Tomorrow Lagos - Aljezur February 2018 Edition

A COMMUNITY MAGAZINE COVERING LAGOS TO ALJEZUR

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Fabulous February!

Well, we have hopefully all made it through January with our New Year resolutions intact!

As far as we at Tomorrow are concerned there are plenty of other activities on our minds to cope with as we plan for this year’s calendar.

We had a meeting with the President of the Câmara with the aim of being informed of events earlier and also to find out their plans for the year ahead. Whilst there is nothing specifically planned we did say that, in the interests of the expat community and their wish to be more involved in good causes in the area, it would really help us to have the dates of forthcoming events.

Sadly they are very often unable to let us know what is planned until after we go to print.

However, we are now all aware of big plans afoot with the old, and now defunct hotel at the beginning of the avenida and other buildings adjacent.

We did discuss the railway museum which as many of you may remember was something we tried very hard to resurrect a few years ago without success.

The good news is that we had a meeting with three members of the museum and they and the Câmara have agreed that plans should be prepared for March to renovate and refurbish the buildings and engines inside. Please read about this later in this issue.

activity classes away from the centre which gives them the opportunity of socialising and enjoying their weekends.

We have proposed to help with the rent for the soup kitchen for the next few months and hopefully, as funds and donations allow, continue for the longer term, which we are sure you will agree is a great way of helping our local community and it would not be possible but for our readers’ generosity. Well done once again!

Hoping the month with Shrove Tuesday and Valentine’s Day are special for you all!

Amber, Tom and the whole Tomorrow team.

We are very pleased that the children from CASLAS through donations and support from readers and the ‘friends of CASLAS’ are going to have dancing and

Tom Henshaw  +351 919 918 733 Amber Henshaw  amber@tomorrowalgarve.com

On the cover Thanks very much to David Sheldrake for the great cover photo taken at Loulé Carnival last year. Don't forget that carnival season is coming up - this year's Loulé Carnival takes place between February 10th to 13th.  davesheldrakephotography.com

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TomorrowAlgarve

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Destination Coimbra

BY LENA STRANG Life in the Algarve is very pleasant. It’s easy to forget that there is also a world to be discovered in the rest of Portugal.

Each year I make a resolution to visit a different region to explore its distinct characteristics, culture and heritage. Coimbra, the old capital of Portugal, has been on my list for a long time and last month I finally took the plunge and headed north. What a revelation it was!

Coimbra is situated halfway between Lisbon and Porto. It’s perched high above the river Mondego with its ancient buildings clinging to the hillsides and with the imposing university as the crowning glory at the top. It’s easy to access either by train or coach, taking 2 ½ hours from Lisbon. I chose to go by express train from Santa Apolónia station, which took me to the main station in Coimbra. From there it’s only a short taxi ride to the apartment I’d booked in the old town, or so I thought.

As vehicles are not able to manoeuvre in the precipitous cobbled narrow roads and steps within the old town itself, I’m dropped off at the top. My first challenge is to reach the apartment below with my little wheelie suitcase in tow. With the aid of helpful

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locals who point me in the right direction, I am eventually installed in my comfortable apartment in an alleyway, near Rua de Quebra Costas (Backbreak Road). I soon realise it is a good time to visit, as there are no hordes of tourists or queues in sight.

The first thing that strikes me when arriving is the distinction between the upper and lower parts of the city. I am interested to discover that this goes back to the Middle Ages. The upper part where I’m staying is Cidade Alta or Almedina where the clergy and the aristocracy lived, while merchants, artisans and labourers lived in the lower part, Cidade Baixa, by the river. A 2 km long fortified wall encircled the city with some parts still in evidence such as the Almedina Gate, the entrance to the old town.

During my visit I am able to appreciate the significance of Coimbra in Portugal’s history. Since early times, many peoples have visited and occupied the area. While the Phoenicians and Greeks didn’t leave much trace, the legacy of the Romans and Arabs is still very visible. The Romans founded a major settlement in nearby Conimbriga. It’s the largest one in Portugal and will definitely be on my itinerary for next time. The Arabs settled in Coimbra itself until the Christian conquest in the 12th century.

It became the capital of Portugal in 1145 for nearly a century before it was moved to Lisbon.

Having got my bearings, it’s time to venture out.

My first port of call after an energetic climb up a number of steps is the Old Cathedral of Coimbra (Sé

Velha). It’s hugely imposing, being the only Romanesque cathedral in Portugal to have survived in its original form. Construction began in 1163 when Coimbra was the capital and completed in the beginning of the 13th century. The fact that the external façade is very much like a fortress is explained in the context of constant wars against the Arabs and Castilians. I enjoy wandering around the internal Gothic cloister and take in the peace and tranquillity of the place.

What has distinguished Coimbra over the centuries is its university and I am eager to explore it. Being one of the oldest universities in Europe, it was founded by King Dinis in 1290; first located in Lisbon and then moved to its permanent site in Coimbra in 1537.

A huge rectangular courtyard, Paço das Escolas is the nucleus of the university. At one end is the ancient Royal Court where the University of Coimbra was installed; the other sides are flanked by equally imposing buildings, including St Michael’s Chapel and the Joanine Library. The 34 metre high Baroque University Tower (nicknamed cabra or goat, by the students) located at one of the corners, is one of the emblematic monuments visible from any high part of the city.

I’m able to buy a ticket that gives me entry to several of the venues. I would say that the Joanine Library is a ‘must’ for any visitor. Built in 1717 in Baroque style it’s dazzling in its design and decorative richness. It houses about 300,000 books, in Latin and Greek, the languages of scholarship at the time. They are remarkably well preserved. The thick oak bookcases protect the books from insects and I’m told a resident group of bats also keep them under control.

Another intriguing feature is the medieval Academic Prison in one section of the library. Here errant students would have been incarcerated and anyone destroying a book was given the maximum sentence.

An interesting thought.

In the Royal Palace I see the Room of Hoods where

important academic ceremonies still take place and the Arms Room with an exhibition of halberds used by the Royal Academic Guard.

During the 15 and 16th centuries Coimbra flourished in terms of art and culture, attracting a steady stream of intellectuals, writers and artists from the rest of Europe.

Yet the church maintained its iron grip on learning. In stepped the Marquis of Pombal (renowned for rebuilding Lisbon after the 1755 earthquake). Having expelled the Jesuits, he undertook a reform of the university in 1772 and the sciences were elevated. I think his importance for opening up academic study and embracing new ideas can't be underestimated. Today the university has over 20,000 students, including the largest number of international students in Portugal.

My ticket also allows entrance to the Machado de Castro National Museum. Little did I know what was in store for me! Housed in the former Bishop’s Palace on the site where the Roman forum of Aeminium (Coimbra’s Roman name) stood, it is a truly amazing place. After a refreshing cup of coffee on the outside terrace of the café, affording a splendid view over the city, I am ready to tackle the museum. The remains of the Roman cryptoporticus (used as a warehouse for storing grains) are well preserved and you can almost get lost in the maze of tunnels. 

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Collections of sculptures and artefacts from surrounding churches and religious institutions around Coimbra are housed in the museum above. I am particularly struck by an exhibition of ancient terracotta statues of the Apostles. An accompanying film and diagrams show the painstaking way that the pieces of the sculptures have been put together.

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Unfortunately, I don't have time to visit the extensive Botanical Gardens of the University considered to be one of the most beautiful in Europe. They were founded in 1772 and integrated with the natural History Museum established by the Marquis of Pombal.

Having satisfied my thirst for knowledge for one day, I am ready for light entertainment.

And there is plenty in Coimbra.

There is a multitude of bars and small restaurants in the old part of town. Further down is the main shopping street where more cafés and innumerable pastry shops abound. I come across the Grupo Folclórico de Coimbra, dressed in traditional costumes entertaining passers-by with their rousing songs.

In the evening it is time to listen to fado music in the Fado ao Centro in the old town. Coimbra fado is ever popular and has its own distinct style, different from the one in Lisbon. It is more cerebral, always sung by men and sometimes used as a way to serenade female students. True to form, two guitarists, one playing the Portuguese guitar and another the classic acoustic guitar, accompany two male fadistas. It is a very enjoyable performance and one not to be missed.

The next day I venture to the lower part of town, crossing the river Mondego by the Santa Clara Bridge. Instead of gazing at towering monuments, I am in pursuit of their miniature versions in Portugal dos Pequenitos. Designed in the 1940s, it shows different architectural styles and historical periods in Portugal. I am taken by the miniature version of the University of Coimbra in all its splendour. There are also sections dedicated to the Portuguese excolonies showing artefacts rather out of context, I feel. It seems to me that the information that must have been written in the 1940s under the Salazar dictatorship glorifying this era needs urgent updating. However, it was a pleasant visit that the young at heart can also enjoy!

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I pass Quinta das Lágrimas close by (now a hotel) where legend has it that the tragic love story of Dom Pedro, heir to the throne, and his Spanish mistress Inês, took place. She was killed in the gardens on the order of the King, Pedro’s disapproving father.

When Pedro finally took the crown in 1357, he had the murderers cruelly executed. He built two tombs at the monastery of Santa Maria in Alcobaça where they were united after his death. They are also remembered by something more mundane here. The footbridge across the river nearby is called the Pedro and Inês Bridge.

The Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha on this side of the river is also well worth a visit. Founded in the early part of the 14th century by Queen Elizabeth of Portugal it was a large convent for Poor Clares.

However, being too close to the river with frequent floods it was abandoned in the 17th century with a new monastery, Santa Clara-a Nova, built uphill.

The ruins of the old monastery have been excavated and can be visited. The Interpretation centre is very informative with extensive exhibitions and film shows (with English subtitles). It’s only seems appropriate that I enjoy another cup of coffee in the pleasant café, savouring a Santa Clara cake.

These were traditionally baked by the nuns and sold to students at the university and have remained popular ever since.

It is time to leave Coimbra after a really invigorating few days. I do like its rich cultural heritage and the very special ambience, and hope I’ll be back to soak up some more.

My return journey back to the Algarve is by coach, as it seemed the most convenient way to travel. Armed with a good book and pleasant scenery on the way, I’m prepared for the long haul. There’s a quick change at Sete Rios Coach station in Lisbon and then it’s the home stretch back to Lagos with stops in Lagoa and Portimão.

Good to be back home and cherish memories of a fascinating visit. So where to next?

Community

A tribute to Nana: For the love of animals

BY REBECCA SIMPSON

On December 7th 2017, the Algarve and its animals lost a very special lady. Nana Van de Velden was an inspirational woman whose dedication to the animal sanctuary, Associação Bamboo spread influence across the surrounding areas and saved the lives of many dogs and donkeys.

As the founder of Bamboo Nana arrived in Portugal in 2000 and shortly after established the sanctuary which remained her passion and priority for nearly 17 years. With approximately 20 dedicated volunteers, Nana’s amazing work encouraged many locals and holiday makers alike, some of which have been assisting at the sanctuary for a long time.

Nana adored her home in Praia da Luz and would often take an early morning swim in the sea accompanied by her ever faithful Bombo, who would sit on the beach and spectate as Nana enjoyed the ocean.

Nana’s passion for animal welfare was infectious and as she famously used to say; ‘animals never let you down’. An elegant

and inspirational woman who would always be seen wearing white clothing, even whilst up at the sanctuary.

Whilst working at Bamboo with the volunteers Nana’s pristine white clothes were often covered in muddy paw prints about which she never cared. Often seen walking the promenade in Praia da Luz with Bombo never far away, Nana enjoyed the outdoors and the beautiful scenery of the Algarve. Bombo has now been adopted by a close friend of Nana’s in the Netherlands.

Nana will be greatly missed by all her friends and her family who often visited Praia da Luz. The sanctuary will carry on as Nana would have wished. Associação Bamboo now has approximately 30 dogs, some of which have been adopted to the UK, Netherlands and Germany whilst others have stayed in Portugal but have all gone to good and caring homes. There are also 15 donkeys up at the sanctuary that always provide love and entertainment to all the helpers.

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Lars from Lagos Vet clinic worked closely with Nana and expressed the following: ‘Nana worked with all of the local vets including Espiche, Zoolagos, Lagos Vet Clinic and, most recently, Naturavet. She was a character to work with, being both forceful and caring. She made sure all the animals were vaccinated and rehomed in good health. Volunteer staff were/are instrumental in helping transport sick dogs to and from the clinic also’.

Volunteers are always welcome to assist at Associação Bamboo and can contact via the website (www.bambooalgarve.org/ ) or if you wish to sponsor a dog or donkey this is also a great way to get involved and continue Nana’s inspirational work.

It’s safe to say that the shelter will never quite be the same again but Nana’s caring and infectious passion for animals will live on through Associação Bamboo and her legacy will continue to inspire and nurture the dogs and donkeys of the Algarve.

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Community

Batteries for food

BY GEORGE FORD

Helping those in need by helping our planet Across Europe, food bank numbers are soaring as people are teaming together to combat food poverty and waste. There are currently 21 food banks across Portugal, reaching over 390,000 people. The Portuguese Federation of Food Banks Against Hunger is battling the food waste crisis by distributing what it can to those in need.

With statistics showing that roughly one third of the world’s food produced for human consumption goes to waste, it is intolerable to see that one in nine people are suffering from chronic undernourishment.

By pressuring public authorities, national companies and international organisations, food banks are raising awareness of the food crisis sweeping the globe and inciting real change. One way Amb3e (the Portuguese Association of Waste Management) is tackling the crisis is by combining the plight of the hungry with our dying planet.

As we all know, our waste is contributing to the dangerous and seemingly out-of-control warming of the world. Amb3e started a campaign in 2016 in a bid to encourage the recycling of batteries, alerting the public to the importance of recycling and looking after the community. Their latest campaign started in

Back on track

November 2017 and will run until February 28th.

Márcia Alemão, communication and awareness employee at Amb3e, said: “Adding the environmental and social aspects, this action aims to encourage the recycling of used batteries, promoting a greater awareness of the role we all play in building a sustainable and responsible world.”

Monetary prizes are awarded to the food banks that have collected the most batteries in a bid to encourage participation. First, second and third place are judged by the weight of the batteries collected.

Amb3e will hand out €4,000 for the top spot, €2,000 for second place and €1,500 for third, it is a welcomed incentive for the food banks.

In its first season of the campaign, Amb3e collected seven tonnes of old batteries from food banks across Portugal, allowing them to contribute to a total of €15,000 to banks across the country.

Batteries can be donated at the Portimão food bank: Urb. Industrial Vale da Arrancada, Rua Guerreiro de Matos, Lt.34, Portimão it is open Tuesday and Thursday 10am to 1pm or Monday to Wednesday 5pm to 8pm.

All contributions are appreciated to help the campaign and the food banks become a success.

Make a difference to our community and world by promoting recycling and community care.

