Tomorrow Portimão, Alvor, Ferragudo & Carvoeiro January 2018 Edition

A COMMUNITY MAGAZINE FOR PORTIMÃO, ALVOR, FERRAGUDO & CARVOEIRO

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Happy New Year “Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one.”

I saw this quote by Brad Paisley.and thought it was quite relevant.

The first month of a New Year can seem quite calm and relaxed after all the rushing about for Christmas and the New Year’s celebrations. This is always a time to set yourself New Year’s Resolutions and plan changes in your life. Look at ways to make things better, healthier and happier. If you are anything like me, you set yourself goals and then promptly give them up

by January 15th. Sound familiar? However, this year, I am doing something different. I am setting small achievable things. Baby steps. It’s the little things that make the big difference.

2018 is the coming of age for the New Millennium generation, 18 years since the turn of the century. The Millennium Bug, that didn’t come out of its cocoon!

This new generation can now drink in the bars and are considered adults. What difference will they make to our world? Let’s wait and see.

For all at Tomorrow, we want this year to be the year we really get behind the local community and make a difference to the place where we live and work, and to be in a better position to help those less fortunate than ourselves. To give a voice to those who have, up until now, not been heard. As always, we ask for your

Tom Henshaw (Tomorrow Lagos) Steven Sutton (Tomorrow Portimão)

feedback and your thoughts on how we can do this. Do carry on sending in your thoughts and ideas.

We also love your contributions too which you can send to our editor, Amber Henshaw, amber2@tomorrowalgarve.com Best wishes for a great month and year.

Steven, Amber and the rest of the Tomorrow team.

Steven Sutton:  +351 919 185 677  steven@tomorrowalgarve.com Amber Henshaw:  amber@tomorrowalgarve.com

On the cover Thanks to the wonderful Alyson Sheldrake for the fabulous front cover. Do any of our eagle eyed readers recognise the lighthouse? You can read more about the policewoman turned artist on page 10.

Stay Connected... 





TomorrowAlgarve

www.tomorrowalgarve.com

+351 919 185 677

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Community

Left to right: Monte da Casteleja tractor; Wines of Monte de Casteleja; Harvest; Wine tours

Wine with a Difference

BY LENA STRANG

Many people are familiar with the excellent wines of the Douro and the Alentejo but Guillaume Leroux, a regional wine maker, is making sure that the Algarve is firmly on the map too.

Monte da Casteleja, near Lagos, with its traditional Algarvian ‘quinta’ is a seven hectare farm just past the aerodrome on the road to Sargaçal. I learn that on the ‘monte’ or hillocks overlooking green undulating countryside, there is evidence of an earlier Roman castle; hence the name ‘casteleja’. I am not wholly surprised to find out that wine is likely to have been produced on this spot many centuries ago.

For over ten years Guillaume has been growing vines here. He firmly believes that the Algarve can produce good quality wines provided local conditions are taken into account. And he has gone one step further by being the first in the region to produce and market organic wine.

As a wine lover I was looking forward to meeting Guillaume and finding out about his endeavours. I wanted to know what’s special about the wines he produces and how he can possibly compete with established wines in other regions.

He greets me at the entrance of the farmhouse, which is painted in a fresh white and blue colour. I am

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taken by his bouncy enthusiasm and his eagerness to show me what he has accomplished.

As we walk around the grounds, Guillaume tells me more about himself. Born in Paris, of a French father and Algarvian mother, he spent his childhood in Portugal. “My father was a great lover of Portuguese wines and this passion was passed on to me early", he explains. “I always remember him selecting a bottle from his cellar to enjoy with a meal.”

After his father’s death he inherited the farm, which was originally bought by his maternal grandfather, but who never cultivated it himself as he was involved in the fish canning industry.

Having chosen viticulture, Guillaume went on to study winemaking at a college in Montpellier, Paris, followed by postgraduate studies in Oporto.

“Producing wine in the Algarve was always uppermost in my mind but I worried about the climate and the lack of a quality winemaking tradition in the region,” he points out.

His month long stint working at vineyards in Australia was a turning point. “Yes! I thought.

Australia has the same arid conditions as the Algarve so it would be possible to do it successfully here too,” he enthuses. With his subsequent experience of working at vineyards in central Portugal and the

Douro region, he set about realising his ambitions.

After much research into climactic conditions, analysis of soil and choice of grape varieties, he planted his first vines in 2000 with some financial assistance from the government.

The selection of grapes for arid conditions was crucial. The red variety, Bastardinho de Sagres, which he had come across in the Douro was nearly extinct in the Algarve. It was right for the region with its fullbodied and complex characteristics and blended well with Alfocheiro his second variety. For white wine he opted for the popular Arinto and the lesser known Perrum which combined well to give good structure, acidity and complexity.

“We had to wait three years before harvesting the crops and only the following year did our first wines go on sale. But it was a milestone for us,” he admits.

Three and a half hectares of the farm are devoted to vines, in addition to small almond, fig and olive plantations.

“We can’t compete with the big wine producers.

Instead we need to concentrate on high quality wines, using indigenous varieties where possible,” he says.

