22 minute read
A FAMILY AFFAIR The owners of Quinta Fonte do Bispo tell you their story. 22FOCUS ON All about Tavira. 28ENVIRONMENT Toxic waste plus news of a seahorse survey.
People
A family affair
Advertisement
The plane landed in Faro Airport on the evening of 17th December 2006. My Son Richie and I stood at the top of the steps and looked at each other: It was the first of two major “This is it” moments for us, the repercussions of which are still reverberating through our lives. We and our wives had been glued to our internet screens for several months, scouring the world for a place that offered us a better quality of life, and this place seemed to fit the bill. None of us had ever holidayed in Portugal before, so our introduction to Portugal was (excuse the clichés) awesome; it ticked so many of our boxes. Of course it did not all start there; Gillian and I had been searching for a place to build a Craft Studio based on a “Quilter’s Retreat”, Gillian having been captivated by the Quilting Bug (much worse than swine fever) during our stay in the USA. We travelled extensively throughout the USA, Canada, Brazil, Scotland, Germany and France, but found nothing that really suited us. Then our family was struck by tragedy; my younger son Christopher died whilst on holiday in Sri Lanka. I had encouraged him to visit India to gain an insight into our ancestry, so it hit us very badly. Chrissy had previously holidayed in France with my son Richie and his family, Katie, Jake, Brody and newly born Jesse. They were taken with the lifestyle and were discussing the option of moving to France. United in grief, we put our minds together, and decided that our current lifestyles were not how we wanted to carry on, Richie away from home from 7 till 7 and me chasing work all over the hemisphere. Richie was the Art Director of Homes & Garden Magazine, Katie looked after the children, and also worked as a registered childminder. Gillian was a Secretary at the Research and Development Centre of Unilever, and I was a Validation Consultant working on site for the
People
A place to relax in the shade over lunch, or to sit and chat with friends after dinner
The owners of Quinta Fonte Bispo tell us the story of how the Bassett family came to live and work in Portugal
The six traditional cottages make up the B&B side of the Quinta
major Pharmaceutical Manufacturers. We all loved our work, and it was quite a wrench to leave what we had become so proficient at, for a career in a new field. But leaving the crush-hour, the noise, the pollution, the high cost of living, the constant fear of hyper-taxation and the search for a better place to bring up 3 young boys were overriding factors. So that’s what brought us to Faro Airport and where the adventure really started. We had a list of properties to view, and we set off to talk to agents to expand this list. Visits and inspections took place by Gillian, Richy, Katie and myself in various combinations involving more than thirty different properties ranging from ruins to restaurants and B&B’s to Quintas. Then in February 2007, Katie, Gillian and I were in Villamoura and Richy called us from work in London and was very excited. “Dad, you must see these two properties”. One was close to Silves and the other was out in the East Algarve. It was at the second of these when we had our second “This is it” moment; when we drove through the gates of the Quinta da Fonte do Bispo. We were awe-struck by the beauty of the gardens and with the facilities: six rental cottages, a two hundred seat event hall/restaurant, a Bistro, four bedroom owner’s apartment, swimming pool, games room, sauna, tennis court – it went on and on. Best of all, it was fully staffed and was up and running. Back home, terribly excited, a family discussion threw up the fact that we had no experience of running a place like the Quinta. Katie had done some temporary work in a restaurant and that was it. What did we have to offer? Marketing, hard work and our personalities, that’s all. We would work to bring in the clientele and we would allow the staff to continue running the place as they had done before. Great plan!!! So we bought the place. We put down a ten percent deposit
People
on the Quinta and set about selling our two homes on the outskirts of London, with a six month time-line. This was the worst period for us. Relatively soon we both had firm offers on our properties and we were just waiting for the exchange dates. So, cash in the bank, Gillian, Richie, Kate and the boys set off for Portugal and a new life, with me following three months later. Many of you will know that we launched the East Algarve Magazine in November 2008 as an advertising platform for the entrepreneurs in the area. It has been so successful that Richie and Katie have branched away from the Quinta to focus on the magazine, leaving Gillian and me to run the Quinta. We look back on what we have achieved and we are reasonably satisfied. The list of events amazes us sometimes. Gillian teaches Patchwork Quilting, Richie and Kate have worked in the Quinta, raised the kids and managed to get this magazine off the ground. I sing at our functions and occasionally, in other venues, which I’m pleased to say has been well received. So here we are, up to date and my terrific grandchildren pop in and see me after school most days. Life couldn’t be better! The Bassett family extend our grateful thanks to all of you who have helped us get to where we are now, and look forward to meeting the many of you who have not visited us yet. You can find a map of where to find us in our advert on the back page. We have a Bar Menu available daily and an a-lacarte menu which requires booking in advance. Remember, we are a party place; if you are celebrating something, talk to us, we have the venue for you and we can supply disco, cabaret or karaoke.
