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Simply

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November 2018 Issue 31

Loulé, Almancil, Vale do Lobo,

Quarteira, Quinta do Lago, Vilamoura, S. Brás

Welcome...

It’s late autumn and we are still enjoying blue skies and plenty of sunshine, although evenings have taken on a distinct chill now. The shops are already dressed in sparkle for the forthcoming festive season, and the bola rei has pride of place in every pastelaria. And there are more people around than ever as increasing numbers of visitors choose to take their holidays here in the Autumn months. The centre of Faro, the streets of Olhao, the marina at Vilamoura, they are all busy busy with tourists in spending mode and enjoying their surroundings, which is great news for business. One shop owner told us that as far as he is concerned summer 2018 has now been extended to reach its eight month!

That is why we here at Simply Algarve focus on bringing you diverse content every issue, from snippets that may whet your appetite and curiosity, to fully-fledged features designed to inform and – we hope – entertain you, and to introduce you to aspects of life here you may be not aware of, as well as the businesses and services and people who can make a difference.

Enjoy this November issue – we have certainly enjoyed producing it and if you have any stories or ventures to share with our readers, please email us at simplyalgarvemag@gmail.com or call 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 Richard 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

GRACIOUS LIVING

OUTDOOR STYLE

THE PROPERTY MARKET 30

Your local news Inside out

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PROMOTION 11 Going to print

ART 14 Inspirational Islands

INTERIORS 17 Kitchen art

SURPRISES 20 It’s all about taste!

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Property of the month

A property update from experts

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RESTAURANT GUIDE

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MONEY MATTERS

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6 AGENDA 44

A list of ‘Must Go’ events this month

GOLF 46

Pro tips from PGA professionals

SPORTS NEWS

A monthly guide to local restaurants

Brought to you by Chris Wright

News from Currencies Direct

Tales from an expat in Portugal

FINANCE 38

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EXPATS 50

An update from experts at AFM

HOME COOKING Food for thought

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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

he award for the Best European Region in Tourism and Gastronomy 2018, was given by the European Council of Food and Wine Confraternities (CEUCO) in the 13th round of AURUM Awards, this year held in Athens.

The restaurant Infante Panorâmico, in Praia Verde, Castro Marim, was picked as one of two winners, elected Best European Restaurant 2018, sharing first place with Trattoria Al Bersagliere in Verona, The awards blurb suggested that the Algarve’s gastronomic flavours and know-how have conquered millions of people all over the world and are one of the main tourist attractions of the Algarve and an important cultural expression of the region.

The president of the Algarve Tourism Region, João Fernandes, said: “The award brings us recognition and perseverance to continue to preserve and enhance our gastronomic and oenological [the science and study of wine and winemaking] patrimony, making the region known through its dishes and dining experiences.”

The tourist board chief said that: “the last few years

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EDP AND REPSOL ‘GO GREEN’

DP Renewables (EDPR) is leading a consortium that is investing €125 million over three years in a 25 megawatt floating offshore wind farm.

Europe’s second floating wind farm involves anchoring three turbines on semi-submersible platforms at depths of up to 100 metres about 20 kilometres off the coast of Viana de Castelo in northern Portugal. The wind farm capacity will be enough to power 60,000 homes.

“This is an absolutely pioneering and innovative project for renewable offshore energy,” said EDP’s Chief Executive, António Mexia.

The consortium includes Repsol from Spain and has spent €23 million in the past two years on testing the ‘Windfloat’ platforms. The European Investment Bank is providing €60 million in project funding.

EDP Renewables has 79.4% of the project; Repsol has 19.4% and Principle Power holds the balance of 1.2%.

The President of EDPR, João Manso, guarantees that the park will be operational by the end of next year.

Repsol’s financial director, Antonio Lorenzo, said: “This pioneering project reflects Repsol’s commitment to innovation and the energy transition. As a multi-energy supplier, the generation of electricity with low carbon emissions is a priority.”

Meanwhile, Portugal’s government continues to support the development of Portugal’s on and offshore concession areas for oil and gas exploration.

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has seen the Algarve consolidating its offer, as a strategic product for the development of tourism in the region, throughout the year and throughout the territory.”

Fernandes mentioned Algarve Cooking Vacations, which creates culinary and gastronomic holiday programmes and has just won an award in Italy, A recent tourist board study defined the profile of visiting gastronomes, identified market trends and defined the best strategies for the offers for the region.

Portugal’s wine was not ignored either, with the award for Best European Winery, going to Vinho Arinto de Bucelas - Quinta do Boição.

Created in 2005, CEUCO aims to bring together the largest number of confraternities and gastronomic and oenological associations in the European Union, with a common denominator: “to defend the products and recipes that characterize the unique gastronomic identity of each region.”

After Athens, the next CEUCO congress will be held in Albufeira in 2019.

ONE STEP CLOSER TO AN OLHÃO BYPASS

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lhão residents and road users, well used to standstill summer traffic and choking fumes, may see an end to vehicles having to inch their way through the city along the EN125.

In July this year, the Minister of Planning and Infrastructure, Pedro Marquês, visited the municipality and assured residents that a bypass, talked about for decades, would indeed be built.

Marquês said he was waiting for the Environmental Impact Statement to be delivered, which, if it is not too damaging, means the slow process of commissioning and overseeing the work can at least be started.

It has been confirmed that this vital environmental report has now been delivered to the Portuguese Environment Agency by the national road and rail company, Infraestruturas de Portugal.

The six kilometre bypass will not be a fast road like the one to the north of Faro as it will have no less than seven roundabouts linking it to the existing road network.

Whatever the size and speed possibilities of the bypass, the relief for those in the city living along the EN125 will be great and worth every cent of the €5 million budgeted cost.

Meanwhile, the EN125 eastern Algarve section, from Olhão to Vila Real de Santo António, is still pending but at least some early summer repairs served to patch up the worst sections.

There is still no start date for the EN125 upgrade of the Olhão bypass but a big step has been taken with the delivery of the environmental report.

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Sources: www.algarvedailynews.com

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ALGARVE WINS EUROPEAN AWARD FOR GASTRONOMY

News

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Outdoor Style

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INSIDE OUT

f cheap and cheerful white plastic chairs and tables work on your terrace, fine. Stop reading right now. At Dunas you won’t find supermarket style or snack-bar practicalities because here it is all about fine quality, superb make, and designled good looks.

A BIT OF BACKGROUND Judy and Simon Clayton moved to the Algarve in 2004, having had a holiday home here for several years. They were familiar with the territory, and loved living in the quiet of the hills between LoulĂŠ and Sao Bras. The Algarve is a great place to retire to, right? Wrong!

That same year they opened their first business

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in Quinta Shopping in the middle of summer and a 40-degree heat-wave. A lifestyle store, specialising in luxury scented and decorative products but with a gorgeous mix of fashion accessories on offer, too, it proved to be a magnet for both local homeowners and holiday-makers in shopping mode. Going to a dinner party? Want a gift? Head for Dunas. Simple.

With a success on her hands, a wide-spread reputation for product excellence, and an audience ready for more, Judy expanded her business to include top-ofthe-market resortwear for women and took on a small, handpicked selection of high-end outdoor furniture, sourced from Belgium where the couple had lived for several years. And it is the latter that is proving to be

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Judy and Simon Clayton are the owners of Dunas – not as in Douradas, but as in sleek couture-style furnishings, fashion and accessories with an emphasis on outdoor living. To the discerning, it’s the only place to shop the biggest success of all.

