Tomorrow Portimão, Alvor, Ferragudo & Carvoeiro August 2017 Edition

FREE to take home August 2017 | Edition 14 | 6,000 copies

www.tomorrowalgarve.com |  TomorrowAlgarve

A COMMUNITY MAGAZINE FOR PORTIMÃO, ALVOR, FERRAGUDO & CARVOEIRO

Designing the dream A mill house transformed

The Algarve of old Unique photo exhibit

Silves' Moorish secret Food with a view

Golfing with dinosaurs Alvor's latest attraction And much more...

THE ALGARVE PROPERTY SPECIALISTS

Editor's Letter SEDE: 86, MILBOROUGH CRESCENT, LONDON, UK , SE12 ORW. UK . PERIODICIDADE: MENSAL . TIRAGEN: 4,000 | TIPOGRAFIA: C/ AL MEDITERRÁNEO, 29, POLÍGONO DE SAN RAFAEL, 04230, HUÉRCAL DE ALMERÍA CIF: B04250056

Summer of ’17 If there’s one phrase we’ve heard repeated wherever we go over the last few weeks, it is this: “It’s just so HOT at the moment!”

Yes, summer has officially hit and the sun has well and truly got her hat on. With temperatures reaching sweltering highs of 35°C, it’s no surprise to find people are struggling to cope - and that the bars and beaches are full of people searching for refreshment in one form or another!

But, though we may grumble, summer is when the Algarve truly comes to life. There is a buzz about town, businesses are booming, and it feels as though there are endless things to do.

That’s certainly true in the local area this month, as our What’s On section and Calendar show. From festivals celebrating everything from sardines and didgeridoos to locally produced films, there’s something for everyone. One thing we didn’t have room to mention but is definitely worth checking out if you fancy a trip down the coast is the Summer Gala at Pine Cliffs Resort just outside Albufeira, where UB40 will be playing.

Back to the weather, and the sunny climate is just one of the factors that first attracted so many of us to this blissful corner of the world. Of course, there are many others too. For the subject of this month’s main feature, Paul Shattock, it was the ripe-for-restoration ruins to be found in the Monchique hills, including the cluster of newly-renovated buildings he currently calls home. Read (and see) more over the page.

At the other end of the magazine (page 30, to be precise) life coach Amanda Foo-Ryland tells us how a mix of factors - from the food and views to the people of the area - brought her here.

Meanwhile, photographer Tim Motion got a head start on all of us. He first came to the Algarve in the sixties, camera in hand - resulting in the fascinating photographs that make up his new book, Algarve 63, and a local exhibition of the same name. See some of his incredible work on page eight.

Enjoy the issue - and the sun!

Steven, Stephanie and the entire Tomorrow team

Steven Sutton (advertising and sales)  steven@tomorrowalgarve.com  +351 919 185 677 Stephanie Wood (editorial)  stephanie@tomorrowalgarve.com  +351 964 187 303

On the cover This month’s striking cover image was taken at a previous instalment of Silves Medieval Fair, which takes place this year between August 11th and 20th. It shows one of the performers (dressed as a Christian crusader) who so brilliantly bring the town’s history to life through electrifying reenactments. Turn to page 14 for more on this year’s fair!

Stay Connected... 





@TomorrowAlgarve

www.tomorrowalgarve.com

+351 919 185 677

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Community

Casa Amarela and the Red Barn

Going through the mill

BY STEPHANIE GINGER

For the latest instalment of her ‘Designing the Dream’ series, our writer meets Paul Shattock, the man behind a collection of beautifully restored old Portuguese buildings - including a former mill - in the Monchique mountains It’s not easy to find Paul Shattock’s property.

You can’t spot it from the road and, like many a destination in the undulating hillsides and secret valleys of Monchique, its location is so well hidden that it doesn’t appear on any map or navigation system. Even the bombeiros have had their work cut out in the past to find their way there.

I’m here to see the result of seven long years of renovation, the pièce de résistance in Paul’s restored Portuguese property portfolio and his present home.

Paul suggests that I park in a lay-by not far from Alferce, where he meets and collects me. As we negotiate the steep track into the mouth of the valley, I’m glad it’s him at the wheel and not me.

“If I won the lotto I’d buy up half of Monchique to renovate”

As we bump around the last bend and cross a little bridge over a small river, the morning sunlight falls on a collection of brightlypainted buildings on the opposite hillside. It resembles a diminutive, perfectly restored Portuguese hamlet and I can see immediately why it was, as Paul himself confesses, love at first sight.

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The Yellow House, or Casa Amarela, lies at the front, linked to the Red Barn by a roofed terrace that houses the original millstone. These two buildings overlook the orchard, with the river at the bottom. On the hillside behind stands the two-hundred-year-old mill house, Casa do Moinho, once used for the communal grinding of corn, but with the advent of modern technologies it fell into disuse about thirty years ago.

“Historically there would have been quite a bustling little community here,” Paul explains. “But when I first saw it the whole place was in ruins. No electricity, no water, no sewage system, not even a bridge across the river. They would have used donkeys and sometimes, with the river in full flood, the water would have been over their heads!”

To recreate the sense of a village, each section has its own character, painted in Paul’s favourite colours; ochre and Malaga red, with touches of cerulean blue to match the sky. Even the street name, Avenida do Paulo, is testament to Paul’s commitment to his tiny community.

But before we delve into the property, let’s start with the man. Born in Surrey, Paul spent some time in Devon and the 1980s saw him working in property.

“First I was in real estate, then I worked for a letting agency and finally the building trade,” he says.

After being made redundant in his thirties, he left England to travel. “Frankly, I couldn’t get out the door fast enough,” he admits. A few years later, after being made redundant a second time, he reckons “somebody was definitely trying to tell me something.” To date he’s travelled all over Africa, South America and the Middle East, as well as the United States and Europe. “About forty countries, all told,” he grins.

Certainly, everywhere in the interior of this very Portuguese property there are examples of Paul’s predilection for exotic travel; a favourite elephant ornament from Mali, rugs and wall-hangings from South America, colourful Moroccan lamps and mirrors, a camphor-wood chest from Singapore.

So how did he end up as a serial renovator of ruins in the Monchique mountains? “Happenstance,” he smiles. “It could have been France or Morocco, but it turned out to be Portugal.”

For some years his parents owned a small apartment in Rocha Brava, Carvoeiro, which led Paul to buy and then renovate a holiday home in Nora near Messines.

After his parents passed away, Paul moved to Portugal and gradually a pattern emerged, with one renovation leading to another.

For more than ten years he’s been in Monchique, buying old Portuguese properties, renovating and living in them for a while before falling in love with the next project, selling his home and moving on.

“It’s not a business,” he insists, “more a series of stepping stones.”

By 2007 he’d completed the renovation of a property located between Monchique and Alferce – a major project that he swore would be his last. Yet even

before the dust had settled, Paul’s keen eye had alighted on something else: the cluster of buildings that led to this, his latest venture. And one look was enough!