Right: The Bassett family, (from left to right) Jake, Richie, Gillian, Katie with Jesse, Richard and Brody)
Left: A fun night singing & dancing at ABBA night.
Welcome to Pedras da Rainha Sports and Beach Resort. Where you will find: • Accommodation, Restaurant and Bar, Swimming pool • 5 Tennis Courts and 2 Paddle Tennis Courts • A recently built Lawn Bowls Club. New members are welcome to our Sports Centre.
Contacts: Aldeamento Turístico Pedras da Rainha, Cabanas, 8800-591 Tavira Daniel Vicente – Tel. +351 926485568 E-mail: daniel.vicente@pedrasdarainha.com
Focus on... Tavira
Tavira
Tavira was already established as an important fishing and fish salting town, during the occupation of the Algarve by the Moors, around 2000 B.C., and it retains significant features from its Phoenician and Roman past. Called ‘the prettiest town’ in Portugal by the Portuguese, Tavira is located 25kms from Faro and 20kms from the Spanish border, and in recent years it has become a firm favourite for discerning visitors. Tavira has a castle, many fine churches and a superb seven arch Roman bridge, on both sides of which you can find fascinating cobbled side streets with good shops selling local produce, including fresh fish, fruit and vegetables, basket-ware, pottery, ceramic tiles, wrought iron work, and cork and shell handicrafts. Friendly locals welcome you to the many bars and restaurants on the river front and in the City’s small squares. A short ferry trip takes you to the Ilha de Tavira to one of the best beaches along the entire coast which offers clean, safe bathing protected by the offshore sandbars, served by a few cafes and bars. Some 7kms of soft sand easily accommodates all the sun bathers, swimmers, windsurfers and sailors, even in peak season A short drive from the city centre you’ll find the natural lagoon which offers tranquillity and the opportunity to observe nature and birdlife at its best and, within a few kilometers, are some of the best golfing facilities in the Algarve, good eating in the nearby fishing village of Cabanas and a weekly market shopping treat in Olhão. Nearby Cacela Velha offers spectacular views over the Ria Formosa. Back in Tavira the town is transformed at night, with its illuminated white buildings and Moorish rooftops providing an attractive backdrop to the variety of restaurants and bars with their tempting Portuguese Menus. June 24th is St John’s Day “São João”, the highlight of Tavira’s Calendar. The fun spills out into the streets, which are decorated with balloons and paper arches, where people dance around the City’s small squares and the homemade altars that are dedicated to the Saints asking for “Good Fortune”. A delicious range of traditional
Focus on... Tavira
foods including caldo verde (cabbage and potato soup), sardinha assada (grilled sardines), bread and red wine are available. A fun way to get an overview of the town is to take the mini train tour which runs hourly from 10-7pm from the Roman Bridge; the trip lasts 40 mins, and covers all the main attractions. During June the train runs until 8pm and in July and August until midnight. Across the river within walking distance of the Town Centre is a skate park for skateboards and rollerblades and you can also rent small bikes and go-karts which children can ride on the play centre roadway complete with traffic lights, stop signs junctions and roundabouts. So if you have kids with you this could be the place for them to have fun. There is a cafe, so you could enjoy a drink while keeping an eye on them.
