Tomorrow may 2015 edition by Tomorrow Algarve Magazine

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A community newsletter for the western Algarve

MAY 2015

In this issue...

Community: Anniversary Celebrations at Lagos Aerodrome

What's On: Artisans exhibition in Caldas Monchique

What's On: Pets Mate: Happy Springtine everyone!

Business: How carers can help you

And so much more...

Lagos to benefit from cash to improve coast Alentejo and the Costa Vicentina. The contracts are worth €3.9 million.

Photograph by: Jose Manuel

Mr Lemos said "The contracts will help the coastal areas of the southwest Alentejo and the Costa Vicentina become more resilient and also enhance the areas’ tourism potential and economies." He added the work would improve bathing areas and villages which in turn would help economic activity.

A cash boost of almost €4 million has been announced by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Paulo Lemos, to improve beaches, fishing harbours and smaller coastal villages in the south-west of the Algarve. The company awarded the contracts for the work said that Lagos would benefit from the investment but it didn’t specify what work would be undertaken in the area.

The Portuguese Government hopes the money, which is part of a wider plan to rehabilitate 150km of coastline, will help promote future tourism. But campaigners are concerned that the work will destroy some of the Algarve’s most beautiful and picturesque coastline. Polis Litoral Southwest received the goahead for eight contracts in the southwest

According to Polis Litoral Southwest, the works will take place in the municipalities of Santiago do Cacém, Sines and Beja, in the Alentejo coast, and Lagos. The money is coming from the EU, the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning and the local authorities concerned. It is part of the rehabilitation and recovery plan for 150 km's along the Alentejo and Vicentina coasts which is part of an overall €40.1 million spend.

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Welcome to our May edition

Useful Numbers

As I write this I am already taking stock of 2015 and it’s hard to believe we are already in May. Easter showed promise of a great summer season for visitors, businesses and residents alike so let’s hope it lives up to expectations. There are so many things happening in the Algarve and not least in the western Algarve beginning with our first ever annual Summer Ball at the Tivoli Hotel on June 20th and the planned Christmas Ball at Boa Vista Golf & Spa on 11th December. A little bit later in the year there’s the ‘Tomorrow’ Golf day held at Espiche Golf Club on September 20th. Last year we raised with your help and the Ray of Light Trust over €18000 for CASLAS, the children’s home in Lagos. That money raised is being used to buy beds, bunk sets and everything for the boys’ rooms which were in a much poorer state than that of the girls’ rooms. However, the proposed plan is to refurbish all these rooms too. This year we are trying hard to support CASLAS, the local charity Madrugada which offers palliative care, Lagos soup kitchen, Families in Need in the Algarve and of course NECI in Luz. ‘Tomorrow’ is also very much on target to bring Christmas lights up the Avenida and as much of the town as possible with the help our supporters and local sponsors. Remember that the Silves mediaeval festival is in August and a big event not to be missed and needs to be in your diary for sure. (7th to 16th August) All in all a positive year. However let’s not forget our local community and those in need whether through financial hardships, loneliness or emotional support. Have a great month. Best wishes,

EMERGENCY HOSPITAL HEALTH CENTRE FIRE SERVICE POLICE SERVICE GNR NATIONAL GUARD TAXI SERVICE BUS STATION TRAIN STATION AERODROME CITY COUNCIL TOURIST OFFICE TOWN INFO CULTURAL CENTRE TAXI-PEDRO COSTA LACOBRENSE CHEMIST NEVES CHEMIST RIBEIRO LOPES CHEMIST TELLO CHEMIST SILVA CHEMIST D Concept Dental Clinic Farmacia (Odiáxere) Chriropractor lagos Dental Clinic - Almádena Lagos Cinema LUZDOC (LUZ) French Consulate in Faro Germany Consulate in Faro Dutch Consulate in Faro Canadian Consulate in Faro

112 282 770 100 282 780 000 282 770 790 282 762 930 282 770 010 282 460 610 282 762 944 282 762 987 282 762 906 282 780 900 282 763 031 282 764 111 282 770 450 917 617 675 282 762 901 282 769 966 282 762 830 282 760 556 282 762 859 282 763 496 282 798 491 282 768 044 918 366 646 282 799 138 282 780 700 281 380 660 289 803181 289 820 903 289 803 757

OTHER USEFUL NUMBERS:BRITISH CONSULATE TOURIST SUPPORT TELECOM NAT. INFO LAGOS VET VIP CHAUFFEURS GRAPHIC & WEB DESIGN Irish Embassy

808 203 537 808 781 212 118 282 782 282 914 479 300 916 606 226 213 308 200

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Tom and the rest of the team. Call me on 919 918 733 or email our editor at amber@tomorrowalgarve.com

GAVIN COX 916 430 132 WILL & PEDRO 965 353 301 WINDOW CLEANING 916 591 423 PORTUGUESE LESSONS €5/HR 912 417 994 Chimney sweep & window cleaner 926 860 123 Locksmith - Luis 964 605 213 Satellite & TV - Dave 965 774 176 James Private luxury transport 910 384 382 Mobile Hairdressing Alison 918 663 352 Computer problems - Pedro 917 165 238 XELI- FLorist Free delivery 282 768 129 Electrician Helio 917 288 966 IPhone/Ipad repairs 966 863 260 Mobility equipment - Andy 964 230 225 Parcel delivery to the UK +44 208 123 1966 Carpenter Sam 917 378 520 Plumbing & more Tristan 938 989 704

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Community... A New Lease of Life

By Lena Strang

“But we managed to do it with the money that we raised in our community. It is an ongoing project as there are still things to do.” Lagos is a multicultural city with many different nationalities living side by side so the existence of a Romanian community is not surprising. However, I am interested in finding out why so much has been invested in this church. Ioan Cristian Istrate, the priest and Manuela, his wife, are happy to fill in the details.

It is always good news when an old deserted building is rescued from ruin. It is even more significant when it is the oldest chapel in the Algarve with a chequered and fascinating history. Having been abandoned for the last fifty years, the Hermitage of St John the Baptist by the Municipal Sport Centre in Lagos is now the hub of the Romanian community in the city. It was renovated two years ago thanks to funds raised by the Romanian community and work was carried out to restore it to its former glory. I have driven past the building so many times over the years and being aware of its past, it has always saddened me to see it looking forlorn. So it was with great anticipation that I recently stepped into the church to meet the Romanian Orthodox priest, his wife and the builder in charge of the renovation.

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I was pleasantly surprised by the newly decorated light and airy space. The church consists of an octagonal chancel, a nave flanked by two rectangular extensions and two bell towers on each side of the main door. The exterior looks fresh with its new white paintwork and the inside is equally immaculate. In line with Romanian Orthodox tradition, the whitewashed walls are covered in a series of colourful icons, the altar is adorned with golden ones and the dome above is painted pale blue. I also note the shiny parquet floor covering. The amount of work done must have been considerable. Ioan Onica, the man in charge of the renovation, confirms that this is the case. “The church was a total ruin and the work was difficult. As it is such an old building we had to liaise closely with the city’s Archaeological Department,” he explains.

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“Previously, people used to attend orthodox services held in a Catholic church in nearby Sargaçal. When the priest retired we were told there was a vacancy in Lagos,” Manuela says, “As we were keen to have a change from our lives in Romania we took this opportunity. We moved here with our two young children. It was a new challenge but we were determined to give it a go.” The renovation work began in February 2013 and at Easter that year the church was inaugurated. “We arrived in July but the work was far from finished. The roof still had to be repaired and because of the humidity, the interior had been damaged. It didn’t help that it rained a lot that year,” Manuela remembers. “The work has continued and it is a huge achievement to see it in its present state.”

The renovated chancel

Community... We sit in the sizeable rectangular room along the side, which once must have been used as a vestry or the priest’s office. This is an area that is being developed as a community centre and where courses for children are already up and running. I am told that both the Catholic Church and the Municipality supported the establishment of the Romanian Orthodox Church. Lagos Câmara is also allowing use of the property for a period of 25 years, providing repairs and maintenance are done. So what has been going on at this spot throughout the centuries? It is believed that the church may date back to 1147, according to an inscription above the main door, which unfortunately has not survived. The octagonal chancel with its cupola was probably a ‘morabito’, an Islamic sanctuary, and is the only remaining evidence of the Arab period in Lagos. However, the first written record of the existence of the church dates back to 1325. An interesting fact emerges 300 years later when D. João ordered Lagos Câmara and all the nobility to attend a service at the chapel on the 24th June 1536 and give alms to the poor – 320 reis to be exact. This was to be an annual event. We also know that, King Sebastian paid a visit in August 1573. The present chancel is the only remaining 16th century feature in the church. The building was badly damaged in the 1755 earthquake and was only reconstructed fifty years later with the addition of the two bell towers and the extensions on either side. During the following two centuries, the chapel remained in a permanent state of disrepair. It assumed different functions – even at one stage serving as a taverna! One of the side extensions was sold and is

Manuela and Ioan Cristian Istrate

still used as a private residence. Because of its proximity to water, reservoirs and water pumps were constructed behind the building in the 1950s and the area was used as a public washing facility. It is worth walking across to the far side of the now empty reservoirs and observe the blue ‘azulejo’ tiles on the wall depicting an evocative scene of women hard at work doing their washing on this very spot. Thanks to the efforts of the Romanian residents in Lagos, the building has reverted back to its original purpose - serving the community. I want to know what difference the church has made and Ioan Cristian doesn’t hesitate in his response: “There are about 200 Romanians in Lagos with additional Moldavians who speak the same language. In the beginning we only had a few regulars who attended but now there are about 30 every Sunday and for special festivals like Easter, the community gets together. The church is a focal point and also provides general support.” I am told that most Romanians originate from north Transylvania and come in search of work and a better standard of living. Many come with the intention of staying for a couple of years while others settle for longer periods or stay for good. Ioan Onica, the builder, prides himself by being one of the first Romanians in Lagos. continued on page 6 >>

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Community...

A New Lease of Life Continued from page 4

John Aldridge Charity Classic Tournaments

“I came here 18 years ago and haven’t looked back since. My children were born here and this is where our lives are,” he says, “but it’s important to maintain our culture and traditions. The church helps us to do that.” Ioan and others have invested much time, effort and money into establishing the church. They are willing to support something that matters a great deal to them. Easter is a key occasion in the Orthodox calendar and for the second year running, the community in Lagos was able to congregate in the church for the service and festivities. “This Easter far more people turned up than we expected. It was great to see so many gathered there,” Manuela enthuses. She is also busy getting a group of children ready for the Medieval Festival in Lagos. There are clothes to be made and court dances to rehearse in preparation for the children’s Royal Parade on the 2nd May. As a teacher she likes nothing better than working alongside children. “Community activities are important and they keep us close. But it is also important to work with others,” she smiles. Manuela and Ioan Cristian are aware that the population is fairly transient and that job prospects are dependent on the economic situation in the Algarve. But they are optimistic about the future and the key role that the church is playing in their community. They are also pleased to have been able to breathe new life into a building with such a remarkable past.

On one of his regular visits to Boavista Golf, John Aldridge took the opportunity to present a cheque of €8.500 to NECI’s President Dr. João Vieira Gonçalves Silva, money raised at his charity tournament at the end of last year at Boavista Golf. Sporting a field of 132 golfers, from the UK, Ireland and Portugal, the John Aldridge Charity Classic proved once again to be a great success. Brought back to Boavista Golf and Spa Resort in 2011 the event has grown each year, with 2014 reaching record numbers, in both players and monies raised. The first round was a team event, Texas Scramble and round two was singles, and with a packed weekend of extra activities the whole event proved to be winner. The Gala Dinner was held at Boavista Clubhouse restaurant on the Saturday night where all participants enjoyed a splendid meal and an auction was held which raised even more money for the charities. The John Aldridge Charity Classic supports children’s charities in the UK, Ireland and Portugal and more information about these commendable causes are as follows:

Easter celebrations

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•

The Alder Hey Children’s Charity in Liverpool cares for families across the UK providing lifesaving equipment and research that the NHS does not fund, as

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well as the more simple enjoyable things like crayons, paints, films and TV’s so that patients of all ages have the best possible experience. •

Temple Street Children’s University Hospital in Dublin is a paediatric hospital serving some of Irelands sickest children and providing a referral and care service on a regional and national basis. Temple Street cares for over 145.000 children a year making it one of the busiest in Europe, their mission is to serve the needs of sick children and give support to their families.

