IMAGINED MORE THAN EVER U O Y JANUARY 2021

PEOPLE PLACES INFORMATION ENTERTAINMENT PLUS 01/2021

CONTENTS 18 46 REGULARS 52 ODAY UPFRONT AND ALL THINGS NEW

RECIPE OF THE MONTH 07 HAIR T 30 RES 33 PROPERTY OF THE MONTH 39 TAURANT OF THE MONTH ON THE SHELF 40 PHOTOGRAPHY TTERS 43 TECHNO 56 Y COUNTS WHA 59 Y... AD 62 TEVER HAPPENED TO... MONEY MA 65 VICE TO EXPATS CURRENC 67 AGENDA 69 AND FINALL 70 74

39

FEATURES 10

24 ON THE RO 17 Join us village hopping

THE NEW TRADITIONALIS 20 Passion and creativity AD WINE... A NEW W ATER24 WORKSThe ones you must try

W 28 Discovering Aveiro

AN ARTIS 34 Inspired by the Algarve AY TS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

W YOUR46 OWNThe charities that T'Syou VIEW can help REF: 7Q20225 GRO TORY LESSON50 Veggies to be proud of

HIS 52 Going way back in time ALKING THE WALK W Braving the Via Algarviana . . 07

17 START OFF PLUS

Melissa Jane

Welcome So was it a bit jolly? Not what is expected of the festive season, of course, but then we've been through almost a year of the not- as-expected. But now there are indications that 2021 will be an improvement, with the promise of a successful vaccination programne and the committment of people to play it safe for themselves as well as others. And staying positive is a pretty good medicine. At AlgarvePLUS we're coming up fast to our first anniversary. We launched in March last year (how's that for rubbish timing?) but 05 thanks to the incredible support of our advertisers and distributors, and the reaction of you, our readers, we feel that we have been able to make that difference we promised, introducing a whole new perspective to life here on the Algarve. Our focus will always be on quality content, on finding the people and places that will enrich our lives, on sharing those little gems, and on constant journeys of discovery. We believe that every experience should be special; that's l PLUS ALGARVE what 'Plus' is all about... always adding more ingredients to the recipe for success. In this issue, we've travelled around – despite the rain and cold – tasted different treats, and looked at what a new generation of talent is bringing to the lifestyle mix, blending age-old methodology with a new brand of thinking. It's exciting, enthralling and inspirational... and points the way to a better future.

SUSI ROGOL GOODKIND, EDITOR +351 965 581 831 | [email protected]

Q U I N TA S H O P P I N G CONTACTS MARTIN GOODKIND KIM COLLEY Publisher Design +351 963 146 398 +44 (0)7973 426196 [email protected] [email protected]

APT 1093, EC Olivas de St Ant (Loulé) 8101-904. Printed by Gráficas Piquer, Almeria Algarve Plus is published monthly. 6,000 copies are made available through a hand-picked distribution network from Faro to Paderne, Almancil, the Golden Triangle, Loulé, São Bras and Santa Barbara. Copyright 2021. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any written material or illustration in any form for any purpose other than short extracts for agreed review purposes, is strictly forbidden. OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Algarve Plus does not accept liability for loss or damage to any materials submitted for publication. Or claims made by advertisers. The views expressed by interviewees or contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor or Algarve Plus.

T: + 351 911 112 602 + 351 289 397 194 [email protected] algarveplusmagazine.com facebook.com/algarveplusmag instagram.com/algarveplusmagazine

WWW.MELISSAJANEINTERIORS.COM NEWS PLUS

You get what you pay for

There’s a very big taste difference between everyday oils and specialist brands where the focus is on quality of the highest degree. Olival da Risca, whose oils can be found at Bean17 in Loulé, has won countless awards and believes that olive growing and cultivation must be in harmony with nature. Its range includes a chili-flavoured oil – they have a whole field of cayenne pepper plants in the middle of one of the olive orchards– as well as garlic, lemon, mandarin and herbs. 07

BAGS OF GOOD NEWS l PLUS ALGARVE Fashion retailer Mango is the first major Spanish textile company committed to replacing, by end 2021, the 160 million plastic bags it currently uses for folded garments with paper. The new bags will be made of tissue paper, a material derived from the natural pulp of renewable sources, sourced from sustainably-managed forests. The project is part of the Fashion Pact, a global coalition which aims to increase sustainability by minimising the environmental impact of the textile and fashion industry, focusing on three issues: fighting against climate change, preserving biodiversity, and protecting the oceans. By eliminating FRONT COVER: It’s January. Oranges everywhere. Sweet, all plastic from its packaging, Mango has already commenced its and sunny and so juicy. The local ones contribution and its move to paper will help save our seas. are the absolute best.

BEDMATES Designer and artibiter of good taste when it comes to all things home related, Laurence Lewellyn-Bowen has put his name and initials on a particularly stylish range of bed linens. Easy- care and statement-making, they can be found at Casa Texteis stores in Almancil, Alcantarilha and Carvoeiro. Duvet covers with pillow cases start at around €40.

IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE NEWS PLUS

CREATIVE PANTONE COLOURS OF THE YEAR It’s that time of year when international colour authority SHOPPING Pantone tells us what’s trending. And this time round, LITTLE FEET designers, manufacturers and stylists in every field are racing Os Agostos, that wonderful venue in the hills of Santa Bárbara, Australian baby to bring on the yellow (Pantone 13-0647 aka Illuminating), a grand country estate that has been in the same family for boots in pink with and Ultimate Grey (12-5104). generations, is where concerts are performed, weddings are sheepskin lining celebrated, and those in search of a luxurious break choose to and glittery bow stay. Another string to its very beautiful bow, developed to keep staff busy and involved during the pandemic, is about to launch at the back. Osito with a fine online shop which will showcase the work of various by Conguitos and artists. Aude Touly, the house florist, has created a decorative so sweet €35.00 wreath collection of mixed materials and flowers, which can be conguitos.eu personalised; the one shown here uses honesty (lunaria), rabbit tails grass (laguus) and Algarvean wild flowers, embellished with macramé and wooden beads. €26. The cushions – each one an individual and carrying its own message, are the work of artist ANOTHER André Farrajota, €25. osagostos.com 09 08 MASK

The Kongo people wore Bandunga masks Hello yellow coat rack to act out the will of ancestors and the Five hooks, so you can get hung up in style. Powder coated steel, 480mm wide. Order online at blockdesign.co.uk. €30. l PLUS ALGARVE l PLUS ALGARVE supernatural, whose And yes, it also comes in grey. From the same company is a

verdict was irrefutable. COLOUR PREDICTIONS sculptural memo block is that essential grey, 700 pages of COLD FEET This fine 40x18cm self-adhesive sticky notes. €15. Faux fur slippers example comes from from Zara Home Corte Real gallery in promise to keep Paderne. 202 € your tootsies warm. €27.99

CROWNING GLORY

Seen growing on the hills across the Algarve’s countryside, the Agave Americana thrives in the sunshine with a minimal amount Not only sunny yellow, of rain. It is super-robust with terrifying spiky leaves, but has fallen STAYING WARM but pieces that have been victim to a ghastly pest, the snout–nosed weevil. Just as the Agave crafted from sustainably- LOOKING COOL is about to burst into bloom, it attacks the plant in the centre of its sourced materials made tender crown, laying eggs where the leaves meet the stem. Once from waste. What’s H&M gets it right for guys, the grubs have hatched they chew their way from inside to out. normally thrown away is and grey’s a fave this month What would have been a beautiful floral spike is totally destroyed purposefully transformed (what else?). Heat Up Tech and the plant dies. into fashion-forward is a collection of layering It takes a lifespan of ten years or more for the Agave to HIS FEET treasures to be loved pieces using Thermolite®, a produce this branched stalk and yellow-greenish blooms. Suede loafers by and valued. From the new lightweight technology Conscious Exclusive range Providing a source of food for many pollinating insects the flowers Hugs & Co, at for warmth without the bulk. at H&M. Trousers €99; shirt are elevated from heights of eight to 12m. Throughout the summer Dunas Lifestyle, It’s about the perfect pile and €79.95; look priceless. of 2020 there were few as the plague of snout weevils made its Quinta Shopping. fleece designs for an urban way from one plant to another leaving behind clusters of huge €145 and a big street style look. shrivelled leaves. Although most Agaves growing here are wild, choice of colours. other cultivated varieties are susceptible to attack by the snout

Peter Kain Peter weevil. For information on pest control, visit titantreeaz.com IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE GET OUT PLUS

O N T H E ROAD

WITH SHORTER DAYS AT THIS TIME OF THE YEAR AND CERTAINLY COOLER TEMPERATURES, NOW IS IDEAL FOR A BIT OF VILLAGE HOPPING. OUR INTREPID ADVENTURER SET OFF TO EXPLORE THE HILLS OF THE EAST ALGARVE AND THE GLORIOUS GUADIANA RIVER THAT SEPARATES PORTUGAL FROM SPAIN

Words: BRIAN REDMOND 11 l PLUS ALGARVE

IAN REDMOND

N THE words of Tolkien, “Not all who wander low tide and, when the tide is in, there are ferry boats that are lost” and if it’s wandering you are after then shuttle back and forth for a small fee. the Algarve offers plenty of opportunity for Another fortified town that is nearby is Castro Marim, easy road trips, stopping along the way at about 20 minutes drive to the east. The imposing cafés, traditional restaurants and artisanal fortress castle was built during the reconquest of workshops, while admiring wonderful Portugal as a defence against the Moors. Later it countryside and coastal locations, would become the headquarters of The Order of interesting architecture and also Christ who were the successors of The Knights meeting some really nice people. Templar and who would in time move to the On the eastern end of the archipelago of town of Tomar in the centre of Portugal. Iislands that lie in the Ria Formosa is the small Despite their defection, Castro Marim village of Cacela Velha in the municipality of continued as an important outpost on the border Vila Real de Santo António more or less half way with Spain, and in the 17th century another fort between Tavira and Vila Real, south of the EN125. was built on a neighbouring hill that became home The village is situated on top of a hill that looks to the largest military garrison in Algarve. out across the sandy beach to the lagoon. A fort built The attractive town beneath the two forts is typically as a defence during the 17th century is a focal point, as is Algarvean with whitewashed houses and narrow cobbled the church of Nossa Senhora de Assunção. There are some streets. The view from the castle walls is quite wonderful excellent seafood restaurants tucked away here and there as it overlooks the town, the salt pans with its population and the ever popular Casa da Igreja, a traditional tasca in of flamingos, and across the broad estuary of the Rio the heart of the village, is certainly worth a stop. Guadiana to Ayamonte in Spain. A cobbled central square gives the village an airy feel The salt pans produce the delicacy Flor da Sal, a culinary and the fact that it is by the seaside makes it feel like its delight, and are also home to a unique health treatment in floating. The main beach as seen from the hilltop is called the mud baths of Spa Salino, located on the road towards Praia da Fábrica. It can be reached on foot by wading at Vila Real de Santo António. This page: The beautifully sculpted and detailed dome and belltower of Igreja de Nossa Senora dos Mártires in Castro Marim. Opposite page, top: Looking down at the small but perfectly formed village of Cacela Velha. Below: the charming little village houses with door and window stonework surrounds painted in bright colours. GET OUT PLUS

This page left: The view from Alcoutim across the river to Sanlúcar de Guadiana in Spain. Centre: a stall at Alcoutim’s annual Festival of Smuggling (Contrabando). Below: Castro Marim with the castle above and the bridge to Spain in the background. Opposite page, top left clockwise: Aerial view of the salt pans at Castro Marim; the old fortificationas at Cacela a Velha; Praia Fluvial do Prego Funda, Alcoutim; below: sausages from Feito no Zambujal

there, most notably, O Camones, Casa Merca and Normally in the last week of August Castro Arcos do Guadiana, the latter serving up typical Marim hosts a medieval festival with the Portuguese dishes. original castle as the centre of the dramatic A little further along the road you will begin reconstruction, while the streets outside are to notice a number of riverside houses. Just past crammed with people out to have a good the village of Álamo, you come to Guerreiros time. During the Bronze Age, boats would do Rio another small hamlet with a jetty and travel from Castro Marim at the mouth of the snack bar. There is also a museum, Museu do Guadiana upriver to Alcoutim where there were Rio, which is worth exploring to learn about the large deposits of copper and tin. historic fishing, gastronomy and smuggling activities of the region. Take the slow road The road begins to climb now after Laranjeiras and During the 1990s, a new highway was built from the coast Montinho and, as it crests on a hill at the Miradouro do 12 to improve access to Beja and by travelling along this route Pontal, you look down at the river bend away below which 13 you can reach the town of Alcoutim in about 30 minutes. looks almost like the Rio Douro winding its way to Porto. But for a more scenic, enjoyable and slightly longer drive you should turn off the main road after 12km in the Celebrations with neighbours l PLUS direction of Foz de Odeleite. The town of Alcoutim gets its name from the Moors who The sight of the broad sweep of the Guadiana here called it Al-Qutami, their name for a Peregrine Falcon. It l PLUS ALGARVE catches you off guard as the road dips down to river level is a small town with a small population in the least densely ALGARVE and you begin to follow the riverbank upstream. Foz de populated municipality in Portugal. But what it lacks in size Odeleite has a jetty where sailing boats and commercial it makes up for in charm. Its riverside location looking across river cruise boats can moor. There are three good eateries the Guadiana to its Spanish neighbouring town of Sanlúcar

The two towns, Alcoutim and its Spanish neighbour across the Guadiana, Sanlúcar de Guadiana, share a long and varied history. Each one has a fortress castle from where they would once lob cannon balls at each other.

de Guadiana, giving it an air of mystery. foot bridge that connects the two towns. There are now The two towns share a long and varied history. plans in motion to design and build a permanent bridge. Each one has a fortress castle from where they The river is still navigable here and continues to be could lob cannon balls at each other, but it so up to Mértola approximately 25km north. One of was in the castle at Alcoutim where a peace the town’s main attractions is a fluvial beach, Pego treaty was signed between Ferdinand of do Fundo, situated on a tributary of the Guadiana. It Portugal and Henry II of Spain. is very popular during the summer months so best Normally, in late March each year, a to time your visit carefully. festival – Festival do Contrabando – is Alcoutim is also the eastern starting point for the hosted by the two towns to remember the Via Algarviana hiking trail that meanders for 300km days when contraband was a part of the life across the region, ending at Cabo São Vicente near blood between their countries. Sagres. (See page 52 for Charlie Perring’s commentary In the early part of the 20th century each this hugely long and always challenging walk, which he had materials that the other needed: Portugal undertook during the heavy November rains.) had access to coffee and sugar while Spain had shoes On the road out of Alcoutim, on the EN124 at Corte de and fabrics. Smugglers would swim across the Guadiana Seda, is an interesting conservation project. The Algarve to exchange goods which could then be sold on the black has an indigenous breed of goat. O Sítio da Cabra Algarvia market. Clever planning. promotes the breed and its produce. Occasionally, by prior One of the attractions of the festival is a floating pontoon arrangement, you can go on a trek that follows the herd. GET OUT PLUS

Vintage chic and stylish new furniture, luxurious textiles and lighting, bespoke hand-made seating to order. Oliveira Tavira, let us inspire your home.

