Author Archives: Richard Alyard

Community Newsletter – October 2026

Message from the Committee

The past two months have been busy for Amovate, with encouraging progress on several community priorities. We are grateful to everyone who has supported our events, volunteered their time and helped move important projects forward.

Old School House Roof: Immediate Repairs Completed
The Vales School House is a well-used community resource administered by Amovate under an agreement with its owner, the Aljezur Câmara. Roof leaks have caused damage to the building, including holes in the internal concrete ceiling. Amovate President Matt D’Arcy has been working with the Câmara to develop a collaborative plan to prevent further damage during the rainy season.
On 12 October, Matt and members of the ad hoc Amovate roof-repair group met the Câmara’s building-maintenance engineers, José and António, at the school. Their inspection identified broken tiles, cracks and holes in concrete roof sections, along with evidence of water damage. They reported their findings to Câmara Vice-President Luís Ventura. The following day, the engineers returned to replace tiles, patch holes and fill cracks, providing temporary protection for the winter. A full roof replacement is being planned in coordination with the Camara.

Community Fundraising Makes a Difference
Strong attendance at the Amovate Community Market, Oktoberfest and Amovate’s participation in the Aljezur end-of-summer festival has helped raise funds for local children in need. Amovate raised €1,000 from its drinks tent at the festival and a further €696.20 from ticket sales and donations for Oktoberfest on October 4th, 2026
The children we have supported include Vicente, who has cerebral palsy and needs ongoing therapy, and Constança, aged seven, who lives with the rare genetic condition KAT6A and has a fundraiser to help cover the high monthly cost of therapy. For more information, see the Portugal Resident article:
Portugal Resident: Lagos Christmas event to support children in need

The Committee has approved the donation of €750 Euro to each of these children.

GoFundMe Refund Requests: Deadline 15 November
Amovate is closing the GoFundMe account originally established to raise funds for a playground and multi-use court at the Amovate site. As the project did not proceed, donors may request a refund. Please email your refund request to info@amovate.com by 15 November 2026.
After that date, any remaining funds will be retained in Amovate’s account and used to enhance outdoor facilities (to include resurfacing the multi-use court and replacing goal nets).

Community Market
The Community Market has been a successful summer event, attracting sellers and buyers on the second Sunday of each month. During the winter, markets will take place every other month. The next market is planned for Sunday 13 December, 10:00–15:00, at the Old School House in Vales. A festive theme and Christmas items are planned.
Sellers can reserve a place using the application form on the Amovate website: https://amovate.com/amovate-community-market/

Save the Dates: November & December 2026

28–30 NovemberSweet Potato Festival — from 12:00 at Espaço Multiusos de Aljezur (EMA), Aljezur. Free admission.
12 DecemberChristmas Fair — 10:00–15:00 at Fonte do Vale Restaurant.
13 DecemberAmovate Christmas Market — 10:00–15:00 at the Old School House, Vales.

Sports News


Walking Football
Aljezur Walking Football participated in the Aljezur “Sports Olympics” demonstration event on Sunday 27 September. Members of the public were invited to join in to see if they liked the sport. That was the first time we had played indoors.
Aljezur Walking Football hosted visiting Thatcham on Wednesday 7 October. It was a close and enjoyable match for both sides; Thatcham had just completed a two-day mini-tournament in Odiáxere on 5–6 October.
The Aljezur team is due to take part in a mini-tournament hosted by Bensafrim on 16–17 November, alongside the hosts and visiting teams from Easingwold and Coventry in the UK. Interested in joining? Email football@amovate.com.

Senior Tennis Tournament
The senior tennis tournament was a success, taking place over the mornings of 10 and 11 October. Mark Travis and Neik van Rijswijk won against Alan Nightingale and Geoff Franklin. The tournament was followed by lunch at the Font, attended by more than 20 players and partners.

Activities at the Old School House
Amovate’s IT team has been updating and streamlining the activities schedule for the Old School House. View the latest schedule at a glance here: https://amovate.com/activitiescalendar/

Local News


From the Freguesia: Join the Council and Walk
The Aljezur Parish Council launched “Join the Council and Walk” on Monday 19 October 2026. Residents are invited to take part every Monday at 6:00 PM. Location: Aljezur Parish Council, • Rua Capitão Salgueiro Maia, nº 46 8670-005 Aljezur.

Improvements in the Historic Area
The Parish Council is carrying out conservation and improvement work on Rua da Travessa do Forte in the historic area. The work includes pavement repairs, structural stabilisation and improved pedestrian access, with the aims of improving safety and access while preserving local heritage and public spaces.

