Early in February 2015, with very little warning, the BBC changed its process for its popular radio live streaming and on-demand services so that all but one brand of internet radio are unable to receive the on demand service of the BBC radio iPlayer. These changes were not made the subject of a Public Value Test by the BBC Trust, in clear contravention of Trust guidelines.

Those involved with cutting off the streams and outsourcing to a different platform appeared not to be aware of how this would affect the thousands of people who make use of internet radios to listen to the BBC.

Most people choosing to come and live in the Algarve are approaching or have reached retirement age. Life here is good… however sooner or later comes the anxiety as to what to do when we are ‘really old’ or circumstances change so that we need help. Where is help available or should we repatriate?

At the same time there are many older people from the Northern Hemisphere who want to spend say the winter months in a kinder climate. Some of them may require some simple medical or social support.

Meanwhile there are a number of ambitious residential/holiday projects that have been embarked upon but not finished and sadly have gone into bankruptcy. Can these factors be used to mutual benefit?

It’s a well-known fact that all conversations between the Brits start with a summary of the weather. We are famous for it, foreigners laugh about it and we can’t stop doing it. Wind, rain or shine we’ll discuss it, moan about it or welcome it, but we will talk about it.

The Algarve has a temperate, sunny climate and is famous for averaging over 300 days of sunshine each year. The Brits have upped sticks and moved here in their droves for this very reason. And yet... we still start all our conversations about the weather. Not about the seasons, but what the daily weather forecast is or was, and if it’s right or not.

Are you an expat living in Portugal ? 
Are you missing the taste of Great British Ale or Cider? Look no further.........

BrewintheBag are pleased to announce the launch of their range of Brew in the Bag Beers & Ciders

Looking back on 2014, people living in Portugal should have a lot to feel positive about. For a small country with a relatively small population, Portugal, and the Algarve region in particular, knows how to get itself noticed.

Last Saturday 8th November, the Women and Success project hosted, a Conference for Creativity, Innovation and Success at the Hilton Hotel in Vilamoura. It was an event dedicated to all professional women in the Algarve that wanted to become inspired by leading women that dare to innovate.

Did you know? Throughout history, the Portuguese have affected the advancement of education and educational facilities, both nationally and as far afield as Brazil, Africa and India.