Simply
FR E
E
December 2018 Issue 32
Loulé, Almancil, Vale do Lobo,
Quarteira, Quinta do Lago, Vilamoura, S. Brás
Welcome... It’s Christmas! Well nearly. The lights are sparkling across the Algarve – some more artistic than others – strung from lampposts, swirled round palm trees and cascading across doorways. The shops are tied up with tinsel and displaying the best of the seasonal offerings, from fruit-filled cakes and clove-studded oranges, to frosted candles and Santa socks. Been to the big malls, like Mar, or Algarve Forum, or Guia Shopping to hear the carols and sit the kids down with one of the many Pai Natals? (Here they travel by motorbike, rather than sleigh.) Visited one of the Christmas markets to pick up last-minute presents and support local artisans and food producers? It is a jolly time, and also one when much is done for the less fortunate, with charities collecting for their causes. This year ACCA’s Angels programme will ensure a gift goes to well over 1,000 youngsters in need across the region – kids who would otherwise never have the pleasure of opening that special something later this month. ACCA thanks everyone who got involved. We’ve focused, naturally, on Christmas in this issue, bringing you everything from Santa facts (and fiction) to turkey trivia. We’ve checked out the eateries that will serve up special festive menus, and tested adventurous walks that will help work off the excesses of the season. And we’ve picked a whole selection of great gifts that you can buy right here, right now, from local shops, design houses and galleries. Why buy online when it’s right here on your doorstep? Have a happy one, from all of us at Simply Algarve… Enjoy this December issue – we have certainly enjoyed producing it and if you have any stories or ventures to share with our readers, please reach out to us by emailing simplyalgarvemag@gmail.com or calling 966 044 143.
PUBLISHER Richard Bassett
EDITOR Richard Bassett
ART DIRECTOR Jake Bassett
WRITERS
DISTRIBUTION
6,000 copies printed. All advertisers are issued copies for distribution, along with retail outlets.
COVER PHOTO Jake Bassett
Susi Rogol-Goodkind Anthony Martin
ADVERTISING
Call Jake on 966 044 143 or email simplyalgarvemag@gmail.com
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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
All rights reserved. Except for
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Contents NEWS 4
HO HO HO
20
PEOPLE 6
LIGHTS FANTASTIC
22
GRACIOUS LIVING
26
What you’ll want to know
Meet the Conrad’s Katharina
OUTDOORS 10 Best walks on the Algarve
ART 14 Inspirational Islands
PRESSIES 16 Simply Gorgeous gifts for Christmas
FESTIVE DINING
Who is serving what and when
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Christmas triia to make your smile The Algarve dazzles
Property of the month
THE PROPERTY MARKET 28 A property update from experts
RESTAURANT GUIDE
32
MONEY MATTERS
37
Your choice, your taste
News from Currencies Direct
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22 FINANCE 38
An update from experts at AFM
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A prize-winning treat
40
AGENDA 42
What’s un-missable this month
GOLF 46
Pro tips from PGA professionals
SPORTS NEWS
Brought to you by Chris Wright
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EXPATS 50
Tales from an expat in Portugal
Susi RogolGoodkind is a freelance journalist/ editor who works between the UK and the Algarve where she and her husband have had a home for 30 years. She is also a member of the ACCA children’s charity committee. susi@rogol-goodkind.com
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News
Keep up to date with this month’s news NEW HOSPITAL FOR ALGARVE APPROVED
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he 2019 State Budget is approved with the Algarve’s MPs delighted at a last-minute change of heart over the age-old question of whether or not to build a new hospital for the region. The answer now is, ‘yes’ after MPs approved a proposal from the Left Bloc to amend the 2019 State Budget so that the ‘procedures’ could start for the construction of the Central Hospital of the Algarve. This proposal had favourable votes from all parties after the government recently had reiterated that there’s no money to build the hospital that was first agreed over a decade ago. The Left Bloc wanted substantial investment in Portugal’s health service and demanded that the process starts for new hospitals at Barcelos, Póvoa de Varzim and the Algarve, as well as the expansion of a hospital in Beja. ‘Starting the process’ is a world apart from ‘building a hosital’ but this news is a big step forward in recognising the
ALGARVE LEADS PORTUGAL FOR MICHELINSTARRED RESTAURANTS
THE JIM EXPERIENCE GETS MORE BEAUTIFUL!
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v e r y o n e’ s favourite hair stylist, Jim van Hek, has announced that the muchlauded beauty therapist Dolsa Alves is joining the team at his Almancil salon where, in a dedicated area, she will be offering a range of specialist services from deep tissue/relaxation massage to specific facial treatments. Dolsa’s work is all about beauty and well-being and her credentials are impeccable. She learned her skills in Lisbon in 1996, spent some 12 years in various salons and hotel spas in the Algarve, moved to London and a top Medi Spa in Notting Hill, and then managed the Virgin Active spa in Oxford Street. For the past two years she has been working a resort in Providenciales in Turks and Caicos in the Caribbean. What Dolsa has learned along the way is going to benefit us all. Call 289 398 178 to find out more.
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need for an increased service provision in the south. The Social Democrats had to support the Left Bloc’s call as it was the PSD that agreed the Algarve should have a new hospital, back in 2006. For this budget, the party had submitted a motion calling on the government to press ahead with hospital building in 2019. As for the overall 2019 Budget, this now has been approved and will be sent to the President of the Republic for his signature.
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he Algarve continues to lead the nation as the region with the most Michelin-starred restaurants. The tally is ten stars in eight restaurants, listed in the gourmand’s bible. The most impressive feat is maintaining two, two-star restaurants, categorised as: “an exceptional cuisine, worth a detour” – the Ocean restaurant at Vila Vita Parc in Lagoa, under chef Hans Neuner and the restaurant at Vila Joya in Galé, Albufeira, under chef Dieter Koschina who has been in the Michelin Guide for 26 consecutive years, a record in Portugal. There are also six, one Michelin-star restaurants: Bon Bon in Carvoeiro, Willie’s in Vilamoura, Vista in Portimão and Henrique Leis, São Gabriel and Gusto – all in Almancil. “The gastronomy of the Algarve is a heritage of excellence, with highquality products for the world’s greatest chefs, who use them with all the mastery to achieve international recognition, such as the Michelin Guide. I congratulate all those who have gained a distinction and praise our gastronomy,” says the new President of the Algarve tourism board, João Fernandes, for whom Michelin stars: “arouse the curiosity of visitors and create a strong attraction for tourists.” The regional tourism board has been developing several ways of promoting gastronomy here, such as the ‘Algarve Cooking Vacations’ project where the vision is to develop culinary and wine holidays to appeal to the one million-plus who travel to the region with good food and wine high on their ‘to do’ list.
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News
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People
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RUNNING THE SHOW Christmas and New Year celebrations are big business for hotels and none more so than at the flagship Conrad Algarve, where manager Katharina Schlaipfer reigns supreme. We asked her what makes her place stand out
First, about YOU. How did you get started in the hotel business? I started my career in Germany but then I moved to the Waldorf Astoria Rome Cavalieri, and held different positions – Assistant Food and Beverage Manager, Front Office Manager and Revenue Manager. After that, I took charge of the opening of the Hilton Molino Stucky Venice as Commercial director. I got my first General Manager position at the age of 34 at the Hilton Brussels City, and then moved as General Manager to the Hilton Strasbourg. I went on to overlook two Hilton properties in Florence, before coming to the Algarve in December 2016. Was the Conrad – and the Algarve – your first choice for this chapter in your career? Definitely yes, since it opened, the Conrad Algarve has been a flagship for Hilton. With existing experience in the luxury sector, I was very happy to move here. What do you find special about the hotel – and about the location? From the first time I saw the hotel, I felt that it was in a class of its own. We have a magnificent resort but the thing that makes a hotel is its people; the service delivery from our team members creates a personalised experience for each guest, and that is what makes them want to come back. Where is home on the Algarve, for you? I live just along the coast, in Vilamoura. And how long will you stay in control here – is there a fixed time for top managers to remain in one hotel? No, there is no fixed time, but the minimum assignment is five years.
