There is a new association in Portugal dedicated to plants and gardens of the Mediterranean climate zones created by an international group of enthusiastic gardeners: the Mediterranean Gardening Association.

The association was founded after the recent changes in national legislation. Earlier events and activities were part of the Mediterranean Garden Society, but as this had no legal status in Portugal it was necessary to form a new group in order to continue and to develop activities.

Alentejo blue skies and warm sunshine was the order of the day for the 29 riders of the ASB when they visited the beautiful town of Mertola on the Guadiana River for lunch. 

The ride was organised by Stan Green with the assistance of Martin Taylor. Stan leading the first half of the ride from the start in Paderne to Cachopo where a stop was made for refreshments in the shade of the vines on the terrace at the cafe in the square.

Anyone who remembers Helen Shapiro’s hit from fifty-three years ago qualifies to take part in the latest fitness craze sweeping the UK, and about to be introduced to the Algarve.

Walking Football, a slow-paced version of the beautiful game aimed at the over 50s, will be launched in Olhão in September.

ASB members started July with a cool visit to the World Superbike racing at the Autodromo do Algarve on a chilly showery weekend at the beginning of the month. The changing weather conditions made for some exciting racing.

Then there was the Moto Clube of Faro Concentration with the thousands of bikers from all over Europe.  Many ASB members attended this annual event with the spectacular closing parade through Faro on Sunday the 20th.

Jackie O'Grady's group showcased their "Garden Theatre" format in the tropical beer garden of the Quinta fe Figuerinha last week (3rd July).

Innovative props and clever stage management turned the stage, normally reserved for musical events, into a bleak, mid-western farmhouse. When the powerful stage lighting snapped on the audience were almost propelled into the midst of the action.

Since it was first chartered in 2006, Almancil International Rotary Club (AIRC) has had Presidents representing six European nationalities.
On 2 July José Vargas Galamba, AIRC’s first Portuguese President was appointed during a celebratory dinner at the Hilton Hotel Vilamoura.

Jim Bell, a self employed business consultant, has taken over as the new president of the Rotary Club Estoi Palace International.

During a luncheon on July 1 at the Estoi Palace, the previous president Shirley Dunne was joined by Rotary International Coordinator Chris Garner, Assistant District Governor Abilio Lopes, visiting Rotarians, friends and family members, as the chain of office was officially passed to Jim who is originally from Scotland.

   "Hi,  just to say  that we raised the money for the refuge and last week signed and brought it! It's taken a year! 

We've been so lucky to get some really big support, everyone has been so kind,  sadly we had to make a few changes and loose some facilities so we could get a habitation license so the land could actually be sold. 

Lagoa Camara have been brilliant, advising and working quickly for us as we always felt nervous we wouldnt be able to pull it off in time,  so now the land is in the name of the association, so it belongs to the animals! 

Thanks for your support and for sharing our story when we started our mission!"