We would like to give you a little update about the Foundation of the Jewish Community of South Portugal (FJCSP) and its work. As you might know the Foundation is still very young. So far the Foundation realized some of its goals, like organizing/sponsoring events, bringing a Sefer Torah to the Algarve, and trying to rebuild some Jewish infrastructure.

Unfortunately, due to the lack of manpower and assistance, the Foundation has decided to put the practical work on hold. And so, for now there will be no more organizing of communal events and high holidays.

With its partners at Rotary International, members of the Rotary Club Estoi Palace International have just made a huge difference to hungry families across the Algarve.

The fundraising and donating of a brand new refrigerated truck to the Banco Alimentar Contra Fome (Food Bank) in Faro will enable more food to be collected and distributed to the Algarve's thousands of families living below the poverty line.

Amadeu Gil de Rocha nd his wife Janeth have run the Vilamoura lawn Bowls Club for 20 years, with the club recently hosting a 20th year anniversary competition. In that time they have made many friends in the sport and have built up a reputation for catering for the needs of hundreds of bowling tours.

Coordinating two groups of Bridge players in Loulé and São Brás, Frank Spelbos explains, “The aims of both groups are similar. To enjoy the challenge of playing Duplicate Bridge and to meet new people in the local neighbourhood.”

Come along to one of our friendly group lessons in Pera, Central Algarve and artist Karen Wride will show you how. Beginners are welcome, and sessions are available every day from Monday to Saturday. Classes are restricted to a maximum of 8 people so hurry!

Duplicate Bridge in the Holiday Inn Algarve, Armação de Pêra takes place every Saturday. Starting time is 1.45pm.

Everyone is welcome - beginners to experienced players. 

For more information please contact Finola Gibson - 282 312 873 (answermachine) or by e-mail: finolagibson@gmail.com

A new BEGINNERS CLASS to learn Portuguese starts this Monday, 10th of September, from 5pm to 6.30pm at Activitarte Albufeira.  Classes are 90 mins per class, every Monday, and the cost is just *€60 per month. ITS FUN, affordable and you LEARN!

One of Lagos’s most famous, if unofficial, tourist attractions the “Ferry Cat Refuge” has recently received a complete make-over, writes Patrick Street. The facility supported by The NANDI charity, on the banks of the Rio Bensafrim at the Ferry embarkation point on the Meia Praia side, has been in existence for as long as most people can remember.