Today the Dunas territory has spread across the Golden Triangle to form a veritable empire. There’s the resort boutique in Quinta Shopping, the beachside boutique in Vale do Lobo, a stylish shop within the Conrad Algarve specialising in resortwear for the whole family with collections from respected European, Caribbean and US design houses including Juliet Dunn, Melissa Oberdash, Beth & Tracie and Heidi Klein. And in Almancil, tucked away from the main drag, there is the stunning Dunas showroom where the finest outdoor furniture from the world’s leading makers can be found, along with invaluable advice from the experts. And there’s not a white plastic stackable in sight.

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STYLE AND PRACTICALITY Much of the appeal of life on the Algarve centres on the climate – the long days of sunshine, the vast blue skies, the beaches to walk, the hills to adventure, the al fresco eating. We probably spend more time outside enjoying our surroundings than we do in front of the telly. For many, it’s an indoor-outdoor thing, and those exterior furnishings have to make a statement.

“Over the years,” says Judy, “we have seen a coming together of both style and quality, particularly with the trend for open plan living areas, opening directly onto large shaded terraces. As a result, there is a growing demand for our outdoor furniture for indoor use.

“The top names in the business use the finest and

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Outdoor Style

hardiest materials including, for example, ecologicallysourced teak. They employ state-of-the-art technology and this, coupled with indepth research and product development, leads to outstanding quality and superlative looks. We use Sunbrella fabrics which are specifically designed for outdoor use and only a subtle loss of colour will occur and that’s over many years.

“Cushion fillings are designed for outdoors to allow water to drain, avoiding mould forming, synthetic fibres include an anti UV additive which protects the fibre from breaking and changing colour - faults you see a lot on cheaper furniture.”

What about ongoing care, we asked. ”We always sell

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covers for our furniture and suggest a client uses covers when they are away. The life of any furniture will be extended with careful maintainance and protection from the elements,” says Judy.

Dunas offers complete design service, tailored to a client’s taste and budget. Projects vary widely - a small terrace for an apartment could include a bistro table and chairs and a pair of relaxing armchairs and side table. Then there are the big-space, big-time briefs – kitting out an entire villa with dining furniture, casual sofa seating, poolside loungers and parasols, bedroom terrace seating and often roof terrace furniture. That sort of project will almost inevitably include wow-

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factor pieces like a hanging daybed or a cabana.

And what about tables – long, long ones for those who are into major entertaining, or simply love the linear look and the ‘dressing’ possibiities of a major piece?

Well, Judy can sort that, with tables up to 7-metres in length (not a typo – 7-metres!). In the same way, modular seating can be designed to accommodate big numbers.

And if you get tired of your style? You can always update coverings and change your colour scheme. Easy, and another fresh challenge for the team at Dunas.

But if you are not in the 7-metre table league but want something to party up your outdoor space, Judy’s advice is this: “Choose one unusual piece of chic furniture that you really love that maybe costs a bit more and then pick simple, less expensive pieces for the basics,

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dressed with some fun deco cushions and lanterns to give a welcoming ambience.” As for overhead cover, and the kite versus umbrella discussion, take the expert’s advice… “I love the flexibility of a parasol! Our largest parasols can also rotate 360 degrees and some tilt too.

These are fixed in the ground so no danger of flying away and in the cooler months they can be closed so the sun can be enjoyed.”

Sound sense? And sun sense, too.

Dunas Lifestyle Outdoors Furniture 289 355 333 Dunas Resort 289 393 539 Dunas-style.com

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Promotion

GOING TO PRINT Setting up a business from scratch takes passion, know-how and vision. Turning it into a success and then growing it requires unwavering commitment. All of those attributes have combined to make The Printshop Algarve into an enduring force that others have learned from

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he Printshop Algarve was established by (the late) Keith and June Godby, 24 years ago, in 1984, at a time when there were far fewer commercial businesses than now. At that time, local companies tended to stay with their traditional, tried and tested suppliers; it was a brave step but also one that showed the foresight of the founder, Keith, regarding the possibilities that lay ahead.

His business became an example of what could be achieved through experience, expertise, and sheer hard work. Early clients included John Hammond, Conrad Hotel and Quinta do Lago, and word spread fast about the service Keith offered. Keith was well loved in the community and, when not at the Printshop, was often found on one of the local golf courses. The clients still remember him fondly and talk of his jovial manner. Alberto Sousa, having been there

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from the outset, still remains today with the Printshop as the Factory manager.

Dean and Adilia Coleman emigrated from Johannesburg, South Africa, to The Algarve in 2013 and purchased the Printshop from the then owner Gil Mather. They brought with them an understanding of the place of cuttingedge technology in today’s burgeoning market where the demand is for the best and the most sophisticated.

Dean hails from Zimbabwe and is of Scottish origin. His background was in the packaging and printing industry – he had headed up Sales & Marketing for some of the largest print and packaging companies in this field in his native South Africa and spent ten years working at Nando’s International Restaurants. He headed up Packaging Development with Marketing International and moved to manager in Supply Chain.

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Promotion

This is a man with the same passion, know-how and vision that first launched the company here in the Algarve.

As the boss today, he uses his extensive knowledge and experience in sales, marketing and the catering industry to assist other businesses across the region.

Adilia, his partner and wife, heads up the administration side of the company and takes charge of the financial requirements. Schooled and educated in Porto, she spent her career working for the Portuguese Consulate in South Africa, in charge of the visa department. Her organisational skills – as well as her knowledge of Portuguese officialdom – put her in the ideal position to assist with buying as well as those vital employee and customer relations. She is the Glue that make the Works - work!

So what comes next – more of the same or is there room for further growth and new areas of development? Silly question really, because in Dean’s World, one is dealing with a consummate professional who leaves no stone unturned.

Evolution is his middle name.

The Printshop started by collaborating and partnering with creative professionals across the Algarve. The creative,

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design, artistic and media individuals and companies made for dynamic solutions for their clients. Specialist divisions included design, print, display, light, web and art.

Which is why Dean has developed a new platform – tantalisingly named The Works. Under this umbrella he has brought together design creativity and groundbreaking technology and some of the brightest talents in the industry, taking what was once a first-class, stand out print shop, to a new level.

Dean’s passion is connecting the dots, bringing people together, networking and creating synergy between individuals from different spheres.

Coming to the The Works, is always a creative experience, from the ever-changing decor to the multitude of ideas constantly brewing, attracting all walks of life to come and share this energetic, viby and, at times, chaotic environment; however, their ethos remains intact O.T.I.F. (On time in full).

Contact the team at 289 391 889 or email dean@theworkseurope. com or visit their website theworkseurope.com.

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AMI 7490

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Art

Inspirational islands

The south coast of Portugal stretches a distance of 135 kms from Cape St Vincent in the west to the River Guadiana that forms the border with Spain. All along the ‘litoral’ there are many places of inspiration for British artist, Jane Skingley.

A member of the Royal Society of Marine Artists, her seascape paintings have been displayed at London’s Mall Galleries, Glyndebourne Opera House, the Henley Festival, and across three continents. A new collection can be seen at Galeria Côrte-Real in Paderne. Carolyn Kain reports

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avourite locations for the artist Jane Skingley are the Algarve’s sand-bar islands that line up along the coast from Praia de Faro to Manta Rota. All four share similar characteristics creating a lagoon between the Atlantic Ocean and the mainland.

Even in winter, ferries traverse across smooth waters to reach small settlements located on the islands.

The water laps calmly on fine sandy beaches that face the lagoon but on the island’s Atlantic coast the roar of the sea is constant; turbulent waves crash onto the beaches and the water turns to turquoise as it falls onto the coarse white sand.

