Hassle free travel on the horizon - The Portugal News

Publisher: Paul Luckman29 Jan 2022 - Ed. 1664 · Weekly · €1.50 IVA included.

Post Covid-19

Are you thinking

of relocating to the

Algarve? P13

Election special

Everything you need

to know about the

elections. P20 & 21

Omnivorous diet

What are your

thoughts on the diet

that you follow? P25

Bitter truth

The blooming beauty

of almond blossom.

P36

Hassle free travel

on the horizon

As of 1 February, travellers in possession of a valid EU digital Covid-19 certificate should not be subject to additional restrictions to free movement, such as tests or quarantining according to a recommendation by the EC. (Photo: Lusa/António Pedro Santos) Full story P3.

Real estate

Foreigners snapping up

property in Portugal.

P2

Foreign workers

Hopes to simplify

paperwork for foreign

workers. P4

Complaints up

Complaints to public

services up by 19% last

year. P6

Teacher crisis

Teachers in the Algarve

are struggling to afford

rent in the region. P11

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2 The Portugal News ·29 Jan 2022 News

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Warming up over the weekendMaximum daily temperatures are on

the rise this weekend.

LisbonA dry and bright weekend is

expected in the capital with mainly clear skies and temperatures reaching maximums of 18 degrees and lows of 7 degrees. From Tuesday cloud cover is to increase slightly and temperatures are to begin to fall with maximum high reaching only 15 degrees but lows rising to 8 degrees.

The northClear skies and mild tempera-

tures with highs up to 19 degrees are predicted in the north however nights will feel cold with mini-mums falling to 2 degrees. From Monday cloud cover is to increase and temperatures are to fall to daily highs of 17 degrees while nightly lows will remain at 2 degrees.

The centreOver the weekend the weather

is to be bright and dry with daily highs of 17 degrees and nightly lows of 7 degrees. From Tuesday the temperatures are to fall again down to daily highs of 15 degrees and nightly lows of 6 degrees, it will however remain dry with intermittent cloud cover.

The southTemperatures will remain mild

over the weekend with highs of 19 degrees and lows of 11 degrees however there will be significant cloud cover on Sunday. Monday and Tuesday will see thermometers hitting the 21 degree mark before falling again on Wednesday down to daily highs of 19 degrees.

Foreigners purchased 11% of properties in PortugalAccording to consultancy firm JLL, last year 190,000 homes were sold, an increase of almost 20 percent compared to 2020.

In what was the “best year ever” for the sector, with foreigners buying 11 percent of properties.

“Housing was the star sector of real estate in 2021, surpassing

all previous levels of activity”, says JLL in a report by ECO. Last year, JLL estimates that 190,000 homes were sold, 18 percent more than in 2020 and 12 percent more than in 2019 (in

what had been a record year for the national residential market).Of the 190,000 homes sold, 89 percent were sold to domestic buyers and around 11 percent to foreign buyers. “The strong market fundamentals should continue in 2022, with a new year of high activity expected”, says the consultant, noting that changes to the golden visa regime should not have negative consequences for the market, “since Portugal is already a recognised residential destination abroad”.Despite this good performance, the problem of a shortage in supply persists. Joana Fonseca, responsible for Research at JLL, states that the housing stock “has increased by only 1.9 percent in the last decade, which corresponds to around 108,500

dwellings, that is, less than what was sold this year”.Pedro Lancastre, CEO of JLL Portugal, also warns of the obstacles that remain in the residential market, namely the “slowness and bureaucracy of the licensing processes”. The official notes that the average number of residential units licensed in Portugal in the last decade was 70 percent below the previous decade (2001-2011).Another constraint is the sharp rise in construction costs, which impacts business plans and end-user pricing. The latest data showed a 7.4 percent increase in construction costs in the last year alone. The consultant warns of the urgency of “managing these constraints so that the creation of supply can be swift and respond to the country’s needs”.

3The Portugal News · 29 Jan 2022Front Page Story

Europe recommends test free travelAs of 1 February, travellers in possession of a valid EU digital Covid-19 certificate should not be subject to additional restrictions to free movement, such as tests or quarantining.

N

Daisy Sampson

The European Council has adopted a recommendation

on a coordinated approach to facilitate safe free movement during the Covid-19 pandemic, however these are simply recommendations and Member States have the right to impose their own restrictions.According to the European Council: “This recommendation responds to the significant increase in vaccine uptake and the rapid roll-out of the EU digital Covid-19 certificate, and replaces the previously existing recommendation. It will enter into force on 1 February 2022, on the same day as a delegated act amending the digital Covid-19 certificate regulation and providing for an acceptance period of 270 days for vaccination certificates”.For Stella Kyriakides and Didier Reynders, the “time has come to analyse the interruption of the additional travel measures that several Member States have introduced in recent weeks, making travel more difficult and less predictable across the EU”, following the example of Portugal, which imposed the need to present a negative test for SARS-Cov-2 to all passengers, regardless of their state and origin, in a

measure that is currently in force until 9 February, beyond the recommended date of 1 February.

New recommendationsUnder the new recommendation “Covid-19 measures should be applied taking into account the status of the person instead of the situation at regional level, with the exception of areas where the virus is circulating at very high levels. This means that a traveller’s Covid-19 vaccination, test or recovery status, as evidenced by a valid EU digital Covid-19 certificate, should be the key determinant. “A person-based approach will substantially simplify the applicable rules and will provide additional clarity and predictability to travellers”.In addition to being pleased with the approval of the agreement, the European Commission also urges EU Member States “to quickly implement common rules to ensure coordination and clarity” for travellers.

Map of EU regionsThe statement continues to explain that: “The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) should continue to publish a map of Member States’ regions indicating the potential risk of

infection according to a traffic light system (green, orange, red, dark red). The map should be based on the 14-day case notification rate, vaccine uptake and testing rate.“Based on this map, Member States should apply measures regarding travel to and from dark red areas, where the virus is circulating at very high levels. They should in particular discourage all non-essential travel and require persons arriving from those areas who are not in possession of a vaccination or recovery certificate to undergo a test prior to departure and to quarantine after arrival”.

Emergency brake“Under the new recommendation, the emergency brake to respond to the emergence of new variants of concern or interest is strengthened. When a member state imposes restrictions in response to the emergence of a new variant, the Council, in close cooperation with the Commission and supported by the ECDC, should review the situation. The Commission, based on the regular assessment of new evidence on variants, may also suggest a discussion within the Council.During the discussion, the Commission could propose

that the Council agree on a coordinated approach regarding travel from the areas concerned. Any situation resulting in the adoption of measures should be reviewed regularly”.

Not legally bindingFinally, it is highlighted that this is merely a recommendation and is not legally binding in any of the Member States as they still remain responsible for implementing the content of the recommendation.At the time of going to press the Portuguese government

was yet to comment if they will be adopting these latest recommendations.Brussels applauds agreement that guarantees an end to testing and quarantines for vaccinated persons.A new recommendation, which was agreed this Tuesday at the General Affairs Council, takes effect on February 1 and replaces the currently existing rules.The European Commission came this Tuesday, January 25, to welcome and applaud the agreement reached by the Member States of the European Union (EU) so that

people with a valid Covid-19 Certificate are not subjected to additional restrictions on movement, considering that it brings clarity.“Today, Member States reconfirmed that possession of a valid EU Covid-19 Certificate should, in principle, be sufficient when traveling during the pandemic. This agreement thus places the certificate at the heart and center of our coordinated approach”, say European Commissioners for Health, Stella Kyriakides, and Justice, Didier Reynders, in a joint note released by Lusa.

Photo by: Lusa/ Manuel De Almeida

The Portugal News · 29 Jan 20224 News

Simplifying paper work for foreign workers The hospitality sector hopes that the new

Government will move forward in simplifying the processes of hiring foreign workers, one of the solutions aimed at responding to the lack of manpower in the sector.

Speaking to Lusa, the executive president of Hospitality Association of Portugal (AHP) considered

that an interruption in the process of legislative simplification, which is under discussion with the current Executive, would represent “an

inexplicable delay that would harm the country's economy and companies”. “Right now, the law on hiring foreigners is highly complex”, said Cristina Siza Vieira, adding that in the meetings with the Government “some elements were pointed out

that would be changed in order to simplify these procedures”.For AHP, hiring abroad is one of the solutions for the shortage of workers in the hotel and tourism sector and, in this sense, the associa-tion will hold a clarification session on “subordinate work visas” in-cluding the participation of the the Directorate -General for Consular Affairs and Portuguese Communi-ties (DGACCP).The initiative takes place after AHP met, at the end of last year, with the Secretary of State for Portuguese Communities on the current legal framework for hiring foreigners. At these meetings, the mobility agree-ment with the CPLP – Community

of Portuguese-Speaking Countries, which is awaiting ratification, was also discussed, a process that stalled with the convening of early legisla-tive elections.“With the fall of the Assembly of the Republic and the new elections, it will have to wait for the passage of these portfolios to understand how this framework will be done, namely the issue of ratification of the agreement with the CPLP”, said Cristina Siza Vieira. The executive president of AHP said that since 2019, the association has been warning of the shortage of workers in the sector, indicating that the pandemic has exacerbated the problem.

In November, the president of AHP, Raul Martins, said in an interview with the Público newspaper that an attempt is being made to “create labour import flows with specific countries, from the outset with those that form the CPLP” to fill the shortage of workers in the sec-tor, but highlighted constraints.In October last year the president of Vila Galé told Lusa that the group continued to struggle with the lack of human resources in hotels, construction and agriculture, and is planning to hire 300 young people looking for their first job and bring 150 workers in Brazil, but for that it would be necessary to work with the Ministries of Economy and Labour.

New Lisbon airport plan damned by expertsExperts have come together to challenge the government regarding the location of a new Lisbon airport.

A former chairman of engineers, an aerodrome engineer and an airport consultant have challenged the Government and VINCI to show the documents that justify the decision to build the new airport in Montijo to the detriment of Alcochete.

“I challenge ANA/VINCI [Lisbon airport concessionaire] to prove that the `Humberto Delgado Airport [AHD] + Montijo´ solution, which is not validated from an environmental point of view, is cheaper than the construction of the New Lisbon Airport [NAL] at Campo de Tiro de Alcochete [CTA]", Carlos Matias Ramos, former chairman of Engineers (2010-2016) and former president of LNEC, told Lusa news agency.

`Lisbon Airport – Strategic Perspective of National Interest' is the title of the document signed by former LNEC president Carlos Matias Ramos, aerodrome engineer Carlos Brás and airport consultant, researcher at Instituto Superior Técnico (IST) and former framework of ANA - Aeroportos de Portugal, Victor Rocha.

“Right now the country is witnessing a dogma, in which it is said that Montijo is cheaper. This is dogma. Does anyone know of any documents in which this is said, in a technical, sustained way, in terms of costs and comparative analyses? I do not know. And I have asked”, Carlos Matias Ramos told Lusa, reiterating the

request to ANA and the Government to demonstrate that the option for Montijo is cheaper than the phased construction of the New Lisbon Airport (NAL) in Alcochete.

Convinced that “intelligence and knowledge” will end up overcoming alleged external factors, which have nothing to do with the national interest, Carlos Matias Ramos recalled that the resolution of the Council of Ministers that decided to build the NAL in Alcochete “has not yet been revoked.”

“Montijo is a bad solution, it's terrible. It makes no sense and is a strategic mistake for the country's future”, underlined the former president of LNEC.

5The Portugal News · 29 Jan 2022


IMT and social security receiving most complaints

Historically low birth rate

Complaints from public services increase by 19 percent in 2021, with IMT, Social Security, councils and the SNS receiving the most complaints.

The Complaints Portal received 15,984 complaints addressed to public services between January 1 and December 31, 2021, an

increase of 19 percent compared to the

same period in 2020. In the Top 10 are: IMT (5,123), Social Security (2,080), City Councils and Municipalities (1,903), SNS (National Health) (1,573), Institute of Registries and Notaries – IRN (786), TAP

(752), SEF (627), INE (404), Ministry of Education (403) and Tax and Customs Authority – AT (403).Despite the number of complaints addressed to AT, this public service registered a solution rate of 94.5 percent, and a response rate of 99.7 percent, thus achieving a positive performance and a satisfaction rate of 87.2 in 100. In contrast are Social Security and TAP. While at Social Security the solution rate is 18.2 percent, and the response rate is 17.5 percent, at TAP these figures are 16 percent and 14.9 percent respectively. Social Security has a satisfaction score of 17.7, while TAP has a 15.8.Among the main reasons for complaints verified by the study, most complaints to IMT referred to difficulties in obtaining a driving license, those addressed to Social Security concern the attribution of subsidies, pensions and support, and in the case of municipal councils/municipalities,

maintenance of infrastructure and spaces.The assessment made of the SNS recorded complaints regarding the quality of service, vaccination and issuance of Covid-19 digital certificates, while at the IRN the main reason for complaint concerns the renewal and/or issuance of the Citizen’s Card. In the middle of the list, in sixth place, is TAP with the lack of reimbursement of travel values as the main complaint from consumers, while at the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) difficulties in scheduling appointments are highlighted. The founder of Portal da Queixa and Global CEO of Consumers Trust, Pedro Lourenço, underlines, in a statement, that “with the democratisation of complaints, through online channels without the scrutiny of the State, it is possible to obtain the real perception of the organisations that are not strangled by the incapable decisions of the political power”.

Less than 80,000 babies were born in 2021, leading

to a historically low birth rate in Portugal according

to demographer Maria João Valente Rosa.“Today, in Portugal, we are

breaking a historic record”, said the demography specialist, referring to data records obtained since 1911.

“We’ve never had such a low number of births in Portugal,” she stressed.

The “heel prick test” that covers almost all births in Portugal tracked less than 80,000 babies in 2021, for the first time in the country, accord-ing to data by the Ricardo Jorge National Institute of Health (INSA).

“This has to do with the year in which the babies were conceived”, said Maria João Valente Rosa, associ-ating the drop in births with the Covid-19 pandemic.

“They were children conceived in the middle of a pandemic”, said the

professor at the Universidade Nova de Lisboa.

The uncertainty associated with the crisis caused by the pandemic, in terms of work, but also in terms of health, the fear of contracting Covid-19, of not having adequate medical care, the problems with vis-its to hospitals and in the monitoring of deliveries, weighed heavily on the decision to have a child according to the demographer.

“We have to understand this data in light of the pandemic. Births were already dropping a lot, but we’ve never had such low values,” she said.

According to the expert, many parents have postponed the decision to have a child. As the average age of maternity is already very high (over

30 years old) and the childbearing age of a woman is between 15 and 50 years old, in statistical terms, delayed births can result in “missed births”.

“This period was marked by highly difficult situations. Portugal has never recorded such low values in its history”, underlined Maria João Valente Rosa.

Last year, 79,217 new borns were studied under the National Neonatal Screening Program (PNRN), 6,239 fewer than in 2020 (85,456).

According to the expert, the drop in the number of births associated with the increase in the number of deaths will see Portugal close the year with an “extremely negative” natural population balance.


NBruno G. Santos

Transforming transport in CoimbraFor some years the works were just a project, however, Coimbra is now preparing to receive the Metro Mondego project as promised.

The Mondego Mobility System (SMM) arose from the need to reactivate a railway line

in the Portagem area, in the city of Coimbra. In this area, there

was once a railway line, still visible on the road, as well as a station. The objective now would be to adapt this route for a transport that could coexist in the urban environment.

The circuitThe circuit would be carried out by Bus Rapid Transit circulation, where the vehicle would have exclusive lanes, as well as priority of passage at all intersections,

making the trip faster and ensuring the safety of passengers.The route to be taken by transport would start in Coimbra-B, the oldest railway station in Coimbra and would end in Serpins, after the municipality of Lousã, on what would be called the Lousã line. However, there is another line in the project that would go to the University Hospital of Coimbra (HUC), on the so-called Hospital Line.

Lousã LineThe Lousã Line would be the longest. The Line would be divided into two services: Urban Services and Suburban Services. Urban Services refer to the route within the city of Coimbra, starting at the Coimbra-B train station and ending at Vale das Flores. After this route, the route would pass to the outskirts of Coimbra, ending in Serpins. Between 2009 and 2012, improvements were made to the infrastructure, as well as the line being restructured, changing the positions of old stations, as well as adapting the road for the future

passage of the Metrobus. In the development of this line, works are currently focused on adapting the sections to the Metrobus and a tender is underway to adapt the route between Portagem and Coimbra-B.

Hospital LineFor the Hospital Line, the work carried out is different. The Line will connect with the Lousã Line at the future station “Aeminium/Loja do Cidadão.” For the line’s operation, the Metrobus will have to cross downtown Coimbra, so some of the buildings will be deconstructed, mainly on Rua da Sofia.

The works in numbersIn short, in total, the Metrobus line will total 42 kilometres, which will unite three municipalities, through two lines. In total, there were 41 stops, 32 of which are included on the Lousã Line. Seven tunnels were built, as well as 13 bridges. It is estimated that the Metrobus circulation will start in 2024.


News in BriefHotel converted into senior residenceGrupo Vitálitas has acquired, for around €1.6 million, the Hotel Idanha Natura, in Ladoeiro, to create a senior residence unit.

In a statement sent to Lusa, the municipality of Idanha-a-Nova, in the district of Castelo Branco,

said that the Hotel Idanha Natura was acquired by Grupo Vitálitas.“The investment is in the order of €1.3 to €1.6 million and includes the acquisition and rehabilitation of the hotel unit, giving it new functions and

social responses”.In the first phase, this project will create 64 beds and 30 jobs.At the moment, after acquiring the building, the next step is to proceed with its rehabilitation in the coming months, while the licensing process for senior residence is under way with the competent authorities.In a second phase, the unit aims to reach 80 beds and also have

T0 or T1 apartments for elderly couples.“The investment being made by Grupo Vitálitas is very positive for the entire region. This is a bet on the future of the municipality that guarantees more quality social responses and promotes job creation”, underlined the mayor of Idanha-a-Nova, Armindo Jacinto.The mayor also stressed that the municipality “has always sought to be on the side of investors, in order to help carry out investments of great importance for the populations”.Cited in the document, Hélder Gomes, one of those responsible for the investment group, said that “the option has always been to respond to the needs of the elderly in the interior of the country”.“We live in the interior and, therefore, despite invitations to develop the activity on the coast, we believe that the people of the interior also deserve a differentiated, quality and accessible response to meet their needs”, he concluded.

Portugal 32nd on corruption perception index

Portugal has ranked in 32nd place on the corruption perception index. The president of the Association for Transparency and Integrity explained that Portugal needs better management of conflicts of inter-est and greater transparency in the fight against corruption. Portugal nonetheless climbed one place on last year’s ranking.

Over 40 airlines fined More than 2,500 passengers were fined between 1 December and

23 January for trying to pass through Portugal’s air borders without a negative Covid-19 test. The Home Affairs Ministry said 41 airlines were also fined for boarding the passengers without a negative test. Since December 1, 2021, all passengers arriving in Portugal by air are required to present a negative test or a recovery certificate upon disembarkation.

Household spending downHousehold spending has fallen in Portugal; families’ consumption

expenditure decreased by 8 percent in the EU in 2020 compared to 2019. Portugal registered the 6th biggest fall in the EU. According to Euostat, Malta registered the biggest drop (22 percent), followed by Croatia, Spain and Greece.

Samsung reports record turnoverSouth Korean brand Samsung has reported a record turnover of close

to €400 million in Portugal in 2021, leveraged by its mid-range and high-end products. Nuno Parreira, head of Samsung's mobile devices in Portugal, said the company closed the year with the best performance in terms of billing in the Portuguese market despite restrictions and a global chip crisis.

Uber Eats debuts home-doctor service in Portugal

Portugal is the first country in the world to have a new Uber service that provides medical care at home. Prices range between €20 and €80. The Home Medical Service is provided in partnership with Ecco-Salva Medical Services and was launched last week. Lisbon is the first city where Uber Eats users will be able to access healthcare services at home.

11The Portugal News · 29 Jan 2022News

NPaula Martins

Algarve teachers struggling to pay a rent Teachers are tired and complain about the lack of conditions, career progression and their wages, especially in the Algarve, where the cost of living is high.

“Highly demanding and underpaid” is how the Southern Teachers Union (SPZS) describes

their job. In fact, teachers are unable to advance in their careers and have several structural problems, making this profession unattractive to young people, which has recently caused a great shortage of teachers.Maria João Sales, union representative for SPZS, has been a teacher for 24 years. She always wanted to become one, but now recognises that it is no longer an attractive profession. “Everyone knows how hard we work and how undervalued we are. Nobody wants to be a teacher nowadays.”In fact, the time when being a teacher in Portugal was a profession desired by many young people is over. Currently, they are among the professional classes that most express the indignity of the conditions in which they work. Furthermore, those who foot the bill are the children who begin to not have enough teachers to fill all their subjects.

Lack of teachers

The union representative who spoke to The Portugal News assured that there is a shortage of teachers in some schools, but in the Algarve

the problem is even worse due to the prices of housing rentals that prevent many teachers from applying to the region as they know it will be difficult to afford a place to live. “We cannot forget that we are in the Algarve where a one-bedroom apartment costs at least €650. In addition, there are situations where teachers here have difficulty getting an annual contract for a house, ending up being evicted in June because the landlords send them away when the summer starts so they can instead receive holidaymakers”, Maria João Sales explained. Regardless of what many think, “teachers only have August off. Even though classes end early, the teachers’ work continues until the end of July. That’s why we have many colleagues who, at the end of each school year, often go to hostels or colleagues’ houses”.On the other hand, there are some teachers from the North and Centre region who have a holiday home in the Algarve and end up applying to the region because of that, otherwise we would have even fewer teachers than we already have in the Algarve schools”, she told The Portugal News.

Most affected subjects Although there is a shortage of teachers, it is not in all subjects. According to Maria João, the situation is even worse in Portuguese, English, geography, ICT and chemistry.To combat this unfortunate situation, the Ministry of Education’s solutions to this situation are mainly extra work for teachers and hiring people who are not qualified as teachers for the job. For example, hiring IT engineers who do not have teaching qualifications. “In September of this year there was a shortage of teachers and as there was

no one to fill these gaps and principals could soon start distributing extra hour to those who were already in schools.” This puts even more pressure on teachers, who in some cases work 50 hours a week, when they

should be working 35 hours at state schools, according to a survey carried out by SPZS.These situations lead to an ageing profession. “Nobody wants to be a teacher because as a teacher you

start with a wage and then it is very difficult to increase. Let me give you an example, I have 24 years of service and I am not even halfway through my career and I am 49 years old. I will never reach the top,” she lamented.


No 5G flight interference expected in Portugal

Creating a new Silicon Valley in PortugalA Brazilian group wants to build a "tech hub"

for innovation in Vila Nova de Gaia, having already signed the acquisition for almost 21 hectares of land.

The Brazilian group GCMP – Gestão de

Capital & Management wants to create an area similar to Silicon Valley, considered by many to be the “mecca” of innovation and entrepreneur-ship, in Gaia, according to Jornal de Negócios.

According to the newspaper, the Gaia Inno-

vation City will be a tech hub that will bring the academic world together with the professional, with investors having already signed for the ac-quisition of almost 21 hectares of land currently occupied by a campsite, for €8 million.

In total, the project presented to the Chamber of Gaia points to an investment of around €700 million, but a source told Jornal de Negócios that the investment is expected to exceed €1 billion over the next five years.

The interference 5G in aviation is holding back the migration to fifth-generation mobile in the US but no problems are expected in Portugal.

According to ECO, the National Civil Aviation

Authority (ANAC) is “monitoring the matter” in Portugal, but believes that the problem “will not arise” in the country or in Europe, despite revealing that safety guidelines have already been issued to airlines with licenses to fly to the USA, including TAP.“5G interference only occurs in the USA, because the frequency range adopted there is very close to the frequency range of radio-

altimeters [of some aircraft], which does not happen in Europe”, explained an official ANAC source to ECO. North American fifth-generation networks operate in the band between 3.7 GHz and 3.98 GHz, “closest to that used by radio altimeters”, which is between 4.2 and 4.4 GHz. In Europe and in Portugal, frequencies in the 3.6 GHz range, between 3.4 and 3.8 GHz, are used, among others.ANAC states that the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) “has already

developed a study and concluded that there is no interference from European 5G networks with radio-altimeters, having published a SIB [Safety Information Bulletin] addressed to operators with Air Operator Certificate authorized to fly to the USA”. Among these operators is the national airline TAP.“So far, there are no known interferences affecting the radio altimetry systems installed on board the aircraft”, but the ANAC “is monitoring the matter”, concluded the source.

13The Portugal News · 29 Jan 2022News

Relocating to the Algarve in a Post Covid-19 WorldExperts in tourism and immigration in the Algarve trade tips.

“Post-Covid Strategies and Challenges" moderated by Chair of the IPBN Algarve Committee, Sharon Farrell,

welcomed an incredible panel of keynote speakers including Chitra Stern, Founder of the Martinhal Family Hotels & Resorts who said that the buzz word is “Pivot.” “It’s been a very interesting time…we’ve seen so many changes in how the market behaves…we’ve seen more and more people looking for safe destinations to travel to…and we’ve seen this upward trend of people moving here from all over the world…and this will keep growing because people are discovering how wonderful Portugal is…as an open, tolerant, and liberal society.” There have certainly been a lot of challenges to face over the last year, but Stern said the future is bright.

Work life balance

Gavin Scott, Senior Partner at Blevins Franks said that business and personal life are parallel and changing. "Moving into a virtual world has made it easier for us to adapt." In the beginning, it seemed very difficult to navigate, but Scott says now we are finding that it is the opposite. “A lot of people found it easy to be here during lockdown…people were spending time here and that forced time spent became a time to realise they felt…safe and comfortable…and made the conscious decision to make it a full-time event. Others found themselves in lockdown in the UK…who began re-thinking their lifestyle…who started to

reconsider their life choices. We got an increase of requests for information from these people about retirement, tax breaks, and more…It was a very positive experience over the last two years.”João Costa, Director of Sales & Marketing at Ombria Resort said “we have seen some challenges in terms of labour and the workforce…we have had to adapt. Finding good labour and keeping them [through Covid-19 isolations and otherwise]…is a challenge. But in terms of the market and clients to whom we have been selling properties, Covid-19 has helped us move forward. The resort we are offering is quite different from many others. We felt that more people are looking for this slow-living lifestyle. Covid-19 has only accelerated this process….the trend of farm to table, living in low-density areas, good access to green spaces, and all of this is the appeal of the Algarve. You see people living a healthier lifestyle…that people have now grown accustomed to. And now many digital nomads are looking to move here [too] because of all of these reasons.”

