The months ahead...

Northern Ireland protocol

The long-running dispute over the Northern Ireland protocol has caused headaches for the pound in years past. As London and Brussels sparred over post-Brexit trade borders in Ireland, markets grew anxious about the prospect of a UK-EU trade war.

However, it now seems that the two sides have agreed a deal. The threat of a trade war has faded and Britain should be able to negotiate new deals with the EU and the US – both of whom had ruled out talks until the protocol was resolved. However, many unionists still have their reservations. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak may face a rebellion from some MPs if they think the new deal is too soft and the domestic political backlash in the UK could still create turbulence.

Russia-Ukraine war

One year on, and Russia continues its illegal invasion of Ukraine. The war has taken a horrific toll, while also triggering food shortages, energy crises and rampant inflation around the world. Due to Europe’s former reliance on Russian energy and the continent’s proximity to the war, the conflict has also had a huge impact on the euro. And with the war raging on, the common currency could face ongoing headwinds. Some commentators believe Russia is preparing to launch a fresh ground offensive this spring, and President Vladimir Putin seemingly confirmed this in his recent state of the nation speech.

However, Russia’s military capacity is depleted after a year of heavy losses and devastating sanctions. Ukraine, on the other hand, seems stronger than it was one year ago, with Western countries donating high-tech weaponry and training Ukrainian forces. This has led some analysts to speculate that a Russian offensive of the scale seen at the beginning of the war is unlikely. A Ukrainian counteroffensive, however, looks increasingly probable.

For GBP/EUR, the ongoing conflict could continue to inject volatility in the pairing. Worries about escalations or fresh Russian attacks could hurt the euro, while Ukrainian victories or hopes of peace may support it. Expect to see the euro react to changing headlines.

Growing geopolitical tensions

Since Russia’s invasion, the global geopolitical landscape has grown more tense. In particular, the relationship between the US and China – the two largest global economies – has soured significantly, with both countries backing opposite sides in the Russia-Ukraine war.

China has watched the West’s response to the conflict carefully, as it considers launching a similar campaign to take Taiwan, which Beijing views as a breakaway province.

Meanwhile, the war is straining relationships between other countries – those who oppose the war, support the war, or remain neutral – as well as political relationships within countries or unions, such as the differing opinions among EU member states.

Overall, the political and geopolitical landscape seems unstable. Any escalations – such as sanctions or military skirmishes – could rattle global investors.

Protecting your currency transfers

Amid this global uncertainty, there could be big swings ahead in the pound-euro exchange rate. This can create challenges when you’re transferring money abroad. Regular payments could vary from month to month, making it difficult to budget, while larger sums can change dramatically in value.

For instance, GBP/EUR moved between €1.11 and €1.14 from late January to late February. That three-cent change would amount to a €6,000 difference on a £200,000 transfer.

Fortunately, there are ways you can protect your transfers from volatility, such as working with a specialist currency broker like Currencies Direct.

Currencies Direct offer a range of transfer services, such as fixing a rate in advance or targeting a particular rate, to help you move your money when it’s right for you. On top of excellent exchange rates and flexible transfers, they pride themselves on giving their customers expert guidance and one-to-one support.

Currencies Direct has helped over 325,000 individuals and businesses move money abroad since 1996. They have an ‘Excellent’ Trustscore on Trustpilot, over 20 global offices and a team of more than 500 currency experts. You can move your money over the phone, or online and check live rates and make 24/7 transfers. Currencies Direct is authorised in the EU – this is crucial as any currency provider offering their services to customers in Portugal must be regulated by a relevant EU authority.

For more detailed information, please contact the local office T: 289 395 739 or register at currenciesdirect.com/portugal to get regular updates on the currency markets. (use AlgarvePLUS magazine as the reference).

Isa Lichtenthum Gabrielle Herbiet

Atelier 33, Olhão 964 629 083

Atelier33.negocio.site

Open Thursday and Friday

These two artists, one Belgian, the other Swiss, driven by their creative energy, imagined Atelier 33 together. Close to abstract expressionism, Gabrielle and Isa handle colours, light effects, lines and curves. Gabrielle looks for assemblies of forms and contrasts. Isa explores supports, materials and textures.