He is particularly concerned about the scarcity of water and doesn’t want to be reliant on irrigation. In order to help plants survive, he uses a method which seems bizarre at first but makes perfect sense as he explains: “We have more plants per hectare than normal - 5000 as opposed to 3500 – and the space between rows is only 2 metres. Plants compete for space, developing longer roots, making them more likely to survive when it is dry. The height of the vines is also reduced so less water is needed.”

On the southern part of the farm where red vines are planted in the clay rich soil, I notice weeds growing prolifically with hardly any bare soil visible.

It becomes clear that this is a topic close to his heart as he launches into an animated exchange. Six years ago he started the process of organic cultivation, without using any artificial pesticides or chemicals.

“It is a huge learning curve,” he maintains, “you have to be in touch with the environment to observe and learn how plants and soil interact.” The soil is mulched and covered by hay to avoid exposure to the sun. He plants ‘green manure’ in the rows, including leguminous plants, to provide oxygen and nitrogen and is always experimenting with plants that keep pests at bay. He is keen to combine traditional methods with new technologies.

August harvest time - the peak of the wine-growing season - is when locals and visitors turn up for the traditional treading of the grapes. It is a real community affair with food and wine laid on for workers in a shaded corner of the courtyard.

on the WWOOF scheme (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) work on the farm in exchange for food and lodging.

Guillaume thinks it is an excellent mutual arrangement, as people from different parts of the world also benefit from the exchange of experiences.

Guillaume’s enormous persistence in dealing with the bureaucratic process paid off and he is very proud to have achieved the right to use the label ‘organic wine’ on his bottles – the first one to do so in the region.

Because of new regulations for processing wine, the vineyard is currently expanding. A new vinery, cellar, reception area and shop will soon be completed. It’s a huge investment, but Guillaume believes it’s well worth it.

In the current reception area, samples of his red, white and rosé Monte da Casteleja wines are displayed in attractive packages.

There is also the exclusive red Maria selection and Meia Praia, specifically produced for restaurants. I have had the opportunity to try most and I must say I am impressed.

I notice a display cabinet in one corner of the room with a number of Roman and prehistoric artefacts.

“When I dig in the vineyard, I quite often come across old remains. I have become quite expert at identifying them by now!” Guillaume laughs, “It is believed that the very first settlers in Lagos – the old Lacobriga – lived here with the sea coming much closer to the property. Lots of pieces of amphorae show that wine was stored.”

Monte da Casteleja has the capacity to produce 15,000 bottles a year, mainly for the Algarve and Lisbon, where there is an increasing demand for organic wines. The wine is mostly sold to small supermarkets, wine bars, restaurants and hotels and at various fairs across the country. “It takes time to build a reputation but I think we are getting there,” he says.

Guillaume has certainly achieved a considerable amount in a few years. He is producing wine of the highest quality for a niche market. He is also sensitive to the local environment and has embarked on his journey to produce organic wine. He is keen to promote eco tourism and his farm is the first that is part of the western leg of the Wine Routes of the Algarve. Here’s to the wines of the region!

Besides full time members of staff, there is always a need for additional help. During the year, volunteers  Monte da Casteleja  +351 282 798 408

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Top to bottom: Monte da Casteleja; Guillaume Leroux.

Community

Refugio dos Burros – Donkey Sanctuary

BY GEORGE FORD

Dogs are famously said to be man’s best friend.

Renowned for their loyal and lovable spirit, canines are the ideal companion for millions of humans around the globe. Unfortunately, a dog’s endearing nature does not always ensure them a happy home.

Hundreds of strays wander the cobbled streets of Portugal’s Algarve with no place to call home.

Staff over at Refugio dos Burros are working tirelessly and selflessly to combat this. The sanctuary has its work cut out; housing up to 98 dogs at any one time is no mean feat. The animals are fortunate to share acres of land, which requires a great deal of maintenance, and live harmoniously alongside donkeys, sheep, pigs and horses (other animals in the care of the sanctuary). A lot of these animals have suffered a traumatic past, meaning that individuals often have special requirements.

Bridie Harding, kennel manager: "Around 75% of the dogs here are unlikely to get re-homed for one reason and another, so we try to make this their home. The dog walkers give them some of the normal things a dog would get with a home, exercise,attention and some cuddles."

What makes it even more difficult is that the Refugio dos Burros is dependent on the donations they receive. The sanctuary is in Estombar and survives through the generous donations of the public and money raised from their charity shops. Figures reported on the website shed light on the scale of this expense: ‘every month around €1200 is spent on food, €1500 on veterinary care.’ Any donations to the sanctuary are greatly appreciated and can be made online.

Otherwise, if you have time, volunteers are always needed to help out in their charity shops. Any donations that could be sold in the shops are also

6

welcome, alongside donations for the sanctuary such as dog leads, food, blankets and towels for bedding.

Every Thursday from 11am until 1pm the sanctuary’s doors are open to volunteers to help walk the dogs.

You won’t have to take all 98 at once, but rather just one at a time, for as long as you would like. This is great exercise for us as the dogs are inquisitive and full of energy. They love meeting new volunteers and thrive on their weekly adventures. You will leave the sanctuary with the welcome knowledge that you have made a difference.