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Now, about THE HOTEL How many rooms and suites do you have? We have 134 rooms, 18 suites and 2 signature suites – The Conrad Suite and the Roof Garden Suite. Tell us about the most impressive Our award-wining Roof Garden Suite is the pinnacle of luxury. It features 300m² of space, an infinity pool in the living room with a retractable glass roof, its own private entrance and exclusive bridge directly to the 180m² roof garden terrace, private parking, exclusive access to the spa, a private sauna and steam bath, and a fully-equipped kitchen. And guests opting for this sublime experience have the personalised service of our butler, Joao Seixas, during their entire stay. Your guests include both business travellers and holiday makers but what is the average length of a stay at the hotel? The majority of bookings would be for four nights. When is the hotel at its busiest? July and August, naturally, when the Algarve itself is buzzing with visitors. Okay, so what are the winning features, the ones that have guests coming back for more, season after season? I think what makes the hotel unique is the fusion of different elements: the beautiful location in Quinta do Lago, set within 2,000 acres of the Ria Formosa; the architecture resembling an 18th-century neoclassic Portuguese palace with bespoke contemporary interior design; the exquisite and spacious rooms. And then there’s the award-wining Conrad Spa; a kids club created by children for children; great resort facilities; and a world-class dining offering. The variety of authentic signature experiences –
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People
including art, food and wine, adventure – means that guests can immerse themselves in the local culture and take on the real Algarve. And what about the Conrad restaurants? We have three restaurants and three bars in the hotel, each one offering its own vibrant experience. Distinct settings and outstanding culinary creations highlight local flavours and ingredients while our menus boast dishes with a sophisticated international twist. In addition to our pool restaurants and bars, there is Louro, where the menu is inspired by Portuguese culinary heritage and the key gastro flagship offering, Gusto by Heinz, where guests can experience a culinary journey throughout the Mediterranean flavours of Chef Heinz Beck (three Michelin stars) with great wine pairings in a bustling atmosphere. Diners really like the open display kitchen. What is your own favourite dish in each? In Louro it is Fresh Codfish with vegetables, olive tapenade, egg yolk and watercress; in Gusto I love the Fagotelli
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Carbonara; and by the Dado Pool Chicken Piri Piri from the grill would be my first choice. You seem to have many events on your schedule. How are these planned and how much in advance? Since opening in 2012, we have positioned ourselves as a social hub in the community working with many local partners when it comes to event organisation. We like to think out of the box; event preparation time varies from one year to an action-packed one week. We are constantly raising the bar. What do you consider have been the most successful of events in the past year? Which one are you most proud of? We’ve had great events in the past year but if I had to choose one I would pick the Culinary Extravaganza. This is an intense event to organize and requires a focused level of attention to detail to ensure that we cater for the famous 15 Michelin-star chefs and provide the perfect conditions for them to display their amazing signature dishes. It was wonderful to see the second edition of an
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event of this prominence taking place in our hotel and raising awareness of the destination, too. Does the event-planning team come to you with a ‘menu’ of suggestions so that you can pick and choose? We have a dedicated event coordination team who manage clients’ events at the hotel but we decide together the best approach for each as requirements can vary enormously. As for our own special events and promotions, we work closely with local partners and immerse ourselves in realising shared objectives. Your art shows – they have become a real social occasion. Has any particular artist stood out for you personally? Those launch parties are real attention getters. For me, a favourite this year was Cristina Bergoglio because she paints cities I have lived in and loved, including Rome and Venice. How do you publicise forthcoming events? We invest real energy into our marketing activities and capitalise all available channels. This can be through in-
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house activations, pre-arrival information to our guests, our Experiences Gourmet & Spa quarterly journal, local advertising and, of course, through our digital platforms – email marketing, website updates, social media and oneto-one communications with our Residents’ Programme members. Contact is vital – our agenda is such that there is so much to talk about all the time. What’s the plan for Christmas and New Year? This year’s theme will be The Great Gatsby with a gala dinner in our ballroom, and an eight-course celebration menu at our restaurant Gusto. What are you personally looking forward to most about the forthcoming festive season? Last year the weather was gorgeous! I am looking forward to warm temperatures again this year! It is such a different Christmas here and I really like it. www.conradalgarve.com 289 350 700
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WALKWAYS
Fancy getting out and about and seeing what Algarve has to offer off the beaten – or rather driven – track? We asked Linda Taylor Goncalves of Weekend Walkers for her six of the best
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he Algarve is a wonderful place for walking, whether you are out for a gentle stroll or are a dedicated hiker. The countryside is verdant, with undulating landscapes, and our coastal paths are well-maintained and marked. The months between October and May have great walking weather with the Algarve sunshine and gentle breezes. There are many way-marked walks managed by each local authority and these can be found on the internet with maps to print out. As a general rule, you should always make sure you are well hydrated before starting off; take water with you and wear sunscreen. Choose the right clothes (think comfort as well as practicality) and ensure your legs are covered. Have a light – preferably waterproof – jacket with you in case there is the odd shower. Lightweight walking boots that give ankle support are ideal for the countryside as the going can be rocky in parts, although trainers are sufficient for the cliff paths and beach walks. Take your camera – you will find great photograph opportunities on all of these walks. Here are our favourites...
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The cliff path walk from Praia da Rocha to Praia de Vau, then through the pine forest and countryside down to the beach, is quite special. When you see Dunas Restaurant, come off the beach and follow the boardwalk around the Alvor Estuary, enjoying the resident birdlife. This walk is 12kms and involves some spectacular scenery, with huge (and protected) blowholes – dramatic sea views with the great rock structures scattered along the coast. There are plenty of cafés and restaurants close to the start point and along the way, so you can relax and enjoy your surroundings.
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Drive west out of the castle city of Silves to find the beautiful meeting point of the Odelouca and Arade rivers. Parking beside a café, you walk a short stretch of road until veering off left towards the path encircling the watercourse. The going is mostly flat and accompanied by the gentle sounds of the water and birds. You pass through tiny hamlets with typical Algarve cottages before rejoining the pathway back to the start. At approximately 9kms and a view of the water most of
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Outdoors
the way, this walk is good for the soul! You may encounter a few loose dogs but their bark is always the scariest thing about them and, if you don’t make eye contact and pick up a stone and mimic throwing it at them, they normally scuttle off quickly.
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Rocha de Pena (The Rock of Pena) is a massive rocky outcrop popular with climbers and walkers alike. North of the market town of Loulé, just outside Salir, you drive through the pretty countryside lanes until you reach a café at the start of the walk. The first part of the walk is a stiff climb on rocky paths until you reach the top, 479m above sea level, where you will encounter amazing views that stretch for miles across the Algarve and to the sea. It’s worth taking the short detour across to the other side of the rock to take in the inland views, birds of prey and the huge Buddhist Stupa perched on top of a distant hill in Malvao. Make your way back to the seaview side, and follow the way-marks through the scrub and rocky paths; be sure to stop and take in the views along the way across the top. The descent ends in the tiny village of Penina
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with traditional Algarve houses and then along the base of Rocha de Pena back to the café. You’ll have covered around 7kms back to where you started.
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Between the towns of Sao Bras de Alportel and Tavira lies a small village called Mesquita. Parking behind the excellent restaurant, Lagar de Mesquita, the way-marked walk takes you through gently wooded areas and dryland orchards – en route you’ll see western peonies, Kermes oaks and the white-leaved rockrose and conehead thyme, and at Ribeira do Bengado, a wide range of river vegetation and a landscape dominated by olive trees. From there, you head south along a length of cork oaks: the panoramic views over the whole valley follow as you advance through typical agricultural areas with plenty of birdlife. The final leg of this 9km walk passes through areas of carob trees, cork oaks and holm oaks.
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The Masmorra Trail starts from the village of Mealha, inland from Tavira, at the Discovery Centre and covers 5.5kms of rural paths and road. Featuring Dolmens of
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Outdoors
Masmorra – remains of ancient civilisations which were once used for funeral ceremonies – you pass through typical agricultural village landscape to the Ribeirinha. Crossing the stream you’ll find almond trees, mastic trees, purple phlomis, rushes, myrtle, oleander and carob trees before you climb up to the hill of Masmorra passing through wild olive, cistus, spurge flax and wild lavender to discover a great view at the top over the surrounding countryside. Descending down the trail, you pass over the stream again on your path back to Mealha. This walk allows you to see a wide range of the typical flora and fauna of the Algarve mountains.
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The town of Alcoutim is perched on the edge of the River Guadiana, marking the Algarve’s border with Spain. The 12km walk starting from just outside the village of Monte das Laranjeiras delivers breathtaking scenery, with long stretches of the way passing high above the River as you follow its path. After a gradual climb through forested areas, you reach a tiny hamlet and pass down to find an old, communal laundry, a good point at which to take a break and feast on the picnic you’ve packed.
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The path then takes you high up – you will feel the heady sensation that you are on top of the World – until a gradual descent takes you along the riverbed through lush vegetation and the final climb up the hill back to the start point. As our final walk of the Season in May 2018, we topped the day off with lunch in Alcoutim and then crossed the River on a little ferry to enjoy the thrill of the zipline ride over the River from Spain back to Portugal! The Algarve Weekend Walkers group is organised by Algarve walkers, Linda and Liz, who share over 20 years experience of walking the Algarve. It arose from their desire to share the many enjoyable and diverse walks, scenery and fresh Algarve air with anyone with a love of the outside and a stout pair of boots. Their professionallyguided walks take place on Sunday mornings, always with a front and back marker to ensure everyone can walk at a pace that suits them. The €5 donation includes a bottle of water and those all-important gummy bears and doggy treats for the four-legged members. Contact algarveweekendwalkers@gmail.com for information about future walks and to be included on their mailing list.
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Buy with Confidence, Sell with Success! Your home, your lifestyle... It´s our purpose.