• NECI located in Praia da Luz works to improve the quality of life and teaches children and adults with various disabilities and with social and economic difficulties to integrate into the community. • Lagos Orphanage who care for locally orphaned and disadvantaged children. For players interested in participating in the tournaments, the next one will be held on October 9th and 10th 2015 at Boavista Golf & Spa Resort. For more information please contact golf. administration@boavistaresort.pt.

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50th Anniversary Celebrations at Lagos Aerodrome By Lena Strang The municipal aerodrome is managed by the Aeroclube de Lagos. The programme for the day (there may be some alterations) 08:00 Tethering of air balloon and flyby of paramotors 09:00 Airmodelling flybys or display (depending on weather conditions) 09:30 Arrival of visiting aircraft 10:30 Flybys of different categories of aeroplanes Aerodrome 2015 (courtesy of Fototeca de Lagos)

On the 16th May there will be grand celebrations at the Aerodrome in Lagos. On this day the general public are invited to come along and celebrate its 50th anniversary. It promises to be an occasion for everyone where not only flying enthusiasts can get their fill of aircrafts and spectacular flybys but also where families can have a good day out viewing various activities. In the morning hot air balloons along with paramotors will take to the air. The arrival of visiting aircraft should be a sight to behold as they arrive at the airfield to take part in the festivities.

During mid morning spectators will be able to watch a host of different aircraft taking off for a flyby followed by a demonstration of autogyros in the afternoon. And be sure not to miss the aerobatics of the legendary Luís Garção who will take to the air in a Pitts biplane at 5pm! Throughout the day visitors will be able to try their hand at flight simulations, interact with a variety of aviation exhibitors and schools and view exhibitions of photos and documents of old. No doubt there will be plenty of recollections from the 16th May 1965 when the airfield was officially opened by Brigadier Costa Franco in front of a cheering crowd. Serving as Mayor of Lagos between 1964 and 1972 and with his long and distinguished career as a pilot in the air force, he was the driving force behind the airfield. It was designed for transporting goods, notably newspapers and during the year following its opening, 234 aircraft and 180 passengers were recorded. Not being particularly suitable for commercial flying, it fell into disuse until aviation sports came on the scene and aviation schools established residency there. Gerry Breen Flying School has operated from there during more than 30 years.

Aerodrome in 1965 (courtesy of Fototeca de Lagos)

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The airfield is also busy with Algarve Balloons Flights and School, Algarve Gyrocopters, Fly Alvor (paramotors) and numerous private microlight members.

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12:30 Unveiling of the Commemorative 50 Year plaque 13:00 Lunch at the Aerodrome Open to the public at a fee of €10 - Caterers will be Varanda Restaurant and a scrumptious 3 course lunch is guaranteed.

Snack Bar Van available. Wake Salinas coffee and snack Bar also open. 15:00 Flyby of autogyros 16:00 Workshop, by José Rocha and Paulo Moniz on aeronautic security and rules 17:00 Aeronautics by Luis Garção in a biplane Pitts 18:00 Departure of visiting aircraft

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Quinta do Vale da Lama By Lena Strang

Generosity for the Lagos Orphanage Project Back in January the Ray of Light Trust received a phone call from John Aldridge to say that he had seen our article in the Tomorrow Magazine about the on on going project at the Lagos Orphanage and that he would like to donate half of this years proceeds raised from the ‘John Aldridge Charity Golf Day’ held at Boavista Golf Club. Boavista made the transfer of the funds in March and we are happy to confirm that our project has received a huge boost of €3,500.00 from John Aldridge’s generosity, this will certainly help us achieve our objective of refurbishing all of the boys’ bedrooms. The Lagos Orphanage project also received a further boost from the money raised from the charity night held at Valentino’s Restaurant in Luz in February, Cheryl and her team raised €390. Unfortunately to date the boys bedroom project at the orphanage has been put on hold, as they have sadly had to take on so many new children that there any no available beds in the boy’s section to allow for a room to be cleared so that the redecoration can take place.

OPEN DAYS On the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month, Quinta do Vale da Lama, near Odiáxere, opens its doors and welcomes visitors to come and have a look at what goes on at the farm. There is plenty to see and do. Volunteers from around the world are engaged in different projects, all to do with creating sustainable living. The farm produces most of its food, which is an integral part of living in the farm community. It is possible to sample food made with fresh ingredients at the Café and Farm shop. During the Open Days there are guided tours around the farm, an opportunity to take part in activities and workshops and enjoy delicious pizza baked in the stone oven in the evening whilst listening to music.

So the project is postponed until July when some of the children will be returning to their families for the summer, which will give the orphanage the spare beds needed to clear a bedroom. The Ray of Light Trust look forward to starting this project in July putting the money previously raised by Tomorrow Magazine, which was matched by our Trust, and the donations above to good use redecorating the boys bedrooms over the school summer holidays so that the children will have fresh bedrooms for the beginning of the school year. If you would like to contact the Ray of Light Trust call Louise on 932 963 498.

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Hope to see you on Saturday 2nd May or 16th May! PERMACULTURE DESIGN COURSES An international Permaculture Design Course (PDC) is an intensive two-week experience that will provide participants with tools and design skills to create lush and resilient habitats, homes and communities. This is not a gardening course - it is a design course. By observing nature we can use natural patterning to design and implement ideas and systems that build on natural processes with energy efficient, low cost and high yielding results. Courses run from 6th to 20th June and 10th to 24th October. Applications are now open. www.valedalama.net/en/

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Portugal’s ‘Seven Wonders’ – Alcobaça By Ray Gillman It also provided spiritual leadership and religious discipline as well as being a centre of scholarship. (The abbey founded the first public school in Portugal in 1269, and provided books and money to help King Dinis found the first university, in Lisbon in 1290, which was re-located to Coimbra two hundred and fifty years later). At its height the abbey housed almost a thousand monks (reportedly happy, well-fed and long-lived).

In July 2007 (07/07/07) The Portuguese nation voted on which places of Architectural Heritage should be classified as Portugal’s ‘Seven Wonders’. One of them is the great abbey of Santa Maria at Alcobaça, in the mid-west of the country between Lisbon and Coimbra. Portugal’s first king commemorates victory over the Moors Afonso Henriques conquered the Moorish stronghold of Santarem in 1147, and vowed to establish a church for the Cistercian Order which he had invited to the new Portugal in 1138. Building started in 1178 and it turned out to be (and still is) the largest church in Portugal. A massive space of soaring arches and serene, and largely unadorned, beauty. Perhaps its creation was instrumental in the Pope finally recognising Portugal as an independent nation in 1179. The monastery was further endowed by later monarchs, notably King Dinis, who ordered the main cloister to be built in 1308. Not only religious, but also civic, responsibilities The abbey administered vast estates, including thirteen small towns and three sea ports, organising and developing production of vegetables, fruit, wine and animal husbandry.

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Their sustenance was catered-for by a huge kitchen. This housed a fireplace big enough to spitroast six whole oxen and had a small river diverted to run through it to provide fresh fish and water!

The nation was convulsed: Pedro revolted against his father, and laid siege to Oporto. Inês’s brothers invaded Portugal. Both initiatives were repulsed, however, and an uneasy peace was maintained until 1357, When King Afonso died and Pedro succeeded to the throne. Not surprisingly, the murderers fled but King Pedro I’s men tracked them down and managed to bring two of them back to face the king. Gonçalves and Coelho had their hearts torn from their living bodies (some say Pedro ate them!). A grisly coronation Announcing that he had been married to Inês, King Pedro had her body exhumed and placed on a throne - in the monastery at Alcobaça - and forced every noble in the land to come and pay their respects by kissing her decomposed hand.

The dramatic love story of Pedro and Inês In the fourteenth century another Afonso (the IVth) was on the throne of Portugal, and he continued the tradition of forging alliances with Spain by betrothing his son Pedro to Princess Constanza of Aragon – who Pedro married in 1336.

He then gave her a sumptuous funeral. King Pedro, when he died in 1367, and Inês – ‘the queen who ruled after death’ – were both buried in the monastery. Their statues lie on intricately carved, limestone tombs, attended by angels. Panels depict the couple’s glorious future in heaven and the horrors and torments her assassins were facing in purgatory.

Unfortunately he fell madly in love with one of her beautiful ladies-in-waiting – Inês de Castro - who came from a noble Castilian family. She became Pedro’s mistress and as a result King Afonso banished her from the kingdom.

The tombs lie at a distance from each other, feet towards feet, beneath the spectacular gothic arches of the transept of the abbey (The Hall of Tombs) – so that when they rise at Judgement Day the first thing they see will be each other.

However, poor Constanza died, giving birth to a son. Pedro called Inês back and installed her in a house in Coimbra. They had several children together and Pedro refused to marry anyone else. In fact he married Inês, secretly, in Bragança.

Development and dissolution The long, low, white facade of the monastery was added in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, as were statues of Portuguese kings and tile panels in the ‘Sala dos Reis’.

His father and the court were nervous about Inês’s ambitious brothers and fearful of a Spanish bid for the throne based on the claims of the children after Pedro succeeded.

Earlier, in the early sixteenth century, an elaborate Manueline doorway featuring ‘seaweed’ foliage was added to the Sacristy. In the Peninsular Wars, in 1810, General Junot’s troops ransacked the abbey and in the process stole Inês’s stone nose.

Murder and retribution In January 1355, King Afonso and three of his nobles – Álvaro Gonçalves, Pedro Coelho and Diogo Lopes - travelled to Inês’s country home and ‘severed her heron neck’.

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The remaining monks, totally reduced in influence or effectiveness by then, were expelled from Alcobaça in 1834 when all religious orders were suppressed.

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Go organic

taste but also is better for you. Not many people know where to get good produce or know the variety available, so we thought we would show them!