Top left, clockwise: One of a series of intriguing metal sculptures across the Algarve, each pointing to the heart of a town and representing something of its past. This one welcomes you to Castro Marim; A satisfying lunch at A Tia Bia, on the road towards Loulé; Typical stonework, 14 giving a village house its individuality; Barranco do Velho, nesting in the warmth of the surrounding hills

Food finds you travel by light aircraft there is a convenient airfield just Another food producer worth visiting in the region is Feito outside town.

l PLUS ALGARVE no Zambujal. The speciality here is the raising of Alentejan The road now begins to head south and enters into black pigs in a free-range environment on the hills of hilly terrain and the municipality of Tavira. Cachopo is 20 Zambujal, south of the EN124. Here they produce the minutes from Martim Longo and is considered to be derivatives such as sausage and cured meats from the perfect example of an Algarve village. Nestled the pigs. They can be reached online to arrange in the hills, there is a river nearby, cobbled streets visits, and meals can sometimes be enjoyed with leading to the church, whitewashed houses vegetarian options also on the menu. slashed with colour, a blacksmith, a pottery, Back on the main route heading west, the a café bar with a flower engulfed patio, and road runs in a straight tree-lined direction a medronho distillery. As well as the flowery to the small town of Martim Longo. This is Caffe Palmeiras there are two other eateries in a provincial working town at a crossroad the town, A Charrua and Retiro dos Caçadores. to the agricultural heartland of the Alentejo Meat features large on the menus and each one that developed as an important centre in the is worthy of a visit. wool and textile industry. There are a number of The route now heads through rambling popular restaurants in the town with an emphasis countryside in the direction of Barranco do Velho, on local traditional meat dishes, one of them – O Rei which is in the municipality of Loulé. This small de Carne or The King of Meat – says it all. Incidentally, if conjunction of houses, lies along the Via Algarviana but it is also the starting point for other local walking trails. Perhaps the best known restaurant in this area of Algarve, the Serra de Caldeirão, is A Tia Bia. The menu oozes traditional recipes and there is a passion about the place and a pride in what they produce and serve. The next time you feel like As you leave Barranco do Velho, you reach a fork on the road. Turn right for Loulé, left to São Brás de Alportel and exploring, head off into the quiet on to Estoi and further on, toward Faro. away from the main roads and The next time you feel like exploring, head off into Follow us: @oliveiradecor @oliveirafurniture Find us: Rua 4 de Outubro 24, Tavira 8800-362 the quiet away from the main roads and follow signposts follow signposts to little villages to little villages that have remained unchanged over the Call us: 962 379 584 Email us: [email protected] years, locals that will welcome you with a smile and a wave, that have remained unchanged places to eat where flavour comes before finery. Then you’ll www.byoliveira.com over the years. be experiencing the Algarve of the people. CHOICES PLUS

THE NEW TRADITIONALISTS HERE IN OUR ADOPTED COUNTRY, THERE ARE THOSE OF A NEW GENERATION WHO ARE DEDICATING THEMSELVES TO PRESERVING THE VERY THINGS THAT THE MODERN-DAY WORLD SEEMS EAGER TO LEAVE BEHIND; SKILL, KNOWLEDGE, PATIENCE, OBSERVATION, CARE, INGENUITY, AND COMMUNITY. JOIN US AND DISCOVER THOSE FRESH AND DETERMINED YOUNG TALENTS

Words: EMMA CAMPUS

THE BUREL FACTORY.

In 2010, Isabel Costa and João Tomás noticed the seemingly forgotten task of recovering an important local heritage, threatened to disappear in the Burel Mountains. Their calling was to assist in saving the knowledge and ancestral techniques used to make a specific regional textile, burel, the most traditional fabric in the 17 local wool industry. Through careful renovation and investigation, they regenerated what is now The Burel Factory but originally

founded in 1947. The pair put l PLUS ALGARVE investment and a team together to regenerate the space and are now the biggest employment source in Vila de Manteigas. “Today, the employees at the factory whose ancestors have worked for the region for generations are continuing to do so themselves, using the same machines and traditional equipment. We like to think we are recoverers of heritage, “We like to think we are recoverers of heritage, material and immaterial. That material and immaterial”

is our mission,” say Isabel and João, who subsequently created Burel Mountain Hotel, a beautiful five-star accommodation in the Serra Estrela. By collaborating with designers to integrate designs suitable for modern environments, they are guaranteeing the preservation of the past and reinterpreting it for the future.

DISCOVERED INTERESTING NEW TALENTS? EMAIL [email protected] CHOICES PLUS

JOSE RIBEIRO Baker Elsewhere in the Algarve, and skills he learnt from his Jose Ribeiro, is a young mother and grandmother, entrepreneur blending he injects his own vision for tradition with mindfulness at contemporary baking. Excited only 22 years old. He founded about adapting his heritage, his business Essencia Bakery he wants to highlight the FABRICA after he noticed a demand for importance of rethinking the Weaver food that represented more ways in which we create and than just fast consumption. consume. In the sleepy, rolling hillscape continue to be woven in As a chef by trade (he “There is a new wave of of the Alentejan countryside, the traditional way, in local worked previously at Michelin- people who want to learn and a different type of weaving Portuguese wool and on old starred restaurant São communicate with what we is experiencing a revival. wooden semi-manual looms. Gabriel in Quinta do Lago), do and that the great things in ART Margarida Adónis, a film With her fresh vision she is he started thinking about life are those that we can do producer from Lisbon (who collaborating with the small how to reinterpret his craft ourselves, with our own hands. just exudes New-York-art- group of ladies who weave on through his roots and with a The best things in life take gallery chic), adopted Fabrica, the looms to create everything sense of nostalgia. Crafting and time – the time is our ‘essence’ a tiny tapestry factory in the from bags, to cushion hand delivering fresh loaves – and that’s what inspired the small village of Reguengos covers, rugs, and blankets in of sourdough bread from the name of my business, Essencia de Monsaraz, from its Dutch magnificent combinations of kitchen, using the methods Bakery.” owner earlier this year. colours and patterns. This has Originally founded in the fostered new interest for the 19 18 early 19th century to produce craft which is now coveted winter blankets for local by collectors and famous shepherds, the factory is interior designers; nearby, located in an old olive press São Lourenço do Barrocal MADALENA TELO MORGADO DO and maintains all its original commissioned rugs and Potter QUINTÃO features. Today, Margarida is cushions for every bedroom

ensuring that the tapestries and lounge in the hotel. Pottery is another craft and textures, pigments, brushes l PLUS ALGARVE l PLUS ALGARVE Wine producer . tradition in Portugal that goes and wheels to materialise back centuries and is ingrained visions, she creates shapes Although modern-day life to inject a contemporary Tapestries continue to be woven in the country’s creative that are a modern reflection of is changing so much that vision into the estate and its in the traditional way, in local culture. the history that she inherited, is familiar, here in Portugal traditions to create a new One young ceramicist, a subtle balance between old traditions aren’t disappearing identity while investing in his Portuguese wool. Madalena Telo, based in the and new. but instead, transforming. heritage. high mountains of Monchique, “Honouring ancestral Communities and individuals His comments are learned about preservation and techniques makes us truly are seeking out creative and particularly inspiring and are tradition from a young age. connect with the freedom innovative ways to revive and reflective of the movement. Growing up as the daughter of creation. In a time where adapt them to make for a “At Morgado do Quintão of a well-known local potter, everything is moving at a crazy more sustainable way of living, we’re strongly inspired by working with local clay became speed, as a small maker, the which will lead them into the our family’s history but are second nature. pleasure of creation feels like a future. committed to bringing it into Leaving home in her late true blessing,” she says. In the Algarve, winemakers the future, respecting tradition teens to study sculpture are adapting their methods to while enjoying a certain sense and ceramics in Porto, she OWN A PIECE OF THE NEW TRADITION minimise the impact on the of adventure by way of going honed her generational “Honouring environment, opting to create about it. craft and expanded her  ‘minimal intervention’, natural “From deciding to keep technique through various ancestral Toast fresh bread delivered to your door in the Algarve from @essencia_bakery wines, a trend encouraged by our old vines (which produce apprenticeships before feeling techniques  Eat from sustainable pottery various à la mode natural wine much less grapes than newer the pull of the mountains... @madalenatelo bars in Lisbon and beyond. ones) and going organic, to and home. makes us truly  Decorate your home with Burel Fabrics Filipe Caldas de Vasconcellos, being innovative in our labels, Today she works from the connect with @burel.factory / burelfactory.com who we interviewed in the we’re attempting to connect same studio as her father,  Carry a bag woven on a traditional loom in Alentejo October issue, manages his tradition with today. We don’t located down a quiet cobbled the freedom of @fabricaal / fabricaal.com own global tech start-up, but think of ourselves as the street in the village that she creation”  Drink wine from a family vineyard when he inherited his family’s owners of the place –we’re grew up in. Surrounded by @morgadodoquintao / morgadodoquintao.pt 200-year-old vineyard in just here to look after it for the 2018, he set out on a mission next generation.” IN OUR FEBRUARY ISSUE, WE’LL INTRODUCE YOU TO MORE SPECIAL PEOPLE G N I D N TRADITION E L B with new techniques new with S sugar. Itislean,livelyand lovely. and persistentmousse, awonderfulcitrusfruitprofile andnoadded Nature from100%AntãoVaz. Thisone hasafreshminerality, azesty make thisareaidealfortheproduction ofdrysparklingwinesandBrut Serra doMendromountainsandmineral-rich schistsoilscombineto cooling influenceoftheAtlantic ocean, shelterfromtheneighbouring Ribafreixo leaveslittletochance. Vidiguera’s distinctmicroclimate, the these areelementsatplayinmanyofthebestsparklingwines. after.– Coolerclimates,higheraltitudeandoceanicinfluences freshness anddrynessarethecharacteristicssought for sparklingwineswherelowalcohol,crispness, in thewinemakethoseregionsusuallyunsuitable warmer climatesandlongerhighersugarlevels traditional methodwineproduction.Generally The Alentejoisnotanareasynonymouswith Espumante Nature Brut 1. Gáudio unsurprisingly, withgreat success. to makeworld-classwinesandaremeeting, Make nomistake,theyhavesettheirstallout for thefutureisgreener, butnolessambitious. wines arecertifiedasveganfriendly;theirvision an environmentally-consciousinfrastructure.Alloftheir The long-sighted approach and meticulously planned operation at The long-sightedapproachandmeticulously plannedoperationat SOME PIONEERS HAVE ALREADY SET OUT ALONG A BRAVE PATH ABRAVE ALONG OUT TOWARD SET HAVE ALREADY PIONEERS SOME APPROACH TO WINE MAKING. THE WORLD OF WINE IS CHANGING AND CHANGING IS WINE OF WORLD THE MAKING. TO WINE APPROACH WE RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH A MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY AND AMODERN WITH YEAR NEW THE IN RING WE SUSTAINABILITY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY-CONSCIOUS PRACTICES ET UPIN2007, sustainable energy, gravityprocessingand state-of-the-art winery, puttinghugeinvestmentinto patchwork tapestry. In2012theyopenedtheir plots andweavethemtogetherintoa114hectare them purchase28separateabandonedagricultural native NunoBicó.Thisambitiousendeavoursaw between SouthAfricanMárioPinheiroandAlentejo €16.50 Ribafreixo is a collaborative effort Ribafreixo isacollaborativeeffort Words: Words: JUSTIN O’HANLON Did you know that this bottle ageingbut perfectlygoodtodrinknow. layer aftersubtle layerofaromasandflavours.Huge potentialforfurther use ofleesandbarrel.Extremelygastronomic, thisoneprovidessubtle palate andmouthfeelareweighty fromtheobviousbutwellintegrated achieve. Ithasabonedry, boldandexpressivenosebut balanced.The expression oftheterroir, andallowingthe vineyardtospeakforitselfcan fruit profile.Thisisagreatexample ofwhatconsideredwinemaking, to addcomplexitybutnotover-power thegrapes’naturallyexpressive just alittlemorerefined.Amixtureofnewandoldoakbarrelsare used 2. Connections Chenin Blanc Chenin Connections 2. over 114ha with space to expand on, is that what were just once concepts over 114hawithspacetoexpandon,isthatwhatwerejustonceconcepts widely-planted whitegrapevarietal. sentimental attachmentandappreciationforwhatisSouthAfrica’s most South Africanhomeland,thelabel‘Connections’speaksvolumesabouthis Pinherotohis A tipofthehatandnaturalhomagefromco-ownerMário I suppose one of the great advantages of starting with a blank canvas of I supposeoneofthegreatadvantagesstartingwithablankcanvas are exuberant,PatoFrio’s GrandEscolhaisnodifferent,perhaps and considerationscanbecomereality. With itsentirelystainless fruits to concentrated white and stone fruit. As weighty as they fruits toconcentratedwhiteandstonefruit.Asweightyasthey steel fermentation, this lees-rich acidity-driven Alentejo steel fermentation,thislees-richacidity-drivenAlentejo expressive aromatic profiles, ranging from ripe tropical expressive aromaticprofiles,rangingfromripetropical oddity iscertainlyworthatry.a Livelyaromaticprofile, with opulent, rich, robust whites with incredibly with opulent,rich,robustwhitesincredibly zesty, mouth-wateringfeel,pinkgrapefruitandlime some expressive muscle for white wine production some expressivemuscleforwhitewineproduction peel, makes for a superb wine to enjoy with food, peel, makesforasuperbwinetoenjoywithfood, country holds holds country Antão VazAntão iswheretheAlentejoreallystartstoflex shellfish andcrustaceansinparticular, butequally 3. Pato Frio Grand Escolha Escolha Grand Frio Pato 3. suitable to enjoy in the afternoon sun with friends. suitable toenjoyintheafternoonsunwithfriends. €12.50 the distinction the distinction native species fprotecting of nearly 250 fgrape? of €12.50 PLUS WINE

ALGARVE PLUS l 21 WINE PLUS

4. Gáudio Clássico 2015 Nacional, fermented in large French oak vats and then This is an Alentejo heavy hitter at a lightweight price barrel-aged in French oak for a further 12 months, it is point, a beautiful blend of Alicante Bouchet, and Touriga then bottle-aged and cellared for a minimum of 36 months. Nacional, and a small spattering of Aragonez (Tempranillo) There is so much time, so much care and attention from and Tinto Miuda. Seven months in French oak barrels and bud burst to bottling and the patient process of allowing a minimum of 12 months bottle/cellar ageing, for a wine to the wine to mature the way they want it. Exceptionally that retails at under €10 and hits restaurant wine lists at good, dark bramble fruit and beautifully integrated oak somewhere in the mid-to-late €20s, it really drinks well offer ageing potential long beyond its current release, above this price point. 2015 is an especially good vintage meaty notes, depth and complexity. Fine supple tannin and for wines from the Alentejo, and this is an entry level a long lingering finish leave you profoundly pleased with offering from a first-class vintage, but my word… wait till every passing sip. €19.99 you get your nose in the glass and your lips locked to the

22 rim. Smooth, elegant, but weighty and well rounded. Some Moinho Branco Alicante Bouchet 2015 soft tannin is present but almost unnoticed among the Where to begin and what a way to finish! There are many fruit-driven facets to this wine – dark bramble fruit, moments – times in my wine life – when I am reminded

l PLUS liquorice and morello cherry. The balance of primary fruit why it is that I am so passionate about this subject, when I and subtle spice speaks volumes of the care and attention realise exactly why it excites and beguiles me so, and why taken in the vineyard and the winery alike. This is as I am enticed and enthralled by the vinified sirens' call. This close to a commercial wine as Ribafreixo produces, and I is one such wine... and what a wine it is. ALGARVE find it a far more attractive option that many much more This elegant, beautifully-balanced, fruit-driven Rubik's established premium reds from the same area. €9.99 cube painted in a thousand hues changes every minute in my glass. Floral notes of violet and rose petal are Gáudio Reserva 2016 complemented by dark bramble fruit and black morello We’re moving up through the gears now. The Gáudio cherry, all undercut by vanilla and cocoa bean spice. On Reserva – much like its Clássico counterpart – drinks well the palate, it’s all silky smooth and elegant – fresh acidity, above its price point. Here we start to see the full potential soft and supple tannins structure and a finish that goes on of what Ribafreixo is trying to achieve. Harmony of varietal for days. I can say it is that it is one of the two nicest wines and soil type, expression of the terroir, complexity and I have had the pleasure of drinking since I moved here well-thought-through winemaking. to Portugal. The year 2015 was a five-star vintage in the Head winemaker and COO Nuno Bicó manages to Alentejo, but this single varietal expression of certainly my surprise and impress me more with every wine I try, and favourite Portuguese red varietal is in a whole other league each progressive step to the next level feels like leaps and to almost anything else I’ve tried since I arrived. World bounds in quality. 80% Alicante Bouchet and 20% Touriga class. €34