LUC LAVENSEAU

ArtCatto, Loulé, 289 419 447 info@artcatto.com | artcatto.com

From 14 April

Coeur Léger (2), oil on canvas, 100x81cm. This artwork is part of a new group exhibition that will feature artworks by Craig Alan, O Gringo, Luc Lavenseau, Dom Pattinson and new sculptures by Jürgen Lingl.

JOANA ROSA GRAGANZA

Gama Rama, Faro 961 371 891 gamaramagallery@gmail.com gama-rama.com

14 April–10 June

Out of Orbit: Where do the birds hide? China ink on paper, 29.7x42cm.

LIZ ALLEN

Galeria Santo António, Monchique 282 910 200 – gallery lizallenart@gn.apc.org | liz-allen.com

Until 6 April Village near Monchique, acrylic on canvas, 51x76cm.

DANI FRANCO

Tavira d’Artes, Tavira 962 012 111 taviradartes@gmail.com taviradartes.com

New artist to the gallery. Peces Voladores de la Habana (Flying Fish in Havana), acrylic on canvas, 100x100cm.

MEINKE FLESSMAN

Alquatro, Almancil 289 395 732 alquatro@alquatro.pt alquatro.pt/

Summer Months. Acrylic on canvas, 100x73cm.

IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE EMAIL susi@rogol-goodkind.com

Experiences Music

Amigos de Música

Os Agostos, Sta. Bárbara de Nexe reservasconcertos@gmail.com amigosdemusica.org

18 and 20 April, 19:00

República 14, Olhão

Reservas@re-criativarepublica14.pt Email for ticket prices, and to book.

6 April, 19:00 and 21:30

ARZAN WORLD MUSIC

2 April, 17:00 and 21:30

THE FOUR SEASONS

Masterchef Cookery Challenge

Oscars Bar & Kitchen, Vilasol shebangpr@icloud.com shebangonline.co.uk

Lisbon-based Norwegian pianist Anne Kaasa, described by Le Monde de la Musique as “a pianist that stands out in the crowded world of soloists by the depth of her interpretations, the fluidity of her playing, as well as the precision and the delicacy of her touch”, will give a solo recital including works by Bartók, Prokofiev, Enrique Granados, Manuel de Falla, Chopin, Ravel and Astor Piazzolla, on the 18th, and she will be joined by Marie José Falcão, cello and Esther Georgie, clarinet, as a trio for an evening of Brahms on the 20th.

For more information about the Amigos de Música visit the website; for membership enquiries contact helga.hampton@gmail.com

Liberation Day

25 April is a National Holiday in Portugal – and an important one – celebrating the bloodless Carnation Revolution of 1974 in which the Estado Novo dictatorship was overthrown.

Arzan, with the singing of wind instruments enlivened by a base of percussion, double bass and keyboards. The diversity of colours and musical rhythms mirrors that of instruments and languages. They come from India, China, Persia, Ireland, from the reefs or the highlands, from unexplored frontiers or an imaginary Eldorado. Ivan Le Saint, double bass; Eric Ganter, percussion; Kevin Le Saint, multi-instrumentalist, flutes, bags, duduk, pipe, keyboards; Theo Pichard, keyboards and vocals.

Vivaldi’s complete work transposed for two accordions. Inês Vaz and Pedro Santos, virtuosos of the instrument, play the four concertos (originally composed for violin and orchestra). This promises to be a treat.

18 April, 12:00

Adults only. Teams of two, ingredients provided. €70 per couple. Kicks off with a demonstration by Jonnie Pratt of Tribulum. Great prizes to be won.

Easter Workshop

Aude Touly Os Agostos Sta. Bárbara de Nexe floweraude@gmail.com

6 April, 14:30–15:00

€40

Learn to make an Easter floral arrangement from the expert! Everything is included and there’s a tea time break with home baked Portuguese folar.