After starting a new life here in the sunny Algarve, it can be difficult to commit to the responsibility of owning a pet. Whether it's apartment rules and regulations or simply time and money, becoming a pet owner can seem a daunting task. That’s why Refugio dos Burros holds the perfect solution; a once a week visit to get out in the fresh air with a canine companion by your side. It is the perfect excuse to spend a few hours’ outdoors and active.

Get to know the dogs each Thursday while meeting fellow walkers and volunteers. You can even sponsor a dog if you would like to contribute to their upkeep for €25 per quarter. After sponsoring an animal, the sanctuary will send you updates, pictures of your chosen sponsor and how your donation has helped.

Visit their website or Facebook page to find out more. Updates are posted regularly about the sanctuary and its residents. The Facebook page also posts pictures of dogs and cats that need a new home, they are often from local pounds where animals are in constant need of rehoming.

Make a difference this New Year and help an animal in need.  www.refugiodosburros.org  @o.refugio.dos.burros

Community

Danish entrepreneur diversifies A few months ago we introduced you to Brian Knudsen who was growing pumpkins in the Lagoa area - now he’s diversifying and people will soon be able to find rhubarb for sale in the Algarve.

Len Port has more.

and basil. All are in big demand in Northern European countries such as Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK where Knudsen has well-established business connections. Rhubarb is also in big demand and of special interest because it can be grown here in the Algarve during Northern Europe's off-season.

“Lagoa has just the right conditions to produce rhubarb from January to June, out of the normal growing season in Scandinavia,” says Knudsen.

Another crop of peas is currently being cultivated on the original 12-hectares of land leased by Knudsen south of the town. The latest pea crop is for harvesting in March. In 2017, his first full year of production here, Knudsen dispatched many tonnes of peas, squashes and pumpkins northward.

By turning more abandoned ground within the municipality of Lagoa into fertile fields of vegetables this year, Danish entrepreneur Brian Knudsen will not only increase production, but diversify the type of crops he is able to export to Northern Europe.

He was able to rely on Silves reservoir water for irrigation but has now drilled a borehole on the original site as Silves reservoir supplies are normally cut while maintenance work is carried out during the winter. Considerable winter rains will be needed to top up the region’s reservoirs for this year's domestic and agricultural supplies.

For the first time ever, Lagoa will have a full range of herbs, as well as a vegetable never commercially grown anywhere in the Algarve before and rarely seen in supermarkets here ~ rhubarb.

Knudsen is hoping to buy or lease much more land in the coming months. He is passing more of his business activity in Denmark to a colleague there in order to concentrate more on expansion here.

The list of herbs to be grown in greenhouses will include parsley, chives, oregano, chili, mint, rosemary

 +351 912 507 693  mail@frigaardgroent.dk

More about Marley A fundraising campaign which was launched to buy an electric wheelchair for six-year-old Marley Ignacio has been a massive success. We are delighted to say that with the community’s support - especially help from the Aljezur International School - he now has the chair. Here his mother, Kate, tells us about the next stages for Marley.

2018 isn’t going to be an easy year with new obstacles presenting themselves with two operations approaching – one on his eyes and another on his palet. Marley has progressive conditions - muscular dystrophy and congenital bone deficiency - which means that new problems will constantly emerge.

I’m apprehensive about the year ahead however positivity is a must and I have to keep smiling for him. We are now fundraising for his eye operation and also all the specialized equipment he needs for the home. I have attached a list below as sometimes your readers may have some contacts or anything going second hand.

Buying second hand equipment is a very difficult challenge and there is a very small market for disabled equipment in the

Algarve. Just one bar for a toilet costs between €300-€500 the prices are insane!

aware of to help with comfort but most importantly independence.

- Travel hoist - Specialised mattress and sleepform support - Toilet aids and raised seat - Bath hoist and longer term wet room - Mattress overlays - Respiratory sleep device alarm - Blood pressure machine - Rest bite chair - Grab bars - Bath seat and bath lift - Specialised car seat - Ramp for the car and various at home - Bed rail and support - Foam pillow and slide sheets - Pressure care - Any other equipment which we become

Over the next few months we will be holding a series of fundraisers including an evening meal, impossible run and a line dancing barbeque. I’m always looking for more ideas for fundraising and for people to help. What I would love is to one day create a small centre – somewhere children with difficulties can go to get help, have fun and support for families who really struggle out here. This is my aim and I really hope we can make a difference!

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If you would like to find out more, have any fundraising ideas or want to make a donation please go to our website.  www.marleyandmum.com

Community incorporate a series of waves of colour into the design. There will always be a 'traditionally painted' focus, combined with my own design, which I have named my New Wave style as no-one else seems to paint like this, so I had to come up with my own name for it. I like that I have a unique and recognisable style to my work.

What mediums do you work with?

I fell in love with acrylics when I moved here to live, they are so rich and buttery to paint with, and the colours are bright, and perfect for the landscape and colours of the Algarve. They do dry out quickly though which is why I don't paint in July and August out here - it's just too hot!

Do you have a funny story to share with us?