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. www.taviradartes.com Visit us: Travessa Jacques Pessoa 8, Tavira, 8800-374 ribafreixo.com/en/home/ Call us: 962 012 111 Email us: [email protected] Follow us: www.facebook.com/taviradartes www.instagram.com/tavira.dartes TRAVEL DAYS OUT PLUS PLUS

RITING about Aveiro is not the easiest task for me, because writing about this city is telling a story about home. It was the very first Portuguese city I saw properly, the very first I lived in, and the very first I fell in love with. And you know what they say: your first love never dies. The history of Aveiro started in the Opposite page: The boats on the central canal. This page, above: The city's lighthouse; centre: time of the Roman Empire and lasted through Ovos moles de Aveiro, the local sweet treat; Wthe ages. Salt extraction defined how the city below: the striped houses at Costa Nova and the surrounding area looks today. While being just six kilometres from the Atlantic the city. Opening to the view of the canals that Ocean, the landscape of Aveiro is predominated now create a unique landscape of the city but in by salinas and canals that allow easy water the past played a crucial role. transport of salt and moliços, plants that were used in agriculture. Getting around by boat I walked down Avenida Dr. Lourenço Aveiro is sometimes called the Venice of Peixinho every day. It starts at the train station, Portugal. A very unfortunate name given to this 25 where the rich azulejo decoration is one of the city during the regime of Salazar, to prove that most stunning in the whole region. Maybe Portugal is a special country that really has it I can’t compare it to São Bento in Porto, all. Even though you can see some resemblance l PLUS which is filled with white-blue tiles to the former Italian capital of trade, Aveiro from the bottom to the top, but is rather a little Portuguese city that has a lot

Aveiro has the charm of a small city, more to offer simply by being itself. ALGARVE with delicate beauty at its heart, Observing the moliceiros, the local boats, and you can see it clearly in the from the bank of the Ria can create the same railway station. excitement as sailing in one. A beautifully The smell of coffee and freshly painted vessel glides through the canal, marking baked bread fill the street that the trail on the water which, after a while, leads you straight to the heart of disappears. Yet another boat passes by, then another one, and then another... Aveiro’s 'gondolas' are much bigger than the Italian version, and it’s not surprising considering that they were used to transport goods, not people. At 15 metres long and 2.5 metres wide, they were a solution for WATER WORKS transporting that vital plant life. The colours of the boats can brighten up even the gloomiest day. With intense blues, reds, AVEIRO IS ON THE WEST COAST OF PORTUGAL, HALF WAY greens, and yellows, they stand out from the BETWEEN THE ELEGANT CITIES OF PORTO AND COIMBRA. IT IS dark green waters of the canals. They’re also a great illustration of the Portuguese lifestyle, A WORLD OF ITS OWN, SITTING ON A LAGOON WITH A NETWORK filled with religion, but also fun. OF CANALS THAT FERRY LOCALS AND TOURIST ALIKE ON BIG, While on the bow of a boat the saints or the Holy Mary were represented to lead the COLOURFUL GONDOLAS. IT IS A SIGHT TO BEHOLD workers safely home; on the back, humoristic, and very often erotic artworks were shown. Words: ANNA ZIELAZNY Today, however, you won’t see green algae piling on the boats, pressing them heavily into the water. Instead they are filled with tourists who observe Aveiro from the level of the canal with its splendid beauty peeking out from everywhere. TRAVEL PLUS

TRAVEL TIPS

T O E A T : As you can imagine, there are very many restaurants, cafés and snack bars at all price levels and cuisine choices. Walk around, and stop wherever grabs your fancy.

TO STAY:  Hotel das Salinas Overlooking the central canal, self- catering facilities, 3-star and with rave reports. Parking available. hoteldassalinas.com / 234 404 190

 Hotel Aveiro Palace Four-star hotel in historic building overlooking the canal and Moliceiros boats. Bag a room with a balcony. hotelaveiropalace.com / 234 421 885

 Melia Ria Hotel & Spa 27 Elegant 4-star hotel, next to the Congress Centre and a business favourite. The Spa (there’s an extra Above left, clockwise: Watching the world go; the intriguing Santa Maria da Feira Castle, a national momument since 1910 and a fine example of Above left, clockwise: Decorative fish on a old building in the town centre; Major Pessoa House; charge for this) boasts a heated pool, Portuguese medieval architecture; the train station, something of a tourist attraction with its elaborate blue and white tile work Parque Infante Dom Pedro. Right, top: Hotel Aveiro Palace; below: Hotel das Salinas fitness centre and sauna. On-site parking and a ten-minute walk from the centre of town. l PLUS ALGARVE Meliaria.com Places of distinction on the western side of Aveiro, wait to be a few other properties in the same style, it stairs, a romantic grotto reveals its secrets. On is never going to be repeated. Because the Whether from the boats or simply from the discovered by people who have accidentally overlooks the Rossio Garden. In the yard of the wall right next to it, two panels of azulejos next day the wind will paint different lines land, one of many of the beautiful things strayed from the beaten path. the building, white iron chairs with stylish recall the important events from the city’s life. on the surface of the water, or a water bug that forms the very personality Aveiro is the Early autumn mornings, when the humid tables are surrounded by plants and azulejos. The park was created around 1862. will land on it. Or maybe the rain will change architecture. Buildings with azulejos – whether cold scares people away, is the best time to It’s a wonderful place to drink a coffee and Designed and executed in an English style, the appearance of the little island with its public, sacral, or private – recall times when walk around the city and look for little signs of listen to the bustle of the trade centre, to it gives space to the imagination and secrets. abandoned building that turns into a black Aveiro was a trade centre. The Portuguese vivid culture, but I also love looking at them in which the yard’s big iron gate leads. Trees hover their branches to dip their leaves outline every time the sun hides behind it. tradition of incorporating tilework – mainly blue full sunlight, or painted in pink by the setting Fishermen used to be one of the most into the water of the lake that has become a This unique moment that is different and white – blossoms in this city. Panels on the sun. Frivolous lines, curvy pediments, and the important workers in Aveiro, bringing fresh home for ducks, geese, and water turtles. every day, for everyone, from every place, is train station show the history of transport. The iron decoration of the doors and windows draw food to the town every day. Praça do Peixe is The architecture around the city never a perfect time to simply be, look, and realise glaze shines from the walls, floors, and even viewers’ eyes to each building. is still very much alive today. Surrounded by fails to fascinate and enchant. You'll discover that none of the sunsets above the Aveiro ceilings of churches and chapels. Aveiro is a perfect place to also see world- little houses, in the middle of the square, there benches covered with azulejos and hidden Lagoon will be repeated. Neither will any On Praça do Marquês de Pombal, the Casa class art nouveau architecture. A screaming is a big building; one sniff is enough to know behind plants and man-made structures that other moment that we missed because of the de Santa Zita building proudly decorates the mask emerging from the stone, delicate what is located inside. will encourage you to stop for a moment, sit rush we may have been in. square which nowadays is dominated by the flowers that entwine on cold walls, and rich It might not sound nice, but the smell of down, and relax in the shade while listening to I’ve already visited so many places in this modernist architecture of the courthouse and details seduce passers-by with their originality fish, algae, salty water and mud is typical of the sounds of nature. beautiful country, from the North to the South the police station. and show some of the best examples of the Aveiro. Brought by the wind from Praça do and from the West to the East, but if you ask The contemporary mural on Rua do Clube movement in Europe. Peixe to each part of the city, after a while it When the elements meet me to pick one place I wish to be able to come dos Galitos shows traditions that kept Aveiro Major Pessoa House, in which the Art becomes familiar. To fully understand the beauty of the salinas back to more often, it’s always and forever alive for ages. Facades of the little, narrow Nouveau museum is currently located, is an Parque Infante Dom Pedro, called Parque and the Aveiro lagoon, you have to see it Aveiro. With its perfect connection of culture, buildings hidden in the streets near the canal emblematic building in Aveiro. Together with da Macaca (Monkey Park) by locals, is not at sunset or sunrise. On a dirt road, a little architecture, and nature. With water that the only, but surely the most beautiful, park in bit away from the centre of the city, a real calms me with its steady murmur wherever the city. While approaching a yellow pergola spectacle happens every sunny day. Imagine a you go in the city. And with the most beautiful covered with climbing plants that from time place where all four elements meet and mix in memories about places and people. Aveiro was the very first Portuguese to time cover the ground with violet petals, it’s perfect harmony. I’m still in love with this stunning city, so impossible to miss the large gazebo that used Calm, steady water reflects the burning don’t believe my words. Just visit Aveiro and city I saw properly, the very first I lived to serve as a place for live concerts. sun that slowly changes colour, starting from discover it for yourself, but be careful, it can After descending the stairs to the lower bright yellow, through golden, orange, pink, hypnotise you and make you want to remain in, and the very first I fell in love with. part of the park, hidden in the structure of the red, and purple. It’s a unique performance that there forever. CREATIVITY PLUS

CURRENTLY DISPLAYED AT GALERIA CÔRTE-REAL IS A COLLECTION OF ARTWORKS CREATED BY A REMARKABLE AMERICAN WHO HAS CHOSEN TO TRANSLATE, RE-INTERPRET AND EMBELLISH WHAT HE SEES TO PRESENT A VERY DIFFERENT VISION

Words: CAROLYN KAIN

URING A VISIT to Portugal and Spain, the American artist Kevin Kadar made observations an artist’s of Iberia’s natural world. Then, filled with assured confidence that he could improve upon what he’d seen, he picked up his paintbrush and romanticised the visions. He VIEW has created images that are a harmonious blend 29 of otherworldly features and places that are real. Inspired by the landscape masters - painters such as DConstable, Turner and Corot - Kadar had adopted many of their approaches. Individual details are recognisable but theatrical lighting, intense weather and compelling compositions take precedence l PLUS ALGARVE over direct observation. As a consequence, Kadar’s paintings have a timeless quality only found in dreams and the imagination. Taking in his surroundings through a haze of idealism, he is drawn towards forests, mossy glades, green vales and ethereal rivers. These subjects lend themselves to be flattered and recreated into his vision of Arcadia, a version of paradise where – according to Greek mythology – the god of the forest lived alongside his dryads in a virgin wilderness. Depicted in many of Kadar’s scenes are the bucolic landscapes of the Serra da Sintra. When he visited the area he became infatuated by its beauty. A half-tamed wilderness – likened by Byron to a “glorious Eden’” – it continues to be a haven of unspoiled pastoral landscapes. Attracted to paint the flowing watercourses, dramatic skies and sea mists that seep into the hilly terrain, he has endeavoured to create a sense of impermanence as features seem to half-appear and disappear from view. He makes no apology for the visual games he plays or his belief that he can enrich nature.

WORTH KNOWING

Kadar is a Fine Arts graduate from Manhattan’s prestigious Cooper Union. After leaving New York he moved to Portland, Oregon. Over the course of 25 years, his visits to Europe have been an important catalyst stimulating some of his finest studies. During his most recent visit he worked as Artist in Residence at Galeria Côrte-Real completing his paintings of Sintra and other more remote parts of northern Portugal. He has produced compositions for Tacoma Art Museum, Willamette University Museum in Salem and the Oregon Historical Society. GALERIA CÔRTE-REAL is signposted from Boliqueime, Ferreiras and Paderne OPEN: THURSDAY to SUNDAY, 11AM-5PM T: 912 737 762 / corterealarte.com TASTE PLUS

Orange & cinnamon hot chocolate with cinnamon biscuit dippers

AFTER THE EXCESSES OF CHRISTMAS, YOU MAY WELL HAVE MADE JANUARY A SENSIBLE-EATING MONTH. UNTIL, THAT IS, YOU’VE TRIED THIS LITTLE WARMER – A HEAVENLY THICK AND CREAMY HOT CHOCOLATE PAIRED WITH QUICK AND EASY BISCUIT DIPPERS. NAUGHTY, YES, BUT WE DESERVE IT

SERVES 4-6

INGREDIENTS M ET HOD 1 For the dippers: preheat the oven to FOR THE BISCUIT DIPPERS: 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4 and lightly grease a 50g butter, plus extra for greasing baking tray with butter. 25g caster sugar 2 Cream the butter and sugar together with a 75g self–raising flour, plus extra for dusting wooden spoon. Add the flour, cinnamon and ¼ tsp ground cinnamon orange zest and rub between your fingertips zest of ½ orange until everything starts to come together. 31 2tsp granulated sugar 3 Knead the mixture into a ball, divide into 12 equal pieces and roll each into a sausage, FOR THE ORANGE AND CINNAMON about 1cm thick. Place on baking tray, spaced l PLUS HOT CHOCOLATE: apart, and sprinkle with the granulated sugar. 570ml whole milk Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.

200g dark chocolate (minimum 60% cocoa Remove from oven and leave to cool. ALGARVE solids), roughly chopped 4 Meanwhile, bring the milk to the boil over 1tsp cornflour a low heat. Remove from the heat, add the 1tbsp cold milk chocolate and stir until it has completely ½ tsp ground cinnamon melted. zest of 1 orange 5 In a small bowl, mix the cornflour with the 1½ tbsp sugar (optional, to taste) milk. Place the milk back over a low–medium heat and pour in two-thirds of the cornflour TO SERVE: mixture, stirring until the mixture begins Whipped cream (optional) to thicken. add the rest of the cornflour if 2tbsp grated dark chocolate necessary and stir well. Add the cinnamon and orange zest and stir to combine. Taste for sweetness and stir in a little sugar if required. 6 Pour the hot chocolate into small cups, top with whipped cream and a sprinkling of chocolate. Serve with the dippers on the side. of the month... of

WE COULDN’T PUT AINSLEY HARRIOTT’S MEDITERRANEAN COOKBOOK (EBURY PRESS) DOWN. ALONGSIDE HIS SUPER- FAST MAINS ARE SOME IRRESISTIBLE SWEET TREATS. €23.40 FROM FNAC RECIPE HEADLINES PLUS

A MATTER OF TIMING

BEAUTIFUL HAIR NEEDS LOOKING AFTER... AND EXPERT Weddings | Real Estate | Commissions ATTENTION – ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO CUTTING – AND CHOICE OF PRODUCTS. JIM VAN HEK LOOKS BACK ON Events | Portraits | Aerial PAST ADVICE AND FORWARDS TO A NEW FUTURE

O QUESTION, 2020 was a And now it is January. The start of a year full off bad hair days, new year and for many, the start of a with fewer visits to our new aproach to their regime. In my favourite stylist and 35 years behind the chair, I often some surprisingly had and still have clients who homemade only book a haircut based on the experimental hair moon phases and according the colours. But somehow, we picked Tibetan Calendar.

