News Archive 18.09.2009
Annual General Meeting
The Amovate AGM is being held on 16th September at 7.00pm at the Old Schoolhouse, Vales.
A report on the meeting will be posted as soon as available.
Photographic Competition
The first Amovate Photographic Competition was held earlier this month.
The subject was "another year in Vale da Telha" and there were 42 entries.
All entries were displayed anonymously and were judged by Francisco Nunes Oliveira from Espaço + in Aljezur.
The winners are
1st Place - Sue Bedford
2nd Place - John Bergstrom-Potter
3rd Place - Ana Liah Carlo Freitas
All photographs submitted are still on display in the School room.
Photos will be displayed soon on this website.
Presentation of project "POLIS" at Arrifana
Prime Minister Visits Aljezur
Portuguese Prime Minister José Sócrates has assured Amovate that the regeneration of Vale da Telha is now a vital component of the Government’s new coastal plan for South-West Portugal.
For a full report on the meeting click here
29th August - Municipal Holiday in Aljezur
The Municipal Holiday for Aljezur is held on the 29th August each year.
There are a list of events being held in Aljezur from Raising the Flag to Mega Sardine Festival with lots of music and other events.
Click here for more information....
Meeting with GNR
Amovate’s Committee have had an informal meeting with the officer in charge of the Aljezur and Odeceixe GNR stations to discuss issues raised by our members and on various Forums.
It is hoped that the officer, Sergeant Gabriel Reis, who lives on Vale da Telha close to the Pines roundabout, will contribute a regular article in Amovate’s Newsletter with regard to points of law etc, and also answer questions e-mailed to Amovate by members and residents.
Photographic Competition
The closing date is now changed to 6.00pm Thursday 3rd September. Judging will take place on Saturday 5th September (to be confirmed).
This is a special event we have planned for August.
The competition is open to members and non members.
The subject of the Competition is 'ANOTHER YEAR IN THE LIFE OF VALE DA TELHA'. The theme is open to personal interpretation but must involve the Vale da Telha, Aljezur, Monte Clerigo, Arrifana and Espartal (Amovate areas).
Entries close 6pm on Thursday August 20th 2009
To see the poster click here
For a copy of the Rules click here
For a copy of the entry form click here
Music Festival July 18th
AS the late great Jim Reeves sang:
“Oh I know that the music's fine like sparkling wine, go and have your fun. Laugh and sing……”
And that’s just the way it turned out at the third annual Amovate Music Festival for an audience that enjoyed fun in the sun and which danced until darkness fell.
For more than five hours a succession of fine musicians and singers entertained the crowd on a high ‘stage’—an adapted lorry trailer, brainchild of our President, Peter Johnson!—which gave everyone a great view of the proceedings.
Vale da Telha’s own Johnny Wilson kicked off the show with some easy-listening music before young accordionist Fabio Nunes and that superb guitarist and singer Ze Matos performed their sets.
Then Pearl C and her amazing band of first class musicians got the dancers on their feet in front of the stage, watched by Aljezur Camara President Manuel Marreiros who arrived after attending a major conference in Faro.
And finally, our ‘surprise’ guest, Des Desmond, who had flown in from the UK only the day before, rounded off the show.
Des, who has been a professional for almost half a century, singing with stars like Roy Orbison and having a 60s hit of his own, kept people dancing and singing until 9.30pm, as his taxi driver waited outside, tapping his feet for a different reason!!!
The whole Festival was clearly thirsty work for the audience who drank us clean out of Sagres!
It was a day to remember, helped in no small measure by the superb catering arrangements of Sue and Ian Bedford and the tireless efforts of the rest of the committee who spent months organizing the show and were busy the day before and the day after setting it up and then clearing up.
But already we’re knuckling down to the task of preparing for next year’s Festival.
So, look out for the dates that we will publish here once we’re ready to announce details—after all, you don’t want to miss out on another fabulous day of music, do you……?
There were some unclaimed prizes from Bob´s charity raffle,
Pink Tickets numbers 663, 616, 610
White Tickets numbers 532, 831, 640
Yellow Ticket number 125.