Kate and Rui Inácio are on a mission. They want to persuade people about the power of going organic. Rui’s family have been farming near to Portimāo for about 100 years but it’s only recently they have started taking organic veg boxes to people’s doors. Our editor, Amber, spoke to Kate about what’s driving them. 1. Please tell me a little bit about yourselves? My husband Rui is form Portimāo, he is an angricultural engineer. He was working for Zoomarine for seven years and as much as he loved working there he wanted to make something for himself. I am a teacher and still work teaching almost full time so just help Rui when I can. I came to Portugal travelling and ended up staying here, I managed to help Rui create the company and we have two lovely children who help us with our boxes most evenings! 2. When did you set up your business? We started Algarve Gardens last year which is also a landscaping and garden maintenance business. We focus on energy saving ideas, beautiful different design, tree surgery, irrigation, construction, pulverisation, lawns and reconstruction etc. It is a long list! We also implement fruit and vegetable patches in people's gardens to give them a head start. And now we have begun the fruit and vegetable delivery. Rui is an agricultural engineer and has been working in the field for 10 years. The family farm has been producing fruit and vegetables for the last 100 years with Rui's family taking it through the years. Without being biased we are the most popular for our variety and quality! 3. What inspired you to set up an organic veg box business in the Algarve? We have always grown our own fruit and vegetables and our whole family are involved in the agriculture business with a working farm in Portimāo. Many people go into a supermarket and buy the packaged fruit and veg with no idea how many chemicals and horrible things are placed into their food. Fresh produce not only has a much better

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4. Please tell me about the process up of setting up the business in the Algarve. We decided to set up camp here as all of our friends have moved to the UK to work, we felt we wanted to provide our children with the lifestyle we love, being able to just take them to the beach after work or be around Rui's amazing family. We wanted to make this work and luckily it seems as though the idea is exciting people. 5. How far afield do you sell the boxes? Lagos, Burgau, Luz, Barāo S. Joāo, Salema, Carvoeiro, Lagoa, Albufeira, Quinta do Lago, Almancil (quite a long route, but we can make most areas doable) 6. Please tell me about the process of growing the vegetables. Fruit and vegetables are seasonal for example more popular winter products are spinach, beans, oranges, lemons etc. In the summer strawberries, watermelon, asparagus etc are in season. We change our boxes weekly to adapt to seasonal change and include as much variety to our clients as possible. 7. What are the advantages to people of getting your vegetable boxes? Lots of people have a funny idea that a tomato should look a certain way but if you get given an organic tomato just to try, it will change your mind about a perfectly round shop bought one! Fresh produce is generally larger, brighter in colour with more scent and flavour so that overrides the perfect shape, I reckon. Organic produce holds a higher antioxidant capacity which benefits your health. Can prevent heart disease, cancer, cognitive malfunction, improve eyesight and prevent ageing. You are not putting pesticides in your body which is a toxin. It helps your immune system as genetic modification can affect your ability to fend off sickness. Lots of non-organic fruit and veg also have been pumped with antibiotics which can lead to antibiotic resistance in the body. 8. What has been the reaction of people in Portugal to this business? People like the idea and are supportive of local businesses, the majority of people want to be healthy and support family business.

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9. Would say you that most of your clients are expats and if so – why? Are you trying to get more Portuguese clients? Probably expats as the majority of our clients because they want guidance on quality produce and nutrition. However, we do have some Portuguese clients as they know our produce is by far one of the best. 10. What service are you offering to your customers? We offer a range of services as I described earlier but the veg boxes are our latest addition. We provide a small box of a variety of 5 fruit and veg and a large box of a variety of 10 fruit and veg. A large box keeps my family of 4 fully stocked with fresh produce for a week (and we only eat veg!). 11. What is the philosophy behind your business? The love of growing fresh and healthy produce and providing people with the education of where good food comes from. 12. What are your hopes and ambitions for the future? We hope to grow steadily, we don't want to rush because we want to keep the same level of quality always. We are now moving onto fresh fish and healthy ready meals and we are going into organic meat within the next few months which we are massively excited about. 13. How important is it to educate children about healthy living? Yes I am a teacher at heart and working with kids is the thing I love the most. Children understanding where food comes from is the most important job I want to try and achieve. I would love to start lessons for children on making their own vegetable patches. 14. Please tell us how people can find out more about your veg boxes? Facebook - Algarve Gardens Email - algarvegardens@outlook.pt Phone - 927094497

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Diplomatic ramblings – part 5 By Doug McAdam At one stage we noticed Angolan tobacco exports were beginning to grow exponentially and suspected sanctionsbusting by UDI-Southern Rhodesia. So my wife Sue and I set off in our trusty Triumph Herald to the tobacco plantations to the south of Benguela. I satisfied myself that the tobacco was being grown there - even if the farms were being managed by Rhodesians. We were dumbfounded to discover quite by accident that the manager had founded Bulawayo gliding club with Sue’s uncle (who had emigrated to Southern Rhodesia several years earlier). We declined his offer to fly us secretly in his private aircraft to see him! But this was an early example for us that the world is actually smaller than you think. As part of this trip we travelled by dirt track to a paper mill at Alta Catumbela which was having problems with its British machinery (and where our guest room had the biggest spiders we had ever seen on the ceiling – we “slept” with the light on!). After this, more

dirt track driving to see a British missionary near Sa da Bandeira (now Lubango) who required some Consular assistance. We then drove on to Moçamedes (now Namibe) as the Governor’s ADC (whom we had befriended earlier) had invited us to accompany him to a game camp in the Iona National Park where he had become something of a local expert. While there he proudly showed us what he thought he had discovered as a new animal species and had named “Fiuzas” (his surname). Only years later did we discover their real identity – with Russian-speaking versions in a well-known TV advert for insurance! The desert was fascinating and we had our first experience of (fairly basic!) bacalhau at a remote post on the River Cunene. By the time we returned to Luanda my tyres were totally bald. As another trip, a British company asked me to register their oil supply boat working

off Cabinda (the oil enclave to the north of Angola) and agreed to fly me there. This was fascinating and gave me first-hand experience of oil exploration which stood me in good stead in later postings. After over three years in Angola - where our son was born - we received our next posting out of the blue – to Delhi. Just before we left a local British company tried to headhunt me to run their administration with an eye watering salary and perks – but we were intrigued by the prospects of a posting in India. We have often wondered what our fate might have been, since Angola became independent three years after we left. We loved our time there and were very saddened that the country we had known was torn apart by decades of civil war. Doug McAdam retired to the Algarve 11 years ago after 43 years in the Foreign Office.

Gin and all that jazz By a staff writer South American Cinchona tree, known amongst the local tribes as the ‘fever tree’ because the bark was able to stop chills and in India was found to prevent Malaria.

You might be surprised to learn that gin and tonic has a long and complex history filled with intrigue that belies its simple combination. It’s claimed that gin was invented and prescribed as a medical treatment to aid circulation. It was cheap to make and by 1750 it was being quaffed in considerable quantities by the lower classes of London. The gin and tonic was introduced by the army of the East India company as it was discovered that Quinine , an extract from the

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Although it did not have a pleasant taste it took to the early 19th century for British officers to start adding water, sugar and lime-not until the 1930’s did lemons become popular-and as the soldiers were already given a gin ration it made the drink far more palatable. These days tonic water is much better and the combination much more popular. As the lyrics from the band ‘Oasis’ says in their song Supersonic, ‘I’m feeling supersonic. Give me a gin and tonic’ James Bond in ‘Dr No’ even had his own recipe-today we may quibble over the

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finer details, such as how much ice to use, lemon versus lime versus cucumber versus different botanicals and infusions , proper ratios and which glass to use and so on. However we all can agree the timeless G & T can cure most ills, except hangovers of course! Gin and Tonic day is 19th October and started only in 2010 but back in our time and place in LUIS’S BAR, O AMIGOS and O ARTISTAS it is always time for a G & T. Take it from me - the selection is enormous. I had no idea how vast the choice is! This includes the old favourites and now up to 40 artisanal gins from far from place such as Scotland, Canada, Spain, Portugal, Kenya and many more; each with its unique flavour. This is where Luís and his team have masterful knowledge of their chosen brands. Allied to their skill is their wonderfully friendly approach to serving their customers, new and old alike. They will be only too happy to help you enjoy they unique experience. I would love to give more details but space is always at a premium. Suffice it to say, you will be in good hands with superb choice. O Amigo: 282 761 279: O Artistas : 282 769 147 and Luis’s Bar 282 761 731

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Costa Vicentina Dog Show

A Line-Up Of SomeTop Dogs Including Best In Show Winner Digby (Certre)

DIGBY IS TOP DOG More than 150 people—and 54 dogs!— attended the first-ever Costa Vicentina Fun Dog Show held at Vales, Aljezur on the Algarve’s West Coast last weekend. And the event, held in aid of local animal charity AEZA, was such a success the organisers pledged to repeat it next spring. People came from as far away as Albufeira to enter their dogs into the show, competing in 15 classes, with local entrant, Digby, a Goldens De Santo Quintino (Golden Retriever), winning the prestigious “Best In Show” award.

Show organiser Wendy Smith said afterwards: “The whole aim of the event organised by ‘Friends Of AEZA’ was to raise awareness for the local animal shelter in Aljezur, which is run by our local animal charity AEZA, (Associação Ecologista e Zoófila de Aljezur or Association for Environment and Animal Protection of Aljezur) and to help raise some much needed money which we managed to do in what was a very successful day.

10 ONE MINUTE SIT AND STAY ~ RUBY OWNED BY BRENDA DOWNIE

“We were asked by so many people if we were going to repeat it next year and as it went so well the answer is ‘yes’!”

14 PUPPY UNDER 1 YEAR ~ DOG OR BITCH ~ AMBER OWNED BY JACQUIE FIALHO

Classes and first place results It completed a hat-trick of triumphs for Digby and owners Jan and Ken Cragg, after he won the won the cherished “Best in Show” award at the 2013 International Algarve Fair in Lagoa, when he was just 11 months old. Two weeks ago at a National Dog Show in Montijo he walked away with first prize in the Open Class. And in Saturday’s Costa Vicentina show he first won the Best Movement (Trotting) class, then the Pedigree Dog class before scooping the show’s top award. So, even though Digby isn’t exactly “The Biggest Dog In The World” after his movie namesake, he’s certainly making big headlines in this part of the world! The show was designated as a “Fun” dog show and Regina Zimmermann entered into the spirit of things by having some imaginative face paint applied to win the “Dog Most Like Its Owner Class” with her pet Angelina.

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Spectators Enjoying The Show--And The Sunshine

11 DOG MOST LIKE OWNER ~ ANGELINA OWNED BY REGINA 12 PEDIGREE DOG ~ DIGBY OWNED BY JAN CRAGG 13 PEDIGREE BITCH ~ DOCA OWNED BY PHILL DREW

15 AGILITY COMPETITION ~ FIG OWNED BY GAIL SKINNER BURGESS

1 BEST AEZA RESCUE ~ DOG: RIO OWNED BY MARGARET GRAY 2 BEST AEZA RESCUE ~ BITCH CARA OWNED BY PAUL BECKWITH 3 VETERAN DOG OR BITCH ~ 8+ YEARS OLD JOHN. OWNED BY SILVIA DOMINGOS 4 WAGGIEST TAIL ~ SUATI OWNED BY JAN & KEN CRAGG 5 MOST PRETTY BITCH ~ HOLLY OWNED BY JACKIE HONE 6 MOST HANDSOME DOG ~ SCRUFF OWNED BY JACKIE HONE 7 BEST CONDITION COAT ~ AIKA OWNED BY CATHERINE & ALAN SMITH 8 BEST TRICK ~ SAM OWNED BY M. GOBBY 9 BEST MOVEMENT (TROTTING) ~ DIGBY OWNED BY JAN CRAGG

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Jan Cragg With Best In Show Winner Digby

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Christina Walks The Walk By Matt D’Arcy This is a double mission for Christina. Firstly, she is aiming to raise funds for the poor children of Aljezur, specifying that she wanted to help a deserving local cause. The charity for which the funds are destined is Conferência de Nossa Senhora D'Alva, Aljezur, a purely local division of the international St Vincent de Paul Society, set up to help local people in urgent need of support.

and Henry the Navigator—and this will be my own personal age of discovery as we navigate the journey!”

Her second reason is more personal and all the more poignant for that.

The journey will be charted by a sophisticated GPS system carried by Christina, pinpointing not just her location but giving her accurate readings of the distance covered, daily and in total.

Forty-two years ago, in 1973 when Christina was just 19, her first child, a son named Lieven, died at the age of only 16 months. He would have been 43 this month. With the heartbreaking memory of that tragedy still fresh in her mind when she became pregnant in 1977 with her daughter Veronique, Christina—a Catholic—made a vow to the Virgin Mary that if her baby was born healthy and survived she would one day make a pilgrimage of thanks for the life of her child.