N 33 ourselves up, got through those What is this all about? difficult months, and when necessary Let me explain, based on my avoided glancing in the mirror. experience, and with a bit of Before I started off my column help from Google. for the first issue of AlgarvePLUS for Since 8000BC, farmers 2021 I looked back at my messages on have been using the lunar

these pages over the past year. calendar to determine the best l PLUS ALGARVE In July, under the heading of Tress planting and harvesting seasons Stress, I explained how hard water affects and in many cultures reports our hair, scalp and colour and I came up are linked to human and animal with a few suggestions. behaviour, crime rates, health and My August page focused on beauty. And it is said that the waxing moon conditioning and maintaining Despite the promotes hair growth. summer hair colour, face According to the Sutra made by Lama Zopa framing looks and a guide views held by some Rinpoche, you can choose the right and wrong days to line to going grey from that haircuts should have your haircut, based on the Tibetan Calendar. I also roots to ends. be planned according found in my research that the basic reason for cutting the In September, the crown hair or a complete shave is to free the mind from column – It’s a Man Thing – to moon phases and the attachment and deliver liberation! Believers suggest looked at the importance of Tibetan Calendar, for me that favourable days of the lunar month to go male grooming while in the a good haircut at least for a haircut in January are 9th and 10th to following month Face Facts every eight weeks is bring happiness; 21st to bring longevity; (my personal favourite from and 22nd for an attractive energy. 2020), went into detail about essential. Apparently, unfavourable lunar days face shapes and the styles that that could lead to loss of vitality are work best for each type. the 1st, 4th, 8th, 25th and 29th of November’s Fringe Benefits, talked about January. For me, however, a good autumn hair loss, the fringe season and adding warmth haircut at least every eight weeks is and richness to your hair colour. And then in December, essential. Use professional haircare knowing that sometimes it is difficult to get to your chosen and styling products – preferably salon exactly when you want, I tested top-rated styling sulphate, paraben and cruelty free – and tools that will help you produce quality results at home. think more about recycling.

www.birchphotography.com 965 770 093 Jim Hair Artist is at Estrada Vale do Lobo 947A / T: 914 452 315 / W: jimhairartists.com CHARITY PLUS

IT IS ALWAYS SAID THAT CHARITY BEGIN AT HOME. IF YOU HAVE CHOSEN TO MAKE YOUR HOME HERE IN THE ALGARVE, THERE ARE ORGANISATIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS THAT WOULD BENEFIT FROM YOUR SUPPORT IN HELPING THEM MEET THE NEEDS OF THE WOLF VALLEY LESS FORTUNATE Wolf Valley supports local people with everything from MAKING the payment of medical bills to the provision of Madrugada respite care whilst tackling A DIFFERENCE homelessness and drug and Madrugada was established offers people with a diagnosis of The alcohol addiction. Funds are Words: DAWN ANNANDALE in February 2009 in response a life-limiting illness and those raised through donations to limited choices for end-of- important to them, support professional and the organisation of life care in the Algarve. Over throughout treatment and palliative events such as dinners and the years, this charity has beyond, by facilitating a range golf days, craft markets and developed an excellence in of complementary therapies, care team ladies’ lunches. Based in home-based, palliative care psychotherapy, counselling, Vale de Lobo, Wolf Valley and is highly regarded by both creative activities, physical provides considers enquiries and the families of those it helps activities, group therapy, support to requests for aid from any and by health professionals information and lifestyle advice. individual or organisation in who have observed the care All these facilities and services anyone of the Loulé area. given. Magrugada works closely are available free of charge and A recent donation of 35 34 with many agencies to ensure over the years thousands of 18 years a freezer to the Algarve patient comfort and peace for hours of support has been given. and over Food Bank has proved those last precious days. Madrugada provides an a resounding success The professional palliative incredible service which eases affected by a especially during the current care team provides support to the difficulties faced by those difficult economic situation. anyone of 18 years and over closest to the patient as well as life-limiting The freezer, which cost

affected by a life-limiting the patient themselves. €36,000, is vast, and has l PLUS ALGARVE l PLUS ALGARVE illness. illness. Support is extended Volunteering opportunities enabled the Food Bank to to carers and close family include working in a Madrugada increase the distribution of members and family and shop, carrying out deliveries food significantly as many bereavement counselling and collections, helping with more companies can now during illness and after the loss fundraising and event hosting. donate food which can of a loved one is available. madrugada-portugal.com/ be frozen, thus reducing The amazing Support Centre about-what.php# supermarket waste. wolfvalleycharity.com/

HIS HAS been a really tough feature to research and write. But, ACCA - Associação de Crianças on the positive side, the goodness of those involved is heartwarming and Carenciadas do Algarve so genuine. My faith in human nature has been restored whilst talking to some Dedicated to helping children in experience and enthusiasm activity sponsorship, to helping wonderful supporters of the charities need across the Algarve, ACCA to support the children of the at awareness-raising events when Tdetailed here. I don’t want to make this political or has spent 20 years delivering life- Algarve who are disabled, those can once again feature on critical in any way - the situation is what it is and changing – and sometimes life- abused, orphaned or abandoned the calendar. these charities do an amazing job when times are saving – therapies and medical and the institutions who look ACCA is known for its back-to- hard and governments face financial challenges. The aid to disadvantaged youngsters after children whose families school programme which ensures people I have met and spoken to are just giving back who either live below the poverty simply can’t. that underprivileged children because they can... and want to help. line, or are orphaned and in There are many ways you can have all they need to start a new If you want to know more about any of the care, or who require specialist help: donations allow funding school year, its Christmas Angels organisations, start off by visiting their websites treatment that is not available to of key needs but your time, too, scheme created to give every where you will learn about the volunteering them through Social Services. can be a major contributor with child a reason to smile, and its possibilities and can also make much-needed ACCA is run by a small everything from collecting and major annual fund-raising events. donations to their causes. Remember that every little committee who give their time, delivering parcels, to securing acca4kids.com helps, be it time, money or support. ALGARVE PLUS l 36 CHARITY one of the food bank donation sites who need collectors, drivers, distributors? In these distributors? drivers, collectors, need who sites of food the donation bank one PLUS If you are involved in a charity, give us the details. AlgarvePLUS will always find room to promote good causes. good to promote room find always will AlgarvePLUS details. the us give acharity, in involved are you If donating your time and energy to a special cause? Perhaps a charity shop or maybe maybe or shop Perhaps acharity cause? aspecial to energy your and time donating difficult times of restrictions, many regular sources of income have sadly stopped so have stopped sadly sourcesmany regular of income of times restrictions, difficult If you have a few hours to spare either regularly or occasionally why not consider why consider not regularly occasionally or spareIf either to afew you have hours dedicated supporters. ahsa.com.pt/ that hasbeenableto accomplish somuchthanksto its well asaddressing mentalhealthissues. between the family andsocialservices and hospitalsas over 65s,providing food andmedicalcare, communication elderly provides welcome respite for thefamilies ofthe and theresulting economic collapse. Aday centre for the relying onthegenerosity ofAHSA duringthe pandemic become vitalduringthepast year withmany more families continued to grow over itstwo decades;thefood bankhas and services were onlygiven to thosemost inneed. thoroughly vetted andcare taken to ensure that money support to needyfamilies inAlbufeira. Eachcasewas desperate needofhelp. involved recognised that there were many othersin their valiant efforts, the young mansadly died, butthose available intheUSA, butnothere inPortugal. Despite with aseriousillness for whichthere was treatment had come together to raise fundsto helpayoung man Albufeira –was formed in1999after anumberofpeople AHSA –theAssociação HumanitáriaSolidariedade association solidarity Albufeira humanitarian This isareal community-based grassroots charity AHSA beganto organise fundraising events andhas The first majorproject undertaken was to provide food charities need to be innovative with their revenue streams. streams. revenue be innovative with their to need charities

Get involved together so that contacts and advice can be shared. be can advice and contacts that so together people these all these bring to is group Facebook room Chat Charity Portugal of the aim The of it. use best make could who don’t know but donate to things have who people are There useful. be can they where know don’t but help to want who more still them; on act to but no time ideas fabulous with others help; needing and level roots grass at working some expertise, different with all people, amazing many are There PORTUGAL CHARITYCHAT ROOM bancoalimentar.pt producesthat results. real venture avital is 2019. 1December This and November of 30 weekend the on out carried campaign the in of foodstuffs of 140 tonnes atotal collected Algarve the in Hunger Against Bank Food The goods. store help and sort volunteers more where Faro in warehouse the to goes collected is What stuffs. food basic donate and buy to shoppers asking supermarkets, in position up take volunteers aweekend, over ayear, Twice BANCO ALIMENTAR DOALGARVE , rotaryalmancil.org 1140 5558 0010 00116 PT50 0000 IBAN: Assoc. Fellowship Charity AIRC a/c: Bank Project crisis food Rotary to: made be can Donations Refood. and ASCA organisations, two with working and area Almancil the in need in for people food purchase to donations for asking is Club Rotary international Almancil RY ROTA Contact: costs. weekly the cover helping or food, donating food, serving and dishes washing tables, setting by assist You can sandwiches). 500 and soup home-made of litres 80 (that’s week a times three 70 people around to served are Meals PORTIMAO SOUP KITCHEN btinternet.com Contact: carolinelangston@ [email protected]

Your Landscaper Personal T: +351289 397 165E:[email protected] W:cape-gardens.com DESIGN |CONSTRUCTION |MAINTENANCE FOOD PLUS

TASTES great... Toldolanda toldolanda.com ‘Vegetarians 914609517 the awning specialist are always well looked after’

subtle sparkle of soft lights. The delight of a stylish environment – designed by Rita Osborne and dressed with many of the decorative pieces collected across years of travel – and the 39 unfaltering promise of cooking with infinite care, makes this long- standing restaurant a real treat and, l PLUS right now, with many restrictions in place and all guidelines oberserved, you feel you are eating out safely. ALGARVE Vegetarians, vegans, and those with allergies are perfectly served with special dishes designed to Birds Nest delight rather than the play-it-safe uninteresting options offered by so TUCKED AWAY IN THE OUTSKIRTS OF BOLIQUIEME many other restaurants. Carnivores, IS ONE OF THE CENTRAL ALGARVE'S SPECIAL meanwhile, can never get enough RESTAURANTS. CAN YOU KEEP A SECRET? FOOD here; the slow-roast pork belly, Sophisticated served with creamed potatoes, RIGINALLY a small local have proven to be all-time favourites international crackling and cider jus is something restaurant in the quiet remain in the repertoire – mature flavours using the of a sensation. best ingredients of Tencoca, just west of Cheddar cheese soufflé, slow- Front of house Stephen Eggleton OLoulé, it became the home braised Irish brisket, rack of lamb and Sandra Osborne-Lewis, daughter of the Osborne family 35 years and Black Angus sirloin. And the of Rita and James Osborne, are ago. In 2010, after completing an Birds Nest variation on traditional passionate about their restaurant, ambitious extension and renovation fishcakes alone is worth a visit. their food and their clients... and in DECOR programme, Rita Osborne and family Cheesecake Creme Brûlée these still difficult times, that makes member, the late Kay Breen opened and Chocy Wockey Doodah with Classically elegant, a real difference. Sandra is optimistic with white linen the doors to Birds Nest, recognising homemade raspberry sorbet come tablecloths, fine about 2021 and looks forward to a the potential for an elegant dining up time and time again as most- china and cutlery better year for everyone. experience in a rural setting, one wanted puds, Birds Nest currently seats 32 that residents would love, and choose Unsurprisingly, it was impossible inside and, when the weather warms to return to time and time again. to get a table for Christmas or New up, 12 in the outside courtyard. The menu, a composition Year meals unless a booking had The restaurant is open for dinner carefully put together by chef been made well in advance. Those PRICE Tuesday to Saturday, from 7pm to James Wall and executive chef who were lucky enough to celebrate 9pm (9.30pm on Friday), and on Starters from €6.95 Christopher Sloan, changes with there did so in style, in surroundings Mains from €18.50 Sundays for lunch from 12-noon to the seasons but certain dishes that dressed for the occasion with the Desserts €6.50 3pm. Time to plan a visit.

BIRDS NEST, R. de Vale de Silves, R. de Tenoca, Boliqueime / T: 289 366 471 PROPERTY PLUS

BEDROOMS Four spacious bedrooms with built-in wardrobes

BATHROOMS

Four bathrooms and a separate cloakroom

GARAGE

Automatic doors and internal access to the villa

POOL 41 40 Big and beautiful – 12x6m – on its own terrace l PLUS ALGARVE l PLUS ALGARVE PROPERTY of the month of

PEACE, QUIET AND In search of your OUTSTANDING VIEWS own, private space? This SINGLE-STOREY LIVING IN THE GLORIOUS HILLS OF LOULÉ, WITH SWEEPING LANDSCAPED GROUNDS THAT beautiful villa INCLUDE AN ORCHARD AND SCENTED ROSE GARDEN is set in vast Vilamoura Office  Built in 2002 and with great  Double-glazed windows, grounds in the attention to detail aluminium shutters, EN125 Benfarras Boliqueime mosquito nets hills where the  Four bedrooms and four 8100-068 Boliqueime bathrooms, plus guest  Gas central heating throughout sky is an T: +351 289 301 294 cloakroom  Alarm, central vacuum cleaning  Spacious living room with system, solar system ever-changing Tavira Office wood-burning stove  Mains water, licensed borehole picture and Rua Dr. Jose Padinha 178  Separate elegant dining room  Large swimming pool with beautiful brick dome the views are 8800-354 Tavira  Plot size: 7,022m2, walled ceiling T: +351 281 320 281 and fenced spectacular year  Large fully equipped kitchen  Total construction area: 299m2 with family-size breakfast bar round. Designer AMI: 6232 and that all-important large  Energy certificate: E utility room  Price: €875,000 details add to the  Ref: DZO property’s charm.

TO VIEW: T: +351 289 301 294 / E: [email protected] / W: yellowhomes.com READS PLUS

FULLY booked

DAWN ANNANDALE’S ENTRY IN THE ‘GET PUBLISHED’ COMPETITION WAS CHOSEN AS THE WINNER BY THE CONRAD PRESS AND IT WILL BE PUBLISHING HER BOOK IN THE SPRING. IN THE MEANTIME, THERE’S LOTS TO READ – HERE ARE DAWN’S LATEST TOP CHOICES 43 FIRST DATE TARGET CHURCHILL By Sue Watson By Warren Adler and James C Humes

Publisher: Bookouture Publisher: Stonehouse Press l PLUS Genre: Thriller Genre: Historical It’s 1946 and the Americans and British are This book is a warning to all you singles out celebrating a victorious end to the Second there. Scary stuff that just goes to show how World War – all except Winston Churchill, who ALGARVE careful you need to be when thinking of joining has lost an election to Clement Attlee, lost his Tinder! good friend Franklin D Roosevelt, and feels It’s the story of Hannah and her pursuit of what he calls his ‘black dog’ breathing down happiness. She’s been waiting her whole life his neck. to meet a man like Alex. But he’s been waiting In order to stave off Churchill’s waning too. And once he has her, he’ll never let her moods, his family and friends convince him go. Hannah has done everything to make sure to accept an invitation from Harry S Truman, her life is safe and secure and a long way away to speak at a college in Fulton, Missouri. from her unstable childhood in foster care. She The result is one of Churchill’s most famous worries that, aged 36, she might never fall in speeches, in which he famously likened the love but, otherwise, her life is where she wants spread of Soviet communism in Eastern it to be. Europe to an iron curtain. The phrase stuck. Encouraged by her best friend to join a This is a meticulously researched thriller dating app, she meets Alex. He’s irresistibly and it’s hard to tell what is fact and what is handsome. He loves the same music as her. fiction. I found myself googling constantly to And the same food as well. They both dream fact-check and was amazed to find that it’s a of travelling the world but agree they would fairly accurate account of events. An absolutely be equally happy escaping to a cottage by the fascinating book and highly recommended for beach in Devon. Both of them would love to all those who enjoy Le Carre and Forsythe. own a Labrador one day. It’s like he’s made for her. It’s as if he’s too good to be true. Hannah’s friends aren’t so sure about him. But Hannah thinks he’s perfect. And this is where the scary bit starts but I won’t spoil it for you from here. READS PLUS

THE EVENING AND THE MORNING A DEL OF A LIFE By Ken Follett By Sir David Jason Publisher: MacMillan Publisher: Century Genre: Historical fiction Genre: Biography