BY TOM HENSHAW

At last, after two years ‘in the dark’ there may be progress on the railway museum overlooking the back of the railway station.

I met with a director and two members of the Museu Nacional Ferroviário (the National Railway Museum) recently and they had already attended a meeting that day with the President of Lagos Câmara. During that meeting they seemed to have come away with credible plans to revive the ailing museum itself using the architectural department there and all within the next month. There was considerable

enthusiasm shown for the potential development and we at Tomorrow are looking for potential interested parties to help as volunteers to progress the possible advancement of this historic building and contents.

Please email Tom in this first instance with your interest, contact details and skills.  tom@tomorrowalgarve.com

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Community

Budding talent Thirteen-year-old Tiago Custódio from Budens followed his dream which led him to taking part in a TV cooking challenge. Tiago was one of the 18 participants of the Masterchef Junior Portugal. which has been on TV1 on Sunday nights. He was out after the second programme but says he won’t give up cooking. Here he tells our editor, Amber, more about the competition.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Tiago, I am 13-years-old and the oldest of six siblings. I live in Budens and I'm in 8th grade at Vila do Bispo School.

How and when did you get into cooking?

I learned to cook with my father and my grandfather when I was very young and at 8-years-old I started to cook alone.

How did you get to take part in Masterchef?

My mother signed me up for the casting and I accepted the challenge. There were about 100 participants in the first casting, we had to take our recipe cooked from home and finish and dish it up there in 20 minutes. Only 30 passed this round.

Then we had to go through two more culinary challenges until the 18 finalists were chosen.

What was the best thing about being part of Masterchef?

Learning more about cooking, making new friends and seeing how a television show is made.

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What was the worst thing about the competition?

The worst part was not having reached the end of the competition.

How far did you get?

I reached the top 18 and entered Masterchef Junior's kitchen, I was eliminated in the second programme.

What was the favourite dish you cooked?

Lamb chops with sautĂŠed vegetables.

Did you have any disasters?

Yes, on one of the challenges I went running to get a plate and I dropped it and it broke!

What is your ambition in the future?

I want to be a chef. I want to study and travel a lot to get to know other cultures and culinary habits.

Can you please tell us your favourite food.

My favourite food is lasagne.

Try one of Tiago's favourite recipes on page 60.

Community

Piloting a hovercraft in the hills

BY JEFF MORGAN Having crossed the English Channel on one as well as having spent some years living near the Westlands factory, hovercraft are not alien to me. The thought that one day I would actually pilot one though never even entered my realm of reality. Yet here I was, stood in the hills of the Algarve listening to a quick briefing, trying to concentrate on the information I was being told for my own good all the while the child in me was just saying wow, we are going flying, let’s go, let’s go.

Ask any of my tutors and they will confirm that I wasn't a quick learner.

So, if one minute 27 seconds is all it took for me to complete the introductory lesson, which comprised of getting the craft up and turning to the instructors directions, I am sure that most of you will grasp the concept of flying your own hovercraft in rapid time. There are not many places in the world that you can just rent a hovercraft either, so we are extremely lucky to have Hovertrack Portugal open a park just outside of Lagos on the road up to the Autódromo.

The charming man behind this bold venture is Lagos resident Nuno Mourão and his supportive wife, Fernanda, who opened the gates on their dream 12 months ago. Nuno's first love was when he witnessed hovercraft racing on the television. That love, like most of our first loves vanished deep into the past memory vaults, forgotten.

Nuno’s involvement with rally-cross, at the Kartódromo, from it’s inception, along with an unhealthy passion for engines has prepared him for his destiny.

One quiet evening at home the couple looked at each other and simultaneously exclaimed, hovercraft!. The idea for Hovertrack Portugal was conceived.

Lesson two was the water crossing.

Apprehensively, as directed, I squeezed the throttle lever to full power, the water passed quickly underneath me and flying out the otherside of the pond was instantly directed into a drifting style 180 degree turn: Follow the instructors hands and it is that easy. I didn't get wet either, though there was quite a bit of dust so I was thankful for the mostly dust resistant suit thoughtfully supplied to all pilots. You also are equipped with kneepads and a crash helmet, all you need do is turn up.

Turning an idea into reality took two years of sheer determination. Introducing a unique venture when such a business isn't on the list is a bureaucratic nightmare.

Environmental impact studies, noise pollution reports, obtaining the various permissions, permits and licences would have discouraged a less focused individual than Nuno.

I had now completed my first full rotation of the track, and what a exciting course it is. Technical yes, so, sure, I took out a few cones and sideswiped some of the straw bails. I have much to learn, yet the instructor didn't once place his head in his hands. For just having fun this is one instant way of putting a grin on your face and therefore would highly recommend this unique experience, and I am only on lap one.

A couple more laps and it was proving more difficult to stay on a line, my mind drifted from having fun to what I should be doing, taking photos for the article. Suddenly I drifted sideways into a pile of cones in what from a distance could be mistaken for the perfect parking manoeuvre.

With the bureaucracy satisfied the couple could begin with the really hard work. A four month engineering project of cutting not one, but three, 300m courses out of the Algarvian countryside. “There is still more to do, enhancing the entrance and putting up the signage but we are open and accepting visitors” says Nuno.

In fact his plans for the future go much further. The opening of a club where locals can meet to race, adding another water area, and, already penciled into the 2018 calendar, playing host to one of the events that make up the Iberian Championships series.

Celebrating their one year anniversary Nuno and Fernanda have demonstrated the determination required to succeed in reaching their goal. “There is nothing quite like Hovercraft” says Nuno and I for one will most certainly be taking my guests out to the park.

The website is still only in Portuguese though with an easy to use booking system.

Everyone speaks English so you can always telephone or just head up towards the Autódromo looking for the small sign and flag on your right hand side. Reach the roundabout at the bottom and you have travelled too far.

 www.hovertrackportugal.com/booking/  +351 282 046 260  +351 935 884 430

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29th 2017 but was subsequently extended and ended on January 29th 2018. We will let Tomorrow readers know the results in the March issue.

Let’s make Lagos accessible

In other good news on December 13th 2017 newly elected Lagos municipal Assemblywomen Margarida Mauricio from the People Animals and Nature Party (PAN) introduced a motion to require all government meetings be accessible as already required by national law. Currently the municipal assembly meetings are held on the third floor of an old building with no lift, making it impossible for anyone with reduced mobility to participate in local government affairs. Assembly members agreed that something has to be done but the majority balked at an immediate moving of the meetings to an accessible venue like the new city council building.

Assembly women Mauricio has promised to follow through.

BY KEVIN APLIN

My wife Constance and I moved to Portugal in 2010 and we are happy and proud to call Lagos home.

Unfortunately due to a serious hospital infection in 2013 Constance is now disabled and needs a wheelchair or a mobility scooter to get around.

Since then we have come to understand the difficulties people with reduced mobility face in participating in daily life.

We are both never one’s to complain without getting involved and offering solutions. With this in mind we started to work with locally elected officials to improve accessibility.

Our guiding principle for this work was to take note of the European Commission’s statement on social inclusion: “The EU promotes the active inclusion and full participation of disabled people in society, in line with the EU human rights approach to disability issues. Disability is a rights issue and not a matter of discretion.”

Fortunately the current administration in Lagos has a process where citizens can submit budget items for up to €50,000 and the public votes on them, the top three proposals get funded. This year 34 proposals were approved for the ballot. We have submitted proposal number 18 which would begin to cut away the curbs at pedestrian crossings, making it easier and safer for people with reduced mobility to cross the street.

Another issue facing Lagos and the Algarve is the lack of accessibility of public transportation. The local Lagos bus service (Aonda) has wheelchair lifts installed on the buses but many of them are broken and are to date not being repaired.

The Regional Algarve train service from Lagos from Vila Real de Santo António is not accessible for persons with disabilities. Local government does not oversee the trains; but Lagos officials (the Câmara) can be asked to bring concerns about the service to the Association of Municipalities (AMAL) based in Faro.

We are also planning a campaign to contact REFER which has oversight of the rail and bus systems in Portugal.

There are some positive examples in Lagos for accessibility, for example the Cultural Center has an accessible bathroom, seats for performances for wheelchair users can be reserved and the art exhibits and café are all easily accessible.

There are other issues, with simple solutions, for example the handicapped bathrooms at the parking garage on the Avenida and in the Marina are often locked. The health center does not have a handicapped bathroom and the curbs near the entrance are almost impossible to navigate.

We are committed to working with public officials to make positive changes to Lagos and the Algarve so that that the rights of the disabled are respected and the quality of life is improved for everyone.

Voting was originally scheduled to end on December

Interested in adding your voice, please contact me by email:  kacitizen@gmail.com

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Community

The young face daunting challenges There’s no doubt that we face global uncertainty at the beginning of 2018 but what impact does this have on young people looking to the future? Len Port talked to Algarve twins, originally from Scotland, who are descendants of the Scottish poet Robert Burns to find out.

The current instability in Europe and the wider world is troubling, particularly to the young with knowledge of the huge challenges that lie ahead for their generation.

Two people keenly following international events are Mariota and Catriona Anderson, twin sisters who turned 20 in January. Their Scottish parents, John and Fiona, brought them to the Algarve when they were six months old. The family lived in Mexilhoeira Grande and Alcalar before moving to Lagoa. The girls attended the International School at Porches.

About three-and-a-half years ago they went back to their original home town, St Andrews on the east coast of Scotland, renowned as an academic centre. They boarded there for two years to obtain International Baccalaureate diplomas. Now they are in their second year at King’s College, London, studying History and International Relations, with the intention of going on to complete Masters degrees. As twins, Mariota and Catriona are not identical in appearance nor in character. As sisters they are very close, yet still independent thinkers.

On controversial international matters such as Brexit, however, they are united and respond with one voice.

“The biggest problem we found was the lack of planning for what would happen if the UK chose to leave the EU. There appeared to be no contingency plan as most people assumed the UK would remain.

So it has just left the country in chaos.

“We both think that Brexit - by inhibiting free movement and the effect it will have on the economy and on students - is not a good idea.

“The majority of students we talk to think Brexit will leave the UK in a worse position. But a lot of the students with this opinion are European students.”

Even though Mariota and Catriona have UK passports, they been classified as EU students because when they applied for university positions they hadn’t lived in the UK for three full years. They had only been at boarding school in Scotland for two years.

because tuition fees may be raised and there is talk of EU students having to apply for visas. Brexit may also affect research and funding for universities and hinder EU nationals who want to work in the UK. “As for our parents, Brexit will impact on them quite negatively. The exchange rate has plummeted; healthcare is also worrying as Brexit may mean that UK nationals abroad won’t have European Health Insurance cards any more. We think it was really quite terrible that many UK nationals weren’t given the opportunity to vote in the referendum. Those who had lived abroad for 15 years or more are equally as British as any other UK national, irrespective of where they live. The decision to leave the EU is going to affect UK nationals abroad so it would only have been fair that they, too, had a say in the referendum.”

The Anderson twins still regard the Algarve as home and will always return on holidays. But they realise, as students of International Relations and History, as do others of their generation who have grown up here, that their future careers probably lie elsewhere.

The Algarve offers limited employment opportunities unrelated to tourism upon which the local economy is so heavily dependant.

As for the wider world, in studying current affairs they learn how policy-makers approach challenges.

It has become clear to them that coming up with solutions to global problems is not as simple as it may seem – and solutions usually take a long time to take effect.

“We don’t like to be too pessimistic, but times have definitely changed. The future is filled with so many uncertainties and challenges that it’s difficult to see anything bright about global affairs.

“The current war on terror is only getting worse, climate change is accelerating, and new threats such as nuclear and cyber warfare are difficult to combat.

“But we are students, so we have to be optimistic about the future. If everyone’s pessimistic then nothing will be solved !”

“As EU students we may be affected negatively

Read more from Len  atalgarvenewswatch.blogspot.co.uk

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Solar Farm Lights Up Lagos

BY SOPHIE SADLER

If, like me, you have driven past the Solar Farm near Continente and wondered who owns it and where the electricity goes, then read on!

The farm is owned by Solpramim - Energias Renováveis, Lda, a subsidiary of local building company Rodrigues & Vermelho - Construções SA, who have been based in Lagos for over 30 years. Gonçalo Rodrigues, a spokesman for the company, tells me; “We’ve diversified to solar energy really for that reason, diversification of our business. During the strong real estate recession (2008-2012), which also affected us, we’ve tried to find some other business investments, solar energy did appear as an option and after understanding the way it works we’ve decided that it could be a good opportunity. And so it was.”

Gonçalo kindly introduces me to the brains behind the project, electrical engineer Idelberto Amendoeira. He and I meet to discuss the park, which was completed in July 2015, and the wider subject of solar energy.

I am keen to find out exactly how much power a plant like this one produces.

There are 8700 solar panels and Idelberto tells me that it is a 2MW producing plant, however, this refers to the maximum output at any given time. It averages 14 MW of energy per day going up to 16MW in the summer. To put this into context it could supply 1300 houses per day with power.

The power produced is sold to EDP and generates a profit for the owner.

I am therefore surprised that we do not

have more of these “photovoltaic” parks as they are called in Portuguese. Idelberto explains: “The Park was built with a special license issued by the last government in 2010. Just the license cost €1.2 million and they were sold to generate income, but this policy has stopped and it is now not possible to get new licenses.”

It seems a travesty that with sunlight being one of the Algarve´s biggest assets that there are currently only five of these plants generating power from this clean renewable energy source. The others are in Ferreiras, Tunes, São Brás and Cachopo.

EDP buys electricity on the free market for €0.05 per KW but sells to the consumer at €0.16 per KW + IVA. In Portugal roughly 54% of electricity is produced by wind energy, 11.5% is from hydroelectric dams in the centre and North of Portugal, only 6-10% from solar.

Mainland Europe has a grid and electricity can be sold onto the grid when Portugal has a surplus or bought when there is a deficit. Energy is big business and with EDP having the monopoly they have no interest in incentivising private energy plants, preferring to sell to the consumer rather than them generating their own. There are also no grants offered in Portugal to private dwellings wishing to install solar panels which could be down to the lobbying power EDP has over the government.

Idelberto shows me one project he has just worked on which is bucking the trend.

A Pousada in São Brás, has installed 320 solar panels entirely for self-consumption,

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which produce 80KW of energy for the hotel. He works only as a consultant and does not install the panels himself. “I create a computer simulation,” he explains, “this calculates the energy a given site can produce. The solar panels used are a fixed structure, pitched at 30º and facing directly south for optimum energy production.

There has to be the correct distance between each panel to ensure that no shadow is cast over any panel. The Algarve produces more solar exposure than in the North of Portugal, as it is slightly closer to the equator.”