However, the financial crisis and property market crash meant it was two years before Paul was able to purchase the property, complicated by the fact that the land was owned by different families. In the end no less than sixteen people were involved in signing the final contract.

As with all his renovations, Paul did as much of the groundwork as he could, and employed a team led by a local builder from Monchique, José Varela, to do the rest. “José is fantastic, and it’s really important to support the community here,” Paul insists. Invariably, it’s Paul who does the initial stripping down, painstakingly removing tiles, knocking out walls and taking down ceilings, reusing what he can. The builders are then left with an empty shell and all rubble is buried on site under terracing and paving.

After the initial work, Paul’s next challenge was electricity, water and sewage. Electricity proved to be the most difficult of the three to resolve and it took EDP three years to bring the supply one-and-a-half kilometres from Alferce. Paul installed a vast 25,000 litre cisterna to store rainwater, which is pumped into the house and filtered. It’s generally sufficient to sustain Paul through the dry months if he’s careful. If not, he must purchase more from the bombeiros, who bring their fire engine to fill up the tank.

It’s not been an easy journey, with both money and health taking their toll. “I have been through the mill a bit – pardon the pun,” grins Paul. “It’s all behind me now, and I’ve had tremendous support from family and friends, which I will never forget.” 

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Paul on site with builder José

The Mill House; The interior of The Red Barn; The Yellow House before and after renovation

Community

Paul on the balcony of Casa Amarela; Interior of the Mill House

Looking at Paul’s photos of the original property, I try to imagine the sheer labour that transformed those ruins into this delightful home. The high-ceilinged Red Barn, once the stamping ground of cows, wild boar, deer and mongoose, now houses a wood-burner and Paul’s collection of Alentejo wine bottles. The exotic sitting room that stretches the depth of the Mill House - Paul’s favourite room - was once used to store seeds and carobs and was full of bats, much like the tranquil bedroom in the Yellow House, cool and inviting behind 80cm-thick walls made of rock and taipa.



So what next? Now settled in the Mill House for just over a year, it strikes me that Paul isn’t the kind of person to rest on his laurels (or, more accurately, eucalyptus). Isn’t it about time he “fell in love” with a new project?

“It’s true, I love old buildings and Monchique has a considerable heritage. If I won the lotto I’d buy up half of Monchique to renovate,” he jokes. “But seriously, the environment here is so different from anywhere else and I feel very much part of the community. I have friends of every nationality and a relationship with a very special Portuguese lady. We’re making a new life together. I love it.”

He adds: “For once, I’m looking forward to enjoying the peace. This time, I promise, I’m not going anywhere!”

Casa Amarelha and the Red Barn are available for long-term rental (couples only, no pets) from November 2017.

Contact Paul to enquire.

 paulshattock2@gmail.com

Help needy youngsters go back to school ACCA, the Algarve-based charity dedicated to helping children in need across the region, has started its annual ‘back to school’ drive and needs your help. The campaign ensures that youngsters across the Algarve can start the new school year with confidence - and with the basic essentials to help them achieve.

Although the Portuguese government provides text books for the poorest children, it does not supply them with the simple, everyday materials that are vital to support the learning process.

Every year, ACCA increases its back to school programme in an attempt to help as many kids as possible. In 2016 the charity gave out 841 backpacks filled with those all-important essentials, and this year it hopes to top that figure.

Here’s where you come in and can make a real difference!

ACCA needs the following for each student under 10: A4 lined, squared and plain exercise books; A5 plain exercise books; pencil cases; scissors; colouring pencils; felt tip pens; 30cm rulers; pencil sharpeners; rubbers; HB pencils; blue pens; and glue sticks.

In addition to the above, children over the age of 10 require: recorder, set square and protractor sets; blue, black and red biros; A4 files; A4 paper with punched holes; calculators; and compasses.

Furthermore, senior students also require: one ream of plain paper;

post-it notes; correctors; pen drives; staplers; and scientific calculators.

If you are able to shop for any of the above and deliver your purchases to one of the designated drop-off points, you will be making a huge difference.

The drop-off point locations are: - Almancil: Curiosa, Lewis Andrews, and Nobre Pharmacy - Albufeira: Iceland and Paws4pets - Armação de Pêra: Holiday Inn Algarve - Silves: Castelo de Sonhos - Alcantarilha : The Golf Shack - Lagos: C.A.R.D.S and Moveison Alternatively you can donate directly to the charity so that they can purchase items on your behalf - simply get in touch using the contact details below.

Since its founding in 2000, ACCA has delivered life-changing therapies and medical aid to disadvantaged youngsters who live below the poverty line, are orphaned and in care, or who require specialist treatment that is not available to them through social services. The organisation is run by a small committee who give their time, experience and enthusiasm freely to make the world a better place for these children, with the help of generous sponsors, donors and volunteers.

All at ACCA thank you in advance for your help in hopefully making this year’s back to school campaign the most successful yet.

 backtoschoolalgarve@gmail.com  +351 936 463 177

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Community

All images © Tim Motion

Unique images reveal the Algarve of yesteryear The Algarve has changed dramatically in the last 50 years - something that Tim Motion knows only too well.

and humanity only accessible to someone embedded within the community - as Tim was.

The photographer lived in the Algarve specifically Carvoeiro - during the sixties and seventies, then one of few foreigners to reside in the region - long before the boom in tourism and influx of expats that has so transformed Portugal’s southernmost area.

Fast-forward and now Tim has released luxury photo book Algarve 63, which features (as the title suggests) 63 of his most captivating images, and offers a snapshot of what life was like here all those years ago.

Algarve 63 was launched at an event last month at the Parque Municipal do Sítio das Fontes in Estômbar, Lagoa, where an exhibition featuring selected images from the book is currently open to the public.

Running until September 16th, it can be visited Tuesday to Saturday from 11am-1pm and 2pm-6pm. Entry is free.

During that time, Tim - now 81 - took a collection of photographs that captured the essence of day-to-day life in the Algarve during that era. With a focus on the people of the area, his unique black and white images convey a sense of spirit

In addition to the pictures, the book also includes commentary from the Mayor of Lagoa, Francisco Martins, co-ordinator and curator of the work, Nuno de Santos Loureiro, and Miguel Reimão Costa, a professor at the University of the Algarve,

Both the book and exhibition are part of ENFOLA 2017, an annual photography programme organised jointly by the Mayor of Lagoa and the University of the Algarve.

For more details and to buy Algarve 63, visit the website.

 www.encontrosfotografialagoa.pt/algarve-63

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as well as the author himself.