Christina Vandermeulen can certainly Walk the Walk! This Algarve resident has already walked from Brussels to Paris—and from Paris to Brussels, taking just four days each time! Christina has also completed Belgian’s famous Dodentocht (‘Walk of the Dead’), a 100km trek which has to be done in 24 hours and for which some competitors set off from the start line carrying coffins! And, in England, she also walked the 100mile length of the Leeds-Liverpool canal (along the banks of course!), being just one of three people from dozens of starters to finish the demanding trek—the other two were men. Now, at the age of 61, Christina—who lives in Vale da Telha, outside Aljezur on the Algarve’s west coast—plans another marathon fundraising trek here in Portugal. Last month she set off to walk from Cabo de São Vicente (Cape St Vincent) to Fátima, a distance of 397km (240 miles) as the crow flies, or anything up to 450km (270 miles) depending on any variations or detours along the route she has mapped out. She set out on April 18 and calculated it would take her 15 or so days to complete the walk.

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“I am a walker, always have been, and I promised Mary in my prayers that one day I make a pilgrimage to Fátima or to Santiago de Compostela in Spain where there has been a pilgrimage since the 9th century,” she explained. “I had been researching the Compostela walk while we were living in Belgium and it was very daunting, a distance of 2,500km from our home town, although, like many people I could have started from a prescribed point in Spain. “For instance, the most popular route, which I understand gets very crowded in mid-summer, is the Camino Francés which stretches 780km (nearly 500 miles) from St. Jean-Pied-du-Port near Biarritz in France to Santiago. “But then Leo, my husband, bought a house in Aljezur and it seemed like a sign to me - that I should instead go to Fatima. It was a commitment I had made and one which I knew I had to undertake to keep my promise. “It seemed fitting to start the journey at Cabo de São Vicente, the most southwesterly point of mainland Europe as Sagres is connected to Portugal’s Age of Discovery

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Christina will be supported by husband Leo along the entire journey, Leo driving ahead each day to prepare the lunch and overnight stops for her arrival, and maintain contact by mobile phone, being close at hand to deal with any problems that may arise.

Christina, who served 28 years with the Belgian Navy, added: “It has taken a lot of planning and a lot of people have helped. “I really want to thank the Mayor of Aljezur and the Bombeiros who have backed me with a lot of enthusiasm and who have arranged six places to stay overnight during my walk through Aljezur Municipality and into the Alentejo.” Christina has opened an account in the name of the Charity at the BPI bank in Aljezur and you can make your donations to the following Account Number: 0010 0000 39482281502 33 She also aims to locate collection boxes at various businesses in and around Vale Da Telha. She added: “My birthday falls on May 5th, just when I get back from Fátima, and I hope that on that day we can set up a meeting place - such as, for instance, the Restaurante Vale da Telha on the Pines Roundabout where I can rest my feet and people can come along and make the final donations. “Any amount will help, large or small,” she said. “It will all add up to bringing a little happiness to the area’s very poor children.” If you want to read more about Christina's journey please go to her Facebook page Fatima Charitywalk. Christina’s contact details for those wishing to make donations: Christina Vandermeulen: Tel: 96 665 0079 e-mail: christina_vandermeulen@hotmail.com

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Algarve: A Paradise for Cycling By Lena Strang Cycling is big in Portugal. This is evidenced by the number of lycra-clad cyclists one encounters on the road every day and races that take place on a regular basis. The Algarve is the ideal place to practise the sport according to the Portuguese Federation of Cycling (FPC). Through a recently created programme ‘Cyclin’Portugal Algarve’ it is believed the region can be turned into a key centre for cycling in Europe. February saw the popular 41st ‘Volta ao Algarve’ international race, which kicked off in Lagos and a string of additional events will follow this year. Cycling will be high on the agenda in the Algarve and the potential for bringing visitors here throughout the year is obvious.

Where do you live? I live in Somerset but visit the Algarve regularly. Seven years ago I was invited to spend holidays in Almadena, a village west of Lagos. I really felt at home there. I loved the scenery, beaches and the friendly people. And of course, it’s superb terrain for cycling! I ended up building a house there and next year it will become my permanent home. Why is the Algarve so good for cycling? The roads are smooth with little traffic; there are rolling hills and sweeping descents and the air is fresh and clean. The landscape is also stunning.

When did you take up cycling? After watching Tour de France when I was 13. I have been cycling ever since.

What have you done to promote cycling here? I love cycling and felt that I wanted to share with others. Four years ago I set up my own cycling training camp ‘Tour de Algarve’. In fact, a six-day training camp took place in April and attracted a numberparticipants from the UK. Six different guided routes covering 850 km were scheduled, each with a support vehicle. We want to provide the best cycling experience ever and I think the participants had a good deal!

And your own level? I would call myself a professional amateur. I know the UK and the Algarve cycling scene well and also take part in races. I concentrate on endurance cycling, which does take up a lot of time!

Will you continue with the camps? Yes. We get repeat business and rely on word of mouth. Different abilities are catered for and a good basic level of fitness is required. But whatever the level, I think everyone wants to be treated like a professional.

This is all music to the ears for Karl Burkett, a keen cyclist, who has been promoting the sport in the region for several years and has plans for making it accessible for all. Lena Strang met up with him to find out more.

Is cycling for everyone? Definitely! It is easy to get hooked. New technology also means that bikes are easier to ride and handle. And covering a long distance gives you a real sense of achievement. What are your plans to make it more accessible? I think there are already a lot of people here who are interested in cycling but would like something more organised. I want to establish ‘Algarvian Roadsters’, a club that meets every week. It is not a racing club but for anyone over 16 who wants to go for a ride along with others. You need to own a road bike but apart from that there are no requirements … and no fees to pay. Sounds great. When will it start? In 2016. There will be a website, Facebook page and a forum for people to share ideas and photos. So watch this space! www.tourdealgarve.com/TourDeAlgarve_ SUPRIMO.html Facebook: Karl Burkett

Soup kitchen averts crisis By Tom Henshaw After David Chester the pastor at the International Community Church in Lagos retired and moved back to the UK the future of the soup kitchen which the ICC runs looked uncertain. There was a temporary vacuum at the church and it raised serious questions about whether the soup kitchen would be able to carry on in the same way. Thankfully the crisis has been averted thanks to the marvellous and dedicated new team led by Rob Hardie who is heading up the management of the church and the untiring efforts of Mike Heenan in the soup kitchen. There is still no place for complacency and the new leadership is appealing for food and kitchen donations as well as help from any volunteers.

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I met up with three of the enthusiastic and determined members of the new management group at the end of last month. They certainly gained my confidence that the church and soup kitchen will carry on helping the poor and less fortunate in our community.

relies on the kindness of the western Algarve community, you and me! If you have supported the soup kitchen in the past and would like to again, please contact the new leadership.

To show their commitment to the soup kitchen they have decided to rename it the Mustard Seed – a name which comes from Matthew chapter 13, verse 32.

Worship is thriving and their volunteers help people to integrate if they wish in the Sunday weekly services at 1030am, services are in English with Portuguese translation.

New meal times have been set on Tuesdays and Fridays from 12pm until 1pm and if you want to volunteer and/or provide food they would really appreciate a visit on those days from 10am until 11.30 am.

There is a growing children’s club on the third Sunday each month and the next is May 17th at 10.30am and all children between four and 11-years-old are welcome.

Above all the great work they do for the local community providing urgently need food

For more details on any of the above or to volunteer please email info@icc-lagos.org

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What’s On... Arts and crafts

Six local artisans will be holding an exhibition in Caldas Monchique in the Sala de Sāo Joāo from May 1st to May 7th. The exhibition room is in the middle of this beautiful and historic spa in the foothills of Monchique. Nina Bradley will be exhibiting silver jewellery and wire form hanging dragonflies, Philip Exley turned wood bowls, lampshades and balls from local woods as well as 3D wooden puzzles. Annetta Klasen, who grows her own chilies and produces wonderful chili powder, oil and sauces, will be taking part.Birgit Felten will

be exhibiting her felt bags, flowers, shawls, purses and more - all hand felted in beautiful colours. Roe Holcombe works in stained glass to produce anything from a candle holder to a garden sculpture. These five artisans, who all live and work in the Lagos area, will be joined by Liz Allen who lives in Monchique. She produces lively colourful and amusing paintings of scenes from the Western Algarve. For more information please contact Nina Bradley n.bradley13@hotmail.co.uk

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Look into a soul

Summer Camps at Vale da Lama

A new exhibition entitled ‘The Eyes of the Soul’ opened at the end of last month at the Museu do Trajo São Brás de Alportel. The exhibition by Carmen Q will be open to the public until June 1st.

At Quinta do Vale da Lama near Odiáxere, children will be involved in a multitude of activities related to the environment through hands-on experiences, explorations, music, arts and crafts. The three separate week-long camps during July and August stress personal confidence building and team work.

This exhibition is about the Indigenous people of the Northern Hemisphere of the United States and Canada. The artist explains that ‘when you look at the eyes of the subjects in my portraits you see mistrust, fear, anger and despair’.

Community choir It's been a busy few weeks for the choir while we've been working on our spring and summer programme. We've most recently been working on a collection of sea shanties and folk songs although we've also added a popular musical song and a rhythm and blues chart hit to our repertoire too.

The summer camps take place on July 11th19th; July 25th – August 2nd and August 8th– 16th. This summer there is another treat in store for children aged 8 to 16. For well over two decades the Project New Discoveries has been running summer camps for children providing them with a variety of experiences in a supportive setting.

For more information, please telephone 289891820 or email info@projectonovasdescobertas.org or go to their website: www.projectonovasdescobertas.org

Masquerade Summer Ball

FIRST WESTERN ALGARVE

The choir is always open to new members throughout the year so if you like the idea of singing for fun in a community choir (regardless of experience) then do come along and join us - everyone is welcome and there's no audition necessary to join just a love of singing!

Masquerade

Summer Ball

The event is taking place on June 20th at the Tivoli Hotel in Lagos. We are now looking for donations for raffle prizes so we can raise even more money for the two charity’s we are raising money for. The charities are CASLAS children’s home in Lagos and Madrugada which helps people with life limiting illnesses.

For more information about joining, or about booking the choir for future performances please contact choir leader Elizabeth Roberts at elizabeth_roberts15@hotmail.com

The Masquerade Summer Ball has been a total sell-out – all 200 tickets sold in just three weeks but don’t worry if you missed out this time, there will be another one in December.

Captain’s charity

British Legions Events across the Algarve

The new Boavista Club Golf Captain Derek Sells is holding a Charity Day on June 13th on behalf of NECI.

The Portugal Branch of the British Legion has been holding events across the Algarve throughout April and this will continue into May.

The event will include golf, buggies, buffet lunch, prizes and an auction and costs €65 per person. NECI is a local charity which helps people with learning and/or physical difficulties. For more information about the event or to enter please contact ianmckgalloway@hotmail.co.uk or call Boavista reception on 282000111.

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These are open to everybody who appreciates the work of the British Legion and Britain’s armed forces, not just to retired military personnel, a significant number of whom live on the Algarve. There is also a monthly lunch for members and people living in the eastern Algarve on the first Sunday of every month except

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If you would like to make a donation please call Tom on 919 918 733. There will be more details about the event in December in the next couple of months.

August, at Gunthers Restaurant Olhao. Details from Phil Ladbrook on prladbrook@ aol.com. Bookings are still being taken for the VE Day dinner at Lazy Jacks Bar & Grill on the Marina in Lagos on Saturday May 9th at 7pm. The cost is €15 per person, with the first drink included and early booking is vital as numbers are limited. The closing date for reserving a place is May 3rd by contacting James Howe at 969324117 or 969324117, or email casahobo@sapo.pt

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What's On...