Some of the finest churches in the Algarve are located in Tavira: the 16th century Igreja da Misericórdia is often cited as one of the finest churches in Tavira, with its blue and white azuejos, magnificent carvings and scenes from the life of Christ. It is located up the hill just past the Tourist Office.
The 13th century Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo is next to the castle and is famed for holding the tombs of the seven Christian knights of the Order of St. James, who were killed by the Moors. There is also a plaque marking the tomb of Paio Peres Correia (a Master of the Order).
1
Cara
English hair & beauty salon
Open Tuesday-Friday: 10am-5pm Saturday 10am-3pm
To Center of Tavira
We are here To Santa Luzia
School
Square Train Station
86, Av. Dr. Mateus Teixeira de Azevedo Tel 964 456 228
2 Ex Libris
Gourmet
3
Tavira Garden Restaurant - Bar
Specialities include: Bacalhau e Grelhada Mista na Telha, Bacalhau a Laboreiro, entre outros...
Urbanização tavira Garden Sitio Cara de Pau EN124 8800-221 Tavira Tel. 281 321 596 Tlm. 922 109 793 Email zendaxims@sapo.pt
Ex Libris Gourmet
Mercearia fina & Delicatessen
Ex Libris
Gourmet Ex Libris Gourmet Tel 281 324 238 Rua 5 de Outubro, 10 e 12 Tavira www.exlibrisgourmet.com merceariafina@exlibrisgourmet.com
Focus on... Tavira
4
15 3
GOV. LIC. No AMI 5027 5
Michael Julian Propriedades Soc. Med. Imobiliária LDA.
Rua 1.o de Maio 23, 8800-360 Tavira Algarve, Portugal Telephone: + 351 281 324 582 Fax: + 351 281 325 787 E-mail: m.julian@mail.telepac.pt Web Site: www.michael-julian.com
ESTABLISHED SINCE 1994 LOCAL PEOPLE - LOCAL KNOWLEDGE VILLAS, FARM HOUSES, APARTMENTS & RUINS. HELP WITH ALL ASPECTS OF PROPERTY PURCHASE. NO SALE / NO FEE
6 Cafe
Serving Meals, Pastries, cakes and Coffees R. Dom Marcelina Franco No.25 Tel 281 322 248 THE MAD HATTERS RIVERSIDE BAR
7
Visit us at the “MAD HATTERS” by the military bridge in the centre of Tavira. Tel 00351 913 886 860 OPEN DAILY 10am until Late
Pub food served and all day English breakfast.Call to arrange early Tee time breakfast.
Restaurant
QUATRO AGUAS
Speciality of fresh steamed fish with aromatic herbs and our famous sea food platter.
Quatro Aguas- Tavira, Tel +351 281 325 329 Tlm +351 918 144 341 4.aguas@mail.telepac.pt 8
Focus on... Tavira
TAVIRA EN125
2
10
Railway
1 14
16
8 13
Rua Jacques Pessoa no22 8800-350 TAVIRA Between the two bridges along the Rio Gilão
French Imported Products Delicatessen Shop Tea Room,Wine Bar
12
Contact us to learn about our special evenings ! Ph. : 281 328 875 - 96 035 93 00 info@chezcaroleetmanuel.com www.chezcaroleetmanuel.com
21
4
9 5
20 18
19
SOCIEDADE DE MED. IMOBILIÁRIA, LDA 9 LICENCA No 764-AMI REAL ESTATE AGENCY With over 20 years experience we offer a quality service in real estate. Covering the Eastern Algarve we have a wide selection of properties by the beach, inland, near golf or even a townhouse. Rua 1° de Maio, 30-A, 8800-360 Tavira, Portugal Tel. +351 281 324 684 Fax: +351 281 324 685
Website: www.imo90.com Email: imo_tavira@hotmail.com Specialists in air conditioning units, solar panels and all household electrical and kitchen appliances.
FULL BACKUP SERVICE PROVIDED, ALL REPAIRS AND MAINENTANCE UNDERTAKEN BY TECNITAVIRA, lda.
