age, as well as getting those back playing football who had to stop due to injuries. As the name suggests, Walking Football is non-contact and anyone that sprints, runs or jogs while the ball is in play is penalised with a free-kick. The players arriving from the UK are celebrities in their own right, having featured in a recent Barclays Bank TV advert, and will be accompanied by a camera crew who are producing a documentary for the English Football Association. Thirty-five guests enjoyed a superb Christmas Dinner at Restaurante Sérgio, Olhão when a number of presentations were made to referee Gordon Linford, fitness guru Christine Wright, Øistein Løvoll for ‘Dive of the Season’ and Brian Caldwell who received an award for scoring the first hat-trick in a game. A raffle and auction raised 150euros for Centre Algarve, near Moncarapacho which will be welcoming its first groups from two UK special needs schools in March. Fortysix players are now registered with the Soccer Olhanense Strollers who meet every Thursday morning at the astroturf pitch adjoining the Jose Arcanjo Stadium in Olhão.

Are your clubs right for your swing?

The latest Swing Studio update from resident professional at Monte Rei Golf and Country Club James Beesley.

ver 75% of golfers buy clubs “off the shelf” believing that because they have bought an expensive set of clubs this will undoubtedly improve their game. This is unfortunately not true in a large number of cases. Most manufacturer’s clubs are built to their own standard set of specifications and the player will have to be lucky to fit this “standard”. The next time you go to the golf course or the driving range, take a moment to observe how different golfers are in their size, strength, athletic

ability and most of all, in their swing characteristics. Then stop and think how golf clubs have always been sold to all these different golfers. All of the different brands and models of golf clubs all sitting in displays,

Pro stats

already built to a pre-ordained series of standard specifications determined by each golf club company. It is no different than a shoe store stocked with all the different brands and styles, but with all the men’s shoes stocked in a size 10 and all the women’s in a size 7. Name: James Beesley Come to the Titleist National From: Liverpool, England Fitting Centre for Portugal, Club: Monte Rei Golf at Monte Rei Golf & Country & Country Club Club to be fit by our dedicated Position: Golf Professional Turned Pro: 2012 off Scratch professional staff; and find the Background: BA Business Studies right clubs for you! Degree, University of Liverpool. For a club fitting, individual, Associate of Science Degree in Golf group or playing lessons call Management, Keiser University. +351 281 950 960 or email at Played for Club, District and golf@monterei.com Includes all University Golf Teams. equipment hire, golf balls & water.

www.eastalgarvemag.com

WWW.BENAMORGOLF.COM

James & Valentina AT E L I E R

FU LL S E RVI C E C U RTAIN MAK E RS AN D U P H O LSTE RY

WE MEASURE! WE MAKE! WE FIT! Hand sewn, made to measure curtains, HUGE selection of fabrics, Complete range of window furnishings, Furniture re-upholstered all in our workshop! NOW WORKING WITH PROFESSIONAL SWEDISH DESIGNER- KRISTINA DOLVEN. EN125, Edificio Cubo N.o 65C 8700-248 OLHAO, ALGARVE Tel/Fax; 289 701 380 Tlm 91 885 12 09 Tlm 91 463 14 82 Tlm 92 608 12 44 Email; vjcurtains12@hotmail.com

www.eastalgarvemag.com

FARO

Cube Roundabout EN125 BPI BANK

Aldi Pingo Doce TAVIRA

ENGLISH MOBILE

MECHANIC 'WE COME TO YOU AND QUOTE YOU HAPPY' Electrical work, Cam belts, Clutches, Servicing, Brakes Etc. ON ALL MAKES AND MODELS OF CAR or TRUCK! NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL! FULL DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT TEL+34 642 458 853 or 00351 914 417 580 email: paul.titcombe@hotmail.co.uk

Free Classifieds P R O P E RT Y Property required for purchasing clients in the following areas; Moncarapacho, Tavira, Estoi and Sao Bras area for established real estate company Russell and Decoz, Lda. Telephone 289 792785 – email propertyrussell@mail.telepac.pt