Ken Follett is one of my favourite writers and I Sir David Jason must be one of the most am constantly amazed at the depths of his skill. successful British comedians of all time. As The book begins in the year 997, the end of the Del Boy, he entertained us for years and we Dark Ages. England is facing attacks from the all remember those classic scenes from Only Welsh in the west and the Vikings in the east. Fools and Horses such as the Batman and Those in power bend justice according to their Robin Christmas special or Del leaning on the will, regardless of ordinary people and often vanishing bar. This book is a celebration of in conflict with the king. Without a clear rule David Jason’s 80th birthday and over 50 years of law, chaos reigns. In these turbulent times, in show business. ADICO three characters find their lives intertwined. It is funny, chatty and packed with A young boatbuilder’s life is turned upside anecdotes to make you laugh out loud. down when the only home he’s ever known is David talks about his time as Frost, Granville BY IN-PETTO raided by Vikings, forcing him and his family and Pop Larkin among his many other film to move and start their lives anew in a small and television roles. He comes across as hamlet where he does not fit in. a thoroughly decent chap and definitely A Norman noblewoman marries for love, someone on my dinner-party wish-list. People following her husband across the sea to a new do throw about words like ‘icon’ and ‘legend’ land but, finding the customs of her husband’s but in the case of David Jason they are In order to see the homeland shockingly different, she begins to thoroughly well deserved. outdoor collection of realise that everyone around her is engaged in a constant, brutal battle for power. Adico please arrange 44 A monk dreams of transforming his humble abbey into a centre of learning that will be A YEAR AT THE CHÂTEAU an appointment to admired throughout Europe. By Dick and Angel Strawbridge A fabulous tale of power, corruption, Publisher: Hachette visit us. oppression and how dire human nature can Genre: Modern life be. Fabulously descriptive – I can almost smell the woodsmoke and taste the ale. Ken I absolutely adore this British TV show. Dick and l PLUS ALGARVE Follett possesses a quite marvellous ability to Angel had long dreamed of living in France, but transport you to another time and place, which whereas others might settle for a modest bolthole feels totally real. in the French countryside, the Strawbridges fell in love with a 19th-century fairytale château, complete with 45 rooms, seven outbuildings, 12 acres of land and its own moat. Granted, the ALL THE LONELY PEOPLE château had been abandoned for many years By Mike Gayle and was derelict but it was the most incredible Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton challenge. Genre: Modern fiction A Year at the Château follows Dick and Angel and their two young children, Arthur and I loved this gentle book. In weekly phone calls Dorothy, from when they first moved to France to his daughter in Australia, widower Hubert in the depths of winter and found bedrooms Bird paints a picture of the perfect retirement, infested with flies, turrets inhabited by bats, the packed with fun, friendship and fulfilment. But, wind rattling through cracked windows and, just Hubert Bird is lying. The truth is that day after one working toilet, which flushed into the moat, day drags by without him seeing a single soul. through to the monumental efforts that went Until, that is, he receives some good news – into readying the château for their unforgettable month good news that in one way turns out to be the wedding and their special first Christmas. The worst news ever, news that will force him out the of Book photos are glorious as are descriptions of rural again into a world of which he has long since life in France, with charming characters, delicious www.adico.pt turned his back. food and wonderful seasonal produce, together The best way I can describe this author’s with the extraordinary list of renovations and www.in-petto.nl Rua dos Mailhadais 126 work is that it’s chap-lit; a kind of chick-lit for restorations Dick and Angel completed, many of [email protected] fellas. Always poignant and thought-provoking which were never shown on TV. 8100-082 Boliqueime but in a simplistic way. I’ve been reading Mike I have nothing but admiration for this 00 351 910 440 728 Gayle’s work for years now and he constantly remarkable couple who have not only followed comes up with great books whose subject their dream but are living it daily thanks to their in_petto_groothandel matter is totally relatable. hard work and tenacity. GARDENING PLUS

KEEN COOKS KNOW THERE IS LITTLE MORE SATISFYING THAN HOME- GROWN INGREDIENTS – FRESHLY-PICKED VEGETABLES AND HERBS NURTURED FROM SEED OR A SPRIG OF GREEN. THIS IS THE MONTH TO GET BUSY – BE YOUR VEGGIE PLOT A TUB ON THE TERRACE OR A BIG SPACE WAITING TO PROVIDE 47

Y 85-YEAR-OLD FATHER a plantsman, be limited due to low rainfall, means planting must take place , l PLUS ALGARVE boasts that our family home garden maintains between October-May. During our summer months, allow plants itself, yet I know that his relationship with the to grow organically, watering native plants only when needed – earth, his green thumb and fingers alongside which may be just once a month. An important piece of advice patience and nurturing have created a from Rosie and Rob is not to blame yourself if your plants die! GROW space that not only provided a respite from working hours, but also an Eden of colour Planning it out your own and fragrance in our neighbourhood. For beginners, many start with huge enthusiasm, and a small Terracottta pots of rosemary, coriander, basil and mint stand space. This is the ideal combination. Divide this space into zones Malongside tubs overflowing with succulents. The front lawn is a – edible, shrubs and plants – and use water wisely. Edible gardens Words: CATHY LEIBMAN cornucopia of colours depending on the season, and his indoor do require more water so steer away from irrigation systems which solarium holds palms of sacramento-green fronds, Phalaenopsis could ruin crops and soil with over-watering. orchids and hanging baskets with creeping fern fronds. He is Purchase good quality, rich soil for use in raised beds and head indeed a horticulturist; a gardener. to the market to buy seeds or small seedlings to plant. Rosie I have the inclination, yet no talent and believe I am deficient emphasizes that a positive attitude – and an astute awareness that in this gene. Nevertheless, I have aesthetic sensibilities and you are an active element in this creative process – is the fun part adore wandering in nature, visiting botanical of having a garden. gardens, foraging in local markets and Gardening is a learning process that is perfected dreaming of paddock-to-table produce. through the sharing of ideas and experiences, in As a novice, yet hungry gardener, addition to being proven to be great for mental I turned to Rosie Peddle who, with health. We all need those mental health days… husband Rob, is part of the group of January is historically the coldest month founding members of the Mediterranean of the year. Yet, in comparison to the rest Gardening Association Portugal (MGAP). of European winter this is quite warm with Living in the Algarve, the biodiversity highs up to 16°C. Moreover, we can expect of native plants combined with our around 200mm rain, therefore remember to extraordinary climate make the perfect sow seeds after sunny days have warmed the ingredients for gardening and farming. moist soil. Achieving a sustainable garden in a region So what should we be planting in January where sun is optimal, and irrigation of soils may for our edible garden? GARDENING PLUS

VEGETABLES BROAD BEANS Sow seeds as a crop, 5-7.5cm deep and 15-20cm apart; allow to grow through winter and harvest in April when they are visibly swollen. Use green beans in the typical Portuguese dish, Favas com chouriço (broad beans with chourizo) or Favas com entrecosto (broad beans with spare ribs). Utterly delicious small beans are sweeter and more tender than large ones and can be picked when immature to be cooked and eaten whole. The added bonus is the fragrant flowers that are produced while the plants are maturing.

LETTUCE Decide which variety of lettuce to plant and you can have lettuce almost all year round – different colours, flavours and textures which means no more boring salads. Grow lettuce When I first met ceramic artists who on moist soil, about 10-15mm deep and in rows 30cm apart. As during the winter, gardeners only need to consider weeding post- soon as first leaves appear, thin seedlings and water in the early sowing. Place potatoes in moist, fertile trenches about 30-45cm wanted to showcase their collections in my morning when the soil is dry. The seedlings you thin out can be apart and 15cm deep, then cover with soil to fill the trench. When shop, I knew what I liked but had little idea washed and eaten too, and ensure you harvest lettuces by cutting shoots reach 20cm tall, mound soil around the bases of the shoots, rather than pulling. covering stems half-way. This is called of the complexity of their work and the ‘earthing up’ and prevents potatoes PEAS are ideal companion plantings becoming green and inedible. Once processes behind the production of their pots to beans, carrots, leeks, turnips, THINK ORGANIC harvested from your kitchen garden, and platters and bowls. And no clue sage, fennel and celery leading to boil, drench in olive oil, lemon and efficiencies in output and disease Now that you have successfully created salt. Mouthfuls of deliciousness! whatsoever about clay or the glazes control. Plant peas 3cm deep in a your kitchen garden, maintenance involves

48 or even the timespan from concept to trench roughly 22cm wide and about weeding around your tender shoots and HERBS 10cm apart. They do well on all types preparing summer vegetable beds by Rosemary, parsley, coriander, thyme, execution to finished piece. of soil, yet their preferred is fresh, soft digging in manure. We encourage an oregano, bay leaves, and sage – fresh

l PLUS and well-drained. Usually, between organic philosophy, hence companion herbs in your cooking adds that 12-14 weeks, one can harvest the first gardening will control pests and increase extra zest to your menu and fills So, when I heard about a workshop tender, super-sweet home-grown peas your veggie and herb output naturally. your garden with aromatic, lush and in the old pottery in Loulé, I enrolled – an attractive crop which won’t take colourful gastronomic complements. ALGARVE up too much space. Add them to Ovos As an alternative, fill pretty pots with immediately, and a completely new escalfados com ervilhas (poached BEANS With dill no more than three herbs and place in eggs with peas). a sunny position; perhaps combine a world opened up to me. woody rosemary with parsley. ONIONS are a versatile crop and a Purchase rosemary, mint and sage By the time I made my first pinch pots, huge staple in Portuguese cooking. as plants and grow the following herbs The typical refogado (braised onion) LETTUCE With chervil, from seed – basil, coriander, parsley. I had learned about the different kinds dill, fennel, carrots, is a base for several local dishes, turnips and garlic therefore adding this to your garden shopping around of clay, about glazes and engobes, is a must. We suggest sowing onion Standholders at the weekly and about firing temperatures and how to seeds in a pot or tray of compost PEAS With beans, monthly local markets always include about 1cm apart and once seedlings carrots, leeks, turnips, specialist growers of vegetable stock a kiln. But mainly I learned how are about 5cm tall, transplant into the sage, fennel and celery seedlings and ready-to-plant herbs. garden 10–15cm apart, with just the The stalls outside Loulé’s Municipal impatient I am. tips showing, allowing 30cm between marker on Saturday offer real choice and friends and today, every now and then, rows. Onions are ready to harvest and excellent quality. Also in Loulé is a Now, two years later, I am the owner of a less unattractive piece made by my own when their leaves droop over, turn ONIONS With small shop, Ricardo & Cesar, opposite carrots, beets, tomatoes, brown and stop growing. Loosen the the school next to McDonald’s which, a variety of ugly plates, some unround hands finds its way into my shop and from chamomile and parsley soil with a fork, lift onions and leave in addition to herbs and veggie plants, them to dry before storing. Basil is a has an excellent range of fruit trees. bowls (one for my ignorant cat) and there into the home of a new owner. good friend to onions, helping repel POTATOES With Worth investigating is Sementes a butter dish which looks more like an aphids and other insects, so plant marigolds, peas, beans Vivas, from whom you can buy online. nearby. and garlic Founded in 2015, it is the only Iberian architect’s model of a building. But company dedicated to producing – for me these pieces are unique and POTATOES The humble potato on its own farmland – organic and Rua 5 de Outubro nº 68 . Loulé . +351 964 222 612 needs no introduction. This starchy biodynamic certified seeds, which are beautiful and I love every single one. tuber is a family favourite and is ideally sowed in January, sold across the world. Visit sementesvivas.bio for a big range of Instagram: www.instagram.com/martina.loule/ emerging from the soil in February and ready to harvest at the fruit crops, legumes, root vegetables and greens, as well as edible It took some time before I felt brave Facebook: www.facebook.com/martina.loule/ end of April. We recommend certified seed potatoes as they are flowers and annual and perennial herbs. The planting information guaranteed to be virus-free and with our ideal Algarvian weather and tips on the site are invaluable. enough to show my work to family www.martina-loule.com HISTORY PLUS

OUR READERS, IT SEEMS, ARE FASCINATED BY THE HISTORY OF PORTUGAL AND WE CAN’T GO MUCH FURTHER BACK THAN THE EARLIEST PEOPLE WHO MAY HAVE ARRIVED HERE 60,000 YEARS AGO. THERE They were pressed REMAINS EVIDENCE STILL OF into Portugal, the THEIR LIVES IN IBERIA high mountains of Words: CAROLYN KAIN Spain and along the peninsula’s coast

20,000 years ago across each other and perhaps occasionally interbred. to reach Iberia some of the journey may have been along the Inside a limestone cave in a valley north of Lisbon, a four- Neanderthals, however, became extinct while modern coast. One crossing point that has been suggested is via the year-old child is laid to take his final rest. In a shallow humans didn’t. It would be wrong to assume that this Straits of Gibraltar. Another more circuitous route to Iberia pit lined with the branches of a pine tree, his head and was due to continuous conflict and that in skirmish after may have been via the Horn of Africa, crossing the Arabian body are liberally scattered with red ochre. A pendant skirmish modern humans won. A more plausible theory Peninsula and travelling on east-west flowing rivers. with two periwinkle shells has been placed around asserts that it was probably due to differing lifestyles. 51 the boy’s neck and encircling his head, an ornamental Modern humans used a system that divided labour between Further back in time garland that includes the teeth of a roe deer. Cradled in men – the hunters – and women and children – the Whichever route they travelled, by the time this exodus a foetal position, beside his bent knees a rabbit is placed gatherers, collecting fruit and vegetables. took place the Homo line had been developing in Africa for in reaching distance. It is a tender ending to a young life Meanwhile, Neanderthals relied almost entirely on eight million years. Around four million years ago there is that gives us an insight into emotions experienced by hunting. Kills were made at close range exposing them evidence of a switch from being four-footed creatures to

early people who inhabited Portugal. to frequent danger and when that went wrong they had upright walking. A complex mix of our ancestral cousins l PLUS ALGARVE no nutritional buffer to rely on. Furthermore, operating lived parallel lives in Africa; they were a geographically 40,000 years ago in groups that were smaller than the groups of modern and biologically separated species that in the long term The first modern humans,Homo sapiens, reached humans probably made them particularly vulnerable to left no descendants. Some branches, however, were more southern Portugal, supplanting groups of Neanderthals natural disasters. successful than others such as Homo erectus who lived from that were already established on the Iberian Peninsula. Although Neanderthals had spoken communication – as about one and a half million years to 300,000 years ago. A recent scientific study produced by an international evidenced by the presence of the hyoid bone, situated at The facial features and prominent brow ridges of the research team in Faro and published in November 2020 the base of the tongue and associated with the voice box – it Homo erectus figures in the picture on the opposite page asserts that these modern people arrived 5,000 years is assumed their language was less complex than modern have been created by latex masks. Designed on the basis earlier than previously thought. That is 38,000 – and humans who were better able to communicate and plan of scientific measurements of Homo erectus skulls they possibly 41,000 – years ago. ahead. are thought to be accurate. Examination of Homo erectus These conclusions are based on evidence found in A further scientific study concludes that Neanderthals skeletons reveals their physique was much like that of two other Portuguese caves located close to each other had a 40 per cent lower reproductive fitness than modern modern people though they were slightly stockier. Over near the Atlantic coast. The interdisciplinary team of humans and that by living in small, sparse groups they may generations sweat glands and dark skin – to protect them scientists suggests that for around a thousand years, have become fatally interbred. ´ against ultra-violet rays – replaced a covering of thick body Neanderthals and modern humans may have come The extinction of Neanderthals happened across Europe hair. In search of food they adopted a nomadic lifestyle at different times in different regions due to a combination but, like the Homo sapiens, they were not on a quest to of factors but some of the last survivors lived in Iberia. They find adventure or to conquer a new world. Each generation were pressed westwards into Portugal, the high mountains probably travelled no more than a few kilometres looking for of Spain and along the peninsula’s coastal strip. Certainly improved surroundings and suitable food. the few remaining groups cannot have been aware of their Controversy continues about how closely Homo erectus IN THE status as ‘the last of a dying species’. and Neanderthals are related to modern humans. We know that the Homo sapiens line started about half a million years 60,000 years ago ago in Africa and that it took 460,000 of those years before It is clear that the group from which all Europeans and their descendants reached Portugal. Of one fact we can be beginning… Kain ©Peter by lakeside. figures - Homo erectus page: Reconstruction Opposite Bicho Nuno Ferreira Homo sapiens ©Professor to Neanderthals and later – home to of Gibraltar – Rock Cave page: Goram’s This Asians are descended originated in Africa. It is possible that absolutely certain - they were and definitely are still here.