by Dora Guerreiro
Stunning 4 bedroom Villa
This well-appointed property near Loulé with separate annex is set in a peaceful quiet and very tranquil country location. - Land area: 4.924 m² - 4 Bedrooms - Swimming Pool, Jacuzzi and Sauna - The layout is mostly on one level
DG3399
- 317 m² build size - Separate Annex
Charming 4 bedroom Villa
Situated just outside the market town of Loulé this property is an outstanding family home. Set in 5,000 metres of garden there is an open feel and views down the valley from every window. - Land area: 5.040 m² - 4 Bedrooms - BBQ and Pool area
DG3398
- 440 m² build size - Gated & Fenced - Tennis Court
Contemporary 4 bedroom Villa
A recently built villa set on a private elevated plot near São Brás de Alportel with views towards the valley and sea. This property has alot to offer a family along with its high spec finishes and spacious grounds. - Land area: 1.20 HA - 4 Bedrooms - Underfloor heating
DG3201
- 553 m² build size - Tennis Court - Overflow Pool
DG Algarve Properties | (+351) 289 355 336 | (+351) 912 391 925 | dora@dgalgarveproperties.com Rua Manuel Teixeira Gomes 947 1º Dto, 8135 - 016 Almancil, Portugal
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AMI 14557
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Art
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Legacy of an
Era
Transforming the landscape of Southern Iberia, the waterwheel was the single most important item of technology to be introduced in the 8th century, shortly after Arab forces invaded from Morocco, as Carolyn Kain discovered
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t the time, the waterwheel was unknown in Iberia but it became the best device for accessing underground water supplies. In Portugal known as ‘nora’ (in English ‘noria,’ from the Arab word ‘na’urah’), it is the subject of Roma Markov’s latest painting. The artist is based in Faro and the original painting is currently exhibited at Galeria CôrteReal in Paderne. Throughout the Algarve countryside, many noras can still be seen but most are no longer in working order. They once drew water from a well passing it through a series of dug-out channels to irrigate the fields. A donkey or a mule walking in circles was used to turn the large wheel which dipped down into a well, filling pottery or metal containers attached around its rim. At the surface, gravity tipped the water into a trough or aqueduct and the empty containers returned to the bottom of the well in a continuous process. Both Portugal and Spain benefitted from the nora so that for centuries the Iberian fields were far better developed than those in the rest of Europe. Groves of almonds, apricots, carob, pomegranate and citrus trees flourished. Numerous crops and vegetables could now be grown on what had previously been arid land. The 12th-century Moroccan scholar, Al Idrisi, described the Algarve as a land of beautiful cities, surrounded by irrigated gardens and orchards. Going back in time The origin of the waterwheel is something of a puzzle although there is evidence that a similar
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invention existed in Egypt around 700BCE. It collected water from a river, the flow filled the containers by immersion and, as the wheel rotated, the upper containers were emptied out into a trough. At around the same time – developed independently in China – the ‘bucketwagon’ was an almost identical device. Five hundred years later the nora’– able to draw water from a well rather than a river – was in common use across Iberia. Arab engineers made significant improvements to the design developing the flywheel and crankshaft to deliver power more smoothly. Once a well was sunk and a ‘nora’ installed, agriculture could be made to thrive. Other irrigation methods have superseded the waterwheel so that the land around each nora has returned to its natural state; parched in summer but at other times of year surrounded by wild plants and grasses. One such scene inspired Roma Markov’s painting. “An iconic image of the Algarve’s agricultural past,” he says. In parts of Morocco such as Tagmoute, the ‘nora’ continues to be used. Nowadays wells are hygienically lined and the water treated with chemicals but the method of bringing it to the surface exactly replicates the system that was once used here. Galeria Corte Real Estr. de Paderne 912 737 762 Thursday to Sunday, 11am-5pm corterealarte.com
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Pressies
Simply Gorgeous
Perfect presents, chosen to make this Christmas extra special Clock by ceramicist Ian Roberts Corte Real Gallery 912 737 762 corterealarte.com €120
Dolce & Gabbana Grey Perfumery Douglas Algarve Forum 289 889 300 douglas.eu From €59.95
Calendar Plate Vista Alegre Algarve Shopping 289 562 204 vistaalegre.com €70
Christmas cushion by Tizann White & Kaki, Almancil 289 358 351 whiteandkaki.com €140
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Vintage Gino crocodile bag Quinta Bay By Appointment 919 934 309 quintabay.com €450
Rhinestone clog slippers Zara Home Mar Shopping 289 247 921 zarahome.com €29.99
Handknitted gingerbread dolls Sofia Ventura / Play Handmade Portugal 919 728 803 facebook.com/ PlayHandmadePortugal/ €24 each
Nativity scene, papier maché Casa da Bli Quinta Shopping 289 392 572 casadabli.pt €150
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Nickel-plate tortoise-topped box Equilibrio Interiors Almancil 289 397 059 equilibriointeriors.com €235
Limited-edition figurine ‘Retirement’ Casa da Bli Quinta Shopping 289 392 572 casadabli.pt €295
Amazing frog pot by Bordallo Pinheiro Sardinha Loule facebook.com/sardinha.fresh.souvenirs. from.portugal €295
Carved gilt photo frame Gato Preto Mar Shopping 289 247 933 alojadogatopreto.com €12.95
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Vintage Ciner necklace suite Quinta Bay By Appointment 919 934 309 quintabay.com €180
Large candle vase by Baobab Dunas Lifestyle Quinta Shopping 289 392 602 dunas-style.com €270
Chicco Elephant Basketball Centroxogo Mar Shopping 289 998 525 Centroxogo.pt €27.95
2019 Diary Flying Tiger Mar Shopping 934 853 883 pt.flyingtiger.com €4
Wood bowls and platters from Indonesia Gosto Boliqueime 919 803 913 gosto.pt €29-€79
Carved and painted mask from Guatemala Gosto Boliqueime 919 803 913 gosto.pt €59
Private Collection Room Fragrance Rituals Mar Shopping 289 998 422 rituals.com €42.50
Chocolate handbag Ibelle Chcolae Artesanal Tavira 925 463 925 chocolate@ibelle.pt €35
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Christmas Dining
HOLIDAY OPTIONS FOR FOODIES Many an eaterie closes its doors so that staff can take a well-earned break after the tourists have left. We checked who’d be open and serving food with all the festive frills over the forthcoming holidays
ALAGOAS
This favourite in Santa Barbara is open throughout the holiday season. If fried roes are on the menu, try them... they are sensational. 289 992 835
ALAMBIQUE
is open on the 31st but fully booked. It might be worth checking for cancellations though. 289 394 579
BOVINO in QdL, is open for NYE. 289 322 471 BUTCHERS
in Almancil promises a special menu for the 31st, at a very reasonable €65 a head. If great steak is your thing, this is here you want to be. 927 114 998
CAPISCE
in Almancil will be open throughout December and throwing a Godfather-themed New Year’s Eve party. Think like Marlon. €50 a head (€28 for childen up to 12)... an offer you can’t refuse. Four courses, all sounding delizioso. 289 393 347 . is closed now but reopens on the 26th. The normal – and very sumptuous – menu will be served on NYE but the restaurant will be closing at 11pm, allowing diners the time to get to the nearest firework show. 289 399 109
CASA DO CAMPO
CONRAD ALGARVE
offers a whole programme of seasonal celebrations, under the romantic theme of The Great Gatsby, from daily tea experiences in the Lago Lounge, to festive brunches in the Louro Restaurant, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day lunches and dinners in the Louro and in Gusto by Heinz Beck, New Year’s Eve cocktail parties and lavish dinners. It is absolutely worth going online for details and making your reservations early. 289 350 700
FIGUEIRAL
is closed on the 8th, 24th and 25th and also 1st January. But New Year’s Eve will be something special, with a great three-course menu with a buffet of
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cheeses and jams as well as desserts, and live music. Expect to pay €70 a head, €35 for children 5-12). 289 395 558
HENRIQUE LEIS
re-opens of the 28th to prepare for the Big Night, their gourmet dinner on the 31st. A stunning tasting menu is planned and those who know the work of the Michelin-starred Chef, will know something wonderful will be the order of the night. The price per head is €135, and there will be celebratory animation and fireworks on the terrace. 289 393 438
JULIAS PRAIA DO GARRAO.
Open throughout the festive season except Christmas Day. The menu is as usual... something for everyone. 289 396 512
LE MARQUIS
near Santa Barbara de Nexe will be serving up great tastes on the 24th and 25th and on 1st of January. 916 076 540
PARRILLA NATURAL
will be charging £95 a head at Christmas and €145 on NYE – half for kids under 12 – and serving a wonderful fusion of tastes. Adventurous starters on the 31st include soft shell crab tempura, served with wakame salad and lime and coriander mayo and if you are a lamb lover, the mushroom and herbencrusted rack will be right up your street. Vegan options are on the menu. 289 350 040
WILD FIRE
will feature background music over Christmas and live on New Year’s Eve. €100 a head (kids under 12 €50); and there are vegan choices in the adventurous menu. It will be hard to make a decision here – everything sounds wonderful. 289 095 813
WINE BISTRO
in Vila Sol is closed for Christmas but opens on the 31st. There’ll be a brilliant set menu, as you’d expect for this firm favourite, at €70 a head. But will it include their much-loved, have-to-have liver and onions? Here’s hoping. 912 283 066
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QUINTA BAY New and pre-loved luxury items with descretion, (by appointment only) Brought to you by Jim Van Hek
Rolex GMT-master II pre-owned with full service unworn, new price € 8550 Quintabay price € 6950
For more information call us on 289 398 178 or 919 934 309 or visit our website quintabay.com Find us in Almancil: Rua Manuel Teixeira Gomes, 9304 BL Loja EQ Escanxinas, Almancil www.simplyalgarvemag.com 19
Festive
HO HO HO! Just in case you need a bit more festive
❅ Screen Santas. There have been very many, including Fred Astaire, Richard Attenborough, Nigel Hawthorne, Richard Griffiths, Robert Wagner, Lloyd Bridges, José Elías Moreno, John Goodman, Art Carney, Isaac Hayes. And the voices of the high-profiles likes of Alex Baldwin, Michael Bell, Tom Hanks and Jim Broadbent. ❅ The American version of St. Nicholas, or Santa Claus originally came from the Dutch version called Sint Nikolaas or Sinterklaas. The Dutch settlers in New Amsterdam (New York) brought the tradition (some even say cult) to America. ❅ Why Ho, Ho Ho? If Santa went around saying “ha ha ha,” people would think he was laughing at them. If he said “har har har,” people would think he was a pirate. If he said “hoo hoo hoo,” people would think he was an owl. ❅ According to scientific study of reindeer, the males shed their antlers during the winter months, while the females maintain their antlers. However, all of Santa’s reindeer have male names and all have antlers during the freezing month of December. So, are those reindeer male? If yes, how come they keep their antlers during winter? If they are females with male names, does Santa have gender identification issues. ❅ Saint Nicholas, whose name was changed over the years to Santa Claus, was a real person, a bishop in the church in the 4th century. He was born in Patara in Asia Minor and
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later moved to Myra, Turkey (now known as Demre), where he was elected bishop. He died on 6 December sometime between AD 326 and 341. ❅ US scientists calculated that Santa would have to visit 822 homes a second to deliver all the world’s presents on Christmas Eve, travelling at 650 miles a second. ❅ Close to 60 million Christmas trees are grown each year in Europe. ❅ Xmas is a common abbreviation of the word Christmas and it is not irreligious. The letter X is a Greek abbreviation for Christ, while the ‘mas’ part is from the Old English word for Mass. ❅ It’s often said that Santa’s red and white robes were the creation of a Coca-Cola advertising campaign. Is that true? Nah! But while Coke ran a campaign for 30 years featuring a jolly fat Santa - his colour scheme owes more to ecclesiastical vestments than a brainstorm on Madison Avenue. ❅ Here on the Algarve, Santa appears time and time again, much to the delight of the kiddies visiting the various Christmas Markets. Sometimes he is relatively slim, at others nicely rounded, and his preferred mode of transport is a motorbike. Forget ho-ho-ho, this is a case of festive vroom-vroom-vroom.