Brexit effectCosta elaborated, saying, “Since Brexit happened, we’ve seen the UK buyers wanting to invest in real estate in the Algarve in order to get the Golden Visa. The Algarve is better positioned now more than ever…you can still buy a property that’s for habitation purposes in the interior parts of the Algarve, and you can also invest in a touristic property in

order to obtain the Golden Visa anywhere in the Algarve or in Portugal.” And Ombria has seen an increase in interest as a result, especially considering their push for geothermal and sustainable energy systems, allowing the resort to operate on 70% renewable energy alone, with no CO2 emissions. Michael Stock, Administrator at Quinta dos Vales, addressed Covid’s effect on the wine production and sales at the vineyard saying, “We also have had the isolation challenges over the past two years…We’ve come to realise…that Covid-19 has acted as an accelerant…we’re optimistic for the future…now our business model is more involved into bringing our clients into an activity instead of only offering a service…it’s a much more in-depth collaboration [with our winemaker experience] than it was before.” Quinta dos Vales is not only renting and selling holiday homes on their estate, but they are offering a novel experience of making bespoke private production wine- turning wine lovers into winemakers. Clients can return over and again to check on their production and enjoy the Algarve at large, building long-term sustainable relationships with the vineyard and the region.

Infrastructure

Gavin Scott commented that the infrastructure of Portugal is prime for the boom, offering incredible healthcare alongside a strong education sector. Children and their parents and grandparents are well taken care of, which gives those seeking a new life in Portugal peace of mind in all the areas that matter most. In fact, Chitra’s International School project in Lisbon opened during the pandemic, to incredible success all things considered. Stern said, “You have to have courage in your convictions and make it happen. We saw that there were kids enrolling…and we pushed for construction to open on time…in September 2020 with 120 children, growing that to 150 by January 2021 just before lockdown. We moved seamlessly online…and had all the technology ready…and that’s now grown to 300+ students…We actually met our pre-pandemic business plan and continue to do so in terms of enrolment. This is why we opened despite the world turning upside down in 2020.” When it comes to healthcare, there are great private hospital networks, both public and private. Social Security numbers are easily attainable through residency services, while the private network, namely the HPA

Algarve, is not only top-notch, but incredibly affordable. Whether you’re retired, moving here as a family, or otherwise, Stern says that this is a huge leg up for the country. You can read more about healthcare in detail in Chitra Stern’s recent article on LinkedIn. Otherwise, Portugal's push toward green energy and sustainability are making a difference in the minds of those who are thinking of relocating. As of now, there are few if any tax incentives for people to make the jump to green energy, for example, but that will likely change as regulators catch up with sustainable opportunities on a large scale.According to Costa, "People are feeling optimistic about the future...people are resigning from their jobs to start their own business or work from home or anywhere outside of the office because it helps their work-life balance...this is where the Algarve is well-positioned." There's a good sense of belonging that happens here in Portugal. Anything worth doing takes a good deal of planning, but in the end, most who have made the move have felt it was all worth it and are continuing to reap the benefits of all that the country has to offer.

Contributed by Ireland Portugal Business Network


Porto Business School offering new MBA courses in English N Bruno G. Santos

An MBA or Master of Business Administrations is a course developed for executives or entrepreneurs, “who want to develop or strengthen their management skills.”

Porto Business School (PBS) was founded in 1988 and has the second

oldest MBA in Portugal. Now, the school is offering more MBA courses where people can learn about business subjects, being

taught in either English or Portuguese.Savana Pires, Head of International Development at Porto Business School, told The Portugal News that PBS “has trained entrepreneurs and the CEOs of some of the largest

Portuguese companies in the country.” Also, PBS has a specific governance model, due to “an active partnership between the University of Porto” and with some national and multinational companies.An MBA or Master of

Business Administrations is a course developed for executives or entrepreneurs, “who want to develop or strengthen their management skills.” During the courses, the students may contact “with other realities, namely in an international context.” An MBA will also enable “the development of cross-cutting skills, such as leadership.” The programmes will help the participants to build a career or improve the one they have already established. Currently, PBS offers three different MBA courses: Executive MBA, International MBA and

Digital MBA. All the course can be taught in English and have a duration between 12 and 36 months.Everyone who wants to “acquire or consolidate knowledge in the field of management”, as well as consolidate “practice in business organisations” may participate in one of the programs. For the Executive and International MBA, the tuitions fees cost €26,000, however the Digital MBA costs €21,000.PBS has been “consistently ranked by the Financial Times since 2011”, and MBA programmes have

achieved AMBA, EFMD and AACSB accreditation. Porto Business School courses are also in the Eduniversal Best Master Ranking 2021, among the greatest in the world. Sustainability is one of the main goals of PBS, having already received a LEED Gold Certificate by the US Green Building Council, meaning that it has “globally recognised” the achievement of PBS.It is possible to read more detailed information on the Porto Business School website. (MBAs Programmes | Porto Business School (up.pt)

16 The Portugal News · 29 Jan 2022 Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency

Trends ($)Bitcoin

Solana

XRP

Cardano

Ethereum

70K

5K

275

1.4

2.5

50K

3.5K

175

1.0

1.75

35K

2K

75

0.5

1.0

1 NOV

1 NOV

1 NOV

1 NOV

1 NOV

Cryptocurrency glossary of terms – Letter ‘C’Confused by all the cryptocurrency terms out there? Delve into our easy to understand glossary of terms. This week, the letter C.Candlesticks: A candlestick chart is a graphing technique used to show changes in price over time. Each candle provides four points of information opening price, closing price, high, and low. Also known as “candles” for short.Casascius Coin: A physical unit of bitcoin that comes in the form of brass, silver or gold-plated coins.Censorship Resistance: Censorship resistance refers to the idea that no party can prevent anyone from participating in a given platform or network.Chargeback: The reversal of a bank payment or money transfer after it was authorised. Sometimes used to commit fraud. There are no chargebacks associated with the bitcoin network.Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME): The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) is one of the largest exchanges dealing in the trading of futures and options in the United States.Cipher: The name given to an algorithm that encrypts and decrypts information.Ciphertext: Ciphertext is a result of encryption that has been performed on plaintext through the usage of an algorithmCirculating Supply: This is the total number of coins that are in the public tradable space and is considered the Circulating Supply. Some coins can be locked, reserved or burned, therefore unavailable to public trading.Cloud Mining: Cryptocurrency mining with remote processing power rented from companies.Cold Storage: The storage of bitcoin private keysd that is totally disconnected from the internet. Typical

cold storage includes USB drives and paper wallets.Coinbase: The first transaction in each Bitcoin block, which distributes the subsidy earned when a miner successfully validates it as well as the cumulative fees for all transactions included in the block. The coinbase transaction effectively creates new bitcoin.CoinJoin: A method for combining multiple Bitcoin payments from multiple senders into one transaction to obscure which spender paid which recipients, thus adding a layer of privacy to bitcoin transactions.Coin Mixer: Coin mixers allow users to mix up transactions between different cryptocurrency addresses, so they become untraceable and cannot be followed back to the initial sender or receiver of the assets.Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC): The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is an independent federal regulatory agency responsible for regulation

the U.S. derivatives market.Confirmation: A bitcoin transaction is considered unconfirmed until it has been included in a block on the blockchain. Once a transaction is written included on the blockchain it has one confirmation. As each additional block gets added so another confirmation is added. Coinbase (the exchange) currently requires 3 confirmations to consider a bitcoin transaction final. For larger sums of money some people prefer 6 transactions.Consensus: Since cryptocurrencies don’t have a central authority determining which transactions are valid and which are not and in which order they took place, the network of nodes, relying purely on software and algorithms, needs to reach an agreement regarding those factors. Such an agreement is called network consensus.Consortium Blockchain: A privately owned and operated blockchain where a consortium shares information not

readily available to the public, while relying on the immutable and transparent properties of the blockchain.Cosinger: Another person that has partial control over your bitcoin wallet, assuming you set it up this way.Craig Wright: Craig Wright is an Australian computer scientist that has publicly claimed to be bitcoin inventor Satoshi Nakamoto.Cryptography: This is a branch of mathematics that is associated with the process of converting ordinary plain text into unintelligible text and vice-versa.Cryptojacking: The use of another party’s computer to mine cryptocurrency without their consent.Cypherpunk: The cypherpunk movement promotes the use of cryptography and other privacy-focused technologies to advance social and political progress.

Glossary written by Stephen Whitelaw (https://

bringbackmycrypto.com)

N Stephen Whitelaw

17The Portugal News · 29 Jan 2022brought to you byFinancial PlanningPub.

Planning for Non-Habitual Residence and beyond The Non-Habitual Residence (NHR) scheme has been a great success in attracting new residents to Portugal seeking a favourable tax regime and is also the ‘icing on the cake’ for those moving to Portugal for lifestyle reasons.

NHR is a preferential tax status granted by the Portuguese government to new

residents and lasts 10 years. I will not write about the specific benefits as we have produced a dedicated NHR guide which is available on our website. Rather, I wanted the focus of this article to be on the planning that is required because the benefits of NHR are not automatic; you have to plan to make the scheme work for your specific situation and objectives.When talking with clients, I break down the planning required into three phases: prior to arrival, during the NHR period, and following the expiry of the NHR status.

The planning required before arriving in Portugal involves:• Utilising any tax breaks and

exemptions in your home country. For example, in a UK context, you may wish to close any investments you have that work from a UK perspective but are not efficient in Portugal such as Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs). ISAs are tax free in the UK, but if you wait until you establish residency in Portugal to surrender, you are likely to incur unnecessary taxation.• If you are relocating from countries such as the UAE or Singapore, you may wish to consider realising capital gains prior to departure. • Considering taking advantage of your Pension Commencement Lump Sum entitlement (25% tax free cash) from pension schemes, as this is lost when you become a Portuguese resident.

During the NHR period it is important to:• Maximise pension income

opportunities as NHRs benefit from a flat tax rate of 10% as opposed to rates of 20%, 40% and 45% in the UK. There is even the argument that any pension schemes should be fully depleted during the 10 year window, although this does have to be balanced against the inheritance tax efficiency of retaining money within a pension scheme. • Plan well in advance of the 10 year period and ideally look to establish structures that can be effective post NHR. If your position does not allow for immediate restructuring and is tax efficient under NHR but not post-NHR e.g. property portfolios, you should start reviewing your position as early as 2 years into the NHR period to prepare for life after NHR• Review your affairs regularly to

take account of personal, family or legislative changes. • For those of you taking salaries or a combination of salary and dividends from companies in the UK, you may wish to re-weight the focus to a dividend only strategy. After the end of the NHR period, you become a standard Portuguese tax resident and will pay tax at the prevailing rates. The effectiveness of your position is determined by the planning you have implemented during the first two periods.

A few caveats for you to consider:• There are subtle nuances to the NHR scheme and international tax rules meaning that in some cases it may be in your best interest not to apply for the NHR regime. • For those of you enjoying the

0% tax rate on pension income (which applied to NHRs prior to April 2020), the planning will differ. • If you are a non-UK domicile, there are further issues and tax-saving opportunities to consider, and again, delicate planning is required in this area to ensure success. As always please seek advice early and as a UK Tax Adviser and Chartered Financial Planner in Portugal, I can analyse your situation from both a UK context and Portuguese perspective.

For further information please visit www.spectrum-ifa.com. Mark Quinn is a Chartered Financial Planner with the Chartered Insurance Institute and Tax Adviser, qualifying with the Association of Tax Technicians. Contact Mark, at: [email protected]

The Portugal News · 29 Jan 202218 Business

N Cristina da Costa Brookes

Abacoz Properties opens new office in heart of Loulé

I had the pleasure of speaking with managing director of Abacoz

Properties real estate agency, Ludwig Van Heddegem, about the

new office they have recently opened in the heart of Loulé due to increasing demand.

Abacoz Properties is a well-established estate agency that has been running for seven

years in Lagos. In January of last year, Ludwig Van Heddegem and his financial business partner bought Abacoz Properties. Ludwig revealed that they have strong intentions of expanding Abacoz to cover the whole of the Algarve with their hope for the future being that their next office is based in Olhão or the Tavira area. Ludwig has previously worked in the hotel business for 10

years as general manager for an American group. Ludwig is of Belgium nationality and speaks five languages and has lived in the Algarve for 22 years ,so brings extensive knowledge and expertise to Abacoz ,which has a strong connection with international clientele. The official opening of their Loulé office was on Saturday, 22 January of this year which is located at Praça D. Afonso III nº31. Ludwig explained that “the Loulé office was previously owned by the established van Druenen Properties

since 1993 and most interestingly, was actually the office of the first real estate agency in Loulé which originally opened in 1988.” The office is in a prime location and Ludwig told me that they “chose Loulé due to it being strategically in the centre of the Algarve and because it is a very interesting area with really nice properties for sale.” He also added that “what we are seeing is that there is a strong demand from French home buyers who are enticed to moving to Portugal due to the way it has managed the pandemic in comparison to other European countries, deeming it an example to follow.”In terms of the set up at the Loulé office, Ludwig told me that they have a secretary and two sales people at the moment which they

hope to expand on. Ludwig also added that at “the Loulé office, both sales persons have more than 20 years of experience in real estate in the Loulé extended area and we attend to clients in their own language and in the officewe have an Italian speaker so we provide a total of six languages.” Abacoz Properties brings all the latest techniques of marketing to assist home owners and sellers alike, with Ludwig affirming that “we are actively on all social media platforms and we have digital screens at the shop.” Additionally, Abacoz has a dynamic site with their informative real estate related blog. Ludwig also affirmed the promising future the agency holds “Our devoted international team will continue our current working

method and our client culture throughout the Algarve, Loulé is just the first step. The same spirit from our Lagos office will continue at our new Loulé office and we hope to continue the positive business year we had last year through our professionalism.” If you are ever wandering through the historic and charming streets of Loulé, Abacoz Properties are most definitely worth a visit as their care for all their clients is second to none whilst having the perfect solution for you. For more information about how Abacoz can help you today please visit www.abacoz-properties.com and to get in touch with their Loulé office please call their friendly team at +351 289 090 862 or alternatively, you can email them at [email protected].

19The Portugal News · 29 Jan 2022Business

Sol Quality Painters Beautiful and long-lasting transformations.

“Sol Quality Painters” have been operating for many years in the Algarve and

the Alentejo. They pride themselves on their quality workmanship, reliability and a knowledge of how the Portuguese climate affects properties and the coverings applied. Durable and quality paints are used on all jobs and colours can be chosen from a vast selection available. Their team of English speaking tradesman have been carefully picked over a number of years. Please read the following selection

of first class testimonials, documenting their emphasis on Quality for every painting job:“I have found John to do an excellent job, within the time frame and budget promised, and to a high level of finishing. He worked independently in the house, even when we were not there, and left everything clean and tidy. The house looks great now and I am more than happy to give John and his team a strong recommendation”. MS, Architect, London“John did an absolutely fantastic job painting our

125 square metre apartment. He really transformed the place and made it beautiful. We had very specific requirements regarding various colours. John gave us very good advice on where to get them and what to take into account. Nobody could have done a better job and been more reliable. Thank you very much”. MW Germany“John carried out a complete external decoration to a high standard for us at our house in Monte Boi. We particularly appreciated that he was able to do this and other works without us needing to be there. I

would have no hesitation in recommending him”. RL, Architect, UK.A one year Workmanship

Warranty applies to all work undertaken.Please call 910 523 512 or email John for a free

estimate, we look forward to hearing from [email protected]

Sick leave rises 4.9% in DecemberThe number of sick leaves totalled 182,615 in December 2021, an increase of 4.9 percent compared to November, but a reduction

of 36.9 percent compared to the same month of 2020.

“Compared to the previous month, there was an increase of 8,514 beneficiaries (+4.9 percent), while in the year-on-year compar-ison there was a decrease of 106,611 benefi-ciaries (-36.9 percent),” states the statistical

summary prepared by the Strategy and Plan-ning Office (GEP) of the Ministry of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security.

The data, subject to updates, encompasses sickness benefit, occupational sickness benefit,

tuberculosis benefit, provisional granting of sickness benefit, sick leave due to Covid-19 and benefit for prophylactic isolation (of oneself ) by the new coronavirus.

The age group between 50 and 59 years old

is the one that includes the largest proportion of beneficiaries (29.8 percent), followed by the group of people between 40 and 49 years old, which represents 26.5 percent of the universe under analysis.

Advertiser’s Announcement

The Portugal News · 29 Jan 202220 Elections

The politics of Portugal – who are the parties?Nine parties and 230 members of the parliament from the left to the right-wing are running in the upcoming elections. Find out the main political parties’ proposals.

On 30 January, voters will choose the members of the parliament who will represent them for another four years. These elections, in which only Portuguese citizens over 18 can vote, will take place earlier than expected, after the previous government, led by António Costa from PS failed to approve the State Budget

for 2022, causing a “political crisis” that forced early elections. Despite the great many differences between these parties, there are several points in which the proposals are similar, namely with regard to taxes, the importance of mental health and the value of t National Health (SNS) and education.

Socialist Party Formed in 1973, PS is one of the main parties in Portugal, currently being the main party in parliament and, consequently, the one in government, with António Costa as Prime-Minister. It is a centre-left party with progressive, Keynesian, pro-European and social-democracy ideologies. Basically, it’s a moderate left-wing party.This year, due to the political crisis, the PS campaign is focused on promoting political stability, appealing for an absolute majority in parliament.For the upcoming elections, the socialist party defends the establishment of free kindergartens until 2024 and increasing, by 25 percent compared to 2017, the number of exporting companies reaching a volume of GDP equivalent to 53 percent in 2030 and to continue to focus on renewable energies in electricity production. Regarding labour rules, PS wants to increase the minimum wage to €900 and opens a window for a debate around a four-day workweek, as well as hybrid work models.To offset the costs resulting from the increase in the minimum wage, PS intends to create an adequate tax framework for companies that “ensure, alongside the creation of net employment, consistent salary policies in terms of income, focused on valuing the resources”.

Social Democratic PartyFounded in 1974, PSD is a centre-right party, with conservative and liberal economic positions led by Rui Rio. This party is, alongside PS, one of the main parties in Portugal.They are focusing their campaign on reducing taxes, namely for companies through the corporate income tax (IRC) rate from 21 to 17 percent. In addition, they also intend to promote a VAT reduction in restaurants between July 2022 and December 2023 to help them recover from the economic impact of the pandemic. In terms of health, they want to guarantee a doctor for each family, strengthen the palliative and continuous care network, implement a programme to support dependent elderly people and recognise the importance of formal and informal caregivers. For the environment, they are planning to increase green spaces in urban areas and protect biodiversity.

Bloco de EsquerdaThe Bloco de Esquerda (BE), which in English means Left Block, is led by Catarina Martins, who presents a manifesto proposing to allow legal immigrants in Portugal to vote in parliamentary elections. This party identifies with ideologies such as: Democratic Socialism; Progressivism; Feminism; Ecosocialism; Social democracy; Anti-racism and Internationalism.

Although BE has never ruled in the Government, it has reached an opposition force that brought to the table various contentious issues related to LGBT rights, women’s rights, euthanasia, medically assisted procreation, legalisation of cannabis, among others.In addition, for four years, they ruled with PS and the communist party in a coalition that allowed the viability of successive state budgets - this coalition became known as ‘gerigonça’.Among their manifesto proposals are: improving the railways between Lisbon and Porto, reducing bus transport prices, banning cars in the metropolitan areas of Lisbon and Porto and the end of real estate funds. In addition, they hope to protect the elderly against eviction and promote access to Justice, fighting job insecurity and reducing VAT on electricity and natural gas, among many other social proposals.

CDS-PPFounded in 1974, this party is led by Francisco Rodrigues dos Santos and was traditionally (before Chega and Iniciativa Liberal) the rightmost party in parliament.This party usually presents more conservative proposals than PSD. In addition, CDS-PP is an anti-abortion and anti-euthanasia party. They also want to increase the punishment of several crimes such as setting fires, offense against police officers and crimes committed by politicians. For these upcoming elections, they intend to promote free access to medicines for the elderly, provide the SNS (National Health Service) with mental health and dentistry services. In addition, they intend to privatise TAP and reduce transport taxes, reduce corporate income tax (IRC) as well as eliminate any tax on the purchase of a first property.

CDUThe unitary democratic coalition is a coalition made between “Os Verdes”, which means “The Greens” (an environmentalist party) and the Portuguese communist party, who always run in elections together. This party is the oldest one in Portugal and currently its spokesman is Jerónimo de Sousa. It was also part of the political coalition between CDU, BE and PS called ‘geringonça’ between 2015 and 2019. Their ideologies are based on Marxism-Leninism, communism, socialism, proletarian internationalism, anti-fascism, anti-racism, anti-xenophobia and anti-capitalism. One of the main themes for these upcoming elections for this party is health. In this sense, they want to increase the number of health professionals to guarantee more exams, consultations and surgeries and guarantee family doctors and nurses for everyone and accelerate the purchase of medical equipment. They want to promote free education in universities as well as in kindergartens. In addition, they want to support culture and help small bookstores.In terms of employment, one of the proposals is to reduce the working week to 35 hours a week and increase holidays to 25 days. For the environment, they seek free public transport and the adoption of a national energy plan that aims at the sustainable use of energy. In addition, they want to promote social housing and energy efficiency.

PANPeople-Animals-Nature (PAN), founded in 2009, currently has four members of parliament. It achieved its first parliamentary representation in the election of 2015 taking on issues that had not been taken up by traditional parties, such as animal’s welfare and the protection of the environment and human rights. The PAN party is a progressive, ecofeminist, animalist and environmentalist party that fights against cruelty to animals, and is identified neither from the right nor from the left. In terms of taxes, PAN aims to lower the corporate income tax rate to 17 percent by 2026. Regarding Health, the party insists that it is essential to strengthen the SNS and value its

21The Portugal News · 29 Jan 2022Elections

N Paula MartinsThe politics of Portugal – who are the parties?professionals, and admits that the private and public health Care can work together whenever useful. PAN also highlights the importance of guaranteeing equal access to health for everyone, “through free transport” and the integration of alternative therapies in health structures.

CHEGA

Founded in 2019 by André Ventura - its current leader - CHEGA is a far-right, nationalist and social conservatism party that defends the reduction of State intervention in the economy. The party calls for less intervention of the state in the economy, reducing the benefits of those

“who don’t want to work and are dependent on social benefits”. They support life imprisonment for murders and chemical castration for child abusers and are against abortion and euthanasia. CHEGA wants to recognise hunting and bullfighting as relevant traditional activities and value the family as the core pillar of society, defending social morality.In addition, it aims to reduce taxes, namely IRC and wants to implement a flat tax in IRS (personal income tax). In terms of housing, they want to facilitate housing by facilitating the permit to build houses on rural land.Also, they want to revoke any law that aims to protect any minority, that could harm the majority and defending the private retirement savings system.

Iniciativa Liberal

This recent party, founded in 2017, led by João Cotrim Figueiredo, is the first liberal political force in Portugal. The country does not have a liberal culture in politics, which makes this political vision new in the country. They promote respect for people’s freedom not only in economic matters, but also in politics and social issues. What sets them apart from other right-wing parties is that they often vote in favour of contentious issues like euthanasia and abortion, etc.In this campaign, the party is focused on economic growth, reducing taxes and supporting a flat income tax. This party also believes in a system of loans to support university students, instead of the current scholarship system that exists in Portugal as they reject social benefits in most cases.In relation to housing, they stand up for a reduction in VAT on real estate construction for housing to 6 percent, the end of some taxes on the purchase of your own housing and the reduction of the tax rate applied to rental to 15 percent. They also defend the privatisation of public companies such as the airline TAP and radio and broadcast RTP.

Livre

The party, whose name in English means freedom, is a recent party, founded in 2014. Livre is an ecosocialist political party with principles such as: universalism, freedom, solidarity, socialism, ecology and Europeanism, which has its first parliamentary seat in 2019.One of the main points of this party’s manifesto is the Universal Basic Income, in which every adult citizen would receive a set amount of money – the goal is to

eliminate poverty. In addition to increasing the national minimum wage to €1,000 and supporting remote work by giving the possibility of extending the right to work remotely to those who have children under the age of 12, pregnant workers, workers with health problems or caregivers, this party aims to support micro-businesses.Also, Livre promotes a Green New Deal for Portugal - an ecologically responsible medium-long term investment plan (through the new community support framework - Portugal 2030).For animal welfare, they hope to reduce VAT from 23 percent to six percent on vets and pet food and ban bullfighting activities in Portugal. Livre is in favour of legalising the consumption of cannabis and wants to strengthen the SNS.

The Portugal News · 29 Jan 202222 Consumer Rights brought to you by

The advice provided on this page is

provided by DECO.

The Portugal News is not responsible

for any claims made by DECO.

Count on our support

Tel: 289 863 103email: [email protected] It is also possible to schedule Skype appointments

Follow DECO Algarve online:

https://deco.pt/

www.facebook.com/AssociacaoDECO

https://twitter.com/DECOAssociacao

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N Paula Martins

Reducing electricity bills while saving the planet Do you want to save on your electricity bill? Maybe this is your chance to get to know the most efficient home appliances on the market.

Although Portugal is a sunny country, in winter it can be very uncomfortable to live in a house without a proper central heating

system or at least water heating. Also, if you don’t have efficient equipment, you will spend more electricity, increasing your carbon footprint.To reach more consumers, DECO together with ADENE (energy agency) created a joint project, called HARP, with the aim of sharing information about the best equipment for heating the home and water. In addition, they have an online platform that evaluates heating systems and identifies the most suitable alternative solution for each home.

Within the scope of HARP, the universe

of equipment includes only appliances used in the centralised heating system; therefore, portable heaters such as radiators are not included in the list.

Energy efficiency is eco-friendly Energy efficient appliances are those that, by using less energy, produce the same desired result, which means that the equipment consumes little to produce the same result.Therefore, Portuguese buildings are one of the biggest “consumers” of energy in the European Union - 40 percent of total energy consumption and 36 percent of CO

2 emissions. This makes it even more

important to have better appliances to properly heat homes in an eco-friendly way.In addition to investing in efficient appliances, in terms of buildings, home

construction should also be taken into account. A poorly insulated house globally reduces the energy efficiency of the property overall, even with good equipment.