After working for Electrolagos and CME, with 22 years of experience, Idelberto set up his own company HXI and employs three people. “Most of the work is maintenance and there are lots of bad panels on the market so a lot of the work is troubleshooting.” Idelberto can send up a drone with an infrared camera on it to photograph the panels to see which ones have hot spots and are not producing their optimum power. He visits the Lagos park once a month to make sure all the equipment is working correctly, check connections and carry out maintenance.

To anyone who is interested in setting up solar panels to generate their own power, Idelberto tells me that the cost for an average size house is c. €8000 and you would require 20 panels. He warns that it is not economically viable unless you are mainly consuming your energy during the day. This is because your power is only generated when the sun shines during daylight hours and there is currently no 

Community efficient way of storing that power. So you would be selling your unused power to EDP during the day at €0.05 but having to buy it back at night for the higher price of €0.16.

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Idelberto tells me that the Portuguese, as a nation, are not yet sold on the idea of solar power as they do not like the look of the panels and there is a lack of knowledge or information on the topic. To be fair, I have to point out that one of the reasons industrial countries have more of an emphasis on 'clean power' is due to a desire to reduce CO₂ emissions and dependence on fossil fuels and this is obviously not an issue in Portugal. The counter-argument would be that it would benefit the consumer if energy was cheaper and did not have to be bought from abroad.

I ask Gonçalo Rodrigues if his company was influenced by the fact that it's environmentally friendly or was it purely a commercial decision?

“Of course. Won’t hide that it was principally a commercial decision, but knowing that we also would be helping the environment has given us even more strength to proceed with the investment.”

day and wishes to invest in solar energy, Idelberto would advise also installing a resistor allowing your water to be heated with the same system, you will pay off your investment in eight years. He warns against buying cheap panels which can lose up to 20% of energy in eight years meaning that just as you pay off your investment you are losing your energy-producing potential. He can rrecommend two companies, FF Solar and Rolear, as being reputable and using good quality panels.

Gonçalo is also optimistic that the manipulation of this natural resource will grow in the future; “We have no doubt that solar energy will in the future be one of the most exploited resources (mainly here in the Algarve) and I am sure that construction will follow this trend, hopefully in a very positive way, combining the great need for energy that we have with the benefit to the environment.”

It seems like a missed opportunity, that with so much solar energy available in the Algarve that government policy is not more focused on pursuing this form of energy, we can only hope this changes in the future.

If any reader is consuming a lot of electricity in the

 www.hxi-engenharia.pt  www.rodriguesevermelho.com

Royal recognition Alison Blair, well-known in the Algarve for her work at Madrugada, is listed on the New Year's Honours List to receive an MBE. In October 2016, Alison stood down after seven years at Madrugada, the Luzbased charity that supports people with life-limiting illnesses, and their families.

The organisation was created in 2009 and Alison, a psychologist and psychotherapist with an education and training background was a leading light in setting it up.

When retiring from her role, the Vice-President of Madrugada John Hough, was quoted in the Resident, "Alison has brought enormous creativity, energy and flair to the challenges of raising funds, coping with bureaucracy and, most of all, overturning misconceptions about palliative care. Her cheerful disposition, determination and resolve have won through where many others would have given up," adding that "The many letters of gratitude from 'Madrugada families are testament to the importance and success of what Alison set out to achieve when the idea to create the organisation was conceived back in February 2009."

Alison moved to the Algarve from Kent in 2006 and

through her psychotherapy work soon found that there was little support for people dealing with terminal conditions.

On hearing the news, Alison said: "This honour has caught me by surprise; I am of course delighted but very much aware that without the support of my colleagues, Madrugada volunteers and our community my role would have been too difficult to contemplate. Thank you to everyone who has helped me to build, promote and deliver Madrugada's services, we can all be proud of these achievements.

The real honour is in helping others."

Hard work in setting up the organisation has been recognised with this honour and those that know Alison Blair will agree that her becoming a Member of the British Empire marks not only her contribution to society but the coming of age of Madrugada.

Alison will be awarded the MBE at Buckingham Palace in March.

Thanks to the Algarve Daily News for this piece and well done to Alison from all of us.

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toldos - awnings sun wind rain protection

toldolanda

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

Community

Meet the artist

the paintings. we are talking commercial paintings of course.

This month we introduce you to Portuguese artist Miguel de Almeida Santos who was born in Lisbon but moved to the Algarve when he was just 10. His childhood was a mix of living in big cities and long summers at his grandparents house in Silves. It was during this time he developed a love for the countryside and beach scenery.

Image Captions (left to right, top to bottom): Miguel; Casa Algarvia; Pesca do Atum; Descanso dos Pescadores; Pesca do Atum

Tell us about your art and what you specialise in.

I mostly work with oils but have a love for pastels as well. For pleasure a pencil and a piece of paper do just fine. I specialise in landscapes, typical scenes from the Algarve, local people and that sort of rustic thing.

Have you always been an artist / painted / created?

Yes. I always had the love for drawing everything I liked and what was visually appealing to me - a TV show actor, cartoons, comic books. At some point growing up me and my brother had no money to get super-hero toys so I just drew and cut some cardboard home-made heroes - we had dozens of them!

I also did portraits of family members to impress my father, once I did a Goya drawing of an old lady that looked cadaveric, I was pleased that he recognised it straight away. Art was always around in my house through books and paintings we owned.

What mediums do you work with? How would you describe your subject matter?

I work with oils on canvas. My regular working week starts with taking photos from local places, print them and then paint them. Of course by now I do have a large portfolio of pictures I use when I repeat

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Can you tell us how you create your work, where do you source your ideas from - and how do you decide what to do with each painting?

My work has two distinct faces, first and very important are the paintings about the landscape and typical subjects of the Algarve. I go on location and photograph but also acquire photos from the internet.

Then there’s the second side of it, which are paintings I consider career paintings where I can express whatever I want to say, these come out of my creative mind and need to tell something. I do invest more of my skills with these ones, or so I think.

How long does each piece take to create?

I must work to pay bills and support a family, art is not enough, so many paintings I’ve made are made 3 hours a day for let's say 5 days, sometimes less time on smaller canvas. Winter holidays are very important because I can do series of paintings and stock for the following season.

What do you want your work or your art to do? How would you like people to respond to your work?

I would like my art to be evocative of feelings, sensations. When painting the Algarve I sometimes imagine the hot sun on a surface and its cool breeze on a shadowy corner. When I paint people I like to make the observer imagine a story, to spend a little while looking at them. But sometimes I also want people to think, to question.

Do you have a funny story something unique or unusual - or quirky or even famous to share with us?

I had a commission ready to deliver to a gallery, this was the peak of summer, when you shower and find out minutes later that you’re already sweating. The painting had not dried yet so I was being very careful so that the surface wouldn’t touch the side of the 

Community plastic bag it was being carried. When I reached outside my building and was approaching my car, the bag twisted and I danced around it so that it wouldn’t screw up the painting, my swim-suited neighbours thought it was funny anyway and didn’t understand my panic face.

I decided to remove the painting from the bag as I opened the boot door. All seemed going well except that the hydraulics of the door decided to fail on me at the exact moment I was inserting the painting!

Result? It fell straight faced on the asphalt and the door hit me on my back!

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Grown men don’t cry but I swear I had tears running while removing the tiny pebbles and dust of the still wet oil. I did deliver the painting that afternoon, I disguised the damage with my fingers the best I could and claimed it was all but artistic freedom.

Do you have any advice for an aspiring or hobby artist?

It’s a cliché but my advice is to paint, paint a lot, paint every day, sometimes some artists get it right.

What else are you working on or planning for the future - what can we look forward to from you?

I am finishing a three piece related to the Portuguese

Revolution era.

Are you involved in any upcoming shows or events?

Where and when?

I am a permanent artist at Moldurita Gallery in Portimão and Luis Vasconcelos Gallery in Alvor.

Considering other galleries as well.

Is there anywhere else that we can buy your work - and are you available for commissions?

I have a facebook page where people can find all my work. Everything is for sale and I am always ready for a commission.

This article has been provided by the Algarve Society of Artists - a group formed to support and promote art and artists across the Algarve. They have a website www.algarve-art.com and publish a free quarterly online magazine entitled Algarve Art! Visit their website for more information.

 almeidasantos.miguel@gmail.com  @MikeGaleria  +351 924 392 471  algarve-art.com/art/miguel-de-almeida-santos/

Diplomatic Ramblings In my last Ramblings I spoke of my new posting to Hamburg at the end of 1999 as Consul-General. This was a dream job in the most Anglophile city in Germany which had close links with Britain since the 13th century when the Hanseatic League began trading with England and Scotland.

Hamburg had surrendered to British forces in early 1945 without a shot being fired – Hamburgers by then had had enough of the war (allied air attacks at the end of July 1943 had killed over 40,000, injured almost as many and virtually destroyed most of the city). After the war the British Land Commissioner had worked closely with the Hamburg authorities to help with the city’s reconstruction. It was the second Land Commissioner, who subsequently became British Consul-General, who eventually established his residence and office in the villa at Harvestehuder Weg. I was fortunate enough to move into this.

After the war, which the villa apparently survived undamaged unlike others on the same street, it was requisitioned by the British forces as a clothing store for distribution to civilians in northern Germany. After years of negotiation with the Hamburg authorities it eventually became the British Consulate General in January in 1953.

The ornate villa was built in the early 1900’s at enormous cost for the family of shipping magnate Carl Laeisz (and who also financed the construction of Hamburg’s lavish concert hall). In the mid 30’s it was acquired

by Hamburg’s “nazified” Senate whereupon it became home for the SS-Nord offices.

Our major event of the year was the Queen’s Birthday Party with 300 guests in the house and garden, mainly from the political, economic, media and commercial sphere but including leading members of the British (there were something like 5000 British subjects in Hamburg) and consular

The villa was as grand inside as out with a large reception area on the ground floor leading to our offices or to double door leading to the large garden. We lived on the first floor with a jaw- dropping staircase and lavish reception area (with two massive chandeliers and a grand piano) leading to the impressive sitting and dining rooms.

Our “private” living area comprised a small sitting room and bedroom. But we did so much entertaining both downstairs and upstairs that the entire area felt borrowed.

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BY DOUG MCADAM

(there were 100 Consulates in Hamburg at that point) communities. The regimental band from the British 7th Armoured Brigade (which was based in my area) also attended. But we also had countless dinner and lunch parties and other receptions to help promote British interests in northern Germany. My wife Sue might well have been on special unpaid leave from the Foreign Office but she was certainly fully occupied with her valued input on entertaining and running this valuable asset.

Doug retired to the Algarve 13 years ago after over 40 years in the Foreign Office

Community

The bin babies - Looking for a loving new home!

BY JEANETTE FAHLBUSCH

It was a situation I always dreaded might come my way. Some three months ago, late evening, I received a telephone call from a friend here in Odiáxere to tell me that her Portuguese neighbour had said he thought there were some whining puppies in a public bin down the road. As it was getting dark she was getting her horses in and could not go herself, so could I possibly go and check this out? 10 minutes later I retrieved two ex-potato sacks with, indeed, four newborn pups. One sack also contained, for good measure, a dead duck. The pups were wet, barely five inches long, still with umbilical cords. I do not need to go into the feelings of bafflement and anger I felt at that moment – why a bin? Why not a box and drop unwanted pups outside a shop where people can see and take them?

I then learned FAST. Mr Google was a god-send. I spent hours researching how to raise newborn pups as I knew I was up against time. I learned how much, when and how often to bottle feed them. I learned that you had to massage their little bellies before and after feeding to help them relieve themselves. I learned that they must have constant body warmth (kettles for hot water bottles were constantly on the boil) or they can die very quickly of hypothermia. I learned that they should be kept separate (however hard that was to do) as they could infect each other.

I was up every two hours at night, bleary eyed and heating bottle milk and praying that they would drink the necessary amount to survive. As they had had no

mother milk, they had no antibodies and that meant the first two weeks were crucial for their survival. Two did not make it – they died within a couple of days, they were too weak. But these two – Bobby and Lulu (AKA Binnie the Poo) have metamorphosed into delightful, strong, healthy and very happy little chappies! Having researched and talked to our vet, we believe them to be a type of Portuguese Pointer.

They are very affectionate, intelligent and - having been raised by Big Black Mama Lola (our Portuguese Water dog) who adores them, and our Westie, plus our two cats - they are well socialized and love being with people and other pets.

As my husband and I already have two dogs and two cats, we – very reluctantly – are looking for a new and loving home for ‘our babies’. Our ideal new owners will be retired or working from home, so the dog(s) will not be alone during the day, people who enjoy the company of fit young lively dogs, take them for regular ‘walkies’ and who can give the pups a kind, safe and loving home. Given their rough start in life, that is what they deserve!

Bobby and Lulu can be rehomed separately or together, they have been fully vaccinated, are microchipped and are ready for a new, loving home! If you are interested, please contact me.  +351 969 439 867  jeanettealicefahlbusch@gmail.com

Get involved The infamous Fools & Horses Bar in Lagos has adopted The Lagos Children's Home (CASLAS - Lars De Journs) as its charity for 2018.

Photo credit: David Pickering Photography

Fundraising events have already begun. The first being the Fools & Horses annual Gentleman's Christmas Lunch, attended this year by 45 ‘esteemed’ Gentlemen, who very generously raised €400 plus on the day. Well done lads.

More events are to be organised, including proputting competitions, music nights, football games

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and ladies lunches. In particular Marian, a full time employee at Fools & Horses and her husband Shane who is opening Fools & Horses sister Irish bar this month called Father Ted's, they are both entering the local triathlon athletics event in April and will be seeking sponsors. All events will be publicised at the bar and on the Fools &xs Horses Facebook Page. If you want to be a ‘gentleman’ and join our club call Eddie or Marian.

Don’t forget if you want to promote your event please email amber@tomorrowalgarve.com Eddie  +351 919 699 494 Marian  +351 282 672 970

Community

Image Captions (left to right, top to bottom): Baltimore, Maryland, Chesapeake; Bridge Before Baltimore, Chesapeake Bay; Jamestown Virginia War Of Independence Re-enactment; Deshais; Jackie & Phill Drew gaze out over the Atlantic, at Arrifana; St Johns

A life on the ocean wave

BY MATT D’ARCY How many of us have harboured the dream of just selling up and sailing off into the sunset?

But Jackie and Phil Drew didn’t just dream the dream-they lived it, before becoming landlubbers again on the Algarve’s west coast.

After Phil retired from his job as an engineer with Rolls Royce aero engines in Coventry-Jackie worked as a district nursing sister-they decided that “a life on the ocean wave, a home on the rolling deep” was for them.