S E R V I C ES English mobile mechanic, repair/ servicing/electrical etc. No job too big or small. Quote you happy, all makes and models of cars, vans and light commercial vehilcles. Call Paul on +351 914 417 580 or +34 642 458 853, email paul.titcombe@ hotmail.co.uk Need help with your PC? Want to speed it up or fix a problem? Has a virus? Your laptop broke? Need lessons facebook, internet ...? Call Ricardo Cabrita at +351 963 752 393 or email inforcabrita@gmail.com. Tooway internet system complete, dish, LNB, Receiver etc currently with active contract with UK provider. Spain close to Portugal border. Tel 00 34 691913249. Experienced handyman, construction, plumbing, painting, gardening and solar energy Tavira \ Olhao area 75€ a day 96 5719191 NOVAVET Consultório Veterinário, Dra Sarah Langridge. 13a,Rua Antonio Pinheiro (near Porta Nova Hotel), TAVIRA. Open 10001200 mon-sat no appointment nec.or call 935581822/sarahlangridge@yahoo.com

FO R SA LE Bicycle for Sale Only €50 used twice age 7 to 10 years complete with safety helmet. Cost €78 new. Contact Ellen and Roger Tel 00351 289 791 122 Moncarapacho or email ellenandroger@sapo.pt Young Jacarandar Trees for sale. Height 35-75cm. €2.50 - €5.00. Call 964 434 566. Tavira area

ACTI V ITI ES YOGA & PILATES - contact Hazel on 91 307 5555 or email: hazel.devine@ntlworld.com for more information. Yoga lessons in Loule, November 7, 14, 21,28 From 6-7.30pm Donation. For more information contact Nadralionline@hotmail. co.uk 912696185 Scottish Country Dancing at the Casa do Povo Moncarapacho, Thursdays 5.30 ~ 7.30PM.Tel 289 791 998 or 914 798 833 or email mabstansb@iol.pt Painting for pleasure. Beginners onwards every Wed 10.30-12.30 Mesquita, Sao Bras T. 289 845 561

M I SC ELL A N EO U S HELP. Weight management mentor for weekly weigh-ins, advice and discipline. Preferably between Tavira and Altura. Please email: Info@eden-apartment.co.uk Lady seeking work, office experience, willing to learn, very reliable. email sue.b.harrison31@gmail.com Home Made Sausages, Pies, Pasties etc, carnedale@gmail.com phone 919 915 815 Alcoholics Anonymous Do you have, or is there someone you know that has a problem with alcohol? There is a solution. Please call: (00351) 916 457 733. English speaking.

CLASSIFIEDS ARE FREE For private advertisers Email Ads (Max 9 words) to:

info@eastalgarvemag.com

UNIQUE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY TRESPASSE FOR SALE Your chance to run one of the largest bar and restaurants in the East Algarve.

• Close to Tavira and 4 golf courses. • Large Terraces. • Fully equipped working restaurant. • 280 covers. • Large Parking area. • Established clients. • Huge Bar, fully equipped with dancefloor, lights and DJ equipment. This restaurant was only opened this year and in summer had 400 covers per day! All set up costs were covered in 6 months. The bar has yet to be opened, but is fully furnished and ready to go! Accounts available.

JUST €180.000 Tel. 913 458 491

BEAUTIFUL HOME S FOR SALE

Absolute fantastic villa in vale rosado, great potential, near Tavira, 3beds, 3bath, garden, 28,000 sqm plot to create your private golf course, sea view, roof terrace, patios, little pool, double garage, 40sqm with cellar, 15min.to beach, 12 mins Monte Rei golf. €329.000

Your secret place. Country house top of the hill, near FazFato, 80sqm, with small guest house (2 more possible to build), roof terrace, patio, 1200 sqm beautiful garden, mainwater + borehole, fantastic sea view till to Spain, Manta Rota beach 15min. €185.000. OR BEST OFFER

No Commissions/No Agent fees. Email: housegardenalgarve@hotmail.com Tel: 914 416 790

www.eastalgarvemag.com

Aljezur

TGFH Office Lagos A 22

N 12 5

Carvoeiro

A 22

TGFH Office VilamouraloulĂŠ TGFH Partner Office Albufeira Quinta do Lago N 12 5

The AlgArve ProPerTy SPecialiSTS

A 22

Sagres

N 12 5

Faro

A 22 N 12 5

Tavira

vila real

Vistas restaurant offers a complete gourmet experience, providing the ultimate in gastronomic delights with a unique ambiance and uncompromising level of service. The celebrated and award-winning chef Jaime Pérez remains true to his creed that "only the best is good enough" while using the freshest local ingredients and focusing on Mediterranean cuisine.

Monte Rei Golf & Country Club · Sítio do Pocinho · Sesmarias · Apartado 118 · 8901-907 Vila Nova de Cacela · Portugal Information and reservations T. +351 281 950 950 · info@monterei.com · www.monterei.com N 37º 12’ 16,75 / W 7º 33’ 4,31