Which appliances are efficient?Although there is a lot of equipment and it will always depend on the budget you have, where you live and the conditions you have at home, there are some devices that certainly will allow you to save a lot on bills, explained Celina Santos from DECO, Portuguese Association for Consumer Protection.“Each case is different from the other. In the HARP project, the equipment analysed is indeed the most efficient on the market and the recommendations are generally a worthwhile investment, but it always takes a big investment”, Celina added.Among the most efficient, there is “solar thermal systems for water”. In fact, in Portugal “solar thermal systems are a great technology in the sunniest country in Europe, and allow access to an unlimited source of energy that is the Sun. The only thing you need is an available roof. But be aware that even though south orientation is perfect, but between east and west can also work, it just cannot be north.In addition, there are two very efficient options: geothermal heat pumps that convert heat stored underground into energy, and aerothermal systems designed to provide winter heating, summer cooling and hot water, extracting ambient energy from the air through a thermodynamic cycle system. Then, “we have pellets boilers that burn wood”. Regarding “the pellet boilers, they are located in a storage room and then have a pipe that distributes the heat throughout the

house. In terms of footprint, wood is neutral if it is considered that it releases the CO2 that it absorbs in its growth. Also, the wood used in pellets often comes from industry leftovers”, she explained. Last but not least, “we have gas condensing boilers that, in addition to the heat of combustion, the heat present in the exhaust gases, allows the preheating of the boiler and subsequent use for showers or underfloor heating”. In addition, they are more than 90 percent efficient and for those who have little space, it is a very good solution, as it fits in a kitchen.

Energy advice and funding DECO has also set up an energy support office where they support those who want to reduce energy poverty in their properties and the feedback from consumers has been incredible. “It is a service that has helped many people to understand how they can change their homes through interventions that improve the home and reduce energy waste,” Celina Santos told The Portugal News.If you are looking for this type of change in your home, you can count on DECO’s support. In addition, they can help you with the paperwork if you want to apply for a state funding, for example, Fundo Ambiental (Environmental Fund), which returns 85 percent of the expenses made to improve the energy efficiency of the building in some specific cases.“Those who have investment capacity can recover this amount. Also, the support was extended until June. To ask for support and gather the documentation, it is also possible contact the energy support office”, she said. For further information please contact [email protected] or 213 710 224.

23The Portugal News · 29 Jan 2022Personal Finance brought to you by

Pub.

This communication is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment

advice, investment recommendations or investment research. You should seek advice from a

professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity.

Movers and shakers that hit

the headlines Part 1: Jan-Jun 2021

January At the end of January 2021, electronic retail company Gamestop went on a wild roller coaster ride, seeing its share price rise by roughly 640% in just a few days. The cause of this dramatic increase was a concerted effort via social media to raise the value of the company’s stock, intended to negatively affect professional investors planning to ‘short sell’ GameStop shares.Supporters of Donald Trump stormed US Capitol in Washington during the congressional certification of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’s win, resulting in five deaths and prompting evacuation of lawmakers and vice-president Mike Pence.

February Jeff Bezos announced he was stepping down as CEO of Amazon after 30 years in the role. He named Andy Jassy as his successor as he moved into the role of Executive Chair of the Board, focusing on new products and early initiatives.Facebook blocked users in Australia from accessing news sites in response to proposed new laws for tech companies to pay to show news content. Less than a week after suddenly banning news links for Australian users and shutting down Australian news pages to protest the law, Facebook said it received assurances from the Australian government that it won’t be forced to pay publishers but would instead be given the chance to negotiate agreements with them.

March Inflationary fears crept in and continued to hurt bond markets. The U.S. 10-year yield ended the Quarter at above 1.7% for the first time since January/2020 and the sharp sell-offs in bond funds was the main talking point.Cargo ship “Ever Given” became wedged sideways in the Suez Canal, Egypt, bringing international shipping trade to a standstill and caused an estimated $6-10bn in lost revenues and increased costs for global business. After almost a week causing the blockage, the “Ever Given” was finally pulled free to the relief of many business owners around the world.

AprilQ2 started with general solid corporate earnings and economic data. The stock market improved and the S&P 500 and Nasdaq closed the month with above 5% performances.With the UK still in the grip of COVID, Queen Elizabeth II sat alone at the funeral of Prince Philip, her husband of 73 years, as harsh social distancing rules were enforced preventing indoor gatherings of more than 30 people.

MayThe US Federal Reserve’s meeting minutes signalled a shift in paradigm. Continued progress with the economy could finally make it appropriate for the Federal Reserve to (1) reduce fiscal stimulus (in place since the beginning of the pandemic) and (2) start thinking about tapering its bonds purchases. These were the very first steps en route to higher interest rates.Dominic Cummings, former chief adviser to Johnson, provided evidence to a joint session of the Commons Health, Science and Technology committees. He made a series of allegations regarding the Government’s handling of the pandemic.

June A rapid surge in Covid cases led to European governments second-guessing their re-opening plans. Investors took this news as a buy signal for some Tech names and the Nasdaq rose by more than 5%, one of the best months for the index in 2021.Cristiano Ronaldo removed two Coca-Cola bottles from his press table at the European Championships, prompting the company share price to drop $4 billion.

Part 2 July to December 2021 coming next week.

Advice from Blacktower Financial ManagementThe world is an unpredictable place and we can’t know what’s going to happen next. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t make plans for our secure financial future. Our wealth management service provides a dedicated advisor to help you manage your retirement wealth. We’ll work in partnership with you to identify the best options for your savings and investments and we’ll regularly review your financial position to help you achieve maximum return. Contact one of the representatives at our Algarve office today for your free no-obligation discussion.

Blacktower in PortugalBlacktower’s offices in Portugal can help you manage your wealth to your best advantage. For more information contact your local office.

Manuela Robinson is the Associate Director of Blacktower in the Algarve, Portugal, with offices in Quinta do Lago and Cascais.Blacktower Financial Management has been providing expert, localised, wealth management advice in Portugal for more than 20 years. We can help with specialist, independent advice on securing your financial future. Get in touch with us on (+351) 289 355 685 or email us at [email protected].

APRIL: With the UK still in the grip of COVID, Queen Elizabeth II sat alone at the funeral of Prince

Philip, her husband of 73 years, as harsh social distancing rules were enforced preventing indoor

gatherings of more than 30 people.

NManuela Robinson,

Associate Director

The Portugal News · 29 Jan 202224 Opinion

NStephen A. Chmelewski

“The views expressed on this page are those of the author and

not of The Portugal News”

Tobacco: The politics of free trade and public health in the EU“Snus”, “Chew”, “Snuff”, “Dip”, whatever form you choose to refer to it, smokeless tobacco has been banned from the EU market in favour of its more popular, more profitable, and far more dangerous, brand of addictive product: cigarettes.

Behind the reasonable arguments against the use of tobacco

products regarding public and personal health, there’s been more of a political drama of sorts played out within the EU that has gathered little, if any, attention by the majority of its citizens. As stated by the EU Commission’s Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), the reasons for the ban on the import and sale of smokeless tobacco within the Schengen Area are a matter of concern for the public’s health. However, the truth behind the ban’s implementation has little, if anything, to do with alleged concerns for the public’s health by the EU Commission, but is an issue much more focused on the EU’s competitive “free-trade” that would impact the financial markets of European cigarette companies and their subsidiaries. In a nutshell, the TPD explains the ban as follows: “The prohibition of the sale of tobacco for oral use should be maintained

in order to prevent the introduction in the Union (apart from Sweden) of a product that is addictive and has adverse health effects.”

Exception to the ruleOf course, the first thing anyone who’s paying attention would take note of in that statement is why Sweden, an EU country, is an exception to the ban. The short answer is that the Swedes love their oral tobacco so much they might even consider leaving the EU if they were ever deprived of one of their simple pleasures in life, but we’ll come back to Sweden in a moment. The actual fact is that this prohibition was a response to aggressive attempts to introduce oral tobacco products by the US Smokeless Tobacco Company (UST), in partnership with British American Tobacco (BAT). According to a peer-reviewed study from the University of Bath, these tobacco companies saw smokeless tobacco as having the potential to generate new profits within the EU market and was advertised as “the new way to enjoy

tobacco”. Unfortunately, as with any potentially influential demographic for a market-driven product, the study alleges that students and young people were seen as potentially a key target and means of promotion. With this alone in mind, a pushback from the EU Commission would be reasonably expected, but it begs to question the lackadaisical response for a similar ban by the Commission with regard to the abuse of other harmful products that, intentionally or unintentionally through social media and other marketing platforms, also target young people, such as… well… cigarettes.

Money talksSadly, the bread and butter of the matter is that money talks, and like the gun lobby in America, special-interest groups (in this case European Tobacco Inc., a consortium of multinational cigarette companies in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East) undoubtedly have a hand in legislating profit margins over the well-being of EU citizens. According to

Fortune Business Insights website, the market size for cigarettes in Europe was valued at $218.61 billion in 2018 and is projected to reach $363.30 billion by the end of 2026. In Germany alone, the website goes on to state: “The consumer base for cigarettes is rapidly increasing, which mainly includes adolescents (age range from 15 years to 20 years). Manufacturers are intensively capitalizing on premiumization of cigarettes to attract adolescents, as young people are more likely to start smoking, under the influence of their environment and social status.” So much for the TPD’s reasoning of prohibiting addictive products with adverse health effects into the Union and saving the youth from perdition.

A comparisonAs a matter of fact, what the public health science data reveals regarding smokeless tobacco is apparently being ignored by the EU Commission altogether, so let’s take a comparative look at the statistics behind the relatively benign consequences of oral smokeless tobacco use as compared to that of cigarettes. Recent research of smokeless tobacco use has proven to be a “harm-reduction product” as evidenced in Norway, Iceland, and previously mentioned Sweden. According to The Lancet medical journal, which assessed Swedish snus for tobacco harm reduction, there was “little difference in health-adjusted life expectancy between smokers who quit all tobacco and smokers who switched

to using snus”. Data from Swedish longitudinal studies show in primary smokers who started secondary snus use, 10.6 percent reduced to occasional smoking and 76.3 percent stopped smoking altogether. An epidemiological modelling study has strongly suggested that switching from smoking cigarettes to smokeless oral tobacco is likely to result in net health gains, leading to a fair conclusion that smokeless tobacco is an effective substitute, and even a healthier alternative, for those who want to quit smoking, but have trouble doing so. More startlingly, one study by London’s Royal College of Physicians found smokeless tobacco to be more than ten times safer than cigarettes. Why? Because the research found that nicotine alone is about as harmful as caffeine, and even though both cigarettes and smokeless tobacco contain large amounts of nicotine, it is rather the delivery system itself, the cigarettes’ smoke, that is lethal and carries the most damage.

Smokers and cancerConversely to the EU Commission’s logic for the ban, the Swedes’ love of oral tobacco is most likely the reason why Sweden has the fewest smokers among all the countries in the world and, interestingly enough, is one of the countries in the EU with the lowest rate of cancer. This, it should be noted, is in stark contrast to Croatia that has the number 1 highest rate of cancer in the EU and also happens to have the third highest (36 percent) amount of smokers among any of the EU countries. Overall,

compared to the rest of the world, the World Health Organization states that the European Region has one of the highest proportions of deaths attributable to smoking-related tobacco. The death rate for lung cancer in 2016 alone was 52.9 per 100 000 inhabitants, higher than the rates for any other type of cancer. With such statistics in the face of the EU Commission, any plausible opportunities to reduce rates of cancer, respiratory illnesses, and heart disease related to smoking are being squandered given the smokeless tobacco ban. This alone should give the EU Commission pause to even consider banning such a viable alternative to smoking.

Time for reflection?Beyond the far more important considerations for mitigating smoking-related diseases are implications of consumer rights violations, as well as a disregard for EU legal principles. One can plausibly argue that the existing directive to ban oral tobacco is discriminatory. Why should a product be treated differently because it is taken orally rather than smoked? It appears the regulation of this particular tobacco product is essentially a measure to assist the functioning of a single, far more dangerous market, which solely caters to the cigarette industry. With such considerations in mind, perhaps it’s time for some reflection by the EU Commission regarding its ban on smokeless tobacco, as well as its priorities: The profit margins of cigarette-industry lobby groups, or a real concern for the health of its citizens?

25The Portugal News · 29 Jan 2022Opinion





Is an omnivorous diet an option for you? There is quite a strong movement towards healthier and

animal protective diets. Vegetarian, vegan etc. There is certainly

nothing wrong with these diets, but perhaps they are a bit

extreme for some people’s tastes. There is an option you might find attractive, omnivorous which

has recently been in the news. It’s not a new diet, but it is drawing new attention especially as it is considered by many experts to be environmentally friendly. Interest in plant-based diets has swelled in the past few months due to intermittent meat shortages, along with the hope that a healthier diet might help us should we contract Covid-19. However, plant-based eating was already trending pre-coronavirus pandemic. Perhaps you feel that you were one steak or chicken breast away from destroying your health, and concerns about the environmental impact of our food choices. One vegetarian I spoke to last week told me “I am a vegetarian, but sometimes I really fancy a steak”. There is little doubt it takes a strong commitment to your beliefs to follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, not least due to the fact that most restaurants don’t really offer this alternative, though this is changing.What is an omnivorous diet?An omnivorous diet that features healthy, wholesome foods provides benefits from both meat and plants. Lean meats supply protein, B vitamins, vitamin E and minerals including magnesium, iron and zinc. Additionally, the vitamins and minerals present in plant-based foods can help guard against obesity as well as fight off conditions including heart disease, stroke, kidney stones, bone loss, diabetes and cancer. Furthermore, the “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition” reported in a study that participants who followed an omnivorous diet and participated in strength-training exercises gained more fat-free muscle mass than vegetarians who took part in the same exercises. Is it healthier to be a vegetarian or an omnivore?

There is no simple answer to this question. A leading concern for those who prefer a vegetarian diet is making sure adequate nutrients are supplied, particularly calories and protein. Meat is a main protein source in most diets, so vegetarians have to pursue other avenues to get adequate protein. This is mainly the legume family which consists of plants that produce a pod with seeds inside. The term “legume” is used to describe the seeds of these plants.Common edible legumes include lentils, peas, chickpeas, beans, soybeans, and peanuts. The different types vary greatly in nutrition, appearance, taste, and use. Without meat in the diet, humans cut out vitamin B12 and limit DHA/EPA (active forms of omega-3 fats), nutrients which promote brain health. In contrast, a vegetarian diet is shown to have a lesser risk of certain diseases.What does a omnivorous diet offer you?Due to the wide amount of variation among omnivorous diets, there’s no one standard diet plan that most people follow. Some omnivores are primarily carnivorous and have meat with every meal; others follow a “flexitarian” diet and eat meat only rarely. In the most balanced omnivorous eating plans, meals and snacks contain foods from all five major groups: dairy, protein-rich foods, fruits, vegetables and grains.What is the environmental impact of our diet? This may be the critical question. Global warming, soil pollution, water contamination… Agriculture and food production have enormous impacts on our planet. But how can we reduce the carbon footprint of our diet? Perhaps we need to realise that our diet is one of the domains with the strongest environmental impacts. In order to produce food on an industrial scale so

that everyone gets fed, many hectares of land are needed, and many fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides are often used.In terms of environmental impacts, it is often said that a vegetarian diet is less harmful. In fact, producing meat has a huge environmental impact. There seems little doubt that this is true. A cow raised for its meat emits between 70 and 120 kg of methane every year, which has a contribution to global warming that is 23 times stronger than CO

2.

To produce 1 kg of beef, the livestock must be fed, its food (cereals, hay, etc) needs to be grown and plenty of water is used as well. Much space and particular soils are occupied in order to raise cattle. It is then necessary to transform the animal into consumable meat (slaughter, cutting, processing, packaging…). All this contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases. Maybe the vegetarians are right. Their diet is much more friendly to the environment. Vegetarian and vegan diets are those with the lowest carbon footprint, with 1.7 and 1.5 tonnes of CO

2 equivalent

emitted per year per person, respectively. At the same time, “meat lovers” emit 3.3 tonnes of CO

2 equivalent per year

per person, twice as much as the vegan diet.Finally, if we consider factors other than CO

2 (such as

soil, water, and biodiversity pollution), things are still complicated. For instance, fruit, vegetable, or cereal crops can be very harmful to the environment because of the use of pesticides, herbicides, and other fungicides that destroy biodiversity and pollute soil and water. On the other hand, the production of certain vegetables (cucumbers, lettuce, celery) requires large quantities of energy and water, making the calculations even more complex. And all this does not take into account the deforestation caused by growing crops like soybeans, or monoculture.

No easy answerUnless you have the commitment to follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, we should all seek balance in our diets. Less red meat for sure, but you know that. Mankind is doing an amazing job of

wrecking the planet, all in the pursuit of personal pleasure. Perhaps we should think ‘environmentally’ and at least think more carefully about what we eat, where it comes from (local is best) and what affect our food choice is having

on our planet. Bio or organic fruit and vegetables are a good choice and much more widely available these days. Processed food really needs to avoided as far as possible. With a bit of thought, you could make a difference.

N Paul Luckman

26 The Portugal News · 29 Jan 2022 Community NewsCHARITIES

ALZHEIMER PORTUGAL - Dementia Support Local Offices - Portimão and Lagoa. Information, advice, training and activities for People with Dementia and carers/ relatives. [email protected] or +351 965 276 690

APAA CHARITY SHOPS - Dunas do Alvor: Mon-Sat, 10.30am - 2pm. Rua Elias Garcia 20, Silves, Mon-Fri 10am -2pm. Check out our bargains for 2022 gifts! Volunteers always welcome [email protected]

SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES in the Algarve receives items for families in need, Guia and surrounding areas. To donate or discuss concerns about a needy family contact Su Davis: 932 307 548, [email protected] Facebook: support for families in the Algarve.

A.A.G. CHARITY Shop Guia. Situated in the Main Street, opposite the Football Club Snack bar and close to Crédito Agrícola Bank. Opening hours Mon - Fri, 10am to 5.45pm, Sat 10am to 2pm. Closed Sun. Animal charity feeding street animals. Patron Bonnie Tyler.

THE GOODWILL CHARITY. R. Direita 5, Ed. Portus Magnus, Portimão. (Close to Theatre). 968 740 693, 10am to 2pm. Clothes, bric a brac and furniture in saleable cond., large items collected. We would like to thank you all for your dona-tions and for shopping, that has enabled us to help the local community.

SECOND CHANCE charity shop at Largo Das Ferreiras (on rounda-bout), Ferreiras, Albufeira. Open Mon to Fri, 10am to 4pm. Sat 10am to1pm. Supporting people in need, also Bombeiros, Soup kitchens, Riding for the disabled, AHSA day care centre for the elderly and more. Contact Maggie Cook 917 707 808.

PORTIMÃO SOUP KITCHEN Soup kitchen serving times are 1 to 1.30pm on Sundays, and 6 to 6.30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Volunteers needed one hour before for food preparation. Masks, gloves and hand sanitizer gel provided. Volunteers can contact Joy for more info Joy 91 735 8098.

THE DONKEY SANCTUARY Refugio dos Burros charity shops opening hours in Lagoa and Carvoeiro are Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturday’s 10am until 1pm. Ferragudo opening hours are Monday to Friday from 10am until 2pm and on Saturday’s from 10am until 1pm. Come along and see the bargains! We are always very happy to receive any donations and if you have any time to spare, volunteers are always needed. For more information, please call Chris on 966 033 127.

CARVOEIRO CAT CHARITY ASSOCIAÇÃO. Located in Porches and run entirely by volunteers. We are looking for some more volunteers to help in our shelter of 250 cats as well as some foster families for our cats. Email [email protected] or call 918 552 788.

ASMAA CHARITY & UP-Cycling Hub. Volunteers are now needed for our shop. Wed, Fri and Sat 11.30am to 5pm, other days by appointment only. Tel 969

320 231, email [email protected] Rua J. Pereira Sampaio Bruno, Nº 53. Portimão (Behind Bombeiros).

MADRUGADA ASSOCIAÇÃO. Volunteers needed for our Lagos Homestore, Luz Encore and Lagoa Homestore charity shops. Hours are 11am to 3pm M-F, and 10am to 1pm on Sat. All proceeds go to “hospice-at-home” care in the Algarve. Thank you for your support! Tel: 282-761375. www.madruga-da-portugal.com.

CADELA CARLOTA shop in Lagos open Mon to Fri, 10am to 1pm/3pm to 5pm. Almadena: Mon to Fri, 10am to 4pm, Sat, 10am to 1pm. We always need extra hands in our shops.

ASSOCIAÇÃO DE CARIDADE MÃOS de Ajuda. Helping Hands Charity Shop, 13A Avenida Dr. Eduardo Mansinho, Tavira. 100 metres from Porta Nova Post Office. Open Monday, Wednesday, Saturday 10am to 1pm. Help us to Help others in the Tavira Area. 963558138

FRENCH LANGUAGE Following the French Government’s initiative to expand the French language, we are looking for Volunteers to teach French in Albufeira or Olhos de Água to children and adults. No experience or qualifications necessary, just fluency in French and a passion to meet and help others learn this beautiful language. Please contact 961 636 201 or Angelica [email protected]

THE NANDI CHARITY SHOP. Winter clothing now in store. Furniture can be collected within 30 k Lagos. Tel 912741857

WOOFF. (Worn only once Fashion & Furniture) charity shop in Almancil. High-quality second-hand clothes and furniture. All profits to Animal Rescue Algarve. New opening hours Monday-Friday 10am-3pm and Saturday 10am-1pm (during the Covid-19 pandemic). Tel: 289 123 456 or 917558121

MUSIC

Aljezur International Choir. Thursdays 2pm to 3.30pm at the Aljezur Bombeiros building, with social distancing. They are a local choral group that welcomes members of all nationalities and sings in multiple languages. They also regularly organize concerts throughout the year and take part in other community events. Contact 914285640 or 912547198 or via email [email protected] for more information.

Coro dos Amigos. Thursdays from 6.30pm at at the Museu de Traje. If you are interested in joining please check out their Facebook page or contact Daniela by email at [email protected]

SOCIAL

Algarve Walking Meetup. Social walk-ing events of between 2.5 and 3.5 hours listed every week. Discover so much more of the Algarve, and make new friends at the same time. For full details please visit meetup.com/algarve-walking.

Royal British Legion (Portugal branch): for information contact: [email protected] or telephone 926908089.

C.A.S.A. - the Algarve’s leading Social Club for expats meets monthly for dinners / lunches and social events. [email protected], 282495475. www.casasocial.club

Coffee & conversation for expats. Meet other newcomers in the Algarve almost every week at different venues. www.expatcentreportugal.com/events

BRIDGE

Lagos Marina Bridge Group. Tuesdays and Fridays at 1:15pm. Please contact 913346187 or email: [email protected]

Vilamoura Bridge Club. Tuesdays 1.45pm 919 833 122 or 910 448 170. www.vilamourabridgeclub.com

SPORT

Odiáxere Walking Football. Every Tuesday & Friday - Walking Football 50+ at Clube Desportivo de Odiáxere

(just off N125 at Odiaxere). 10am to 12 midday. Just turn up or for more details contact Bill Harper email: [email protected] or telephone: (+351) 960 234 641.

Crown Green. At Alvor bowling Club Tuesday 2pm. Peter or Janette 966169747 or 965700536.

afpop Badminton. On Mondays at 7:30pm to 9:30pm at the pavilion of the school E. B 2,3 DR. Garcia Domingues in Silves. All levels of play, come along and join our sociable evening. Badminton players will need to bring their own racquets and pay a small fee to cover costs. For more information, please contact Sue on 910108730 or email [email protected].

Touch Rugby. Lagoa Sports Club, Mondays from 8pm - 10pm. Men and women, all ages welcome. Simon Wilkinson [email protected], 282912280 / 924220173.

Chez Carlos Golf Society. 29 January at Morgado Golf Course. Please see www.algarve-golfsociety.com or contact Jim at 926 519 559 for information, tournament entry and membership details.

Walking football. Tuesdays and Thursdays 9.30-11am. Free at Vilamoura. [email protected] or 289322740.

WORKSHOPS & COURSES

Figs on the Funcho. Ongoing painting courses and workshops. “Our painting meet-up groups are fun and supportive and great for people new to the Algarve looking to meet people that share a creative inter-est.” If you are interested in joining, please contact Cheryl on 912 595 539 or email her at [email protected]

<Listing2> Painting for Pleasure Classes. Wednesdays. 10.30am to 12:30pm and 2:30pm to 4:30pm at Mesquita near Sao Bras. For more information, please contact Terry Reed on 289845561.

Chalking the Door: An Epiphany Tradition

Bowls MarathonMany people will remember

a specific birthday in their life. Maybe you had a special party, a memorable meal, an enjoyable hol-iday, or an adventurous activity.

Graham Hewitt from Tavira will remember his 70th birthday for one particular reason. Along with his friend, Bob Bennie they played Lawn Bowls continuously for 24 hours. The two men were spon-sored in order to raise funds for the bombeiros in Tavira. Fellow players from Pedras da Rainha bowls club joined them throughout the day and night to maintain the pace of play and to introduce fresh conversation.

Bob and Graham would like to thank the Pedras management,

This year on the evening of January 6, the cele-bration of Epiphany, the Congregation of All Saints Anglican Church Algarve together with their friends and family joined together to continue with the long-established Anglican tradition of “Chalk-ing the Doors”.

What is Chalking the Doors?Chalking the Door is a way of marking homes

with sacred signs or symbols, to ask God’s blessing on those who live, work or visit the homes through-out the coming year.

What are these letters and what do these letters and numbers mean?

20 † C † M † B †22At the front and back of the chalking is the year,

in this case 2022.Between the year are Casper, Melchior and Balt-

hazar, the names of the three Magi who followed a star 2022 years ago to the stable where the Christ was born to bring him precious gifts. The arrival of the three Magi at the stable is celebrated by Chris-tians throughout the world at Epiphany Time.

C is for Caspar, M is for Melchior and B for

Balthasar. Some also suggest that the letters C, M and B stand for “Christus Mansionem Benedicat” which means, “May Christ bless this dwelling!”

As the Doors were chalked a short prayer was said.“Bless this house and all who inhabit it. Fill us

with the light of Christ, that our concern for others may reflect your love.”

“It’s so wonderful to see these older traditions and customs continuing, and a way for people both inside and outside of the Church to welcome in the New Year and ask for their houses to be blessed,” said Jo Blackman of All Saints “ the chalk will remain over our doors until next Epiphany tide as a continuing blessing, and next year we will do it all again”

www.allsaintalgarve.church

their photographer Elspeth, members who played on the rink with them, everyone who made a donation, including members of East Algarve Walking Football. Special thanks to Mark and Tanya Fox for their help and support

in fund raising and to Clive and Lorraine from the “Old Barrel” in Conceição.

A total of €2,480 was collected which was used to purchase two tablet computers, a power drill and charger and safety torches.