To claim your prizes either contact Bob or call to the office in Amovate.
For photos of the event Click here
Registering to Vote
Expats can make their vote count
From the Algarve Resident, July 9 2009
For those of you who would like some more information about registering to vote in the local elections click on the link below to an article which appeared recently in The Algarve Resident
Amovate Sponsor Local Motorcycle Talent
Steve Carmichael was a slow starter to motor-cycle racing…but soon became a fast finisher!
And Vale da Telha’s own speed king now hopes to become a champion with the support of his friends and neighbours.
The 44 year-old from Devon who came to Vale da Telha for the surf, and settled for speed, already competes in the Portuguese National Championships.
But Steve says he needs a little help from his friends to boost his bid for a first podium finish in the next two races at the new Algarve Autodrome outside Portimão.
Music Festival July 18th
The countdown has begun to the annual Music Festival at Amovate on Saturday July 18 with tickets costing €10 apiece having now gone on sale at the office in the Old Schoolhouse, and from committee members.
If you plan on attending it might be an idea to move quickly as tickets tend to be in short supply for an event that is growing in popularity year-on-year.
This year's Festival will be our biggest yet. Pearl C and her band are topping the bill, supported by Fabio Nunes (accordionista) and Zé Matos, guitarist and singer.
There may also be a few surprise guests—one of whom promises to bring the whole show to a lively conclusion, so bring your dancing shoes!
Food, which is free to Amovate members and just €2.50 to non-members, will be available on the day and full bar facilities will be available, including draught beer.
Tickets really are limited so get yours early from the office or any committee member. The Festival commences at 3pm and is expected to run for four or five hours.
More details from the Amovate office, which is open from 4pm-6pm Tuesday to Friday, telephone 282 997 283 or on our website at www.amovate.org
Licensing for boreholes and septic tanks
We have been informed by the Camara in Aljezur that the deadline for registering has been extended to end of May 2010.
There will still be technicians in the Camara offices each Wednesday from 10.00am to 300pm to help people with their applications.
To download a copy of the form to register a fossa Click Here
To download a translation of the form in English Click Here
The copy of the form to register a borehole will be available here soon.
Event on 18th June - Ladies Day at the Races
This is a special event we have planned to coincide with Ladies Day at Royal Ascot.
There will be a prize for the Best Dressed Lady and a prize for the Best Hat.
Bring your own picnic hamper.
As well as the races being shown on TV we will be having our own races held in the grounds. There will be eight races on the day and there will be the opportunity to buy a horse, become a jockey or just watch the fun of the races unfold.
The first race is at 2.00pm.
We will be having other Garden Fete type activities.
Plan for the Area
A public meeting was held at Miradouro da Praia da Arrifana on 3rd June at 11.00am.
The Minister for the Environment Francisco Nunes Correia, representatives from Águas do Algarve, Parque Expo and the Câmara Municipal de Aljezur attended at the signing of the protocols for the implementation of a waste water treatment facility in the area.
There is also an overall plan being developed for the entire coast and Costa Vicentina National Park.
We hope to have information available to view in the Amovate offices.
For a full report Click Here
To view photos of the event Click Here
Objectives of Amovate
To improve relations between residents, businesses, and owners in the area.
To promote initiatives of cultural, social and sports interests.
To represent its members in relation to local and central administrative
authorities, public service and other entities.
To promote improvement in quality of local life in all its ways.
For the Objectives of the new committee click here
Event on 16th May - May Fair
Unfortunately we are unable to host this event and must cancel it.
We hope to include the activities planned for this day in the event on June 18th - Ladies Day at the Races.
There will be information about this event soon.
Medical Consultations
The Doctor has recommenced consultations at Amovate each Friday from 11.30am. She will however not be here on Friday 22nd May.
To make an appointment please ring 282 997 283 between 4.00pm - 6.00pm weekdays, email: contact-us@amovate.org or use the Contact Us Form on this website.
25 Abril - Dia da Liberdade
Come along and join in the celebrations for Dia da Liberdade on Saturday 25th April in front of the Piranha Bar, Vale da Telha.
There will be a stage with Portuguese music, dancing and entertainment.