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❅ There is a Santa Claus hotel in Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland, that promises comfortable accommodation, tasty food, conference facilities and the opportunity to explore the arctic atmosphere close to Santa Workplace. But why stay in a hotel room when there are 71 glass igloos to choose from? santashotels.fi/en/hotelsantaclaus/glass-igloos-inrovaniemi ❅ Wanna speak to the an in charge? Call +1 951 262 3062 to get a voice recording of Santa Claus encouraging you – or better still, the kids – to leave their list of Christmas gift wishes. If the line gets busy with all that hoping, you could record your own message (remember disguise your voice first though). Only you will know. ❅ At www.SantaCon.info there is a list of SantaCon events around the world – currently covering cities in different countries. The established authority, it is the work of one Santa - Websanta - who takes pride in doing the best he can to enable you/Santa to find (or create) and enjoy a SantaCon near you. The closest one we found is in Paris on 16 December so maybe it is time for a Golden Triangle version.
❅ According to emailsanta.com Santa’s wife, Mrs Claus, is 1,136 years old. Whether she has submitted to a bit of plastic surgery is not known. ❅ Estimates put the average spend per adult on Christmas gifts in Europe at €188. ❅ White Christmas, written by Irving Berlin in 1942 and recorded by Bing Crosby for the movie Holiday Inn, was resurrected and rejigged in 1954 as the title song for the movie of the same name. Since then, it has sold over 100 million records around the world, a figure that includes both singles and album sales, making it the most successful of all releases. Crosby once joked that a “jackdaw with a cleft palate could have sung it successfully.”
❅ Planning early. The World Santa Claus Congress, organized by the Bakken.dk took place over three days in July in Lyngby, Denmark. A professional forum and social meeting place for real Santas from all around the world, the event also provided a chance to promote the Santa Claus trade and show how Christmas cheer is done in different parts of the world. ❅ Santa’s sleigh would weigh over 400,000 tons if it carried enough toys for all the children in the world. 360,000 reindeer would be required to bear the load. ❅ In the US, the most popular cookies left out for Mr Claus are chocolate chip and Oreos.
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Festive
Tavira
Shining bright All along the Algarve the lights of Christmas are shimmering. The designs sparkle, the colours dazzle. Get out and enjoy a glittering adventure 22
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Tavira
Tavira
Tavira
Tavira OlhĂŁo
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Olhão
Olhão
Olhão Olhão
Olhão 24
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Faro
Faro Faro
Faro www.simplyalgarvemag.com
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Property
Property of YELLOW HOMES Land & Houses Algarve Real Estate Agent since 1995 Tel: +351 289 301 294 Email: info@yellowhomes.com www.yellowhomes.com EN 125, Benfarras Boliqueime (opposite DHL)
AMI: 6232
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Impeccably presented 3 (+1) bedroom villa set in an idyllic location north of Faro with stunning views over the countryside and the Atlantic Ocean.
the month
PROPERTY DETAILS • Villa on elevated position • Traditional and modern design • Far-reaching views over the countryside and the sea • 3 bedrooms with modern fitted wardrobes • 3 bathrooms en suite + guest WC in the entrance hall • The 1st floor of the property is reserved for the master bedroom with ensuite bathroom and access to the very large terrace • Good size living room with wood burning stove • Separate dining area • Fully fitted and equipped kitchen with breakfast area • Large terraces on the ground and first floor both with sea views • Basement: garage space for 2 cars / workshop / laundry room • Possibility to change part of the basement into a 4th en suite bedroom • Carport and ample parking in front of the house • Electric entrance gate • Salt water swimming pool, BBQ and external Sauna • Double glazed windows with aluminium shutters • Mosquito screens • Central heating and Air conditioning throughout • Solar Panels for hot water • Satellite TV /Alarm / Internet • Mains water • Licensed borehole and cistern • Landscaped Garden with automatic irrigation system • Fully fenced plot of 2.580 m2 with numerous pathways • Construction Size: 272 m2 (232m2 + 40 m2 covered terraces) • EC Class C
€750.000 Ref: BKO www.simplyalgarvemag.com
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Property
End of the year Market update
E
Report by property expert Robert Bijker
very year in December we reflect on the past year and provide an outlook for the property market in the year ahead. The past 12 months have been very exciting as real estate continued to be popular for both permanent living and investment purposes. The total number of visitors to the Algarve decreased a bit year-on-year, but this was to be expected after two consecutive years of record-breaking numbers. Strong demand for both residential and investment property saw prices of existing properties rise by 9.5% which is just above the top end of our expectation of 9% made in December 2017. There are various reasons to be less bullish for the upcoming year. The demand for properties in 2018 continued to come predominately from buyers from Scandinavia,
France, Germany, Italy and The United Kingdom and often in relation with the NHR program. The British continued to buy property seemingly undeterred by a relatively weak Pound and ongoing Brexit saga for most of the year, although in Q4 some buyers had second thoughts as poor visibility about what the future will bring created uncertainty. However, the majority of buyers from the UK did not want to put their lives on hold and hedged themselves once agreement has been reached over the purchase price of a property. In general, the majority of buyers in 2018 were cash buyers. For those buyers who needed a mortgage to complete their purchase, this was also a good year as banks are competing again for business which helps to keep costs down and the historic low level of interest rates proved to be a boon. For 2019 we are cautiously optimistic.
GOLF PROPERTIES - VILLAS - APARTMENTS - TOWNHOUSES - PLOTS
AMI: 6232
BEAUTIFUL MOORISH 4 BEDROOM VILLA WITH SEA VIEWS NEAR SANTA BARBARA. Set above the coastline near Santa Barbara de Nexe and with spectacular views of the countryside and the sea, is this beautifully Moorish villa. Set on different levels the property offers an impressive and open entrance hall and has very interesting architecture with typical arches and curves throughout perfect for those seeking something slightly more traditional. Price: €675.000 Ref: TIT EC class C.
Contact us! Our email is info@yellowhomes.com or call us on (+351) 289 301 294 Find out more info on our website www.yellowhomes.com
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A major factor is that the global economy is slowing down. The IMF has lowered its economic growth forecast for 2019 and 2020 in light of elevated political risk. Growth is still expected, however, at a lower rate than expected nine months ago. Trade wars, rising nationalism, Brexit, the threat of interruption in global supply chains are all contributing to an increase in uncertainty. In addition, we are nearing the end of QE and interest rates can be expected to rise to levels more suitable to where we are in the economic cycle. Higher interest rates and increased levels of uncertainty are no friends to business. On the other hand, the price of oil has dropped from $86 per barrel in October to $60 in November which helps to soften the blow if the price stays around current level. On 11 December, the House of Commons will vote on Theresa May’s historic Brexit deal agreed by European leaders. The agreement aims to offer a smooth divorce to end Britain’s 45-year involvement in the European project; however, many details will have to be ironed out before December 2022, adding to years of uncertainty and potentially another cliff-edge. The deal is a compromise and is all about damage control. As a result, neither Remainers nor Brexiters are happy. If Brexit was all about Britain taking back control of its own destiny, it has not delivered. The truth is that a hard or soft Brexit would always come at a cost. In order to provide clarity, the government will publish an economic analysis of the cost of nodeal versus the current agreement.
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This may also make it painfully clear that – from a pure economical point of view – it would be better to stay. Ever since the referendum in 2016 the economic loss has been considerable. The UK economy has grown below capacity as the strain on resources of corporations, both financial as well as managerial, took its toll. According to EPFR, a data provider, UK equity funds have had net outflows of $1.01tn as investors withdrew funds on concerns about the impact of Brexit on Britain’s corporate sector. (JP Morgan alone spent over Euro 400 million to prepare for Brexit.)
Demand for properties in the Algarve outstripped supply in 2018 as strong economies bolstered both local and foreign buyers’ confidence about the future. For some, the Golden Visa and NHR programme was just the icing on the cake. The latter was first introduced in 2009 and has been highly successful in attracting foreigners to take up residency in Portugal, often allowing them to purchase a larger property due to their increased purchasing power in light of the tax benefit. The programme has come under attack by tax authorities from
GOLF PROPERTIES - VILLAS - APARTMENTS - TOWNHOUSES - PLOTS
AMI: 6232
EXCLUSIVE LISTING - BOLIQUEIME 3 BED VILLA WITH HEATED POOL AND SEA VIEWS This beautiful-kept 3 bed property for sale is situated close to Boliqueime, just a short drive away from Vilamoura, Golf courses and beaches. The south facing villa is set on a large plot of 2000 m2 featuring a heated pool and a beautiful garden with various fruit trees including apple, pomegranate, peach, lemon, orange, olive. Great property! Ref: R-GBT Price
€650.000 EC class B. Contact us! Our email is info@yellowhomes.com or call us on (+351) 289 301 294 Find out more info on our website www.yellowhomes.com
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Finland, Sweden, Norway, France and the Netherlands as they deem the tenyear tax holiday resulting from double taxation treaties unfair. Most people do not want to dispute with tax authorities and it is good to know that there are other tax-efficient solutions in Portugal for foreigners which make tax mitigation just as worthwhile. Both newly-built properties and good quality resales have been quickly snapped up as they appeared on the market. With limited supply it has become a seller’s market. In some cases, prices of new developments reached unprecedented levels as builders aimed for a moon shot; some succeeded and others reduced prices to more realistic levels shortly after the introduction. Renovation of old properties/ruins in town centres continued to be popular among investors as there are several benefits as part of the urban rehabilitation programme, such as a lower VAT rate (6%) on construction materials which effectively reduces building costs by more than 10%, no cost for the building license, exemption of IMT (property transfer tax) and exemption of IMI (council tax) for three years; some banks offer lower interest rates to finance the renovation work. The rehabilitation programme supports the improvement, renovation/ restoration, repair and conservation of
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Property
property for residential use. As demand for this type of property is outstripping supply, it remains a financially rewarding opportunity to buy and renovate a property in urban centres. However, despite these favourable incentives and conditions, there are still many old properties that remain unused and sometimes in ruin which is an undesirable situation in light of the stress in various cities and towns for affordable housing. The government has plans to allow local municipalities to dramatically increase the council tax (IMI) in case a property has been vacant for more than two years and could start with an increase in IMI by 600% as early as 2019. The IMI can continue to increase by 10% per annum thereafter, up to a maximum of 12 times the original IMI value. In this strong market it is hard to comprehend why various banks still have many unsold foreclosed properties on their books, especially in light of the speed at which they repossessed homes at the beginning of the crisis. This may change over the next 12 to 24 months as Lonestar – who owns 75% of Novo Banco – has reached an agreement to sell off a large chunk of foreclosed properties (a mix of almost 9,000 residential and commercial properties) to Anchorage Capital Group, a New York-based investment adviser, for €390m while the book value is €716.7m. This is part
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of the clean-up of the balance sheet of Novo Banco, with the balance to be covered by the resolution fund. These are properties that can come back on the market sooner rather than later, likely to be priced at a discount to similar properties, as ACG tries to reliquify.