27The Portugal News · 29 Jan 2022Community NewsUnited Lisbon International School project wins the “Lisbon Prize”

A friendly gastronomic lunch Tavira in the 16th century

On Tuesday, 1 February, the Algarve Archaeological Asso-ciation (AAA) will be presenting two lectures, in English, by archaeologists Sandra Cavaco and Jaquelina Covaneiro.

The first lecture will be at 2.30pm at the Museu do Traje in São Bras, the second lecture will be at 6pm at the Convento de São José in Lagoa.

Sandra and Jaquelina will be talking about Tavira in the 16th century. At that time, Tavira was one of the most important cities of Portugal and its port was one of the busiest, trading with ships from all over the Mediterranean, selling goods and importing all kinds of products. It was a time of great richness and the city grew in size and importance. Evidence of this past greatness can be seen today in the streets of Tavira, in its buildings, churches and convents. Other signs of this rich past, hidden by several layers of time, are slowly being recovered by archaeological work. The theme of this lecture relates to the 500th anniversary of Tavira’s elevation to a City by King Ma-nuel I, which was commemorated on 16 March 2020.

Non-members are welcome to attend AAA lectures for a €5 admission fee, with all money raised by the AAA being used for archaeological grants and speakers. For more information contact [email protected], visit arquealgarve.weebly.com or Facebook ‘Algarve Archaeological Association’. Please note that Covid-19 regulations apply. Please check the website or facebook page for any last minute changes.

After being acknowledged with the Best Urban Adaptive Reuse Award at Portugal’s most prestig-ious Real Estate Show - SIL, we are proud to announce that United Lisbon International school has won the “Lisbon Prize” at the World Architecture Festival, an ac-colade for “the best building in the city” for our renovation/ refurbish-ment/ regeneration of a building from the 1950s combining expertly form, function, purpose and sus-tainability.

United Lisbon International School opened in 2020 next to the Park of Nations with interna-tional English-language academic programs from Early Childhood (3 years old) till grade 12 (IB DP).

It already has a student body of 300 students from 30+ different nationalities and an international teaching faculty to match.

Excelling in both function and form, United Lisbon is seated in a building which was previously a university building and had won an architectural prize in 1958 - when it was the Pasteur Laboratories - for its façade representing the Art Deco style of buildings in Lisbon from the 1950s. Architect Eduardo Capinha Lopes has achieved a fabulous result with the renovation project while preserving the origi-nal façade by modernist Architect Carlos Ramos.

“It’s a great honour to be receiving these awards for all our

teams’ hard work over these years to make these projects a reality! We are proud to have achieved these accolades especially as we have been through the toughest 24 months on various fronts because of the pandemic.

“The adaptive reuse of the United Lisbon International School has special significance to us as entrepreneurs and parents. We were able to help breathe new life into an unused building whose purpose had been for higher education and transform it into a modern building for education- a much needed international school for the city. We are now looking forward to re-purposing the rest of the Education Hub. Education is

crucial in addressing many of the global problems we have, and we

can only do this by being “United”!Chitra & Roman Stern.

Members of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Bailliage de l’Algarve Portugal and their guests gathered at the five star Vale d’Oliveiras Quinta Resort for their first event of the 2022 calendar.

As well as using produce from their own organic garden the resort has recently

started to produce their own olive oil. The group was met on the terrace overlooking the swimming pools by the general manager Eduardo Peregrino and a welcome drink was served together with a selection of amuse-bouche prepared by the resi-dent Chef Wilson da Costa.

The Olive Tree Restau-rant, situated in the centre of the gated resort complex is open to the general public and the lunch was to be served there. Chef Wilson da Costa knew from an early age that he wanted to become a professional chef and was inspired, not only by his family’s traditions but also by the produce and traditions of his home country Portugal. During his career he has cooked with many famous Portuguese chefs and for many famous restaurants and has also been influenced by Asian cooking and spice as well as modern cooking methods. All these influences can be detected in the textures and tastes of his well seasoned dishes

The lunch started with organic egg cooked at low

temperature with chestnut and vegetable pickle served with a rosé wine from the Algarve, Quinta do Barranco Longo Rosé. The two fish courses were accompanied by a white wine from the Douro region, Maria Mansa Branco.

The main course of seared sirloin, celery puree and mushrooms accompanied by Aventura Tino from the Alentejo. A light pre-desert prepared the palettes for the desert course of chocolate, carob, raspberry and matcha was served with Porto Poças tawny port.

The Bailli of the Alentejo region, Dinis Zabumba, had joined the group for lunch and he together with Dr. Jean Ferran thanked Chef Wilson da Costa host general man-ager Eduardo Peregrino for a most enjoyable lunch.

28 The Portugal News · 29 Jan 2022 UFOWe at The Portugal News always have as our primary goals to bring you honest, reliable, unbiased news and content on all things Portugal with a positive focus where possible.

Like a number of other news organisations throughout the world, we are going to bring to you a Curiosity Section highlighting the weird and the wonderful ideas that comes from all over the

world. We hope they pique your curiosity and you enjoy reading them as much as we do. The Portugal News and its staff takes no responsibility for the accuracy or validity of this content.

N

Chris Lehto

Removing the UFO stigma Exclusive interview with Leslie Kean Part 2

“What do you think the phenomenon is?” I asked investigative journalist Leslie

Kean. She has been investigating Unidentified Aerial Phenomena since fighting to publish her first article on the subject in 2000. After grinding on the taboo topic for 17 years she was invited to break the historic New York Times article, “Glowing Auras and ‘Black Money’: The Pentagon’s Mysterious UFO Program.”I had the exciting opportunity to interview the best-selling author on my YouTube channel two weeks ago. This is part 2, check out part 1 in the previous week.“Well, my position has always been that we don’t know what it is,” Leslie said, “and that’s still my position. But I’m willing to say that we can rule out that it was manufactured

on Earth. I’m willing to say that. I mean the things it can do, the effects on humans…and the fact there are so many different types of objects. It just seems so incredibly complex to me. I’m not sure we will ever fully understand what it is and how it does what it does.”

Taboo topicThat is also the US government’s official position. According to the 25 June Preliminary Assessment on the topic, the unidentified objects that military pilots and other personnel are seeing on a near-daily basis “probably represent real objects” because they are tracked by multiple different systems. But, the report also said we still don’t know what they are. There was no mention of extraterrestrial life or UFOs specifically in the report. Instead,

the authors chose to lump the taboo topic into a mysterious “other” category.Leslie wrote in her excellent book “UFOs: Generals, Pilots, and Government Officials Go On the Record” that the UFO stigma is a very powerful force. No journalist, politician, or scientist would touch the topic for fear of ridicule and isolation. The simple fact, so they believed, was UFOs do not exist, therefore they cannot exist. End of story. Why waste time and effort, and be ridiculed along the way, searching for something that doesn’t exist? Any deviation from this line of thinking resulted in damaged egos and ruined careers.Fortunately that taboo is quickly lifting.“They have actually written into some of these press releases the

importance of overcoming the stigma,” Leslie said. “So they are recognising that there is a stigma and that we need to get beyond it.”The 25 June Preliminary Assessment on UAPs included a large bold section titled “UAP Collection Challenges.” The report states that “sociocultural stigmas and sensor limitations remain obstacles to collecting data on UAPs.”“Senator Rubio and Senator Gilligbrand both said the same thing [about removing the stigma],” Leslie said. “They reiterated that. It just takes the media off the hook and takes the witnesses off the hook. It invites everyone to care about it. I mean it may not be top priority for everybody, that’s for sure. But I don’t think there is going to be opposition to it.”

Feeling comfortableDetermining what the phenomena is, how it works, and why it is here is one of the rare bi-partisan topics in Washington. Now that congress is engaged on the matter the topic is legitimate to investigate. Although there is still a stigma from decades of official denial and derision, with the recent admissions from congress and the DOD, many witnesses now feel comfortable talking about their experiences.Although I didn’t see any UAPs while flying F-16s, I can’t say for certain I would have spoken up if I had seen one. Even if I believed my own eyes, how would I report it? What would my commanders think of me? Would they take me off flying status and order me to take a psychological evaluation?Now, the US military will be required by congress to have a reporting process

for these rare events. The jet tapes and radar records will be preserved for later analysis. The witnesses will be taken seriously and protected.“There still will be a stigma,” Leslie said, “there are still fears of ridicule if you’re active duty. But it has got to be better than it was. It ’s got to be. I think people like David Fravor and Alex Dietrich have really been role models to try and encourage others to do what they’ve done.”

Tic-Tac craftDavid Fravor and Alex Dietrich were both piloting F-18 fighters off the coast in 2004 when they intercepted and maneuvered with the now famous Tic-Tac craft. They are among a select few US aviators, Ryan Graves as well, to speak publicly about seeing a UFO.According to Fravor and Dietrich in their 60-minutes interview, the object looked like a 40 foot long smooth white Tic-Tac candy. It had

no wings, rotors, or any form of propulsion. Their backseat weapons systems officers also witnessed the Tic-Tac object accelerate from a near standstill to impossible speeds “like a bullet.”Leslie seemed still in shock at the outcome,“To think back to where we were in 2017, to me it ’s just stunning how far we’ve come in the last 4 years. And we’ve ended up with this just incredible legislation. Who would have thought this would ever happen? It ’s just amazing.”Leslie is currently working on a UFO production with a major network. She is also investigating a link between UAPs and her study of consciousness after death. You can read her recent book on the topic “Surviving Death” or watch the Netflix Documentary with the same name.

Check out the full hour and half interview on my

YouTube channel here:https://youtu.be/

yqBnZGrSPbg

ATFLIR Targeting Pod optical image (TV) of famous Tic-Tac encounter (FLIR 1).

Captured by Chad Underwood.

Investigative Journalist and Author Leslie

29The Portugal News · 29 Jan 2022CuriosityThe Portugal News ran a campaign for an anonymous donor earlier in the year using the images of the Seven Sacred Flames and now we have found an expert that will serialise excerpts

from a book called ‘The Seven Sacred Flames’ by Aurelia Louise Jones. These concepts can seem “a bit out there” but the messages are loving, beautiful, and kind that can help uplift anyone!

The Contributor, Mehroo Fitter,

says “since I was a girl, I’ve been

interested in Spiritual matters.”

I want to know: Who am I?

Why was I born? Is there

more to life than just being

born, survival and death, or is

there something more to it? Is

karma real? Do fairies, Angels,

Dragons, Unicorns, exist?

In 2011, I came across a book

that changed my life. Since

then, I have been using social

media to spread the words of

Spiritual Masters through the

books written by their Channel,

Aurelia Louis Jones. These

messages that the Masters

have sent are to help us cope

with all the changes happening

in our world around us.

These messages can help us

in these challenging times

all alleviate fear, and remain

peaceful.

Seven Sacred FlamesThe Seventh Ray - The Violet Flame of Transmutation

Main God qualities and actions of the Violet Flame: Freedom, Transmutation, Transformation, Diplomacy, Ceremony and Application of the Science of true Alchemy

Day when is amplified: Saturday

Corresponding Chakra: Seat of the Soul Colour: Violet

Corresponding Stones: Amethyst, Violet Fluorite

Chohan of the Seventh Ray: Master Saint Germain, also known as the God of Freedom

His Retreat: Transylvania, Romania and the Great Violet Flame Temple, Jackson Peak, Wyoming, USA.

Archangels of the Seventh Ray with Divine Complement:Zadkiel and Amethyst

Their Retreats:Over the Island of Cuba

Elohim of the Second Ray with Divine Complement: Arcturus and Victoria

Their Retreat: Near Luanda, Angola, Africa

Embodiments of Master Saint Germain • In the 11th century BC, Saint Germain was embodied as the prophet Samuel. •Saint Germain was embodied as Saint Joseph, the father of Jesus and the husband of Mary. •In the late 3rd century, he was embodied as Saint Alban, the first martyr of Britain. Alban lived in England during the persecutions of Christians under the Roman emperor Diocletian. • In the 5th century, Saint Germain was

embodied as Merlin, the great alchemist, prophet and counselor at the court of King Arthur. •As Roger Bacon (1220-1292), the beloved Saint Germain was philosopher, Franciscan monk, teacher and scientist. • As Christopher Columbus (1451-1506), he discovered America. • As Francis Bacon (1561-1626), he was philosopher, statesman, and literary master.

Research demonstrates that he was the author of the Shakespeare’s plays and the son of Queen Elizabeth and Lord Leicester. •Desiring above all else to liberate God’s people, Saint Germain was granted a dispensation from the Lords of Karma to return to Earth in a physical body. He appeared as “le Comte de Saint Germain,” a “miraculous person” who dazzled the courts of 18th and 19th century in Europe, where he was known as the “Wonder man of Europe.”

Excerpts from Archangel Zadkiel Those of you who know about the use of the Violet Flame have a special opportunity now to draw forth from your Causal Body all the knowledge you have accumulated from the past. This flame acts as

does the sunshine, “impersonally” and instantly whenever and wherever it is called forth. Let that Violet Fire blaze up in, through and around your four body systems, and especially through your brain structure, commanding it to transmute the hard and unforgiving thoughts and feelings in your etheric, mental and emotional bodies. These “hard core” feelings create most of your distress. Let them be replaced by grateful, joyous receptive feelings which open your world to the goodness of God, and make you a mighty magnet drawing to you all the good God wants you to have, all the good you once knew. Let the feelings of gratitude to the Holy Father for these gifts so flood your world that you will be able to out picture more quickly the Divine Perfection you wish to attain. When you want the Violet Fire of freedom’s love, mercy and

compassion to act in your world, start invoking it in the name and authority of your own I AM Presence. This Flame becomes more powerful each time it is called forth. Long ago, on Atlantis and Lemuria, we externalized a gigantic focus of this Violet Fire on each continent. Its radiating flame was seen by the physical sight for a distance of a thousand miles in all directions. It is our earnest intention to recreate these wonders in the era of the Seventh Golden Age. Lovely ones, the Violet Flame is absolutely real. This flame is your freedom as it blazes in, through and around you. Invoke it daily and let go of emotional, mental, etheric and physical chaos. Accept the divine justice which is the heritage of your being, to become a God and Goddess on this Earth, and then achieve the full glory of Ascended Master status.

Special Mention for Omri TasLet us mention Omri Tas, the ruler of the Violet Flame, where the Seventh Ray Violet Flame is generated from this Universe. Omri Tas has his etheric retreat at Shamballa that is over the Gobi desert.Omri Tas presides over the Violet Planet, a world in another galaxy and dimension to our own. On this Violet Planet all negativity is transmuted by the power of the Violet flame. He wishes to see the Earth restored to a planet of peace and harmony as per the Divine Universal plan.Let us acknowledge his Presence and his perpetual service to this Sacred

Flame. He is also available to assist us in the correct use of the Violet Flame of Transmutation when we include his presence in our invocations and prayers.

From The Book “The Seven Sacred Flames” By Aurelia

Louis Jones. www.mslpublishing.com

30 The Portugal News · 29 Jan 2022 People’s Page

“Because You Care, We Can” – Madrugada Association

NCristina da

Costa Brookes

I had the pleasure of meeting with President of Madrugada Association, John Hough as well as Clinical

Manager, Tanja Himming at their support centre in Luz.

For those who do not already know Madrugada, they are a non-profit

association, established in 2009 who provide free home-based, end-of-life palliative care to people aged 18 years and over living in the Algarve who are affected by a life limiting illness. To date, Madrugada has cared for 230 patients at end of life. They go above and be-yond with very few employ-ees and a dedicated core of volunteers. John told me that “this is of course a huge chal-lenge which is why we rely so heavily on the good will of our volunteers and what

they do for us.” Madruga-da ‘hospice-at-home’ care is “provided free of charge which is only made possible by the generous donations and support of the local com-munity and beyond.” “All donations are used to provide patient care and are very much needed at this time as Covid has put a lot of pressure on the number of Madrugada volunteers who kindly raise the necessary funds.” Both John and Tanja affirmed that they are lucky to have so many fantastic volunteers and are grateful to everyone who supports them as they make a huge difference.

How Madrugada worksIn terms of the way Mad-rugada works, John told me that “elected members of the Association take on the roles of managing various aspects of our work and to lead initiatives for growth and stability of the organisation. These board members are all volunteers who give their time because we believe in this worthy cause which we hope to develop further across the Algarve and throughout Portugal.”John added that “in this context our role is very complimentary to other health services provided here in the Algarve. This

hospice at home model is gaining popularity in Portugal due to its intimate way of providing end of life care and it is something the government backs as it sees value of community-based nursing and providing care at home, particularly from a financial point of view.” John explained that “it is more resource intensive from our side, as we also provide care equipment which we need volunteers to deliver to patients.”

Charity shopsIn order to raise funds to support its efforts, currently, Madrugada has three Char-ity shops which are based in Lagoa and Lagos, as well as a boutique called Encore in Luz, offering second hand clothing. The Homestores and Boutique offer a wide variety of second-hand items at very low cost which is a further way they benefit the community. Madrugada welcomes dona-tions of saleable items such as furniture, bric-a-brac and clothing in good condition. John added that “we try to help other charities and the community in other ways, so we distribute stock to other good causes that we choose not to sell. We don’t sell children’s clothes so if we receive that we give it to Algarve Families in Need.”

End of life careClinical manager, Tanja Himming, is a nurse and a clinical lead at Madrugada and has been a nurse there since Madrugada was found-ed. She firstly explained that “we are always looking for experienced nurses but they should have some experience in the field and they need to have legal entitlement to work here in Portugal.”“Madrugada provides inten-sive end of life care which usually lasts up to a week. Each patient is different, so a care plan or assessment is tailored to fit each patient’s needs as much as is possible. Some patients require more intensive care or nursing

care for their last days and in extreme circumstances, we can offer 24-hour care, but very often we provide a night nurse.” Madrugada also provides complimentary therapies for patients and their families which includes counselling during the patient’s illness and continued support including bereavement counselling being given following the loss of a loved one. Post-covid, Madrugada hopes to also expand on their therapies provided to again include creative activ-ities, physical activities and group therapy.

Looking for volunteersYou can make a huge differ-ence by getting involved in raising money for Madru-gada and spreading aware-ness. “Madrugada is always looking for volunteers. The Clinical team rely on volun-teers to help transport and distribute medical equip-ment, while the retail effort desperately needs drivers to pick up and deliver furniture and bigger items from their charity shops. You can also give some of your time to volunteer at their shops.” Fundraising initiatives spread awareness which is so key to their cause and it is another way that supports Madrugada enormously in order to raise vital funds for patient care. They have ideas and more information about this on their website to help get you started. You do not need to live in Portugal to fundraise or donate to Mad-rugada so anyone can help

outside of the Algarve. By becoming a member, where you pay a small an-nual fee, you can be part of leading the direction of the association and you have a voice on important decisions affecting the direction of the cause, plus, you get the pleasure of knowing that what you are doing is mak-ing a significant difference to people in need. Finally, John shared Madru-gada’ s goal going forward: “hopefully in a couple of years’ time, Madrugada will be identified as the premier independent provider of hospice at home palliative care. We want to be in a position where we can hire more palliative nurses who are occupied full time with us as our reputation for empathy and compassion-ate, professional care will have gotten to the point that we are the first port of call for this type of support. Additionally, he told me that “at the moment our focus is mostly in the western and central Algarve, covering Sa-gres to Lagoa, but we intend to provide our services across the whole of the Algarve as soon as we can. They already have plans to open another charity shop further along the Algarve and once they have a presence there, we will want to be able to offer our support there too.”

For more information about Madrugada or if you are able to volunteer some of your time for a worthy cause, please see https://www. madrugada-portugal.com/.

31The Portugal News · 29 Jan 2022Books

Calling all local authorsHave you published a book? Do you live in Portugal? The Portugal News is looking for local authors who have

published books. We would love to review your books in up-coming editions.

Whether its fiction or non-fiction, we are looking for stories

that keep you on the edge of your seat, inspire, fill us with joy, are unexpected and utterly captivating.

Your book deserves greater exposure and we at The Portugal News can provide that.

If you are interested in submitting your book for review please

send us a brief description of your book to info@theportugal-

news.com. If your book is selected you will be contacted directly so you can send your book to us.

We look forward to reading you books and introducing your work to our readers.

We all shop and eat locally. Now it’s time to read local as well.

NCristina da Costa

Brookes

A story for the grandchildren!Paderne author, Ginny Evans-Barrow and illustrator Sherry Docherty, have collaborated to create Ginny’s delightful first children’s book called “Maisie Moo, Penny Pops, Raeka Roo and Rosie Too”.

Ginny and Sherry have been friends for almost 20 years and share a love for animals,

in creating this book they have grown closer and I believe this book would make a lovely gift to children and is a treasure that families will enjoy.

Love for the AlgarveGinny, first came to Portugal 38 years ago because her husband at the time had a place in Guia in the Algarve. “My first visit to Portugal was with him and my two small boys at the time and we came out here on holidays and I just fell in love with the place and eventually, about 18 years ago we bought a piece of land in Paderne and built a house that I loved, I was heartbroken when my husband became ill with cancer and passed away four years ago and I ended up moving to another house in Paderne as I love the area so much.” Sherry has also lived in Portugal for a long time, having moved here

about 16 years ago. “I had been working inFrance and my brother decided to move to Paderne so I came out afterwards and a couple of years later I stayed here in the winter and decided to stay permanently in Paderne as it is a cool place.” She humorously added, “once you go to Paderne you can’t leave.”

A special journeyThe short synopsis of this fun book is: “Maisie, Penny, Raeka and Rosie are four dogs who are the best of friends and decide to go on an adventure together to Portugal from the UK. This is the story of their adventures on the way.” Ginny told me “It is a fun story to read about the journey these dogs go on and the friendship they have. It is for children aged seven and up but intended for families to read together but also anyone can enjoy this book if you love animals.” Additionally, these four dogs are real and Ginny captures their personalities which is emphasised by Sherry’s sweet illustrations,

explaining that, “Raeka was mine and she sadly passed away just before Christmas, she is forever in the book now but no longer with us. Penny Pops and Maisie Moo both belong to my youngest son and they have two children and then Rosie is my eldest son’s dog with my other grandson.” “This book is aimed at children aged seven and above as it was intended for, with a view of parents reading it to their children and, as they get older, they can read it themselves.”Ginny then went on to tell me how this book came about, “I have always wanted to write a book since I was about twelve and I used to say to my dad, “one day I will write a book”, so he is up there now thinking “good girl, you did it eventually”. “I started writing this book about seven and a half years ago, when my first grandson, Albert, was born because it was intended for my grandchildren to have something special from me. At Christmas I surprised my three grandchildren with the book and they did seem surprised with the fact the book had their dogs and I had written it. It is a keepsake so they will be able to revisit it as they get older.”

Finding an illustrator “It did end up taking seven and a half years to finish as I put it on the back burner due to everything that was going on in my life. It was also not easy to find an illustrator. A few months ago, out of the blue, I thought whether my friend Sherry could do it as she has her own business as an artist and she agreed to do it for me.” Sherry added that “Ginny gave me the manuscript before the book was published and I thought it was a sweet story and I loved it so I got the idea of the story and I already knew Raeka so I could give her the eyes she had. I added a surprise for Ginny on the back page which is of all the other animals we know in Paderne so it has our friends’ cats and dogs.” Ginny recalled what she thought

Ginny and Sherry

when she first saw Sherry’s illustrations “I was over the moon and Sherry said they won’t be perfect, they will be cartoon like and I said that is absolutely perfect for children. Just their characteristics brought out more, like Penny Pops with the big ears. She did it perfectly, we were both chuffed with them.”Sherry added: “Since the first lockdown, I got back into art which I have not done in a long time and I started decorating my house and I did a mural of Bob Marley on the wall and then people asked on Facebook if anyone can do a house sign and I said yes, and it snowballed into a company called “Dochart”. I have always been into art but I took a pause with it all but I have now been doing hand painted signs and a couple of murals for friends and then Ginny asked me to do this, which again is completely different because I do not usually draw animals but I said I would give it a

go and I am happy with how they turned out.”

A second bookGinny went on to reveal that there are plans for a second book which will also be based in the Algarve. “One of the dogs on the back page, also from Paderne, is called Jack and he ran away a few weeks ago and luckily he was okay despite getting hit by a car, so I think my next book is what Jack did in that week and his adventures”, so please keep an eye out for that.If anyone is interested in grabbing a copy of this lovely children’s book, you can find it on Amazon Spain and Amazon Germany. Additionally, if anyone is interested in Sherry’s artwork or if any other authors are in need of an illustrator, please contact Sherry through her Facebook page @DocArty and similarly if you would like to keep up to date with what Ginny does next please see @ginny.evansbarrow on Facebook.

32 The Portugal News ·29 Jan 2022 Renature

NF CorkMy tour of one of the Algarve’s most innovative cork factories

Given that over 50 percent of the world’s cork production

comes from Portugal, I thought it might be interesting to see if I could find out a little bit more about this wonderful natural renewable resource and how it can be used to create, not just corks for wine, but a truly endless variety of things. In fact, the amusing thing is that the cork factory I visited last week makes just about everything - but wine corks.

NF HeadquartersIt’s called NF Cork and they are based just outside of Faro. They very kindly

agreed to meet me and give me the tour - as this is something they often do for interested tourists. I walked in and had never seen so much cork in my life. There was mountains of the stuff. All piled ‘sky high’ outside. I made my way to the reception and this is where I met Tânia and João. Tânia is Nuno (the owner’s) wife, who was very nice and knowledgeable and happily showed me around. It was only João’s second day working there (and we’ll get to his exciting job later on in the story) and so, amusingly, he hadn’t really seen the place properly either and so came along with me on my tour.

A little historyThe cork factory is actually a family business that has been passed down through the generations. It was originally started by Nuno’s dad 50 years ago, and Nuno, who grew up helping in the factory, really wanted to innovate and find out more about the potential of cork and took it over and started NF (Nuno Farias) Cork around 7 years ago.

Take your jacket offThe cork harvest is done by expert ‘descortiçadores’ in the summertime. This is because when it’s hot there’s more of a gap between the cork and the tree and so it’s easier to remove.

Coming of ageOutside again, Tânia explained that the huge pile of cork is there drying (which normally takes around 6 months after harvest) and is all what is known as “desbóia” in Portuguese, or ‘virgin cork’. This means, as you probably guessed, that it’s its first time being taken from a tree. This usually happens when the tree is around 25 years old. They then paint that year’s number on the bark with a special kind of chalk so that it doesn’t disappear and stays visible for the next 9 years - which is when the second coat is taken off. It’s only from the third harvest onwards when the tree is about 43 (they usually live around 150 years) that it becomes known as ‘amadia’ cork that it can be used to make cork stoppers.