Community

Before

A new lease of life for Portimão Soup Kitchen To the Soup Kitchen in Portimão last month where, as part of our ongoing commitment to help local charities, the Tomorrow team rolled up their sleeves to give it some much-needed TLC as part of our third Giving Back Day. A merry band of workers set about giving the vast venue a lick of paint, starting work at 8am one Saturday morning and not putting down their paintbrushes until 5.30pm that night. Not only did we paint the entire hall, but we also carried out essential maintenance and gave the entryway a new lease of life.

Amongst the volunteers were David and James from the physical therapy clinic in Mexilhoeira Grande. Big thanks to Dave for painting the 17ft-high ceiling!

Special thanks must go also to David Flockheart who donated the paint for the project; he also donated his wife, Jeanette Fahlbusch, who spent the day with a roller in her hands and then washed all the chairs and tables.

Meanwhile, Alison Foo-Ryland from Your Life Live It funded the maintenance and other materials, without which we would not have been able to do this amazing transformation. This included a four foot by three foot mural for the wall which has brightened up the kitchen.

As we gave the keys back to the Soup Kitchen team who work so tirelessly during the week and on Sundays, you could see their faces light up as they entered the transformed space. We also received great feedback from some of the people who use the kitchen for food and essentials during hard times.

The Soup Kitchen serves up to 70 people an evening during the week and up to 90 people on a Sunday, with demand rising in the winter months. The kitchen also serves as a place where people can collect clothes, shoes and other necessities. In the back, there is a place where the volunteers give haircuts and beard trims too.

To donate to, volunteer at or learn more about Portimão Soup Kitchen, please contact Joy Borgan using the details below. To get involved with our next Giving Back Day, email Steven.

 borganjoy@gmail.com  +351 917 358 098  steven@tomorrowalgarve.com

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What's On

All the fun of the fair!

Tomorrow has teamed up with Big Reds, the live music venue and restaurant in Alvor, to bring you a traditional country fair right here in the Algarve!

Held in aid of the chosen charities of TACT (Tomorrow Algarve Charity Trust), the event will take place on Sunday September 24th and promises to be a great day out for all ages.

When: Sunday September 24th, 11.30am onwards Where: Big Reds, Alvor

Expect all the fun things you’d find at a traditional fair: think games including splat the rat, pin the tail on the donkey and the all-important coconut shy, as well as bobbing for apples and a bric-a-brac stall.

There will even be a bouncy castle for the kids!

Of course, no fair is complete without cakes and bakes, and so we invite any keen bakers to bring along their best creations to sell on the day. It’s for a great cause, so whip out those baking trays and make like you’re on The Great British Bake Off! Anyone wishing to contribute to the cakes and bakes should contact Steven (steven@tomorrowalgarve.com).

The fun kicks off at 11.30am and will run through the afternoon. There’ll also be a hog roast on offer from 1pm, and then at 3.30pm it’s time to grab your partner and do-si-do with a spot of line dancing, featuring a live band.

Entry to the fair is free, so put the date in your diary now. We look forward to seeing you there!

Algarve takes starring role at film festival Faro International Short Film Festival 2017 takes place between August 23rd and 26th, showcasing a variety of talented filmmakers. Held in the region’s capital since its inauguration in 2010, the annual event includes a repertoire of short documentaries, fictional and animated movies.

The brief for filmmakers this year was to consider environmental issues on a local and global scale, and several of the movies have been made by people living here in the Algarve. Of special interest this year (subject to selection) is a film by a group of 12 expatriates in collaboration with a Portuguese filmmaker, Miguel Cosme of SkyeVision. Together they have created a movie about the railway journey along the coast from Vila Real to Lagos.

Prompted by a protester with a petition, the film sees a group of passengers become embroiled in a discussion about the detrimental impact of the diesel train they are travelling in. Written with a comic element, it includes a curvaceous actress and a fervent bishop convinced that “when God made air it was meant to be pure."

Much of the film footage is taken with a drone, showing the stunning beauty of the Algarve from above. Entitled The Algarve's Diesel Maiden, the story is narrated as a rhyming poem written by author and playwright Carolyn Kain.

"This is a brand new venture for us," she explains. "The last three plays I wrote were performed on stage all across the Algarve. This time the actors' performances are preserved for posterity and our message about conserving the natural heritage of the Algarve is sincere."

Faro International Short Film Festival is open to the public, with indoor and outdoor screenings. More details will be provided in the local press nearer to the time.

 www.filmfreeway.com/festival/farcume

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Filming at Vila Real de Santo António railway station for The Algarve’s Diesel Maiden; The protester with his environmental petition

What's On

A moment to remember Last month’s Take a Moment art exhibition - held to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Algarve Artists Network (AAN), as previewed in July’s edition of Tomorrow - was a great success, as these pictures prove.

Hosted on a hilltop in Loulé in the shady olive grove belonging to artist Silvia Cavelti, the delightful venue was attended by friends, art lovers and museum curators from all quarters of the Algarve.

As a ‘living exhibition’, guests were encouraged not only to view but also interact with each artist’s installations and paintings, or to engage in creative discussion with the artists about their

works. Some displays even invited visitors to write poems and wishes on canvas leaves and hang them in a ‘wishing tree’, thus incorporating the audience into the art.

The heat abated and the cool evening of the summer solstice gave ample opportunity for over three hundred guests to ‘take a moment’ and stroll along the flower-dotted sand path, getting involved with art in a relaxed atmosphere whilst listening to Martin Teutscher, the wandering minstrel on his saxophone. Only the fall of darkness persuaded the guests and artists to depart.

Speaking after the unique event, artist Henryka Woerle said: “Showing art in

nature has moved people; they found it more interesting than a gallery visit.”

Fellow artist Kerstin Wagner added: “I was really surprised how many people were participating in my interactive installation by writing and painting their wishes on the white strips. At least forty people hung their wishes in the tree; they loved the idea. Some were really very emotionally attached. For me it was a beautiful experience.”

Meanwhile Brigitte von Humboldt summed things up beautifully: “The atmosphere was magic. I would like to do more events like this one.”

Here’s hoping she gets her wish!

Step back in time at Silves One of the major highlights in the Algarve every summer is the Silves Medieval Fair, where thousands of visitors from across Portugal and Europe are transported back in time.

Regional food and drink will be available too.

Silves Medieval Fair begins every night at 6pm and the nightly schedule includes: 6pm: Procession in the streets and squares

This year’s instalment takes place between August 11th and 20th. It’s a wonderful, colourful festival that recreates how the Moors and Christians lived during the Middle Ages in the city that was the capital of the Algarve for a period during medieval times.

When: August 11th - 20th Where: In and around Silves Castle

It’s a great opportunity to see a live-action history lesson, including processions of noblemen, jousting tournaments and artisans and merchants selling their wares. There will also be street performers including jugglers, acrobats, dancers and snake charmers, who will exhibit their skills.