INTEREST RATES
We continue to be in a low interest rate environment, although rates have started to rise. The interest margin banks charge their best customers fell to 1%, which is 15 basis points lower than a year ago. For those who prefer a fixed rate over a floating rate mortgage, the interest rate is 1.31% (almost unchanged from a year ago) for a five-year fixed mortgage consisting of the interest margin of the bank and the five-year swap rate of 0.31%. The current interest rate of a floating rate mortgage is 0.76% (1% -0.24% / three month Euribor) but one would be exposed to interest rate fluctuations. Demand for mortgages continued to increase in 2018 and we noticed a preference for fixed rate mortgages. The question is for how much longer will interest rates stay low? The ECB does not expect to rise rates until the second half of 2019. As a mortgage on a property is a long-term commitment, it makes sense to lock in the current low interest rate for a fixed period of time. In Portugal, most
mortgages have a floating rate based on three or six months Euribor. Rising interest rates are therefore passed on to the homeowner hurting disposable income and economic activity and may become an issue in 2020/2021. We remain concerned about the rise of populist and nationalist parties across Europe and the effect this can have on financial stability in 2019, with Italy being a case in point. Since the populist coalition government came to power, Italian sovereign bond yields have gone up as investors are worried about the government’s plan to increase public spending even after the EU rejected its draft budget over concerns about the country’s vast debt burden. The yield on ten-year bonds is currently 3.29%, up from about 2% before the general election in March 2018. If the yield stays at the current level, the debt servicing cost increases by €9bn per annum. The ECB keeps interest rates artificially low but eventually they have to move up. When rates move higher it will be a bigger burden for nations with high debt levels such as Portugal. The economy of Portugal has grown over the past two years and is in relatively good shape. The Bank of Portugal expect GDP to grow by 2.3% in 2018, 1.9% in 2019 and 1.7% in 2020. We believe that the numbers for 2019 and 2020 will be due for a downward revision in line with lower economic
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activity in Europe. Debt to GBP is still high at 121.2 %, the third highest in Europe after Italy and Greece. This is a major vulnerability as Portugal will need to stay on a firm downward trajectory to bring the ratio close to or below 100% in 2025, especially when economic activity slows down. When forming a well-informed opinion about the market outlook for 2019, one has to take into consideration not only the economic prospect of Portugal for the year ahead but also of other economies. Over the past 12 months, the economy of Portugal has benefited from a solid and broad-based economic expansion in Europe. However, there are clouds on the horizon: the IMF has revised downward its global economic growth numbers from 3.7% to 3.5% in 2018 and to 3.5% for 2019 and 2020. For the Euro area, the ECB lowered its forecast due to global trade tensions that dampen external demand. It now expects real GDP to growth at 2.1% (down from 2.3%) for 2018 and 1.9% and 1.7% respectively for 2019 and 2020 (which we believe could be too optimistic in light of rising trade and financial risks). Despite recent disappointing data and signs of weakening business confidence, the ECB has indicated that it will go ahead with its plans to end their quantitative easing program by the end of 2018 as it sees enough evidence that inflation will rise gradually on the back of the lowest levels of unemployment since 2008 and rising profitability of companies. With tight labour markets the ECB expects wages to rise. The year 2019 will see the start of quantitative tightening after a prolonged time of quantitative easing and brings us in uncharted territory with possibly higher levels of market volatility.
BUY TO LET
During the course of the year, there have been some measures introduced which we think are negative for the buy-to-let investors, namely new restrictive rules for short-term holiday letting, additional red tape to comply with collecting of a tourist tax if and when implemented by local councils, and the introduction of additional price bands regarding the AIMI (Municipal Property Tax surcharge)
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for properties (or property portfolios) with a value of €600.000 and above. The new rules regarding short-term holiday letting are not only a setback for the holiday sector but also for other parts of the economy as it is adding uncertainty to homeowners and prospective buyers interested in covering some of the expenses by renting out properties. This is an issue which has been highlighted by various property associations like the Association of Hospitality, Restaurant and Related Institutions of Portugal (AHRESP), Associação dos Profissionais e Empresas de Mediação Imobiliária de Portugal (APEMIP) and the Association of Local Accommodation in Portugal (ALEP). Councils are from now on allowed to restrict the number of licenses in a neighbourhood. In addition, homeowners with a condominium can also be stopped from renting out to vacationers in case a majority of neighbours are against it, for whatever reason. In addition, condominiums can also demand an additional and controversial payment of fees when a property is rented out of up to 30% to cover the increased use of communal areas by holiday makers. Instead of a national law with clear rules and regulation, decision-making has now moved to a local level where subjective reasons can and will come into the equation. Instead of unifying homeowners at condominium meetings, it will more likely divide them. It is public knowledge that the A.L. legislation is a mess and as such it may not come as a surprise that out of an estimated 200,000 available accommodations in Portugal only approximely 25% – 51.000 properties registered by year end 2017 (source: Deloitte) – are legal and registered with the correct license. Local councils are now allowed to introduce a tourist tax, should they wish to. Last September the Algarve Intermunicipal Community AMAL approved the foundations for the tax to be introduced of which 15 of the Algarve’s 16 municipalities gave their approval. Only Silves was against the tax, which raises €1.50 per person/per night up to a maximum of ten nights. Each council will still have to vote on this at a local level, which could lead
to some councils taxing tourists while others don’t, adding to confusion for holiday makers. The relative small charge can add up for a family of four. For those homeowners involved in short-term holiday letting on a legal basis (Alojamento Local) this is another cost burden they just do not need, versus the 70% illegal dwellings they compete with. An exact launch date still has to be decided. The AIMI comes in effect when a person owns residential property worth more than €600,000 (€1.200,000 for couples), with 0.7% tax up to €1m, and 1% in excess of €1m to €2m. For property above €2m, the rate is 1.5%. This is in addition to the annual IMI (council tax) of 0.4% of the value of a property.
LOOKING AHEAD
In our best-case scenario, we expect transaction volume of residential housing to show a small decline in 2019 due to a lack of supply, increasing interest rates and global tensions, while we expect prices of existing homes sales to rise between 3% and 4%. We also expect healthy demand for good-quality, newly-built properties when priced right. Over the past years the abundance of cheap and easy money from a loose monetary policy has benefited economic growth and employment and indeed inflated prices of financial assets as a rising tide lifts all boats. As we are slowly moving away from a loose monetary policy to a more normalized monetary policy it is likely that the biggest increases in property prices are behind us. Considering all of the above, we expect 2019 to be another good year. Yellow Homes – Land & Houses .algarvepropertysearch.com algarve-portugal-immobilien.de Vilamoura Office EN 125, Benfarras Boliqueime 8100 - 068 Boliqueime Tel: 289 301 294 Fax: 289 301 439 Tavira Office Rua Dr. José Pires Padinha 178 8800 - 354 Tavira Tel: 281 320 281 Fax: 281 321 901 (AMI - 6232)
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Dining out
Your ultimate
Restaurant This time round we’ve covered a number of very different food types in restaurants that come highly recommended
guide
GRISSINO RISTORANTE Vale Verde
Mark Graham Most Algarvean Restaurants are marvellous to be in during the summer months, but some are perhaps a little less welcoming when winter sets in. Our favourite place as the nights get longer and what passes for winter in the Algarve approaches, is Grissino, which can be found on the road between Vale do Lobo and Almancil, on the sharp bend almost opposite Parilla. Grissino’s is a completely genuine Italian restaurant and it has a marvellous ambience, with the added attraction of tables which are spaced well apart, so a good conversation can be held at normal voice levels. There is a terrific choice of Italian dishes of all types prepared to a high standard – the mixed starter, which can also be served as a main course, is a memorable favourite of ours, and the veal dishes in particular are a standout. The food I suppose, could best be described as traditional Italian cuisine with a very modern touch. Altogether a marvellous place, made particularly special by the very welcoming staff. Em527 850A 8135-107 Almancil 289 356 562
A QUINTA Almancil
Jilly Menpes-Smith We love A Quinta! It is consistently good with a wonderful choice of menu and highly-professional staff. My choice as a starter would be either prawns in filo pastry with a sweet chili dip, or the grilled goat’s cheese with pine nut salad. But then again I could be tempted by the fresh crab salad or the fois gras. Main courses on offer are designed to satisfy every taste and all moods – garlicky, buttery Chicken Kiev, or a rack of perfectly-cooked lamb, or perhaps the fish of the day. The filet steak is always the finest and for those – and there are many of them – who adore liver, the A Quinta style is exemplary. The desserts are tempting, so leave a little space for the bread and butter pudding, or prune and almanac ice cream. The restaurant décor is warm and welcoming, with attention to both detail and comfort. And in the summer months, there’s nothing nicer than eating on the terrace outdoors. This has long been a favourite or ours, and without question will continue to be first choice. Estr. Vale Formoso, 8100-267 Loulé 289 393 357
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PALACIO DO PIRI PIRI Boliqueime
Joyce Carlton Drive through Boliqueime after dark and the narrow streets are pretty deserted. Where is everyone you ask? All at a nearby fiesta? Gone to bed early because of a power cut? Scoot round the bend as if you were leaving town and you will find them, gathered round the blazing log fire at Palacio do Piri Piri, eating their way through plates of scrumptious home-made chips that go with any of the wonderful dishes, chicken and otherwise. The piri-piri sauce arrived in a separate pot, with a neat little paint brush so you could dress up the flavour as much, or as little, as you choose. My companion had lamb cutlets and declared them the best he has had in years, and he raved about the salad saying how many restaurants let themselves down by using poor quality oil on lettuce that was probably okay the day before. The big juicy garlicky fried prawns that the people on the next table ordered looked amazing, and from the smiles and lip-smacking, obviously were. The prices are fair, the staff really friendly and the actual building is wonderful, a mix of charm and eccentricity, part original house, part add-on, with a well in the centre that is home to a number of fish, and part terrace which must be glorious in the summer months with its views down to the coast. This is one I shall return to – again and again. R. do Pavilhão, 8100-070 Boliqueime 289 366 382