Food and drinks will be available - Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Chicken, Sardines, Bifanas
The event will begin at 2.00pm and carry on through the evening.
DJ - Traditional Music
Music by Leonordolina
DJ and Karaoke
Music by Pearl C
DJ and Karaoke
Music by CafeJoJo
DJ and Karaoke winner
Licensing for boreholes and septic tanks
We are currently translating the forms and information required according to the law no. 226-A/2007 whereby boreholes and septic tanks must be licensed.
We will have further information, an example of a completed form and the form that must be completed for download on this site as soon as possible.
If required you must license before 31st May. There are large fines if you do not register. Although this information may already be with the Camara you must still register as this is a different agency and the information is not being passed on automatically by the Camara
There are technicians from the Administração da Região Hidrográfica do Algarve in the Camara offices in Aljezur every Wednesday from 10.00am to 3.00pm to help people with the forms and documents that they need.
Dance Classes
New Dance Classes commencing March 10th at Amovate.
Tuesday 11.00am - 12.00pm
Thursday 7.15pm - 8.15pm
Fitness and Fun, All are welcome. Cost 4 euros
For further information contact Nettie : 282 995 014
EDP
We are still continuing our campaign against EDP even though they appear to be ignoring us completely, so secure and untouchable do they see themselves in their monopoly of the Portuguese energy markets.
The AMOVATE Committee decided last night to begin involving the media in our campaign and we are drafting a press release for distribution in the next week or so.
It might help if we can include one or two personal experiences anybody has had at the hands of EDP, and we'd appreciate your help in this regard.
Have YOU suffered costly damage to electrical equipment and appliances as a result of surges or drops in power? If you have, would you please let us know the type and financial cost to you of that damage.
Also, have YOU been reimbursed by EDP or have they simply laughed off your claim?
For example, one of our members was recently assured over the phone that EDP would foot the bill for the damage caused to his electronic equipment--then all but told to take a running jump when he submitted that claim! Unfortunately as his conversation was not recorded he has no real comeback.
(TIP: If you do find yourself discussing a similar claim, press the record button if you have a telephone answering machine, or hold a tape recorder close to the earpiece!!!)
If you feel able to share your experiences (we don't have to use your names in the press release if you do not wish us to do so) please e-mail a BRIEF account to us at:
Contact-us@amovate.org
EDP may consider us just a minor irritation. But the fact is that not only do we have the Aljezur Camara behind us in this matter AMOVATE is growing stronger, thanks to you.
Since the new committee took office 51 new members have joined us for the first time, and last week we enrolled our 300th member. So, we are growing and with your support we are going to make people listen to us.
Also, it may interest you to know that the current Committee of what some people have dismissed as 'The English Club' now contains only about 50 per cent of English members. Five are Portuguese......
Post Boxes
We would like to inform everyone about the postboxes in the area. Amovate do not have any responsibility for the repair or maintenance of the postboxes at the Rotunda (Pinetress roundabout), they are the responsibility of the Junta de Fregesia.
The postboxes at the Apartments and Tennis courts are Amovates responsiblity. We are endeavouring to have repairs made to them as soon as possible, however this can only be done with supervision from the post office and we are therefore dependant on the availability of a member of the post office.
Membership Renewals
As the membership year runs from January to December, memberships are now due for renewal. You can renew your membership by calling to the office between 4.00pm and 6.00pm Monday to Friday.
Membership costs just 15euro for the year. This will also entitle you to discounts at many businesses in the area. Please see our Sponsors Page for more details.
Membership forms can be downloaded here. Click here
Lucky Member
Congratulations to Tony Quickfall...the lucky member who renewed his membership in January.
He was refunded his membership fee and presented with two bottles of wine.
Pantomime
Yes, that's right Amovate are going to produce a Pantomime for Christmas next year and a production team has been formed to start the venture off.
It is envisaged that early next year other members of the team wil be required to further the venture so to that end we will be looking for interested people who either have experience of this type of entertainment or people who would like to give it a go.
There will of course be a need for these people to draw together teams of people to help as the whole production will require about 40 - 50 backroom staff.