From a tiny acorn to the mighty oakTania also pointed out what could be thought of as the factory’s mascot, their very own cork tree. It started growing there a long time ago when an acorn fell out of the pile of cork.

A cork houseWe then went into the factory with the buzz of workers busy making blocks of cork for construction. It also makes the most amazing insulation and is excellent for sound absorption. The

choices of textures and styles were beautiful and, of course, being a natural product, every piece was completely unique.

Handmade with loveWe then came to the ‘workshop room’ where all the cork treasures that we were about to see at our final stop (the shop) were made by hand.

Creating the Future But first, I was shown the latest and most exciting new development - and the reason why João is here. NF Cork have recently got themselves a 3D printer. João definitely knew where he was and what he was doing when he sat in front of the computer and showed me how you can program in whatever you want and press ‘print’ and the computer will get to work making it for you.

This is a very exciting new avenue as it will allow NF Cork to get even more creative and innovative with the use of their cork.

From flip flops to the kitchen sinkOur last stop was the shop which was full of a truly astonishing array of uses for cork. Everywhere which way you turned. The walls, the floor, the ceiling are all different styles of cork. There’s tables, chairs, placemats, hats, kitchen sinks and even flip flops.So, if you ever wondered where you can find some cork, then I can confidently declare that this is the place. Whether you want to build or insulate your house with it, or are simply interested in taking the tour yourself and checking out the shop, then follow them on Facebook and Instagram @NFCork.

N Jake Cleaver

33The Portugal News · 29 Jan 2022AnimalsPETS FOR ADOPTION

N Marilyn Sheridan

HAVE YOU SEEN?

Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago

MASKI is a wonderful 6-year-old, medium-sized dog that loves to go for walks. He is just very shy in the beginning, but great when he knows you well. Email [email protected] to meet him (Lagos).

VIRIATO (11 y/o) was found on the street in a bad state. Now he is recovered and only treated for Leish. He is a friendly, medium-sized and very affectionate male. Please email [email protected] to meet our sweet Viriato (Lagos).

ASTRID is a 15kg female 6yrs old. She is steralised, negative for tickfever, heartworm and Leisch. She walks well on a lead and loves cuddles. She is ready for adoption so please contact Susan Martin on 918435448 to arrange to see her.

Food for your feline Should it be wet or dry?

There is so much to pick from, it’s hard to choose. Anyone with a cat

will know that they are finicky eaters, and will stubbornly refuse to eat if it isn’t happy with today’s menu, no matter how hungry it is.

Firstly, take a look at what a cat actually needsThey are basically meat-eaters, and historically are hunters, so will happily munch on the dead mouse they have been stalking for days (maybe someone should come up with a cat food with a mouse flavour!). To maintain optimal health a cat needs protein, fats and oils, minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates, and water

either in the food or separately for drinking, with some foods designed for kittens or older cats. Check the first three ingredients on the label for protein - chicken, beef, fish or lamb. Carbohydrates should play a minimal role in a cat’s diet, which puts spuds, rice and grains at the bottom of the list when it comes to ingredients. Whether you’re looking for low-carb cat food in particular for an overweight cat or just a balanced and complete meal, carb counting might be important!Some cats are allergic to grains and will have symptoms such as itching, scratching, redness or even bald patches.Check with your vet, but try grain-free cat food for around eight weeks to test your theory.

Dry cat foodOne of the key benefits of dry cat food is it is easy to serve and can be left to sit in a bowl all day without spoiling. This allows grazing, which some cats prefer. When dry food is properly formulated, it can also help improve dental health by using a mild abrasive surface on the little pellets to control tartar levels on your cat’s teeth. It is made from ground-up ingredients, including meat, grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits. The ingredients are mixed, shaped into pellets, and then cooked in a process called extrusion.The benefit of dry food is that it is easy to store, but the bag should be sealed or decanted into an airtight container – this prevents mold spoilage, and also keeps out any creepy crawlies who might be looking for a free lunch.

Wet cat foodYou might find that your cat prefers wet cat food, particularly if your cat is a fussy eater - the smell is a lot more enticing than dry food, and a cat’s sense of smell is much stronger than that of the average human and will rely heavily on this rather than their sense of taste. But it shouldn’t be left out for grazing, as it will become dry and be a feast for flies. It also contains a higher water content - cats with certain health conditions might need a higher water intake, and these may benefit from the additional water in

wet food. It is also useful if you have trouble persuading your cat to drink, particularly in the high heat of summer here.One drawback is it’s often more expensive than dry food, so this may play a role in your decision. Once opened, canned food has a shelf-life of 24 hours and must be stored, covered, in the refrigerator, although you can purchase single servings in sachets or small tins. Leaving canned food open for longer than 24 hours can run the risk of contamination and cause gastrointestinal upset. If your cat does not finish their wet food, it should be discarded once the storage time has been exceeded.

Benefits of mixed feedingLike humans, your cat might like a little variety in its diet, but this doesn’t mean they need to be eating something different for every meal or every month. A diet that is a mixture of wet and dry food has been shown to reduce problems with fussy eaters. Different cats also have different preferences when it comes to texture, so by feeding them a mixed diet they’ll get a combination of textures that ensures they will find the one they like. Try offering wet and dry foods throughout the day, in separate bowls, or mixed, to give your cat variation - discover which works best.

The Common Snipe is an abundant passage migrant and winter visitor throughout Iberia, being found mainly in boggy areas on the edges of freshwater marshes and estuarine saltings. As a quarry species, it is well known to hunters, often flushing at close quarters with a zig-zag escape flight and a harsh ‘scraping’ call.

The species has a wide range across temperate and sub-Arctic Eurasia. In areas with relatively mild winters some move no further than the nearest coasts but more northerly breeders reach sub-Saharan Africa in the west and the Sub-Continent in the east. Recoveries of ringed birds have shown that most of those wintering in Iberia are from northern Europe, from the British Isles to Scandinavia.

Northern Portugal lies at the extreme southern edge of the breeding range, so it is only here that a few fortunate resi-dents will hear the spectacular ‘drumming’ display in spring. This loud, throbbing ‘space invader’ sound is created by the birds vibrating their tail feath-ers in steep dives during flights over the nesting territory. It can sometimes be heard during the day but the birds are most active at and just after nightfall. The small population in Trás-os-Montes has decreased due to the drainage of some of

their montane habitat. The extremely long bill

probes the mud for small invertebrates beyond the reach of other wading birds. It is this which renders the bird un-mistakable even to the casual observer, although a much rarer relative, the Great Snipe could also occur in Iberia. This prefers drier habitats, barely zig-zags when flushed and usually utters nothing more than a low grunt. Two other unrelated snipe-types can be seen in winter. The much larger Woodcock has broad, rounded wings and, unsurprisingly, occurs in woods and scrub. The diminutive Jack Snipe is found in bogs and at the muddy mar-gins of water features. It sits very tight and is almost impos-sible to detect on the ground unless it reveals its presence with a curious bobbing action. Both of these latter species are solitary by nature whilst the Common Snipe often occurs in large numbers in prime habitats.

Alan Vittery

JADE is a 7 year old female cat, very friendly and playful. If you are interested to give her a happy home, then call Corinna on 918 552 788 or send an email at [email protected]

The Portugal News · 29 Jan 202234 Gardening

Winter GardeningYou don’t have to wait for the Spring!

I know it might sound daft, but you can really use the chillier, wet months of Portugal to actually

plant and harvest vegetables. The weeds are small, growing slower, and easier to pick out, the soil is easier to work with, and the plants will need less watering. Many pests hibernate, migrate or have died off. All the plant's need is shelter from the cold and rain – and obviously frost, if your area is prone to it. If you have the room, poly-tunnels might be worth the investment, and even an old window frame can be used screwed by its hinges to a frame you can easily create using old planks, just high enough to give some protection to your plants. You could even get creative with old pallets or those sturdy plastic fruit boxes, all they need

is some strong plastic sheeting stapled or nailed around the sides and top. Another option is to use ‘garden fabric’ – a lightweight fabric that will protect plants from frost but allows some moisture, light and air through, but won't be as strong as plastic for protection from torrential rains. Add your seeds or seedlings, and away you go. And if you come across them, a posh glass cloche will also work.All these placed over your plant will create a mini-climate. The moisture that the plant releases will stay within the shelter, creating condensation that is then reabsorbed by the plant. This keeps the humidity high around that finicky plant and cuts down on your watering schedule.But with any of these shelters,

there must be ventilation, or you are risking mold or mildew ruining your crops, so make sure some fresh air can get in, either by ventilation holes or leaving the lid ajar or the frame propped open on suitable days.

VegetablesVegetable plants to experiment with? Salad greens, spinach, cabbage, beets, onion, radish, brussel sprouts – are all worth a try. Don’t try summer crops, such as tomatoes, peppers or melons, you will have wasted your time as they need more heat. They will all need protection from the elements plus ventilation, but the heat from an unexpected sunny day will cause your seedlings to wilt and die, so it's crucial to allow for ventilation. Pay attention to weather forecasts! Here’s a tip I read if the weather starts to get really cold – before you store away your Christmas lights (and have waterproof sockets of course!), you can string them up inside your little shelter to give just enough warmth to keep frost from damaging your plants and turn it into a hot box during a cold snap. Not that I’ve tried it, so don’t shoot the messenger if I am wrong!There’s nothing stopping you planting seeds outside the shelter too, and many will do well if they have good soil. Well drained soil in your vegetable garden should be loose and include organic manure. Organic matter improves soil by releasing nitrogen, minerals and other nutrients required for healthy growth. Most plants need 6-8 hours of sunlight, so south facing without shade or chilly conditions would give your

plants a good start. Seeds that will probably be ok if planted outside in January are broad beans, lettuces, Chinese cabbage, onions, potatoes and even peas. Just bear in mind that strong wind can do a lot of damage to tender new plants, so a sheltered spot would be ideal.

BulbsIf you have the space and appreciate spring flowers, you still have time to plant bulbs such as tulips or daffodils in January, as long as the ground is workable enough to dig a hole deep enough.And a good tip is to buy good quality seeds if you go

down that route as opposed to buying seedlings for your veggies because if the seeds don’t germinate you will have wasted your time and efforts. Plant things you like to eat too – nothing tastes nicer than something you have created yourself, and if you grow too much, give it away with pride.

N

Marilyn Sheridan

35The Portugal News · 29 Jan 2022Home

N Marilyn SheridanTips for a fantastic paint jobTransform and freshen up the look of a room

One of the easiest ways to freshen up a room is with a paint job,

and planning is almost as important as picking your colour.Prep, prep, prep! It's so important to do this first. Select your paint, but how much to get? To calculate this you need to do some measurements. Add together the width of all the walls and then multiply this number by the height of the room, from floor to ceiling. The result is the room's square footage. Because you will probably use a different paint on the doors and windows, subtract those areas from the room total - just take off around 2 square metres for each door and around 1.5 square metres for each average-sized window in the room. You end up with a number that is close to the actual wall area you will be painting.A general rule of thumb - 1 litre of paint will cover between 6 and 6.5 square metres of wall. So, to calculate how many litres of paint you will need, divide the total paintable surface area by 6.5.Remember that drywall will absorb more paint, which

means you’ll need to buy slightly more paint, even if you’ve coated it with a primer. Are you painting in a light or dark colour? If you’re using a dark colour, you will probably require a tinted primer, or allow for two coats of paint. Don’t forget about future retouches. Always round the required amount of paint up, because you can use that paint in the future to touch up and remove stains and areas of wear and tear.

Golden rule

A golden rule for painting is to start from the top and work down, so ceilings first. If you are going to be painting the walls differently from the ceiling, you can run a line of masking tape along the width of the wall up close to the ceiling, which will give you a clean line between the two colours or paint types you have chosen.But before you even pick up a brush or a roller, you may need to lightly scrape off any old flaking paint first with a blade, and use filler in any cracks – and because there is always some slight movement in Portugal, hairline cracks are quite common and easy, but bigger cracks will need

careful filling and smoothing off with sandpaper before painting starts.A roller is easy to use and will cover a large area quickly, but start the edges first with a brush, ‘cutting in’ up close to a line of masking tape on the ceiling now, and the corners where two walls meet. Then switch to a roller - for flat walls use a smooth roller, for textured walls use one with a rough nap cover. Dampen the roller before you start with a wet rag, as this will help the roller to absorb paint. Resist the urge to plunge the roller deep into the paint! Just touch the roller to the paint in a paint tray and roll it a little to get enough on the roller so it doesn’t drip. Starting at the edge, start rolling in a zig-zag fashion, but not too fast or you will get paint splatter everywhere, and turn the roller sideways to get close to the ceiling and baseboard or floor. If you run out of time and can’t finish it all in one session, putting the lid back on the paint can stop a ‘skin’ forming, and a handy tip is to wrap the roller in plastic film, then a plastic bag, and place it in the fridge, and it will be ready to go the following day.Once the walls are dry you can start on the baseboard or window frames - again, using masking tape on your newly painted walls will be worth the effort when you get a clean sharp edge where the two different paints meet.Lastly, clean up. Follow the instructions on the paint tin, and ensure all paint is removed before air-drying both brushes and rollers. Now sit back and enjoy your room’s new look!

36 The Portugal News · 29 Jan 2022 The Joys of Portugal

The Bitter Truth N Jake Cleaver

Can we all just take a moment to stop and

appreciate what a true winter wonderland the

Algarve has become in the last few weeks?

The sun is shining, the birds are singing and, most spectacularly of all, the almond trees

are all taking it in turns to ‘KA-BLOOM’ and give us what I would argue strongly is one of the

wonders of the world. By now we all surely know the lovely legend of the king who planted all these trees to create the illusion of snow for his nordic queen who was pining for the beauty of the winters in her

homeland (although, if you don’t know, then feel free to check out my story online called ‘Loves Bloomin Popcorn’ that I wrote last year). Gosh, it is lovely at the moment. You may have also noticed that there are also fields of those yellow flowers called Bermuda Buttercups that are quite literally ‘highlighting’ the landscape in a bright yellow. Indeed, it occurred to me the other day that the Algarve countryside at the moment might just be the only place you could conceivably camouflage yourself while wearing one of those bright fluorescent yellow jackets. Now, I’ll level with you. I first started writing this story as an excuse to try and sneak a few pictures of this ‘bloomin magic’ between the pages of The Portugal News. However, I don’t want you to feel like you read this far only for me to tell you how pretty

everything is. I’m determined for this to be at least a little informative.

So, did you know?That almond blossom comes in two different colours? There’s the classic white (that is what that king had in mind when he wanted to replicate snow for his homesick queen) but there’s also the stunning pink variety. Now, beautiful as it may be, if you have almond trees you might like to stop and take note for another reason. You see, these pink ones are the bitter variety, or, what they call in Portuguese, ‘amargo’.Of course, you are bound to find out later on if you taste them, but I think we can all agree, this is a much nicer way to find out. Especially since, looking into this a little more, I found out you really don’t want to eat very many of these almonds as they contain high concentrations of cyanide.

Something which, if you’ve ever watched much James Bond, will know can be lethal in high amounts.

But what are they good for?They do lose their toxicity when cooked and are an ingredient in a Christmas fruitcake in Germany. They are also used to make marzipan and even a kind of sweet syrup in Greece. They can even be used to make soaps and perfumes. Here in Portugal they are used to make a bitter almond liqueur called Licor de Amêndoa Amarga.

Deja-BloomSo that’s it for this year. Hopefully, I’ll be able to come up with another excuse to write about them next year. For now though, make sure you get out there for a walk in the countryside - before the wind blows it all off.

Say ‘Cynara’ to plasticAn idea thought up by researchers in the Alentejo for a

biodegradable plastic based on extracts from the thistle plant wins

European award.

A project to develop biodegradable plastic films based on ex-tracts from the thistle plant (scientific name Cynara cardunculus) earned awards to researchers from the Centro de Biotecnologia Agrícola e Agroalimentar do Alentejo (CEBAL) for a European innovation program.

The “CynaraMulch” project, by two researchers from the center, wants to develop biodegradable plastic films based on thistle extracts, as an alternative to plastics widely used by the agricultur-al sector.

The business idea won third place in the EIT Jumpstarter 2021 contest, in the raw materials category, in addition to winning the EIT Jumpstarter, they also won the X-KIC Prize, for the most multisectoral business idea.

With both awards, CEBAL’s team of researchers, made up of

Fátima Duarte and Teresa Brás, raised €10,000 in support.“The awards value the dedication and knowledge that the team

“has been creating in the research group over the last 10 years and reinforce the goal of internationalizing this line of research”, said Fátima Duarte.

“We can be hand in hand with CEBAL’s first start-up, the first of many, I hope”, added the researcher.

“Plastics are used massively in agriculture due to the benefits they present in terms of productivity and fruit quality, as well as greater efficiency in the use of water, but they are also a source of microplastics, with great impact on water and soil,” highlighted the biotechnology center.

The solution found by the two CEBAL researchers is in-novative in terms of the integrated use of thistle, with the

development of new applications for this plant, and aims to reach farmers who aspire to contribute to agricultural and environmental sustainability.

The EIT Jumpstarter, an innovation support program of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), promoted since 2007, is a “program for accelerating innova-tive ideas with business potential”, explained CEBAL.

The European initiative aims to find, promote and support innovation activities developed by researchers, companies and start-ups in the sectors of health, food, raw materials, energy, manufacturing and urban mobility.

The program’s strategic objective is to create sustainable impact in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, driv-ing innovation and entrepreneurship in these regions.

37The Portugal News · 29 Jan 2022Health brought to you by

Pub.

Causes, alarm signals and treatment of headachesA headache is a pain or discomfort in the region of the head including the

face. Headaches vary greatly in their different characteristics; location, type of pain, intensity, frequency, duration and associated symptoms.

As a result of this variability, according to the International Headache Society,

different categories and classifications of headaches have arisen, accounting for more than 300 different types of headaches.

CausesWhen a headache results from

a structural alteration (nerves, muscles and blood vessels) or occurs following a medical pathol-ogy, such a headache is said to be secondary, for example, headaches due to a head injury or sinusitis. Other examples of secondary caus-es are headaches associated with infections, High Blood Pressure (systolic BP> 160 mmHg and / or diastolic> 120 mmHg), giant cell arthritis, sleep apnea, and excessive symptomatic medication for head-ache (more than 10 to 15 days per month, depending on the medica-

tion), for more than 3 months.

What are the alarm signals of a headache?

• New onset of headaches, after the age of 40

• “The worst headache ever” with the intensity reaching a peak in seconds or in a few minutes

• A headache that starts or wors-ens significantly with exertion, Valsalva maneuvers, coughing or sneezing

• When associated with mood changes or consciousness

• When associated with vomiting without nausea

• When associated with visual alterations

• Associated with systemic signs or symptoms, e.g. fever, cold shivers, stiff neck, weight loss

• When associated with neuro-logical symptoms, e.g. loss of strength in the hand or leg, or neurological alteration detected

during an examination• Alterations in the characteristics

of a pre-existing headache• Headaches associated with

posture changes e.g., Significant increase of pain when moving from a lying down position to a standing up position or vice versa

• A headache that starts early in the morning or wakes the patient up during the night.

Treatment Treatment involves establishing

the correct diagnosis of the type of headache in question, identifying and altering possible exacerbation factors (including medication), developing a plan for treating the headache during the acute phase, and determining whether there is a need for preventive treatment and what it should be.

More general measures can be recommended to prevent headaches:

• Avoid triggers: certain foods, sleep deprivation, fasting

• Altering eating habits• Regular physical exercise.

During the acute phase of the headache the patient should have his/her “SOS Kit” already well defined. In addition to medication, it is also possible that rest in a quiet and dark room is recommend in the acute phase (in the case of mi-graines), learning to deal with stress (eg yoga practice). A crisis calendar

is recommended to facilitate a more global approach to the type and profile of the headache in question.

There are other, specific and targeted treatments for more particular headaches, such as occipital nerve block, application of botulinum toxin, or the latest treatment for migraine prophylaxis monthly injection of monoclonal antibody of the CGRP receptor. All these treatments are available at the Headache Consultation of the HPA.

The Portugal News · 29 Jan 202238 Health

Another reason to love your morning coffeeYes – that early brew really does boost more than just your energy levels.

It ’s no secret coffee helps us kickstart the day, switching us from sleepy to alert.

But do you find it kicks your digestive system into action too?If you are someone who relies on your morning brew to help you poop, you really aren’t imagining this – there’s science to back it up.A new scientific review published in the journal Nutrients, sponsored by The Institute for Scientific

Information on Coffee (ISIC), looked at evidence from 194 research publications on various ways coffee may affect our health – including how it stimulates the digestive process and increases good gut bacteria.We talk to the review author Astrid Nehlig Ph.D, Emeritus Research Director at the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), to find out more…

Coffee stimulates the digestive systemThe review found drinking coffee is associated with colon motility – the process of food moving through the digestive tract.“It has been demonstrated for a long time that people really look for their morning coffee to give them energy, to have the feeling that they are finally awake, they can start their day,” says Nehlig. “For the digestive side, for about 60 percent of the population,

drinking coffee in the morning helps them to defecate – it stimulates [the process].”It ’s no wonder this is part of the appeal of a morning coffee for lots of people – it ’s a double-whammy boost that makes us “feel better”, as Nehlig puts it.

Coffee can boost good gut bacteriaThe review found links with coffee consumption and changes in the microbiome – the billions of microbiota or bacteria that live in our guts. A main finding was around levels of Bifidobacteria4-8, a known ‘good bacteria’ associated with a host of health benefits.Nehlig points out that studying gut bacteria and how exactly it impacts our overall health is “complex” – because we’re talking about billions of bacteria and “the exact composition of the microbiome of each individual is different”.However, in a general sense, there’s strong emerging evidence that it plays an extremely important role in overall health and function, and there is a “real

demonstrated link between gut bacteria and the brain”.Nehlig adds: “And what we do know is that if you compare individuals without coffee and with coffee, you see that the individuals who drink coffee have changes in their microbiota, and you find a tendency to increase what we consider ‘good bacteria’…“We are still missing a lot of information, but globally, coffee changes the composition of certain bacteria in a good sense, in a more healthy direction.”

What if you are putting sugar in your coffee?Other studies have indicated that certain things can be detrimental for our gut microbiome, including too much sugar. Does that mean adding lots of sugar to our coffee could undo any positive effects on our gut bacteria?This isn’t conclusive, says Nehlig. “It has been demonstrated that eating too much sugar is not good for your diet. But

specifically for the gut microbiota, having too much sugar in your coffee and what the consequences are, in this sense, is unknown.”

What if you drink too much coffee?The thing about coffee is the effects aren’t always universal, and even those of us who love our morning caffeine boosts are aware there’s a tipping point. Too much might leave us feeling jittery and anxious, for example, and can seriously hinder our sleep.Is there evidence that too much coffee might undo any positive effects for our digestive systems? “We don’t really know,” says Nehlig, explaining that this link is not something that has been studied either.“There is a general conclusion that to benefit the most from the potential positive effects of coffee on health, people should be advised to drink up to three-five cups a day, not more,” she adds. “But there is no specific indication for the digestive system.”

PA/TPN

39The Portugal News · 29 Jan 2022Health for a New Age

Are you a highly sensitive person?Sensitive to criticism, an HSP can often feel self-conscious

and be affected by others’ moods quite easily.

Worldwide, one in five people is considered to be a highly

sensitive person (HSP). But what does it mean? Not that you cry all day, but that you have a sixth sense that allows you to feel things that others don’t.There are people in their 50’s or 60’s who have never found out that they are highly sensitive, but when they do, it all seems to make sense – the reason why they struggle with things that seem small in another person’s eyes. Hoping to support HSP, Paulo Ferreira has published a new book “Código da Alta Sensibilidade” that he shares for free with many people from his social media platforms. The book is in Portuguese but there is always a lot of information on this topic that is also easy to find in other languages.The first psychologist who discovered this terminology was Dr. Elaine Aron, who in the 90’s found that highly sensitive is a personality trait that many people in the world have. Actually, according to a documentary “Sensitive: The Untold Story”, there are around 1.4 billion highly sensitive people (HSP) in the whole world, which represents between 15 and 20 percent of the entire population. This means that in your family, one in five people are highly sensitive, the same in your group of friends as well as among your co-workers. What are the main

traits of a HPS?

In fact, there are many characteristics that HPS will identify with – let’s just mention a few of them. For Dr. Aron, all HSPs have four main characteristics in common, which she called (D.O.E.S.). DOES is the acronym for “depth of processing”, “overstimulation”, “emotional reactivity and empathy” and “sensing the subtle”.However, there are more personality traits related to HPS. In his book, Paulo mentions some more characteristics. For example, HSP “detest violence and cruelty of any kind. You can be a HSP if you can’t watch bloody or violent films without getting upset.” Additionally, HSP’s don’t like huge changes in their lives and a new environment can be complicated. “Likewise, moving to a new home or travelling (even if it’s just a “funny” holiday!) can be quite difficult for you.”Physically, “your pain tolerance is lower. HSPs are more sensitive to all types of pain – headaches, body aches, etc.” Also, they get hungry quickly and can feel very upset and angry when they are hungry.

Introversion VS

extroversion

Despite most HSP being labelled as introverts, about 70 percent of HSP are introverts, which means that the remaining 30 percent are extroverts. However, whether introverts or extroverts, these people have

things in common. They need a lot of downtime, preferably to recharge their batteries. According to his book, HSPs when noticing and processing all the details around them, can feel drained and their brains can get tired easily, especially after working extra hours.

Scientifically speaking …

HSPs tend to have fundamental differences in the brain, such as greater numbers of synapses, highly active “mirror neurons” - the part of the brain that helps us empathise with other people, as he explains in his book. “For neuroscience, HSPs have a way of feeling and understanding the world

that is mediated by a thinner nervous system. More neuronal connections, mirror neurons (linked to empathy) are also more active as hypersensitive people, just as the amygdala (not to be confused with the amygdala in the throat) is in hyperfunction”, can be read in his book. “As a result, their brains catch up and process more information per second and are constantly collecting data and associating it with what it has accumulated in the past,” he added.

Telling others about your sensitivity Telling others about your sensitivity is not mandatory. From his point of view, it’s

something very personal and a decision that everyone has to make on their own. However, the author warned that, for example, in the workplace, it may be unnecessary to tell others, as sometimes high sensitivity is not accepted well in the workplace. “The most sensitive people

have a natural tendency to be kind”, but people can “take your kindness as a weakness and use you for their own interests. This often leads to unhappiness and anxiety in HSP”, he said.All in all, “well used, we have huge potential”, concludes the author.

