The Foreign Welcome group will have existed for a year in April 2012 and can look back on a good first year. Starting from scratch they have had their challenges getting things moving. The group's aim is to enhance the lives of expats and the local community by building links and removing barriers.
Based at Casa do Povo in Messines the group have worked hard raising funds with events and facilities such as a lending library of good English, Dutch and German books, car boot sales, a trip to Lisbon, a Christmas lunch and finally a Spring Dance. The Spring Dance is their most recent event and was a great success, with more than 100 people attending - a good night was had by all. Most importantly over €500 was raised for children's play equipment, a welcome addition by the 250 children that use the centre.
The group run regular classes such as cooking workshops on a Saturday morning, Portuguese lessons on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and on Monday evening, and continue to promote Fado and other events relating to the Portuguese culture. This has been achieved with very few people being involved in the organisation.
To move forward the group are asking for new ideas and feedback from those who have attended the classes and events, and also those that haven't yet!
To discuss future plans there are two meetings being held at Casa do Povo, which is by the Junta da Fregusia in Messines, 200 metres from the Bombeiros, on the Silves side of town. These meetings will be on THURSDAY 29TH MARCH @ 11: 15 and SATURDAY 31ST MARCH @ 10:30.
The Foreign Welcome welcome any help, and are not looking to pressgang you into anything! They simply want your ideas and support in order to provide other events this year that will be even more successful.
For more information please telephone Patricia Francisco on 963939526, or email Peter jones at pandcalgarve@live.co.uk.