From the Câmara: Official Algarve Walking Calendar 2026–2027
The Municipality of Aljezur has published its official walking calendar for the 2026–2027 sports season, covering October 2026 to August 2027. The programme promotes physical activity, social connection and wellbeing, and includes walks promoted by IPDJ as part of the Algarve Regional Walking Calendar, as well as themed walks organised by the Municipality.
Registration is required in advance at the Aljezur Sports Pavilion, either in person or by telephone. The Municipality provides round-trip transport to support participation. Please consult the official calendar for dates, destinations and registration details.

TOGETHER WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Amovate exists because neighbours care about neighbours.
Whether you volunteer your time, attend an event, support a community project or simply help keep Vale da Telha clean, every contribution helps build a stronger and more vibrant community.

Thank you for being part of Amovate.

Please provide any ideas and suggestions to:

noticiaseeventos@amovate.com

The Amovate Committee

News Flash: Amovate needs new volunteers now

Dear members,

Amovate has gone through a period of change and now needs your support to create an active, welcoming community here in paradise.

Amovate is looking for people with a wide range of skills and experience:

  • Can you spend a bit of time at home helping with admin and tech?
  • Can you spare a few hours to help set up and run a social, charity or sporting event?
  • Do you have building skills or are you happy to get your hands dirty to help maintain the Amovate property?
  • Do you have ideas about how Amovate could work better to represent a diverse community?
  • Do you have experience of community charity fundraising?
  • Do you have good written communication skills and are happy to help with the newsletter and social media?
  • Are you good with a camera and can you take great photos of Amovate events
  • Do you have ideas or contacts help improve community and local business relations, and increase membership numbers?
  •   Are you a Portuguese speaker who can help with translation and build a joined-up community?
  • Do you want to be involved in influencing positive change in the locality?
  • Are you a parent of children or young people who could help Amovate to find ways to create a community that includes them?

Maybe you are a backroom person who is happy to give a few quiet hours at home? Or are you happy to join in and help create successful events. Maybe you are new to the community and would like to make friends? Perhaps you don’t have much time to spare but would be happy to get involved occasionally?

Amovate is an active organisation that embraces change and wants to reflect the needs of everyone living locally. There is a role for everyone – the more people volunteer the better.

If you have can spare a small amount of time please email info@amovate.com and include a few words about what you can offer or your special powers.

Amovate June 2026 Newsletter

Message from the President

Dear Residents, Members, and Friends,

I hope this message finds you well.  On behalf of the Amovate Committee, I am pleased to share an update on our ongoing efforts to strengthen communication and collaboration with our local authorities, including the Junta de Fregeusia and Câmara Municipal.

Over the past several weeks, we have held productive meetings with both administrations and have agreed to establish more regular communication and information sharing. As part of this initiative, representatives from both organizations have been invited to contribute to future editions of this newsletter through dedicated community updates.

One issue that remains a priority for both Amovate and our local authorities is waste management in Vale da Telha. The President of the Câmara recently described this as “the number one problem” facing our community. Concerns regarding the condition of Ecopontos, illegal dumping, and inappropriate waste disposal continue to affect the appearance and environmental health of our neighbourhood.

To help address these concerns, this edition includes a practical Waste Disposal Guide developed in consultation with local officials. By following these guidelines and encouraging others to do the same, we can all contribute to a cleaner, healthier, and more attractive Vale da Telha and neighbouring areas.

We also wish to highlight the growing problem of construction waste being abandoned at Ecopontos. Building materials such as concrete, tiles, windows, sanitary ware, and rubble must be disposed of through authorised services and should never be left at recycling points. Property owners and contractors share responsibility for ensuring proper disposal arrangements are included in renovation and construction projects. As a community that welcomes visitors throughout the year, we can also help by providing waste disposal instructions in rental properties and ensuring guests have access to appropriate recycling facilities.

Through cooperation, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to our community, we can make meaningful progress on waste management and many other important issues.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to making Vale da Telha a place we can all be proud to call home.Matt D’Arcy
President, AmovateText

June 2026 Community Calendar

Essencia Nature Retreat

10 June 2026:  https://essencia.life/
A unique day of music, meditation, chanting, and vocal exploration.

Arraial Popular

12–13 June 2026  https://arraialpopular.pt/
Rogil Sports Complex

Traditional Portuguese festivities with food, music, dancing, and family entertainment.

Wine & Gastronomy Competition

13 June 2026
Restaurante Pont’a Pé, Largo da Liberdade 12, 8670-066 Aljezur

Regional wine competition followed by public tastings at Largo da Liberdade.

Sonic Medicine Chanting Concert & Voice Workshop

14 June 2026, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lulu-mischka-aljezur-sonic-medicine-chanting-concert-voice-workshop-tickets-1988220001546

Amovate Community Market at the Old Schoolhouse, Vales

14 June 2026 (For more information please see the following link: https://forms.gle/8Qo4cSGwWUvQQxq8A

Amovate Summer Barbeque at Fonte do Vale Restaurant.