Festival of Discoveries in Lagos By Lena Strang The eighth edition of the Medieval Festival in Lagos is in full swing. It is commemorating 600 years since conquest of Ceuta, which marked the beginning of the Portuguese expansion overseas. The events during the festival try to give a flavour of what it could have been like at the time. There will have been frenetic preparations for the conquest with shipbuilding, recruitment of men and procurement of food, before 200,000 men set out from Lagos in more than 200 ships, headed for Ceuta on the 22nd August 1415. By the side of Praça do Infante, where most of the festival activities are centred, the remains of the old quayside known as ‘Cais das Descobertas’ can still be seen. The Festival opened on the 30th April with a colourful Historical Parade through the streets of Lagos. Many turned up for the occasion including schools, local clubs and associations, with the nobility, clergy, bourgeoisie and commoners representing the departure of the armada for Ceuta. Until the 3rd May, festival visitors can browse the numerous stalls in the square and sample local delicacies. Friends of the charity NECI will also offer period artefacts for sale. Dramatic recreations of significant episodes from the time will be presented

along with dance workshops where visitors can try their moves. On the 2nd May a Children’s Royal Parade headed by the King D. João I and Queen Philippa of Lancaster, princes, nobility and knights, accompanied by young musicians from the Chinicato Orchestra and Lagos Filharmonica will set off at 3.30 pm from the premises of the Teatro de Lagos, along Rua Cândido dos Reis to Praça Gil Eanes (by the old Câmara building) They will be received at Praça do Infante (by the church of Santa Maria) where they’ll perform court dances, followed by marionette shows. At the square, the talented costumière Corinne Herrera will exhibit her period costumes and miniatures in a Museum of Costumes next to the enchanted tent where children will encounter much fun and games. An exhibition at the Lagos city fort showing reproductions of the armaments used at the time is also open to the public. From the 9th May a series of lectures will take place at the old Câmara building at Praça Gil Eanes on aspects of the Portuguese Discoveries. The lecture series will conclude on the 13th November, the date of the death of Henry the Navigator.

Get your signed copy Local writer, David Collins otherwise known as the ‘The Algarve Asparagus Man’, will be holding a book signing event at the Oasis Café in Lagos Marina this month.

‘Tomorrow’ did a full interview with David at the time looking back at how he moved to Portugal before setting up his vegetable venture.

The event will start at 2pm on May 17th. David’s book ‘The Asparagus Man plus One’ was published just over a year ago.

If you want to find out more or want to get a signed copy of his book, please go down to the Oasis Café on May 17th.

Charity High Tea Quinta Bonita Luxury Boutique Hotel is opening its doors for High Tea with a garden tour to raise money for the orphanage in Lagos. Quinta Bonita is perched high on the Matos Morenos hillside with panoramic ocean views of the bays of Praia da Luz and Lagos. The event is taking place on May 28th at 3pm. The cost is 22 euros per person with 5 euros of that going to the charity. To book your place please call 282762135 or email info@boutiquehotelalgarve.com

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Snap happy

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The award winning Lagos-based photographer, Alexandre Manuel, is holding an exhibition of his work in Lagos throughout May. The event is taking place at the old Tourist Information Office in Praça das Laranjeiras, Born in France, Alexandre Manuel is 36-year-old and lives in the Algarve with his family. He has a PHD in semiotics and worked as a university lecturer before giving it all up to make his living as a photographer. Last year Alexandre was a finalist and was shortlisted in the Sony World Photo Awards and this year he won second and third place in the international Prix de la Photographie, Paris. He was also mentioned with an honour at the international USA-based competition the Spider Awards. He also came first in the European Professional Photography of the year 2015 in the landscape category. You can read a full interview with Alexandre in ‘Tomorrow’ next month. Alexandre also takes commissions and you can contact him by emailing alexandremanuelphotos@hotmail.com

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Weekly

Tuesdays continued...

Bowls for Beginners | Free Lessons | Floresta Bowls Club , Golf Santo | Antonio , Budens | 919707635 7.30 - 8.30am (& Thurs) - Zazen Meditation | Zen Dojo Tai Ku An, nr. Barão São João | Donation Based | 919 718 955 8.30am - 1pm (&Thurs)- (1hr) Equipment Classes Lisa | Drop-in | Pilates Room, Lagos | Call for Details: 926 514 613 | www.pilatesroomlagos.com 9.30 - 10.30am (&Thurs)- Body Fit Classes | €5 | Golf Santo Antonio, Budens | 282 690 086 Leaving 9.45 - Unsupervised Walk on Meia Praia (weather permitting) Meet @ Linda’s Bar | 10.30am - onwards - Computer Users Group & Book Club | Spinnakers Bar, Lagos Marina 10-11.30am - Hatha Yoga with Diana | €8 | Monte Rosa, Barao S. Joao 962 492 607/www.monterosaportugal.com 10.30am -12pm (&Thurs) - Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Classes with Ann | €8 The Yoga Place, Burgau (overlooking the beach) | 913 202 621 10.30am - 12.30pm (&Thurs) - Stain Glass Classes with Dianne | €10 Espiche | 919 117 108 11am - 1pm - Arts and crafts (adults) | €11 | Bodhi Room, Lagos 920 559 642/ www.bodhiroom.moonfruit.com 1.30 - 4pm - Bridge Club | Spinnnikers Bar | 282 031 498 5pm - Sanctury - 20 mins Quiet, Music & Refelction | St. Vincent’s Anglican Church, Praia da Luz 8.30pm - Late (& Mon,Thurs & Fri) - Live Music | O Artistas bar, Lagos 282 769 147

10 - 11am (& Fri)- Zumba with Linda (Licensed Instructor) | €6 | Alma Verde | 918 461 840/www.almaverde.com

11am - 12.30pm - Beginners Hatha Yoga | €9 | Bodhi Room, Lagos | 920 559 642/ www.bodhiroom.moonfruit.com

10 -11.30am - (& Tues) - Hatha Yoga | Price (€ 5.30 - 9) | Inlight Lagos www.inlightlagos.wix.com/inlight

11 - 12pm - Pilates with Lucienne | €6.50 | Hotel Belavista, Luz | 968 288 258/www.dancebodymind.wix.com/dance

10 - 11.30pm - Tai Ji Quan with Carl | €8 | Barão São João 919 718 955

6.00 - 8.30pm - K9 Dog Training with Luis | €50 per month, twice a week Lagos | 964 083 602

11am -1pm - Life drawing classes with Kasia | Beginners & Professional artists | €10 per session | Marina de Lagos | 916 035 308

6:30 pm - Intuitive Dance Class | €8 | InLight Lagos

11.30am - Baby Massage Course with Noeline | 6 Weeks | €78 Alma Verde | 282761745/963614499 or elizabeth67no@gmail.com

6.30 - Yin Yoga Class with Ann | €8 | The Yoga Place, Burgau (overlooking the beach) | 913 202 621

5.30 - 7pm - Football Academy 10-15yrs | €4 | Burgau Sports Centre 282 697 350

7 - 8pm - Irish Dance classes with Fabiola | €30 per month (4h per month) Primary School of Vila do Bispo | 925 561 640/damhsa.fab@gmail.com

6pm -7.30am - Ashtanga Yoga | Price (€ 5.30 - 9) | Inlight Lago www.inlightlagos.wix.com/inlight

9.30pm- Late (& Sat) - Late Karaoke | O Artistas Bar Lagos | 282 769 147

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10pm - Fun Quiz Night | The Star, Travessa 1st Maio | 282 769 265

What's On - Your weekly events calendar...

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What's On...

Volunteers please

Party time with Arte Algarve

An enjoyable social evening held at Boavista recently raised a wonderful total of 1000 euros, for Riding for the Disabled Barlavento. Organisers said: “We thank all those who supported the event, and enable us to continue progressing and working with students from the local NECI School, Santo Amaro, and a group of autistic children from Algoz, and hippotherapy sessions with local Lagos boy Gustavo.

Arte Algarve’s new professional stage will be used for concerts, theatre and other events. We will have an event every third Thursday of each month starting on May 21st at 8 pm with an exclusive Gala de Fado with the star singer Ondina. She is accompanied by various other well-known Fadistas (Fado singers) guitar players. It will be a great night out so don’t miss it! The number of seats is limited to 250. It is only 10 € per person. Soon you can book on our website www.artealgarve.net In their new gallery in Ferragudo, too, they will organize exclusive events, always on the

“We are in the process of training six of our students from NECI for a MiniEquestrian Paralympic Competition, to be held in Almancil in late May. Through our funds we are kitting them out with jodhpurs, boots and tops.”

Deadly Nightcap The Algarveans Experimental Theatre Group is back in production and rehearsals are in full swing for their latest show 'Deadly Nightcap'.

Any interested Volunteers for the Thursday or Friday Sessions please contact, Frank Bulmer 912967870 or David Hibbert 936445945. www.riding4disabled.com

Bike polo The first 'end of Europe Bike Polo Camp' 2015 takes place on May 1st, 2nd and 3rd in Barão de São João, Western Algarve which is where Algarve bike polo was born in 2013. It is a very lively small village set in the beautiful western Algarve with a selection of colourful bars and cafes. The idea for the weekend is to play out the Portuguese National tournament on the Friday for Portugal’s entry to Zaragoza and then playing a bench tournament Saturday/ Sunday (format TBC). We are a very small polo scene down here comprising of around 4 players at most and the objective other than having an amazing weekend of Polo in the sun, is to raise awareness to attract some new players to the sport down here. People are welcome to come and camp.

The show is going to be staged at Lagoa Auditorium from Wednesday June 17th to Saturday June 20th with curtain up at 8pm. Murder and mystery abound in this British thriller from the master of the genre, Francis Durbridge. Initially the plot seems to follow a familiar pattern – a greedy husband plotting to kill his wife, but Deadly Nightcap has more than its fair share of twists, turns and blind alleys.

The show boasts a large cast of 10 people with some new faces appearing on stage for the Algarveans for the first time. Deadly Nightcap is being directed by veteran Algarvean David Butler-Cole, fresh from his success of writing the script for “The Right Juice” film which premiered in Portugal last year and which has picked a number of film festival awards. Tickets for the show are available by emailing algarveansboxoffice@gmail.com, and the telephone box office will be open soon.

The event will commence and conclude at the Conrad Algarve in Quinta do Lago. After the rides enjoy a delectable culinary treat, compliments of the Conrad. We will also have

For more information, and reservations please email info@accakids.com, or call Wanda Crawford +351 919 617 995, or Paul Beesley +351 913 226 954. www.accakids.com

History plus

Portugal Post Troika will be the subject of a lecture at 6pm on May 12th at the Municipal Library Lagoa with Jack Soifer. Peter Kingdon Booker will be giving a talk about the History of Tavira on May 26th at 6pm at the Municipal Library Lagoa and on May 29th at 11am at the Municipal Library Tavira.

On May 11th at 6pm there will be a talk at the Municipal Library Tavira about Algarve native plant species with Marilyn Medina Ribeira.

Jack Radford is managing director of Donnington’s estate agency, a family business inherited.

a fabulous raffle where stunning prizes can be won... Sign up early, it’s sure to be fun! There is a choice of routes to suit all riders, levels of fitness and ability. These are 75km which starts at 8.00am, 50km which starts at 9.30am and 25km which starts at 10.30am.

The event is free but organisers are hoping to cover their costs by selling t-shirts.

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Galeria Arte Algarve in Ferragudo is open Wenesday to Sunday between 11am and 2pm and 5pm to 9pm.

Everyone is invited to participate in one of the Annual Charity Bike Rides and raise a minimum of €50 in sponsorship in aid of ACCA’s underprivileged children in the Algarve, in association with the Hilton in the Community Foundation.

There’s plenty on offer with the Algarve History Association this month. A concert is being held on May 10th at 7pm with Inge Lulofs (piano) and Carola Ligt (flute). The tickets cost €20.

Galeria Arte Algarve in Lagoa is open Tuesday to Saturday between 10am and 6pm.