N

Paula Martins

40 The Portugal News · 29 Jan 2022 Motoring

NDouglas Hughes

The big old Volvos of yesteryearFor many years the ‘big Volvos’ were my go to choice of carriage. Those stately looking 700 Series and 900 Series Volvo saloons graced my driveway long after production ceased in 1998.

Quite frankly, I just loved every single mile spent behind

the wheel of those excellent and supremely comfortable cars. I struggled to find anything I actually preferred after production ended in 1998. These awesome cars marked the pinnacle of my motoring career. I covered countless trouble free miles in the driving seat of these big Volvo cars, creating lots of happy memories along the way.

Automotive Lazarus

The Volvo 740 was introduced way back in 1984, two years after the introduction of the six cylinder 700 Series flagship (the 760). The 4 cylinder 740 was intended as the replacement for the iconic 240 and a more humble (lesser specced) version of the 760. But the 240 was so incredibly popular amidst the Volvo faithful that production continued alongside the 700 Series for a further ten years. The 240 became a sort of automotive Lazarus, going on to miraculously out-live its replacement. The tough nut 200 Series had become a quintessential feature of country living, especially in

estate guise. They became a sort of automotive wax jacket and green welly outfit; hardly the most stylish get-up in some people’s eyes but nevertheless de rigeur amidst the fashionable country set. The 240 actually became a coveted lifestyle accessory which earned its reputation by simply offering practicality, durability, longevity and (of course) unmatched levels of safety. On the quiet, the 240 was actually a remarkably stylish car. Despite its famed angular styling, the 240 became a bit of a style icon with plenty of built-in street credibility. 240’s looked just as much at home in urban settings as they did whilst gracefully crunching their way along the driveways of grand country abodes. The 240 was indeed the complete package. It did what it did absolutely brilliantly and simply didn’t need to do anything much else. This was a truly purposeful vehicle renowned for cavernous load capacities, cosseting comfort as well as being powerful enough to effortlessly tow around a large horsebox. The 240 was therefore as common a sight at the gymkhana

as were the actual ponies themselves. This was a car that had found its perfect niche and thereafter fulfilled that role with enviable aplomb.

Cult status

The 200 Series had in fact earned for itself a sort of cult status. They were often regarded as being rather more than a mere family car but more of a trusty, irreplaceable and much loved family member in their own right. A bit like an old butler. The 240’s often covered interstellar mileages whilst dutifully and reliably executing their many and varied utilitarian roles without complaint. The 240’s weren’t exactly technologically cutting edge but they had no need for any of that jazz. Volvo simply and proudly relied on tried and tested technologies which harked back to a time when Harold Wilson was Prime Minister and Portugal was still subject to the authoritarian rule of the Estado Novo. The 240 was about gradual evolution going back all the way to its earliest incarnations as the 144, first introduced in 1966. The lineage simply encompassed small changes and refinements that were thoughtfully

introduced only for the very best reasons. Volvo didn’t blindly follow fads or fashions.

Modernisation

When the 740 was eventually introduced in 1984, it was fully 9 years after the idea for a brand new Volvo design had been conceived. The 740 was hailed as a much more modern car despite, in many ways, being quite similar to the 240 under the skin. By saying similar, I mean the 740 featured much the same engines and running gear as those found in the 240’s, although all of it had been subject to numerous tweaks and enhancements over a lengthy seven year period of development. Volvo still didn’t believe in replacing tried and trusted hardware simply for the sake of it. The Volvo faithful loved this ethos because they knew exactly what they were buying into. The 740’s styling was however definitely striking. I remember seeing one for the first time and being verily taken aback by what I beheld. The 740 saloon seemed huge and had all the hallmarks of a car that had been ‘squarely’ aimed at the American sedan market. The rear window and the sharp angular C-pillar arrangement looked very ‘American’ indeed and it epitomised the ‘three box’ sedan. However, the 740 did look beautifully elegant featuring lots of chrome detailing including expensive looking stainless steel wheel covers. Despite its square edged design, this was a remarkably aerodynamically efficient car when driven at normal speeds. The interiors were also beautiful, modern, airy and well thought out. It was a cockpit-like environment with ergonomic wrap-around consoles for lucky drivers to make light

work of even the longest journeys. The renowned Volvo designed seats were finished in beautiful velour trim, pleated and gathered to produce a sense of sumptuous opulence. The 740 may well have encompassed much of Volvo’s tried and trusted running gear but it was certainly presented in a very different guise when compared to its predecessors. The 740 driving experience was also quite different from that of the 240. It had the feel of a modern executive express. It was long legged, sublimely comfortable and offered a whole new benchmark for ride and handling characteristics. The 740 continued in its original guise until it was given a subtle restyle (facelift) in 1990. This was definitely a case of ‘e-volvo-lution’ at play because in late 1992/93 the 740 gently morphed into what became the new 940.

900-Series

The 900-Series was hardly a great departure for the famous Swedish brand because they kept very much the same underpinnings as the outgoing 740 as well as the same interiors, engines and gearboxes. The biggest difference was the 940 saloon’s much chunkier and more rounded rear flanks. This was a Volvo with curves featuring impressive

new light clusters and a larger, more accessible boot. Gone was the angular rear window in favour of a much prettier sloping design with a more robust looking C pillar and a bigger parcel shelf. These subtle changes helped the big 9 Series Volvo stride confidently into the 1990s with a fresh new look. The Volvo design team had done just enough to give their flagship a modern appeal without scaring away their band of faithful devotees. Quite apart from the handsome new styling, ride and handling were also much improved. The 900’s borrowed a few of the cutting edge Volvo 850’s technological features including SIPS (Side Impact Protection System). The 940’s would effortlessly glide along the motorways providing their lucky occupants with new heights of sophistication and luxury combined with the added peace of mind of Volvo’s excellent reputation for ultimate reliability, safety and durability. The end came in 1998 when the curtain finally fell on the last of the RWD angular Volvos of designer Jan Wilsgaard. But my Volvo story didn’t end there. Volvos cars were often cherished possessions and it wasn’t too difficult to find beautifully kept low mileage examples for many more years to come. And of course - these cars lasted!

41The Portugal News · 29 Jan 2022Property of the Week

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Excellent Opportunity! Beautiful 4 bedroom villa with stunning countryside viewsThis beautiful 2 storey, 4-bedroom villa is built on a hillside

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hallway, living room with good size dining room, kitchen with a separate larder and laundry room, and two good size en-suite bedrooms. There is also a separate WC. The ground floor rooms have infrared heating and air-conditioning.

Upstairs are a further two bedrooms with air-

conditioning and balconies to enjoy the country views, and two bathrooms.

Outside the landscaped, easily maintained gardens surround the villa, with a lovely terrace leading to the heated swimming pool. There is also a garage and large parking area.

This Lovely Family Home is located only a 10 min. drive to the historical city of Silves, 15 min. from Portimão, 25 min. to the golden Algarvean beaches,

10 min. from several renowned golf courses and 50 minutes from Faro International Airport.

The villa benefits from solar panels for the water heating and a borehole for water supply.

This is the perfect investment as a peaceful and permanent family home.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity - book your viewing today with the Servesul team!

42 The Portugal News · 29 Jan 2022 Prestige

43The Portugal News · 29 Jan 2022Prestige

The Portugal News · 29 Jan 202244 TV Guide

SUNDAY 30/01/22

BBC One06.00 Breakfast.09.00 Sunday Morning.10.00 Politics England.10.30 Sunday Morning Stories.11.00 Homes Under the Hammer.12.00 Bargain Hunt.13.00 BBC News; Weather.13.15 Songs of Praise.13.55 Tennis: Australian Open Highlights 2022.15.15 Escape to the Country.15.45 The Green Planet.16.45 BBC News; Weather.17.10 Countryfile.18.10 Around the World in 80 Days.19.00 The Green Planet.20.00 Call the Midwife.21.00 The Tourist.22.00 BBC News; Weather.22.30 FILM: Rush (2013).00.20 Jay Blades: Learning to Read at 51.01.20 Weather for the Week Ahead.01.25 BBC News.

BBC Two England06.30 A to Z of TV Gardening.07.15 Christine’s Garden.07.45 Life in a Cottage Garden with Carol Klein.08.15 Countryfile.09.15 Monty Don’s Japanese Gardens.10.15 Saturday Kitchen Best Bites.11.45 Rick Stein’s Cornwall.12.15 Wild West: America’s Great Frontier.13.15 FILM: Rio Bravo (1959).15.30 FILM: Lilies of the Field (1963).17.00 The Black Stars of Film: Talking Pictures.17.45 Ski Sunday.18.45 Match of the Day Live: Africa Cup of Nations.21.00 The Caribbean with Andi and Miquita.22.00 FILM: In the Heat of the Night (1967).23.50 Survivors: Portraits of the Holocaust.00.50 Sign Zone: Question Time.01.50 Sign Zone: Holby City.02.30 This Is BBC Two.

ITV London06.00 CITV.09.25 ITV News.09.30 Dickinson’s Real Deal Winners.10.00 Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh.11.55 The Pet Show.12.55 The Secret Life of Our Pets.13.55 ITV News and Weather; Weather.14.00 Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs.14.30 Live Gallagher Premiership Rugby Union.17.30 ITV News and Weather.18.00 Dancing on Ice.20.00 The Good Karma Hospital.21.00 Trigger Point.22.00 ITV News and Weather; Weather.22.15 Bradley & Barney Walsh: Breaking Dad.22.45 Keeping Up with the Aristocrats.23.40 Gallagher Premiership Rugby Union

Highlights.00.35 Shop: Ideal World.03.00 Motorsport UK.03.50 Unwind with ITV.05.05 Tipping Point.

Channel 406.00 Mike & Molly.06.25 Mike & Molly.06.45 The King of Queens.07.10 The King of Queens.07.35 The King of Queens.08.00 The Simpsons.08.25 The Simpsons.09.00 The Simpsons.09.30 Sunday Brunch.12.30 The Simpsons.13.00 The Simpsons.13.30 FILM: Megamind (2010).15.25 FILM: Peter Rabbit (2018).17.15 Chateau DIY.18.15 Channel 4 News.18.45 Luxury Holidays For Less.19.45 The Great Pottery Throw Down.21.00 Celebrity Hunted.22.00 Gogglebox.22.55 Walter Presents: Cry Wolf.00.10 FILM: Big Game (2014).01.45 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA.02.35 Couples Come Dine with Me.03.30 Location, Location, Location.04.25 Food Unwrapped.04.55 The Answer Trap.05.45 Kirstie’s House of Craft.

BBC Four19.00 Nicole Kidman: This Cultural Life.19.30 The Sound of Petula Clark.20.00 BBC Proms 2009.22.05 Memories: Andrew Lloyd Webber - Imagine.23.35 Fern Britton Meets Barbara Dickson.00.35 Sings Musicals.01.35 Nicole Kidman: This Cultural Life.02.05 The Sound of Petula Clark.02.35 India: Nature’s Wonderland.

MONDAY 31/01/22

BBC One09.15 Rip Off Britain: Live.10.00 Fraud Squad.10.45 The Moment of Proof.11.15 Homes Under the Hammer.12.15 Bargain Hunt.13.00 BBC News at One; Weather.13.45 Doctors.14.15 Hope Street.15.00 Escape to the Country.15.45 The Farmers’ Country Showdown.16.30 Antiques Road Trip.17.15 Pointless.18.00 BBC News at Six; Weather.19.00 The One Show.19.30 Panorama: Afghanistan Famine.20.00 EastEnders.20.30 Kelvin’s Big Farming Adventure.21.00 The Responder.22.00 BBC News at Ten; Weather.22.35 The Young Offenders.23.05 Man Like Mobeen.23.30 Lazy Susan.23.45 Eating with My Ex: Celebrity Special.00.15 RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK Versus the World.00.35 The Apprentice.01.35 The Graham Norton Show.02.20 Weather for the Week Ahead.02.25 BBC News.

BBC Two England09.00 BBC News.12.15 Politics Live.13.00 Ready Steady Cook.13.45 Eggheads.14.15 The House That #100K Built.15.15 Back in Time for the Corner Shop.16.15 Mexico: Earth’s Festival of Life.17.15 Flog It!18.00 Richard Osman’s House of Games.18.30 Great Coastal Railway Journeys.19.00 Tom Kerridge’s Fresh Start.20.00 Mastermind.20.30 University Challenge.21.00 The Nilsen Files.22.00 Couples Therapy.22.25 Planet Earth: A Lion’s Tale.22.30 Newsnight.23.10 Weather.23.15 FILM: Lady Macbeth (2016).

ITV London09.00 Lorraine.10.00 This Morning.12.30 Loose Women.13.30 ITV Lunchtime News; Weather.14.00 Dickinson’s Real Deal.15.00 Lingo.15.59 ITV London Weather.16.00 Tipping Point.17.00 The Chase.18.00 ITV News London; Weather.19.00 Emmerdale.19.30 Coronation Street.20.00 Bradley & Barney Walsh: Breaking Dad.20.30 Coronation Street.21.00 Keeping Up with the Aristocrats.22.00 ITV News at Ten; Weather.22.45 Secrets of the Krays.23.45 All Elite Wrestling: Dynamite.01.25 Shop: Ideal World.03.00 Loose Women.

Channel 409.00 Frasier.10.30 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA.11.25 Channel 4 News Summary.11.30 Sun, Sea and Selling Houses.12.30 Steph’s Packed Lunch.14.10 Countdown.15.00 A Place in the Sun.16.00 A New Life in the Sun.17.00 Four in a Bed.17.30 The Simpsons.18.30 Hollyoaks.19.00 Channel 4 News.20.00 The Great Cookbook Challenge with Jamie Oliver.21.00 999: What’s Your Emergency?22.00 Race and Medical Experiments: What’s the Truth?23.00 I, Sniper: The Washington Killers.00.15 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA.01.05 Grand Designs: House of the Year.02.00 Undercover Boss Canada.02.50 Grayson’s Art Club.03.45 Couples Come Dine with Me.

BBC Four19.00 Canal Boat Diaries.19.30 Fred Dibnah’s Building of Britain.20.00 The Impressionists - Painting and Revolution.21.00 Eye of the Storm.22.20 Arena: Desert Island Discs.23.05 This Green and Pleasant Land: The Story of

British Landscape Painting.00.35 Canal Boat Diaries.01.05 Fred Dibnah’s Building of Britain.01.35 The Impressionists - Painting and Revolution.02.35 India: Nature’s Wonderland.

TUESDAY 01/02/22

BBC One09.15 Rip Off Britain: Live.10.00 Fraud Squad.10.45 The Moment of Proof.11.15 Homes Under the Hammer.12.15 Bargain Hunt.13.00 BBC News at One; Weather.13.45 Doctors.14.15 Hope Street.15.00 Escape to the Country.15.45 The Farmers’ Country Showdown.16.30 Antiques Road Trip.17.15 Pointless.18.00 BBC News at Six; Weather.19.00 The One Show.19.30 EastEnders.19.50 Holby City.20.30 Garden Rescue.21.00 The Responder.22.00 BBC News at Ten; Weather.22.35 Gossip Girl.00.30 Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel.01.30 Would I Lie to You?02.00 Question of Sport.02.30 Weather for the Week Ahead.02.35 BBC News.

BBC Two England09.00 BBC News.12.15 Politics Live.13.00 Ready Steady Cook.13.45 Eggheads.14.15 The House That #100K Built.15.15 Back in Time for the Corner Shop.16.15 Mexico: Earth’s Festival of Life.17.15 Flog It!18.00 Richard Osman’s House of Games.18.30 Great Coastal Railway Journeys.19.00 Hairy Bikers: Route 66.20.00 Great British Menu.21.00 The Decade the Rich Won.22.00 Toast of Tinseltown.22.30 Newsnight.23.10 Weather.23.15 NFL This Week.

ITV London09.00 Lorraine.10.00 This Morning.12.30 Loose Women.13.30 ITV Lunchtime News; Weather.14.00 Dickinson’s Real Deal.15.00 Lingo.15.59 ITV London Weather.16.00 Tipping Point.17.00 The Chase.18.00 ITV News London; Weather.19.00 Emmerdale.19.30 Wonders of the Border.20.00 Coronation Street.21.00 Secrets of the Krays.22.00 ITV News at Ten; Weather.22.45 On Assignment.23.15 Martin Clunes: Islands of the Pacific.00.15 The Bay.01.05 Shop: Ideal World.03.00 Loose Women.03.50 Unwind with ITV.05.05 Tipping Point.

Channel 409.00 Frasier.10.30 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA.11.25 Channel 4 News Summary.11.30 Sun, Sea and Selling Houses.12.30 Steph’s Packed Lunch.14.10 Countdown.15.00 A Place in the Sun.16.00 A New Life in the Sun.17.00 Four in a Bed.17.30 The Simpsons.18.30 Hollyoaks.19.00 Channel 4 News.20.00 Geordie Hospital.21.00 24 Hours in A&E.22.00 Davina McCall’s Language of Love.23.05 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.00.10 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA.01.00 The Simpsons.01.25 Couples Come Dine with Me.02.20 Undercover Boss Canada.03.10 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces.04.05 Location, Location, Location.05.00 The Answer Trap.

BBC Four19.00 Canal Boat Diaries.19.30 Fred Dibnah’s Building of Britain.20.00 Keeping Up Appearances.20.30 Yes, Prime Minister.21.00 The Secret Life of the Motorway.22.00 India’s Frontier Railways.00.00 Booze, Beans & Bhajis - The Story of the

Corner Shop.01.00 Handmade.01.30 Canal Boat Diaries.02.00 Fred Dibnah’s Building of Britain.02.30 The Secret Life of the Motorway.

SATURDAY 29/01/22

BBC One06.00 Breakfast.10.00 Saturday Kitchen Live.11.30 Rick Stein’s Cornwall.12.00 Football Focus.12.30 Homes Under the Hammer.13.00 BBC News; Weather.13.15 Eddie Butler’s Six Nations.13.45 Tennis: Australian Open Highlights 2022.15.15 Escape to the Country.16.15 Garden Rescue.17.15 Superman & Lois.18.00 BBC News; Weather.18.15 The Weakest Link.19.00 Big Night of Musicals by the National Lottery.20.30 Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel.21.30 Casualty.22.10 BBC News; Weather.22.30 FILM: Thor: The Dark World (2013).00.15 The NFL Show.00.45 Weather for the Week Ahead.00.50 BBC News.

BBC Two England06.45 The Dengineers.07.15 Blue Peter.07.45 Deadly 60.08.15 Malory Towers.09.05 FILM: Born in China (2016).10.20 FILM: Wreck-It Ralph (2012).11.50 Lifeline.12.00 The Hairy Bikers’ Northern Exposure.13.00 John Wayne: Talking Pictures.13.50 FILM: The Searchers (1956).15.45 Match of the Day Live: Africa Cup of Nations.18.00 Flog It!18.30 Grand Tours of Scotland’s Lochs.19.00 Inside the Factory.20.00 The Perfect Morecambe & Wise.20.30 Elaine Paige at the BBC.21.30 Evita: The Making of a Superstar.22.30 Elaine Paige: I’m Still Here.23.30 FILM: Apostasy (2017).01.00 This Is BBC Two.

ITV London06.00 CITV.09.25 ITV News.09.30 James Martin’s Saturday Morning.11.40 Simply Raymond Blanc.12.40 James Martin’s Islands to Highlands.13.15 ITV News and Weather; Weather.13.30 ITV Racing: Live from Cheltenham.16.00 You’ve Been Framed!16.30 The Chase Celebrity Special.17.30 ITV News and Weather.18.00 Celebrity Catchphrase.19.00 The Masked Singer.20.30 Ant & Dec’s Limitless Win.21.30 The John Bishop Show.22.15 ITV News and Weather; Weather.22.30 FILM: Identity Thief (2013).00.30 Shop: Ideal World.03.00 Sitting on a Fortune.03.50 Unwind with ITV.05.05 Lingo.

Channel 406.00 Mike & Molly.06.20 Mike & Molly.06.45 Mike & Molly.07.05 The King of Queens.07.30 The King of Queens.07.55 Frasier.08.25 Frasier.08.55 The Simpsons.09.30 The Simpsons.10.00 The Simpsons.10.30 The Simpsons.11.05 The Simpsons.11.35 The Simpsons.12.05 FILM: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long

Haul (2017).13.50 Four in a Bed.14.25 Four in a Bed.14.55 Four in a Bed.15.25 Four in a Bed.15.55 Four in a Bed.16.30 Live Formula E.18.15 Channel 4 News.18.45 FILM: The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five

Armies (2014).21.30 FILM: Gemini Man (2019).23.45 FILM: xXx: The Return of Xander Cage (2017).01.40 The Simpsons.02.05 Hollyoaks Omnibus.04.10 Location, Location, Location.05.05 The Answer Trap.

BBC Four19.00 Puffin Island.19.10 Castles: Britain’s Fortified History.20.10 Around the World in 80 Days.21.00 Hidden Assets.22.45 Parkinson: The Interviews.23.25 Africa’s Great Civilisations.01.10 Around the World in 80 Days.02.05 Castles: Britain’s Fortified History.

45The Portugal News · 29 Jan 2022TV Guide

Saturday 29 Jan

The Masked Singer (ITV, 7pm)

The seven remaining singers take to the stage in disguise as judges Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, Rita Ora and Mo Gilligan try to guess the mystery celebrities performing inside the elaborate costumes. It’s a double elimination so after the votes are counted two of the famous faces will be eliminated and unmasked. Hosted by Joel Dommett.

Sunday 30 Jan

The Green Planet (BBC1, 7pm)

Desert Worlds: Plants that have developed to thrive in the desert, including cacti that grow in the shade of other trees and collect water in pleated trunks that expand and contract - but can also find themselves a host to other plants, like desert mistletoe. The programme also reveals how tobacco plants being eaten by caterpillars are able to summon the creatures’ natural predators, and how tumbleweeds roll across the landscape, only unfurling and growing when they encounter rain.

Tuesday 1 Feb

Secret Life of the Motorway (BBC4, 9pm)

Britain’s motorways through the eyes of the people who built them, those who use the roads and protesters who tried to block their construction. The first programme considers the history of the UK’s first stretch of motor-way, the M6 Preston Bypass.

Wednesday 2 Feb

The Repair Shop (BBC1, 8pm)

Steve Fletcher is excited to be presented with an 18th-century timepiece built by renowned French maker Julian Beliard. The rare piece is damaged and no longer works, so it will take all his knowledge to get it ticking again. Mean-while, electronics wizard Mark Stuckey takes receipt of a 1960s radiogram that has been silent for decades, silversmith Brenton West works on a Victorian botanical microscope and Pete Woods restores a 100-year-old junior drum kit that has been beaten into submission.

WEDNESDAY 02/02/22

BBC One09.15 Rip Off Britain: Live.10.00 Fraud Squad.10.45 The Moment of Proof.11.15 Homes Under the Hammer.12.15 Bargain Hunt.13.00 BBC News at One; Weather.13.45 Doctors.14.15 Hope Street.15.00 Escape to the Country.15.45 The Farmers’ Country Showdown.16.30 Antiques Road Trip.17.15 Pointless.18.00 BBC News at Six; Weather.19.00 The One Show.19.30 We Are England.20.00 The Repair Shop.21.00 The Responder.22.00 BBC News at Ten; Weather.22.35 FILM: The Railway Man (2013).00.25 Big Night of Musicals by the National Lottery.01.55 Weather for the Week Ahead.02.00 BBC News.

BBC Two England09.00 BBC News at 9.11.15 Politics Live.13.00 Ready Steady Cook.13.45 Eggheads.14.15 Back in Time for the Corner Shop.16.15 Mexico: Earth’s Festival of Life.17.15 Flog It!18.00 Richard Osman’s House of Games.18.30 Great Coastal Railway Journeys.19.00 Remarkable Places to Eat.20.00 Great British Menu.21.00 Inside the Factory.22.00 The Mind of Herbert Clunkerdunk.22.30 Newsnight.23.10 Weather.23.15 The Caribbean with Andi and Miquita.00.15 See Hear.

ITV London09.00 Lorraine.10.00 This Morning.12.30 Loose Women.13.30 ITV Lunchtime News; Weather.14.00 Dickinson’s Real Deal.15.00 Lingo.15.59 ITV London Weather.16.00 Tipping Point.17.00 The Chase.18.00 ITV News London; Weather.19.00 Emmerdale.19.30 Coronation Street.20.00 Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs.20.30 Coronation Street.21.00 The Bay.22.00 ITV News at Ten; Weather.22.45 Peston.23.40 The John Bishop Show.00.15 Shop: Ideal World.03.00 Bling.03.50 Unwind with ITV.05.05 Tipping Point.

Channel 409.00 Frasier.09.30 Frasier.10.00 Frasier.10.30 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA.11.25 Channel 4 News Summary.11.30 Sun, Sea and Selling Houses.12.30 Steph’s Packed Lunch.14.10 Countdown.15.00 A Place in the Sun.16.00 A New Life in the Sun.17.00 Four in a Bed.17.30 The Simpsons.18.00 The Simpsons.18.30 Hollyoaks.19.00 Channel 4 News.20.00 Kirstie and Phil’s Love It or List It.21.00 Katie Price’s Mucky Mansion.22.00 Extraordinary Extensions.23.05 China: The Search for the Missing.00.05 Celebrity Hunted.01.00 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA.01.50 Undercover Boss Canada.02.40 FILM: Table 19 (2017).04.10 Couples Come Dine with Me.05.00 The Answer Trap.05.50 Kirstie’s House of Craft.

BBC Four19.00 Canal Boat Diaries.19.30 Fred Dibnah’s Building of Britain.20.00 Patagonia: Earth’s Secret Paradise.21.00 Digging for Britain.22.00 FILM: Misha and the Wolves: Storyville

(2021).23.25 Horizon: A Week without Lying - The

Honesty Experiment.00.25 Canal Boat Diaries.00.55 Fred Dibnah’s Building of Britain.01.25 Patagonia: Earth’s Secret Paradise.02.25 Digging for Britain.

THURSDAY 03/02/22

BBC One09.15 Rip Off Britain: Live.10.00 Fraud Squad.10.45 The Moment of Proof.11.15 Homes Under the Hammer.12.15 Bargain Hunt.13.00 BBC News at One; Weather.13.45 Doctors.14.15 Hope Street.15.00 Escape to the Country.15.45 The Farmers’ Country Showdown.16.30 Antiques Road Trip.17.15 Pointless.18.00 BBC News at Six; Weather.19.00 The One Show.19.30 EastEnders.20.00 Dragons’ Den.21.00 The Apprentice.22.00 BBC News at Ten; Weather.22.35 Question Time.23.35 Newscast.00.05 The Green Planet.01.05 Superman & Lois.01.50 Weather for the Week Ahead.01.55 BBC News.