20 June 2026,  https://amovate.com/bbq-churrasco-20-june-junho-2026/

Local News

From the Aljezur Freguesia

Learn more about the Presidente of the Freguesia and his vision for Aljezur:

“A Man for the People”   Please see the article in the June 2024 Tomorrow’s Magazine.

https://tomorrowalgarve.com/jun-2024-a-man-for-the-people

From the Aljezur Câmara

Please see the budget presentation by the President of the Câmara here:

Learn more about the Presidente of the Freguesia and his vision for Aljezur:
“A Man for the People” Please see the article in the June 2024 Tomorrow’s Magazine.

https://tomorrowalgarve.com/jun-2024-a-man-for-the-people/

Community Sports and Activities

Walking Football Continues to Thrive

Three members of our Walking Football group recently joined the Bensafrim team at the 9th Browns Walking Football Festival Vilamoura | 8–9 May 2026.  The tournament brought together 18 Clubs, 28 Teams with participants from across Portugal and beyond.

Our Walking Football group plays every Wednesday from10:00– 12:00 at the Campo Municipal.  New players are always welcome to watch and or join us.

Using surplus funds raised through weekly participation fees, the Walking Football group, in partnership with Amovate, proudly donated:

  • €200 to Aljezur Bombeiros
  • €200 to Juventude Clube Aljezurense

Tennis Club Update

The Tennis Club was delighted to donate €160 to the Bombeiros following the May Doubles Tournament. Please consider joining us by going to: https://Amovate.com/tennis-club/

Old School House Class Schedule

Waste and Recycling

One issue that remains a priority for both Amovate and our local authorities is waste management in Vale da Telha. Concerns regarding the condition of Ecopontos, illegal dumping, and inappropriate waste disposal continue to affect the appearance and environmental health of our neighbourhood.

Vale da Telha and the neighbouring villages sits within one of Portugal’s most beautiful protected natural landscapes. Proper waste management helps preserve this environment for residents, visitors, and future generations.

To help address these concerns, a practical Waste Disposal Guide developed in consultation with local officials. By following these guidelines and encouraging others to do the same, we can all contribute to a cleaner, healthier, and more attractive Vale da Telha and neighbouring areas.

This guide is a Cooperative venture with the Aljezur Junta de Fregeusia and the Aljezur Câmara

Household Recycling

Yellow Bin – Plastic & Metal

  • Plastic packaging
  • Beverage cartons
  • Metal cans

Green Bin – Glass

  • Bottles
  • Jars
  • Glass containers

Blue Bin – Paper & Cardboard

  • Newspapers
  • Cardboard
  • Magazines
  • Paper packaging

Green Plastic Containers – General Waste

For non-recyclable household rubbish.

Portugal’s Deposit Return Scheme Many new single use beverage containers now have a refundable deposit. Look for containers marked with the € symbol.

Refund machines are located outside participating supermarkets and provide shopping vouchers in exchange for returned containers.  It is best to obtain your refund voucher, it is best to do this before you start shopping to avoid losing the voucher

Garden Waste Disposal

Garden waste may be taken to:Former Campsite Facility

Near the Monte Clérigo Roundabout. Please remove plastic materials before disposal and encourage contractors to use this facility.

The Câmara continues to shred and remove green waste from this location.

Bulky Furniture Collection

Need to dispose of old furniture?

Contact the Câmara Municipal to arrange collection directly from your property. Please e-mail: cm-aljezur.pt or call 282-990-010

Rogil Waste Transfer Station

The Rogil Transfer Station & Ecocenter (operated by Algar) is located at Feiteirinha, roughly 2-3 km southeast of Rogil’s town center, just off the N120 in the direction of Aljezur.

Address: Feiteirinha, 8670-440 Rogil, Portugal

Region: Aljezur, Algarve

Operator: ALGAR

The facility accepts most waste items including: electrical equipment, wood, metal, household appliances and general recyclable waste

However, the following are not accepted: Construction waste and Used motor oil

Note: The absolute daily limit for drop off of standard household waste is 1 ton and usually free of charge.

Used Motor Oil

Sogilub manages the disposal of used motor oil throughout Portugal.  Information can be found here:  https://www.sogilub.pt/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/brochura-ogrs-23.pdf/

Bombeiros Aljezur can take small quantities of used motor oil.  The workshop manager will help you with this.  Enter through the large gates at the rear of the building..

Construction Waste

Building materials must NEVER be left beside Ecopontos.

Examples include:

  • Concrete
  • Tiles
  • Bricks
  • Rubble
  • Windows
  • Doors
  • Sanitary ware

Property owners and contractors are responsible for arranging proper disposal through licensed waste management companies.

Remember

Illegal dumping is a serious offence and damages our environment, community image, and local wildlife habitats.