Jim Bell, a self employed business consultant, has taken over as the new president of the Rotary Club Estoi Palace International.

During a luncheon on July 1 at the Estoi Palace, the previous president Shirley Dunne was joined by Rotary International Coordinator Chris Garner, Assistant District Governor Abilio Lopes, visiting Rotarians, friends and family members, as the chain of office was officially passed to Jim who is originally from Scotland.

   "Hi,  just to say  that we raised the money for the refuge and last week signed and brought it! It's taken a year! 

We've been so lucky to get some really big support, everyone has been so kind,  sadly we had to make a few changes and loose some facilities so we could get a habitation license so the land could actually be sold. 

Lagoa Camara have been brilliant, advising and working quickly for us as we always felt nervous we wouldnt be able to pull it off in time,  so now the land is in the name of the association, so it belongs to the animals! 

Thanks for your support and for sharing our story when we started our mission!"

The motorcycle riders of the Algarve Senior Bikers celebrated the 4th year of the group's existence with a special lunch in Benafim.  Two groups, one from the west and one from east met in Lagos and Sao Bras de Alportel and followed different routes across the Algarve to meet in Benafim north of Loule for lunch.

The RIDE TO ALJEZUR on May 15th organised by Hans and Alex started from Silves and headed west, via Odalouca and Rasmalho to Casais and along to Restaurante Abrigo de Serra in Gralho for a coffee break.

ith Hans leading this section included his now traditional "U Turn'' after missing a left turn to Casais.

We are a multi-national Barbershop Chorus in the Algarve. - always on the look out for enthusiast ladies and men singers to swell our ranks. 

Why not come along to one of our Tuesday evening rehearsals in an old Lagar in Moncarapacho?

Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders who dedicate their time and talent to tackle the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members from more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work impacts lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world.

Paul Burgess organised the ride and lunch for the ASB on Saturday 12th April and also acted as lead rider for the day. Starting in Porches the group took an interesting if somewhat winding route to the first stop in Purgatorio for coffee and a chance for a chat with some new members.

Steve Wills rode at the tail and made sure no one went missing enroute.

RBC Comes to Algarve - The Royal British Club made a great splash last Tuesday, when it held a Cocktail evening for around 150 guests and local dignitaries at the historic Estoi Palace. Attendees braved the elements for the inaugural event of the Royal British Club in the Algarve; there is already another event planned for May.