Kirsty Hayes, British Ambassador in Portugal, recently made a two day visit to the Algarve during which she had the opportunity to engage with a diverse group of British residents, many of whom have been actively involved in charity, voluntary or professional community work in the Algarve over a substantial period of time.
She was accompanied throughout the visit by British Consul and Regional Operations Manager, Simona Demuro, and by Vice Consul Portimão, Clive Jewell.
AFPOP CEO, Michael Reeve, and President, Chris Ireland, along with the AFPOP team, kicked off the visit by welcoming Kirsty at their offices in Portimão, where the Ambassador heard about the far reaching services AFPOP provides for its members, and the excellent, complementary relationship between AFPOP and the team at the British Vice Consulate.
Kirsty, Simona and Clive were joined by a group of residents from the local British community for a get-to-know-you lunch at the Hotel Tivoli Marina. In a relaxed and open atmosphere, Kirsty invited everyone to speak a little bit about their time in the Algarve, and with many of the group having been resident here for over 25, and, indeed, up to 40 years, there was much of interest for everyone to hear about covering a wide range of topics, all with heart-warming links to our local community. Later the Ambassador spent time with Alison Blair and her team at the offices of Madrugada, the end of life charity based in Praia da Luz.
Kirsty was greeted by Dr Luis Villas-Boas as she made her first visit to the Refúgio Aboim Ascensão, the inspirational children’s home in the centre of Faro, where she also met British entertainer, Jimmy Tarbuck, who, along with the late Sir Bobby Robson, is a long term supporter of the Refúgio.
The programme of the Ambassador’s visit included a trade and investment angle, with a visit to the impressive, co-British owned, Martinhal resort in Sagres, in line with the UK Government’s focus on commercial diplomacy, supporting British businesses and promoting prosperity.
In closing her visit to the Algarve, the Ambassador then toured the soon to be launched, British-run Centre Algarve project in Moncarapacho, Europe’s first resort complex dedicated to providing holidays for profoundly disabled people and their families. The Mayor of Olhão, Dr António Pina, joined the Embassy group for the visit, and heard from managers, Tom and Belinda Willis, the extraordinary story of how over 400 visiting volunteers have brought this amazing project to life.
