The Saint Andrew’s Society of the Algarve duly held their Burns Supper at the Ponte Romana restaurant in Silves on Saturday 26 January. The Supper was a resounding success with over 130 participants.
As usual, bagpiper Malcolm MacGillivray got the evening off to a scintillating start by welcoming guests into the restaurant. Guests enjoyed a glass or two of excellent bubbly arranged by Joaquim Tinoco of Catuna & Silva. The restaurant, which has had a very welcome makeover, has been used for this event for many years and is now well practised in preparing and serving the traditional Macsween haggis, tatties and neeps.

It doesn't happen very often in the Algarve but the motorcycle riders of the Algarve Senior Bikers had to delve into their wardrobes and find their winter riding gear for the ride on Tuesday 22nd January.
Unusually low temperatures especially in the hills meant a few extra layers made for a more enjoyable day out.

The Equiland Equestrian Club, located in Bela Mandil, Olhão, is organising a fundraising event for the benefit of ‘Their Voice Portugal,’ the rescue association for mistreated horses,

A talk followed by a charity auction will take place at the Real Marina Hotel & Spa in Olhão on February 22 from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., presented by the internationally acclaimed animal communicator Jackie Weaver, who is flying in from the UK.

At their first meeting of the New Year, Almancil International Rotary Club admitted four new members, Fran & Alan Wallace, Padre Jorge Cavalho and Gustavo Lima. taking their total membership to 40, the largest Rotary Club in the Algarve and the largest Rotary Club in Portugal using English as the common language.

Santa and Mrs Claus paid their annual visit to Estoi Casa do Povo to assist in the distribution of the food packs provided by the Faro Food Bank. The Rotary Club of Estoi Palace International was fortunate to have received many donations during the year of toys enabling us to give all the children registered with the food bank an extra Christmas present.

Rotary Club Estoi Palace International (RCEPI) has been helping the local Estoi School EB2/3 Poeta Emiliano da Costa for many years. Portuguese/English dictionaries are given annually to year 5 pupils. The Club also arranges yearly career talks for the older students.
The Club recently bought a new oven for the catering department and helped purchase equipment for the Special Needs students. Another annual event is the presentation of Merit Certificates to the 3 best students in years 5, 6, 7 and 9, and 1 certificate recognising the most improved student according to teachers.

The Academia de Ballet Contemporâneo (ABC) opened its doors in 2016 at the hands of its Artistic Director Ana Dias, former professional dancer, who danced in several national and international companies and participated in tours in Brazil, Spain, Holland, France, a Professor Licensed by the Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon - School of Dance and by Fontys University (The Netherlands).

On Saturday 1st of December 36 members and guests of the St.Patrick's Society of the Algarve joined leader, Joe Goodwin, for a delightful walk around the estuary in Alvor.
Afterwards, the group had an enjoyable lunch in the Restinga Ria restaurant on the promenade,where the wine flowed freely and an impromptu sing-song occurred.