And for almost 10 years the Drews, in their 39ft yacht Moody Goose, sailed the Atlantic, the Caribbean, the eastern seaboard of the United States, the Mediterranean, the Bay of Biscay, the English Channel and the Irish Sea. They experienced drama and danger that left them fearing for their lives. On one December night in the middle of the Atlantic they began experiencing tropical squalls. Jackie picks up the story: “Sometimes these squalls blow a hoolie (blow a hoolie v. phr. (of weather) to storm; to forcefully gust, blow, and rain) and sometimes they just pass by with a little wind. Trouble is, you just can’t tell.

“This one hit in the middle of the night on my watch.

Phil was in bed and I was strapped into the cockpit on two points for safety. The autopilot (George) was doing its job, but all of a sudden-wham! We were on our side doing eight knots. I couldn’t release myself, as I would have been over the side, and I couldn’t get at the autopilot or the sails to ease us. I shouted, but

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Phill was sound asleep.

“He eventually came to, wondering why he was sleeping on the cabin wall! He came up in a fluster, released the sails and knocked off the autopilot. I needed a strong cup of tea after that!”

But the following May, as they made their way up the eastern seaboard of the United States, off the North Carolina coast, they had an even more terrifying experience. Again Jackie tells the story: “We saw lightning behind us and by 3am the sea and the weather had become wild; thunder, lightning, gusting squalls and waves many meters high. We were terrified.

“We went below into the cabin and closed the hatches, leaving the autopilot, to keep us heading in some sort of direction. The radar was just showing a whiteout, and for much of the time we were thrown about or lying on the cabin side, even standing on it at some points. The boat must have lain nearly flat a couple of times. We wedged ourselves into the corners whilst the boat tossed from side to side and plunged down waves. There was nothing we could do-going up into the cockpit would have been suicide. I think we learned to pray in earnest that night and we learned later that this had been a tropical storm transforming into a hurricane.

“Somewhere in the night the storm seemed to die down and everything went quiet. We went up to have a look, thinking we might have been in luck and the storm had passed. 

Community

Image Captions (left to right): Moody Goose; St Pierre Martinique; Jackie & Phill Drew on the Moody Goose

“But when we looked around we realised we were in the eye. There was a great roiling cloud bank all round but the centre was calm and we could see the stars in a beautiful clear sky.

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“Then in a flash, all hell let loose again as the eye passed on, the wind came from the opposite direction (these storms rotate in a clockwise direction) and again we dived down below.

“Luckily it was a fast-moving storm and by seven the next morning the wind was calming-the monster had moved north, away from us!

“The sun came out and within a few hours the sea had calmed and I was no longer going to get the first flight home! Luckily, we had very little damage and even the bimini (a bimini is an open-front canvas top for the cockpit of a boat) remained in place. Moody Goose had kept us safe”.

But those moments of terror were far outweighed by weeks and months of sheer pleasure on their voyages. “The experience was beyond words,” said Jackie.

They were enchanted by beautiful nights with phosphorescence lighting up the sea and shooting stars lighting up the sky, the company of dolphins, porpoises (“we learned to tell the difference by reading it up”), turtles and sea birds and the company of like-minded mariners in ports and marinas everywhere where the social life saw enough liquor consumed to float an entire flotilla of yachts.

The Drews treasure memories of the beauty of the Caribbean islands, the Virgin Islands, the Bahamas as well as the many wonderful places around the Chesapeake Bay and the Intracoastal Waterway in the States, not to mention the Azores and the various ports they called into in Portugal and Spain in 10 years of sailing.

Their original plan was to sail through the Panama Canal after crossing the Atlantic and exploring the Caribbean and the American east coast. But a numbing personal tragedy-the death of their daughter back in the UK-brought their plan to circumnavigate the globe to a shattering conclusion.

“After that, we had no heart to continue the journey”, Jackie told us. “We always loved Portugal and the

Portuguese people we met, so we decided to make Lagos our boat home base. After a year or so we then moved to Portimão. Marina fees are high in the summer, so like most people who live aboard we went out to anchor in the breakwater opposite Ferragudo.

“Apart from the early-morning departures of the fishermen, with the wakes of their boats, it was a nice anchorage. We also spent one summer on the Guadiana River-what a lovely part of the country”.

Eventually in 2004, they decided to sell the boat and become landlubbers again. They had a house built on the west coast of the Algarve in a place called, appropriately, Paisagem Oceano at Vale da Telha, on a plateau outside Aljezur, not too far from Cape St Vincent and the area where Henry the Navigator began his Age of Discovery voyages in the 15th Century.

“We had to be near the sea-we now had salt water in our blood!” Jackie smiled. “And we can see the Atlantic from our roof terrace, which of course always gets the memories flooding back”.

Jackie now spends her time helping to raise funds for animal welfare in the Aljezur area which stretches from Carrapateira in the south to Odeceixe, where the Algarve meets the Alentejo.

“I have always had a deep love of animals and when we settled here in Aljezur I was invited to help out at the ACCT (Aljezur Canine & Cat Trust) shop and I jumped at the chance. I have been with them ever since”, said Jackie.

“The feral and injured animals need our support so much. More recently I have joined the Friends of AEZA group. AEZA is a charity (the Association for Environment and Animal Protection of Aljezur) and we are a small group raising funds to help the charity’s animal welfare work through the year.

“Our next fund-raisers will be a story-writing competition for both adults and children and in February we will host a Carnival Party at the Fonte do Vale Restaurant”.

Watch the websites and Facebook for announcements.

 www.aeza.org/en/friends-of-aeza/  www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=friends%20of%20aeza

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Community a reward for his feats in support of the crown and the war against Spain that ended with Portugal regaining its independence. It was granted and in 1662 the area and Aldeia do Bispo were given to this knight and the county of Vila do Bispo was born.

Vila do Bispo

BY PEDRO OLIVEIRA The south-west corner of the Algarve, of which Vila do Bispo is the main village that administers the county, is an area that has been populated since prehistoric days. There is evidence from that time that shows agricultural and fishing activities. Also there are indications that the area had a strong mysticism this from the abundant menirs that are found.

The area was inhabited principally by Romans, Saracens but also by Christians, until 1249 when our king Afonso III conquered and brought the Algarve into the Kingdom of Portugal. During the XIII and XIV centuries it was a priority to populate the area and explore its resources. Churches and coastal defences were built and at this time powerful men such as Henry the Navigator came to Sagres after he was given by The King the area of Cabo S. Vicente. He brought people from several origins to develop his project of maritime exploration.

The area became an important part of Portugal not only due to its political influence but also due to the agricultural and fishing development, this became a fact for centuries until now and the arrival of tourism.

The area was considered the Algarve ‘bread basket’ for its wheat abundant crops; it was also rich in game, wild boars and hares. In the beginning of the XVI century the area was the private property of the Bishop of Silves, D Fernando Coutinho, where he maintained a residence and a game reserve. In a visit to the area of King D Manuel I, the Bishop placed his lands at the disposal of the King and the King, to show his appreciation, donated the village of Santa Maria do Cabo to the Bishop. From then on this village became known as Aldeia do Bispo.

The Bishop D Fernando Coutinho had a romantic affair and a daughter, D Isabel da Silva, was born. Later in the early XVII century, a knight Martim Afonso de Melo, married to the Bishop’s granddaughter who inherited the lands. The knight asked the ruling King to be given those lands as

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His aim was not only to become a land owner but also to secure the inheritance of his wife (the Bishop’s granddaughter). He did not rule over his lands for long, usurpation of land and other abuses made the King return the lands to the Crown 10 years later.

Vila do Bispo remained as the town council to the present day. It did not have a peaceful history. Up until the XVII century the area was frequently raided

by Saracens. This area of the Algarve was very close to North Africa. The main landing places were the beaches of Furnas (Budens) and Baleeira (Sagres), and from there the villages were raided and anything that was of value taken as well as unlucky villagers that would be sold into slavery in north Africa.

During the First World War the coast of the Algarve was a rich hunting ground for German U-boats.

Dozens of cargo ships were sunk off the coast.

According to records the Uboat captains did not practice “total warfare” but allowed the crews to escape in lifeboats and most reached or were rescued off the Algarve coat. One of the most famous attacks on shipping in the area was carried out by the German submarine U35. This U-boat commanded by German ace Lothar von Arnauld de la Perière, on its way from the Mediterranean sea settled for a few days just of Sagres while sinking four cargo ship, some sunk not far from the coast.

The U-boat commander allowed the crews to escape.

This action alarmed the nation, now also at war against Germany, and a steam tug boat belonging to an Algarvian industrialist, was mobilized by the Navy and fitted with an Hotchkiss 5 barrel revolving gun. This “war” ship was named the Galgo and was at that time laying of Lagos it steamed until in visual contact to face the U-boat. It fired its Hotchkiss but out of range and caused no arm but in fact chased the U35 away. For this action the crew of the Galgo were awarded commemorative combat plates.

Just to evaluate the events in the XX century, like in most of the country, the rural population moved to major cities or abroad looking for a better life. This plus the impact with the 1960 tourism boom resulted in the decrease of farmed land area, that in 1974 was 46.9%, to 15.4% in 2001.

Today Vila do Bispo is an efficiently run town, with good restaurants and is enjoying growth.

The municipality is known for its annual Sagres Birdwatching Festival, held during the first week of October, bringing together interested people from more than 20 nationalities. A tip, if you like the sea food goose barnacles, do not miss the annual festival at Vila do Bispo usually held at the end of August, but make sure you go early to avoid long queues.

We thank the Câmara through its Centro de Interpertação for the information provided.

Community

Aquaculture in the Algarve

BY PEDRO OLIVEIRA Aquaculture is an important industry in Portugal where fish and shell fish farms can be found all along the coast.

The Algarve is where you find some of the largest farms, producing high quality fish and shell fish, this is due to the several rias, sea water inlets, like the Alvor Ria or the Ria Formosa.

There are also farms at sea, off the Lagos coast for mussels and off the Sagres coast for oysters. The importance of the Algarve for the industry is such that the General Secretary of the Aquaculture Association, Eng Fernando Gonçalves resides in the region and operates Alvor. With his assistance we visited perhaps two of the largest fish and oyster farms at Ria do Alvor just off Vale da Lama.

Oyster Farm – Ostra Select owned by Mr. Rui Ferreira The farm occupies an area of four hectares fitted with metal oyster tables where large net bags are attached with the oysters. The juveniles are brought from France - their size is between 6 and 20 millimetres.

Sorted by size they are placed in large net bags that are attached to the oyster tables. They take one and a half to two years to fully grow. But the process is not that simple, every two/three months the oyster bags are retrieved, brought to the warehouse where the oysters must be sorted on a machine according to their size and then rebagged and place back in the sea beds. This is important to ensure

that oysters of the same size grow in each bag and therefore smaller ones are not oppressed and deprived of nutrients by the faster growing ones.

The harvesting season is usually from October to December, where the oysters are cleaned and packed. A quantity of 200 metric tons is harvested and almost the totality is exported to France. One oyster picked at random from the packing station was opened by the owner. From the picture it can be seen that the size of the oyster flesh fills practically the full size of the bottom shell. In Portugal there is no tradition of consuming oysters and therefore they are not popular at most of the local restaurants.

Fish Farming – Aqualvor owned by Mr. António Vieira This fish farm is in the same location, at the Alvor Ria, close to the oyster farm.

It extends for 2.5 Km with 20 tanks and occupies an area of 20 Ha. Here sea bass and sea bream are bred. The juveniles weighing some 10 grams are sourced from Spain and France. These are kept in special indoor tanks and then are transferred to the exterior tanks where they grow to the required size. Sea bass are marketed with a size of either 400 grams or one Kilo, this takes respectively either one and a half or three years. Sea bream is marketed weighing on average 400 grams which is achieved in one and a half years.

The water where the fish is kept and fed in the exterior tanks is renewed renewed

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twice every day due to the tides. Inlet and outlet valves on each tank allows the water inside to be renewed and when the out flow valves are opened, the out flowing water is decanted from residues before being allowed to flow back to the Ria (inlet) and the sea. Also the water in the tanks is continuously monitored, 24 hours a day, for its oxygenation and sensors automatically discharge oxygen. This monitoring process can be seen in one of the pictures.

The fish are fed from rations and also from nutrients that flow with the tides twice a day. When the fish have reached the adequate size for market, they are captured with large nets and dipped in water with ice that kills them instantly. From there they are immediately transported to the packing station and packed in Styrofoam boxes with ice and transported away.

The company produces an average of 500 metric tons per year of both sea bass and sea bream; these are sold primarily in the major cities in the north of Portugal. The Algarve is also an important market in the summer where traditionally holiday makers enjoy barbecued fish. When empty of all fish the tanks are cleaned and refilled with fresh sea water from the incoming tides.

Our fish farms produce high quality fish that cannot compete in price with the “farm fish” we find at most supermarkets and that are sourced from Greece, Turkey and other sources. There the fish are bred in the sea in big net containers. A simpler and much less expensive process.

Kiko’s Tasca

Wine, food and friends.

Portuguese food. Tapas, lunch and dinner.

Come and try for yourself.

Open from 11am to 11pm. Closed on Tuesdays.

