Our readers’ top tips for making the most of the Algarve. Send your suggestions for next month by getting in touch with our editor, Sophie Sadler: sophie@tomorrowalgarve.com
From: Ulli Schmeling
Subject: The Sustainability Group of Albufeira
As a “part-time Albuferian”, I often get upset about the littered environment, especially beaches. I have started collecting trash whenever possible and disposing of it properly.
A month ago, I founded The Sustainability Group of Albufeira Social on Facebook. On a daily basis, I seek to post as much as I’m able to find on any sustainability topics – local issues and or global ones – to increase topic awareness and responsibility, especially among expats and tourists. Everyone is invited to do what they can. Better to take small steps than none at all. I believe we should leave the coming generations a world worth living in – and preserve the beautiful Algarve. So far, we have 43 supporters mainly from the Albufeira Social & Networking Group. I post in both groups where possible and encourage the supporters to engage and post themselves (sustainable events, any topic related to this, etc.).
I found a superb collaborator in João Justo dos Santos from Before e After Ocean Preservation. João organises monthly beach clean-ups in Albufeira and was active on this before I started the group. (João and his team collected 21 kg of trash on 18 February 2024.)
Please join our group.
WhatsApp: +49 179 2963804
From: Andrea
Subject: Quinta Art Collective
Quinta Art Collective was formed by five artists – five women, five friends – in a bid to support each other and bring our artwork to a larger audience through collaborative events and the usual exposition route.
It’s been an exciting few years and we have exhibited in a number of interesting venues. We have also featured on Channel 4’s New Life in the Sun. We are active on social media and have, over the last couple of years, become reasonably well known in the Algarve.
Each artist exhibits alone and as part of Quinta Art Collective. We each have very different disciplines, which range from fine art, sculpture, fibre art, portraiture and contemporary mosaic/mixed media. This mix is unique and enables us to appeal to a wide audience.
We try to bring art to a wider audience through collaborations, pop-ups and workshops. Later this year, we are looking to do a workshop at Estrella Yoga, which will cover painting, weaving, mosaics and drawing. This workshop will enable people from the local area to come and experience new things and learn new skills. We will also be exhibiting in the beautiful Republica 14 in Olhão in June. Jessica Dunn will be the Artist of the Month in April at Quadro. As part of a series of collaborations, Andrea B Designs is currently displaying work at the new hair salon in Almancil B HairDesigns.
quintaartcollective.com/about-us
www.facebook.com/QuintaArtCollective
Instagram: Quinta_art_Collective
From: Jan Felton
Subject: Women of Loulé
I took over the running of Women of Loulé last August and our community is going from strength to strength every month. We now have over 1500 members. Our members work together to provide practical, emotional, professional and social support to one another, and to support their community.
We’re currently running first aid/ambulance callers training courses for people to attend in the area and the proceeds raised from the sessions are given to São Brás fire station to support the volunteer bombeiros.
We have arranged a fundraising event on 11 May at Limitezero in Spain to do a sponsored zip wire. We are working with Kiss FM, local magazines and national newspapers to raise as much money as possible for the volunteer Bombeiros and Alerta, and to highlight the work they do. I was keen to do this event as I was so surprised at the lack of knowledge on how the firefighters work in the Algarve and how 755 are volunteers and not paid.
We also work with female business owners to provide support and workshops for members to ensure their businesses are known about and flourish. Our members are from all over the world and aren’t just expats, as we also have a large number of Portuguese/Algarvian women in our group.
Our page provides a safe environment for all women in the area, allowing us to network on both professional and social levels.
I’d love for you to mention our page and what we offer so anyone who hasn’t heard of us or is new to the Algarve can reach out and join our community.
Jan Felton
+447759258881