10
Rua De São Pedro No.2 Tavira. Tel 281 323 230
Tlm:(+351) 915 500 141/2
Office (+351) 961 952 148
Fax (+351)281 971 076 Ângela Dias Tel (+351) 969 459 200 Rua José Pires Padinha,
No 44, Escrit.13, 8800, Tavira eapr@iol.pt • eapm@iol.pt
www.east-algarve-property-rentals.com www.east-algarve-propertymanagement.com
THE HEAT OF THE MOMENTLDA.
For chimney sweeping, wood burners, pellet stoves and wood pellets in Tavira
Call Gavin
Tel. 281 326 551 Mobile 968 386 896
Focus on... Tavira
Tavira castle
Tó da Costa
Live Music for parties & weddings
14Cortinlar
furniture, fabrics & decoration
Tel/fax 281 325 837 Tlm.+351 917 819 162 Av. Dr Eduardo Mansinho 30D 8800-310 TAVIRA Tavira castle was originally built by the Moors, who occupied the area in the 8th century. It was largely rebuilt after the Christians re conquered the city in 1242 by Dom. Paio Peres Correia, who took it in anger after seven of his principle knights were killed during a period of truce. Tavira was governed at that time by Mouro Aben-Fabilla, who had a young daughter of enormous beauty. It is said that when the governor saw the town being conquered, he magically disappeared, put a spell on his daughter, and promised to return to reclaim the town again, but he never returned. The spell could only be broken by her father or by a brave knight on São João night, (24th June) As her father never returned to reconquer the city, the beautiful Princess was imprisoned in the castle. People believe that on the night of São João, she appears in the walls of the castle and cries for the spell to be broken.
Legend has it that, in times gone by, a nobleman and a brave knight have tried to break the spell for the Princess. The brave knight fell in love with her, and tried, on the night of São João, to scale the walls of the castle and to break the spell for his love, but the task proved difficult and day started to dawn... the Knight, D.Ramiro, was not able to break the spell cast upon the beautiful Princess, and she disappeared up into the heavens. The Knight’s life had changed for ever, and he dedicated his life to fight the Mouros. He eventually obtained the castle but not its beautiful princess... don’t forget to look at the castle walls of Tavira the night before São João’s day, the magic princess may appear to be cryng or to have her spell broken by a noble knight...
With thanks to Veronica Torradinhas
Pedras d’el Rei Barril Beach
At Barril Beach, you can still find traces of the old traditional Algarve Tuna Fishery, such as the anchors that extend throughout the dunes. Over the years the old houses of the fishermen have maintained their characteristics, having given way at the same time, to modern beach infrastructures and to beautiful spaces.
This beach annually winning the Blue Flag prize, is another paradise retreat in the Algarve, due to its natural beauty, enjoying the limpid waters of the Atlantic Ocean and extensive golden sand dunes. Another of its attractions is its easy access by tourist mini-train, from which everyone can appreciate the fauna and flora of the Ria Formosa Natural Park and the wonderful surrounding landscape; or simply walk there, taking in the indigenous species that compose the flora of this Natural Park.
The restaurants, bars, boutiques and a variety of nautical sports and services, complement this beach and ensure that their visitors have an unforgettable experience. Do not hesitate to visit Barril Beach, feel the atmosphere of this place, where each anchor has a history, each door has a smile and the sunset is special…
Ald. Pedras d’el Rei, Santa Luzia, 8800-531 Tavira Telf. +351 281380600 – Fax. +351 281380619 E-mail: reservas@pedrasdelrei.com Web: www.pedrasdelrei.com
Environment
Most of the waste dumped into the ocean in the early 1990’s is still there today! Here’s what we can do to reduce this pollution
Toxic Rubbish Dumps
Pollution in the ocean is a major problem that is affecting the ocean and the rest of the Earth, too. Pollution in the ocean directly affects ocean organisms and indirectly affects human health and resources. Oil spills, toxic wastes, and dumping of other harmful materials are all major sources of pollution in the ocean. People should learn more about these because if people know more about pollution in the ocean, then they will know more about how to stop pollution.
What are toxic wastes?