Reopening on 8 th February Tel.: +351 282 046 037 • Email: one.destino@gmail.com Centro Naútico Sopromar - Estrada Sopromar (Meia-Praia) • LAGOS • GPS - N 37º 06.433' / W 08º 40.176' • f facebook.com/tascadokiko

What's on

February Calendar Promote your events and activities here - it’s FREE! Email your listings to us: for.tomorrow@hotmail.com

Events

February 19 & 20 30-lesson Portuguese course Centro €270 De Línguas De Lagos +351 935 456 388

March 4th Buffet Menu 5 10pm Staters Main Course Naan & Rice €12 (not inc. Drinks) Reservation Needed, Sangam Jardim, Luz, +351 282 760 882

February 24th Fad Nu 3pm | (intimate & minimal interpretation of Fado) grounded in tradition & exploring unique new paths with Cátia Alhandra (voice) & José Alegre (guitar), Reservation Only: €19.50 inc. refreshment buffet with wine, cheese & homemade products, Quinta das Alagoas nr. Almadena, geral@quintadasalagoas. com/+351 924 204 343

February 3rd Cleaning of Praia Grand |Free, Ferragudo, 4th Walking Around Mercês Stream, €10, Amendoeira, Querença (Loulé), 11th, Fonte Santa - Picota - Monchique, €15, Monchique, 17th Walking in Alferce & Distillery €10 Quimera Experience, +351 962 647 741

Fitness

Tai Chi/Qi Gong Wed & Fri 2pm, Pilates Mon 2.30pm & Thur 10.30am, Meditation 11.30am | Yoga Thur 2.30pm, €7 | Madrugada Centre | Praia da Luz, +351 282 761 375 Tai Ji Quan Mon 1011.30am (beginners) & Thurs 5.30 -7.00pm (advanced), €10 | Dojo Zen de Lagos | Barão S. João, +351 919 718 955 Legs Bums & Tums Mon 1.30pm Total Fitness Mon 7.30pm HIIT Yoga Fri 9.30am, (€7) Burgau Sports Centre, Boxercise Tues 7pm Lagos nr. Skatepark, Buggy Fit Thurs 9.45 11am Wacky Lagos, €6 Soames Fitness (1-2-1 & Group Training available at your location or studio), +351 913 425 893

Pilates Mat Class Tue & Thur 6-7pm Clube da Raposeira, & Thur 10-11am Centro Cultural Barão S. João €5 | +351 911 754 890 Hatha Yoga Mon Wed & Fri 9.45-11.15am €10, Kids Yoga Sat 9.15am | Booking required , Boavista +351 282 790 930 / 963 614 499 Pilates Mat Classes | Mon Wed & Fri 9.15 & 10.30am & Mon 6.30pm (1hr) | €10 or €90 for 10, HathaYoga Tues 6pm, Ashtanga Class | Sat 10.30, Pilates Equipment Classes | Duet Reformer | Semi Private & 1-2-1, Pilates Room | Lagos, +351 926 514 613 Circuit Training Wed 10am, Ladies Sports Fri 1.30 3pm | €5, Zumba Mon & Wed 6pm | €5, Burgau Sports Centre +351 282 697 350

Pilates Wed 11am, Yoga & De-stress Fri 11am, Zumba Dance Wed & Fri 10am, Step! & Tone (pre-booking) Thurs 10am, €7.50 | Hotel Belavista | Luz, +351 968 288 258 Gentle Hatha Mon 6.30 8pm Old School | Burgau | Wed 12.15 - 2pm, Hotel Belavista | Luz | €8, +351 965 201 477 Fitness Tue & Thurs 9.30am, Pilates Tues & Thurs 11am, €5 | Golf Santo Antonio +351 282 690 086 Asthanga Yoga Mon 6 - 7.15pm, Barre infused Yoga Tue 12.30, Tai Chi & QiGong Wed & Fri, 8.30 - 9.45am (Suggested donation €5),Yoga Flow Thur 6 - 7.15pm, Vinyasa Flow Sun 9.30am €5.80 10, InLight Lagos, +351 913 127 421

Classes

Activities

Tennis Doubles-Round Robin | Thurs 3-5pm | €7.50, Golf Santo Antonio Budens, +351 282 690 008 Football Academy Mon 4.45 - 6.15pm (5-11 yrs) & 6.15 - 7.45pm (12 -16 yrs) & Sat 9 - 10.30am (7-11 yrs), 10.30am - 12pm (3-6 Yrs) & 12 -1.30pm (12-16 yrs) | €5, Adults Touch Rugby Thurs 7.30pm | €4, Burgau Sports Centre, More Activites & Info +351 282 697 350 Walking Football Wed 9.30-11am | +50yrs Welcome, €3 | Boavista Golf Resort | Luz, +351 282 790 930

Netball Wed 7pm | All ages & abilities, Behind Bombeiros Building | Lagos, charlie.milsom@gmail.com ROLL UP for experienced bowlers Mon & Fri 10am, Bowls for Beginners Tue 11am (1st lesson FREE), €10 (non mem.) | Floresta Bowls Club | Rua Direita | Praia da Luz, +351 919 707 635 Group Lesson - Short Game Area & Driving Range Wed 10am - 1pm | €20 p.p & Fri 2 - 3.30pm | €15 p.p, | Espiche Golf +351 282 688 250

Dog Training Tue 11am (Rally-Obedience) | Fri 11am & Sat 4pm (Agility), €25 4 sess. | Espiche, +351 968 086 320 Mediterranean Gardening Classes (Beginners) | Green & brown thumbs welcome, small groups | Classical Homeopathy Classes Certified expert | Theory & practice | English & German, €45-€65 (35hs), Nr.Lagos, SMS only: +351 918 264 864 Life Drawing Mon 11am Beginners & Professionals, €10 p.sess | Marina de Lagos, +351 916 035 308 Open Painting Atelier Thurs 10.30am - 1pm, €12.50 (+ materials) Barão S. João, +351 962 574

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Oriental Dance Class (beginners) Mon 7pm €6, LAC Lagos, +351 914 851 331 Classical Guitar Classes (English Speaking ABRSM Certified) 1-2-1 for children, adults & seniors €20p/h (Ref available), Lagos, Paulo +351 962 690 582 Watercolour Lessons | Thur 10am - 12.30pm | (Beginners welcome) €10, Fortaleza Restaurant Praia Da Luz , +351 912 149 839 Computer Classes Sat 10am | All levels | Lagos, +351 9187 64 613 Colour Your Life - Healing painting classes Wed & Thurs 3pm| +/- 70yrs, no experience necessary, €10 B. S. João, +351 962 039 574

African Dance Classes Mon 7 pm (Teatro Experimental de Lagos) & Tue 10.30am Old School Barranco da Vaca Aljezur & 7 - 8.30pm & Thurs 10.30am -12.30pm Rogil-Aljezur, €10 +351 964 588 588 Swimming Lessons Mon & Thurs pm & Sat am, €12.50 (non-mem.) | €10 (mem.), Holiday Courses | 3x per Week | €25 (non-mem.) €20 (mem.), Boavista Golf Resort, +351 917 953 914 Drumming Classes Thurs 11am-1pm, AmoVate, Vale da Telha Aljezur, +351 960 305 141 Portuguese Beginners Class Mon 10am, €7, Portelas, +351 912 417 994

Useful Numbers General Charity/ Support

February 21st Alzheimer's/ Dementia Support Group 11am, Cafe Bom Dia, Rua Moinho do Azeite Lagos Carol +351 926 297 527 Kirsteen +351 968 084 946 Riding for Disabled | Mon, Wed, Fri 10am | Volunteers welcome, weather permitting, Bensafrim, +351 915 090 044 Cadela Carlota Animal Charity Three hour shifts am or pm, Almadena Shop, Trudy +361 912 444 666 AA International English Speaking Meeting Wed 7.30pm, Rua Da Freguesia Lote 12c, Lagos, +351 964 201 904 / AA hotline: +351 917 005 590

Faith

Communion Services Said Holy Communion Thurs 10am & Sun 8am, Sung Holy Communion (with hymns) 11.30am, CoE | St Vincent’s Anglican Church Praia da Luz +351 282 789 660 Meditation | Tue 11.30am & Sun 10.45am, Inlight Yoga Studio, +351 913 127 421 Zazen Zen Meditation Tue & Thurs 7.30am & Wed 7.30pm, €3 | Dojo Zen de Lagos, Barão S. João, +351 919 718 955 Catholic Mass in English Sat 7 pm (Everyone Welcome), Church of Our Lady of Light | Luz Meditation Thurs 9.15am, Boavista Golf Resort | Luz, +351 282 790 930

INFO: WWW.CM-LAGOS.PT EMERGENCY

112 HOSPITAL 282 770 100 RED CROSS 282 760 611 FIRE SERVICE 282 770 790 POLICE SERVICE 282 762 930 NATIONAL GUARD 282 770 010 TELECOM NAT. INFO 118 CITY COUNCIL 282 780 900 TOURIST OFFICE 282 763 031 TOWN INFO 282 764 111 TOURIST SUPPORT 808 781 212 TAXI SERVICE 282 460 610 BUS STATION 282 762 944 TRAIN STATION 282 762 987 TAXI : PEDRO COSTA 917 617 675 LAGOS CINEMA 282 799 138 CULTURAL CENTRE 282 770 450 HEALTH CENTRE 282 780 000 LUZ DOC (LUZ) 282 780 700 PRIVATE HOSPITAL 282 790 700 CHIROPRACTOR 282 768 044 DENTAL CLINIC 918 366 646 LAGOS VET 282 782 282 FUNERAL SERVICES 282 769 827 MOBILITY VEHICLES 964 230 225 ALL MOBILITY AIDS 282 760 611

Pharmacies/Chemist

LACOBRENSE NEVES CHEMIST RIBEIRO LOPES TELLO CHEMIST SILVA CHEMIST ODIAXERE CHEMIST

282 762 901 282 769 966 282 762 830 282 760 556 282 762 859 282 798 491

Consulates/Embassies BRITISH 282 490 750 FRANCE (FARO) 281 380 660 GERMAN (LAGOS) 282 799 668 NETHERLANDS (FARO) 213 914 900 CANADA (FARO) 289 803 757 SWEDISH (FARO) 213 942 260 IRISH 213 308 200

No job too small PORTUGUESE LESSON 912 417 994 TRANSLATIONS 916 618 527 ALICE (PORTUGUESE) 914 269 118 GAVIN COX (BUILDER) 916 430 132 HELIO (ELECTRICIAN) 917 288 966 LUIS (LOCKSMITH) 964 605 213 CHIM. & WIN. CLEANER 926 860 123 RUSSELL (MECHANIC) 282 639 778 ANA (SEWING) 919 747 591 STEVEN (COMPUTERS) 936 387 512 PEDRO (COMPUTERS) 917 165 238 XELI (FLORIST) 282 768 129 UK DELIVERIES 0044 208 123 1966 DESIGN 916 606 226 ALISON HAIRDRESSER 918 663 352 PAINTING - INT / EXT 925 374 624 CARPET CLEANING 915 532 850

What's on in February

Photo Exhibition

The Science Museum in Lagos is holding a photographic exhibition until March 4th. The exhibition shows photographs that were taken as part of a competition for members of the Center for Marine Sciences (CCMAR).

The competitors were asked to record images linked to scientific activities.

The result is a broad ranging selection of work that covers the different areas and different moments of research that take place in CCMAR. www.lagos.cienciaviva.pt

Al-Bashirah is a group composed of musicians from Morocco and Syria, bringing together the different schools of Andalusian music and the different musical cultures of the Arab world. The group has a wide repertoire composed of Andalusian music nubas, the Syrian Muwashshah Sufi spiritual music and the most beautiful Turkish melodies.

Nicola’s Move-Ment Dance Academy is hosting a night of dinner and games on February 24th at 7pm. The event is taking place at C.R.C.D. Luzense, Luz. The food is being cooked by Pashmina Restaurant and costs €12 which includes one free game flyer, and game books are €10.

There are limited tickets so please purchase in advance by calling +351 913 832 335 or emailing move-ment@outlook.com. Hope to see you all there!

Arabic music and dance On February 24th the 18th annual Al Mutamid Festival with Al-Bashirah is taking place at the Lagos Cultural Center.

Fun and games

Al-Bashirah is accompanied by the Syrian dancer Rifai Hambrouch who masterfully interprets the spiritual sufi dervish dance and the traditional dance of Egypt called Tanora.

The group is composed of: Rifai Hambrouch sufi & tanora spiritual dance; Mahmoud Fares voice and percussion; Houssam Hammoumi nay and Arabic lute; Zead Khawan Kanun Salah Sabbagh darbouka, rik and bless.

The events starts at 9.30pm and tickets cost €10.

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Fado There will be a fado show with Maria Emilia on February 10th at the Lagos Cultural Center. The events costs €10 and will start at 9.30pm.

Urban art On February 10th you are invited to do an urban art tour followed by a stencil workshop.

The event starts at the old Lagos prison, an emblematic building now used as a space for art and culture.

From here, we set off on a journey to discover the urban art in the city of Lagos.

Volta ao Algarve The 44th annual Volta ao Algarve cycling race will take place in the south of Portugal from February 14th to 18th. The five stages will be similar to previous years providing opportunities for sprinters, climbers and time trialists.

The race starts on the 14th with a stage of sprinters, linking Albufeira to Lagos. The climbers will have their first opportunity on the second day of the competition, a journey that starts in Sagres and ends at the top of the Fóia, which will be reached by a longer climb than in the previous two years.

The third stage will be an individual time trial, totally different from the one ridden in recent years. It will be more demanding, with departure and

arrival in Lagoa.

On the fourth day, the peloton leaves Almodôvar and finishes the trip in Tavira, with a sprint battle.

The race ends, as is the tradition, with an arrival at the top of Malhão, in the municipality of Loulé. This time, the start will be from Faro, marking the return of this city to the route of the race.

Route First Stage: Albufeira – Lagos Second Stage: Sagres – Fóia Third Stage: Lagoa – Lagoa (ITT) Fourth Stage: Almodôvar – Tavira Fifth Stage: Faro – Malhão

A guided tour of the works of some of the most representative artists on the contemporary urban art scene will help unveil possible messages implicit in the city’s murals. At the same time, we will be looking for other revealing particularities of its cultural, historical and artistic importance.

After the guided tour there will be an activity session Stencil Experience – Learn by Doing, led by a guest artist. The activity includes all of the necessary materials and you will be able to take your creation home with you afterwards. The event should take about four hours and is organised

by LAC - Laboratório de Actividades Criativas. It is suitable for all ages.

It starts at 10am to noon and then 3pm to 5pm. It costs €10 per person. For more details please contact +351 282 680 120 or email vicentina@vicentina.org

The charm of the sea A photographic exhibition by Pedro Noel da Luz Guerreiro is taking place at Forte Ponta da Bandeira - Cais da Solaria until April 22nd. It is called Staring at the sea, staring at the ocean.

The colour exhibition is allusive to the theme of the sea and the charm, awe and respect it exerts on people. The sea is seen as an element of enchantment, fear, alienation, encounter with our thoughts, among other emotions aroused. The artist makes the analogy between the sea and the human mind, as the place where we get lost, but also where we can find ourselves.

Staring at the sea, staring at the ocean is a

series of photographs that he started more than a year ago, on several beaches in the Algarve and other places in Portugal.

He said: “I have always found it interesting, and I have watched several times at the seashore, people sitting on the sand together, others swimming in it and others just sitting on a bench looking at that immensity of water, and I thought to myself, ‘What will they be thinking?’, ‘What are you feeling?’.

He added: “I think the sea has something hypnotic that conveys calm but sometimes some worry and anxiety and in more

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extreme situations the sea becomes violent with great storms. Perhaps there is a connection between the sea and human nature. The human mind is like a huge ocean where we navigate our thoughts.

Sometimes we get lost in them. Other times we are saved from them ...We all have our own ocean to navigate and we get to a good port.”

This work was nominated in the Professional People category at the third of the Fine Art Photography Awards (FAPA) 2017. The exhibition is open Tuesday to Sunday between 10am and 12.30pm and 2pm and 5.30pm.

What's on - charity news

CASLAS children get that sporty feeling Last month we reported on how the disadvantaged children in the western Algarve enjoyed their Christmas party at Os Lombertos. The gifts that friends and readers of Tomorrow provided really helped to make their Christmas special.

It’s great news that sponsors and friends are providing new funding to help these youngsters get some sporting and fun activities in their lives.

So with some of the monies we all keep raising the children can now have the help of a personal trainer to encourage them to learn the discipline of regular exercise.