A huge variety of shells litter the shoreline, glinting like jewels along the beach. White-topped rollers curl and collide, throwing bubbles of foaming spindrift into the air. Fishing boats coming from out at sea ply their way through rising crests and deep troughs to reach the

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safe waters of the lagoon.

Jane has created huge canvasses that capture natural aspects of the seafront beaches and the beauty of the islands’ lagoon shores.

Her works are acclaimed as environmental masterpieces but, worryingly, the unusual ecology of these islands might disappear forever. Like many other low-lying landscapes they are threatened by global warming, including similar barrier islands that frame 13 percent of the earth’s coastline.

Galleria Côrte-Real Estr. de Paderne 912 737 762 corterealarte.com friendsoftheearth.uk/climate-change

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We need you!

SALES PERSON REQUIRED

Simply Algarve is looking to add another member to the team.

For over two years now we have been growing from the gound up and now it is time to take the magazine to a new level.

To do this we need a commission-based salesman with the following: v

Previous Sales experience

v

Own Transport

v

Knowledge of the area

Is fluent in English and, ideally, has a knowledge of Portuguese

v

v

Is self-motivated

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Is determined and ready to work!

If you know you have what it takes then call us now on 966 044 143

QUINTA DO LAGO OPPORTUNITY New Mansion of classic architecture, with 5 to 6 en-suite bedrooms.

Games room, cinema, gym, plus car garaging.

Large pool with spacious landscaped garden.

Walking distance to Quinta Shopping & Conrad Hotel.

Well constructed with high quality finishing.

Direct from the developer, best deal in Quinta do Lago at 2,995,000â‚Ź

Contact 914 574 199 or HOTALGARVE@GMAIL.COM

Interiors

KITCHEN ART Eat in, eat out, open plan or a room of its own, your kitchen is – forgive the cliché – the heart of your home and possibly the most valuable asset if you are planning to move. It is also where modern is mighty

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hether you are a keen, accomplished cook, or in favour of luxe ready-meals, or have staff to do the honours, your kitchen says it all about your taste. How many times have you heard someone say they took to a particular property because the kitchen was top-of-the-range (gone from cliché to pun here!)?

It’s a theme that’s repeated whether the property in question is a super-sized plush villa or a small but charming apartment. The kitchen might seal the deal but, according to Marisa Lopez of local design company, Austral, more and more people are updating their kitchen regularly to stay ahead of the style trends.

Today’s kitchens simply have to look the part. The dark woods of 30 years ago – remember those, handmade by a local carpenter, each door with a raised centre panel and

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brushed metal knob – are long gone; the 21st-century darks have depth, richness and gleam and if they are wood, or wood effect, they have texture, shading and intricate detail.

And what about those white-tiled work surfaces – yes, the ones that trapped a fair bit of dirt and germs in the grouting, and were edged by – hmmmm – blue and white border tiles. Looked fine at the time, provided, of course, the kitchen wasn’t much used.

COMING TO SURFACE Work surfaces have now entered a whole different arena, one where looks and practicality join forces. Man-made quartz work tops are low maintenance, non-porous, stainresistant and resistant to bacteria; the ceramic-based options are heat-resistant, too. All those plus-points, and a dazzling range of colours, too, that make a statement about

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Interiors your style choices. Polished natural stone – loved by those who appreciate its unique markings – needs more TLC and, of course, is limited to the colours of nature.

Colour plays a major part in design decisions, Marisa tells us. ‘Dark matte shades and pale pastels, like pinks with a sheen, and the lightest of bronzes are right up there in the popularity polls. But it is the cupboards themselves that make the difference when it comes to cool contemporary meeting easy-to-work’.

For cupboards, read drawers, deep drawers, so no more bending down and riffling through shelves – great on the back and to speed up finding things.

But even changing facades (traditional door fronts) can take an A-ok kitchen to a new level. Add a sparkling worktop, and you are there, within a sensible budget. But, if today’s quality kitchen lasts 20-odd years in terms of durability, chances are – and very good chances they are indeed – you’ll be ready for a serious revamp long before that.

Marisa and her team at Austral get called in to advise on refreshing and revamping but, usually, the commission is for a whole start-

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to-finish new kitchen. The smallest job they have undertaken was a €5,000 spend which got the owner seven new cabinets and new appliances. The average budget is around €15,000, though there was one truly extraordinary commission that topped the €200,000 mark.

The company brings in the complete support crew – the plumbers and electricians, the gas experts – and plan from scratch how to make the most of an area and meet a client’s specific demands. For many, storage is a priority – the more that can be hidden behind doors and drawer front the better; for others a pull-out table would be an essential for casual family meals.

STYLISH LIVING Open-plan dining is very much the trend now, so that those welding the wooden spoon can converse comfortably with guests, supervise the kids, or watch the big screen TV in the sitting area. And with the vast number of equipment options available today, including the all-new hobs with built-in extractor fans – one can furnish one’s kitchen with all the right, labour-saving, statement-making kit.

“What you spend on your kitchen is an investment,” says Marisa, “not a cost.” Take a look at some of the coolest kitchens and you’ll agree.

Austral 4 Estradas, EN125 289 399 230 Austral.pt

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toldos - awnings sun wind rain protection

toldolanda

info@toldolanda.com | www.toldolanda.com | 914 609 517

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IT’S ALL ABOUT TASTE Gosto in Portuguese, taste in English. There couldn’t be a more appropriate name for a design house that seeks out the original, the unusual, the eccentric… and consistently delivers a unique sense of style

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hose in search of classic good looks or with a passion for understated elegance will find plenty along the Algarve to satisfy them.

Those however, who delight in décor with a difference will sooner or later find themselves standing in front of the warehouse of a building that houses the wonderful – and often wonderfully weird – collections gathered together by gosto owners, Carlijn Meijst and Marten Panman.

The duo – she a former stage builder who lived in Holland and Africa, he a management consultant – opened their first shop in Almancil 12 years ago. It overflowed with furnishings and accessories – every piece a surprise – challenging convention and defying every rule of coordination. It was a treasure-trove, with constantly-

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changing stock: chairs made from fishing boats, lights made from shells, wooden suitcases, shaggy rugs, huge metal platters, painted mirrors. Even their plant pots had a personality of their own.

Enter the doors of gosto and it was unlikely you would exit without a purchase; a big important stone Buddha, perhaps, or a collection of tiny handpainted plates, or serving spoons with jewelled handles, or huge leather floor cushions studded with beadwork and dressed with embroideries.

FOLLOWING YOUR HEART It was a brave step, opening shop in the Algarve where tastes were conservative. But attracted by the light, the clean air and the abundance of fresh fish, the couple felt

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Suprises

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Suprises

there would be others who would share their taste for exotica. They were right. And there were plenty of others keen to buy into what one could term as design bravery. They could be locals looking for something different, businesses wanting to present an individual, artistic image, interior decorators searching for that piece their own clients would adore and thank them for.

Carlijn and Marten share their passion for things that make you smile and make you happy.

Their clients today come from all over Europe – some discovering them while here on holiday and returning specifically to see the latest finds. The couple are constantly sourcing new stock – they travel far and wide and have a network of people on the lookout for special items for them. Every four weeks or so, new goods arrive – well new to Gosto that is, though they may have acquired the silken patina and sensual touch that smooth woods and polished stones over the years.

This is a see-it-and-buy-it-on-the-spot store – virtually every item is a one-off, never to be found again. Love it? Grab it. It may not be there tomorrow.

Like Marten’s own favourite, a four-meter wooden statue of Samson, made by Francisco Leira.