BBC Two England09.00 BBC News.12.15 Politics Live.13.00 Ready Steady Cook.13.45 Eggheads.14.15 Back in Time for the Corner Shop.16.15 Shark.17.15 Flog It!18.00 Richard Osman’s House of Games.18.30 Great Coastal Railway Journeys.19.00 Remarkable Places to Eat.20.00 Great British Menu.21.00 Mary Beard’s Forbidden Art.22.00 The Apprentice: You’re Fired.22.30 Newsnight.23.10 Weather.23.15 Inside the Factory.

ITV London09.00 Lorraine.10.00 This Morning.12.30 Loose Women.13.30 ITV Lunchtime News; Weather.14.00 Dickinson’s Real Deal.15.00 Lingo.15.59 ITV London Weather.16.00 Tipping Point.17.00 The Chase.18.00 ITV News London; Weather.19.00 Emmerdale.19.30 Buy Now, Pay Later? Tonight.20.00 Emmerdale.20.30 The Martin Lewis Money Show: Live.21.00 Kate Garraway’s Life Stories.22.00 ITV News at Ten; Weather.22.45 Driving Force.23.40 All Elite Wrestling: Rampage.00.30 Shop: Ideal World.03.00 Buy Now, Pay Later? Tonight.03.25 Britain’s Brightest Celebrity Family.03.50 Unwind with ITV.05.05 Tipping Point.

Channel 409.00 Frasier.09.30 Frasier.10.00 Frasier.10.30 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA.11.25 Channel 4 News Summary.11.30 Sun, Sea and Selling Houses.12.30 Steph’s Packed Lunch.14.10 Countdown.15.00 A Place in the Sun.16.00 A New Life in the Sun.17.00 Four in a Bed.17.30 The Simpsons.18.00 The Simpsons.18.30 Hollyoaks.19.00 Channel 4 News.20.00 The Dog House.21.00 Screw.22.00 First Dates.23.05 Katie Price’s Mucky Mansion.00.05 24 Hours in A&E.01.00 Geordie Hospital.01.55 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA.02.45 Screw.03.40 Couples Come Dine with Me.04.35 Food Unwrapped.05.00 The Answer Trap.05.50 Kirstie’s House of Craft.

BBC Four19.00 Canal Boat Diaries.19.30 Fred Dibnah’s Building of Britain.20.00 FILM: Rio Bravo (1959).22.15 FILM: The Searchers (1956).00.10 Inside Cinema.01.10 Canal Boat Diaries.01.40 Fred Dibnah’s Building of Britain.02.10 Horizon: A Week without Lying - The

Honesty Experiment.

FRIDAY 04/02/22

BBC One09.15 Rip Off Britain: Live.10.00 Homes Under the Hammer.11.00 BBC News; Weather.11.30 Winter Olympics: Opening Ceremony.14.15 Hope Street.15.00 Escape to the Country.15.45 The Farmers’ Country Showdown.16.30 Antiques Road Trip.17.15 Pointless.18.00 BBC News at Six; Weather.19.00 The One Show.19.30 Question of Sport.20.00 EastEnders.20.30 Would I Lie to You?21.00 Death in Paradise.22.00 BBC News at Ten; Weather.22.35 The Graham Norton Show.23.25 The Apprentice.00.25 Live Winter Olympics 2022.

BBC Two England09.15 BBC News.09.40 FILM: Up Periscope (1959).11.30 Politics UK.12.15 Bargain Hunt.13.00 BBC News.13.45 Eggheads.14.15 Great British Comedies: Talking Pictures.14.55 FILM: The Titfield Thunderbolt (1953).16.15 Shark.17.15 Flog It!18.00 Richard Osman’s House of Games.18.30 Great Coastal Railway Journeys.19.00 Winter Olympics - Today at the Games.20.00 Your Garden Made Perfect.21.00 QI XL.21.45 Live at the Apollo.22.30 Newsnight.23.00 Weather.23.05 The Nilsen Files.00.05 What We Do in the Shadows.01.40 Sign Zone: Panorama: Afghanistan Famine.02.10 Sign Zone: Why Ships Crash.03.10 This Is BBC Two.03.40 Weather for the Week Ahead.03.45 BBC News.

ITV London09.00 Lorraine.10.00 This Morning.12.30 Loose Women.13.30 ITV Lunchtime News; Weather.14.00 Dickinson’s Real Deal.15.00 Lingo.15.59 ITV London Weather.16.00 Tipping Point.17.00 The Chase.18.00 ITV News London; Weather.19.00 Emmerdale.19.30 Live FA Cup Football.22.20 ITV News; Weather.23.05 FILM: The Magnificent Seven (2016).01.20 Shop: Ideal World.03.00 Moneyball.03.50 Unwind with ITV.05.05 Lingo.

Channel 409.00 Frasier.09.30 Frasier.10.00 Frasier.10.30 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA.11.25 Channel 4 News Summary.11.30 Sun, Sea and Selling Houses.12.30 Steph’s Packed Lunch.14.10 Countdown.15.00 A Place in the Sun.16.00 A New Life in the Sun.17.00 Four in a Bed.17.30 The Simpsons.18.30 Hollyoaks.19.00 Channel 4 News.20.00 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces.21.00 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.22.00 The Last Leg.23.05 First Dates.00.10 FILM: Bad Neighbours 2 (2016).01.45 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA.02.35 Undercover Boss Canada.03.25 Come Dine with Me.03.50 Come Dine with Me.04.15 Come Dine with Me.04.45 Come Dine with Me.05.10 Come Dine with Me.05.35 Food Unwrapped.

BBC Four19.00 Sounds of the Seventies.19.10 The Shirley Bassey Show.20.00 TOTP: 1992.21.00 The Story of Gloria Gaynor’s I Will Survive.22.00 Boogie Fever: A TOTP2 Disco Special.23.30 Nile Rodgers: How to Make It in the Music

Business.00.30 TOTP: 1992.01.30 The Shirley Bassey Show.02.15 The Story of Gloria Gaynor’s I Will Survive.

Pick of the Week

46 The Portugal News · 29 Jan 2022 EventsAerosmith: European Tour 2022. 1 June at Altice Arena in Lisbon. Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketline.sapo.pt

JJJohns Dinner-Dance Afternoon

+ 3 course Dinner. 6 February at 2pm until 6pm at Restaurant Ponte Romana in Silves (on Old Roman Bridge). The price is 14.50 euros. For reservations please call 914 900 031 or email [email protected].

FENIX: Film Symphony

Orchestra. 17 June at Coliseu Porto Ageas. Tickets from 20 euros and can be purchased at www.ticketline.sapo.pt.

Iron Maiden: Legacy of the

Beast Tour 2022. 31 July at Estadio Nacional in Lisbon. Tickets can be purchased on www.ticketline.sapo.pt

Harry Styles: Love on Tour 2022. 31 July at Altice Arena in Lisbon. Tickets from 41 euros and can be purchased at www.ticketline.sapo.pt.

Russ: Shake the Globe Tour 2022. 29 September at Altice Arena in Lisbon. Tickets can be purchased at https://blueticket.meo.pt/.

The Black Crowes 2022. 19 October at Campo Pequeno in Lisbon. Tickets can be purchased at www.everythingisnew.pt

Swedish House Mafia 2022. 15 October at Altice Arena in Lisbon. Tickets can be purchased at www.everythingisnew.pt and on www.ticketline.sapo.pt

Uriah Heep 2022. 20 October at Aula Magna in Lisbon. Tickets can be purchased at www.everythingisnew.pt.

Deep Purple. 6 November at Campo Pequeno in Lisbon. Tickets can be purchased at www.tickeline.sapo.pt

Justin Bieber: Justice World

Tour. 21 January 2023 at Altice Arena in Lisbon. Tickets can be pur-chased at https://blueticket.meo.pt/.

Theatre

“Alice in Wonderland”

Interactive Musical. Tickets from 6.99 euros and can be purchased on www.ticketline.sapo.pt and for more information please see www.Magianogelo.com.

“Romeu e Romeu” by Lama

Teatro. 2 February at 9:30pm at Teatro De Vila Real. Tickets are five euros and can be purchased at www.ticketline.sapo.pt.

Cinema Listings

Cinema Contacts

Cinemas NOS

www.cinemas.nos.pt

Tavira, Faro & Loulé

Cinemas Algarcine

· Portimão: 282 411 888

· Olhão: 289 703 332

· Lagos: 282 799 138

· Sines: 269 633 510

Cinemas Cineplace

www.cineplace.pt

· Guia: 289 561 073

· Portimão: 282 070 101

· Leiria: 244 826 516

· Loures: 210 110 677

· Riosul: 210 114 352

· Viana do Castelo: 258 100 260

NOS Forum Algarve – Faro

Nightmare Alley; Latte and the Magic

Waterstone; Spider-Man: No Way Home;

El Buen Patrón; The Electrical Life of Louis

Wain; The Matrix Resurrections; Sing 2.

NOS Tavira

Arctic Dogs; Spider-Man: No Way Home;

Encanto; Scream 5; My Sweet Monster;

The King’s Man; Nightmare Alley; The 355;

Gagarine; Latte and the Magic Waterstone;

Swallow; 28 ½.

NOS Mar Shopping - Loulé

The 355; Arctic Dogs; Spider-Man: No

Way Home; Scream 5; The King’s Man; 13

Minutes; My Sweet Monster.

Algarcine – Portimã

Scream 5; Arctic Dogs; The Electrical

Life of Louis Wain; Best-Sellers;

Spider-Man: No Way Home; The Matrix

Resurrections; My Sweet Monster; The

Hating Game.

Algarcine – Lagos

My Sweet Monster; Scream 5; Spider-

Man: No Way Home; El Buen Patrón;

Algarcine Ria Shopping – Olhão

Clifford: The Big Red Dog; Sing 2; Spider-

Man: No Way Home; Encanto; The Matrix

Resurrections.

Cineplace Algarve Shopping – Guia

The Electrical Life of Louis Wain; Arctic

Dogs; El Buen Patrón; Scream 5; My Sweet

Monster; 13 Minutes; Best-Sellers; The

Hating Game; Six Minutes to Midnight;

The King’s Man; The Matrix Resurrections;

Spider-Man: No Way Home; Clifford: The

Big Red Dog.

Estação Viana Shopping -

Viana do Castelo

Arctic Dogs; El Buen Patrón; Scream 5;

My Sweet Monster; Spider-Man: No Way

Home.

Cineplace Loures Shopping

Arctic Dogs; El Buen Patron; The

Electrical Life of Louis Wain; Scream

5; My Sweet Monster; Best-Sellers; The

Matrix Resurrections; Spider-Man: No

Way Home; Clifford: The Big Red Dog; 13

minutes.

(PV) - Portuguese version(OV) - Original version.

NOTE: Events are correct at the time of going to press and according to information given to The Portugal News. However, events may be cancelled, delayed or fail to live up to their billing.

Please send your events to [email protected] by midday on the Friday before the following publication.

Top Filmsof the week

Scream (2022)Stars:Neve Campbell, Courteney

Cox, David Arquette

Genre:Thriller

Director:Matt Bettinelli-Olpin,

Tyler Gillett

Rating:M16

Plot:

Twenty-five years later, since a

spree of brutal murders shocked

the quiet town of Woodsboro, a

new assassin takes the place of

Ghostface and begins to chase

a group of young people to dig

up secrets of the city’s dark

past. Neve Campbell (“Sidney

Prescott”), Courteney Cox

(“Gale Weathers”) and David

Arquette (“Dewey Riley”) return to their iconic roles.

Music

Giselle João. 29 January at 9:30pm at Teatro das Figuras in Faro. Tickets from 16 euros and can be purchased at https://teatrodasfiguras.bol.pt or by calling 289 888 110.

Elas e o Jazz. 29 January at 9:30pm at Auditório Carlos do Carmo in Lagoa. Tickets are 10 euros and can be purchased at www.ticketline.sapo.pt, Fnac, Worten or by calling 282 380 452.

Amália, Fado e Saudade. 29 January at 9:30pm at Centro Cultural António Aleixo in Vila Real de Santo António. Tickets cost 12.50 euros and can be purchased at www.bol.pt.

Jota Quest. 30 January at Campo Pequeno in Lisbon. Tickets from 30 euros and can be purchased at www.ticketline.sapo.pt.

Bryan Adams. 30 January at Altice Arena in Lisbon. Tickets can be pur-chased at https://blueticket.meo.pt/

“Songs for Shakespeare”. 5 February at 9:30pm at Cineteatro Capitolio in Lisbon. Tickets from eight euros and can be purchased at https://blueticket.meo.pt/.

Harry Potter and the Order of

the Phoenix Concert. 12 February at Altice Arena in Lisbon. Tickets can be purchased at www.bilheteira.fnac.pt.

Pedro Abrunhosa and Orquestra

Clássica do Sul. 12 February at 9:30pm at Teatro das Figuras in Faro. Tickets cost 25 euros and can be pur-chased at https://teatrodasfiguras.bol.pt or by calling 289 888 110.

Carnaval concert – ciclo Lethes

Clássicos. 24 February at 7pm at Teatro Lethes in Faro. Tickets cost 7.50 euros and can be purchased at www.bol.pt.

Porto in the night sinfónico. 26 February at 9:30pm at Super Bock Arena – Pavilhão Rosa Mota. Tickets from 20 euros and can be purchased at www.ticketline.sapo.pt.

Wolf Alice. 3 March at Coliseu dos Recreios in Lisbon. Tickets from 28 euros and can be purchased at www.bol.pt.

The Best of The Divine Comedy. 7 March at 9pm at Casa da Música in Porto. Tickets cost 35 euros and can be purchased at https://blueticket.meo.pt/.

Masego. 8 March at Coliseu dos Recreios in Lisbon. Tickets can be purchased at www.bol.pt.

Skunk Anansie. 18 March at 9pm at Coliseu Porto Ageas. Tickets from 22 euros and can be purchased at www.ticketline.sapo.pt.

The Script. 19 March at Campo Pequeno in Lisbon. Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketline.sapo.pt.

Madagascar – Uma Aventura

Musical. 19 March at 11am at Altice Arena in Lisbon. Tickets from 16 euros and can be purchased at https://blueticket.meo.pt/.

The Kooks 2022. 26 March at Campo Pequeno in Lisbon. Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketline.sapo.pt

Franz Ferdinand. 17 March at Campo Pequeno in Lisbon. Tickets can be purchased at www.everythingisnew.pt

Now United: Wave Your Flag

Tour. 1 April at Altice Arena in Lisbon and 2 April at Super Bock Arena – Pavilhão Rosa Mota in Porto. Tickets can be purchased at www.blueticket.pt

Dino D’Santiago. 2 April at Coliseu de Lisboa. Tickets from 20 euros and can be purchased at www.bol.pt.

James. 21 April at Pavilhão Rosa Mota in Porto and 22 April at Campo Pequeno in Lisbon. Tickets can be purchased at www.bilheteira.fnac.pt

Eagles of Death Metal. 22 April at Coliseu dos Recreios in Lisbon. Tickets can be purchased at www.everythingisnew.pt.

Dream Theatre. 29 April at Campo Pequeno in Lisbon. Tickets can be purchased on www.everythingisnew.pt

Yungblud: Life on Mars. 30 April at Campo Pequeno in Lisbon. Tickets can be purchased on www.ticketline.sapo.pt

Scorpions: A Rock Believer

World Tour. 10 May at Altice Arena in Lisbon. Tickets can be pur-chased at www.everythingisnew.pt

Shawn Mendes. Wonder: The World Tour on the 18 May at Altice Arena in Lisbon. Tickets can be purchased at www.everythingisnew.

pt or www.ticketline.sapo.pt.

Cineplace Leiria Shopping

Arctic Dogs; El Buen Patrón; The Electrical

Life of Louis Wain; My Sweet Monster; 13

Minutes; Six Minutes to Midnight; Scream

5; Best-Sellers; Gli Anni Piu Belli; The

Matrix Resurrections; Spider-Man: No Way

Home; Encanto.

Cineplace Riosul - Seixal

Arctic Dogs; The Electrical Life of Louis

Wain; Scream 5; 13 Minutes; The Matrix

Resurrections; My Sweet Monster; Spider-

Man: No Way Home.

Forum Viseu


Wain; Illusions perdues; My Sweet Monster;

The King’s Man; Spider-Man: No Way

Home; Encanto; Six Minutes to Midnight.

Forum Coimbra

Scream 5; The King’s Man; 13 Minutes; The

Hating Game; The Matrix Resurrections;

Spider-Man: No Way Home; Sing 2.

Norte Shopping - Porto


Wain; Arctic Dogs; Scream 5; Six Minutes

to Midnight; Licorice Pizza; Clifford: The

Big Red Dog; The King’s Man; The Matrix

Resurrections; Spider-Man: No Way Home;

Sing 2; House of Gucci.

47The Portugal News · 29 Jan 2022EventsJimmy Carr: Terribly Funny 2022. 22 September 2022 at Teatro Sa DA Bandeira in Porto. Tickets from 25 euros and can be purchased on www.ticketline.sapo.pt

Workshop & Other Events

Knitluzly-Knit & Natter. Weekly on alternate Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 2.30pm. Join our fun group of knitters and crochet-ers, from beginners to experienced, for chat and giggles at Vila Luz Aparthotel, Luz. For full details join the Knitluzly- Knit & Natter Facebook group, or call 911 549 339.

Music stimulation activity for

People with Dementia & carers. Fortnightly from 24 January at 11am until 12:30pm at Centro Paroquial do Amparo in Portimão. For English speakers (English songbook) and no singing skills necessary. For more in-formation and to enrol please contact [email protected] or call +351 965 276 690.

Biscuits workshop for children. 5 February at 3pm at Páteo D’Artes in Portimão. The workshop costs 12 euros per child and is for children of the ages four and up. For more information and to book please call Rita Ricardo on 961 630 073.

Aromatherapy and Emotions

Workshop. 13 February from 3pm at All about you in Armação de Pêra. To book and for further enquiries please call 913 114 964 or email [email protected]. https://allaboutyoucentroterapeutico.com/

Coffee & Conversation for Expats. Every Wednesday at dif-ferent venues. “Join our get together for a great opportunity to meet other newcomers in the Algarve. For more information, please sign up to www.expatcentreportugal.com/events.

Loulé Town walking Tour. Thursdays from 10:30am to 12:30pm. For more information and to see upcoming dates please check out www.expatcentreportugal.com/events

Online Coffee & Conversation. Once a month on a Wednesday at 7pm. An opportunity to connect with other internationals in Portugal and to ask any questions. For more informa-tion and to sign up please check out www.expatcentreportugal.com/events

Eat n’ Meet. Once a month on a Sunday at 12:30pm. The Expat Centre Portugal organize a lunch for new comers in the Algarve in and around Loulé. For more informa-tion and to sign up please check out www.expatcentreportugal.com/events

Vodafone Paredes de Coura

2022. Running from 16 to 20 August. Tickets from 110 euros and can be purchased at Fnac.

Other Events

Kino – German Expression Film

Festival. Running from 27 January to 2 February at Cinema São Jorge, Avenida da Liberdade in Lisbon. Tickets from four euros and can be purchased at the cinema. For more in-formation, please see www.goethe.de.

LocalARTE Exhibition. Running from 29 January to 19 March from 10am – 6pm on Wednesday to Saturday at Centro Cultural de Lagos. Free entry.

Lisbon’s Crimes. A walk that is not for the faint hearted! Running until 30 January. Meeting point at Arco Da Rua Augusta in Lisbon. Tickets cost 12 euros and can be purchased www.ticketline.sapo.pt.

Alice’s Magical Garden. Running until 6 February 2022 at Belém – Jardim Botânico Tropical in Lisbon. Tickets cost 15 euros and can be purchased at www.ticketline.sapo.

pt. For more information, please see www.magicalgarden.pt.

48º Volta Algarve. Running from the 16 to 20 February starting in Portimão. For more information, please see www.voltaaoalgarve.com.

Historias de boudoir. Group Art Exhibition running from 3 December to 28 February at O Gabinete de Madame Thao in Lisbon. For more information, please see www.ogabinetedemadamethao.com.

Monstra – Lisbon’s Animation

Film Festival. Running from 16 March to 27 March. For more infor-mation, please see www.monstrafestival.com.

Magical Garden Alice. Running until April at Lisbon’s Jardim Botanico Tropical Belem. Tickets cost 15 euros and can be purchased on www.ticketline.sapo.pt

Local Arts & Crafts Expo. Open daily from 10am to 4:30pm at Artes@Spa, Caldas de Monchique, in the corner of the main square. Locally produced, high quality, unique items. Ideal gifts or souvenir.

John Cleese: Last time to see me

before I die. Shows at 7pm from the 5 to 9 June. Tickets from 40 euros and can be purchased www.bol.pt.

Silves

Alcantarilha – 1st Friday of the month

Vila do Bispo

Sagres - 1st Friday of the month

Barão de São Miguel - 1st Monday of the month

Budens - 1st Tuesday of the month

Raposeira - 1st Wednesday of the month

Vila do Bispo - 1st Thursday of the month

Albufeira

Caliços – 1st Tuesday of the month

Caliços Flea Market – 1st Tuesday of the month

Loulé

Loulé - Every Saturday of the month in front of the Cincent of St. Antonio

Quarteira -Fonte Santa- Every Wednesday of the month from 8:30am to 2:30pm

Almancil – Every Thursday of the month at the Producers mar-ket next to ASCA

Ameixal – E.N.2 on the 1st Thursday of the month

Querença – Last Sunday of the month from 10am to 1pm at the main Church square

Lagos

Lagos Levante Market- Every Saturday of the month currently at a temporary venue at the car-park opposite the swimming pools

Lagos Market- Vivo’mercado. Opposite the town Hall and every Wednesday of the month

Olhão

Quelfes – 5th Sunday of the month

Fuseta - 1st Thursday of the month next to the campsite

Quelfes Flea Market - 5th Sunday of the month

São Brás de Alportel

São Brás de Alportel Market- Every Saturday of the month

Algarve Markets

“O novo Stand up de Fabio

Porchat.” 5 February at 9:30pm at Super Bock Arena in Porto. Tickets from 22.50 euros and can be pur-chased on www.ticketline.sapo.pt.

Chicago. 3 to 6 February 2022 at 9:30pm at Coliseu Porto Ageas. Tickets from 12 euros and can be purchased at www.ticketline.sapo.pt.

“Into the Woods”. Running from 29 January until 6 January 2022 at Casino Lisboa. Tickets from 20 euros and can be purchased at www.ticketline.sapo.pt.

Hamlet-CTB. 26 February at Teatro Lethes in Faro. Tickets cost 10 euros and can be purchased at www.bol.pt.

Evita The Musical. 26 March 2022 at 9:30pm at Altice Arena, in Lisbon. Tickets from 30 euros and can be purchased at https://blueticket.meo.pt/

Festivals

ID NO LIMITS 2022. 24,25 and 26 February at Centro de Congressos Estoril, Cascais. Day Tickets are 40 euros and can be purchased at https://blueticket.meo.pt/.

Spring Sound Fest 2022. 9 April at Altice Arena, Lisbon. Tickets from 35 euros and can be purchased at www.ticketline.sapo.pt.

North Music Festival 2022. 26, 27 and 28 May at Alfandega Do Porto. Day tickets are 50 euros and can be purchased at www.ticketline.sapo.pt.

VOA- Heavy Rock Festival 2022. Running from the 30 June to the 1st of July 2022 at Estadio Nacional, Lisbon. Day Tickets are 50 euros and can be purchased on www.ticketline.sapo.pt

Sumol Summer Fest 2022. 1 and 2 July at Ericeira Camping. Day Tickets are 42 euros and can be pur-chased at https://blueticket.meo.pt/.

Dancefloor Jump to the Doctor 2022. Running from 29 to 30 July at Altice Forum, Coimbra. Day tickets from 20 euros and two-day pass from 26 euros. To purchase tickets please see www.ticketline.sapo.pt

NOS ALIVE 2022. Running from the 6 to 9 July at Passeio Maritimo De Alges, Oeiras, Lisbon. Day tickets from 69 euros and 3-day tickets are 159 euros, full festival pass of 4 days are 189 euros. To purchase tickets please see www.ticketline.sapo.pt

EDPCOOLJAZZ 2022. Running from the 2 July until 30 July at Hipódromo Manuel Possolo, Cascais. Line-up includes: John Legend, Lionel Richie, Diana Krall, Yann Tiersen as well as many others. Tickets from 25 euros and can be purchased at https://www.edpcooljazz.com/. Tickets issued for the 17th edition of the EDPCOOLJAZZ in 2020 and 2021 are valid for the 2022 edition, and it is not necessary to exchange them.

DISCLAIMER: The Portugal News has no say with regard to any changes in the

programming, cancellations or date changes of events organised by other entities.

Any information should therefore be requested from the respective event organisers.

Learn Portuguese together.

Learning the language truly helps to

build connections. Their Portuguese

classes are interactive and fun! New

beginners’ and intermediate classes in

Loulé start on a regular base. For more

information and to sign up please see

www.expatcentreportugal.com/events.

Let’s tee-off together. Join The

Expat Centre Portugal in playing

golf while exploring the beautiful

Algarve. International new comers

are looking forward to playing golf

on a monthly base, discovering

one golf venue at a time. For more



Introduction to Generating

Additional Income. A free and

informative workshop for begin-

ners and experienced investors to

understand: What “passive income”

is, what you need to do to generate it,

what it can bring you. This workshop

is for anyone who is curious about

realizing a passive income, needs

extra income for a specific project, or

simply wants to know about a new

way of investing. For more informa-

tion and to sign up please see


Become a thriving international.

Coaching by Life Coach Ria van

Doorn for internationals. Coaching

for internationals, who seek guidance

with: Identifying and achieving their

goals, finding their purpose, coping

with anxiety, loneliness or homesick-

ness, caused by relocation. For more



The Portugal News · 29 Jan 202248 Classifieds

Auctions

RISING DAMP gone forever. Free inspection visits. www.drymatportugal.com [email protected]

Damp

We are currently seeking:

· Antiques· Collectables

· Jewellery· Architectural Salvage

· Tools· Garden Ornaments

For more information please contact us @

Email: [email protected]: 289 832 380

www.ahalgarve.com

Kitchen Renovation

FIRES OF Portugal Wood and Pellet fires.

Chimney sweeping from 70€.