We will in February/March be looking for people to be, Stage Manager, Scenery Builders, Props, Lighting, Costume, Box Office.
If you have the skills, or the time, or the interest, or all three...please let us know...your panto needs you.!
Tai Chi
Classes for Tai Chi have started from Friday 9th January. The instructor is Fernanda Murrao. Classes are from 4.00pm to 5.30pm each friday. It is 30euro per month with an initial fee of 7euro for insurance.
If you would like to join the Tai Chi class please come along on Friday at 4.00pm or phone Fernanda on 913 027 862 for further information.
Medical Consultations
We are pleased to announce that the medical consultations have commenced each Friday from the 9th of January.
Consultations cost €15.00.
If prescriptions are required they can be delivered to Amovate the same day or next day, where they will be dispensed by a pharmacist.
If there is a need for repeat prescriptions there will be no consultation fee.
The feedback from members who have had a consultation is very good. We hope to be able to expand on the medical services and clinics in the future.
Appointments can be made by using the contact form on this website, by email at: contact-us@amovate.org or by phone on 282 997 283 between 4.00pm and 6.00pm Monday to Friday or by calling in to the Amovate Office at those times. Please remember to quote your membership number.
Amovate Charity Fund
Amovate raised over 1000euro through various events and fundraisers held in the past year. We would like to thank all the members, sponsors and businesses that contributed so generously.
Just before Christmas Amovate provided a party for the young children at the school in Aljezur where they were presented with a DVD player and a number of films for the children. There are many other items required by the school and it is hoped that we will be able to provide some of those things during the coming year.
There was also a presentation made to the Children's ward at the hospital in Portimao. It had been brought to our attention by one of our members that there were no proper toys etc. for the children when they were waiting in outpatients.
In a separate event organised and held by Amovate members but held in the Amovate premises over 1000euros was also raised to help a local boy that needed an operation. This money was donated through the St. Vincent de Paul in Aljezur.
Electricity Supply
We have drafted a letter to EDP on behalf of all the residents and businesses in the area about the poor quality of supply and the frequent power outs suffered in the area. A copy of the letter can be viewed at this link. Click Here. We will keep you up to date with any response received.
Guitar Lessons
For all the budding musicians out there you will be pleased to hear that we will be having guitar lessons - provided by an excellent local guitarist.
If you are interested in taking part let us know either at the office or by email.
English Teacher Needed
Following on from requests by members we would like to provide English lessons for non english speaking people.
If anyone feels they have the qualifications or talent and can dedicate the time and commitment needed please contact Liz Wilson for further details.
Computer Courses
If you feel you would like to improve your computer skills - watch this page. We will soon be providing computer courses that will cover emails, internet use, webcams, phone calls, anti-virus etc.
We will post more information shortly. Please notify Liz Wilson if you are interested in takling part.
Golf Society
Are you interested in playing either Ladies or Gents Golf?
We have been asked about forming an Amovate Golf Society.We are aware that it is difficult to get concessions but we are willing to try.
If you are interested please email Ian Bedford on i.mcbedford@gmail.com with your handicap (if you have one). We can then assess the numbers prior to
speaking to the golf course secretaries to arrange dates and venues.
The Amovate Committee are delighted to be able to provide the following new services to the members of Amovate.
General Legal Advice
We are now working in co-operation with a Solicitor who will give free legal advice on general issues.
Initially this will be done by email but it is hoped that within a number of weeks we will be able to have a free clinic at the Amovate Headquarters.
If you have any query for the Solicitor please use the Contact Us form on the Amovate website and keep your query as brief as possible. All queries will be in the strictest confidence.
Tax Advice
As with the Solicitor, our Tax Advisor can provide advice on Portuguese and
offshore tax issues by email.
Use the Contact Us form on the Amovate Website. All queries will be in the strictest confidence.
Insurance
We are currently negociating with an insurance agent to obtain discount for members on their household and car insurance.
We will notify members as soon as we have further information.
The Portugal News
There will be free copies of the Portugal News available for members. You can pick up your copy from the Amovate office from Fridays 4.00pm to 6.00pm.