This month we have also started sponsoring dancing classes at a studio in Lagos, There are currently two classes , one being contemporary and the other hip-hop. The girls chose the former and struggled a little to begin with as it was all new to them. By the end of the class they had all learned a short routine and had smiles of satisfaction on their faces! The boys had a lot of fun getting to grips with the hip-hop.

Next month Nettie and other supporters are hoping to sponsor singing and acting classes. These activities are beneficial in lots of ways as the children get to mix socially with children from more ‘normal’ families.

They learn the pleasure of exercise and the discipline of punctuality to get them to the classes on time and at the same time it gets them out of the institution for a few hours at the weekends!

If you feel it is a ‘charity overload’ please remember that when you give to this particular charity the children are changing all the time as they must leave when they are eighteen . A few get adopted, sometimes they go to live with relatives and occasionally their parents overcome their difficulties sufficiently to take their children back.

Your generosity makes these treats possible and honestly the children really do appreciate them.

If you would like to make a donation the bank details are IBAN PT50 0045 7194 4024 0607 7558 6. The NIB is the same without PT50 LAGOS ORPHAN FUND Joyce Nevinson.

Bambino School in Lagos and the Tomorrow Magazine Charity, TACT, are holding a charity fun run on February 17th. The event will be held at Estádio Municipal de Lagos (running track).

All proceeds will go to Bambino school's chosen charities.

Runners are asked to meet at 10am for a fitness warm up and the event will start at 10.30am. The run will last for about an hour.

The idea is for children and their families to come along and run (or walk) for charity. There is a minimum of 1 lap (400m) and for the fitter people unlimited laps. You can run as many laps as you can in an hour. To enter it costs €2 per lap (and the money goes directly to charity).

Fancy dress is optional and there’s a prize for the best fancy dress. Family and friends are invited to join in the fun. There will be bouncy castles (for the kids) and refreshments available

Free rent We are delighted to be able to announce that our charity, TACT, has now been able to provide three months of free rent to the soup kitchen in Lagos.

Get running for charity

It is one of the key charities that we fundraise for. The soup kitchen, called The Mustard Seed, provides hot meals for hundreds of people in need in Lagos and the surrounding area.

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Contact us for more information, to join in the race and to get your sponsorship form.

 +351 916 606 226  events@tomorrowalgarve.com

What's on

Carnival time for canines and cats!

Support group The next meeting of the Alzheimer's / Dementia support group will be on Wednesday February 21st at 11am at Restaurant Pirilampo, Rua do Moinho do Azeite, in Lagos.

The group is open to anyone who would like advice, support or just a coffee and a chat. Many of the people in the group have experience in dealing with the practicalities of dementia.

Please call Carol Evans for more details.  +351 926 297 527

BY MATT D’ARCY

With Mardi Gras approaching, a charity supporting a west coast animal shelter is holding a Carnival-themed event in Vale da Telha, outside Aljezur. The Friends of AEZA—who support the town’s animal welfare volunteers, the Association for Environment and Animal Protection of Aljezur—have organised the carnival party at the Restaurante Fonte do Vale on Saturday, February 12th, starting at 7.30pm.

animals a better life while having a fun time themselves”. Those people attending will be encouraged to turn up in carnival attire, with a prize for the best-dressed costume. Also, the tickets will be numbered and a draw will take place, with a meal for two at the restaurant, the prize for the winning ticket holder. A hamper packed with English and Portuguese food will also be raffled off.

Lynda Clarke, chair of the organising committee explained: “We thought it would appeal to people to have a carnival party with a Portuguese buffet and both Portuguese and English music.

Running alongside this fund-raising event the Friends Of AEZA are also holding a short story competition for the schoolchildren and adults of Aljezur, with all five schools in the municipality taking part in the competition.

“The tickets are €15 apiece and the funds raised will benefit AEZA whose main objective is to provide abandoned animals decent conditions to live in, with shelter, food, care and health care. And the party gives people the opportunity to give those

Anyone wishing to buy tickets for the Carnival Party call the numbers listed.

 +351 969 772 120 / 915 968 260

Pulling out the stops This year is going to be an exciting one for the choir. Next month we will be celebrating our fifth birthday (where did the time go?) and we've got some great new opportunities ahead over the next few months which will show just how far we've come since our first meeting in 2013.

This month we will be holding an open evening event for potential new members on Tuesday February 20th where anyone interested in singing with the choir can come along and join in with workshops and fun exercises. We are particularly looking for male voices to join our tenor and bass sections.

New members are accepted all through the year, but the beginning of a new programme is a particularly good time to join.

If you're not completely certain, this might answer

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some of your questions: I've never sung in a choir/I haven't sung since I was at school - will I be allowed to join?

Absolutely. Everyone is welcome, regardless of experience, nationality, gender or age.

Will I have to audition?

No! You will not be asked to audition in order to join.

Just come along to a rehearsal and join in straight away.

What if I can't read music?

No problem at all. At least half of the current choir do not read music.

The Western Algarve Community Choir is a group of people who sing together for fun. For more information on joining or for booking the choir for future performances and events, please contact choir leader Elizabeth Roberts Honey.

 elizabeth_roberts15@hotmail.com

The Persistent Place

BY JANE ROBERTSON

5000 years of archaeology at Gortlaunaght, Co Cavan, Ireland On February 6th, the Algarve Archaeological Association (AAA) will be presenting two lectures, in English, by Robert M Chapple. One at 2.30pm at the Museu do Traje in São Bras, the second will be at 6pm at the Convento de São José in Lagoa (please note the new permanent change of time for the Lagoa lecture).

Robert Chapple will present the story of the archaeological excavations at Gortlaunaght, Co. Cavan, Ireland, which is one of discovering the extraordinary within the ordinary. The team discovered the remains of a large sub-circular enclosure, a large sub-rectangular structure and associated features of all kinds. The subrectangular structure appeared to be the remains of an Iron Age building of unusual form, while the large subcircular enclosure was of Early Medieval date. The site also incorporated artefacts and features of Neolithic and Bronze Age date. They also identified and test-trenched an upstanding, but previously unrecorded, rath/ringfort of Early Medieval date.

The archaeological evidence from this site stretches from the Middle Neolithic (c3500-2990BC) to the Medieval period (c1250-1611AD), with all eras in between being represented.

Robert left commercial archaeology after 20 years and now works in IT, describing himself as a 'Recovering Archaeologist'.

Lunch in São Brás can be arranged in advance – please call Maxine. Non-members are welcome to attend the lectures for a €6 admission fee, with all money raised by the AAA being spent on archaeological grants and speakers. Apologies for any inconvenience caused by the last minute cancellation of their January 2018 lecture due to unforeseen circumstances. Please ensure that you check the website or facebook page.

 +351 917 267 948  algarvearchass@gmail.com  Algarve Archaeological Association

Look back in time This month the Algarve History Association will be holding a series of talks in Lagoa and Tavira.

Denis Bergin will be giving a talk in the Municipal Library Lagoa on Tuesday 20th February at 6 pm . (The talk will also be given in the Clube de Tavira on Monday 19th February). Talks last for 1 hour. No charge is made although AHA ask for voluntary monetary contributions to help us with the cost of running our Association. The talk is called Making it in America: four centuries of the Portuguese in the new world.

In this illustrated talk, Denis Bergin will look at the history of the Portuguese in colonial America and the United States, and will examine how the Portuguese diaspora there reflected, and continues to reflect,

the values and culture of the ‘motherland’.

He will compare its profile with those of two other small European countries, Ireland and Greece, using personal and community histories to measure achievement and influence.

Denis Bergin is a writer and editor with a special interest in the story of immigrant communities in the United States of America.

On Tuesday February 27th at 6 pm in the Municipal Library Lagoa, Peter Kingdon Booker wil be giving a talk entitled Marques de Pombal - A model for Salazar? (The talk will also be given in the Clube de Tavira on Friday February 23rd at 11am.).

Familiar with names from Portugal's

 www.algarvehistoryassociation.com

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history? One you may not have heard of is the Marquês de Pombal. Pombal was a politician of the eighteenth century who became the virtual dictator of Portugal (1755 - 1777). It was he who managed the national response to the disaster of the earthquake; who strove to modernise Portugal according to the modern ideas of the enlightenment; who effectively ended British domination of Portugal's trade; and who banished the Jesuits from the Kingdom.

At first sight, his dictatorial methods might seem similar to those adopted by the dictator Salazar (1933 - 1968) in the twentieth century, and with a similar purpose. Peter Booker analyses these two giants of Portugal’s history.

Letters

Nobel school helps to spread Christmas cheer Dear Editor, It turned out to be a white Christmas after all in the Algarve, when it 'snowed' during a magical, Christmas celebration held at Nobel International Primary School. The festive bonanza was organised by parents at the school to spread some Christmas cheer, whilst raising money to support local charitiesSoup Kitchen Lagos and the Bombeiros.

As well as the chance to enjoy a snowfall (courtesy of a snow machine), children got to meet Santa in his grotto and even enjoy a ride on ‘Rudolph’ before dancing the night away in a fun Christmas disco.

Everyone got into the Christmas spirit thanks to a seasonal sing-a-long with the fabulous Western Algarve Community Choir.

Families and parents from the school lent their skills and expertise to ensure the event had a truly international feel.

Visitors were treated to a spectacular video projection show by a famous Swiss artist and homemade food on offer included a traditional Swiss Raclette and vegan chilli.

The free event was made possible thanks to the huge generosity of local businesses including: Algarve Marquees, The Garden RestaurantLagos, Baptista, SeaLife, Tiffany’s Riding Centre, Burgau Sports Centre, Memory Box Portugal, Phaze Photography, Algarve Treatment Centre and the many more local organisations who kindly donated prizes for the raffle.

Yours sincerely, Nobel School

 amber@tomorrowalgarve.com

Tomorrow story prompts donation Dear Editor On behalf on Algarve History Association, I thank you for the article in December´s edition of Tomorrow about the Portimão children´s home.

As it happens, at the year end the Association was in a position to make a substantial donation to Casa de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, and we would not have been aware of its existence without the timely issue of your magazine.

The Associação dos Historiadores do Algarve is our Association´s Portuguese name, and it exists to make incoming expatriates aware of the rich history and culture of Portugal and in particular of the Algarve. Over the year, we make two presentations a month in each of Lagoa and Tavira.

One of these presentations is always about the history of this country, and the other is generally about some cultural matter of interest, often but not necessarily Portuguese. 10 years

We are always really pleased to get letters from our readers. If you would like to send us your views on anything that’s going on in the western Algarve or if you have any suggestions to make about the magazine please email:

ago, we began to appreciate that like us, few expatriates know anything at all about the country they have chosen to live in. For us, it became a matter of interest to learn about Portugal´s history, and to share that knowledge among our friends and supporters.

Out of that interest was born our Association, and our members are now numbered in the hundreds.

Association activities include the sponsorship of classical music concerts, of jazz music gigs and weekly bridge duplicates. Our latest activity is to conduct historical walks in the town of Tavira and you can read more about those in this magazine. Algarve History Association welcomes those interested in Portuguese history to its monthly lectures. Contact Lynne for more information at lynne. algarvehistory@gmail.com Peter Kingdon Booker Associação dos Historiadores do Algarve Presidente

46

Sophie Sadler’s article Dear Editor, Just today I had the opportunity to read your article about the home for children and young women in Portimão.

I spoke to people from the house and they are so grateful because they haven’t received any help for many years and now they are getting help which is making a huge difference.

Reading your article gave me some ideas that perhaps charities could start to think about for next year for the girls, like summer travel group, boat trip or snow winter holidays...

God bless you.

Best regards, Vera

5 inlight.pt f inlight.lagos

Travessa do Forno, 4 - Lagos

1 (+351) 913 127 421

info@inlight.pt

Health

Having a happy heart

BY ANN DE JONGH

With Valentine’s Day, February is often associated with the heart and love. Keeping our hearts healthy and happy are super important in life, as is loving ourselves.

A healthy heart is a happy heart, so we need to make sure we look after it, we are kind to it and give it the love and attention it deserves.

Physically we need keep our heart strong by getting regular heart pumping exercise. We need to feed the heart foods to help it and avoid foods that will clog it up and cause problems to it. So that means in with the healthy and nutritious foods - out with the processed, fatty sugary foods, but you can still have a glass of red wine a day, (but just the one) as it has been shown to have beneficial effects for the heart.

We also need to be kind to ourselves and to treat ourselves with greater compassion and care. Loving ourselves comes not only from our actions, but also our thoughts. We need to banish negative thoughts about ourselves. Often we only think of what we can’t do instead of what we can do - so we need to focus on the positives.

Spend time outside, in the sunshine, and appreciating our surroundings, allows us to relax and unwind. Finding time to meditate, even just five minutes a day can have a big positive impact on heart health and your happiness. Having an attitude of gratitude. These are all factors that help towards keeping stress low, dealing with stress in a healthier way, and enabling our heart to smile and be happy.

This month why not focus some of the love on yourself, to ensure you have a happy, healthy heart.

Ann is a trainer, yoga teacher and sports massage therapist.

 +351 913 202 621  www.fit2lovelife.com  ann@fit2lovelife.com

Chiropractic care of the upper back

BY DR WEN OATES DC MCHIRO

There are many sources of dysfunction in the upper back (thoracic spine), especially when we consider the numerous joints and the interlacing of muscles that comprise the thoracic spine and rib cage.

The mid and upper back is known as the thoracic spine. It’s the largest portion of the spine, consisting of 12 of the 24 spinal bones (vertebrae).

By comparison, the neck (the cervical spine) has 7 vertebrae, while the lower back (the lumbar spine) has 5 vertebrae. All of the thoracic vertebrae are connected to your ribs by cartilage and together protect the thorax - hence the name, thoracic spine.

In addition to the many joints and bones that comprise the thoracic spine, there’s also a network of interwoven and layered muscles that stabilize and move the spine, aid in respiration and allow

you to move your shoulders and arms. Therefore, if one muscle or joint becomes injured or inflamed, it can lead to a great deal of pain and discomfort. Upper-back pain is a phenomenon that affects all age groups.

Yet, while common, it seems to receive far less attention than neck pain and lower back pain.

Furthermore, there’s less research carried out on the identification and treatment of mid- and upper-back pain compared to that of the neck and lower back.

However, you’ll be pleased to hear that chiropractors know all about upper back pain, so if you’re suffering at the moment, call or pop in and see us. We’re next door to the coffee shop in the big pink building on the other side of the Lidl roundabout in Lagos.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

 www.lagos-health.com  +351 282 768 044

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Health

Pets Mate - New kidney test

BY LARS RAHMQUIST

This morning we examined a dog who has been a patient for many years. Poppy is a well loved dog but not necessarily at her happiest coming to the doc´s...she prefers running alongside her owner on the beach.