[email protected] 289 489 958 or 966 949 997

Certified Carer

· Portuguese & English spoken

· Hourly, daily and live in care

. Algarve only

Email us at

[email protected]

Announcements

SOLVE MOULD/HUMIDITY? It’s possible with SHS Infrared Heating panels, www.shs-pt.com

LAGOA, SHOP for rent. Near Auditorium and Social Security. Wash area. 3 bathrooms (including disabled). 132 sqm. €950 per month. Call: 927 043 832

Antiques

RESTORE & REPAIR of Antique Clocks. I am Wout,

experienced, graduated and registered

clockmaker. Quote? +31 631 288 411/ info@

algarveclockrepair.com / algarveclockrepair.com

Business Opportunities

WORK ONLINE From Home. New Travel Club Launching 18 Countries Europe. Great Opportunity To Have Your Own International Business. Discover More. Email [email protected]

Chimney Sweep

Chimneysweepalgarve.com

For a quick dust free cleaning of your chimney using the

power sweep system Tel 934 927 944.

Education

PRACTICAL PORTUGUESE lessons. All Levels

Private or Group. Lagos Marina. Susana 964 696

345 [email protected]

LEARN PORTUGUESE like never before - very experienced, qualified, native teacher explains language from English speaker perspective. 15 years teaching Portuguese in UK. Excellent reviews. Private tuition. Email: learn.portuguese.home @gmail.com

ENJOYABLE PORTUGUESE courses (all levels)

with focus on conversation starting

regularly. Private lessons: 2 students together pay for 1. Centro de Línguas de Lagos. Call 935

456 388. Email [email protected]

CONVERSATION CLASSES in

Portuguese are back. Albufeira and Tunes.

All nationalities welcome.10 euros per 2 hours session. For more information,

please call 919 880 793

Entertainment

JJJOHNS DINNER – Dance Afternoon. On Sunday February 6th from 2 till 6pm, at Restaurant Ponte

Romana (on old Roman Bridge) in Silves. Choice of 3 course Dinner:

Pork in Mushroom Sauce, ½ Chicken

or Fish - €14.50. On stage Country-Singer JJJohns, Sweetheart

of the Rodeo Suzanna Wilson.

Special guest: Joseph Anscombe. Line-

Dances teacher: ‘Suki’ Sadiq. Reservations +

directions: Phone 914 900 031 or

[email protected]

For Sale Private

LEATHER SOFAS 2 fully electric reclining excellent quality DFS

colour chalk 1400euros. Reclining swivel chair

Gold suede fabric 250euros.

Teka washing machine 8KG 150euros.

Ph. 914 928 679.

STEAM SHOWER Cubicle for sale. One

owner from new. 1050x1050x2050h. 4 different sets of showers. Lights

and Radio. Buyer to remove. 495euros. Mob 961 670 550

SAUNA FOR sale (2 man). One owner from new. Complete with all accessories and Spares.

1500x1000x1950 WxDxH. Buyer to

dismantle & remove. 995euros.

Mob 961 670 550

Friendship

MAN 76 living alone Algarve. Vitality, values from the past. Loves nature, walking, gardening, travelling. Hope to meet companion, Lady more than 65. Similar profile. [email protected]

GENTLEMAN SEEKS lady and will give her a lady’s life, with happiness and kindness and look after all her requirements. Algarve. Tel: 916 658 008

NORTHERN ENGLAND guy, 69, looking for lady of similar age for quality times together. Text / Call 915 866 155 (let’s have a chat).

Health and Beauty

SHOULDER PROBLEM? Pain-free treatment! Guaranteed Improvement or your money back. Dr. Bock.

966 706 606

RELAXING / DEEP tissue /Lynphatic drainage massages. New salon near Vilamoura Marina. Open everyday 10am to 6pm. Tel: 967 104 047

Holiday Rentals

BEACH LOCATION apartment in Quarteira,2 bedroom apartment (sleeps 6) only 5 minutes from the beach, perfect location on the edge of Quarteira/Vilamoura near the beautiful beach, bars, shops and restaurants in Quarteira and close to Vilamoura Marina and Casino, from only €450 per week. For more information and photos, please phone 919 873 075

Home Improvements

CARPENTER/ JOINER. Windows; Doors; Kitchens; Decking. Over 35 years experience. Tel. Gus on 920 119 682 or 920 039 392

Jobs Offered

CHEF / COOK wanted: Job opportunity for an

experienced chef/cook at a newly renovated restaurant in Marina de Lagos. Must speak English (Portuguese

is a plus), be organized, flexible and work as a team with staff. Salary,

benefits and hours to be discussed at interview.

Please text or phone Mary at 961 383 378 email CV: [email protected]

POOL TABLE 7ft, refurbished with accessories. Can be

delivered. €1200 Tel: 966 006 666

Don´t buy a new kitchen until you’ve spoken to us! We can renovate

your old kitchen at a very reasonable cost. Free,

NO-obligation estimates.

Call Jamie on 968 211 631 / 965 137

517 or email jamiekitchen83@

gmail.com

Save thousands of Euros!

Lots of door designs if needed.

George & Son

BEFORE

AFTER

49The Portugal News ·29 Jan 2022Classifieds

If you would like to be listed

here for FREE, please email

[email protected]

with your full name, your title,

up to 15 words describing your

therapy and your contact details.

Wanted

View these pages online

ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES

Willem & Celma Ras

Alternative therapists

Kinesiologists (determine

causes of illnesses/conditions).

Practitioners Frequency Therapy

according to Raymond Rife,

Hulda Clark and Meg Patterson.

Operators Physiospect.

E: [email protected]

Gen

Gentherapy

Japanese Art of Touch, intuitive

treatment by Gen Physiotherapist

(MSc) including Shiatsu, Seiki-

Soho, Amatsu from Japanese

Martial Arts

T: 00351 920 185 342


www.gtcare.co.uk

Hannya Melrose

Psychotherapist &

Transformational Coaching

Mindfulness approach, Lagos

area, offering support for anxiety,

stress, relationships, crisis,

transitions, pregnancy/birth.

Gill Roberts

RSHom Registered

Homeopath

Registered and experienced

homeopath offering

consultations face to face

or via the internet.

T: 913035626

www.gillroberts-homeopathy.com

Martin Jelfs

Psychotherapist and

Counsellor

I had 35 years experience as an

accredited psychotherapist and

counsellor in UK.

T: 00351 924 254 157


Jean-Philippe Marcoux

Practicionner

For a better HEALTH

T: 00351 915 201 825

www.profilsneurosociologiques.

com

Ivone Querl

ReflexologistReflexology balances the whole

system, revitalises energy.

T: 289 109 486 or

00351 965 202 329

Miriam

Practicionner

EFT is a form of acupressure.

It’s a powerful technique to clear

stress and pain.


T: 00351 914 810 371.

Genevieve Ross

Psychotherapist, counsellor

and coach. Individual and

couples therapy, office in Loulé or via zoom.

CLEANING /

HOUSEWORK Domestic Cleaning

• Honest • Thorough • Reliable

• Has Own Transport •Carvoeiro To Alvor

PLEASE CALL

Silvia: 965 813 241

Shoreland Properties Lda.

Tel. 913223402 or 282763000

shorelandproperties@

mail.telepac.pt

All types carried out to a very high standard.

30 years experience.

BUILDING WORKS

LEAKING ROOFS & Terraces. Problems

solved 30 years experience in Algarve.

Call 913 223 402

Removals & Storage

Pets

T: 00351912775993 or Email:

[email protected]

www.mentepsychotherapy.com

Lina Messias

Feng Shui Specialist

I improve your life or business

through this ancient wisdom.

T: +351 962 009 703

http://www.espacosquecuram.

com/

Janet Shook

Integrative Health Coach, Yoga

and dance instructor, and

spiritual teacher

Her Spiritual Nutrition programs

are mind, body, and spirit; bring

together ancient and modern

science for deeply healing and

easily accessible practices.


www.janetshook.com

Alice Campos

Qualified Holistic TherapistColour Therapy; Crystal Healing;

Chakra Healing; Feng Shui;

Sacred Feminine; Priestess of the

Goddess

T: 00351 926 275 585

www.grutademerlin.com

Jorge Matos

Athome ReflexologyBiomagnetism allows the body to

eliminate imbalances and restore

us back to health.

T: 00351 913 914 915

E: athomereflexology

@gmail.com

Raquel André

Bowen’s therapist

Bowen Therapy consists of gentle

movements for all kinds of pain

relief.

T: 00351 926 615 078

E: raquelandre.bowen@gmail.

com

Angela Orsucci

Body & Mind Therapist

Body&Mind therapist using

Quantum Medicine devices in

order to help you receive perfect

health.

T: 00351 91 227 06 05


Lara Slogrove

Therapist

Relaxation and Rehabilitation -

Swedish, Sport, Rehabilitation,

Aromatherapy massage and

Reflexology in Quarteira.

T: 00351 913 607 576

Sónia Cardoso

Therapist Sokura

The Uber of treatments and

massages at home. Book your next

wellness treatments in Portugal!

T: 00351 93 224 3830

www.sokura.pt

Elsa Lazaro

EL LAZ YOGA Therapeutic yoga – RYT® Yoga Teacher

In-person professional yoga

classes at all ability levels.

Personalized experience and

professional fitness counselling.

00351968452145

[email protected]

EL_LAZ_YOGA (Insta/FB)

Becca Spooner

Shiatsu & Acupressure

Massage therapist

Deep body release through stretches,

massage and acupressure, a total

rebalance of body and mind.

Paul and Pasi

Jokinen-Carter

Holistic Therapists

Relaxing, healing and

mobilising treatments through

massage, counselling/hypnosis

and Reiki

T: 910 665 601E: paul@

naturaljokiflow.com

www.naturaljokiflow.com

Villa Prana Studio

- Portimão

AYURVEDA & Therapeutic

Massages

AYURVEDA Medicine,

Holístic and Therapeutic

treatments aiming at a phisical,

mental and emotional balance

T: 918457657/ 925455725


https://www.villaprana.pt

Johanna Hessling

Yoga & Meditation teacher &

Reiki Practitioner

I’m a Yoga & Meditation

teacher & Reiki Practitioner

helping those with trauma

learn how to truly love

themselves.

T: 00351 910 248 448


www. johannahessling.com

Personal

PHOTOGRAPHER / ARTIST seeks mature ladies for life and other work, paid cash. Call or text 963 667 399

Property for Sale

LARGE 4/5 bed villa, 3 baths, pool, 1275m walled gardens. Quiet

urbanisation Ferragudo area. Close beaches and

amenities. €595,000. [email protected]

965 895 650

WANTED T2 Apartment Portimão. Spacious, lift, balcony, parking, vacant. Fee paid to seller for right property. Cash buyer no Bank credit required. Private: [email protected]. +351 918 594 223.

Property Services & Building

HANDYMAN. SMALL works jobs welcome Including: Painting, Electrics, Plumbing, General maintenance, Jet washing. Call Stuart: 0044 749 862 47 16 or email [email protected]. Central Algarve, Lagoa, Portimão, Carvoeiro, Monchique.

PAINTING & Decorating services

undertaken across the Algarve. Experienced, professional & reliable. First class references

available. Please contact John 910 523 512

[email protected] www.

solqualitypainters.com

Services offered

MAINTENANCE. HOUSE and Garden. Painting, electrical. Central Algarve. Call Ben 911 933 395

FULL BATHROOM installations, wall/ floor tiling and plumbing. UK qualified. West Algarve area. Call John: 913 255 148

HONDA HRV Executive. Registered January 2017. Low

milage. Single owner. Manual. Call me for

test drive - 939899357

Vehicles

WE BUY Foreign and Damaged Vehicles. Repairs MOT Service 927 716 188

AUTO HELP, Algarve, need help buying or selling your vehicle? Looking for mechanic or painter? Fast response, problem free transactions make us the go to people. 8 years experience in Algarve. Call David 915 367 826

50 The Portugal News · 29 Jan 2022 Business Directory

Bureaucratic Services

Drains

Books

Carpentry

Awnings & Blinds

Interiors & Furnishings

Heating

51The Portugal News · 29 Jan 2022Business Directory

LegalPainting & Decorating

Pools & Spas

52 The Portugal News · 29 Jan 2022 Business DirectoryProperty Services

Removals & Storage

53The Portugal News · 29 Jan 2022Business Directory

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Letters to the Editor

NA Reply to Martin, SilvesEDITOR, It must be true “cos I heard it on the radio” is

a catchy jingle on Kiss FM. It’s obviously meant not to be taken literally. The same applies to the internet, and the all pervasive social media. The truth is out there but apparently not for everyone, according to Martin’s “Reply” in last week’s publication (TPN 22 Jan). So let’s check some facts.

India is NOT taking Bill Gates to court for killing tens of thousands of young girls. Vaccination trials (for HPV not Covid-19) some years ago were indeed cancelled after local media reported the death of seven girls taking part. The Indian Government later determined the deaths were unre-lated to the vaccine. One girl drowned in a quarry; another died from a snake bite; two committed suicide by ingesting pesticides; and one died from complications of malaria. The other two causes were not determined. This story has been circulating for over ten years and gets bigger every time it is repeated.

Young footballers are most definitely NOT dropping dead on the playing field because of vaccination. Yes there are simi-lar stories all over the internet, and several web news channels that thrive on fake news (it’s good business) but it doesn’t take long to find out how these stories grow from nothing to a major conspiracy.

And has the Covid-19 virus been isolated? It all depends what you mean by isolated. A virus cannot live in isolation, neither can it be grown or observed like bacteria but it has definitely been identified (through genetic sequencing), as have all its variants.

And yes, healthcare workers all over the world are included in the numbers of those misled by the fake news media. It’s sad but is evidence of nothing. I can find no facts relating to 40,000 such workers in Denmark but even that would, if true, represent only 0.7% of the population. Compare that with the 3% of Americans who believe they are being governed by lizard people. Of course it’s true, it’s on the internet.

I must admit I did find the anagram amusing. But why “Media Control”. Since when did the media keep quiet about anything. I am not a fan of the BBC but I can say they try NOT to promote fake news. It is just as likely to be a hidden reference to “Doctor Melina”, a medical researcher in Australia. And, on the subject of Australia, active cases in Queensland stand today at 85,000. That’s a few more than zero (although I admit is has been rising quickly). As Martin says, “when will people open their eyes and see what is really happening”. Let’s just stick to the facts even if this does often mean ignoring the rubbish that the internet keeps peddling.

MARTYN (Budens)

ResidênciaEDITOR, With reference to your article about Jeremy

Moore in this weeks News: I CAN BEAT THAT. I have been Resident in Portugal since 1972, my hus-

band and family are Portuguese. In November 2020 I tried to register for my new Residência card with SEF. I tried many times but every time I pressed register it told me “unable to identify your process based on the supplied data”

I then tried numerous times to telephone SEF. and sent numerous emails to [email protected]. None of my emails were answered apart from acknowledging receipt. Finally on 23rd December 2020 a phone call was answered and I managed to speak to someone who checked my Residência details and informed me that I did not have to register as I am German. I am not German and never have been! The lady asked me to email copies of my British passport and my Residência which also states that I am British and the problem would be resolved early January 2021.

It was not resolved and I spent many hours phoning SEF. and sending more e mails. Finally on February 12th I received a phone call from SEF. According to their records I have been German since 1996. He apologised for this computer error and said that they would correct it but it might take some time as many of their staff were off work sick with covid.

Over one year later and I am still German!BARBARA DIAS, Lagos.

Re: English Language ChannelEDITOR, I must reply to Mr Scott’s letter in TPN

22/1/22.His original letter in TPN 8/1/22 concerned the lack of an English Speaking News Channel in Portugal.

He needs to keep up with the latest Covid regulations.Though in his last letter he mentions Afghanistan,Silicon Valley and the Trabant motor car ? I don’t know either.

We have been residents for 12 years and have picked up quite a bit of the language.Watching the news sub titles in the Cinema so we get by quite well.

He seems like some people who, no matter in the world where they are, expect people to speak English.Perhaps he could learn a bit of Portuguese.

I am reminded of a time my wife and I were on a tour round China. After 5 days an English lady went to the tour guide and complained she had been in China nearly a week and had eaten nothing but Chinese food. Not quite the same. But you get the point

STEVE SMITH, Alcantarihla

Pandemic deathsEDITOR, Here are the official figures from the UK

government:2020 total deaths: 9,400 - Of these 7,851 were aged over 65Total deaths from 1 Jan., 2020 and the first 3 quarters of

2021: 17,371, 13,590 of which were over 65.Average age of those who died from Covid: 82.5.The average age for deaths of all causes in the UK is 79 for

males, and 82.9 for females.Now consider all those people seriously ill, or who need to be

tested for suspected serious disease who have not been treated because of the restrictions. Here is a comment concerning just one serious illness from the former head of the cancer program at WHO.

“Probably an extra 50,000 deaths from cancer, over the past 18 months, you otherwise would not have had.”

He went on to particularise: failure to report early symp-toms; difficulty in getting to see GP; fear of hospital admission; missed chemotherapy; missed radiotherapy.

In my own case I was threatened with being locked in a metal container for 14 days before anyone would even examine me.

Oddly, the stats show no correlation between types of lock-down and the death toll, but curiously show higher death tolls in the most severe cases of lockdown. In the UK the more seri-ous lockdowns in Scotland have coincided with a 600% increase in deaths over those listed for England.

Apparently the average flu deaths during the normal flu period run at 300 to 350 per day in England.

So the average age from the older folk dying from covid-19 was roughly the average age for expected deaths in that age group, but half as many who would normally have died of flu.

Any death of a loved one is very sad, but is the natural thing, especially from disease. But what about 50,000 deaths that might have been avoided for just one other disease? Dont we have a rather selfish lottery with death here? You folks with seri-ous illnesses can be left to die while those of us who are healthy try and stay safe, using totally unscientific arguments.

History will not be kind to those who have supported this callous behaviour. Meanwhile, spare a thought for those families with two or three children living in apartment blocks. My thoughts go out to them every time someone mentions lockdown.

It really is time this selfish, unreasonable, and unscientific behaviour stopped, and we started to think about the real dam-age being done to people suffering the consequences of what amounts to national hysteria.

And if you think otherwise, have another look at those figures the UK government has published and do some serious soul searching.

JOHN CLARE, By email

54 The Portugal News ·29 Jan 2022 TakeABreak

Vincicode is a three digit number (eg.384), presented in alphabetic figures, like ABC, in which ‘A’ represents the first digit (number 3), ‘B’ represents the second digit (number 8) and ‘C’ represents the third digit (number 4).Cracking the code is not difficult. Just remember:Any even number is dividable by one digit number of 2, or 4, or 6, or 8.• Any odd number finishes with 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9;• Any number which is not divisable by any one digit number, 2,3,4,5,6,7,8 or 9 finished

with 1, 3, 7 or 9;• Any number divisable by 5finishes with 5.For example :Let´s crack ABC code when:1) A, B and C are numbers between 1 and 9, included.2) A+B+C = 10 (the sum of A plus B plus C is 10).3) C >A >B (Number C is larger than number A which is larger than B).(4) ABC ÷ 4 (The three digit code is dividable by 4).

When the code, ABC is dividable by 4, then C,the third digit can be 2, 4, 6 or 8.C can´t be 2 or 4, because it does not cover the conditions (1) and (2).If C=6, then A+B= 4, and options are: A=4 and B=0 => ABC = 406 and A= 3 and B=1 =>ABC= 316 code ABC=406 doesn´t cover condition (4)If C=8, then A+B= 2 and the only option is

A=2 and B=0 which doesn´t cover condition (1)then: Vincicode is 316. Now your turn: Puzzle 16 ABC is the three digit Vincicode number, in which A, B and C are numbers between 1and 9, included. Find the code ABC where : A+B+C= 7B > A = CABC÷ 1

Vincicode®, is a registered private intellectual property. Any type of reproduction or use, is subject to written autorisation of the author.Can you crack a VINCICODE®

To confirm your answer to the Vincicode®, or ask for more codes to crack, please send an email to: [email protected]

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QUICK CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

CODEWORD

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9. Answers next week.

Last week’s Codeword SolutionLast week’s Solutions

Medium Hard

ACROSS 6 Not blind to the digs being awful (7) 7. The man who serves loses one drink (5) 9. It makes the ship trim (5)10. Check accuracy in returning in car (7)12. Look into one entrance wearing underwear (11)14. Developments after snap decisions (11)18. Shapes represented statistically? (7)19. Because about to end confused in the mountains (5)21. State meals taken about ten (5)22. Spare man because of shyness? (7)

DOWN 1. Just claim cannot be left (5) 2. A number enter on one leg to see the composer (6) 3. Notice some of them use everything… (3) 4. …except economy (6) 5. Rumour of gunfire, perhaps (7) 8. Just the chap for the job? (7)11. Was condescending, having planned without direction (7)13. Can hide though in fetters (7)15. Count a bird (6)16. Hold up progress further back (6)17. Be useful and hit the ball first (5)20. Get very angry with this revolutionary after 3 (3)

ACROSS 6. Aperture (7) 7. Peaceful (5) 9. Boundary (5)10. Weather (7)12. Curse (11)14. Impoliteness (11)18. Supply (7)19. Search (5)21. Declare (5)22. Diary (7)

DOWN

1. Mar (5) 2. Feeble (6) 3. Unity (3) 4. Top (6) 5. Part (7) 8. Appease (7)11. Reason (7)13. Quiver (7)15. Hole (6)16. Wriggle (6)17. Customary (5)20. Gladness (3)

55The Portugal News · 29 Jan 2022Golf

N Neil Connolly MarmiteAs a golf college delivering degree level golf education, we have a number of really interesting modules that we get to cover.

One of the modules covers marketing and what exactly a

brand is, and then we turn it into golf and what kind of a brand the individual player wants to show the world.Not wanting to get into all of the various personality types that the Myers Briggs or the Judgement Index might throw at you, we just put it down into three different categories, as a gentle start for the students. These categories were, as defined by the students themselves, Marmite, Passion and Good Guy (really meaning somebody that would wear a white hat in a western or would be a Jedi in the Star Wars movie).Under the good guys you had Collin Morikawa, Viktor Hovland, Jordan Spieth, Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson. The passion category was filled with Ian Poulter, Shane Lowry, Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy. The Marmite players consisted of Tyrell Hatton, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau and the perennial villain Patrick Reed. I would have happily put Matt Wallace into the Marmite category, but the other players decided that

he would be more in the passion department, so we just left him out.When the students were asked to consider where they fit in the categories they really all wanted to be somewhere in between the good guys and the passionate players. And they gave good reasoning for why they should be included within those categories.When being placed into one of these categories you were being judged by how you conducted yourself on the golf course and off it regarding media coverage both at an event and away from an event.On a Monday we always have a conversation come debrief about the golf that had been watched over the weekend and of course any interesting stories that had come out of the events. If you’ve been following the criticism which has come out of Jon Rahm’s and Tyrell Hatton’s mouth about the two golf courses they played last week you’ll be able to understand why Hatton is firmly in the Marmite category and Rahm has moved from Passion to Marmite.Rahm was caught on camera, saying “Piece of s**t f*****g set up, putting

contest week.” Meaning that the fairways were very wide, the rough very short and the greens very easy. Negating every advantage that John Rahm has over his competitors. One can sympathise a little, but it’s not as if he didn’t know that that was the golf course he was actually travelling to. If he doesn’t like the golf course, stay home. Don’t be so petulant as to be caught on camera with a foul-mouthed tirade about the very course which is hosting you. Then you go to Tyrell Hatton, on the other side of the world, in Abu Dhabi

publicly stating that the final hole of the course being played that week was a joke, to quote him, “it must be one of the worst par fives that I’ve ever played in my life and, over the past two days I’ve clearly played it as well as it’s been designed.”I didn’t have a problem pointing out to the students, that there was

no problem with the hole when he birdied it on Thursday. It was only when he made nine on it, that the vociferous comments were blurted out, leaving anybody watching to think that there’s got to be some element of sour grapes here, and again a lack of courtesy or respect to the hosts who were looking after the players that week.

Hatton did end up taking home one and a half thousand euros shy of €200,000 in a finish for tied sixth. Leaving the students to wonder how somebody can be in a bad mood when they just made that amount of money for one week’s work.That’s why he is Marmite - for the record I’ve never liked Marmite.

The Portugal News · 29 Jan 202256 Sport

Portugal not sending political representation to Winter Games

UEFA fines Sporting and Santa Clara

Portugal will not have political representation at the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing

Winter Olympics, “for several reasons”.

According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Augusto Santos

Silva: “Portugal will not have political representation at the opening or closing ceremony of the Winter

Olympic Games, and we are also coordinating with the other European states on this matter, but we will not have political representation at the opening or closing ceremony”.Santos Silva, who was

speaking to journalists after participating in a meeting of EU Foreign Affairs ministers, justified his absence for “several reasons”, including “the political moment in Portugal” and “the European Union’s own

sense of unity” during the current “circumstances”, also admitting the weight of the fact that the Winter Olympic Games are not, “from a sporting point of view, the main national sports”.After, last week, the European Parliament called for a diplomatic and political boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics, in the face of China’s attempts to “legitimise its authoritarian system”, Santos Silva confirmed that “there is a coordination going on [among the 27], obviously respecting all the interests of each Member State”.“For example, I know that some European States will be represented at the level of Minister of Sport, given the dimension of their sporting representation. Others

will only be represented at ambassadorial level”, he said.“We understand that representation at the ministerial or member of government level would not be the appropriate solution,” he concluded.Several countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada and Australia, have announced a diplomatic boycott of the

Beijing Games, without harming the participation of athletes from these countries, in a bid to denounce alleged human rights violations in China. The European Parliament also recommended to member states a “diplomatic and political boycott of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics”, which take place between 4 and 20 February.

UEFA have decided to fine Santa Clara and have reject-ed an appeal from Sporting, maintaining the sanction, for failing to comply with the rules of financial fair play.

According to the Appeals Chamber of the UEFA Clubs’ Financial Control Chamber, Sporting’s appeal was “rejected”, thus confirming their exclusion from European competitions for the 2022/23, 2023/2024 seasons and 2024/25 unless they are able to provide proof of compliance.

The appeal of the Azorean club, on the other hand, is “partially granted”, but the sanction is the same, in this case due to funds owed to the authorities in arrears in September 2021, who will have to pay or negotiate under an agreement to extend the period of payment.

It has also been confirmed that Sporting have been fined €250,000, while the islanders will have to pay €25,000, plus €10,000 subject to confirmation, until 1 March when money owed to another club has been paid.

The list of decisions published by UEFA also covers Betis, from the Spanish League, who will still have to pay a fine of €150,000.

Hassle free travel on the horizon - The Portugal News

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