Charity Bike Rides

For contact information and registration please email: algarvebikepolo@gmail.com

second and fourth Sunday morning of each month from 11am – 2 pm. These will start on May 10th with a Jazz Brunch. There will be live Jazz music, drinks (also Gil‘s famous Sangria) and plenty of excellent cold food. The all-inclusive tickets cost 8 € per person. There is space for 60 people.

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For more www.algarvehistoryassociation. com or email lynnebooker@sapo.pt

U BO

L SO

INSPECT A GADGET

Need technical support? Computers | TV /AV | Phones | Gadgets | Websites

Lou : 937 596 665 Based in Lagos, servicing the Western Algarve

lou@inspectagadget.com | www.inspectagadget.com

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Health... The Impact of Stress By Becca Towers One definition of stress is ‘what happens when an organism responds to perceived threats’. We are told to avoid stress but honestly, WE CAN’T. We are designed to react to it in an effort to preserve both life and homeostasis (the body’s balanced state) which is good, but long-term or chronic high stress is very bad. At the 17th World Congress on Health and Safety at Work, it was estimated that 13.4 million working days are lost yearly due to stress and depression. The good news is that as stress levels rest largely on our own behaviour and decisions, it is possible to changer this. Cortisol - nicknamed ‘the bad boy Hormone’, is actually a life sustaining adrenal hormone essential to the maintenance of homeostasis. However, long-term, continuously elevated Cortisol exposure associated with chronic stress,

seriously impacts on the body’s major systems. While Cortisol’s primary targets are metabolic, it also greatly impacts Ion transportation, immuno-response, memory functions, Thyroid functions and aids the accumulation of abdominal fat - which itself has implications for cardiovascular health. Therefore, stress management takes on a greater importance given the wide range of bodily systems affected. Proper relaxation is essential in the fight against stress. Reflexology has been proven to help induce a deeper relaxation by working on the body in general and the Endocrine System in particular; supporting the body while it copes with the stress overloads being experienced. Please see my website for more in-depth information on the impact of stress. www. chrystalflowershealing.org.uk

Motivation and Setting Goals

By now, most people have forgotten what their New Years Resolutions were, and the good habits they started with for a couple of weeks or months have reverted back to old ways. Keeping motivated is one of the hardest things when it comes to changing your exercise and nutrition habits. Finding ways to keep up the momentum is very important, as along the way it is easy to lose your training mojo, and to kick start it can be hard. When you have a goal and you have to do it and then you do make the time.

By Ann de Jongh

do something like cycle 20km by June or do 20/50 or 100 press ups. Whatever it is make a goal, tell people what you are doing so that you have some accountability and then start training for it. Accountability and support in the process will help you to stick to it and to give you the motivation to carry on.

Signing up for the triathlon is a great example, if you are part of a team and when you commit to doing it, then you know that if you do not do you part, and train , then you not only let yourself, but others down.

By the time you read this I will have been part of a team for the triathlon, my next goal is to cycle 300km in 3 days in October, signing up for this is my way of keeping me motivated and making me train on days when the settee / sun lounger is a much more fancied option. Everyone needs something to aim for, find your goal and achieve it

It does not have to be a race, you could just publicize to your friends that you are going to

Contact Ann by calling 913202621 or go to www.fit2lovelife.com for more details.

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Dry eye syndrome By Surali Shah-Neville

Dry eye syndrome is caused by a chronic lack of sufficient lubrication and moisture on the surface of the eye. As a result, eyes can’t eliminate irritants which can lead to stinging, burning, pain and redness in the eyes. Eyes may tire faster than normal. The feeling of sandy eyes is common, as is blurry vision. Reading extensively, long hours on a computer or a dry environment may further aggravate this condition. Tears have three layers: an outer oily layer, a middle watery layer and an inner mucous layer. If the glands that produce tears are inflamed, or do not produce enough water, oil or mucous, it can lead to dry eyes. When oil is missing, the tears quickly evaporate and eyes can’t maintain a steady supply of tears. The condition is more common in people over the age of 50 and tends to affect women more than men. Women who are pregnant, on hormone replacement therapy or going through the menopause are more at risk. Allergies, LASIK eye surgery, some medicines and long term contact lens wear can also cause dry eyes. The most common treatment for dry eyes is to use artificial tear eye drops or gel. A well balanced diet with sufficient protein and vitamins is essential for eye health. Omega-3 essential fatty acid supplements are sometimes recommended to enhance the oil content of the eye. If these treatments don’t work, surgery to plug the inner corners of the eyes can help to maintain an adequate amount of tears. For more information please call Surali who is Ophthalmic Director at SN&N on 282 761506.

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Health... By Niki

Find some harmony By Meri Hanlin

What can your kidneys do for you? Medlock

First off...to all you gardeners, surfers, golfers, sun worshipers, swimmers, athletic people or anyone who spends time in the sun or has suffered a bout of stomach bug....do not forget your COCONUT WATER! Find yourself with a headache? Feeling a little grumpy? Weakness? Dizziness? Dry mouth? Confusion? These are just a few symptoms of dehydration. Coconut water is THE answer. We also can’t let it go by in passing without extolling its amazing “hang-over” curative powers...tried, tested and proven by many! Throw a couple of litres in your cool box when you head to the beach and you’ll be up and ready for the night’s entertainment. Along with the heat comes several unwanted guests. Mosquitos, fleas, ticks, harvest mites....they all tremble at the thought of Harmony Earth. For human and pet alike , I have you covered so you can enjoy your time outside without these pesky creatures trying to ruin it for you (also say good-bye to those stealthy mosquitos who sneak into the house while you aren’t looking and try to make sleep impossible...I have just the remedies for those little blighters!!...can’t get past me!!). Ask about our selection of sprays, plug-ins, incense, candles, powders, shampoos and much, much more!! The Argan Oil Miracle! Spending time outdoors during warm weather months can cause hair to become frizzy or dry. Argan Oil will correct any damage due to sun expose and also helps to protect the hair from further sun damage. Apply a few drops of oil to palms and working it through the hair strands, you will be surprised on how smooth, shiny and healthy your hair will be. The moisturising properties of Argan Oil are also very good at treating dry skin (including nails, hands and feet). It also protects the skin from the drying heat of the sun. The oil is very gentle on the skin and is even safe for infants. Come in and visit us as we are expecting a huge shipment with a multitude of new, exciting products in every department, you won’t want to miss it! Pop in to Harmony Earth in Luz to have a chat with Meri.

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•

Check blood pressure – When high it causes vessels to stretch leading to scarring and weakening of the walls, inhibiting blood flow through the kidneys.

•

Check your glucose - permanently contracted, causing limited blood flow and nerve damage. This can lead to difficulty in emptying the bladder with urine backing up to the kidneys and injuring them. If urine stays in the bladder for long periods of time an infection from rapidly growing bacteria in this sugar rich environment can spread to the kidneys.

•

Check your cholesterol - excess may be laid down in the arteries forming plaques, again inhibiting blood flow through the kidneys.

• Quit smoking - as smoking raises bollod pressure and slows blood flow to vital organs like the kidneys. •

Moderate alcohol intake - Alcohol causes physical alterations in form and structure of the kidneys making them less able to filter blood. It also causes high

blood pressure, changes in fluid volume (dehydration) and electrolyte imbalance stimulating the hormones that act on the kidneys to try and get the body fluid volume and composition back to normal. •

Medication can damage the kidneys – always follow the instructions from your doctor about any medication and be aware that taking large amounts of over the counter medication (e.g. Aspirin and Ibuprofen) over a long period of time can cause kidney damage.

A lot of these diseases, along with kidney disease are called “silent killers” as the body can tolerate a certain amount of damage before you notice symptoms so consult your doctor to get a check-up and make the appropriate lifestyle changes to keep your kidneys (and the rest of your body) healthy! Niki Medlock is head nurse at: www.luzdoc.com

Understanding Spinal Manipulation By Dr Andrew Garbett The common goal of most chiropractic techniques is to restore or to enhance joint function, with the general goals of resolving joint inflammation and reducing pain. Some approaches use some force (spinal manipulation), while others are more gentle (spinal mobilization). The original chiropractic adjustment approach is generally referred to as spinal manipulation, and may also be called the diversified technique or the highvelocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) thrust. New chiropractic adjustment approaches typically evolve as a variation from an existing technique. Chiropractors adapt treatment plans to meet the specific needs of each patient. Typically plans involve some forceful and less forceful spinal adjustment techniques during the same visit or over the course of treatment (8 to 12 visits for a typical patient, with ‘check-up’ visits thereafter)

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Spinal Manipulation The most frequently used technique, spinal manipulation, is the traditional highvelocity low-amplitude (HVLA) thrust. The manipulation often results in an audible "pop," as chiropractors use their hands to apply a controlled sudden force to a joint while the body is positioned in a specific way. Spinal Mobilization Some conditions (such as osteoporosis), pathology, the patient's size, patient comfort, or patient preference, may require a gentler approach generally referred to as spinal mobilization. In addition, some patients and/or clinicians prefer mild spinal mobilization techniques that do not involve twisting of the body or a forceful thrust. Any further questions please contact Dr. Andrew or Eugenia at the clinic on 282 768 044. Look out for regular health / educational talks, free to attend, held at the clinic (next talk May 6th at 7pm).

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Health...

Pets Mate By Lars Rahmquist

Eating the 5:2 Way By Caroline Taylor Whilst the idea of semi-starvation 2 days a week might not seem like your idea of fun, if you want to lose weight and haven’t found a diet that works for you, I highly recommend that you consider the 5:2 Diet. In a nutshell, it is a ‘feast and fast’ eating plan that has no forbidden fruits and for 5 days of every week you eat normally. On the other 2 nonconsecutive days you radically reduce your calorie intake to 25% of what you would normally eat, which would be about 500 calories if you’re a woman or 600 calories if you’re a man.

Happy springtime everybody! This month, instead of photos of dogs with Leishmaniasis or Heartworm infestation, I have a picture of a nice, fluffy, humble bumble bee. Many readers took advice to speak to their vet about Leish and heartworm control after the last two articles, and they can now spend the summer comfortable, knowing that their mates are well protected against disease. This month we have been seeing a lot of allergic (anaphylactic) reactions in dogs and cats (and horses). Most of these are due to insect bites such as ants, wasps and our cute yellow and black pollinator buddy, pictured above. Signs of allergic reactions can start soon after a bite in the manner of intense itchiness. Some dogs will just become lethargic. More commonly we see delayed signs in animals. The effects can sometime take hours to present themselves. Usually it involves swelling of some body part - usually the ears, lips, eyelids or feet that are seen to puff-up. Sometimes hives can be seen across the body or head. Hives are discreet swellings in and under the skin. You can differentiate if these swellings are from an allergic reaction by pressing them. If the swelling is because of inflammation (e.g. from an infection) then pressing the area will elicit a pain response. If it is not painful to squeeze gently, then it is probably an allergic reaction.