If you are going to select your favourite artist's work to 'copy' (seriously there is nothing wrong with this, by the way) don't take your finished piece into a local picture framer because you could be greeted with "oh you've got a Hammond there!" Oops - for the record no I hadn't put his signature on it. I was just copying it to see how it worked. But I had managed to take my finished painting to the exact same framers’ that did all of the artist's picture framing for him!

Meet the artist A new online website has been set up by the Algarve Society of Artists to promote art from the region. Each month the society will shine a spotlight on a local artist. This month we are introducing Ferragudo-based Alyson Sheldrake.

Please can you start by telling us a little bit about yourself?

I am originally from Birmingham, but spent all of my student and adult working life in the South West of England. I was a police officer for 13 years, before leaving to pursue a career in education. I rose to the heady heights of Director of Education, before leaving the UK to live here in the Algarve with my husband Dave.

My dream was always to have my own studio space and to be able to spend all day painting and creating. I had always painted around my full-time career, spending the occasional week on an art course or holiday and becoming inspired, only to have to go back to work again and pack my paints away. Now I have my own studio, my husband Dave has been able to follow his dream to become a photographer, and I get to steal all of his work to paint from!

Tell us about your art and what you specialise in.

I paint bold modern acrylics that use local scenes and objects as focal points and then

This was actually a turning point for me as an artist, when I realised 'hang on a minute, if they thought that really was an original by a famous artist and I painted it then maybe I can really do this 'painting' thing. I have never really looked back since or tried to paint someone else's style again!

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

Just go for it! Pick up a pencil, pen or paintbrush and just enjoy creating. The hardest thing to do is often to silence the little voice in your head that says 'you can't do this'. Ignore the voice, create, and don't worry at all what the finished piece is going to look like.

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

I am busy with commissions as always, and I have a hope that soon I can have enough time to put together another series of paintings for one of our 'Pop Up' exhibitions that I run with Dave and his photographs.

Last year we launched the Algarve Art project and am amazed that we now have over 75 members of the Algarve Society of Artists already. It's a real buzz to be able to encourage and promote other artists and their work here in the Algarve.

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

You can visit me in my home studio near Ferragudo by appointment. I have a few paintings always for sale via my website, and I am always happy to take on private commissions.

 +351 91 202 7256  alyson@artbyalysonsheldrake.com  www.artbyalysonsheldrake.com For Algarve Art membership or information:  a3art@live.co.uk You can read more about The Algarve Society of Artists at  www.algarve-art.com

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What's On

The Burns Supper

BY DOUG MCADAM, CHIEFTAIN The Saint Andrew’s Society of the Algarve once again held a highly successful Saint Andrew’s Ball at the Penina Hotel on Saturday November 25th with well over 100 participants.

Our piper Malcolm MacGillivray greeted guests into the hotel and then led the parade into the ball after the champagne reception.

As ever the Hotel Penina looked after us wonderfully well. They produced a superb buffet – including preparing a cake with the Saint Andrew’s cross under balloons in the shape of the number “10” signifying the number of years they had been hosting our Ball. The friendly and attentive staff ensured that everything ran smoothly.

For the nineteenth year running the Scottish ceilidh band Sound of Islay entertained guests warmly. They, along with contributions from piper Malcolm, ensured that the dancing was both energetic and enthusiastic leaving just enough strength for a lusty Auld Land Syne on the stroke of midnight. An unexpected treat to bring the evening to a close was a moving bagpipe duet with Malcolm and band drummer

Andrew who is also a talented piper.

The Society was very grateful to our sponsors EuroFinesco for once again contributing to the costs of transporting the band from Scotland and to Medal Insurance for covering the cost of the magnificent heather table decorations made by Janette Owenson.

The Society hopes that the Ball will have whetted appetites for their next event – the Burns’ Supper at the Restaurante Ponte Romana in Silves on Saturday January 27th 2018. So put this event in your diaries now and watch this space for further details later. And if in the meantime you would like to practise your Scottish country dancing skills give Mardie Cunningham a call (282 356029) about the sessions at the Nobel School in Porches on Monday evenings from 7.30-9.30 pm.

If you would like to know more about the Society – no need to be Scots – give Chieftain Doug McAdam or Treasurer Kathy Prentice a call.

The Grand Chouriço Festival This year’s great sausage festival takes place in Querença, just north of Loulé on January 21st.

This annual event takes place every January and is held at the Church Square in the village.

This popular festival is in honour of St. Luis, Patron Saint of Animals, to thank him for the well being of the pigs raised in the area that feed the locals throughout the year.

Doug McAdam:  +351 935 577 362 Treasurer Kathy Prentice:  +351 919 635 246

The big band comes to Faro The Glenn Miller Orchestra conducted

by Maestro Ray McVay returns to the Algarve, with a show at Teatro das Figuras in Faro on February 9th at 9.30pm.

The Glenn Miller Orchestra continues to delight audiences around the world with their shows, featuring all-time hits such as Moonlight Serenade, In The Mood, Tuxedo Junction and Chattanooga Choo Choo. Ray McVay

directs around 20 talented musicians and singers in this big band spectacle, which captures the magic of the 1930s.

This is one that is not to be missed!