THE CLAY OVEN Albufeira
Susi Rogol Goodkind My other half has always hated Indian food. Actually, that’s not fair, he simply never gave it a chance, swearing it was the smell of cumin (fragrance to most normal foodies) that put him off. So much so, many years ago when our daughter and I insisted on going to a north London curry house, he said he would join us only if they made him an omelette and sat him by an open window. Times and appetites do change, however, and thanks to Neil at The Clay Oven, we have entered a whole new eating era. We were taken there by friends who were unaware of husband’s tastebuds’ shortcoming. Guess what? No cumin aromas. No red flocked wallpaper. Instead, gorgeously glam surroundings– the décor itself is a treat – enchanting staff and yes – advice. I told Neil that husband was a bit of a peasant when it comes to strong flavours. No probs, he said, and conjured up a lamb dish which was mild, mellow and much liked. Really. With a gobi alu sans spice. I forget completely what I had, other than it was super-hot and delicious, as I spent most of the evening stunned by hubby’s reaction. We went back a week later. Neil remembered Mr Difficult’s proclivities and said: “Leave it to me”. A chicken and lentil dish arrived. Another success story. More than a month after that, Neil still recognised the challenger as we worked our way through the crowds (no reservations here, and queues start forming by 7pm). And he came up trumps again. Husband now considers himself an expert on naan, rotis, and pickles; the day when a vindaloo is demanded can’t be far off. Edif. Mira Vila, R/C, bloco B, 8200-260 Albufeira 289 586 868
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Dining out
HAMBURGUERIA BROOKLYN Loulé
Jesse Velosa, age 13 Brooklyn of Loulé is my all-time favourite burger restaurant and my mum and dad like it too! It is not fast food and their burgers are the best, real meaty and with lots of different toppings and breads, and they do sweet potato chips as well as standard chips for a healthy choice (my mum picks that). There is a Mexican one with nachos, one covered in sauce, plus chicken and salmon variations and stuff for vegetarians, too. I reckon the cheese and bacon burger must be one of their best-sellers but for me, if you can eat it all, it’s the Double Trouble. Everyone I speak to says they have their own favourite and the choice is really big. On top of that, each month there’s a special burger, just for then and not on the regular menu, so you have to keep going back to find out what it is. The restaurant is trendy and the staff are really cool, and they come up with desserts just when you think you have no more room! Rua a Voz de Loulé LA, 8100-522 Loulé 289 411 287
QUINTA DO MEL VILAMOURA Quarteira
Jim van Hek Whenever I need a small holiday feeling, I walk with the dogs for almost an hour through the countryside lanes of rural Vilamoura behind the beaches. Here I find Quinta do Mel, waiting for me with the best cup of tea, a slice of cake and delicious pancakes. Everything here is homemade – even the herbal teas are self-produced, with organic certification, some of them collected at the time of serving. There are jams to take home and olive oils, fresh strawberries and herb-infused honeys, bags of chilli peppers and laurel leaves. The restaurant, open for lunch and dinner, is relaxed and intimate, and offers sharing snack and tapas or full meals with a focus on Mediterranean flavours and using produce grown on the farm. This is a gem, a fourth generation family-run farm with ten guest bedrooms – a home away from home where the food is lovingly prepared and beautifully presented. Quinta do Mel, Caminho do Banco, 8200-380 Albufeira 289 543 674 / 966 082 524
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M E R RY C H R I S T M A S AND A
B OA S F E S TA S
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BRITISH STYLE AUCTION HOUSE
• Direct Sales • Business and House Clearances
Direct sales, Business and house clearance service, online catalogue, & Monthly Auctions! Free valuations and Monthly Auctions!
• Free Valuations • Online Catalogue
General Auctions Plus Antiques and Collectables General auctions are held on the 1st Saturday of the month and Start at 10:00 am.Viewings on the Thursday and Friday before the Auction between 09:00 and 17:00.
ANTIQUE AND VINTAGE JEWELLERY AND HALLMARKED STERLING SILVER.
FURTHER DETAILS OF ALL AUCTIONS ARE ON OUR WEBSITE
Do you have antique and vintage jewellery you would like to sell? Have you got some hallmarked sterling silver items you no longer want? These items are creating a lot of interest at Auction at the moment and are achieving realistic prices.
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Why not give us a no obligation call to discuss what you may like to sell? We offer honest valuations and free advise to all potential sellers.
Open: Mon - Fri 09:00 - 14:00pm Sat: Open Auction days Email: valuations@ahalgarve.com Office: 289 832 380 Tel. Mark: 914 774 438 Sitio do Besouro, Conceição, Faro
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Finance
Pound rocked by Brexit chaos Keep up to date with our currency expert Chantelle, Client Account Executive at Currencies Direct Staying on top of the latest currency news can help you time your transfers more effectively, so find out what you should be looking out for over the next few weeks…
THE LATEST CURRENCY NEWS... Brexit continued to dominate currency markets in recent weeks, with fears of a no-deal scenario leading to some notable volatility in the pound. This has resulted in GBP/EUR briefly jumping from €1.13 to €1.15 before dropping back down while EUR/GBP climbed from £0.87 to £0.88. Meanwhile GBP/USD traded in a range of $1.31 and $1.28, with EUR/USD creeping up from $1.13 to $1.14. WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING? The pound showed some significant volatility in November, with Sterling suffering some particularly dramatic losses as criticism of a draft Brexit agreement with the EU led to the resignation of senior Cabinet members and attempts to force a no-confidence vote in Theresa May. Political uncertainty also had a significant impact on the euro, with both Brexit and Italy budget concerns denting EUR sentiment. Meanwhile outside of a small setback due to the US midterm elections, the US dollar has remained buoyant over the past few weeks as demand was bolstered by nervous GBP and EUR investors.
European Commission’s response to Rome’s decision to defy EU fiscal regulations. Finally, the US dollar looks set to continue to appreciate as safe-haven demand likely remains elevated by European political uncertainty and renewed US-China trade tensions. At Currencies Direct we’re here to talk currency whenever you need us, so please get in touch if you want to know more about the latest news or how it could impact your currency transfers. Since 1996 we have helped more than 250,000 customers with their currency transfers, so why not call in into our local Currencies Direct branch in Almancil or give us a call to find out more. For more detailed information, please contact Chantelle at the local office on 00351 289 395739 or alternatively visit the website on www. currenciesdirect.com/portugal and register to get regular updates on the currency markets, (please mention Simply Algarve magazine as how you heard about us).
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO LOOK OUT FOR? GBP investors are likely to remain laser focused on UK politics in the coming weeks as May’s premiership remains in the balance and the draft Brexit deal is put before Parliament, with further losses in the pound likely if events increase the risk of a no-deal Brexit. Meanwhile the euro is likely to remain sensitive to any news regarding Italy as markets wait for the
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Finance
Selling your home: what you need to declare Keep up to date with our Finance expert, chartered accountant Ricardo Chaves from All Finance Matters You can’t hide from the tax department! When you declare a sale on your tax return, the tax authorities already know of it, so if you fail to include this on your declaration, the taxman will be after you
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capital gain occurs when you sell some-thing for more than you spent to acquire it. This happens a lot with investments, but it applies to personal property, too. Are you planning to sell your home? Find out what tax you will have to pay and how to reduce this liability.
You can’t hide from the tax department
Any property transaction performed in Portugal must be reported to the Tax Authorities by the notary who executes the deed. This means that when you declare a sale on your tax return, the tax authorities already know of it, so if you fail to include the information then the taxman will be after you.
It’s mandatory to file a tax return every time you sell a Portuguese property
Irrespective of your tax domicile, if you sold a property located in Portugal, you need to declare it in your tax return in Portugal. Regardless if there was a gain or not, it’s mandatory to make this declaration, which happens normally in May of the year following the sale in the case of individual ownership, or within 30 days after the sale, in case of corporate ownership (companies without activity).
Declaring the sale doesn’t mean you need to pay tax
You only pay tax if you had a gain on the transaction. So if you sell something for more than the purchase price, then the difference is a capital gain and that is reported on your taxes. Please note that the value you paid for the property needs to be adjusted according to the inflation coefficient applicable to the year of purchase. This means that the purchase value will increase for the capital gains calculation. Also, some expenses will be included in the tax
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return and deducted from any gain obtained.
In which cases your sale is tax exempt
It is possible to be exempt from tax in certain situations. For example if the property was acquired prior to 1989, it’s not liable to any CGT. Nevertheless, taxpayers will still have to declare these operations. But this is not the only tax exemption on capital gains from the sale of a property. The law provides, for example, that if you use the full amount of the sale of a property to buy another home (only applicable to tax residents and only in the sale of their primary residence), to build a home or purchase of land intended for the construction, you don’t pay tax on capital gains. Please note that this reinvestment of the gains, needs to take place within 36 months and can be done in any EU country.
Expenses allowed to deduct your capital gains From the sale of your property you can deduct the costs incurred with the purchase operation and sale of the property (eg IMT and registers on the purchase, real estate commission on the sale etc). Taxpayers can also deduct costs incurred in property over the past 12 years, such as property refurbishments or other money spent to increase the value of the asset, including the cost of the energy certification.
Residents vs non-residents individual ownership
If you are non-resident for tax purposes, the tax applicable to your capital gain, will be 28%. If, however, you are resident, then tax will be levied only on 50% of the gain and you will be taxed according to the tax bracket applicable to your overall income. However, if you are non-resident and EU national, it’s possible to opt for the same rules of the residents and taxed only on 50% of the gain. Contact us, we will tell you how this is done. Obviously that in this case, although the non-resident is taxed under the same rules as a resident, if this is not his primary residence
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Q then the gains cannot be rolled over if he buys another property; that will only be available to those residents who sell their main residence and buy another property which will be their main home.