The shop today is housed in new premises, in Boliqueime, just off the roundabout on the EN125.

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Suprises

It has given them a voluminous 600m2 of open space, high ceilings and great light. There’s room for more than ever before – over-sized painted cupboards that, until sold, serve as display pieces, stuffed with china and ornaments and wooden animals – and deco sofas whose worn edges add to their charm. There are rugs in a myriad of colour and whirly designs, cushions that are more work of art to be admired than something to lean back on.

And talking about art… there is wall space – lots of it – which means that the work of favoured painters from Portugal, Holland, England, Africa and Spain can be displayed and delighted in, and yes, purchased and carried back to your own trove of treasures.

Gosto Interiores + Arte 289 397 714 / 919 803 913 Gosto.pt

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Jim

HAIRSTYLIST

Hair by: Jim van Hek Makeup: Judith van de Loo Bride: Katie Moncini Photo by: Dan Birch Location: Monte Rei Golf & Country Club

For more information call us on 289 398 178 or visit our website jimhairstylist.com Find us in Almancil: Rua Manuel Teixeira Gomes, 9304 BL Loja EQ Escanxinas, Almancil

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Property

Property of the month

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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Stunning 3-bedroom villa set in an idyllic location near Santa Barbara de Nexe with fantastic views towards the coast and the Atlantic Ocean PROPERTY DETAILS • Large fenced plot of over 1,7 ha • Villa on elevated position • Traditional elegant design • 3 bedrooms 3 bathrooms en-suite • Guest WC • Fantastic far-reaching views • 2 garages, ample parking • Underfloor heating • Central air conditioning • Fireplace in the living room • Satellite TV /Alarm / Internet • Double glazed windows with electric shutters • Large swimming pool with great views • Partly landscaped garden with automatic irrigation • Exterior lighting • Wine cellar, Storage room • Countless natural stone walls • Automatic entrance gate • Impressive 150-meter-long driveway • Built in 2005 • Construction size 248 m2 • EC Class D

€1.130.000 Ref: JGR www.simplyalgarvemag.com

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Property

Inner city renovations

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Report by property expert Robert Bijker

ver the past two years there has been a noticeable increase in construction/ renovation of old properties in city and town centres; these old properties are often situated in good locations and are in short supply, and have consequently attracted investors looking to capitalise on the opportunity.

The government offers incentives to renovate or rebuild old properties and ruins in town centres 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.

In addition, some banks are offering preferential (lower) interest rates to finance the renovation work.

The rehabilitation program supports the improvement, renovation/ restauration, repair and conservation of property for residential use and, in general, supports to make a town more pleasant to live in.

Despite these favourable incentives and conditions, there are still many old properties that remain unused and sometimes in ruin – an undesirable situation in light of the stress in various cities and towns for affordable housing. Good news is that

GOLF PROPERTIES - VILLAS - APARTMENTS - TOWNHOUSES - PLOTS

AMI: 6232

SINGLE STOREY 3 BEDROOM VILLA AND POOL NEAR VILAMOURA. Exclusive Listing of Yellow Homes - Located on peaceful plot in the village of Benfarras next to Vilamoura, sits this rustic 3 bedroom bungalow villa. The property offers privacy on a fenced and walled plot of land without being isolated. The traditional wood and bamboo ceilings combined with the Santa Catarina floor tiles gives the villa a rustic and charming feel to it. Price: â‚Ź365.000 Ref: P-OLT EC class G.

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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the government has plans to allow local municipalities to dramatically increase the council tax (IMI) where 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, up to a maximum of 12 times the original IMI value.

As demand for this type of property is outstripping supply, it remains a financially rewarding opportunity to buy and renovate a property in urban centers. However, when on the market, these properties are more often than not too expensive for lowand middle-income families due to their prime location.

Various banks still have many unsold foreclosed properties on their books. It is amazing to have witnessed the speed at which they repossessed homes at the beginning of the crisis and even more amazing to watch the slowness of properties being sold off. However, Lonestar who owns 75% of Novo Banco has reached an

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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 €390 million while the

book value is €716.7 million. This is part 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 rather sooner

GOLF PROPERTIES - VILLAS - APARTMENTS - TOWNHOUSES - PLOTS

than later, and likely to be priced at a discount to similar properties, as ACG tries to reliquify.

In the long run, the only way to alleviate the imbalances in some urban areas of the residential property market is for the government to come up with a viable plan.

Robert Bijker Director Yellow Homes Land & Houses Algarve www.algarvepropertysearch.com www.algarve-portugal-immobilien.de

AMI: 6232

FERREIRAS – MODERN 3 BED VILLA FOR SALE WITH LARGE COMMUNAL POOL. This beautiful presented townhouse/ attached villa for sale is located in Ferreiras near Albufeira in the central Algarve. The property is set in a small, fully gated and very well maintained condominium. This is a truly stunning property in walking distance to numerous amenities. The basement has plenty of storage space as well as a 2 car garage with electric entrance door. Must be seen! Ref: P-ATR Price €315.000 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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Vilamoura Office EN 125, Benfarras Boliqueime 8100 - 068 Boliqueime Tel: 289 301294; Fax: 289 301439 AMI 6232 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 From petrol-station pull-ups to tried-andtested family favourites, here’s our latest round-up of eateries you enjoy

FLORIANS Vale Verde

Sonja Rienderhoff This is a firm favourite. Not only is the setting a dream, nestling in the quiet open spaces behind Quinta do Lago, but the atmosphere is elegant and without the pomp and circumstances that is usual at smart restaurants south of the EN125. So, diners always include a mix of families with young children, couples, and groups of friends looking forward to an exemplary meal. Hosts Piet and Karin really look after you and are always ready to explain the various dishes that are new to the menu, make suggestions and recommend appropriate wines from Piet’s extensive cellar. Last time we were there, we left everything to the expert, Piet himself.

So, first we had a selection of amuse bouche, little bitesized tasters, followed by Florian’s sushi of tuna and avocado.

Next came a heavenly lobster bisque and then, for the main course, giant tiger prawns on a subtly-flavoured risotto.

The balance of flavours throughout was wonderful and appreciated even more for the carefully controlled portion sizes which allow you to enjoy the tastes and textures of each dish. There is no pile-it-high treatment of food here – every ingredient is treated with respect from the chefs and used to best advantage.

There is a wonderful selection of home-made desserts on offer but the little pastries that are served with coffee are usually a perfect finish to the meal. Florian’s is a real treat, and one that we will continue enjoying.

Rua Van Zanten 1415 8135-162 Almancil 289 396 674

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guide

PETROSUL O NOVO GASOLINAS São Bartolomeu De Messines

Maggie Madeley Firstly, forget it’s a truck stop/ fuel station alongside the IC1, and go enjoy ridiculously cheap, good, simple, Portuguese fare, served with a smile. Usual olives – local of course – with crusty bread followed by a choice of pork or beef bitoque or dish of the day, all served with freshly cooked chips and a small side dressing of salad. A choice of half a litre of wine, soft drink or beer and a coffee afterwards completes your €7 lunch or dinner. Add a bowl of soup for an extra euro and, if you still have a room, another euro will buy you a generous portion of your dessert choice.

The restaurant is large and clean, tables are well spaced out and service is good. The added bonus for me is that it’s ten minutes from home, if I’m there, or has to be passed if I’m not!

This is not on the tourist trail, so, if you do decide to try it, make the most of your trip and explore a little of the surrounding Algarvian countryside; you can always fill up with fuel there on your way home as you stop off for another coffee.