On a physical exam I noticed that the liver felt a little enlarged. We agreed to do an ultrasound exam to follow this up. The echo study showed us that, though the liver was slightly enlarged, there was no abnormalities within it. To be thorough, we examined the entire abdomen and found that the kidneys did not look normal when they were scanned. On top of this, the Doppler study with our fancy (expensive) machine showed us that the blood flow through the kidney was much less than normal.

Poppy´s owner had not noticed overt signs of kidney disease, namely increased urinating and increased drinking (polyuria and polydipsia, as we call it).

The kidneys are quite remarkable organs.

They maintain hydration, electrolyte levels, pH balance and excrete lots of toxins which build up in our bodies. In fact they are so adept at keeping us alive that they humbly lay down their lives to save ours.

The kidneys keep functioning perfectly right up until 2/3rds of the organ(s) has stopped working. Even then we only see early clinical signs (mainly increased urine production). It is not until 3/4 (75%) of the function has been lost that we see changes in blood tests for the kidneys. So when the vet says ´it is just early on in the kidney disease´, it does mean 75% of the kidney function is lost (forever).

But Ho! There is a new kidney function test (called the SDMA – symmetric dimethylarginine for our local biochemistry enthusiasts) which studies have suggested can detect kidney failure as early as 25% into the disease.

This is fantastic news for anyone interested in kidney disease in cats and dogs!

We had recently done a routine blood test on our patient Poppy from today. The result showed normal creatinine and urea levels (standard kidney tests). But lo-and-behold the SDMA results are elevated.

Managing kidney failure is all about giving the kidneys less work to do, mainly by dietry modification. So, the earliest we can intervene in kidney failure, the better our treatment outcome will be and the longer our mates can live with a good quality of life.

So the new SDMA test has been well received in the veterinary community and because of it we will be able to treat Poppy with more success STRAIGHT AWAY!

 www.lagosvet.com

Wonderful weeds

BY POPPY BURR BSC MCPP (MEDICAL HERBALIST) Would it surprise you to learn that most of the plants you think of as weeds have potent medicinal properties? It may help to consider what makes a plant medicinal.

Plants are intriguing creatures that are able to sense their surroundings and defend themselves in their environments by manufacturing a diverse chemical armoury. Weeds adapt their shape, colour and size to survive and thrive in the wild and, since they are the most threatened, are the most versatile and medicinally useful of all.

One ‘weed’ I get particularly excited about is the humble stinging nettle, which is in season this month. Pick the tops only, with a good pair of gloves!

Nettle (Urtica dioica) There are over 100 compounds in the various parts of this trusty hedgerow star. The leaves are rich in minerals, vitamin C and silica - add them to any meal to help with iron absorption, inflammation and tissue repair.

The stinging hairs contain histamine, serotonin and noradrenaline, which is why nettle is so useful in allergic conditions like hay fever, eczema and asthma. Nettle root is an excellent treatment for prostate enlargement in men, and the seeds are one of the best kidney tonics available to the modern herbal practitioner.

Through scientific research, nettle’s anti-inflammatory properties have been discovered to be even more powerful that we thought. A recent double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised clinical trial concluded that nettle leaf significantly reduced inflammation and improved quality of life in 64 patients with inflammatory bowel disease, and in 1996 it was shown that taking 50 g of nettle leaf a day was as effective as ibuprofen for arthritic pain.

Take nettle as a tea, in soups, omelettes, or as a steamed vegetable, or get in touch if you think you might benefit from a medicinal grade extract. Happy weeding!

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Health

Get your body back in shape

Supporting parents

This month the Physical Therapy Clinic in Mexilhoeira Grande is holding a free assessment day on Saturday February 24th between 10am and 4pm. The only thing that we would ask is that people make a small donation to the Tomorrow Magazine charity, called TACT.

Parenting consultant, Laura Newman, is offering a new five-week course to parents. It’s called ConnectionWORKS. It’s a dynamic combination of individual consultation with video and supplementary materials (all of which can be done online). On the surface it’s rich in content and practical strategies, and based on sound developmental neuroscience. Thousands and thousands of parents around the world are now using these approaches to increase their children's cooperation and reduce aggression (to name just a few reasons). In the depth of this course are the insights and miracles to be discovered about your own parenting journey and beyond.

BY DAVID MURPHY NMT/PHYS THER

The charity raises money for local good causes including the palliative care charity, Madrugada, as well as the soup kitchens in Portimoa and Lagos.

So if you have aches and pains, lumps and bumps you didn’t have when you were 21? Is your body not responding in ways it used to? Are you noticing age creeping up on you?

As we get older, our mind may say we are still 21 but our body has different

ideas. All too often we will ignore the little warning signs until they become too big to ignore any more. By which time, it may be too late to do anything about them.

We are giving you the chance not to to ignore the signs. Book yourself in for a head-to-toe check at Largo Damaso Physical Therapy Clinic in Mexilhoeira Grande. It’s free but a small donation to TACT of €5 would be nice.

All you need to do is book an appointment and go along and let them do the rest. Prevention is better than cure! Spaces are limited, so book now to avoid disappointment.

Laura Newman BSc BSc MSc is a Speech Therapist & Child Behaviour Specialist with 25 years professional experience.

Call or email for an appointment.

 +351 928 022 494  largodamaso@hotmail.com  7 Largo Damaso Rocha Mexilhoeira Grande

 www.connectedchild.net

Get enlightened

BY ROMY MATHEWS

Down a narrow cobbled street within the walls of Old Town Lagos is a vibrant small business that radiates warmth and friendliness.

Despite being tucked away, InLight Yoga & Massage Studio is not hiding in the shadows and last year international publisher of The Luxury Travel Guides named it The Most Innovative Wellness Centre in Portugal. Time for me to see what the studio is all about.

It is with some trepidation that I stand at the entrance. The far side of 60, both in age and kilograms, it is eons since I last went to yoga classes. But there is something special about InLight. The happy-looking, friendly people going in and out? The welcoming open front door, leading into a light-filled space?

I had decided to go to a drop-in meditation

class. My introduction to meditation was around the same time as the Beatles were extolling its worth, but I know I can sit cross-legged on the floor with my eyes closed without making too much of a fool of myself. I needn’t have worried. I am instantly made to feel at home and a whole new world opened up.

Daily drop-in classes offer both visitors and residents in Lagos the opportunity to sample what Inlight offers. Different yoga practices such as traditional hatha, energising ashtanga and vinyasa flow, and slower gentler techniques, such as yin and restorative yoga, are structured for both beginner and experienced students, as are tai chi and qigong sessions.

Without doubt, InLight has become a hub for accomplished teachers and therapists from all over the world. Workshops incorporating healing and energy arts,

52

music and spirituality are organised to provide more depth or to introduce topics.

Also on offer is a wide range of deeply relaxing, healing and transformative therapies, from classic oil and deep tissue massage to acupuncture and hypnotherapy.

At the centre of this wheel is owner Karuna who describes her intention as to make a genuine difference to her clients’ levels of health, happiness and consciousness.

And that, in my opinion, is exactly what InLight offers. I am sure there will be more well-deserved awards and accolades to come.

New to yoga? Inlight is offering monthly Introductory Beginners Classes on Saturday mornings 11:00 - 12:00, starting 3 February.

For more details, visit our website.  www.inlight.pt

Business

Saving you money

BY CHARLEY PUTTNAM 2018 will see many people from outside Europe deciding to spend either their vacation time here or moving here permanently. Are you one of those people?

Perhaps you’re renting a property whilst waiting to purchase your holiday villa or are you one of the lucky ones already with your own dream home and here to oversee renovations or refurbishments?

If you’re American, Swedish, Canadian or someone that is having to use a currency different from your homeland, you are probably experiencing problems finding a competitive exchange rate or trying to justify charges that may arise each time you withdraw money or make a payment using a card or ATM. It’s so daunting, isn’t it? But there is a simple way and it can mean that people save much of their hard-earned money if they just have the right help.

As the saying goes, if we 'save the pennies, the pounds will take care of themselves'. Free up your precious time and make those savings by simply

using a currency exchange company such as ours. Here at GCEN we can take care of transfers to either your own account here in Portugal (if you have one) or directly to the service and condominium companies or rental agencies quickly, safely and without fuss. You can even send money directly to those lovely builders and tradesmen that have become part of the furniture!

Transfer your currency at a time that’s convenient to you AND a rate that YOU choose and upon its arrival, it will be sent out to the nominated account in another currency with no charges and no hidden costs. Forget about carrying large amounts of cash around, sit back and spend your savings on a well-deserved cocktail.

If you prefer a friendly voice at the end of the phone to help you through the transfer, then give us a call. Or, if you prefer to go online and take care of things yourself, it’s quick and easy to do so and no more difficult than the normal internet banking process. So, whatever your reason for being in this beautiful country, we are very glad that you are.

Portugal  +351 289 093 137 UK  01622 815 201  portugal@gcen.co.uk

Celebrating 15 years Casas do Barlavento which was born in 2003 with just two sales consultants, one admin member in an office in Lagos, in the Algarve, has celebrated its 15th birthday last month. Casas do Barlavento Lda has since grown to three offices with 10 sales team members and eight admin officers dedicated to rentals and property management.

“The partnerships created along the years and the satisfied clients that continue to trust in our commitment to provide the best service makes life a

lot easier and for that we are thankful” said Luís Ledo, Managing Director of Casas do Barlavento.

“We are celebrating 15 years with the dedication to achieve another 15 stronger and committed to our clients”, adds the Managing Director.

Casas do Barlavento is proud to offer an all-in-one service with multilingual staff dedicated to the needs of the clients, in the area of real estate, property management, and rental properties, in the Western Algarve.

 +351 282 780 870  www.casasdobarlavento.com  info@casasdobarlavento.com

54

New manager at Espiche Espiche Golf has announced that Frederico Champalimaud is joining the team as its new General Manager and as Marketing Director for the hotel and real estate project in the adjoining land to the course. You can read more about this development soon.

In a statement, Espiche said: “We would like to take this occasion to honour and thank our former GM, Luis Rocha, for the tremendous work he has done over the past couple of years at Espiche. Under his leadership, we have seen great improvements in every area and our course has become one of the most popular in the entire Algarve. He and we are proud of the tremendous team he has built and we wish him every success in his future endeavours.”

Frederico joins Espiche after about 15 years with the prestigious Oitavos Group in Cascais, where, most recently, he has been Golf Director at Oitavos Dunes Links (since 2006), as well as Sales Director at the Quinta da Marinha Palace Hotel (since 2010).

Under his leadership, Oitavos Dunes has been accredited as one of the Top 100 golf courses in the world, and has hosted 10 European Tour Professional events including four Portuguese Opens. He is himself a keen and active golfer with a 5.6 handicap, and has played over 200 different golf courses around the world, including 38 of which are listed in Top 100 world rankings.

GLO adverts x3 designs v2.qxp_Layout 1 19/05/2017 16:42 Page 3

SELLING YOUR PROPERTY AND NOT SURE HOW TO TRANSFER YOUR MONEY TO THE UK?

When it comes to selling your house and moving back to the UK we understand that you are looking for a fast, simple process that gives you great exchange rates.

We have been helping clients transfer money to and from the UK for over 13 years. Talk to us to find out how we can help you transfer your money simply, safely and quickly.

To find out more about all of our products and services please contact us at: Vilamoura Office 289 093 137 Lagos Office 282 768 136 / UK rate 01622 815 201 E portugal@gcen.co.uk www.gcen.co.uk GCEN is fully authorised by the FCA to provide payment service as an Authorised Payment Services Institution. Registration No. 504346.

Business

What impact does a weak pound make on property sales?

BY DAVID WESTMORELAND

I.T. can be easy

BY BY STEVEN DUNWELL

This month our IT expert Steven Dunwell will be holding free IT support and help sessions at the following locations: The Tropical Café - Nº. 33, Avenida dos Descobrimentos, Lagos Tuesday 6th & 20th 11am until 2pm Artesão Café - Marina de Lagos Lojas 11/12, Lagos Tuesday 13th & 27th 11am until 2pm No appointment necessary. All you need to do is bring your device, purchase at least a drink from the establishment and I will give you 10 minutes free IT support or help with any simple issues you may have with your laptop, PC or smartphone.

If the issue cannot be resolved, an appointment can be booked at a later date, at your convenience.

Steven would also like to run a training event in February in Luz for beginners of users of PC’s, if you would be interested to attend please let me know via email. Date, time and the location of event will then follow.

Next month Steven will be turning his attention in his regular column to about how to dispose your old computer safely. This will cover how to understand your hard drive and how to clean it. When you dispose of an old computer the danger is that you hand over all kinds of information about yourself that could allow criminals to access bank accounts etc.

 sdunwell@sky.com  +351 936 387 512

In previous years the exchange rate versus the UK sterling was a critical element on how the market was fairing.

However, since the Brexit decision by the UK things have changed significantly. As previously mentioned immediately before Brexit the UK market represented around 38% of our total business. At B&P we sell to a wide international market with around 15 different nationalities buying property through us every year.

Immediately after the Brexit decision this dropped to an unbelievable 5-8%, with UK buyers being put off by the myriad of questions and uncertainty that Brexit had created. Will UK owners be able to use their properties, will UK owners be able to buy/own property in the EU and if they need visas how long will these last and how often can they use them. What about the UK residents currently living in Portugal or the EU fair. Will they need to go back to the UK? Will they have to take residency or dual nationality?

Well, it appears that the UK overseas market is quite resilient. We have seen the percentage of UK buyers move up to around 15% which although considerably lower than the pre-brexit figure is a significant improvement.

It also appears that there will be an agreement that protects both UK overseas property owners in the EU as well as EU property owners in the UK, so a little bit of common sense appears to be coming through.

We have also seen a large increase in buyers from French speaking Europe, France obviously, Belgium

 mail@bpaproperty.com

56

& Switzerland and from Scandinavia where between these two locations now represent around 40% of our sales versus a previous 20%. This means that in 2017 B&P actually achieved a slight growth in both revenue sales and unit sales of around 7% versus our previous all time best of 2016.

This should also give some confidence to UK owners here in Portugal. Whilst we are seeing a low exchange rate when bringing money into the EU we are experiencing fantastic exchange rates taking money back. This can mean around 14% benefit when taking money back to the UK than before Brexit.

2018 is now well under way and initial trends are showing more of the same with the market continuing to strengthen with an increase in enquiries & viewings versus 2017.

Hopefully we will continue to see this trend and enjoy another fantastic year at B&P. So in short and answering the question “does a weak pound affect the property market” the answer as ever - is mixed. Yes if you are from the UK and buying but no if you are selling.

Increases from other EU states have then contributed to an overall increase meaning now is the time to buy or sell wherever you live!

If you are considering selling or buying property here in Portugal we would love to hear from you. Either call into the office or contact me on email.