For further information see: Publication: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Organisation in Faro:nterdisciplinary Centre for Archaeology and Evolution of Human Behavior. ADVENTURE PLUS

Top: Looking down on the

curve of the River Foupana. 53 Above: The trail up to the tallest mountain in the

47 Algarve. Below: The swirling l PLUS early morning mists that add a hint of mystery to the hills and vales l PLUS

ALGARVE E ALGARV

THERE WERE A few raised eyebrows when I told pretty similar, albeit eating into the rhythm of until I reached a little sand island midway people it was my intention to walk the GR13 trail the walk with the inevitable ‘boots and socks across. On the other side of the island things non-stop and with only short breaks for food and off, flip flops on, dry feet, boots and socks back were about to become really sporty, as I could WALKING a little shut eye as and when my body needed it. on’ routine. see the river narrow and its speed pick up. To put the walk into some sort of perspective, the When I descended down to the Foupana Time to take the plunge! Within a few metres length of the trail has an accumulated ascent and River and my fourth crossing, I saw the the rushing current was up to my thighs then, descent of just under 8,300m respectively – that’s frothing white tops of the water and that the a few steps later, my waist. The force of the the walk the equivalent of climbing up Cho Oyu in the High river was in full spate. water already beginning to buckle my legs and Himalaya, or 600m shy of Everest’s summit. I contemplated a U-turn, back track and threatening to wash me out to the Guadiana. I set out at 8am sharp on a Monday morning, road bridge crossing, but that seemed a A few deep breaths and some careful LOULÉ-BASED CHARLIE PERRING relishing the prospects of discovering the variety little defeatist to me and, after all, leading planting of my crook had me rib high into the HAS BEEN THERE AND DONE of terrain that the trail would take me though. expeditions is what I do for a living, so it was full force of the flow and it was there, at the IT, TRAVERSING THE 301KM VIA The Algarve had heavy rainfall in the previous time to put the training into practice and go most treacherous point of the crossing, that week and there was the inevitable aftermath from full ‘Commando’. With everything secured in I had one of those rare moments of clarity. ALGAVIANA FROM ALCOUTIM the downpours. Within the first kilometre out of dry bags inside my pack and clad in just a pair Everything slowed down to point where I TO CAPE ST VICENTE IN JUST Alcoutim, there were steady streams of water of shorts, I eased my way into the water. momentarily stopped, letting the current wash flowing down the trail and my boots and feet I had about 40m of fast-flowing water to past me, knowing that it could sweep me away SIX DAYS, AS OPPOSED TO THE quickly became damp, then wet – every walker's cross and the river had me thigh high deep anytime but not allowing myself to be overawed USUAL 14 OR 15. HE UNDERTOOK nightmare. Water and friction inside a boot don’t bode well for blisters. HIS ‘LONG WAY ACROSS' TO I knew I had four rivers to cross as I made There were steady streams of water flowing down the RAISE FUNDS FOR THE WILDLIFE my way down to Furnazinhas. Armed with my walking ‘crook’, I managed to find a calf-high route RANGER CHALLENGE ORGANISED trail and my boots and feet quickly became damp, then through the first river, which was fairly straight- BY BRITISH CHARITY TUSK forward and the second and third crossings were wet – every walker's nightmare. ALGARVE PLUS l 54 Above: The pineforests outsideCachopo. Centre: The bacon sandwich-didoneever taste thisgood?Below: The last stretch ofthe and headingwest. bridges, Iwassoonengulfedinthedarkness using detourstocrosstheriversviaroad together andbyfollowingthemarkedtrail fast intosingledigits. hypothermia asthetemperaturewasdropping got soaked,I’dbeinrealdangerofgetting especially atnight-ifIslippedandmykit was concernedaboutmorerivercrossings, driving outwithsomefoodandwater. Yet I and myfirstrendezvouswithJo,whowas breakfast andwantedtopushonto walk intothenight. considered howdohandlemy shelter asitgrewdarkand kit. Ihunkereddowninabus to seepitswayintomostofmy and howthewaterhadmanaged that Irealisedquitehowtiredwas only asItrudgedintoFurnazinhas river anditsunrelentingjourney, butitwas gully, Ilookedbackwithgreatrespecttothe the othersideofbank. objectives, theriverreachingseaandme myself, bothofushellbentonreachingour by thesituation.Infact,Iwasratherenjoying journey, withthelighthouseat CapeSt Vincent inthedistance, 301km from thestart ofthetrail inAlcoutim ADVENTURE PLUS It’s an unsettlingthingwalkingindarkness After afewhoursofrest,Igatheredmyself I’d coveredabout38kmsince Half anhourlater, asIascendedtheexit Cachopo

finally ended. firework, itslongjourneythroughthegalaxy earth’s atmosphere,disintegratinglikeaflailing I wastreatedtoashootingstarenteringthe filled thenightskyandeveryonceinawhile thousands andofstarsplanets the constellationswerequitestaggering– which we’remostlyunaccustomed. adjust tonightvision,embracingaworldwith turn outthelightwhenyoucanandleteyes unjustly ominous.Thesecretistorelaxand As the sun begin to rise on the second As thesunbegintoriseonsecond At about2amandwithclearskiesabove, sounds just off the path become sounds justoffthepathbecome narrow, andunfamiliar field of vision becomes field ofvisionbecomes showing the way; your showing theway;your of theheadtorch with justthebeam distraction from my feet. distraction frommyfeet. providing somemuchneededcompanyand friend NickRobinsonjoinedmeonthetrail, Fortunately, withabout10kmtogo,mygood although beautiful,youcanneverfullyenjoy. an endlessrollercoasterofterrainwhich, taken awayfromyouagain.Itseemslike the momentyougainheight,it’s immediately most challengingsectionsofthetrailwhere on mywaytoBarrancodeVelho , oneofthe and thoroughlyblistered. sorting outmyfeetwhichwereprettyshredded the previous80-pluskilometresandsetabout knew thatI’dtakenabitofbatteringover a baconsandwich.Onelookatmeandshe relieved toseeJowithahotthermosand morning, IwalkedintoCachopoandwas The weather late that afternoon was glorious The weatherlatethatafternoonwasglorious After acoupleofhoursrest,shesentme

Foia, itwasalldownhill toCapeStVincent, my walkintheearlyhoursofmorning. implemented –tostaywhereIwas andresume came downinbuckets.PlanBwas immediately cloud rolledin,theskiesdarkened andtherain well-deserved –beer, butjustasitarrived the gratefully acceptedasmall–andin mymind, coffee andashortrestbeingtheintention,I for myarrivalinthemainsquare.Despite driven uptomeetmeandhadbeenwaiting mountain shouldathunderstormrollin. trail beforedarkandbeoffthe to reachthehighpointof foreboding andIwanted the forecastwasalittle up towardsMonchique, walk, butasIclimbed first fewdaysofthe the weatherover the dark. into oneofthebigfellasin – Icertainlydidn’t wanttorun of Harlechandcalls‘hey, boar’ presence knownwithsomerenditionsof thankfully headingawayfromme. brown haironabackasbroadbarndoor, followed byabriefglimpseofthickmatted undergrowth somefourorfivemetresbelow, by ahugegruntandcrashingthroughthe up tohigherground,Iwassuddenlystartled wild boar. dusk approachedthatIflushedoutmyfirst through adeepforestedvalley. Itwashereas that straddlestheRioArade,beforetraversing Funcho Reservoiruntilreachingthedam meander alongthetrackthatflanks beautiful sectionofthetrail,withalong tosta mistaortwointhecafésIpassedby. opportunity totopupmywaterandenjoya villages becomemorefrequent,givingmethe climbs anddescentseasedlittletowns heartland oftheAlgarve.Thankfully, the trail cutsthroughtheBarrocal,farming there byfourwheels. under my breath that I wasn’t beingwhiskedup on upthehillforanotherhour, cursingquietly tempted, butwavingmygoodbyes,Iheaded away andaskingifIwantedalift.wasseverely only forNicktotellmethathiscarwas500m putting theworldtorights,westartedoffagain, Algarve. happily throughthisstunningsectionofthe into thefloraandfauna,wewalkedchatted and withtherecentrainsinjectingvibrancy After an early start to reach the summit of After anearlystart toreachthesummitof To mydelight,somegood friendshad I’d beenluckywith Ispentthenextfewhoursmakingmy As Istartedmyascentfromthevalleyfloor Further on,MessinestoSilvesisa From After stoppingoffatalittlestreamand Barranco deVelho toMessines,the Men Men and needed tofinishtheLong Way Across. of thecoastlinewasallencouragementI broken thebackofwalkandabriefglimpse and althoughstillafewdaysaway, IknewI’d a singleboar, fourrabbitsandanotternear any wildlife;afewgrouseinthefirst24hours, shooting party. wasn’t lostonmeasIchattedwithalocal Vila do Bispo,theironyofmywalk’s purpose sight. AsIcrossedthenaturalparkoutsideof began fillingmynostrils.Theendwasnearlyin wild boar, thenthebigview down to Monchique, where coffee beckons Above: Acouple enjoying theview from thehighest pointintheAlgarve, at Fóia. Below: First the I keptasteadypacethroughBensafrim For the best part of 280km, I’d hardly seen For thebestpartof280km,I’dhardlyseen Marmalete. Sadly, somuchwildlifehas Vila Do Bispoandthesaltairofsea been shot or trapped over the decades been shotortrappedoverthedecades and although great efforts are and althoughgreateffortsare being madewithLynx release programmes and a gradual programmes andagradual

I'd do it in the spring! I'd doitinthespring! and reflection,absolutely, butnexttimeround, equipment theyneedbackintothefield. with matchingfunds,togetrangersandthe across Africa–asumthatwouldbedoubled charity thatadvanceswildlifeconservation over £3,000fortheWildlife RangerChallenge a littleeffortonmypart,we’dmanagetoraise through thegenerosityofsomanypeopleand autopilot bythisstage.But,mostimportantly, was undoubtedlyprettyspentandwalkingon The mindhadprevailedoverthebodyasI into sightandIwasattheendofmyjourney. the lighthouseofCapeStVincent came to redresswhat’s beenlostoverthedecades. and fauna,there’s stillsomuchmoretobedone change ofhabitatbacktotheindigenousflora Would Idoitagain?Afterafewweeks'rest After sixdays,sevenhoursand58minutes,

ALGARVE PLUS l 55 PHOTOGRAPHERS’ GROUP EACH HAD THEIR OWN VIEWS THEIR HAD EACH GROUP PHOTOGRAPHERS’ TECHNO WIZARDRY. AGAIN, YET THE HAPPY SNAPPERS IN THE ALGARVE OF ABIT OR MOVEMENT, TO ASUDDEN OTHERS ARACE, OR A RUN, THAT’S TO SOME HERE. SPEED TALKING WE’RE AND FAST THINKING...

INTERPRETATIONS toTake experiment. time Nikon D810 with AF-S AF-S with D810 Nikon At home in quarantine Open camera shutter/ Micro Nikkor 105 mm mm 105 Nikkor Micro WHAT'S SPECIAL bulb f:11. Flash 10 10 Flash f:11. bulb NEIDHARDT October 2020 1:2,8G ED VR ED 1:2,8G A SPLASH CAMERA ADVICE 000`sec. ERNST ERNST HERE R E WH HEN E WH

WHAT'S SPECIAL personality makes a makes personality Introducing fun and and fun Introducing Walls of a subway a subway of Walls station with a sea asea with station RUTH VERA VERA RUTH Naples, ItalyNaples, RUNNING March 2018 panorama. difference. CAMERA Fuji XT20 ADVICE WHERE WHEN

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the group visit algarvephotographersgroup.org visit group the Monochrome Monochrome The Algarve Photographers Group exhibition Shadows, Silhouettes, Reflections in exhibition Group Photographers Algarve The is on now at the Museu do Traje, until 27 January 2021. To learn more about more To learn 2021. January 27 until Traje, do Museu the at now on is see when doors will be open to the next show. next to the open be will doors when see THE ALGARVE GROUP PHOTOGRAPHERS . to t 073 329 966 on Museu the with Check

or the object; in this case case this in object; the or PHOTOGRAPHY blurring the background background the blurring You can show speed by speed show You can The image shows the the shows image The WHAT'S SPECIAL VIET MUELLER VIET TIPS FOR OTHERS OTHERS FOR TIPS Clareanes/Loulé February 2014 Nikon D-800 Nikon T DO D LTA O V ALGARVE CAMERA I did both. I did WHERE WHEN speed. PLUS

ALGARVE PLUS l 57 TECHNO PLUS

VOICING OPINIONS

WANT A BLAST OF MUSIC? OR TO KNOW WHAT THE WEATHER’S LIKE IN AUSTRALIA? YOU CAN LOOK UP EVERYTHING ON THE INTERNET – BUT WOULDN’T YOU RATHER HAVE SOMEONE TO TALK TO… AND ORDER AROUND?

Words: CHRIS PARTRIDGE 59

MART SPEAKERS and voice assistants the smart lights on or suddenly need to know what the l PLUS ALGARVE are the latest craze, with a third of airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow is. British homes already having at least Smart speakers are easy to set up. All you have to do one and the figure expected to rise to is plug it in, download the relevant app to your phone 75% by 2025. or tablet, and follow the instructions to connect the For playing music, smart speakers speaker to your WiFi. really are incredible. The size of a coffee Some smart speakers need to optimise the sound by jar, they would have been regarded as scanning the acoustic layout of the room and adjusting toys by the audiophiles of the past, but new magnets the sound beams it radiates – mainly to improve the Smade of neodymium, plus computer-aided design stereo effect – but this is done automatically. technology, has allowed engineers to create speakers that pump out great stereo sound with vibrant upper Teach them to obey registers and the sort of bass that was once only It is probably a good idea to spend a few minutes possible with speakers in pairs, each the training the assistant to recognise your voice, size of a fridge. but all voice assistants learn on the job, But it is the combination of so to speak, so they will get better sound system and the voice at noting every word as time goes assistant that is the secret to by, regardless of your particular the smart speaker’s appeal. accent. They all come with voice Once set up, every voice recognition and artificial assistant goes to sleep but intelligence in the form with an ear open, waiting for of Amazon Alexa, Google a trigger word. For Amazon, Assistant or Apple Siri. it is ‘Alexa’, for Google it is People love the idea of ‘OK Google’ and for Apple it is having a sort of invisible ‘Hi Siri’, but variations such as Jeeves hiding in the ‘Hello Google’ will also do the background waiting to spring trick. Or you can press a button into action the minute you need on the speaker. to listen to some K-pop, turn Once operating, the main use for TECHNO PLUS

D E S I G N . E N T E R P R I S E

COMMUNICATION

For every client brief there’s a design to meet the goals People love the idea of having a sort of invisible Jeeves in the background waiting Branding

to spring into action the minute you need to Brand Strategy Naming listen to some K-pop, turn the smart lights on Logo design or suddenly need to know what the airspeed Brand Identity velocity of an unladen swallow is.