Sitio do Corte Pereiro 8375-030 São Bartolomeu De Messines 282 098 093

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Dining out

CHURRASQUEIRA PARAISO São Brás

Brian Redmond There are towns within the Algarve that get overlooked for one reason or another. The more popular ones, particularly in the so-called Golden Triangle in the district of Loulé, win out most of the time. But nine short kilometers to the east of Loulé is the town of São Brás de Alportel. It is a working town and not normally on the tourist radar, although it boasts one of the best Easter celebrations in Portugal with its Festa das Tochas Floridas when the streets are carpeted in spring flowers and an enormous procession weaves its way around the town.

Nestled in these streets lies a culinary institution.

Churrasqueira Paraiso, better known as Luis dos Frangos, started life in a shed, 50 years ago; today it remains in the same location, but as a proper, purpose-built restaurant with banqueting style tables.

This is a family-run business with all generations playing a part. The founders, Luis and Rosa, still dine here every night which proves their confidence in what they produce. The restaurant’s success over the decades is proof of the old adage, keep it simple, cook everything to perfection, and give great value for money.

Churrasqueira Paraiso’s strengths lie in cooking chicken over charcoal. It’s a method that has been perfected here over many years and the results of the labour, often in intense heat, are impeccably seasoned cuts of chicken finished with a good splash of piri piri. The portions are always generous and served with an abundant salad and the restaurant’s own in-house hand-prepared chips, or boiled potatoes.

But the menu does not stop at chicken. Lombinhos de Porco à Alentejana, a tender fillet of pork in a generous sauce of sweet pepper and garlic; a bundle of charcoal-cooked lamb chops; a solid fillet of salmon, pan-fried to just the right level of crispiness; turkey breast fillet in creamy mushroom sauce. And for those who want a taste of home, there is liver and onions in abundance.

I first visited this restaurant many years ago and I keep coming back every two to three weeks because of the frenetic ambience, the swift service, the great prices – the average price for dinner for four is €24 – the faultless quality and the good soul feeling. In a sometimes complicated culinary world, this is an institution that deserves the fullest of praise.

Rua O Emigrante 2, 8150-153 São Brás de Alportel 289 842 635

CARAVELA Quarteira

Joanna Goode There are times when only the best fish will do, and also when you want to add that bit of beach-side atmosphere to your meal. To us, Caravela meets both requirements. Opposite Quarteira’s famous fish market, this corner restaurant is all white and bright inside, with a big menu that features everything that’s been freshly caught that day – sole, seabass, gilthead bream and the rest. It’s a menu with many options but we have always found that the kitchen here excels at the classics – perfectly grilled fish served with al-dente vegetables and great local pao caseiro. Start your meal – lunch or dinner – with a dish of clams Bulho Pato (mysteriously named after a famous Portugese poet) in lemon, white wine and slivers of garlic sprinkled with chopped coriander, or shrimp, simply fried in butter and garlic. Main course specialities, and the most popular of all dishes on offer, are Caravela’s superb seafood rice and its monkfish cataplana. If you’re lucky, and there are egg roes on the menu, have them fried, but be warned, they are very filling, so a half-size portion might be a sensible choice… after all you need to leave room for pud! The house winner is crème brulée, made on the premises.

Caravela gets pretty busy, with locals and holiday-makers alike, so it’s a good idea to book. And if you like quiet, and there’s no more than five or six of you, there’s a round table on the left as you go in that is worth bagging.

Largo do Mercado 17 Quartiera 289 312 280

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THE COCKEREL COUNTRY KITCHEN Albufeira

Gerry Goodman I am never surprised that whenever this restaurant is written about it gets rave reviews. We’ve eaten there regularly for years now and never been anything other than delighted. The staff are fabulous and always have time to talk and make suggestions, the portion sizes are huge (take-home bags at the ready), and the value for money is amazing, which means we can spoil ourselves more often. There are great steaks, wonderful fish and chips and a mixed grill that must surely be a best-seller and includes chicken, ribs, steak, gammon, lamb chops, chips, grilled tomatoes – the works. And there are those dishes that are old-fashioned but, happily, never out of fashion, like prawn cocktail with Marie Rose sauce and apple crumble with custard. Everything is freshly cooked – a real bonus in this day and age. Whatever day you go, don’t have lunch – or breakfast!

Rua Alexandre Herculano 29 8200-269 Albufeira 289 542 609

SOCIAL, VINHOS & PETISCOS Quarteira

Wanda Crawford One of the great pleasures of the Algarve is the laid-back atmosphere which let’s you relax with friends, enjoy good food and soak in great views, and there’s nowhere better to sample an excellent selection of hand-picked Portuguese wines or taste traditional bites which the Portuguese call petiscos but you may know as tapas, than at Social. The wines can be purchased, so once tasted and enjoyed you can continue the experience at home. The tranquil ambience at Social is usually enhanced by bit of soul or jazz playing in the background – never taking over but there to add to the general enjoyment. Located on the new walkway, just five minutes from the beach, this is the place with great views and, if you time it right, the chance to see a magnificent sunset. The menu is varied and interesting, from shavings of ham and flaming chorizo, to chicken wings, baby squid, cod fish cakes and pulled pork. There’s good choices for vegetarians, too.

Quinta do Romão FM8 Loja D 8125-301 Quarteira 912 849 878

ESTATUA Loule

John Gee Having read about this back-street restaurant in Simply Algarve some months ago, we went to give it a try. Didn’t book and couldn’t get in – at 7.30 every table was taken. We made a reservation on the spot for the following week and have been doing the same since then. We often we see faces that have now become familiar, so obviously this place has many loyal fans. It is a real find because every dish is special and the presentation is more in keeping with a top-of-the-market starred restaurant than a small, local eaterie; the boss, Antony, serves; his wife, Cidalia, does the cooking; and there’s one other member of the team who somehow manages to get everything to the table on time and piping hot. The dishes are adventurous, often bringing together surprising flavours – cod fish rolls with cornbread, served with sweet potato puree; pork medallions sautéed with prawns, coriander and peppermint, chicken breast with mozzarella cheese, tomato and pesto sauce. Squid ink linguine with prawn and tomato sauce has become my family’s favourite. The prices are remarkable for the quality, a super-sized wonderfully tender filet steak in port wine sauce will set you back just €16.50.

Rus Ascensão Guimarães 84, 8100-542 Loulé 289 413 171

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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.

WWW.AHALGARVE.COM

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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WANTED!

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Finance

Odds of no-deal Brexit drag down pound Keep up to date with our currency expert Chantelle, Client Account Executive at Currencies Direct

As the UK and EU failed to reach an agreement over Brexit at the critical October EU summit, the mood towards the pound has deteriorated significantly

S

taying on top of the latest currency news can help you time your transfers more effectively, so what should you be looking out for over the next couple of weeks?

THE LATEST CURRENCY NEWS...

As the UK and EU failed to reach an agreement over Brexit at the critical October EU summit the mood towards the pound has deteriorated significantly.

This helped to drive the pound to US dollar exchange rate to a fortnightly low of $1.29 as fears over the prospect of a nodeal Brexit weighed heavily on market sentiment.

The losses of the GBP/EUR exchange rate proved a little more limited, however, thanks to ongoing worries over the Italian government’s controversial 2019 budget proposal.

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING? Conflict over the Irish border issue has brought Brexit negotiations to a standstill, putting the pound under considerable pressure; with the threat increasing of the UK leaving the EU without any deal in place, investors saw little incentive to support GBP. Although UK wage growth bettered expectations – extending its run above inflation in August – this was not enough to shore up the pound for long.