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6.30pm: Reading of the notice 7pm: Dramatisations of daily life (various areas of the city) 8pm: Tournament of arms and horses (Praça Al-Mu’thamid) 10pm: Entertainment in Silves Castle 10.30pm: Tournament of arms and horses (Praça Al-Mu’thamid) See you there!  Feira Medieval de Silves

Tomorrow 90x65 06-17.indd 2

19/06/2017 10:52

What's On

Portimão Sardine Festival 2017

Didgeridoo something different

Portimão Sardine Festival - one of the highlights of the summer season - takes place from August 2nd - 6th.

After a break last year, the FATT didgeridoo festival returns from August 31st to September 3rd for its 14th edition.

The festival celebrates the humble sardine with local eateries setting up shop along Zona Ribeirinha to grill up a feast. But there is so much more on offer too, with live music, arts and crafts and a range of activities to get involved in.

Every night from 7.30pm the bandstand will come alive with music catering to all tastes, with an emphasis on Portuguese popular music, Brazilian music, blues and fado, in an initiative by the Parish Council of Portimão.

Along the riverside there will also be lounges featuring everything from children's entertainment to a book fair.

Portuguese performers Fernando Mendes, Jorge Mourato, Carla Andrino and Patricia Tavares will also be staging Nolvo por Acaso (Groom By Chance) at the TEMPO Municipal Theatre.

The festival runs every night from 7pm to 1am and entrance is free.  www.cm-portimao.pt/festivaldasardinha

Held at Sítio das Fontes, the wonderful outdoor venue with a natural swimming pool on the bank of the estuary in Estômbar, FATT promotes the didgeridoo and Australian Aboriginal culture in Portugal.

This year’s event will feature a programme of artists from around the globe, as well as various activities in music and Australian, African and Asian culture, including workshops in didgeridoo, hand-pan, mouth harp, harmonic singing, dancing, percussion and more. There will also be a range of handicrafts, therapies and catering stalls.

The festival is organised by the Associação Portuguesa de Didgeridoo (APD) with support from the Municipality of Lagoa. The APD is a non-profit association whose main objective is the promotion of Australian Aboriginal culture through the didgeridoo.

If you buy your FATTPass online

by August 15th, the price is €30.

After this date tickets can only being purchased at the venue. Prices are as follows: With camping • Four-day FATT-Pass: €35 • Two-day FATT-Pass (Thursday and Friday): €23 • Two-day FATT-Pass (Friday and Saturday): €27 Day passes (without camping) • Thursday August 31st: €12 • Friday September 1st: €14 • Saturday September 2nd: €16 Sunday 3rd is only available if you buy a FATT-Pass.

 www.apdidgeridoo.pt/fatt2017eng

Anyone for vinyasa yoga?

Villa Prana, the Portimão-based therapy centre, exercise studio and guest house, has updated its class timetable, adding vinyasa yoga to its extensive programme of classes.

The practice of vinyasa yoga coordinates movement with breath in order to flow from one pose to the next, each linked with an inhale and an exhale.

“The instructor ensures the flow of movements are smooth and continuous, which can help you stay present during the session,” class teacher and Villa Prana owner Silvia Duarte tells Tomorrow. As such, it helps achieve physical, mental and

spiritual balance. “If you often find your mind wandering off, then vinyasa yoga is for you,” Silvia says.

She adds: “With the flowing movements and great music usually playing in class, this style feels like a dance!”

The new vinyasa yoga classes take place on Tuesdays from 7am - 8.15am and Fridays from 7am - 8.30am. Further class options include other types of yoga, Pilates and qigong. Check out the Villa Prana website for the full timetable.

In addition to the studio-based classes,

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Villa Prana also offers paddleboard yoga on the tranquil waters off Ferragudo’s coastline. They are ran in collaboration with Kalu Beach Bar on Ferragudo’s Praia Grande, where the classes commence at 9am Saturday morning until the end of the season.

Places are limited and boards need to be booked in advance, so give them a call today and reserve your place!  www.villaprana.pt  +351 282 484 256  Avenida Miguel Bombarda

August Calendar

Promote your events and activities here - it’s FREE! Email your listings to us: calendar@tomorrowalgarve.com

Fitness

Bootcamp Class Mon - Fri 7.30am, 10am & 7pm, Yoga Tue & Thurs 9am Pilates Mon, Wed & Fri 9am Mobile Bootcamp Sat 9am, €10 Luz AXN Club Cascade Resort, Lagos  +351 915 183 888 Yoga Mon & Wed 8pm & Tue & Fri 7pm Pilates Mon 7.30pm Clinical Pilates Tue & Thurs 11.30am & 5.30pm QiGong Mon 10am Meditation Fri 8.30pm €25/m Villa Prana, Portimão  +351 282 484 256 Aerobics Fitness Mon 10am Total Toning Wed 10am Body Conditioning Thurs 10am, Alvor Community Centre  +351 934 393 232 Qi Gong Class Thurs 7.30pm, €35/month Centro Serenity, Lagoa  +351 962 009 703 Taekwondo Mon, Thurs & Fri 7pm, €45p/m (child) €60 p/m (adult) Fitball Mon & Thurs 9.15am Yoga Tue 11am Power Circuit Tue 6.30pm Body Shape Wed 10am Power Hour Thurs 10am Qi Gong Thurs 11am Zumba Mon,Wed & Fri 11am Kids Yoga Wed 5pm, €8.50 Carvoeiro Clube, Urb. Monte Carvoeiro  +351 282 350 800 A Taste of Yoga Tues 11am Rocha Brava Carvoeiro Yin Yoga Mon 11am Vale d'Oliveiras Carvoeiro & Tues 8.15am, Serenity Lagoa Hatha Yoga Mon 4.30pm Vale d'Oliveiras Carvoeiro & Thurs 8.15am, Serenity Lagoa Gentle Yoga Fri 11am Vale d’Oliveiras Carvoeiro Sat 11am, Rocha Brava Carvoeiro, €10  +351 911510641 Netball Thurs 6pm, Carvoeiro Tennis Club  +351 917 036 883

Hatha Yoga Mon 7.30pm Yoga Kids (3-5yrs) Wed 6.30pm Theatre (5-9yrs) Sat 9.3011am Lagoa Study Support Mon 3.30pm, Wed 3pm & Fri 2pm, Espaço Portas do Sol Portimão, Ideias do Levante  +351 965 017 845 Yoga on the Roof Groups 2-4 people (Try for free Sat 10am) €5 Portimão  +351 936 786 266

Classes

Piano Lessons €80x8/ €15 a lesson, Portimão, Svetlana  +351 936 786 266 Dog Socialisation Walk Thurs 4pm, €5, Porches  +351 967 925 099 Scottish Country Dancing Mon 7.30pm, €1.50, Nobel International School Algarve, Lagoa  +351 282 356 029 Dog Instruction (Group dog lessons) Sat 5pm Hotel do CÃO, Rasmalho Portimão  +351 964 083 602 Dog Training Tue 11am (Rally-Obedience), Fri 11am & Sat 4pm (Agility) €25 4 sess. Espiche  +351 968 086 320 Portuguese Beginners Class Tue & Thur 9.30pm, €5 Chinicato  +351 912 417 994