Prices: €27.50 (front stalls) & €25 (rear stalls). For more information visit the website. You can also buy tickets online.  www.teatrodasfiguras.pt

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A procession is held in honour of the Saint, closely followed by the grilling of a multitude of sausages. There are tasting sessions, lunches and snacks, all made with the famous Chouriço; all washed down with beer and wine.

Entertainment consists of live music, singing and plenty of dancing takes place with everybody welcome to join the festivities. Very often an auction featuring the local sausage will be held and all proceeds will go to a charity.

So here we go folks, the first of many festivals being held in the Algarve in 2018 and it promises to be a fine way to kick off the New Year. Cheers!

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

Useful Numbers General

Fitness Fab Fun Fitness | Fri 11.30am, €5 Buganvilia Fitness Club, Alvor +351 915 396 263 QiGong Mon 10am, Yoga Mon & Wed 8 - 9.30am & Tue & Fri 7 - 8.15pm, Pilates Mon 7.30pm, Clinical Pilates Tue & Thurs 12pm, Vinyasa Yoga Tues & Fri 7am (2x week €45 p.month), Meditation Fri 8.30pm (By appointment), €25 p.m Villa Prana | Portimão, +351 282 484 256 Aerobics, Toning & Stretch 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 (make a left at the roundabout after Fatacil), +351 962 009 703 Taekwondo Mon Thurs & Fri 7pm | €45p/m (child) €60 p/m (adult), Fitball Mon & Thurs 9.15 - 10am, 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 +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 | V.d'O .Carvoeiro & Thurs 8.15am | Serenity Lagoa, Gentle Yoga Fri 11am | V. d’O. Carvoeiro Sat 11am | Rocha Brava Carvoeiro, €10 +351 911 510 641 Hatha Yoga Mon 8 & 10am €10 | Pilates Thur 9.45am €25p/m Espaço Portas do Sol Portimão | Ideias do Levante, +351 965 017 845 Netball Wed 7pm | All ages, behind Lagos Bombeiros charlie.milsom@gmail.com

Classes

Events

Piano Lessons Mon & Thur 5pm €45 p/m | Private Singing Lessons €30 | Painting Classes Fri 6pm €35 p/m Music Theory & Study Group €50p/m | Espaço Portas do Sol Portimão | Ideias do Levante, +351 965 017 845

January 6 Walking in Paderne | 11km 3.5hrs |€10 inc tea and cake | January 13 Walking in Malhão | 9.30am 16km 5.30hrs | January 28 Native Tree Planting 9.30am Free | Dontation to Nossa Terra Quimera Experience, +351 962 647 741

Tap Dance Classes Tues 5pm & Wed 6pm (7-18yrs), BOA Esperança Atletico Clube Portimonense, Portimão, +351 282 422 976 Pregnant Classes | Tues & Thurs 1.15pm, 2 p/wk €45 p.month, Villa Prana Portimão +351 282 484 256 Sevillanas Dance Classes Wed 8.15pm €22 p/m Beginners, Private sevillanas or Flamenco Classes avaliable, Academia Dança Mais | Portimão, +351 962 556 856 Private Piano Lessons | €80x8/ €15 p/less. Parchal Svetlana +351 936 786 266 Dog Socialisation Walk Thurs 4pm, €5 | Porches, +351 967 925 099 Private Yoga & Partner Yoga €15-25 p.session, Portimão +351 936 786 267 Latin American & Ballroom Dancing (from Jan 9th) Tues 10am (imp.) | 11.45 (new beg. from 16th) 12.30 (Intermediate/Adv.) | Jive 11-11.45am Alvor Community Centre Wed 7pm (All Levels) & 8pm (new beginners from 17th) Carvoeiro Club de Tenis, €5, +351 961 916 821 Scottish Country Dancing Mon 7.30- 9.30pm, €1.50 Nobel International School Lagoa, +351 282 356 029 Dog Instruction (Group lessons) Sat 5pm | 1st by appoint., Hotel do CÃO | Rasmalho | Portimão, +351 964 083 602 Portuguese Beginners Class Tue & Thur 9.30, €5 | Chinicato, +351 912 417 994

Quiz Night Mon 8.30pm, Rodizio of Tapas Thurs 8.30pm, BBQ Meat Feast Sun 2pm – 9pm, €6.50, The Courtyard Bistro & Bar Alvor | +351 912 441 143 Group Lesson - Short Game Area & Driving Range Wed 10am - 1pm | €20 p.p & Fri 3 - 4.30pm | €15 p.p, Espiche Golf +351 282 688 250 Winter Golf Special 2 Players + Buggy €105 or 1 Player + Buggy €60 Boavista Golf & Spa, +351 282 00 0111

Charity/ Support January 24th Alzheimer's/ Dementia Support Group 11am, Cafe Bom Dia, Rua Moinho do Azeite | Lagos, Carol +351 926 297 527 or Kirsteen +351 968 084 946 AA Meeting Portimao: Mon 7.30pm - 9pm & Fri 730pm, Beco das Hortensias Lote 18 R/C/ B Vale Franca | Porches (Lagoa): Thur 7.30pm Centro Cultural D. Dinis Rua da Praça 2 | Albufeira: Tue 8pm | Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Albufeira +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

EMERGENCY TOURIST SUPPORT AIRPORT TRANSFER

112 808 781 212 965 026 176

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

282 490 750 281 380 660 282 799 668 213 914 900 289 803 757 213 942 260

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

What's On

Jazz in the Wineries A series of concerts have been organised for people in Silves to hear great jazz, chat to musicians and appreciate good wine while finding out how it is produced from the producer or oenologist.

