Music often plays a big part in our lives.  But for many patients with cognitive disabilities such as autism or dementia, music used as therapy can make a huge difference to their quality of life.  For some dementia sufferers it brings back memories; some good and for others maybe not so good but it’s clear that music stimulates the brain in ways that other therapies may not. 

The first ride of 2020 for the motorcyclists of the Algarve senior bikers group took place on Tuesday 28th from Paderne. The two groups where led on this occasion by Steve Wills and David Shirley, taking a route through the hills around Alte, through Santa Margarida to Messines before heading north on the IC1, to Sao Marcos de Serra.

The Saint Andrew’s Society of the Algarve duly held their Burns Supper at the Ponte Romana restaurant in Silves on Saturday 25 January. The Supper was a resounding success with over 140 participants.

As usual bagpiper Malcolm MacGillivray got the evening off to a scintillating start by welcoming guests outside the restaurant.  Guests enjoyed a glass or two of excellent bubbly arranged by Dr. Povoa of Kompassus and Joaquim Tinoco of Catuna & Silva.

On Friday 10th January the St. Patrick's Society of the Algarve hosted a New Year lunch at the O Branco restaurant in Carvoeiro. 52 members and guests attended and were rewarded with a very enjoyable afternoon of good food, drink and conversation.
The lunch was just one of several social events organised by the St.Patrick's Society throughout the year.

I'd like to wish all our members and friends a very happy and peaceful new year! 2019 was an exciting year for our drama group and I look forward to reporting on all we achieved at the AGM in March.
It gives me great pleasure to share with you some of the plans for The Algarveans in 2020 to inspire you to continue to be involved with entertaining The Algarve in the year ahead.

Every year the Algarve Senior Bikers has a charity lunch to raise money for Gaivota home for teenagers in Albufeira. Something we have been doing more or less since I started this group almost ten years ago. I would like to thank all who have supported this worthy cause over the years.

The Saint Andrew’s Society of the Algarve held another successful annual Saint Andrew’s Ball at the Penina Hotel on Saturday 30 November – great that this year it coincided with Saint Andrew’s Day. Our piper Malcolm MacGillivray greeted guests into the hotel and then led the parade into the ball after the champagne reception.

Finally after two postponements due to bad weather the last ride of season was able to take place on Thursday the 28th of November.

When arriving in Silves for the start it was quite foggy, but starting the climb up the mountains towards Sao Marcos the misty conditions turned to bright sunshine. However, when riding across the top ridge at some points it was possible to look down at the clouds, giving some wonderfully atmospheric views.