The smile of the rider says it all: pride, achievement, and a happy time. This made it all worthwhile for the many volunteers, associations, councils and local businesses who made it possible to put on the 2nd Special Olympics in the Algarve, organised by Cândida Pereira of AAPACDM, Faro, and Bev Gibbons of Pinetrees Riding Centre, Almancil.

Special Olympics Equestrian is the fastest growing section of Special Olympics Portugal, and destined for Portuguese children and adults with learning disabilities. They may also have physical impairment.

‘Loose change’ convertor, Coindrum, has opened at its first location with global duty free and travel retailer, Dufry, at Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) terminal one, with Faro Airport to follow shortly behind on June 1st.

Coindrum provides self service machines in airports that passengers use to convert unwanted coins into airport shopping vouchers.

The project at MXP places a Coindrum unit right at the entrance of Dufry’s new T1 flagship store. The machine allows passengers to deposit all their unwanted euro coins and in return receive 110% of the value of those coins in the form of an airport shopping voucher.

Students of Silves Sul school walked the red carpet the night of 14 March at the Cultural Centre in Pera. The second annual Oscar Night awarded students for their efforts in the visual arts: drawing, photography, and nine categories of film making.

Nine of the teams from the 29 nominated films came on stage to accept their oscars and give thank-you speeches, dazzled and smiling. A total of over 40 films were entered, along with many pieces of artwork and photographs.

The Algarveans Experimental Theatre Group has been staging performances for 25 years in the Algarve, many of which have been truly memorable for all those involved and audiences alike. From pantomimes such as the first production in 1991 of Puss in Boots, to serious dramas like Jane Eyre and Rough Justice, plus comedies such as ’Allo ‘Allo, their repertoire has been highly varied. 

The February ride was to the west coast and the Monchique hills. Unfortunately, not much was seen of either areas due the fact the it was actually raining through the mist as the 24 riders battled with the elements to complete the ride, organised by Toby Day.

This week I journeyed to a remote village, east of Silves, to meet a well-known writer and director, David Butler-Cole. David and his good lady, Sue, have been involved with theatre all their lives and now David is appearing in the forthcoming Old Time Music Hall production, Down at The Old Bull & Bush, and he is also directing the melodrama in the same production. 

Portugal's exports will fall, imports will rise, public revenue from taxes will fall, unemployment will rise, interest rates will rise.

What is the future for Portugal and what is the future of the EU if there is a BREXIT?

The Algarve's gardeners are being well served with information and advice with the Mediterranean Gardening Association’s 'Spring Garden Fair' at Quinta da Figueirinha to the east of Silves on March 5th,* followed on Wednesday, March 9th by an afpop - Waterwise Gardens 'Gardening Forum' at the Quinta dos Vales Winery, Estômbar, near Lagoa.

Ed