Two of these concerts are taking place this month featuring artistic groups who have been doing important work at both national and international level.

On January 13th Low Tech Groove will be performing at Quinta João Clara, Alcantarilha.

In 2013, Low Tech Groove embarked on a journey along the pathways of groove, trying out various styles of music, such as rock, funk, blues, bossa nova and jazz. This adventure allowed them to gather a diverse legacy of sounds that became the basis for their

musical creations. They set off on this journey and they do not know when they will return!

Then on January 20th people are invited to another one in the series.

This time at Convento do Paraiso in Silves.

André Capela, a music virtuoso from the Algarve, is always involved in various projects including, but not limited to, jazz. For Jazz in the Wineries, he has put together a repertoire geared towards wine tasting. Plenty of groove and rhythm and a unique way of connecting with the audience.

André Capela (Saxophones, flute and guitar) Cathy Santos (Voice) Vasco Ramalho (Vibraphone, marimba and percussion) Bruno Vítor (Double bass and percussion)

Four-legged friends Everyone is welcome to attend.

The idea is to promote healthy lifestyles, health and well-being, and to encourage exercise, as well as to raise awareness about the plight of abandoned animals. Only dogs with a leash or harness will be able to participate. Holders will be responsible for their animals People can volunteer to walk the kennel dogs. If you would like to do this you will need to arrive 15 minutes

The next monthly meeting of classic cars in Armação de Pêra takes place on January 7th from 10am to 1pm. It’s an event that seems to grow in popularity each month.

It’s easy to find if you park in the free car park just before the Holiday Inn hotel, and then walk along to the promenade above the beach where the old mini-golf used to be - you really can’t miss it!

The event is promoted by the Junta de Freguesia – the parish council; the ‘Amigos dos Veículos Clássicos do Barlavento’ group and the local amateur football club team “Os Armacenenses.”

 +351 282 440 800  turismo@cm-silves.pt

On January 13th the Animal Welfare Centre in Albufeira, Vale Pedras, is holding a free dog walking event from 10am to 1pm.

Classic cars

early. There is also an environmental angle to the walk.

Everyone will be given rubbish bags so they can pick up rubbish on the way.

The walk is likely to last between 4 and 5 km’s.

The meeting point is the Animal Welfare Center of Albufeira - Vale Pedras 37.107763, -8.238439.

For more information please email Associação Pata Activa.  pata.ativa.associacao@gmail.com

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Art and sculpture The Vale do Lobo Art Gallery is exhibiting a selection of paintings by Rodrigo Ferreira and sculptures by Paula Castro Freire over the next few months.

Explore the thought-provoking paintings of Rodrigo Ferreira and the expressive sculptures of Paula Castro Freire until March 8th.  +351 289 353 327  galeriadearte@vdl.pt

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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.

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Health

Banish the winter colds and flu

BY LESLEY WALL

Invoke the Spirit of Christmas Past with the aroma of Pine – Cinnamon - Orange – Clove Bud -Ginger – Frankincense and reap the health benefits.

Pine needle essential oil is the smell of a freshly cut Christmas tree and it also helps clear nasal congestion. Cinnamon essential oil has such a spicy aroma which is warming, comforting and strengthens the mind. A whiff of this acts like a tonic to the mind and body. Another oil which is great for colds and flu.

Clove bud essential oil has a full-bodied, warm aroma very closely associated with the Christmas used in Mulled Wine. It’s great for the immune system as well as being an inspect repellent.

Sweet orange essential oil is so uplifting and refreshing this burst of citrus freshness always brings a ray of sunshine indoors no matter what the weather is outside.

Ginger essential oil -is a warming spicy yet sweet aroma which can help with motivating you. It also helps to purify the air against viral infections.

Frankincense essential oil has a perfect calming, relaxing aroma which has been used for meditation for along time, giving an atmosphere of serenity and allows you breathe deeply even in the most tense situations.

All these oils are anti-bacterial and have anti-viral properties, so, not only are they warming, they are some of the most unrivalled bug busters and it is all from nature.

 www.karmaskincare.co.uk

Get your body back

BY DAVID MURPHY NMT/PHYS THER It’s January! It’s the New Year! And it’s time for the New Year’s resolutions!

ignore any more. By which time, it may be too late to do anything about them.

Get your body back in shape!.

Do you have aches and pains, lumps and bumps you didn’t have when you were 21? Is your body not responding in ways it used to? Are you about to embark on a January regime at the gym or maybe you are looking to start a health kick and fitness regime with a weak muscle or an unknown joint issue? (This can cause you more damage in the long run and lead to serious problems.)