An easing in September’s consumer price index and weaker retail sales further dented GBP exchange rates, reducing the chances of the Bank of England (BoE) raising interest rates again in the near future.

While the Eurozone inflation rate climbed above the European Central Bank’s (ECB) 2% target, the mood towards the euro remained generally bearish.

As the Italian government submitted a budget proposal that breaks EU rules by targeting a deficit above 2%, confidence in the outlook of the currency union diminished.

The latest Federal Open Market

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Committee (FOMC) meeting minutes confirmed that policymakers are still on course to raise interest rates again before the end of 2018, boosting USD exchange rates.

As the Fed shrugged off attacks from the Trump administration the mood towards the US dollar improved, especially in the wake of stronger-than-expected labour market and jobless claims data.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO LOOK OUT FOR? In the absence of any breakthrough on Brexit, the potential for GBP exchange rate gains looks limited in the weeks ahead...

– As anticipation builds for the November BoE policy meeting, however, the pound may struggle to find any fresh support...

– Another increase in Eurozone inflation, meanwhile, may encourage the euro to push higher as hopes of greater ECB hawkishness pick up..

– A sharp loss of momentum in the third quarter US gross domestic product data may take some of the wind out of the sails of USD exchange rates...

– Evidence that elevated global trade tensions are negatively impacting the US economy could put the Fed under greater pressure to deviate from its course of planned interest rate hikes.

At Currencies Direct we’re here to talk currency whenever you need us, so 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 – just pop into our local Currencies Direct branch or give us a call to find out more.

For more detailed information, please contact Chantelle at the Almancil office on +351 289 395739 or alternatively visit the website currenciesdirect.com/portugal and register to get regular updates on the currency markets. (Please mention Simply Algarve magazine when making an appointment or enquiries.)

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Finance

Starting a business in Portugal: step by step

A

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

nyone can start a business in Portugal, irrespective of their nationality or residency, providing they have a good idea and the capital required to make it work. Getting the proper tax advice will help you identify tax breaks that you are eligible for, and it also makes going through the bureaucratic process much simpler. Here are five things you should know when starting your business in Portugal.

BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT IN PORTUGAL According to the World Bank’s Doing Business 2018 report, Portugal figures at number 29 in the ‘Ease of doing business’ ranking which uses 11 indicator sets to measure aspects of business regulation that matter for entrepreneurship. The report evaluated 190 developed countries on the ease of starting a company, funding it and carrying on business, and found that it is quicker and easier to start a business in Portugal than say, France or Italy, but that obtaining business credit continues to be a tough task.

Step 1: choose a name for your company Any proposed name can be checked against a computer database. If the name has not already been taken that name can be registered via a Validation Certificate (Certificado de Admissibilidade) issued by the National Registry of Companies. This certificate can be issued in a week and is normally valid for three months.

Step 2: the business structure You can structure your business in many ways. The most common are: Sole proprietorship, using a Sole Shareholder Private Limited Liability Company (Sociedade Unipessoal por Quotas); or with other individuals, where options available are Private Limited Liability Company (Sociedade por Quotas) or Public Limited Liability Company (Sociedade Anónima).

Step 3: setting up the company With the name and structure chosen, it’s time to sign the deed of incorporation at a notary. This can be done electronically and allows the creation of a company almost immediately.

The company will be given a tax number (NIF) and a social security number.

The deeds will include: identification of the partners/ shareholders; name and type of company (Limitada, etc); activities of the company; head office of the company; share capital; each shareholder’s/partner’s capital share; all assets that form the share capital in kind and cash.

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Step 4: starting the activity Once you sign the deeds, you need a bank account for the company. Only with the IBAN information, can your accountant register the activity of your new business at the tax office. Once you create a company, it is mandatory to appoint an accountant to register your activity and prepare your VAT declarations, amongst other tax obligations.

AFTER REGISTRATION Once the company is registered your accountant will normally take care of the following additional tasks: – Registering directors and employees with the Social Security – Creating the Shareholders Meeting Book (Company Minutes) which all pages need to be signed by the shareholders – Making the initial minutes, indicating the salary of the director and other relevant business information Companies also have an obligation to ensure health, hygiene and safety at work for employees. This needs to be certified by an independent company. Don’t forget to take out compulsory employees’ accident insurance at a private insurer.

This covers all salaried workers and managers.

Last but not least, you need to have an official complaints book, which will hopefully never be used by your clients. This is now obtained online, so clients can register their complaints or compliments, on the web.

TAXATION There are different taxes paid by companies in Portugal, here are the most common: – Corporate tax is 17% for first 15,000€ of profit and 21% thereafter.

– Social Security is 23.75% of the gross salaries.

– Municipal business tax can be up to 1.5% and is determined by each municipality each year. As a matter of interest companies with head offices in the municipalities of Loulé, Tavira Olhão, São Brás de Alportel, Castro Marim, Alcoutim, Lagoa, Monchique or Aljezur, are exempt fom this tax.

The tax paid by the shareholders on dividends is 28%, but if you are resident you may be tax exempt on 50% of the dividend received.

INCENTIVES TO CREATE A BUSINESS Depending on the market sector you wish to do business, there may exist some different incentives or tax reliefs applicable.

Please feel free to visit us for a friendly chat and ask us how we can help you to turn your business idea into reality.

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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…

Upside-Down Chicken Pie Mat Folas can’t enthuse enough about the flavour of slow-roasted chicken. This takes longer than a classic pot pie, but you can prepare up to the end of step 4 up to two days ahead.

Serves: 4 Prep: 30 minutes Cook: 4 hours 15 minutes INGREDIENTS 1 free-range chicken, about 1.5kg olive oil sea salt 600ml chicken stock 20g cornflour, dissolved in a little cold water 280g frozen peas, thawed 2 parsnips, peeled and cut into 5mm cubes 2 carrots, peeled and cut into 5mm cubes 3 x 500g blocks all-butter puff pastry 1 small egg, beaten, to glaze METHOD Preheat the oven to 130°C (250°F/Gas ½). Place the chicken in a flameproof roasting tin, oil and generously salt the skin, then roast for three hours. It is done when the skin is golden and crispy and the meat flakes off the bones when pulled gently.

Remove from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 180°C (350°F/Gas 4).

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2

Pick the skin and meat off the chicken and set aside, leaving the bones and cooking juices in the tin.

Add the stock to the tin and cook on the hob for about 10 minutes, until reduced by half. Strain the juices into a small pan and bring to a low

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simmer. Gradually add the cornflour mixture, whisking gently, until it reaches the consistency of double cream. Season and set aside.

3

Place the chicken skin on a baking tray lined with baking parchment and bake for 30 minutes, until golden and crispy.

Crumble the skin and set aside. Increase the oven temperature to 200°C (400°F/Gas 6).

Meanwhile, break up the meat into roughly 1cm pieces.

4

Place the vegetables in a small pan and cover with salted water. Bring to a simmer, then immediately remove from the heat, drain, and plunge into ice water. Drain again and set aside.

5

Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 1cm thick. Cut out eight rounds using a 15cm pastry cutter. Place four rounds on two lined baking sheets, glaze with a little beaten egg, then stick the other 4 rounds on top. Glaze with the remaining egg, then bake for 20–25 minutes, or until risen and golden.

Leave to cool for a few minutes, then use a sharp knife to cut a circle in the top layer, about half the diameter of the pastry.

Remove each circle and fill the holes with a few generous spoonfuls of chicken and a spoonful of vegetables then return to the oven for 5 minutes to heat through. Serve garnished with the crumbled chicken skin, with jugs of gravy alongside.