Digital

Web Design Web Development Brief: produce a betting catalogue for art gallery event Brief: Create a hardwearing but luxurious room directory Social Media Online Advertising Previous page: Apple a smart speaker is to play stuff from anywhere on the with your iPhone, iPad or Mac. If you shop with HomePod Mini. This internet. The choice is mind-blowing. Radio stations Amazon, Alexa is optimised for your shopping needs Newsletters page, above: DiscovR, round the world are available, offering music of every and Amazon’s smart speakers are exceptionally keenly emailings by Pure; right: Amazon’s Echo conceivable era and genre from services such as priced. Google is a good choice for people who like their Spotify. Audiobooks, documentaries, everything you kit to work with almost anything. Graphic 60 could need. And, of course, your own music library. The most popular smart speaker by some way is

Smart speakers can also be the hub of a smart home Amazon’s Echo, a fabric-covered ball with lights in the Brochures system. The voice assistant can be taught to control base. It supports Amazon Music (of course) but also Catalogues l PLUS any home automation system so you can sort Spotify, Apple Music and Pandora, along with Leaets out the lights or the temperature or many others. Advertising the oven or whatever just by issuing The Echo sound quality is not as Stationery instructions. good as some Bluetooth speakers, Outdoor billboards ALGARVE And, of course, you can so if audio is your thing you Stands Brief: create upmarket brochure to case study projects Brief: to update branding in line with company evolution search the web for answers to might like to look elsewhere. Signage all those questions of life, the The price under €100. universe and anything else. Next in popularity is Which brings me to the Google’s Nest Audio speaker Production thing that worries people at £90. Being Google, it Copywriting about voice assistants offers excellent integration emailings – privacy. That invisible with services such as Photography Jeeves (or Miss Moneypenny Calendar, Gmail and so Printing if you change the voice) may on. And its connection with Merchandising be a mine of information, Google’s search engine makes helpful and unfailingly polite, it very knowledgable. Again, but it is still listening to your every sound quality is modest. word and perhaps sending it all back The Apple HomePod Mini costs Brief: logo evolution to maintain the equity of the original Brief: create a harmonious sign system to locate villas to corporate base. The corporations all around €100 and has superb sound deny this, pointing out that the assistant only quality, despite its petite design. Set-up is easy listens to a short rolling recording as it waits for the as long as you have an iPhone – just hold the phone trigger words, but how do you know? over the speaker and it does most of the work. Another In any event, before you buy one make sure you are limitation is the restricted number of services you can happy with the idea that smart speakers are sending a access; if you are a Spotify fan, forget it. stream of information about you and your family back If sound quality is really important, consider to company HQ, which they use to target advertising spending a little extra on the DiscovR smart speaker Brief: create an ofce interior to meet client expectations at you. Will this change in the future to using the from British audio specialist Pure. It is a very stylish Brief: create an upmarket magazine for members in Quinta do Lago resort information to control you? You decide. unit, with a speaker that pops up when playing and a veritable light show in response to the various Take your pick commands. The voice assistant is Alexa. Sound quality Identifying the right speaker for you will be influenced is excellent, and it has a built-in battery so you can Brief: create a book to show the life work of an architect Brief: create a new advert and refresh current image mostly by your attitude to the big American corporation move it around the house and even take it outside. All behind the voice assistant you prefer. If you are an in all, a great piece of kit at €179.99 but you can get it Apple fan, Apple’s HomePod offers tight integration online for around €99. designworks . t. +351 917 203 850 . [email protected] . www.designworks.com.pt PAST PLUS

JUDITH DURHAM

Judith Durham dreamed of a career in opera or 70s musical theatre and trained as a classical pianist at the Melbourne University Conservatorium. Working as a PATTY HEARST secretary by day, in the evenings she began singing The 19-year-old student blues, gospel and jazz standards with a local jazz band. granddaughter of At work, she met a young man – Athol Guy – who newspaper tycoon 60s introduced her to his friends Bruce Woodley and Keith William Randolph Potger with whom he had formed a folk group called Hearst was briefly The Seekers… the rest is musical history. the most famous The group travelled to England in 1964 and were young woman in signed up by The Grade Association. Tom Springfield the USA. – brother of Dusty – wrote I’ll Never Find Another You In February 1974 for them. They became the first-ever Australian group she was kidnapped to have an international Number One single, which was at gunpoint from followed by other huge hits like The Carnival is Over her apartment by and Georgy Girl. a previously-unknown Judith left The Seekers to pursue a solo career in militant ‘revolutionary’ group 1968 and married musician Ron Edgeworth. They called the Symbionese Liberation settled in Queensland where she continued to write Army. They demanded that her songs, record and perform. Sadly, Ron died of wealthy family donate millions of motor neurone disease in 1994, just after Judith 50s dollars’ worth of food to the needy in had joined the other Seekers for their Silver return for her release. Events took Jubilee Tour. The new millennium meant more THE DANSETTE a strange turn when she released a performance and recording, with and without tape saying that she had joined the The Seekers, culminating in The Seekers 50th The Dansette record players will forever be associated with SLA willingly, adopted the name 63 62 in 2012. Judith is the Patron of the Motor the Sixties and Swinging London – although the company Tania, and was photographed taking Neurone Disease Association of Australia. Her that manufactured them, J & A Margolin of London, was part in the armed robbery of a San album, So Much More, was released in 2018. established in the 1930s. The first Dansette, known as the Francisco bank. Plus-o-Gram went on sale in 1950/51 for the exorbitant price She was captured by the FBI in of 33 guineas, more than a thousand pounds in today’s 1975, convicted and sent to jail a year money and of course way out of reach of most ordinary later. However, her lawyers claimed that she had been brainwashed and families, let alone teenagers. l PLUS ALGARVE l PLUS ALGARVE Several less pricey models was really suffering from ‘Stockholm WHATEVER HAPPENED TO… followed, some with optional legs Syndrome’ – a condition where crime to furnish the living-room, others victims develop sympathy with WE ALL GET THOSE SUDDEN FLASHES – A FACE OR NAME OR FAD FROM THE PAST ‘portable’ (though pretty hefty) The first their captors. Her prison sentence THAT WE REMEMBER… SORT OF. THEY MIGHT HAVE DROPPED OUT OF THE PUBLIC with carrying handles. Their sale was commuted by President Jimmy Dansette, known as Carter in 1979 and she was pardoned EYE OR CHANGED DIRECTION – YOU ONLY KNOW WHEN YOU START LOOKING coincided with the arrival of rock ’n' roll in Britain and especially the Plus-o-Gram by President Bill Clinton in 2001. Words: JILL ECKERSLEY with the British version – Cliff Patty went on to write her Richard, the Shadows, the went on sale in autobiography. She pursued a Liverpool Sound and the Beatles. 1950/51 for the career in acting, married and had By that time Dansettes could exorbitant price of two daughters. Not surprisingly DALEY THOMPSON be bought for a modest 11 she has maintained a low profile guineas. Hire-purchase, the then- 33 guineas, more ever since, becoming involved in Twice-winner of the Olympic Gold for the decathlon, Londoner Daley Thompson still holds the British record popular form of credit, meant than a thousand charity work and breeding pedigree for his sport. His first ambition was to be a professional footballer, but he joined local athletics clubs as that they were in the price range dogs. Most recently she told the US a teenager and was so promising as a sprinter that he never looked back. He won his first decathlon of at least some teens. Especially pounds in today’s Press “I have grown daughters and in 1975, became Junior European Champion two years later and won his first Commonwealth title in sophisticated were the models money granddaughters and other things 1978. His first Olympic Gold came at the 1980 Moscow Games and by 1983 he was the first athlete to which had ‘autochange’ so that that normal people have!” hold Olympic, World, Commonwealth and Continental titles at the same time. By the time the Los you could load them with a pile Angeles Olympics came round in 1984 his only rival was the West German Jurgen Hingsen – and of 45 rpm hit singles and dance Daley triumphed yet again. all night. A hamstring injury in 1992 effectively ended his athletics career and The last Dansette went on sale in 1969, by which time new he then returned to his first love, football, playing for Mansfield Town concepts like stereo and hi-fi were becoming popular and and Stevenage FC. He worked as a fitness coach and trainer and was an catered for by Japanese manufacturers. The Dansette was Ambassador for the London Olympics of 2012. He later described this spectacular always robust and many are still in use, often refurbished event as ‘the best £12 billion we have ever spent!” by enthusiasts. There are plenty for sale on Internet auction In 2015 Daley opened his own gym in south-west London and in 2018 co-founded a sites and there’s even a company called Dansette Products sports nutrition company. Unlike many British sporting champions, he has never been Ltd in Rochdale, Greater Manchester which repairs and awarded a knighthood, which surprises his fans but not Daley himself. “The bloke in the restores them to their former glory… street out there likes me… and I wouldn’t swap that for any knighthood!” he says. 70s EXPAT INFO PLUS MADE IN BRITAIN

2021 RESOLUTIONS FOR FINANCIAL WELLBEING THE VERY BEST IN RANGE COOKING WITH BREXIT NOW IN FULL SWING, THERE ARE SOME KEY FINANCIAL PLANNING AREAS FOR UK EXPATRIATES TO CONSIDER. ADRIAN HOOK, SENIOR PARTNER, BLEVINS FRANKS, ADVISES

1 Check your position sector or company. And if you still use a UK-based adviser, Are you now lawfully resident in Portugal? To lock in bank or other financial provider, check if your relationship or citizens’ benefits and the right to remain post-Brexit, access to services from Portugal have legally changed now UK nationals must be able to demonstrate they were the UK has fully left the EU. settled here before the end of 2020. Others may only be allowed to spend up to 90 days in Portugal (or any other 4 Explore your pension options Schengen state) in a 180-day period without a visa. With more pension freedom than ever – and no one-size- Remember: you must continue to meet Portuguese fits-all solution – take your time here. Would you benefit residence rules to stay under the protection of the more from leaving UK pensions where they are, or from Withdrawal Agreement. This generally means having moving them to a Qualifying Recognised Overseas your main home and spending at least 183 days a year Pension Scheme (QROPS), for example? Despite Brexit, here, so take care not to forfeit residence by spending Portuguese residents can still enjoy tax-free transfers, but 65 too much time away in 2021. the UK government could potentially start applying its 25% ‘overseas transfer charge’ to EU QROPS in the future. 2 Keep your tax planning up to date Before making any decisions, take extreme care to l PLUS If you are living here, your financial planning should do what’s right for you and avoid pension scams with be set up for you as a Portuguese resident. You need personalised, regulated pensions advice. to structure your investments and wealth in the most ALGARVE suitable way to minimise taxation – here, the UK and 5 Review your estate planning wherever you have financial interests – while still Is your legacy is on track to go to your chosen heirs? Under meeting your obligations. Portugal’s ‘forced heirship’ rules, certain family members Tax and financial rules often change over the year, are automatically in line to inherit a specific portion of your potentially affecting the efficiency of your arrangements. worldwide estate, whatever your actual intentions. While you Therefore regular reviews help you stay on top of any can override this by applying the EU regulation ‘Brussels IV’ in developments and take advantage of new opportunities your will, take care to first understand the pros and cons. that could benefit you. With today’s heightened global Check also that your estate plan is set up to achieve your tax scrutiny, it is more important than ever to get cross- wishes in the most tax-efficient way possible. If you remain UK border tax planning right. Potential penalties for getting domiciled – as many expatriates do – you continue to attract it wrong – even unintentionally – can be severe, so take UK inheritance tax, so plan how to reduce this liability for your specialist advice for peace of mind. heirs. And make sure you know where you stand regarding succession rules anywhere else you have assets and/or heirs. 3 Revisit your savings and Consider also any changes in your personal and family investments circumstances. Have you recently welcomed any new family If you don’t already have a financial plan in place for members, or will 2021 include major life events, such as Portugal, you especially need to take a fresh look retirement or a divorce in the family, that warrant a rethink of at your savings and investments. Are they actually your arrangements? better suited to a UK resident? Do they meet your risk/ To bring all these complex resolutions together and help reward appetite? Is your income paid in Sterling and protect your family’s wealth in 2021 and beyond, take expert, therefore vulnerable to exchange rates? Should you take cross-border advice. advantage of tax-efficient opportunities for Portuguese residents? Successful investing is about having a Tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements strategy specifically based around your personal concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of circumstances, time horizon, needs, aims and risk current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. tolerance. Make sure you have adequate diversification Tax information has been summarised; individuals should seek to avoid over-exposure to any given country, asset type, personalised advice.

To discover more, visit or contact: T: 289 350 150 / E: [email protected] / W: blevinsfranks.com AGAbrás, Lda, Rua Boaventura Passos, no. 18, 8150-121 São Brás de Alportel T: 91 781 2155 | E: [email protected] | W: agabras.com

10693 Falcon Portugal Algarve Ad 3_V1.indd 1 08/12/2020 09:56 ADVICE PLUS

YOURmoney

RICARDO CHAVES OF ALL FINANCE MATTERS IS ON THE PLUS TEAM AND HERE TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS ON THE ISSUES THAT AFFECT YOUR LIFESTYLE ON THE ALGARVE. HERE HE EXPLAINS THE FINANCIAL PLANNING YOU SHOULD PUT IN PLACE

GO MOVES I know it is vital to keep one’s eye on every choose a country where you can work from with good A family-run business based in the Algarve. eventuality, particular right now so tell me, if I had conditions, with less costs, better quality of living and Full/part house removals with or without to make three resolutions about my finances for with less taxes. Enquire to see if this could be Portugal. this year, what should they be? In most cases, the cost of living here will also be lower pack and wrap service. Collection and delivery Good question, and so appropriate in the current and the taxes under the NHR status, can be much service from any shop in the Algarve to your house. environment, as well as the time of year. Here’s what I more favourable. No job is too big or small. We cover the Algarve, Portugal, would suggest: Spain, France and may consider other countries. Resolution 1: Pay less tax whenever possible. Firstly I work from my home here, as a sole trader, advising [email protected] make sure that before 15 February 2021, you update clients on marketing and communications. Can or register your household for tax purposes. Please I charge home expenses to tax, such heating, 913 318 990 | 913 206 015 note that this can be very important, not only for tax electricity, space etc, as I was used to doing in purposes but also for other related matters, such as the UK. How does it work and what do I need to GO MOVES registering for schools, kindergarten, etc. put in place? 67 It’s also necessary to register your invoices at the tax Even as a sole trader, there are different taxation portal by the same date. The registration of the invoices regimes that may be applicable to you. The most will allow you to have some tax deductions on the IRS common is the simplified regime, which is available to l PLUS tax declaration to be submitted between April and June any professionals who have a gross annual income up 2021. Be aware that you should always give your fiscal to €200,000. number on purchases, especially the ones where you This regime is aimed at workers of the so-called ALGARVE can have a tax rebate, such as medical bills, pharmacy category B – liberal professionals such as lawyers, invoices, etc. Don’t forget also that when you sell your hairdressers, dentists, journalists, copywriters, property, you will only be able to offset invoices that translators, veterinarians, alongside many others. This have your fiscal number and the address of the property, category includes independent workers who carry out so make sure you have a folder in order, ready for when commercial or industrial activities and those who are Here to help you decide to sell your property. engaged in agricultural, forestry or livestock activities. Resolution 2: Prepare for the unexpected. The year Doctors, engineers, economists, architects and lawyers 2020 has been a challenging year, 2020 has showed that nothing is granted and life can are also included. but our currency transfer services are change in a minute. So in order to be prepared, you In practice, under the simplified regime there are something you can always rely on. should discipline yourself as much as possible, in terms coefficients of taxation, applied to the various types of of financial expenditure. activity. As on the simplified regime you will be taxed If you need to move money to or from This could mean, for instance, budgeting your life on a percentage of your income, which is already pre- Portugal, benefit from: (there are apps for this) and checking where you can determined, you will not be able to deduct the costs you save money. Find a financial/mortgage adviser who may mentioned. This would only be possible if you were on Excellent exchange rates help you to minimise the interest you are paying on your the normal regime, and taxed on the profit, rather than a No transfer fees debts, especially on credit cards. Eventually you can percentage of gross income. Personal account management restructure your loans and consolidate them into one. However, when it comes to VAT, depending on the cost Find products where you can acces your money, of a purchase, you may be able to deduct a percentage Flexible transfer options so that in case something unexpected develops, you (up to 25%) of the VAT, as long as the expense is deemed Expert insights have a spare piggy bank, or start an emergency saving as essential to obtain the income you will generate and fund. Last but not least, make sure that in case you have also that the invoice for the cost of that purchase carries a medical insurance, that the cover is adequate for your fiscal number. This is done in the e-fatura portal, your needs. when you select if your expense is deemed as personal Resolution 3: Think globally. Covid 19 has showed or professional. If you state that the costs is professional, that we can work from home and the trend will be but just partially, the system will automatically allocate Let’s talk currency maintained in the future. Try to make the best of this: 25% to your activity. Algarve office Ave 5 de Outubro, No 246, Find out more at currenciesdirect.com/portugal Almancil, 8135-103 © Currencies Direct Ltd, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5AA, United Kingdom. Registered in England +351 289 395 739 & Wales, No.: 03041197. Currencies Direct Ltd is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority as an Electronic Money Email your finance questions for Ricardo to [email protected] for [email protected] Institution under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011. Our FCA Firm Reference number is 900669. inclusion in the first available issue of Algarve Plus. To consult directly with Ricardo Chaves email [email protected] PO18329EN