Are you noticing age creeping up on you? As we get older, our mind may say we are still 21 but our body has different ideas. All too often we will ignore the little warning signs until they become too big to

Our friends at Largo Damaso Physical Therapy Clinic in Mexilhoeira Grande have opened their doors for us and given you as Tomorrow readers the chance for a head to toe check up. (Or whatever part of your body needs it). It’s free of charge but a small donation of €5 to the magazine charity, TACT, would be great.

All you need to do is book an appointment and go along and let them do the rest. Prevention is better than cure! Spaces are limited, so book now to avoid disappointment. There will be two dates and these are January 27th and February 24th.

 +351 982 022 494  largodamaso@hotmail.com  Largo Damaso Clinica, 7 Largo Damaso Rocha, Mexilhoeira Grande

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Free head to toe check up for Tomorrow readers: Monday, January 29th Saturday, February 24th

Business

Bits and bytes

BY KURT PARDON

What is Powerline networking?

A Powerline network is essentially a wired network with (mostly) hidden wires. Let’s say that you have your broadband router in the hallway and a smart Samsung HD TV in the living room. Let’s also say that this particular television isn’t wireless-enabled, so the only way that you can enjoy catch-up TV on it is to trail an Ethernet cable from the router, down the hallway, and across the living room floor to the TV. You try to hide the cable under a large carpet. It doesn’t work.

The Powerline solution is less visible − a 'no new wires' approach. You buy a basic kit, which comes with two Powerline adapters and two short Ethernet cables. You connect one of the Ethernet cables to your router and to the first of the adapters. Then you

plug it into the nearest power socket. You click the second Ethernet cable into the back of the HD TV and into the second adapter. You plug the second adapter into the nearest power socket.

And that’s it. The adapters auto-detect each other (no drivers, no lengthy configuration process) and auto-connect, enabling data packets to whizz from router to TV, travelling along the Ethernet cable, into the first adapter, across the electrical wiring in the walls, out into the second adapter and into the TV. You can also purchase a Wireless Powerline Kit which allows you to extend your wireless Internet to almost every area in your house. Powerline networking is a great solution for multi-storey villas and homes that have poor wireless reception. Newteq can help provide a variety of Internet and Powerline solutions for both your business or home.

Please feel free to email any questions you may have or give us a call.

 +351 282 356 799  info@newteq.pt

Sulgar Alvor When Sulgar opened its doors in 1997 Portugal currency was still the escudo and fax machines were still central to businesses.

How times have moved on. Currencies have changed and so has technology but one thing that hasn’t changed is the level of passion and care that the team gives to everyone who comes into contact with them. The team has been the same since opening which means that they have familiar faces working in the office.

Sulgar is a local agent which makes it a little bit different from some of the others, offering a comprehensive service and an outstanding business relationship which is largely based on trust. Local knowledge is very important for selling and understanding the area, we believe a local agent can make a difference. The team speaks Portuguese, English, French, German and Dutch.

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They talk of a time when Alvor was overlooked and no one really knew about the town and there was a true community feel about the place. Now, Alvor is very much on the map and, like all of the Algarve, is seeing a resurgence due to the popularity of the Portuguese south coast. However, there is still a feeling of tradition and family in the town. Alvor does not offer the party or club scene of other towns. But don’t be mistaken, there are bars and restaurants of all tastes, with a lively and buzzing night-life. The newly renovated boardwalk along the beach makes them some of the most amazing in the area.

The team at Sulgar are dedicated to making sure that they give the best level of service and help the clients every need. They don’t see you as clients, they see you as neighbours. With an open door policy to all.

In recent years, the team have also been involved in the TV series A Place in the Sun which shows that they have a true undertaking of what clients are looking for. To buy or sell, they are there to help.

To Buy or Sell, We are here to Help.

 +351 282 458 062  info@sulgar.com

Speed up your computer - 4 x faster

All Things Apple

Newteq has opened a new Apple Authorised Service Provider in FARO. To celebrate we have a

Diagnostics

An SSD uses high speed memory chips to store your operating system, programs and data instead of an

Service & Repair

fantastic offer for you. Upgrade to an SSD drive and get an amazing improvement in speed. old spinning disk. “So what” Well it works up to 4 x faster!!!

Training & Advice

For example starting up the old way can take around 45-60 seconds.

With an SSD (Solid State Drive) you looking at 9-15 seconds.

Our offer to you – upgrade to an SSD now and we will give your transformed Mac or PC a

Hardware Upgrades

FREE Spring Clean worth €59.

Come and see us in FARO or LAGOA and talk to one of our friendly technicians.

Quote the code TM917 to qualify for the offer.

FARO:

T: (+351) 289 247 722

Rua Baptista Lopes, 36A

LAGOA: Rua Marquês de Pombal, 49

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Food & Drink

Alma Town

BY STEVEN SUTTON

Throughout the summer of 2017 I went to Alma Town and sat on the roof for a drink.

Each time I said I would go back and try the food. Eventually, I did. I wish I hadn’t left it so long.

there. My party actually arrived quite early in the evening so the staff weren’t quite ready, but they were very attentive and informative even though they were busy setting up for the evening.

just starting to fill up. The layout of the restaurant means that nearly every seat in the house gets a view across the square and you get to see the church in all its glory.