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Allergic reactions can go on to be very serious and indeed life-threatening. But thankfully this is rare. A worsening reaction will manifest itself with serious breathing problems. Affected animals breathe very heavily and very noisily. If you know how to feel a pulse, it becomes much weaker with a serious reaction as well. If you need to transport an animal in such respiratory distress to the vet, be sure to do so calmly with minimal agitation. Making them more nervous increases their respiratory demands and can precipitate a respiratory failure (this is a bad thing). It is a very good idea to have antihistamines at home. We keep Ceterizina at home. Ceterizina is one of the antihistamines that does not cause drowsiness. This means it will not mask clinical signs of a deteriorating condition. We buy ours from Telo Farmacia in Lagos, but most chemists should stock them. If you suspect your pet is having an allergic reaction from the signs listed above, call your vet ASAP. If you have anti-histamines at home, your vet can direct you on whether to administer them and, if so, how much. It may be you still need to take your animal to the vet for further injections, but you will help by being able to start medicating straight away. So, anti-histamines in the cupboard; Heartworm, Leish and tick prevention in your pet and it’s even a more relaxing sundowner for you on your spring evenings. www.lagosvet.com

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On the 2 restricted days, initially it will feel like you’re virtually starving yourself, but rest assured, with careful planning, you can happily get through the day, even though you may well feel that your hunger is never quite satisfied – fantasising about what I can eat the following day usually helps if my resolve is weakening! To be honest though, I look forward to my fast days because I usually have more energy and focus, and I appreciate that my digestive system is enjoying a much-needed break from some of my favourite naughty treats. If you want to know more, there are great resources on the internet and plenty of menu ideas to inspire you on your fast days. I found The 5:2 Diet Book by Kate Harrison a very useful introduction and once you get in the swing of what you like to eat on your ‘lean’ days, you don’t have to be so obsessed with adding up calories. Once you reach your ideal weight, they suggest that you fast just 1 day a week to ensure you maintain your ideal weight and stay healthy. Looking forward to a healthy and happy summer in the beautiful Algarve! Caroline offers home massage treatments throughout the Algarve. Call 926 244 741 or email: lagosmassage@gmail.com for more information.

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Readers’ Letters...

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 newsletter please email: editorial@tomorrowalgarve.com

Dear Editor,

Bridget Hicks, you were one in a million! Farewell my friend, it has been a very special time, knowing and working with you. Hearing about your escapades and adventures around the world.

I am certain you will remember Jeff and José, who used to have the vet clinic in Ferrel, Lagos. Well, they are now in Fiji, and have been helping out on the small island of Nadi for a small local run charity, who are running out of funds and are in danger of losing their clinic.

The saving of so many animals, the care and attention you lavished on them, despite your failing eyesight you were not deterred. Remembering also, our lunches down on the beach with Tommy and Sweet-pie. Oh my, what an ordeal getting you to your seat in Bar Quim, or O Jardim, but everyone there was so kind to you. Not forgetting Lopo's in Odiáxere, you loved the grilled chicken there. Then two trips to London for your eye operation which sadly proved unsuccessful, what an experience that turned out to be. They threatened to remove us from the plane if we did not behave ourselves - that was tough although I can laugh about it now. When I think of all the medical problems you had to contend with, you battled your way through them regardless, and you never lost your sense of humour. You were a trooper and one in a million, strong willed when it came to getting what you wanted, as well as for all of the animals who needed help and looking after.

Animals Fiji: animalsfiji.org West Charity Trust Society, here is the link: http://www.animalsfiji.org/

The day centre and the sleeping block are next to each other but there is a 30 meter distance between the two. This gap has proved to be a problem during rainy spells as students constantly need to go between the two buildings.

If you are able to make a donation or "Buy a Brick" to keep them operating, that would be great, otherwise send around to your friends or post on your Facebook page. If you prefer to use Paypal, then you can send to svstravaig@gmail.com Thank you so much on their behalf, let’s hope they are able to keep going with the programme they have started there. Best wishes, Val Window

Dear Editor,

Love from, Angela and Family

I am a lady in my 80s, plenty to do in the daytime but come evening, every evening, is the

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Dear Editor, At the end of last year NECI opened its new building which allows the charity to house 24 students with more serious or multiple disabilities to stay round the clock at the school.

On this note I am going to raise my glass of Sangria (your favourite tipple) to no more suffering and ask for God to bless you Bridget. You will never be forgotten.

Many thanks and regards, Joan McGee (joanibee@hotmail.com)

They need all the donations they can get as they have no proper premises in Nadi at the moment and if the charity ceases to exist so do they.

First congratulations on the success of your magazine. I am wondering if you could find a small square to a put an ad in for me to see if there would be one or two people who would like to learn to play Canasta plus someone to teach them, say one evening a week.

same old box. I don’t drive any more and live on the outskirts of Figueria. I would be quite agreeable to have this meeting at my house.

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We think the most cost effective solution to cover this 30 meter distance between the 2 buildings is a a colourful mosaic fabric option that should certainly brighten the place up! We have managed to negotiate a special price with Oz Shades whose shade sail technology also allows to provide waterproof cover. However, NECI do not have the €18,000 necessary to carry out these works so we are launching an appeal to the international community to help us raise the funds. If you would like to make a donation please, use the following bank account: Montepio Geral: 0036 0179 99100036906 19 Novo banco: 0007 0000 0046 1675 76923 Yours sincerely, NECI's President Dr. João Vieira Gonçalves Silva

TOM-3-14- engl_Jens-ESA 15.01.15 10:52 Seite 1

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Traditional, Vertical and Crystal Reflexology

Treatments for Feet or Hands from €30 Practicing in - Praia da Luz - Lagos - Carvoeiro Please Phone me for bookings, or visit my Website to see prices & offers. Gift cards available E: becca@chrystalflowershealing.org.uk W: chrystalflowershealing.org.uk T: 918 960 393 www.tomorrowalgarve.com

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Business... The market continues to change By David Westmoreland Following several years of madness within the property market we have started to see a little bit of stability return. Having said that although we have normality in terms of the way we operate there is continued change in the overall face of the market. Since the recession hit in 2008 we saw a number of agencies close from the high street. Properties stood stagnant for years with few to no viewings and even fewer sales. This started to improve in 2011 and has continued to improve to a current peak where we are seeing as many clients per week as in the heady days of 2005-2006. Sales are plentiful and if priced and presented correctly properties are selling within sensible timescales. Of course we are still seeing price points way below that of pre-recession and in some instances as much as 50% lower but we are seeing stability in the closing prices of the sales. We are now valuing to within 5% of deed prices in most instances. So what are the changes? We are seeing changes more in terms of the types of clients. I have written on numerous occasions about the Scandinavian and French clients coming to Portugal for Tax reasons. This is added to now by upturn in UK clients looking to take advantage of

the improving exchange rates. The pound is 20% higher than it was at its low point in 2014. Based on a purchase price of 200,000€ this means that the property was costing £167,000 in May 2014 and now would cost you £140,000 that is a significant saving of approx. £27,000!

Understanding Prepaid Funeral Plans

So we have new markets as well as old markets returning and this is making for a buoyant market place.

Dealing with the death of a family member is always difficult. This time can be made much easier if a prepaid funeral plan is in place at the time of your death. Such a plan will alleviate the need for most decision making by your family, as you will have decided, through your plan, your last wishes.

Interestingly and dependent on which location clients come from we have to take a different approach to our handling of them. Some require plenty of time to decide and some make their decision very quickly. We are even seeing movement from Ireland which at its lowest point was almost inconceivable that it would recover. But we are now seeing not only an increase in Irish buyers but also a strengthening in irish vendors’ selling position. So as you can see the parts of the ever changing Jigsaw puzzle of the overseas property market continue to shift. At B&P we continue to move with the market. We speak over 10 languages, have a team of 13 people and we believe we offer the most complete service in the area. We understand our market and will continue to develop and evolve as the market does ensuring that whether you are buying or selling you get the most knowledgeable and professional service there is. If you need any advice on the selling of your property or indeed are looking to buy a property contact me on david@ bpaproperty for a personal consultation.

Tomorrow newsletter franchise Since we started the Tomorrow Newsletter it has gone from strength to strength. We started at the end of 2012 with just four pages and here we are this month at a staggering 52 pages. We never rest on our laurels but we like to think that we have come up with a formula for success with the help of our readers, advertisers and contributors. We are looking for motivated and dedicated people to be involved in a good, well

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established community newsletter? It’s essential that you are community-minded and want to get involved with what’s going on in your area. We are now extending the Tomorrow formula across the Algarve this year and possibly further afield in the future. If you think you might be interested then please call Tom on 919 918 733 or email our editor, Amber, at amber@tomorrowalgarve.com

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By Iberian Funeral Plans

Many will find arranging a funeral a daunting task, particularly those to whom you were very close; they are already experiencing a sad loss. They may feel ill-equipped to make decisions concerning the various elements of a funeral and where there is more than one family member involved there can be difficulties in agreement. Planning ahead with a prepaid funeral plan will save your family from experiencing additional grief. But, before committing to a funeral plan make sure that the company with which you are dealing is legal to do business in Portugal, that they use a registered Funeral Director and check how the funds you pay for your funeral plan are secured. By prepaying for your funeral plan, you prevent increases in the cost of the funeral. Regardless of increases in funeral costs between taking out your plan and your death your prepaid funeral plan will cover the cost of your chosen funeral arrangements. Planning ahead for this guaranteed eventuality may seem morbid, but you will have the comfort of knowing you have decided the detail of your future service. Iberian Funeral Plans has recently launched a new product – the Almond Plan - specifically for those resident in the Algarve. So, if you are living in the Algarve contact Iberian soon on: 965 721 094 or 282 419 478 or email: portugal@iberianfuneralplans.com

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Business...

All about Abacus

How can a carer help me at home? ByHibiscus

By Tom Henshaw When Hans and Ineke Muller started their real estate business in Lagos nearly a year ago it was based on their own home-buying experience in the area four years earlier. Years before they had their own agency in Spain but eventually had upped sticks and set sail for Portugal without being entirely sure where they would settle. This trip brought them into Lagos marina and their new life here in the Western Algarve! Their house purchase here made them reflect that they could offer a more personal service and prove their desire to understand buyers’ needs by listening carefully to what the clients really are looking for in their new home and life in Portugal and their motives in starting Abacus were based on their own expectations. Very often buyers are on a four or five day mission to find the ‘dream’ property so Abacus make sure they have lawyers here that can be reached quickly to provide the power of attorney for buyers necessary for buyers to proceed smoothly with buying. ‘How much would you like to spend’ comes over far better than the alternatives so that buyers are ‘comfortable’ in the knowledge they are about to spend what they really can afford without any embarrassment for the agency or themselves. Thorough research and integrity are very important and understanding the market place is vital so also is their market links with the UK, France and Holland.

Hibiscus offers high quality nursing and healthcare support to individuals in their own home. Established in the Algarve in 2014, we have a dedicated team of fully qualified and experienced nurses and carers who are skilled in nursing and caring for you at home. Our healthcare service is tailored around you and your needs. We care for people in many ways, from a minimum 1 hour visit to administer medication or change dressings, to daily visits or 24 hour live-in care. We can look after both your clinical and your personal needs:

• Clinical procedures: wound dressing, blood taking, and injections • Post-operative recovery • Post-injury or illness care during recovery • Clinical monitoring and observations: temperatures, pulse, respirations, blood sugars hydration and weight

www.abacusalgarveproperties.com Telephone: 00 351 282 044 886

• Advice on care aids and mobility equipment and how to use them safely

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• Shaving and hair care • Dressing & breakfasting • Incontinence management • Other personal care • Assistance with meals and eating • Accompanied appointments e.g. doctor, outpatients etc. • Companionship during activities you enjoy, from days out, to reading or having a chat at home • Temporary care; if your family usually care for you, we can step in when they are unavailable or need a break

Clinical

Amazingly Hans says that they have already sold 35 properties in the last ten months and so Hans and Ineke are very optimistic that they have the right formula for the future, they are now also working to develop the commercial side of the business as the countries fortunes take a turn for the better.

Personal • Washing, showering or bathing

• Administration and monitoring of prescription medicines • Generally assisting overall comfort and well-being • Helping with mobilisation and exercise

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Our approach to your care is focused on your personal needs and preferences. An individual care plan is designed to support you in the short or long-term and is discussed in detail with you to ensure both dignity and respect. We also have a selection of care equipment for hire or purchase at competitive rates. For a chat about how we might be able to help you, please call us on 282 798 013 or email us on: info@hibiscus-madrugada.com. You can also drop in to see us at Avenida Comunidades Portuguesas, Edificio Lapinha, 125 – LJ A, 8600-501 Lagos, we are open Monday & Thursday from 16.00 to 19.00 & Wednesday from 10.00 to 13.00.