Events Cave Tour & Snorkeling Daily 10am -2pm, €45 Alvor Sunset walk Tue, Wed & Fri 7.30pm, €25 Ferragudo Zip & Trip  +351 925 445 828

Quiz Night Fri 8.30pm Sunset Bar, Alvor  +351 918 040 382 August 6th, Megalithic Tour with archaeologist Ricardo Soares, 7.30pm 2hrs 3km, €5 August 19th, Alvor Walk & Oyster Tasting, 8am ,2.5hrs 7.5km €20 More Walks/Tours Avaliable, Quimera Experience, Reservations  +351 969 467 275 Walk In Group Lesson Wed 10am - 1pm, €20 Group Lesson - Putting Short Game Area & Driving Range (2hrs) Fri 2.30 - 4.30pm, €15 p.p Espiche Golf  +351 282 688 250 August 19th Jazz on the Threshing Floor with the Hugo Alves Trio, 9pm €19,50 inc. refreshment buffet with wine, cheese & homemade products Quinta das Alagoas nr.

Almadena Reservation only  +351 924 204 343

Charity/ Support

August 23rd Alzheimer's/ Dementia Support Group 11am, Restaurant Pirilampo, Lagos, Call Carol  +351 926 297 527 or Kirsteen  +351 968 084 946 AA Meeting Mon 7.30pm 9pm & Fri 730pm Beco das Hortensias Lote 18 R/C/ B Vale Franca Portimao  +351 919 005 590 Depression & Bipolar Support Group First Monday of every month, 6.30-8.30pm Upstairs Casa Inglesa Portimão  +351 914 878 927

Useful Numbers General EMERGENCY TOURIST SUPPORT AIRPORT TRANSFER

112 808 781 212 965 026 176

Consulate/ Embassy BRITISH FRENCH (FARO) GERMAN (FARO) DUTCH (FARO) CANADIAN (FARO) SWEDISH EMBASSY

282 490 750 281 380 660 289 803 181 289 820 903 289 803 757 213 942 260

Alvor TAXI DIAGO SILVA HEALTH CENTRE PHARMACY HOSPITAL FIRE POLICE STATION AERODROMO THE SALON ALVOR MUSIC LESSONS SPORTS CENTRE COMMUNITY CENTRE HAIR SALON PHYSICAL THERAPY

966 214 517 282 459 268 282 459 588 282 420 400 282 420 130 282 420 750 282 496 581 282 415 460 965 017 845 282 457 841 282 457 499 966 103 601 928 022 464

Portimão HEALTH CENTRE PHARMACY PRAIA DA ROCHA HOSPITAL CENTRO FIRE POLICE STATION MARITIME POLICE TRAIN STATION

282 420 161 282 425 858 282 485 641 282 450 300 282 420 130 282 417 217 282 417 714 282 423 056

Carvoeiro CITY COUNCIL 282 356 690 TOWN INFO 282 357 728 TAXI COMPANY 282 460 610 BUS STATION (LAGOA) 282 341 301 PHARMACY 282 357 463 HOSPITAL 282 357 320 FIRE STATION (LAGOA) 282 352 888 POLICE STATION 282 356 460 PLUMBER ANTÓNIO 962 870 665 BUILDER BOTO 282 461 336 ELECTRICIAN EURICO 968 778 953 MECHANIC CARLOS 282 085 027 HAIRDRESSER 282 356 894 HOUSE SELLINGS 919 839 299 TV & SATELLITE 926 459 429 PAINTING BY STEVE 916 666 210 CHIROPRACTOR 282 352 202

Ferragudo TAXI ANTÓNIO 965 881 971 HEALTH CENTRE 282 461 361 PHARMACY 282 461 232 HOSPITAL (PORTIMÃO) 282 450 300 FIRE 282 420 130 POLICE STATION 282 420 750 PAINTER MARIO 967 881 062 LAWYER CELIA 282 476 305 TREE SURGEON 964 384 613 FIREWOOD 917 601 798

Health

Treating heat stroke

BY JOHN CLIFFORD As summer reaches its peak, this month I want to cover heat stroke, which occurs when the body’s ability to control temperature is lost. It is a potentially life-threatening condition, so you need to act immediately if you suspect heat stroke - here’s how…

Signs and symptoms - High body temperature - Flushed, hot and dry skin - Confusion - Low levels of consciousness - Initially a pounding, rapid pulse that gradually weakens Treatment Call for an ambulance by ringing 112. While waiting for emergency services to arrive you can: - Move the patient to a cool place - Have the patient lie down - Cool the patient in a shower or with sponges - Cover the patient with a wet sheet or apply cold compresses - Remove as much clothing as possible and loosen anything tight - Elevate the feet - If the patient is fully conscious and able to swallow, give them fluids, preferably water

You should stop cooling when the patient’s body feels cold to touch, and remember to follow the instructions of the emergency services at all times.

Dealing with grief Algarve-based counsellor and bereavement therapist Teresa Hughes explains how counselling can help overcome emotional difficulties following the death of someone close The loss of a loved one is without doubt one of life’s most traumatic events. The rawness of grief and the accompanying emotions can at times feel overwhelming.

Grieving is a normal process. It is a testament to the love felt for the person who has died. In time the acute sadness does begin to recede, and acknowledging and exploring this in therapy can help an individual adjust to life without their loved one.

Clients undergoing bereavement counselling are given the opportunity to explore the impact their bereavement has had on them. It is not uncommon for feelings of guilt to arise after a death, and I examine the definition of guilt with clients in my therapy sessions, touching on how continued negative thinking has an adverse impact on mental wellbeing.

John co-ordinates first aid courses in the Algarve. To enquire or for more information, get in touch using the details below.

Dealing with grief is just one of many topics I cover with my clients; others include support for people affected by cancer, including patients, friends and family, as well as anxiety and depression.

 firstresponder@sapo.pt

 treehughes@live.com  +351 960 417 731

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I honour any issue the client chooses to bring to the session in a nonjudgemental, confidential environment. This empowers individuals to look at their lives and make changes as they see fit.

It is not my role to be directive and instruct people; the choice is entirely theirs.

Mine is a person-centered counselling approach; some clients may choose to review historic material in an attempt to understand why they are having difficulties and what exactly has led them to therapy, whilst others may wish to focus on practical ways in which they can deal with their thoughts and feelings.

Ultimately I treat my clients with compassion, based on my firm belief that all human beings have the desire to be happy and can overcome suffering. If I can be of assistance to you in any way, please do get in touch.

Teresa is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. She is available to see clients at Hospital Particular in Alvor.