Alma Town is situated opposite the austere, Baroque Igreja do Colégio which is a former Jesuit college that dates back to the 17th century. It is now a grand church. During the day the views are unspoilt as you look across the square but in the evening they are spectacular. You see the church in all its splendour.

For starters we have prawns in garlic and stuffed mushrooms. The portions were for one but each one was enough for three. For mains, everyone had the steak kebab and it really hit the spot. Again ample portions.

Old Town Portimão is starting to come to life and I predict in the next few years, it will be one of the trendy places to be seen.

So, get in there first and lay your claim before the others get here.

Although we had no intention of eating dessert, we managed to squeeze it in with coffees and ports. Quite a few ports to be honest.

Alma Town is perfect for a lunch time drink on the roof terrace to relax or a quick lunch as well as an evening of food and good vibes.

The restaurant is run by a husband and wife team who ensure you are given the best level of service and attention while you are

By the time we were leaving the place was

 +351 282 416 196  almatown.food.wine@gmail.com

Chocolate-Banana Empanadas Ingredients: - 4 large ripe bananas - 2 tablespoons sugar - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1 recipe empanada dough, - 4 ounces (113g ) semisweet chocolate, broken in chunks - Icing sugar, for dusting - Empanada Dough: - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup masa harina - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled - 1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash - Butter, for greasing the pans Directions Mash the bananas, sugar, and cinnamon

together in a mixing bowl until creamy, but not completely smooth - you should still have pieces of banana chunks. Spoon a generous tablespoon of the banana filling on the empanada pastry circles and stick a piece of chocolate on top. Form and bake the empanadas as directed in the recipe.

Dust with icing sugar and serve hot.

Empanada Dough: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, masa harina, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the melted butter.

Gradually add 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup of water, working it in with your hands to incorporate; the dough should be easy to handle and not sticky. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes. Lightly flour your rolling pin and counter. Divide the dough in 1/2 so it will be easier to work with and roll it out to 1/8-inch thickness. Using a 4-inch cookie or biscuit cutter, cut out 10

20

BY TYLER FLORENCE

circles of dough; repeat with the other 1/2.

Spoon 2 generous tablespoons of filling into the center of each pastry circle, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Brush the edges with the egg wash and then fold the dough over in 1/2 to enclose the filling and form a semicircle. Tightly seal the edges by crimping with the tines of a fork. Chill at least 30 minutes before baking.

Preheat the oven to 375º F (190ºC). Place the empanadas on a buttered baking sheet and brush the tops with additional egg wash.

Using a fork, prick a few holes in the top of the empanadas for steam to escape. Bake for 30 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown.

 www.tylerflorence.com

And Finally...

Because of the fish, I hate cats. Herons and egrets are a menace too.

Please tell us more about your lilies Every day I possibly can I work in the garden, arranging compost, checking for any algae problems and making sure the underground irrigation system is working properly.

My part-time handyman and gardeners do the rest of the work. Of course, I closely supervise them.

Carvoeiro Jardim Aquatico is the name of my business selling lilies. You can read about it on an internet website. My customers used to be hotel complexes as well as developments and private homes.

Photo ©: Lisa

10 Mins with Charles Every Charles spent many years working as a town planner in South Africa before moving to the Algarve. He bought a home on the outskirts of Carvoeiro in 1968 and says he wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. This month he turns 102 but that doesn’t stop him being busy.

How do you spend your days now?

Most of my time nowadays is spent in the garden with an open view to the sea. It's an unusual garden, set on different levels of volcanic rock with hollows of various sizes that I turned into ponds - 10 in all.

The reason for creating the ponds was to cultivate various types of lilies and breed ornamental fish.

When you are not gardening what do you do?

At the far end of the garden with an overall view of all the ponds I have a glass-fronted gymnasium. It has a proper exercise bicycle, weights, a treadmill and other equipment. Every day I try to spend at least half an hour in there. Along with eating and drinking in moderation, I try to keep as fit as possible.

I don't take any daily tablets and avoid doctors whenever possible.

What other interests do you have?

Stocks and shares still interest me, but I've given up reading newspapers and watching television news.

The news is always so dreadful. It's become a totally different world, a much worse place than when I was young. There are too many people in the world now.

Please tell us about the 101 Club that you run.

What takes up quite a lot of my time is organising the club lunches we've been holding for the past seven years on the first Monday of every month. It involves arranging a suitable restaurant able to cater for about 25 people. This is not so easy in the winter when a lot of restaurants we like are closed.

After booking the restaurant, I have to spend quite a lot of time on the telephone, ringing lists of numbers to find out who wants to come to the next lunch.

They are nearly all long-term foreign residents who have known each other for many years.

They've been calling it the 101 Club. We'll have to have a name change this month and start calling it the 102 Club.

Charles Every’s top three:

1.

Charles says his favourite is Palmeira Restaurant, the restaurant closest to his home in Carvoeiro. Unfortunately it is closed in the winter.

2.

His only special days out are when his close friend John Greenhill takes him for lunch,

usually to reconnoitre new venues for the monthly club lunches.

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3.

His favourite garden is his own.

He doesn't go to beaches any more but his favourite used to be Centianes.