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Business...

Food & Beverage... Quayside reflections

Douro Boys 2015 By Tomorrow’s own sommelier, Miguel Martins

By Tom Henshaw Just over a year ago Susie and David Robson opened up their marina-front restaurant, Quay Lagos. They already had a marina restaurant in Plymouth that they had set up five years earlier. Looking out on the tranquil marina here Susie made it clear that their Lagos venture had not been without its challenges. Imagine pulling together 16 new and local staff from scratch with the obvious language and communication barriers, not to mention setting up new systems, finding trustworthy suppliers’ and a host of other such obstacles.

On April 12th, 13th and 14th, once more a presentation of wines took place by various producers that make up the group called the Douro Boys.

Steve their head chef came over from Plymouth with them and has relished the challenges he has to overcome in the kitchen, bringing his amazing blend of enthusiasm and optimism to the heart of the stylish restaurant and bar.

The Douro Boys are five of the most important producers of the Douro region, Quinta do Crasto, Quinta do Vale Meão, Quinta Vale D. Maria, Quinta do Vallado and Niepoort. This group was created because there was a realisation that it would be more difficult for these producers to have visibility outside Portugal on their own.

Susie says that now, a year on she and David have been able to provide through their difficult learning curve an inspiring new menu , an imaginative new cocktail range and a more varied wine list. Learning what they consider is right for their ‘market’ means that they have been able to attract a wider following of residents and vitally more of the growing tourist industry. The marina has inspired both Susie and David with its stunning views, free parking and great location and they feel that their business is constantly evolving and improving as they constantly add new equipment to further their development in a competitive market. Fresh fish and their homemade pie range are big winners on their menu and no one ‘dare’ overlook Steve’s range of delicious cakes. Enjoy their superb choices and winning formula. Tel: 00 351 282 761 128 Facebook: quaylagosmarina www.quaylagos.pt

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So why not join forces to disseminate ones’ own brands but essentially promote the Douro mark at international level? The idea was simple. Invite some Sommeliers of significance in Portugal to visit each of the quintas that make up this group and to enable them to sample and report on these wines and new crops. Essentially, it is recognising that Sommeliers plays a key role in the dissemination of wines and the creation of a critical mass for wines to be more effectively promoted. In some ways it is also an opportunity for the producers to listen to the comments of those who deal with customers on a daily basis in their workplaces and be able to get some feedback from the end user. Sommeliers were represented from all over the country and I had the privilege of being present. It was an event that was widely reported by the national press with journalists and TV channels in attendance as in effect, we were in the presence of the cream of national wine producers. Stunning and full of history and tradition, the fantastic Quinta do Vale Meão was

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recently awarded a creditable 4th place for the world's best wines by Wine Spectator. There is the distinctive quality of Quinta do Crasto that produces some iconic wines from the Douro region and not forgetting the fantastic consistency of the wines of Quinta Vale D. Maria where I was particularly struck by the great quality of the white wines, already being aware of the quality of their red wines. We also visited the modernised Quinta do Vallado which today is a point of reference in the Douro not only for the quality of their wines but also for the excellent level of Wine tourism thanks to a project by a hotel. And finally, I was once again blown away by the quality and irreverence of the wines by Dirk Niepoort. He is really the man of the moment in the world of Portuguese wines with his distinctive wines based on the best practice in our country; breaking barriers, innovating, surprising, and taking risk. Today I think we cannot talk about Portuguese wines outside our country without making reference to this man who promises to surprise us each time with new projects in different regions of Portugal. I have the pleasure and privilege to review some of these producers in my shop in Lagos and so can bring to our city and to my clients and friends some of these incredible nectars that very few are privileged to sample. Follow me on my facebook page www.facebook.com/sommelier.garrafeira where I will announce when tastings will take place. For more information and tips, visit my shop in Lagos where I can organise personalised wine tastings in your home according to your preferences.

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Food & Beverage...

Restaurant listings for May To be included, please email for.tomorrow@hotmail.com with restaurant promotions and we wwill do our best to include you in our monthly list - IT’S FREE OF CHARGE

Vivendo Restaurant and Bistro in Vila Palmeira Four Star Resort By Tom Henshaw

Monthly

Fridays

4.30 - 7.30pm - Happy Hour Drinks | Lazyjacks, Lagos | Marina | 911 568 143

9.30 pm - Fish & Chips and Live Music | €9 | Turiscampo, N125 | 282 792 217

Soup & Steak | €12,50 | DonToro, Lagos | 915 757 570

12pm onwards - Fish and Chips or Freshly made Pies | from €6.50 | Fools & Horses, Lagos | 282 762 970

2nd May - Live Music & Hog Roast | Food 7.30pm Music: 8.30 | €10 | Pigs Head, Burgau | 282 697 315

4pm-late - Fish,chips & mushy peas | €6.95 | ‘TOMIK, Burgau | 282 695 525

23rd May - Wine Dinner with "Herdade da Malhadinha Nova" | €50 per person | E-mail info@ocantinhoalgarvio.pt

Cod fish & chips OR Cottage Pie | €9.80 (inc. dessert, glass house wine/beer | Boavista Clubhouse Restaurant | 282 000 114

30th May - Live Music with “Mash Ups” & BBQ Food 7.30pm Music: 8.30 | €8 | Pigs Head, Burgau | 282 697 315

Special, Traditional Fish & Chips (Normal Menu) + Full A La Carte | €9.50 | Barroca | 282 762 799

Tuesdays

Saturdays

Pie Night | €6 medium, €8 large with sides Pigs Head, Burgau | 282 697 315

Thursdays

2 cocktails & Karaoke | €6 | Fools & Horses, Lagos | 282 762 970

Sundays

7pm - Malaysian Curry Evening | Oasis, Lagos Marina | 282 031 543 | www.oasis-cafe.pt

12 - 9pm - Sunday Lunch | FREE 1/2 ltr of wine if you pre book | Fools & Horses, Lagos 282 762 970

Beer Battered Cod & Chips, Homemade Mushy Peas & Tartar sauce | €9.95 (Different Curry each week, with Stand-up comedy on Big Screens) | Rockefellas | 282 798 634

Traditional English Carvery | €12.90 (Inc. a selection of starters, main courses & desserts) Boavista Clubhouse Restaurant | 282000114

Pie night, chicken or beef | €9.80 (inc. dessert, glass house wine/beer | Boavista Clubhouse Restaurant | 282 000 114

Sunday Brunch - €12,00 (Complementary Bellini on arrival when booking in advance) Espiche Golf, Espiche | 282 688 270 Sunday Roast | €5 Medium/ €7 Large | +€2 for Soup or Dessert | Pigs Head, Burgau 282 697 315

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I make no apologies for letting our readers know that you would be hard pressed to better this restaurant in the area and from my own experience a lot further afield. Very highly rated on ‘TripAdvisor’ the owners never advertise their ratings position - rare modesty these days! The food really does exceed expectations with superb fresh produce and great attention to detail in all respects. You also can totally rely on their attentive and yet discreet service. Vivendo offers a wine & dine four course gourmet dinner which changes weekly and includes half a bottle of quality wine for a special price of €38.50 per person , which considering , their high standards, their rating and their superb location on Meia Praia beach, is truly reasonable. The chef makes it his business to talk with all the customers to ascertain their views and I am sure few chefs would be confident enough to do this! Vivendo is very hard to beat and bookings are absolutely essential. Call 00 351 282 770 902 (closed on Mondays) www.vila-palmeira.com open 19:00-24:00.

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Outdoor... weather should be given a good balanced fertiliser and a tonic of amino acids and then every four months until they settle down.

Red Palm weevil continues to destroy the Algarve's Phoenix canariensis palms

Problems with palms By Clive Goodacre When it comes to palm problems nothing beats Rhynchophorus Ferrugineus – more widely known as red palm weevil (rpw). Since arriving here in the mid noughties by hitching a ride on imported palms, it has decimated the Phoenix canariensis population turning shady summer courtyards into blazing squares, removing architectural features from towns and private gardens and changing microclimates across the Algarve. Since being reported in India as early as 1890, rpw has spread across the world’s warm climates. So what can we do? Well the answer is not easy because there is no real magic bullet to eradicate this brute. Symptoms of infested palms include fallen healthy fronds, new top growth exhibiting diamond cut top ends, fuzzy pupal cases below the tree and the sound of gnawing at dusk emanating from the trunk. New shoots are nibbled by fat white grubs within the palm’s stem so are hard to spot. All this has received wide publicity of course and there are plenty of gardeners offering secret remedies. These usually turn out to be mainly insecticide – so beware of gardeners bearing patented remedies. Ask to see the bottle and if it does not contain an Imidacloprid type of insecticide (Confidor is one brand) then save your money. Insecticide applied regularly every 4-6 weeks into the palm’s crown will keep rpw at bay, but the problem is that this is a scorched earth approach – notice how the butterfly population has plunged in the last decade and what happened to the bats that used to come out every evening from my pine trees?

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If you can afford around €30 per palm then monthly spraying of parasitic nematodes is the best ecological approach, but has to be done for the life of the palm. Nematode application is really a job for professionals as these tiny worms are kept refrigerated ready for revival and mixing with an emulsion for spray application. Several local garden maintenance companies offer a service and have been very successful keeping Phoenix palms healthy for many years. Also infected palms can often be revived with radical pruning and treatment. However a few precautions can reduce the chance of infestation. Firstly avoid having your palms fashionably cut back to resemble a paintbrush – full and bushy is best! Only remove naturally dying fronds in warm weather and if possible do not cut back at all from this month onwards until winter dormancy. Every expert on the subject agrees the scent of freshly cut stems attracts RPW. Treat any wounds or fresh cut ends with insecticide and clear away completely any prunings. Apart from that without preventative spraying it is mostly down to chance. Fortunately other palms are seldom cursed with rpw and normal maintenance is sufficient to keep them healthy. Usually spotty or diseased leaves are removed during pruning, leaving healthy inner fronds. If the palm has been affected by cold you will see browning of leaves and stems and even deformations which can emerge later in the year. Salt burn is another problem occurring on coastalplanted specimens. Palms weakened by

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Palms are mostly affected by lack of nutrients or fungal attacks. Insects occasionally attack palms, usually during the summer when food is scarce. Spider mite, scale and caterpillars are the usual culprits – remove affected fronds as a first measure and only spray with insecticide should pruning be too drastic. Nutrient deficiencies affect palms far more than trees or shrubs owing to their fibrous structure. The problem is that symptoms often overlap because several nutrients are usually deficient at a time so an all-inclusive palm fertiliser is often best. Lack of potassium causes yellow flecking on palm leaves, while low nitrogen causes leaves to go paler in colour and loose vigour. Magnesium deficiency often affects palms planted in poor soil. First symptoms are broad yellow bands along the outer tips of older leaves with newer leaves ultimately become affected as the deficiency worsens.. Manganese deficiency is a common problem with alkaline soils and causes new leaves to emerge yellow and weak. As the deficiency progresses a condition known as ‘frizzle top’ develops where new leaves are withered and frizzled eventually leading to the centre dying completely. Fungal infections of palm foliage are sometimes confused with nutritional problems, but as a rough guide fungi tend to cause brown spots while nutritional deficiencies cause yellowing in one form or another. Always consider the obvious first when problem-solving sick palms. For example has weed killer been used in the near vicinity because palms are very susceptible to these, has new top dressing been applied or membrane laid that might be cutting off its water supply? Conversely is it getting too much water or has surrounding vegetation grown up so much as to be crowding it out? Even consider factors like new construction work leading to cement leaching into the soil.

Keeping Phoenix palms weevil free can be expensive, but is worth it.

REAL ESTATE. AGENCY LAGOS WESTERN ALGARVE

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