Health

Make your body heat-resistant

BY ANDREA SCHOONHEIM Recently there was a heatwave in the Netherlands, my home country. When the temperature there rises above 25°C, weather warnings are put in place, schools close and companies send their staff home early. Here it needs to get a touch hotter before weather warnings appear, and the other two measures are generally unheard of! But either way, many people suffer when it is hot - and usually these same people also suffer when it’s cold. If you’re one of them, then try this simple yoga pose to improve your body’s inner thermostat.

The pose is called ‘legs up the wall’ and it does what it says on the tin. Sit sideways

against a wall (make sure there aren't any pictures on it!) then lie down on your back and swivel your legs up the wall. If your back is flexible and your hamstrings are long, your bottom will touch the wall; otherwise you will be away from the wall.

If your head doesn't touch the floor then put a cushion underneath. Stay like this, on your back with your legs up the wall, for a few minutes. To come out of the pose, bend your knees and roll to one side. Stay here a little while and then get up slowly.

anymore, and in winter you will cope better with the cold. The reason? This simple pose improves blood circulation, which is important in regulating your body temperature. It is also a good pose to revive your legs after a long walk, after standing a lot or when you've got varicose veins.

Do the pose every day, holding it between five and 15 minutes. Very soon you will notice that the heat is not so bothersome

Andrea is a qualified yoga teacher who leads classes in Carvoeiro and Lagoa.

Note that it’s best not to do the pose if you have glaucoma or serious neck and/or back problems. In case of doubt, please consult a yoga teacher or health professional.

 andrea.schoonheim@gmail.com  www.yogalagoa.com / www.yogacarvoeiro.com  +351 911 510 641

Microchipping your pet

BY LARS RAHMQUIST "He’s got a right chip on his shoulder, he does!"

Though this sentence commonly raises a Billy Idol-like sneer in most circles, when we hear a nurse uttering it whilst scanning a dog in the clinic, a quiet cheer goes up.

When a dog is brought in without an owner it is always a concern - and if no chip is found, then a situation arises.

Bozo looking very comfortable at his 'foster home'

The various dog sanctuaries in the local area do a fantastic job of taking in strays and striving to re-home them but unfortunately, given the numbers of stray dogs in the Algarve, these shelters are nearly always full to bursting. (By the way, if you think you can lend a hand then your vet can give you phone numbers for local shelters to contact regarding volunteer work.)

Occasionally the people who bring in the dogs can look after them for a period of time and sometimes we end up housing strays at the clinic for a bit too. In fact, the big clown in the photo above was brought in by a mate who found him abandoned in a boat yard. After a very short stint at the clinic we took him home to foster him for a while. He is still with us and I must say, he is doing a pretty good job at cementing himself! Watch this space.

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So, if you want to ensure your dog is returned to you should they go missing, rather than ending up at a sanctuary or fostered by another family, be sure to microchip them!

This simple process is a legal requirement in Portugal (along with regular rabies vaccinations), and gives your dog life-long registration throughout Portugal.

It is also necessary for crossing borders with your pooch.

But most of all, it means that your four-legged friend can be returned to you as quickly as the same day if they are found. Scanners are used by all vets, dog shelters and some police stations.

If you already have your dog microchipped, it might be worth checking with your vet that it is also registered, and with which microchip company (there are two).

One last comment: microchipping cats who go outside is also worthwhile. Though your cat may not normally stray, it could be chased to the other side of town by excited dogs. I chip my cats, at any rate, so do consider it.

Chips in and a happy summer to all!  www.lagosvet.com

Wine with victory flavour.

In 2016 the Intermarche exclusive brand Selecção de Enófilos was already awarded with 15 medals on 3 prestigious international wine competitions.

Selecção de Enófilos: Unique wines.

Business

Go golfing with dinosaurs in Alvor!

BY MYGUIDEALGARVE.COM

Alvor’s newest attraction comes in the shape of an adventure golf course featuring 18 fun and challenging holes that are great entertainment for adults and children alike - just watch out for the dinosaurs!

Opened in June, Adventure Golf Alvor has a Lost Word: Jurassic Park theme, with plenty of huge, colourful and very life-like dinosaur figures littering the course. All the dino-stars are there, including velociraptors, a T-Rex and even scary creatures hatching out of their eggs!

The 18-hole course is suitable for all ages and skill levels. At each hole you can opt for a simpler, more direct route or take the challenge of the pro route.

There are plenty of obstacles on the course, too; the raft to pull yourself across a water obstacle is always a hit. Kids love the prehistoric theme, while adults find the course more challenging than they might have thought. Game on!

Elsewhere you can enjoy a cold drink at the bar.

There are two sunny terraces, both with sea-views, making them ideal spots for some post-game relaxation. The venue charges no entrance fee, instead operating on a ‘pay to play’ basis, so if you don’t want to play golf yourself you can watch the fun from the bar. As an added bonus, there are also prehistoricstyle bowling alleys and a practice putting green, so you can hone your game before the first tee.

Opened in partnership with local bar The Black Stove, Adventure Golf Alvor brings a new form of entertainment to the resort. Located on Beco da Amoreira, just outside Alvor on the road to Portimão, it is open seven days a week from 9.30am to 10pm.

You can pre-book your game or simply turn up on the day, however pre-booking is advised for larger groups. Prices are €10 for adults and €6 for children up to 12 years of age, with a family pack (two adults and two children) costing €28. Parties are also possible too.  www.adventuregolfalvor.com

Mixing business with friendship The pair behind Algarve Unique Properties, friends-turnedbusiness partners José Antonio Pinheiro and Isabel Oliveira, tell us more about their work How long have you been established?

Having clocked up 10 years local experience in the real estate business, we [José and Isabel] saw an opportunity to create a modern, professional and personalised property service. We became business partners in 2014 and opened the doors of Algarve Unique Properties shortly afterwards.

What is ‘unique’ about your business?

Most importantly, our office is harmonious. We are a united team and work very well together. We love what we do, care about our clients´ needs and understand that building working relationships based on honesty and dedication is the key to a great business. From the moment you meet any of our staff, you will know that we are here to help you throughout the entire process of the sale or purchase of your property.

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How do you support clients in all aspects of the buying and selling process?

Over the years we have built up a support network of experts who provide legal, fiscal and financial expertise to ensure the property purchase is structured effectively. We also have a full contact list of tradesmen who we trust and can handle any job that we give them. Whether it is decorating, buying furniture, or even recommending local restaurants, we are here to make our clients feel at home and enjoy their time when they are here.

What makes your day?

Our clients are not only clients. They are more than this; they become our friends. It makes us feel very happy because we know that we have made a difference in their lives and that they like us but, most importantly, they trust us. That is a good day.

 www.algarveuniqueproperties.com

Business

Maximise your property sale

BY ALISON DAUN, GCEN

Selling your property? Here’s how to ensure a great rate when transferring your money home…

If you are selling your property in Portugal and looking to send your money home, getting a great exchange rate - not to mention an easy process - is important.

