St Vincent’s Church, Praia da Luz is flourishing. Despite over two years of interregnum our church family continues to grow. So it was with great joy we celebrated the licensing of our new permanent priest, Father Robert (Rob) Kean.

The service was led by the Archdeacon of Gibraltar, The Reverend Canon Geoffrey Johnston, with Father Mark Wilson, Chaplain of our Central and Eastern congregations, Reader Bob Kelly and Padre Zé Manuel, Roman Catholic priest in Luz, in attendance. Father Geoff said it was indeed a day for celebration and joy at the new ministry of Father Rob and reminded us that Jesus enjoyed a celebration: his first miracle was turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana.

The Algarveans Experimental Theatre group’s choice of play for the autumn production has frequently been in the top 10 most-performed productions by amateur theatre groups in recent years. 

Kindertransport by Diane Samuels tells the story of a young German Jewish girl, Eva, who is sent by her parents on the Kindertransport to start a new life with a foster family in Britain just before the outbreak of World War II. Over forty years later she has changed her name to Evelyn and denied her roots but when her own daughter discovers some old letters and photos in the attic, Eva is forced to confront the truth about who she really is and reveal a dark secret that she has done everything to keep hidden.

Discounted tickets for top attractions and events across the Algarve. See the 32 page guide on awesome attractions, festivals and events that you will love HERE.

Golf Santo António, at Parque da Floresta, held their Easter Festival between 14th and 17th April, consisting of a combination of events, Texas Scramble, Pairs Better Ball, Dubai and Am Am competitions.

The final day included a prize giving dinner party, which filled the Clubhouse Spike Restaurant and prizes were awarded to the winners. After the dinner Golf Santo António provided live entertainment and those in attendance danced the night away to the magnificent sound of ‘The Links’…

Almancil International Rotary Club (AIRC) has, for the first time, sponsored a GNR officer to spend time with a police force in the UK.  Freddie Fragoso was recommended by AIRC Chair of Community Services Peter Hinze to represent his unit at the Loulè GNR station by spending 4 days with Heddlu Gwent (Gwent Police) in Wales staying with Gaynor and Colin Hart in Nelson, a small town in the Rhymney Valley.  Colin is a retired Police Officer and Gaynor is a serving Detective Sergeant.

As always, Quinta dos Vales’ visitors were greeted at the Open Door 2017 with beautiful sunshine. On Sunday 2nd April over 3.000 visitors strolled through the grounds of the estate, where on display were numerous dance and musical performances.

A year of exciting concerts and events continues with a memorable performance of the DIDO & AENEAS opera from the Lagos Academy of Music on 30th April from 18:00h

Vale do Lobo will be introducing the talented musicians and performers of the Lagos Academy of Music during the performance of the DIDO & AENEAS opera being staged on Sunday, 30th April in the resort Auditorium from 18:00h onwards, in a glamourous 365 Algarve Program event, a structure financed by Turismo de Portugal.

Mediterranean Gardening Association – Portugal, Members and Friends Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday April 1st 2017, including a talk by Sue Parker, followed by guided walk 'Wild Orchids – Odysseys & Oddities'.

“Go to the right places in the Algarve at the right times of year, and the most amazing orchid sights will greet you.”

Sue Parker shares her time between homes in Wales and the Algarve and travels, mainly in Europe, to see, photograph and learn more about wild terrestrial orchids. Her passion for wild orchids dates back to her childhood in the Far East, where epiphytic orchids grew on the fence at the bottom of her garden.