How does the reinvestment work?
If you are resident and this is your primary residence, you can reinvest the proceedings of the sale on another purchase within the EU. This needs to be done on a purchase made between 24 months prior and 36 months after the sale. If the reinvestment in the new property is lower than the total sale, than the tax will be calculated pro-rata. Please note that if you declare on your tax return that you wish to reinvest the proceeding of the sale and then fail to do so, or reinvest a lower amount, the tax will be re-assessed and you will pay interest.
toldos - awnings sun wind rain protection
Even if you do not plan to sell your home for now, it is important that you keep all supporting charges and make sure these invoices include your name and fiscal number and – crucially – the correct address of the property. The repayment of mortgage loans incurred to purchase the property, will also be taken into consideration, when calculating the tax return. It is important to plan ahead, as you can’t afford any tax surprises. Please feel free to visit us for a friendly chat and ask us for a capital gain tax assessment on your property. If you fear that you may be liable for a big capital gain tax bill, then let us study your case – we may find a way to substantially reduceing this tax burden.
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Home Cooking
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A just-published book from DK – MasterChef The Classics with a Twist – is a celebration of dining with a difference. Here is a favourite of ours, created by one of the stars of the show…
Pea and white truffle soup with parmesan galettes James Nathan’s favourite way of serving this is to use elegant coffee cups and saucers. The Parmesan galettes need to be wide enough to balance safely on top of each serving cup. Serves: 4-6 Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 3 minutes INGREDIENTS • 250g (9oz) frozen peas or petit pois, plus 1tsp for the galettes • 450ml (15fl oz) hot vegetable stock • A few thyme springs, leaves picked • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • 1-2tbsp crème fraîche (optional) • White truffle oil, to serve FOR THE GALETTES • 80g (3oz) Parmesan cheese, finely grated • 2 slices Serrano ham • 1 packet pea shoots • Small handful of mint tips (the very tiny new growth buds at the end of the stem) or 6 mint leaves • Viola flowers METHOD Put the peas in a bowl, then pour over boiling water and leave to stand for about five minutes. Drain.
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Put the peas (setting aside 1tsp for the galettes), stock, and thyme leaves in a blender and blend until smooth and combined, in batches if necessary. Add more stock if the soup is too thick. Season well with salt and pepper, and blend again.
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Make the Parmesan galettes. Heat a heavybased non-stick frying pan over a medium heat and sprinkle four thin layers of Parmesan to make a galette wide enough for your serving cups. When the cheese starts to melt, wait about two minutes, until it turns golden and bubbly. Immediately remove from the heat, leave for about one minute, then transfer to a wire rack.
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Finely shred the Serr`no ham into strips. Scatter each galette with the reserved petit pois, viola petals, pea shoots and mint.
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To serve, stir the crème fraîche (if using) into the soup, use a hand-held blender to froth up the liquid, pour into serving bowls or cups, and spoon a head of froth over each. Add a few drops of truffle oil to each cup and top with a Parmesan galette balanced on each cup.
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Agenda
NOT TO BE MISSED:
Each month, Simply Algarve brings you a hand-picked selection of the events on the region’s calendar. There are, of course, many more, but we will focus on the lesser-known and possibly more interesting. Got an event coming up? Email us with the details at simplyalgarvemag@gmail.com
THE ARTS CARLOS LOUÇA
Museu do Traje Sao Bras Till 7 January Carlos Louçã was born in Huambo, Angola in 1965. He has been called ‘God’s Artist’ due to his realistic sacred style creating pieces of indisputable beauty using many different techniques. His works can be found in many private and public collections in Portugal, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Germany, and Angola. He has won several prizes and participates in individual as well as collective exhibitions throughout Europe.
COLLECTABLES
ArtCatto, Loule On now Stunning signed limited-edition prints by uber-talents Jack Vettriano, James Gill and John Hoyland make wonderful gifts – Christmas or at any other time. Prices range up to €5,000, but start at just €600.
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SEASONAL FAVOURITES
Corte Real, Paderne On now Just one of a new collection of Algarve Fruits by Roman Markov. Oranges, figs, lemons and tangerines... perfect for the Christmas stocking. Once fresh oranges were hard to come by and finding one in your stocking was a huge treat. Wrought iron taper candle holders in matte black – the perfect Christmas lights.
CARLOS EVANGELISTA
Vale do Lobo Art Gallery Till 14 February Concrete Derivation features striking paintings and sculptures by this Spanish artist whose bold and distinctive style reflects his desire to create harmony through technical perfection and balancing a sense of fluidity with the static. The exhibition includes paintings in different formats made on wood, and lacquered steel sculptures, created between 2005 and 2018.
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MUSIC AND BALLET THE NUTCRACKER, LIVE FROM LONDON
MAR Shopping Monday 3 December to Sunday 23 December, 7.15pm The eternal Christmas favourite, broadcast from The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and featuring the ensemble of the Bolshoi Ballet. Enjoy an early dinner or late-evening snack at one of Mar’s food hall outlets.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Museu do Trajo São Brás de Alportel Sunday 8 December, 6pm This has become a regular event of the festive season. The Choir sings carols in harmony and then the audience gets to join in a jolly singalong in a number of languages... but thankfully, not all at the same time. Entry is free, but donations towards the work of the Amigos do Museu are much appreciated.
CONCERT
Quintinha da Música Tavira Near Tavira Sunday 23 December, 4pm Finnish soprano Olga Heikkilä will perform with Irene Ainstein (piano). Tickets are €25. Email lynne. algarvehistory@gmail.com to book
CHRISTMAS FAIRS FEIRINHA DE NATAL
Museu do Trajo São Brás de Alportel Sunday 2 December, 11am-4pm Absolutely worth a visit to pick up some delightful gifts for those on your Christmas list. Lots of home-made edibles alongside toys and decorations.
VALE DO LOBO CHARITY CHRISTMAS MARKET
Parque do Golfe Saturday 1 December, 10am-5pm Combining a luxury lifestyle Christmas gift market with a food and wine fair bringing together regional and traditional products and crafts from the Algarve, and supporting the Wolf Valley Charity Fund (WVCF). It is undercover – so weather won’t affect the enjoyment.
ACCA CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY BAZAAR
Algarve Tennis and Fitness Club Saturday 8 December, 11am-6pm Proceeds from this event go to ACCA, the charity which looks after children in need across the Algarve. Food and drink stalls, gift ideas, raffles and a visit from Santa at 12am.
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Agenda
TALKS THE HISTORY OF CHOCOLATE
Municipal Library Tavira Monday 10 December, 6pm Regina Shrimpton will get your tastebuds tingling, as she explores chocolate’s journey across the centuries, seas, and cultures, in the process, answering questions such as: Is chocolate an aphrodisiac? Is chocolate the same as cocoa? Is it good for our health? Is white chocolate a type of chocolate without the colouring? Does chocolate promote acne? Is 80% chocolate good for our health or is it just a bunch of talk? You’ll enjoy this one, and want more!
THE FAMOUS FIVE ALGARVIANS
Municipal Library Lagoa Tuesday 18 December, 6pm Municipal Library Tavira Friday 21 December, 11am If it is difficult to name five famous Portuguese, how much more difficult is it to name five famous Algarvians? According to Peter Booker, there are individuals from the Algarve who have had an effect on the life of the Portuguese people. Discover who are they, and why they are important – there are poets, politicians and presidents, airmen and engineers. Fascinating stuff.
HAPPENINGS CATAPLAY
Algarvian Cataplana Tasting Show Tertulia Algarvia, Faro Sunday 9 December, 6pm Little to nothing is known about the origins of cataplana, but this show takes two people, five cloves of garlic, one disagreement, several sounds, two points of view and one personal touch to get the message over. Sixty minutes of entertainment that ends with a catalaplana tasting and a glass of vinho. Tickets €10, 289 821 044 for further details.
ALGARVE UNVEILED
Loule Castle Friday 7 December, 11.30am A feature of the 365 Algarve programme, this reenacted tour through Loulé’s historical past will fascinate adults and kids alike as D. Afonso and the Arab king Al-mu’tamide take participants on a journey through the Algarve’s various historical periods in an interactive experience conveyed through contemporary visual effects and narrative language. After the 75-minute show, there’ll be regional wine and honey tasting and a visit to a small local handicraft exhibition. Tickers are €10. Call 966 655 941 for information.
FESTIVE CELEBRATIONS FATHER CHRISTMAS PARADE
All over… 1-30 December The man in red will kick off by switching on the Loulé Christmas lights at 3pm, then he and his elves will meet kids in the Praca da República, and hand out gifts, accompanied by Christmas music from the Grupo Coral Infantil de Loulé. The following day, Santa will be at Jardim Filipe Jonas in Quarteira at 11am, and then Jardim das Comunidades in Almancil for 3.30pm. On 6 December, at 10am, Loule school kids will celebrate the opening of the ‘Aldeia dos Sonhos’, a magical Christmas village which includes an ice rink. At weekeds there will be a candy market in Loulé with stalls selling sweet treats from chocolates to crêpes and waffles, street artists, and themed shows. The programme closes on 30 December with a concert by the children’s choir.
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COROA DA SERRA
Loulé Coreto Hostel, Loulé 1 December, 3.30pm-6.30pm Learn how to make a Christmas wreath. This is part of the Loulé Creativo initiative. The class, including materials, costs £17.50 and is held in both Portuguese and English. Minimum four people, maximum 12. Call 966 660 943 for more information.
ICE SKATING FOR TREES
Forum Algarve, Faro Now Ice rink opening times: Monday to Thursday: 11am-2pm / 4pm-10pm; Friday till 11pm Weekends: 10am-11pm 24 and 31 December: 10am-4pm 25 December and 1 January: the Ice Rink is closed Have a whizz around the ice rink and you’ll be helping reforest the Serra de Monchique – one skate, one tree. A brilliant cause, and a great way to help. Kiddies will enjoy the Santa village also in the central court.