PO18329EN - Algarve Plus magazine advert v1.indd 1 13/07/2020 12:51 EXCHANGE PLUS

MOVING BACK

IF YOU PLAN TO RETURN TO YOUR HOME COUNTRY THIS YEAR, THERE WILL BE MANY PLANS TO PUT IN PLACE, SAYS JOSE ALMEIDA

LANNING IS crucial when there is a major lifestyle change ahead. Here, we’ve put together a few handy tips to help you keep the costs down when moving home from Portugal. One big expense will be shipping pick the best time to transfer your funds out of Portugal. your belongings, so use your move as an Exchange rates are always moving and a discrepancy of just Popportunity to declutter. If something isn’t useful, has no a couple of pence or cents in the rate you achieve can make sentimental value and can be easily replaced, this might be a massive difference, particularly when you’re moving larger the time to let it go. Big, bulky furniture may also be better amounts; timing is important. off staying put. You could try to sell some items and put Currency specialists also offer a range of services that can the money you make towards buying new once you’re back help you protect your currency transfers from exchange rate in your home country. movement. For example, with a forward contract you can fix 69 an exchange rate for up to a year ahead of making a transfer. Research removals companies This means you’ll know exactly how much currency you’ll Using the first removals company you come across without receive and the value of your transfer won’t change no matter doing any research can be a costly mistake, so spend some how the market moves (although this would mean you’d miss time going through the options available. out if the exchange rate strengthened). Personal recommendation is often invaluable, so A rate alert, on the other hand, gives you the ability to target l PLUS ALGARVE check with friends and family to see if they’ve had a good an exchange rate above the current level. You simply set the experience in the past. rate you want to achieve and you’ll be notified by text or email UK - ALGARVE - UK Get quotes from all the companies you’re considering if your rate is hit. You then have the option to make a transfer LOCAL – NATIONAL – INTERNATIONAL – WORLDWIDE and then check out their online reviews – a company may or set another rate alert and hold out for an even stronger rate. be the cheapest for a reason. Paying less in the short term You can also use a limit order to trigger a transfer as soon as may end up costing you more if your items are delayed, the exchange rate hits a set level. lost or arrive damaged. Other services you might want to explore include currency wallets (where you can buy currency in advance for use later) Consider currency and market updates (where you can receive regular exchange A mistake many people make when moving home from rate updates straight to your inbox). abroad is using their bank to make international currency transfers. Make a plan and stick to it! Many banks apply transfer fees and don’t offer Finally, a super simple way to save money on a move home ALGARVE competitive exchange rates. It’s also unlikely that they’d be from Portugal is to plan your move in advance, and plan well. Algarve Express Transport & Removals able to offer you the range of services available through a Make a list of all your expected costs and a second list of any Algarve Secure Storage Service leading currency transfer provider like Currencies Direct. additional costs that could potentially crop up so you can Caminho do Cerro do Galo, By using a currency transfer specialist you’ll be able to budget effectively. Having to pay out for a service at the last 8135-028 Almancil, Algarve, Portugal secure excellent exchange rates and move your money minute could prove pricey, so plan, plan, plan. without transfer fees. You’ll also have the option to transfer If you’re planning to move home from Portugal in the year Mob 00351 968807244 · Tel 00351 289 393707 your money online, over the phone with your personal ahead good luck! [email protected] account manager, or by app, giving you complete flexibility. UK DEPOT BASILDON ESSEX Currencies Direct has helped over 325.000 individuals Open for collections Move your money at the right time and businesses move money abroad since 1996. It has an Mon-Fri 8am-7pm & Sat 9am-12am Another big benefit to using a leading currency transfer ‘Excellent’ Trustscore on Trustpilot, over 20 global offices provider like Currencies Direct is that they’ll help you and a team of more than 500 currency experts. Mobile 0044 (0)7989 417625 · Tel 0044 (0)1268 723601

For more detailed information, please contact the local office T: 289 395739 or register at www.algarveexpress.com currenciesdirect.com/portugal to get regular updates on the currency markets, (Use AlgarvePLUS magazine as the reference). DATELINE PLUS

THIS MONTH’S SPECIAL SELECTION OF THINGS WORTH SEEING THEagenda António Marra ARTCATTO, LOULÉ, ON NOW LUXURY CHAUFFEUR CORPORATE W E D D I N G S PORTUGAL Artworks which provide ART ALGARVE three different perspectives SERVICES TRAVEL GOLF TOURS FLORIAN TRANSFERS Fresco Galeria de Art according to where you Almancil stand. Acrylic on canvas, On until end January 50cm x 50cm. Part of the Missing Pieces exhibition, oil-artist Floriana Roumbouts is

MERCEDES S-CLASS, E-CLASS, V-CLASS AND SPRINTER, TESLA MODEL S & MODEL X, Algarve-based. “My eyes

are constantly looking for 71 RANGE ROVER, MERCEDES CLASSIC 220 E settings, objects, figures which I can use in my

paintings,” she says. l PLUS “24-hour days are way too short for me.” ALGARVE

Angelina Maia TAVIRA D’ARTES, TAVIRA, ON NOW Amazing card sculptures for the wall from this internationally-acclaimed artist. In silver, gold and black, and also available self-standing.

Gudrun

CÔRTE REAL Bartels Paderne MUSEU DO TRAJE Re-opening start February SÃO BRÁS Pedro and Michael, owners ON UNTIL 29 JANUARY of this magical gallery in the hills, are spending Impressions of landscapes, this month visiting artists, flora, natural forces and designers and craftspeople, to select new works for the Portuguese culture, in acrylic, season ahead. pastels and pigments. www.vipchauffeurs-algarve.com +351 914 479 300 IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE bookings@vipchauffeurs-algarve.com DATELINE PLUS

TOURIST OFFICES It is worth knowing where you can go to pick up material/ advice/suggestions on local happenings. Here’s our list, with phone numbers THE Albufeira agenda Rua 5 de Outubro 289 585 279 Alcoutim CLASSES Rua 1 de Maio / 281 546 179 Aljezur PORTUGUESE CRASH Largo do Mercado COURSE KEEP FIT 282 998 229 Faust

EN 396 Semino Alte BOOTCAMP Estrada da Ponte, 17 8125-303 Quarteira 289 478 666 11-22 January, Monday to Fitness Centre, Vale do Lobo, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9am-9.50am Friday, 2pm-6pm Alvor 289 301 356 | 919 437 377 Make the most of the outdoors and get involved in circuits, weight-training and Rua Dr. Afonso Costa, 51 [email protected] teamwork to build muscle and get you moving in the best possible way. High- 282 457 540 This 40-hour course is for intensity exercises led by a trained instructor are perfect for getting your heart Armação de Pêra beginners. It has a practical Av. Marginal / 282 312 145 approach to language acquisition racing, blood pumping and endorphins releasing. Carvoeiro and delivers communication Praia do Carvoeiro training from the start. Groups are 282 357 728 of mixed nationalities and with a Castro Marim maximum of five students. MARKETS Rua Dr. José Alves Moreira, 2-4

72 The €500 fee includes materials. 281 531 232 This month you can also register GARDEN MARKET 73 for Faust’s Portuguese A1 course Faro Jardim Municipal Carrera de Viegas which runs from 1 February to Rua da Misericórdia, 8-11 Rua João de Deus, Sao Bras 289 803 604

4 June with twice-weekly 110 l PLUS Sunday 17 January, 10am-2pm minutes classes and a maximum Lagos of nine students. Lots of home-grown goodies from local Rua Vasco da Gama (S. João) Both courses are in taught in producers and artisans, so much to buy. 282 763 031 l PLUS ALGARVE

school by experienced, qualified In Roberto Nobre Park there is a market Loulé ALGARVE

ALA CLASSES and native teachers, using the every Saturday from 7am-2pm, and a Av. 25 Abril, 9 / 289 463 900 direct method (opposed to the flea market on the third Sunday of the Monchique translation method) and focusing month. The daily municipal market, left, Largo S. Sebastião / 282 911 189 WEAVEDECK especially on oral communication. has produce of exceptional quality. CENTRO COMERCIAL GALERIAS DO MERCADO Monte Gordo Av. Marginal / 281 544 495 RUA JOSÉ FERNANDES GUERREIRO, LOULE Olhão WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY 9.30AM-1.30PM AND 2.30PM-4.30PM Largo Sebastião Martins Mestre, 8A Weaving and tapestry workshops that are hugely good fun and wonderfully creative. 289 713 936 Portimão Techniques taught include tabby weave, twining, soumac, rya knots, rya loops, Av. Zeca Afonso / 282 470 717 pattern making, tapestry, rug making and more. €10 per hour, all materials Quarteira included. Bespoke workshops for three-plus people can be arranged. Praça do Mar / 289 389 209 Querença Call 925 450 609 to book or visit weavedeck.com Largo da Igreja / 289 422 495 Sagres ESTRELA YOGA Rua Comandante Matoso Boliqueime 282 624 873 Yin yang flow: Wednesday and PERCUSSIONS CONCERT – LOVE AFFAIR CONCERT Salir Fridays, 10am, Sunday 11am WITH MOZART Cineteatro São Brás Rua José Viegas Gregório Thursday, 7pm, Candlelit Yin SESSIONS Teatro Figuras, Faro, 7 January, 16 January, 7pm, 289 489 733 Museu do Traje, Sao Bras A safe space to heal the mind, 7.30pm, Tickets €10 Tickets €7 São Brás de Alportel Starting Wednesday 15 January body and soul after 2020. And The most popular arias and duets from We know it's the Orchestra Classica Largo S. Sebastião, 23 starting this month there will be Discover Batucada, a sub-style of the samba Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni do Sul, but no specific programme 289 843 165 workshops with yoga, meditation which uses glasses, balls, palms, sticks, pine and The Magic Flute, from the Orchestra information was available when we went with art, and more, led by yoga Silves cones, clubs, drums, pebbles, shells, lids to press, so it’s worth giving them a call teachers and therapists from Classica do Sul with soprano Filipa van Eck Rua 25 Abril / 282 442 255 and more to create amazing, fast-paced across Portugal and the UK. concerts and baritone Rui Baeta. This will be a sell on 289 840 211 to see what is planned. Tavira rhythms with the hands and voice part of the Email Tracy Carson at out… and a thoroughly lovely evening. We only have the date and ticket cost! Rua da Galeria, 9 / 281 322 511 instruments. Call 966 329 073 for more info. [email protected] for the lowdown. IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE HUMPH PLUS

ANDfinally We’ll look after

IT’S JANUARY, THE START OF A NEW YEAR AND, HOPEFULLY, A MUCH-IMPROVED WAY OF LIFE. ANTHONY your tax a airs while MARTIN LOOKS BACK ON 2020 AND FORWARD WITH OPTIMISM TO ITS MUCH-WELCOMED SUCCESSOR you look after

and as there are things we haven’t done yet and we need the your lifestyle ELL HELLO 2021 welcome. You have been a time to get that sorted. long time coming – a year to be Despite this, my family and I welcomed you; we were exact – and a lot of people have in Estonia at the time. Well not actually in Estonia, but been anxiously waiting for you, metaphysically there, as I’ll be buggered if I’m going to as your predecessor has, for hang around until midnight to say hello and, as you obvious reasons, not been were in the Baltic three hours earlier, it seemed like particularly popular. a good idea. So, at nine o’clock Portugal time, being And here I must ask you readers if, for the sake of midnight in Estonia, we, together with the entire Wthis piece, I may be gender-specific and refer to 2020 as population of Tallinn stood in the beautifully cobbled ‘he’ – something many people during his time frowned square of the Old Town and raised our glasses of Vana

74 upon, insisting that ‘gender fluidity’ was both appropriate Tallinn to you. And best of all, I was in bed at ten. In fact and desireable. But perhaps you, 21, will be a little more this worked so well that come next New Year’s Eve we’re understanding and allow me, who grew up in a civilised thinking of being in Stockholm where I can toast you

l PLUS era and therefore has a modicum of common sense, to with Aquavit and metaphysically roll around naked in stick with this time-honoured the snow while being beaten with pronoun, otherwise this is going to birch twigs... and still get an early be an even more complicated read night. ALGARVE than it is now. So tell me 21. Can you explain to You years have always been me what this New Year Resolution labelled, some good, some not so. Why, for ten stuff is all about? For you, of all Poor old 87, his legacy was a stock people should know. Why do we, market crash, but 53 enjoyed the minutes on on one particular night of the Queens’ Coronation and 69 had year decide that from that day the man on the moon. They can New Year’s Eve, on we are going to act in a totally put their feet up, sit back and different manner than we have for know they presided over what was do we come the previous 12 months? For ten considered ‘good’ years. minutes or so we come over all Without question, 20 is going to over all holier- holier-than-thou, find ourselves receive the worst press ever but it’s guilty of various misdemeanours, not his fault and 21, whatever your than-thou smack our own wrists and promise year brings, will not be of your that we shall never do them again. doing either, for you are purely This is rubbish. a title – a heading – a wrapper It’s all been said before: “Next containing all of mankind’s traits, year I’m going to be slimmer.” good and bad. So, 2021, keep your chin up and look back “Next year I’m going to be fitter.” “Next year I’ll stop with pleasure on the moment your reign started. smoking, drinking and kicking the cat.” “Next year I’m Proudly remember the clock chiming midnight and going to be altogether a better, kinder, more sympathetic the world’s population cheering your coming, albeit person.” p*ssed out of their minds, but cheering, nevertheless. It’s No we’re bloody not, because most of us carry on as something we do, something we have always done, Lord usual, with the only exceptions being those of a more knows why. But the upside – the kissing of total strangers earnest disposition who like to strut around telling all – used to be quite nice. And also, while I’m writing, could and sundry of their iron will-power and resolve, because you do me a great personal favour and ask 22 not to be in for the previous five days they haven’t had a Mars Bar. such a rush to arrive – and pass it down the line. They’re just pathetic attention seekers. I don’t know what you lot are on, but you are arriving Personally, I’ve never kept one resolution I have made much quicker than you used to. Learn to take things – no I lie, I have. In 1963 I resolved to give up smoking slowly; it’ll be better for you and certainly better for us, and 20 years later, I did.