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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 PAULO NEVES

ArtCatto, Loule On now Paulo Neves through Artcatto was commissioned by the Loulé Municipality to creare a sculpture for the city of Loulé. The work of this mastercraftsman can be seen at the Gallery now and includes works in wood, stone, iron and synthetic materials. Having captured a place in the Portuguese artistic panorama, Neves continues with his passion to make art of nature.

JAMES GILL

The Conrad, ballroom foyer Till 7 November He made his name in the 60s, and a huge impression on the art world as an exponent of the Pop Art movement. Today his work hangs in art museums and galleries across the globe and is housed in many private collections. Don’t miss the opportunity to see this outstanding exhibition that includes many new pieces.

JUNE SZUCS

Corte Real, Paderne On now Capturing the beautiful stripes of the zebra... their stripes come in different patterns unique to each individual.

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.

PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION

Museu do Traje Sao Bras Friday 30 November, 7pm There will doubtless be some wonderful images on show – the work of members of the Algarve Photographers Group. The standard of creativity and technique is right up there.

CARLOS LOUÇA

Museu do Traje Sao Bras Saturday 10 November, 7pm 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 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.

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MUSIC SALSA CLUB

Museu do Trajo São Brás de Alportel 16 November Been watching Strictly? Fancy your footwork on the dance floor?

There’s salsa tuition from 8pm to 8.45, and once you’ve picked up the tempo, you can dance till 11.30pm.

Music by DJ.

QUARTETO LACERDA

Quintinha da Música Near Tavira Sunday 18 November, 4pm The Lacerda Quartet – Alex Stewart, violin; Paul Wakabayashi, viola; Regina Aires, violin; and Aida Zupancic, cello – will be playing Joseph Haydn´s String Quartet in F minor, opus no 5 and Ludwig van Beethoven´s String Quartet in F Major Opus 59.

Tickets are €25. Email lynne.algarvehistory@gmail. com to book

MUSIC FOR A WHILE JAZZ CLUB CONCERT

Mauro Amaral Museu do Trajo São Brás de Alportel Sunday 18 November, 5pm If you are a jazz lover, this is the place to be – wonderful music and great atmosphere.

Tickets €10 (€8 for Friends of the Museum).

Classical Concett Museu do Trajo São Brás de Alportel Sunday 24 November, 6pm John Evans, piano; Stephen Dehn, baritone; and Maria Rocha, soprano, presenting a programme of works by Bach, Mozart, Haydn Wood and Massenet.

Tickets €12 (€10 for Friends of the Museum).

GOLF VALE DO LOBO GOLF GUEST DAY

Vale do Lobo Golf Club Saturday 10 November This initiative is open to Vale do Lobo Golf Club members, Proprietors Club members, Vale do Lobo Resort and Welcome card holders. Their Invited guests benefit from a special price of €50 per green fee. For further information and conditions, contact the Vale do Lobo Golf Club Reception. +351 289 353 464 / golf@vdl.pt

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Agenda

OUTSIDE FARMERS MARKET

Quinta Shopping Quinta do Lago Sunday 4 November, 10am-1pm Held on the first Sunday of every month, there is a great selection of fresh produce and Algarvian traditional products to wow your taste buds. To create a party atmosphere, the Grupo Folclórico de Faro will perform at 11.30am.

LUZA

Algarve International Festival of Light Loulé Thursday to Saturday, 1-3 November Loulé remains the main stage of LUZA. The second edition of this remarkable festival – part of the 365 Algarve programme – will again include the Torch Light Parade as an opener.

From the Sovereign Mother to the centre of the city, ten astonishing works by national and international artists will be exhibited. Check out the website for full programme and information – luzfestival.com.

PHOTOWALK WITH VITOR PINA

The streets of Loule Loule Saturday 3 November, 9am12am Anthony Martin went on this day of discovery last month and is still raving about it. Part of the Loule Creativo programme, this is great learning experience for keen snappers and covers how to capture live stories of the streets, by a recognised expert. You need to bring you own camera. Max ten partcipants, €10.

To register call 929 112 824 or email vitordasilvaphotography@gmail.com

CHARITY

VALE DO LOBO CHARITY CHRISTMAS MARKET

CHRISTMAS MARKET

Quinta Shopping Quinta do Lago Saturday 24 November Get your Christmas shopping sorted early. You’ll find everything from traditional crackers and delicious food things to a great selection of gift ideas, cards, decorations, jewellery and arts and crafts pieces. Santa promises to be there, too.

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Parque do Golfe Saturday 1 December, 10am-5pm The Vale do Lobo Christmas Market is returning to the resort for the ninth consecutive year – held within the Parque do Golfe complex and Auditorium, the location works whatever the weather. This luxury lifestyle Christmas gift market offers food and wine and has a strong emphasis on regional products and handicrafts. Get into the Christmas spirit while supporting the Wolf Valley Charity Fund (WVCF).

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Golf

What type of Golf Ball should you be playing?

Richard Hudson and Eddie Charnock PGA Professionals from Algarve Golf Guru, give you tips to find the ideal golf ball for your game

T

he subject we covered last month concerned the importance of having a golf coach. This month we have decided to tackle the importance of choosing the right golf ball.

There are basically two types of golf ball, a distance ball and high spin balls as used by golf professionals and single figure golfers.

WHAT MAKES A DISTANCE BALL The Top-Flite XL 7000 Super Long Golf Ball has a fiery core with more distance, along with distance dimple aerodynamics, while the hot Ionomer cover generates low spin off the driver to maximise distance.

WHAT MAKES A HIGH SPIN BALL The Titleist Pro V1 features a Next Generation 2.0 ZG Process Core that generates lower spin and faster ball speeds, the cover is a soft Urethane Elastomer that delivers control with soft feel.

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The single figure handicap golfer very rarely plays with different types of ball during a round of golf; if they like the Pro V1 then they will have a bag full. The midto-high handicapper usually has a mixture in the bag, not understanding that golf requires touch and feel, so a mixture of distance and high spin balls is a no no! So the important questions you must answer are: – Do you need distance?

– A high or low ball flight?

– More feel on or around the greens?

Contact two of the best PGA Golf Professionals on the Algarve at Pestana Vila Sol for FREE advice on choosing the correct golf ball for you!

If you would like to book an appointment to choose the correct golf ball for you or any other golfing needs with Richard Hudson or Eddie Charnock, you can find them on their website: algarvegolfguru.com or email them at sales@algarvegolfguru. com – make sure to mention Simply Algarve as a point of referral.

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Sports

SPORTS NEWS NUNO ESPIRITO SANTOS TAKES TOP AWARD

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olverhampton Wanderers have set an English Premier League record for naming the same starting 11 for the first eight matches of a season.

The former FC Porto manager and now boss at the Midlands club was named as ’Premier League Manager of the Month’ for September. Whilst the first team squad includes seven Portuguese players – Rui Patrício, João Moutinho, Rúben Neves, Ivan Cavaleiro, Hélder Costa, Diogo Jota and Rúben Vinagre – the backroom staff has a strong Portuguese presence including rehabilitation/fitness coach João Lapa who was born in Tavira and spent time working with SC Olhanense. It is testimony to his expertise that the club has been able to name the same team week-after-week in one of the most demanding leagues in the world.

Nuno Espirito Santos has created a real family feeling at Wolverhampton and he is a down-to-earth man who does not have extravagant tastes. He drove the same car for ten years, but that is not to say he has not had his fingers burned.