At GCEN, we have been helping clients transfer money for over 14 years. As a result we understand that selling a property and moving back to the UK (or any other country) can be a stressful experience, with concerns ranging from whether the sale will go through on time to transporting furniture and belongings, or even finding another property back at home.

Getting a good exchange rate when transferring your money back home is often another key concern, but with all the other things going on it can get over-looked or put to one side. But, as exchange rates do change continuously - which can you cost you when it is time to transfer your money - it is important not to leave your foreign

exchange until the last minute.

When selling a property in Portugal, you will often have a promissory contract and a deed, the same as when you originally bought the property. Once the former is signed it is a good idea to start thinking seriously about exchange rates.

You may have some money available to you at the time of the promissory contract. You can either: 1. Keep this money and transfer it a later date; 2. Transfer this money immediately; 3. Use this money as a deposit to fix the exchange for the whole amount of money from your property sale.

Options one and two are straightforward and we at GCEN can certainly assist. For option three, to fix the exchange is slightly different. How does this work and why would you do it?

Fixing the exchange rate in advance (called a ‘forward’) is a simple way of securing the exchange rate now by paying a deposit upfront and the balance when you need the funds.

Forward buying takes away the worry and risk of the exchange rate moving between you signing the promissory contract and when you get the full amount of money from the sale of your property after the deed has been signed. It also lets you know exactly how much money you have in your home currency.

You can use your bank to transfer money or you can use a foreign exchange company like GCEN. Using a foreign exchange company can help you plan exchange rates in advance (as per option three) and give you better exchange rates with no fees.

To find out more about how we can help you transfer money contact the team at GCEN.  +351 282 768 136  portugal@gcen.co.uk

An alternative approach

BY STEVEN SUTTON Last month I was asked to go in and see Wendy, a tarot reader and alternative therapist at Déjà Vu in Ferragudo, to find out first-hand what she is all about. As we sat outside in the courtyard with the sun shining down on us, it became apparent that Wendy has a natural way of putting you at ease and making you feel so comfortable, you just mellow into the situation and surroundings.

We started by talking about Wendy’s background and history; she is qualified in herbalism, traditional Chinese diagnosis, chakra balancing and reiki, which she practices at Déjà Vu. She also offers healing and guidance and, of course, the tarot.

I ask Wendy what she likes most about what she does. Her reply is simple: “I like to remind people what it is like to shine. I give people back their sparkle.” This is an opportunity for people to re-balance and

get their focus back in life.

We discuss the state of the world we live in, all the stresses and outside influences that we have to deal with, and how we as human beings are not always able to deal with everything that is thrown at us. Sometimes we need a little bit of help.

Having lived in the Algarve for 20 years after leaving North Wales, Wendy is passionate about the area she lives in and does a lot of work for some great local causes, including families in need and animal charities.

I chose to use my session to have some chakra balancing done. I didn’t know what to expect but, being one to never say never, I was happy to sit back and let the session commence.

As I held on to two different crystals and

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listened to Wendy’s words, I feel a warmth and calmness come over me. She advised me on a few things I should watch out for and some foods I should eat to help me in the weeks to come. It was certainly a very interesting experience.

All in all, to be able to take the time out of my busy day and sit with such a calming and spiritual person was in itself a great experience. But afterwards I felt as if a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders and I left with a spring in my step and an increase in my energy levels.

So pop in to see Wendy at Déjà Vu in Ferragudo, or get in touch using the contact details below. In addition to seeing people in the shop, she is also happy to do home visits.  +351 935 419 661  henshaw12345@gmail.com

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Food & drink

Discovering Silves’ Moorish secret

BY STEVEN SUTTON

Next time you find yourself wandering the streets of Silves, take a left down Travessa da Cato as you make your way up the climbing road that leads to the cathedral. It may look like a typical residential street, but follow the small signs on the wall and in about 50 yards you will find restaurant Segredo dos Mouros - or ‘Moorish Secret’.

were drawn to every nook and cranny to see what gems had been carefully placed by the team for their customers’ enjoyment.

I ordered tapas, which arrives on a platter and is made to be shared. All the produce here is locally sourced and prepared on the premises. Nothing is too much trouble, and the team want you to enjoy every last morsel. This also includes the wine, which Kerry is a bit of an expert on - so be sure to ask her to tell you about any special bottles she has discovered on her travels.

As you descend the steps you get the feeling you are entering someone’s home. When I last visited I was greeted by owner Kerry, who gave me the distinct impression that the evening was going to have a warm and homely feel about it. As she led me out to the balcony I found myself in awe of the view over the entire town, all the way to the historic mansion on the other side of the river.

For Kerry and her partner, Carlos, your comfort is paramount and they make sure you have everything you need; your glasses are always being filled and the bread is never ending! If it’s your first visit you will soon be made to feel as if you have known them for years and when you leave you will definitely want to come back.

The restaurant has a warm, eclectic feel and my eyes

So, give it a try and say that Steven sent you.

 Travessa da Cato 13, Silves  +351 968 092 942  @segredodosmouros

Why go organic?

BY KATE INÁCIO, ALGARVE GARDENS Have you ever wondered why you should pay more for products marked ‘organic’ in the supermarket? Organic produce is generally considered ‘better’ for us, and if you believe that toxic chemicals cause harm to your body then you’ll agree you can’t put a price on your health!

The key difference between organic and non-organic produce is the former is not contaminated by pesticides, the chemicals used in farming to kill pests including insects, rodents, fungi and weeds, and a term that instantly brings to mind health issues such as cancer, asthma and birth defects. Whilst rules are in place to

regulate ‘pesticide residue’ (the amount of pesticides found on or in food items when they reach the consumer), worries over their toxic nature abound.

“People are yearning for more intense flavours, and there’s good news in that organic farming accentuates flavour in fruits and vegetables.”

Conversely, organic produce is not contaminated by these agricultural chemicals. What’s more, on average organic food is 63% higher in calcium, 118% higher in magnesium and 73% higher in iron, not to mention 29% lower in mercury. I know which of the two I would rather feed my kids…

But organic produce doesn’t just cover fruit and veg; it extends to free-range organic meat - or ‘happy meat’, as I call it - too. Look for free-range eggs and dairy products also.

It’s been proven that organic food tastes better, too. A 2014 study published in the British Journal of Nutrition revealed:

The organic world is out there waiting to be discovered, and at Algarve Gardens we bring it to you via our home delivery service!

To enquire or for further advice on organic produce, don’t hesitate to contact us.

 algarvegardens@outlook.pt  +351 927 094 497  @algarvegardens

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Outdoor

Crazy about climbers: part one

BY CLIVE GOODACRE

Whether scrambling over walls, trained up pillars, providing ground cover over banks or just hiding a blot on the landscape, every good garden needs climbers. Although amorphous, they are architectural because they ultimately develop their own form after initially taking on the shape of their supporting structure.