FIREWORKS
Vale Do Lobo 31 December,11.30pm -1 January, 12.30am Celebrate New Year in Vale do Lobo with fireworks over the cliffs at midnight, parties in Spikes in the Parque do Golfe and at Monty’s in the Praça.
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Golf
Making your way around the course
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Richard Hudson and Eddie Charnock, PGA Professionals from Algarve Golf Guru, discuss Golf Course Management
his month we are going to discuss Golf Course Management, a key skill to playing your best ever golf. One of the finest golfers in the World for on Course Management is Justin Rose and the support he gets from his caddy has made him a truly great player! The low-handicap golfer doesn’t just hit great shots... he also thinks his way around the course. He very rarely plays a shot without focusing on what he is trying to do and what the outcome will be – very similar to a top snooker player who is always thinking three shots ahead. A key consideration on the golf course is: ‘Do what you do best’... don’t try the impossible! Jack Nicklaus once said: “If you can’t do it on the practice ground you won’t do it on the golf course”. Carrying 14 clubs in your golf bag means you can use all 14 but this is not always the case with higher handicappers. Thinking that a par 5 usually means a drive followed by a 3 wood, may not always be the best option;. when playing
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from around the greens using a sand iron like the Pro’s, it may not be sensible if you struggle to play the high shot. Instead, run the ball in with a 7 iron or indeed a putter. Use the yardage signs down the side of the fairways and remember that the closer you are to the green, the more important it is to know how far you are from the hole. Our top tip to help you lower your scores is to add your handicap to each hole before you tee off, so changing the par. If you play off 18 then each par 3 will be a 4, a par 4 will be a 5 and a par 5 will be a 6. The good news is, should you hit a poor tee shot you can get the ball back into play and concentrate on making your par, rather than the par for a scratch golfer! If you would like to book an on-course playing lesson with Richard Hudson or Eddie Charnock or have any other golfing needs, you can find them on their website: algarvegolfguru.com or email them at sales@algarvegolfguru.com – do make sure to mention Simply Algarve as a point of referral.
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GALERIA DE ARTE | ART GALLERY
Collective Exhibition
October to December 2018 at the ArtCatto Gallery in Loulé
Anneke Bester
Alain Bertrand
Paulo Neves
Nick Walker
Tim Madeira
Tel: (00 351) 289 419 447 | info@artcatto.com | www.artcatto.com | Avenida José da Costa Mealha nº 43, 8100-500 Loulé Gallery opening hours: Monday to Friday 10.00am to 6.00pm, Saturday 10.00am to 1.00pm
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Sports
SPORTS NEWS “
SUCCESS FOR LAGOS STROLLERS
We had a fantastic time, thank you so much for your hospitality - Shrewsbury 99ers WF”; “Fantastic well organised tournament - Heidi Emery, referee”; “Brilliant tournament, the best event we have competed in on the Algarve - Ipswich WF”; “Sportsmanship and camaraderie was a credit to all teams - Herefordshire WF.” Just a few of the comments received following the inaugural Olhão International Walking Football Tournament organised by East Algarve Walking Football. The first day’s action, consisting of twentyfour games, resulted in ninety-eight goals hitting the back of the net with Silver Coast Strollers (west-coast north of Lisbon) recording the first victory of the day. The Walker Brothers (central Portugal) and EAWF Tavira 60 each lost their opening four games but remained in good spirits whilst ‘home favourites’ EAWF Olhão 50 and EAWF Tavira 50 dropped points against Shrewsbury 99ers and São Brás. With all players being over the age of fifty and some well into there seventies - 80 year-old David Truman (Tavira 60) being the oldest - there were a number of creaking joints and aching muscles as the second day got underway with the completion of the groups stages. By mid-morning the line-up for Group Stage Two was confirmed as Silver Coast Strollers, Shrewsbury 99ers, EAWF Olhão 50 and EAWF Tavira 50 qualified for the major Tournament Trophy. Browns
CUP SUCCESS FOR MINNOWS SILVES FC
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ocal Algarve League team Silves FC marked a milestone in the club’s history when they reached the fourth round of the Portugal Cup, for the first time, with a dramatic extra-time victory over GD Chaves ‘B’. Goalless at full-time, the visitors took the lead in the first period of extra-time through Pedro Pedroso. With time running out Silves equalised two minutes from the end when Micael Pinto slotted home and sixty seconds later Tomas Costa crowned a great day for the club with the winner. Silves, the only club from the Algarve to reach the last thirty-two, were drawn away to Primeira Liga outfit Rio Ave.
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Brought to you by Chris Wright
(Vilamoura), Team Herefordshire, Ipswich WF and EAWF Olhão 50 competed in the Plate Competition and Lagos Strollers, the Walker Brothers, São Brás and EAWF Tavira 60 contested the Bowl Trophy. Before presenting the trophies António Camacho (Chief of Staff, Presidência na Câmara) thanked everyone for participating in an event that the Municipality of Olhão was proud to support. Lagos Strollers won the Bowl Trophy whilst Team Herefordshire picked up the Plate Trophy. The final game of the day resulted in EAWF Olhão 50 and EAWF Tavira 50 going head-to-head to decide who topped the group with Olhão 50 edging the game 1-0 thanks to a Neil Morris goal. A full set of results can be found at: www.walkingfootballalgarve.com
LEST WE FORGET : WHEN THE WHISTLE BLOWS
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ast month numerous events were staged to mark Armistice Day, a hundred years after the Great War ended. At the outbreak of war in August 1914, the new football season had only just started and as the war continued professional football gathered a lot of opposition. What was conveniently forgotten is that out of the million men that had volunteered over half had come from the football community. ‘When the Whistle Blows’ is about the formation of the 17th Middlesex Battalion which became known as the footballer’s battalion. Brighton and Hove Albion made one of the most impressive contributions to the Battalion, when thirteen of the seventeen professional players signed up with the 17th Middlesex. At the same time, we learn that some of these players who were heroes on the pitch to their fans were also heroes in battle. Throughout the chapters we are taken on a journey along with the men of the 17th Middlesex as they fought on the Somme and in particular Delville Wood where Lt. Evelyn Lintott, the first professional footballer to receive a commission, was killed. Then there was Captain Billie Nevill who kicked four footballs over the top and offered a prize to any soldier that dribbles one of the balls as far the German trenches. When the Whistle Blows: The Story of the Footballers’ Battalion in the Great War by Andrew Riddoch & John Kemp
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Last Word
Tales from an expat in Portugal Don’t take this lightly… Anthony Martin will be round at his lawyers if he hears anyone threatens to invade his privacy. Mind you, he gives a fair bit away here…
I’ve put up barbed wire to keep the wild boar at bay (I couldn’t give a damn if he’s hungry, I just want him to leave my garden alone)
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on-Disclosure Agreements, or NDAs, are all the rage now. For our cousins over the pond this is normal practice; Hollywood moguls, film stars and even the I-believe-in-transparency politicians have been at it for years and now we in Europe have caught on big-time. Not only did a certain UK businessman spent upwards of £500,000 with seven lawyers to stop the press from disclosing his bullying and misogynistic behaviour towards his staff, but also the UK’s House of Commons paid an unbelievable £2.4 million over the past five years to hush up… well, whatever they wanted to hush up – we shall never know. That’s £2.4 million of taxpayers’ money on keeping secrets from the very people who gave them the money in the first place. This is extraction of urine at the highest level. Not only are taxpayers being kept in the dark but they are paying to be kept in the dark. In addition to this are the Super Injunctions. These not only prohibit the actual deeds being made public but also forbid public knowledge of the very existence of the injunction itself. I, personally, have a problem with this when you remember the phrase ‘justice must also be seen to be done’. There is something very wrong when it’s possible to ride roughshod over whomsoever you wish and, so long as you haven’t broken the law, no one is allowed to be aware of your transgressions. But… and there is a big but. There is something that is called the Streisand effect. This describes how an effort to supress information can have the opposite effect and instead take it to a greater audience. In 2003, Barbra Streisand sued the company that posted online a photographic record of the Californian coastline showing her house, which, in her eyes invaded her privacy. It went viral, of course, and thousands of people, who previously had no idea where she lived, now did. Unfortunately for Barbra, the case was thrown out. However, if the big boys can get away with it, why can’t we ordinary folk get in on the act? As Anthony Martin Ltd, I’ve downloaded a template, made my wife sign, my son sign, the pool guy, the gardener, two close neighbours and
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even Maria who does for us. They’ve all signed. Therefore, you’ll never read of my indiscretions in The Resident or The Portugal News. No, my nearest and dearest are tied to a contract. They have to keep shtum or I’ll sue the pants off them and I’m not talking of minor misdeeds, I’m talking of actions that would bring about my castigation from certain bodies of society. Amongst my lesser misdeeds, obnoxious traits and general anti-social behaviour are the following: I don’t feed stray dogs; I ignore donkeys; I use pesticides; I’ve put up barbed wire to keep the wild boar at bay (I couldn’t give a damn if he’s hungry, I just want him to leave my garden alone). I don’t sort my rubbish and I covet other people’s wives but never touch them, unless they give me permission, (one day I must ask). I have occasionally, even peed when in the shower. And, just by admitting to the above, together with ownership of a tattoo, practically guarantees that I shall no longer be welcome at the dining tables of the Golden Triangle where, I am told, should some unsuspecting guest so much as double dip a cheese straw, they would be blackballed at the golf club. I could go on ad nauseam, listing all my unpalatable habits which I am sure would bring on the multitude of those who are holier than I, which is probably most, if not all, of the readers of this magazine. But I very much doubt that I am alone in attempting to keep my private life just that – private. And there must, I am sure, be many others who value their privacy. I can well imagine the possibility that EDP and MEO make their employees sign a paper in order to stop them disclosing that their electric meters are given steroids and the internet connection is on Valium. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if they swapped medication, what a Christmas present that would be. So, although I am not in the same league as the British businessman who dropped 500K to protect his alreadytarnished reputation, were I to approach you with an A4 sheet of paper and a pen, be afraid… be very afraid.
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