Asked what his most indulgent purchase had been, he smiles: “I bought land in 2002… and the land is still empty! I forgot to ask the council, if I could build a house there and when I did ask they said no. It was on the highest hill in Guimarães and I thought what a perfect place it would be, as the area is protected. I should have checked it out. I was 27 years old. It was going to be my dream home. We sometimes go and just sit there.” The Wolves’ manager has excellent English and a sense of humour. Asked if he preferred coaching to playing, he replied: “It is like being married twice. Sometimes you prefer one, sometimes the other.” Maybe if Wolves win the Premier League title the council in Guimarães might possibly change their mind.

SEBASTIAN COATES HAILED AS A HERO

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porting travelled to the Algarve following their dramatic last-gasp Europa League victory in the Ukraine where they turned a losing position in the 89th minute into a 2-1 victory against Vorskla Poltava. In their next game, The Lions had their roar silenced as Portimonense recorded only their second win of the season against the famousLisbon club. Goals from Manafá (30’), Shoya (44’ & 83’) and substitute João Carlos (93’) did the damage.

Former Liverpool and Sunderland defender Sebastian Coates scored one of Sporting’s goals but, more importantly, heroically stopped his team-mate, keeper Romain Salin, from choking when he collided with a goalpost and was left unconscious.

Coates stepped in with emergency aid to clear Salin’s airway and allow him to breathe again.

In the Portugal Cup third round, equivalent to the English FA Cup, Primeira Liga SC Portimonense suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at Segunda Liga outfit Cova da Piedade (Almada, Lisbon). Silves FV beat GD Chaves ‘B’ 2-1 whilst SC Farense were eliminated by FC Arouca 3-1.

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Brought to you

by Chris Wright WALKING FOOTBALL CUP STAYS IN THE ALGARVE

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espite strong opposition from England, Scotland and the Netherlands, the fourth edition of the Algarve Walking Football Cup was won again by Olhão (East Algarve Walking Football).

Browns Sports & Leisure Club, Vilamoura, organised a superb tournament and welcomed a record entry of 32 teams in two age categories – 50+ and 60+.

More than 300 mature competitors competed in over 100 games. EAWF Olhão retained its title in the 50+ section with a single goal victory against Carnoustie Panmure (Scotland). Three Scottish clubs also reached the finals of the Plate, Bowl & Wood 50+ competitions. Canterbury (Kent) won the Plate Final after a penalty shootout with Oriam from Edinburgh.

In the Plate Final it was Heart of Midlothian who slotted home their penalties to edge out Tavira (EAWF), whilst Sheffield Wednesday took home the Wood Trophy after a 1-0 win against Ayr United.

In the 60+ section, Ormskirk South (Lancashire) edged home with a single goal against Heart of Midlothian, whilst the Plate Trophy was won by Tullibody Reds (Alloa, Scotland) after a penalty shootout against hosts Browns. Other 60+ trophy winners were SC Cambuur (Netherlands) who lifted the Bowl whilst the Dutch club’s fourth team overcame Olhão 60+ (EAWF) in the Wood Final after a penalty shootout.

George (Tavira EAWF) was voted ‘Player of the Tournament’ by his peers and 78 yearold Peter Walpole (Olhão EAWF ‘B’) was presented with the ‘Forever Young’ award as the oldest competing player. It’s the spirit of friendship found at the tournaments which has allowed walking football to evolve rapidly over recent years.

The Olhão International Walking Football Tournament will take place at the Olhão Municipal Stadium, 15th-16 November. walkingfootballalgarve.com

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Last Word

Tales from an expat in Portugal

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Two tales actually, as Anthony Martin – or rather Anthony Anonymous – castigates those who wish to be nameless, and praises those who have something up their sleeve

t appears, at the time of writing, that both of our English-language newspapers have dropped their letters pages – what a pity. No more of what our Australian cousins call ‘whingeing Poms’ carping on about their life in the sun not being the paradise they expected. No more complaints about motor-homes, travellers or the state of the EN125 but, best of all, no more reading of the ire of Mr & Mrs Name and Address Withheld who don’t have the guts to put their name and address to their complaint.

Those who hold certain views and wish to bring them to the attention of the public should not be afraid to stand up and be counted. Do they think that those of us who disagree with their opinion would seek them out to pelt them with rotten fruit, poke them in the eye with a stick or make night time visits to their homes and set fire to their agapanthus?

We used to find dozens of such anonymised opinion holders with diverse gripes, the most popular being – in no particular order – the police road checks; the fact that the pace in southern Europe is slower than we northerners were used to; and, of course, Brexit. As far as I am concerned the only valid complaints are those regarding EDP and MEO who justly deserve to have buckets of opprobrium poured over their joint corporate heads.

Regarding the road checks, frankly I don’t know what the fuss was all about. In every country in the world the police are paid from the taxes collected from the population – you and me. So, we should treat the fine as a tax, but a tax which we can legally evade, unless we are stupid enough to drive around with a missing dust-cap from our tyre’s air valve or a windscreen cleaner jet that washes the car behind. In cases such as these, we fully deserve to be escorted to the nearest Multibanco and made to pay up. Perhaps we should be applauding the police instead of castigating them for keeping those who are uninsured, over-the-limit or driving unsafe vehicles, off the road.

These are views many of us share, so it beats me why some try to keep it a guilty-sounding secret. Not a way to encourage healthy debate so why hide behind a silly moniker – stand up and be counted. vvvvvvvvvvvv few months ago, I wrote of my mild interest in tattoos. My daughter, a responsible, intelligent, mother-of-three who has two tiny tattoos on her wrist read the piece, phoned me, and suggested that we have matching inkings, a father and daughter bonding ritual, (obviously, today DNA is not enough). Why not, I thought, a new experience might

A

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be fun, particularly as I bottled After signing out last time. After a couple of days emailing each other away our rights with ideas we settled on our to absolutely two earth signs, interlocked, and sent the designs off to the everything – I was tattoo parlour.

The following week, in shown to a chair London for a few days, feeling beside which the like two giggling truants, we lost my wife and sneaked off tattooist and his for a couple of hours, where – needles awaited after signing away our rights to absolutely everything – I was shown to a chair beside which the tattooist and his needles awaited. The place was buzzing – literally – as bodies were sitting or lying in the weirdest of positions while the artists, for that is what they are, did their creative thing.

We must have been the first father daughter joint inking, for out came the cameras and with much hilarity, we were photographed from all angles which unfortunately, unbeknown to me, my daughter posted on her Facebook page. The reactions were unexpected but interesting. Her peer group, many of which I used to collect and deliver on the school run, were wildly enthusiastic with comments such as ‘Go for it Tony’, ‘Mega cool’ and ‘Where are you going to put the second one?’

However, the comments from my peers were somewhat different. One answered his daughter who suggested they also become joint-tatted with: “Don’t I have enough aggravation without self-harming”. Others ran from “Are you out of your mind?” to “Tony, your parents will be turning in their graves”. a true example of the generation gap. O tempora! O mores!

And, at a dinner party last week, when I admitted that I recently had a tattoo, the table –or rather the guests around it – erupted, firstly with disbelief and, when realising that I was serious, with shock horror. Comments such as: “YOU WHAT??? I didn’t know you were that sort of person” to “How could you defile your body”. The woman sitting next to me physically flinched and moved a few inches further away and all my protestations – that I was the same person who had sat down at the table two courses earlier – fell on deaf ears. It would have made a classic Bateman cartoon.

And my wife? Oh yes, she with the infinite patience she constantly tells me she has. A quick look, a roll of the eyes and in a sotto voce she said: “Good Lord, the man must have joined a right-wing anarchist group”.

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