Toxic wastes are poisonous materials that are being dumped into the ocean. They harm many plants and animals in the ocean and have a huge impact on our health. Toxic waste is the most harmful form of pollution to sea life and humans. When toxic waste harms an organism, it can quickly be passed along the food chain, where one toxic organism gets eaten by another, larger animal, which then gets eaten by another animal, and can end up being our seafood. Toxic waste gets into seas and oceans through the leaking of landfills, dumps, mines, and farms. Farm chemicals and heavy metals from factories can have a very harmful effect on marine life and humans. Many fishermen believe that the toxic chemicals in the ocean are killing much of the fish population. One of the most harmful chemicals in the ocean is lead. Lead can cause many health problems. It can damage the brain, kidneys, and reproductive system. Lead can also cause birth defects for people. It has been shown to cause low IQ scores, slow growth, and hearing problems for small children. House and car paint and manufacturing lead batteries, fishing lures, certain parts of bullets, some ceramic ware, water pipes, and fixtures all give off lead.
Many things found in the ocean may cause seafood to be dangerous to human health. The effect on humans from contaminated seafood may include birth defects and nervous system damage. Medical waste found in the ocean is being tested to see if swimmers have a chance of developing Hepatitis or AIDS. Other waste has been known to cause viral and bacterial diseases. This type of pollution can be stopped by watching what pollution we are letting into the ocean. People are trying to reduce the amount of waste in the oceans by recycling as much garbage as they can so there is a smaller amount of very harmful materials in the ocean.
Garbage Dumping
Garbage dumping is the dumping of harmful materials into the ocean like human waste, ground-up garbage, water from bathing, and plastics. Most of the waste that has been dumped into the ocean in the early 1990’s is still there today. One main cause of garbage dumping occurs when sewage pipes share their space with storm water drains. Rainfall causes the sewage pipes to overflow and the sewage waste mixes with the storm water, which flows into another water source such as a lake or river. After that, the garbage pollutes the ocean, kills plants and animals in the water (for example, the plastic rings that are around pop cans can get around an animal’s neck, causing it to suffocate), and makes the water dirty.
Extracted from an article from http://library.thinkquest.org
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.
•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 SPA ́S.
•WOOD LINE WOODEN POOLS IN OR ABOVE GROUND.
•FILTER INSTALLATIONS AND EQUIPMENT.
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.
Environment
Seahorse Survey
The Seahorse Trust has been surveying British Seahorses since 1994 through its British Seahorse Survey and, in early 2008, we achieved the full named protection of both native species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981 schedule 5). The British Seahorse Survey would not be possible without the community involvement we receive through the hundreds of sightings per annum from divers, fishermen and the general public. It’s this very community involvement that made it possible to get the two species; the Short Snouted Seahorse (Hippocampus hippocampus) and the Spiny Seahorse (H.guttulatus) protected under the wildlife and Countryside Act as named species. Hundreds of people have given up their time and energy to go out looking for Seahorses and reporting them into us. This amazing influx of information has allowed us to build up a picture of the unique lives of these two species that we have in our coastal waters.
British Seahorse Survey
The British Seahorse Survey was set up in 1994, and is the longest running continuous survey of its kind in the world. It’s this longevity that has allowed us to gain a greater insight into the world of two of the British Isles most enigmatic fish
Studland Bay and Rio Formosa named as two sites of international importance.
species.
Studland Bay - Highest density of Seahorses in the world!
Since the discovery of Seahorses at Studland Bay, the site has proven to be internationally important and has thrown up some amazing surprises. The bay has a surprising concentration of Seahorses; with more than 40 recorded in 2008. This density has made it a site of international importance. Nowhere else in the British Isles, or indeed for that matter in the world, except the Rio Formosa in Portugal, is there this concentration of Seahorses.
SOLARPANELS4U.com Centro Comercial Doza, Loja 17, Avenida 5 Outubro – No 147, 8135-100, Almancil. Tel. 964 456 022 Fax. 289 845 055 Mobile 916 596 359
EDP GRID TIE SYSTEMS 100% Finance Solar Panels ∙ Solar Heating Wind Turbines ∙ Inverters Pool Heating ∙ Complete Kits FREE SITE SURVEYS 10% Discount with this Advert