What makes climbers so useful is their ability to cover large areas without needing the space or architecture of shrubs and trees. In the wild, climbers tend to grow from shade to sunlight, often scrambling from the jungle floor. Their diet is normally lean and well drained, although they respond well to feeding every month or so in their main growing period.

The Mediterranean gardening year can be charted by which climbers come into bloom when. To name just a few: winter and early spring for Hardenbergia violacia, Pyrostegia venusta and Jasminum polyanthum; mid spring for Wisteria floribunda and Passiflora edulis; early summer for Campsis radicans and more varieties of jasmine; and Pandorea jasminoides, Mandevilla Alice du Pont and Podranea ricasoliana into autumn. And punctuating the entire year, of course, are the amazing Bougainvillea and Passiflora families.

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Climbers differ greatly in their root space requirements, and it is this that defines which can be grown in pots and which need more space. In general climbers like cool roots, so consider carefully where you site potted climbers. If there is no alternative then consider placing one pot inside a larger one and filling the space with tree bark for insulation.

Although renowned for their vigour, climbers often take a year or more to become established and often look stringy and pathetic after winter. Always wait until late spring before giving up on them – a case of pull in haste and repent at leisure! It is amazing how bougainvilleas, for example, come back from dead-looking wood. Some climbers like honeysuckle, ivy and morning glory (Ipomoea indica) refuse to let go, so site them carefully.

Newly planted climbers like to establish a firm support, get their roots down and then put on leaves and flowers. Be patient; let those long, winding shoots take hold and don’t be tempted to trim them off thinking they will lead to more substantial woody growth, because all the plant will do is keep putting on more until you leave it alone.

For sheer vigour and their tropical vibe, passion flowers are hard to beat - provided you can tolerate their rampant sprawling habit. They like well-drained soil with some sharp sand or gravel, plus compost and loam to reflect their natural growing conditions in places like the high Andes, forest floors or rough ground. Their root systems are relatively compact making them good in pots, provided they don’t get overheated.

Being so fast-growing they easily become starved, so feed regularly with a potash-based compost and less frequently with sulphate of iron, which also keeps slugs and snails at bay. Generally frost either kills them or cuts them back to the ground.

Originating from South America, Passiflora pinnatistipula is well established throughout Mediterranean regions and useful for screening and clothing dead trees. Equally rampant is P. Edulis, producing delicious edible fruit. (Most passion flowers produce edible fruit, although some are less tasty than others.)

Altogether there are around 500 varieties of passion flower ranging from exquisite to bizarre. Passiflora quadrangularis is both of these in spades, with its huge red, purple and white fragrant flowers floating amongst heavily veined leaves resembling something from The Day of the Triffids. It is a tender plant, requiring heat and protection from wind. Its flowers only last an hour or two before closing and shrivelling, but they appear in steady succession throughout high summer, truly adding wow factor to any garden or conservatory.

Some climbers are classed as being too invasive and Ipomoea indica (morning glory) certainly falls into this category, despite its beautiful mauve/blue flowers. Unless you have a large wild garden then only plant this where it can be contained, since it is capable of travelling underground for many metres and is virtually impossible to remove once established.

If you are looking for something slightly less rampant then choose honeysuckle, which makes very good ground cover and can be pulled back more easily. A good variety is the common yellow and white flowering scented Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) which is evergreen here and thrives on minimum water.

Stephanotis falls in the ‘tricky but worth it’ it category, mainly because it prefers neutral to mildly acidic conditions, regular water and is cut back severely by the mildest frost. Given the right spot on a south-facing wall, it will grow into a magnificent, evergreen, woody climber. Try not to prune or adjust its vines during the flowering season, otherwise it can become stressed and drop buds. If you don’t have ideal conditions, plant one in a pot, give it regular feed, bottled water preferably and enjoy its heavenly scent.

More about tricky but ‘worth it’ climbers next month and other considerations for autumn.

And Finally...

10 minutes with… Amanda Foo-Ryland Yorkshire-born Amanda, 50, is the founder of life coaching company Your Life Live It. She lives near Carvoeiro. We caught up with her to talk fundraising, food and living life to the fullest…

How did you end up in Portugal?

I’m originally from Halifax in Yorkshire, but I came to Portugal back in 2002 with my late husband, Keith. We really loved the climate, the people and the food. I re-married in Portugal last year and my wife, Sarah, and I split our time between our home near Carvoeiro and Queenstown, New Zealand.

What is your professional background?

I have worked in human development for over 30 years, starting at the age of 19 as a trainer at Estée Lauder and ending up as director of education at Clinique, looking after their European, Middle Eastern and African markets. Then, at the age of 35, I retrained as a coach; I now have a doctorate in clinical hypnosis and am qualified to train others. I started working on my own after finishing my studies in 2005 but I could only help so many people, so I decided to license my brand - that is how Your Life Live It started. I now work with a team of 18 coaches worldwide.

Can you explain Your Life Live It? We are a group of like-minded coaches who help people of all ages and backgrounds to live a full and vibrant life. If life is not gong the way you want it, or you have a fear, phobia or habit that is holding you back, we can help.

We use techniques including neurolinguistic programming (NLP), Time Line Therapy and hypnosis to help people make changes easily and fast, with long-lasting results. To date we have helped thousands of people to live a life that is full and has purpose.

What common problems do you deal with?

Many clients come to us to help them find their way; they may be depressed, have a phobia such as fear of flying, or have simply become stuck in a rut. Stress and anxiety are common problems too. The great thing is that clients don’t need to have appointment after appointment; the common number of sessions is three. We work both face-to-face and online, but mainly the latter.

What do you do in your spare time?

I run, cycle and do crazy challenges; in 2008 I ran across Portugal in seven days, and last year Sarah and I cycled from the French Alps to York.

In 2018 we are cycling from Carvoeiro to Chester to raise funds in memory of my mother in law, Doreen. We sadly lost her three weeks before we married. She was a lecturer in nursing at Chester and Perth W.A universities, and a scholarship has been set up in her name. Our goal is to raise AUS$ 100,000 to help fund the education of students who would otherwise not be able to afford to study, so they can go on to save lives. You can support us on Facebook: @daughterspride.

What do you love about living in the Algarve?

The climate, coastline, people, food, relaxed pace, sea… what is there not to love?  www.yourlifeliveit.com  @yourlifeliveit  amanda@yourlifeliveit.com

Local loves: Amanda’s favourite…

Cheap eat restaurant The food at Pintadinho, on the beach of the same name, is amazing - it’s so fresh. Three generations work there and they take good care of their guests.  ‘Restaurante Pintadinho’

Sunset drinks spot Sitting on the new roof at King of the Beach, Praia do Caneiros, overlooking the ocean is the perfect place to sip on a cold G&T.  www.restaurantereidaspraias.com

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Local shop G-Ride in Portimão. As keen cyclists we just love bike shops, and this one has everything we need. Ana and the team look after us so well.  www.g-ridebike.com