TOM-7-14-engl-2_Jens-ESA 16.07.15 16:39 Seite 1

We solve such problems permanently

For over 20 years we successfully fix building damages caused by extreme weather, earthquakes or poor construction. Call us when it comes to eflorence, wall dehumidification or when you just need a professional new paint, we can help!

the painters 918 748 755

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Albufeira • Lagoa • Portimão • Lagos • Aljezur • Odemira

Tomorrow 90x65 06-17.indd 2

19/06/2017 10:52

Food & drink

Photo from the winery Casa de Moura

Another great success

BY TOM HENSHAW On Friday January 12th more than 70 people attended a Wine Pairing Menu at Quay Bar and Bistro on Lagos Marina.

The format now has become a proven success from Quay and offers their clients we authentic food to compliment the lovely wines.

Susie and David hosted this evening with Luis and Mario from the Casa de Moura winery in the Mouraz region.

The winery is a fairly new venture beginning in 2000 and moving from Lisbon the heart of the Dão region with a project of sustainable viticulture of authentic and natural wines.

We can really recommend readers to try one of these evenings. The next ones are likely to be February 23rd and also Match 23rd but we suggest you check the dates and book early as so many people miss out on these events by leaving it until the last minute.

 +351 282 761 128  geral@quaylagos.com

Invicta Bartender extraordinaire, Jeferson Santos, who works at the newly reopened Taste Restaurante in Carvoeiro came third in the Barman of the Year awards last year with a fabulous cocktail that he concocted. Here he shares it with us.

It is called Invicta.

Fluffy pancakes

3 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon white sugar 1 1/4 cups milk 1 egg 3 tablespoons butter, melted

BY JULIE BATTERSBY

In large bowl sieve together the flour and baking powder, salt and sugar.

Make a well in the centre and pour the milk ,egg and melted butter. Mix until smooth.

Heat a lightly oiled frying pan over a medium to high. Pour or use a ladle about 1/4 of a cup of the mixture for each pancake. Brown both sides. Serve hot with lemon juice, sugar or fruit.

With Shrove Tuesday looming we thought it was time to dust off a pancake recipe.

If you have a recipe to send please email our editor: amber@tomorrowalgarve.com

1 1/2 cups of white flour

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Liquor Beirão de Honra (mix with brand and regular licor Beirão) Vermouth of dry white Porto (homemade) Bitter of kumquats and hibiscus (homemade) Foam with raspberry and rosemary (homemade) The use of the portwine and the licor Beirão de Honra was the condition given to get the cocktail in the final.

To find out more about Taste go to www.tastecarvoeiro.com - it’s a hit on Tripadvisor. It’s re-opening in a new location which is in Edifico Galeão, Loja 12&13 Rua do Barranco 8400-512 Carvoeiro (next to the Motorrent Shop) To find out more about the competition go to the Barman do Ano website.

 barmandoano.etaste.pt

Food & drink place is perfect. You often see people lining up outside to get in, it’s so busy, but we were able to book (not sure if that’s the norm’). Having been seated, the staff were quick to the table for a drinks order. No slacking there.

Don’t walk on by!

BY THE YUM YUM BOYS Often passed by but it shouldn’t be!!

The review this month took us to the Adega on the Avenida in Lagos. For those that have passed this, I would urge you not to and at least take a look inside. It is a big place, with a varied menu and lots of fresh produce and best of all, lots of the local Portuguese community eat here too.

If like me, you wanted a to satisfy a big party (we were eight), then this simple, unhurried and buzzy, atmospheric

The idea is to keep it simple, so we ordered sea bass, swordfish steak, beef steak and black pork. My recommendation is to opt for the potatoes and not the fries. They are delicious and done in the oven. Also, a salad to either accompany the main dishes or as a starter was ordered, again keeping it simple with tomatoes, lettuce and onion with a vinegar dressing. The fish was superb. Moist and tasty and the steaks were done to perfection. The staff are very attentive and despite the size of the place, you never have to wave them over and the food arrived in good time given that they must have been busy.

This is not a flashy place but one where you can go for a great meal, have fun with your party and enjoy the atmosphere. We went on a Tuesday after the New Year and it was packed and, as I say, lots of local people in there too so it must be good. Don’t pass this by, take a gamble and try it out.

Fancy a food tour of Lisbon?

A new company in Lisbon is offering visitors food tours around the city.

Taste of Lisbon Food Tours' aim is to show the real Lisbon to you, the one locals live in, and save you from feeling lost and overwhelmed in the discovering experience.

We will walk together through the non touristy areas and off the beaten tracks. There are various different options to choose from - one includes being transported round on an eco Tuk Tuk. The woman running the company, Filipa, also offers tours to private groups as well as cooking lessons.

To find out more please go to the website.

You will not be disappointed.  www.tasteoflisboa.com  +351 916 369 148 / 916 369 148  enjoy@tasteoflisboa.com

 +351 282 764 284  Avenida dos Descobrimentos 35, Lagos

Tiago’s Chicken Curry Here, Master Chef Junior contestant Tiago Custódio from Budens tells us his favourite recipe for chicken curry.

Serves 4 Ingredients: 2 chicken breast 400ml coconut milk 2 tablespoons curry powder 1 mango 1 natural greek yogurt 1 coriander bunch 1 onion 6 garlic cloves

2 tablespoons of fresh grated ginger Half lime (juice) 2 tablespoons Olive oil Salt to taste Ground black pepper to taste 250g basmati rice

Method: Chop the garlic and the onion and grate the ginger into a pan the olive oil, add the curry, light the fire.

Stir until is brown and then add the coconut milk.

Meanwhile cut the chicken into cubes season with salt and pepper. In a frying pan with olive oil cook the chicken until is gold. Add it to the previous preparation.

Cut the mango into cubes, sauté in the frying pan with olive oil and add to the curry.

Leave to cook for 5 minutes and finally add chopped coriander, yogurt and lime juice with the heat off.

Serve with basmati rice.

You can read more about Tiago on page 12.

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Food & drink

Minha Praia Literally translated Minha Praia means ‘my beach’.

It is hard to believe when you first meet João Miguel Correia in his lovely and cosy restaurant that he was a sailor that travelled around the world four times and visited over 150 countries before he came ’home’ to Lagos and opened Real Portuguese Cuisine restaurant.

Minha Praia is the phrase that sums up João’s philosophy and aims for this cosy restaurant, my place, my style and my way is my take on what he means.

The restaurant has a very calm and tranquil feel with stylish table-ware and linen which, in themselves give an air and feeling of fine dining all complimented by the serene background music.

BY JULIE BATTERSBY

João welcomes everyone himself and also insists on taking you through the menu which has a wonderful selection including starters like veal Carpaccio, salmon tartare with mango and passion fruit followed by the likes of duck with honey sauce, lamb chops ‘house style’ and grilled sole fillets or monkfish cataplana and a good range of vegetarian options.

We opted to share the scallops in an almond sauce. Tom had pork cheeks for the main course and I had the lamb shankmagnificent in both cases. We finished with the pears in port wine and a truly delicious lime mousse.

This restaurant has a very high rating on TRIPADVISOR and deservedly so as the food is as good as we have eaten any where and with the main courses being only in the region of €14-€18. We both loved the

food and wonderful service we received, all adding to the intimate dining experience the staff here deserve a mention for their unobtrusive and yet extremely attentive service.

We both thoroughly enjoyed the house wine, ‘Tinoco’ and at €12.50 a bottle is an absolute bargain, we also noted that they have an interesting range and mostly under €20 a bottle.

João also offers ‘on the house’ a lovely Tawny port from Tinoco all adding to the overall experience.

We will certainly be back soon and with Valentine’s Day around the corner this is a perfect destination.

You really must book to avoid being disappointed

 + 351 282 085 231  Real Portuguese Cuisine  Rua infante de Sagres 38-40 (up to the second square and turn up by the green tiled building and maybe 100 metres on your right.

Tomik Snack Bar Tomik Snack Bar is good news for a woman on her own and of a certain age who enjoys good food, homemade and in pleasant surroundings. Furthermore I like to be attended to but not with overbearing attention. Tomik strikes all the boxes for me.

The food is excellent with ample portions and the price is right as far as I am concerned. The new owners deserve to do well as here in the Algarve many restaurants change hands with such rapidity that at times it can be mind boggling so we never know what to expect.

BY ELIZABETH SHEAFFER

I very often do not recommend restaurants in case the one in question becomes too popular and you cannot get served-only joking!

So if you are passing by Tomik on your way from Luz to Burgau give it a try, I cannot imagine you will be disappointed. This is a very professional establishment. Enjoy!  +351 282 043 401 / 929 127 154  Montinhos da Luz

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Environment

Polar Bears on thin ice a Global Warning

BY CLAIRE FRIEDLANDER

In the wake of a distinctly non-white Christmas, a particularly unsettling image from another unseasonably warm place has stirred deep unease: an emaciated polar bear, desperately hunting on land rather than its preferred sea-ice hunting grounds, which are rapidly melting and fragmenting.

This gaunt figure has become the mascot for vanishing Arctic ice and the canary-inthe-coal-mine for climate change.

In December, a Polar Science conference confirmed what many have dreaded: The Arctic, as it has been for millennia, has in recent years been irrevocably changed by global warming and is now well underway toward becoming an ice-free state. Some polar regions are warming five times faster than anywhere else on earth, offering an apocalyptic glimpse of our planet in flux.

Greenland really is getting greener, losing 270 billion tons of ice annually as glaciers retreat twice as fast as ‘normal,’ and Alaska is being well and truly baked. The Inuit people have a word for this change in their environment: “uggianaqtuq” which means “behaving strangely.” This strangeness is threatening their entire way of life.

The surreal, white, Polar Regions that exist only in the imaginations of most people may seem inconsequential to us, but are more far-reaching than we suspect.

What happens there has widespread ramifications not only for local environment

 www.friedlanderdesign.com

and ecosystems but also for oceans and weather systems worldwide.

President Trump recently tweeted: “In the East, it could be the COLDEST New Year’s Eve on record. Perhaps we could use a little bit of that good old Global Warming.” Record snowfalls and extreme cold experienced there recently might seem counterintuitive in a warming climate, but reveal no surprises for climate change scientists. The warming Arctic has altered the Northern Hemisphere high altitude jet stream, lessened global temperature differentials, and influenced atmospheric moisture levels and dramatic pressure changes. These all contribute to widespread weather extremes.

Everything is linked. Recent research suggests robust links between dwindling Arctic sea-ice and increased drought risk in California for example, but the most devastating consequence will probably be flood risk for coastal cities worldwide. As ice shelves melt and shear away glaciers will no longer be buttressed, allowing them to spill directly into warming oceans to dramatically raise sea levels.

Global sea level is currently predicted to increase by a metre toward the end of this century. Scientists have recently determined, however, that Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets are far less

stable than initially assumed, proposing possible increases of between two and five metres. Interestingly, increases won’t be evenly distributed around the globe, since changes in ice-sheet mass will likely affect earth’s gravity and rotation. Lisbon is predicted to be relatively lucky with sea level rising 0.86m, but this is according to conservative modelling and is nonetheless a catastrophic quantity of water.

Global warming caused by fossil-fuel emissions has triggered ice-melt, but what is truly worrying is runaway amplification by complex climate feedback loops. Melting ice reveals darker underlying surfaces of water and land that absorb solar energy more readily, contributing to more warming and consequently quicker melting. Climate change has also intensified worldwide wildfires, whose dark soot deposits at the Poles further increase solar absorption in a place where the summer sun doesn’t set.

Furthermore, potent greenhouse gases locked for centuries in permafrost will be released into the atmosphere as the ice melts to further stimulate global warming.

The World Meteorological Organisation warns that consistent, rapid and unprecedented warming is pushing the whole world into “truly uncharted territory” and this new world is not hospitable. Heed the plight of the polar bears- they are already living the reality.

 www.cbsnews.com/news/starving-polar-bear-video-paul-nicklen-baffin-island/

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Outdoor

Enjoy your garden with plants from down under

BY TAMSIN VARLEY

Six years ago, I fulfilled one of my lifetime ambitions by spending three months touring Australia. I happily confess to being a plant addict, and dragged my long suffering husband around every botanic garden that was on our route. I was enthralled by what I saw and came home determined to give over part of my garden to Australian plants.

One of the first things I did when we got home was to get two raised beds built on the far side of our pool on top of a supporting wall. Each bed is about two metres long and one metre wide and deep. They are filled with a predominantly sandy soil mixed with a bit of organic matter. In one bed I planted a Grevillea (possibly Robyn Gordon) and the pincushion Hakea (H. Laurina), and in the other another Grevillea with deep red flowers and a Banksia.

Image Captions (top bottom and left to right): Grevillea; Westringia; Callistemon; Eremophila; Leucophyta; Hakea laurina

I love Grevilleas which flower profusely almost all the year round, are very attractive to bees, are fast growing, and can be pruned into neat, manageable shapes. Their flowers are extraordinary looking like exotic spiders in mostly red, orange and yellow colours. Ranging in size from trees to shrubs and ground covers, grevilleas thrive in open, sunny positions in poor soil with minimal water once established.

The pin cushion Hakea has beautiful round red and yellow flowers in clusters in the spring with leaves resembling young Eucalyptus at first glance. It can become a small tree between two and a half and six metres tall. So far, my plant is more shrub-like and is about two metres tall and has required no pruning to date. Sadly, my Banksia (closely related to the South African Proteas) thrived for about two years and then a ferocious wind snapped it off at the roots and killed it.

 Clube Dos Bons Jardins  algarvecbj@gmail.com

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Other Australian plants that I have in my garden which are commonly grown out here and widely available include bottlebrushes (Callistemon) with their prolific and unmistakable red flowers at the end of their stems; paper bark or tea trees (Melaleuca) with smaller flowers very similar to bottle brushes in either pink or white – I’ve seen them grown as hedges or allowed to develop into small twisted trees with a gnarly deeply fissured bark; Emu bushes (Eremophila) which flower for at least six months of the year and positively hate any summer water; coastal rosemary or Westringia which at first glance could be mistaken for a rosemary and is equally as tough with either blue or white flowers and makes a good hedge or a rounded shrub; the short lived Cushion bush (Leucophyta brownii) which is now quite common in our local garden centres and is as tough as old boots and grows into a delightful rounded silver cushion with tiny globe-like flowers in the summer. It looks great planted en masse.

Generally speaking, all the plants mentioned above require an open, sunny position with good drainage and minimal water once established. So, next time you’re in a garden centre and looking for something a bit different – exotic even – that is tough and requires minimal care or water, why not try an Australian native? They may originate 18,000 kilometres away, but they do seem to thrive in our sunny Algarve climate.

Tamsin is Chairman of Clube Dos Bons Jardins, a small, friendly multi-national garden club that meets at different locations throughout the Algarve on the second Tuesday every month except over the summer with an optional lunch afterwards.

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