Easter Fun For The Young

Partee Family Park info@partee.pt info@uandco.pt partee.pt / unandco.pt

7 April: Hop at Easter, screened at the outdoor cinema

8 April: Easter egg hunt, bouncy castle and live music

9 April: Easter egg art – themed decorating workshop for children

National Youth Harp Orchestra

Vale do Lobo Auditorium

13 April, 20:00–21:15 289 353 322, events@vdl.pt

Tickets €20

The NYHO is made up of the most dedicated young British harpists, aged from ten to 22 years old. It is classed as a charity, providing funding for the talented young musicians, contributing significantly to the orchestra’s general costs and supporting some exceptional opportunities, such as concert tours.

All About Coffee

bean17 and more Roastery

Rua da Barbacã 22 (opposite the castle)

12 and 26 April, 17:00–18:30

All about coffee, and the opportunity to see the roastery process, and buy the very best.

IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE EMAIL susi@rogol-goodkind.com

Amigos Do Museu

Museu do Traje

São Brás 966 329 073 admin@amigosdomuseu.com amigosdomuseu.com

11 April, Quiz, 19:00, €3.50

14 April, Film, The Truffle Hunters (in Italian with subtitles in English), 18:00

€4 (€2 Amigos)

15 April, Opening of art collective, 15:00

15 April, Concert by the choir, Amigos Coro, with sacred and secular music – predominantly classical, 19:00, €12 (€10 Amigos)

16 April, Jazz concert by Cory Sea & Manuela Lopes, 17:00

27 April, Book fair, 10:00–13:00

30 April Fado concert, 21:00, €5

Quinta Shopping Easter Fair

10:00–18:00, in conjunction with Loulé Criativo – live workshops, exhibition and sale of handcrafted products created by local designers and artisans.

Quinta Shopping Easter Event

8 April, 10:00–14:00

In partnership with the Elaine Bain Family Trust, and for the benefit of the Mudaki Project (Almancil), all ages can enjoy pyrography, modelling with paste, magic paints (that grow in the microwave), face painting and more.

TAVIRA SPRING FAIR

22-25 April

There will be something to see wherever you are in the town, from stalls selling artisan products, to gardening workshops to folk dancing. Things get started at 10:00, and carry on well into the evening. Get there earlier to park.

Workshops

KIT & CABOODLE WORKSHOPS

Armazém 1-3

Caminho de Cerro de Galo

Almancil 8135-028

289 394 257 / 916 432 881 sales@kitandcaboodle.pt kitandcaboodle.pt

From ceramic classes to furniture painting techiques and portrait painting, there’s an ongoing programme of classes and courses that will bring out your inner creative talents. Check out what’s on and book early as places get taken up super fast.

Loul Criativo Workshops

Visit the website for dates and details – there’s so much more than we have room to list!

289 400 829 loulecriativo@cm-loule.pt loulecriativo.pt

CREATIVE EMBROIDERY –EASTER MOTIF

2 April, 16 hour course

Oficina dos Têxteis, Loulé

Contact: Flavia Ferreira

Spring Market

Vale do Lobo Auditorium and gardens

15 and 16 April , 10:00–18:00

289 353 261/307, events@vdl.pt valedolobo.com/en/events/vale-do-lobo-spring-market-2023

Family fun and entertainment, food and drink – wines, flowers, cookies, cakes, gourmet products – and some of the best regional handicrafts and products. Entertainment for children (face painting, balloon modelling, games, etc.) will be available on both days, provided by Oficina de Sonhos.

To register: flaviaferreiradias@gmail.com 967 180 34

Portuguese Pronunciation Tricks For Beginners

22 April

Palácio Gama Lobo, Loulé

Contact: Portuguese with Anita

To register: anitasportuguese lessons@gmail.com

SMYRNA: STITCH-LATCH HOOKING FOR BEGINNERS

22 April

Oficina dos Têxteis, Loulé

Contact: Sara Monteiro

To register: hortasara@ hotmail.com

Tapestry Workshops For

CHILDREN

6 April

Oficina dos Têxteis, Loulé

Contact: Susana Mendez

To register: 961 238 388