Category Archives: General

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

Amovate Aug 2026 Newsletter

Building Community Together

Dear Members and Friends,

We hope you are enjoying a wonderful summer and taking advantage of everything our beautiful region has to offer.

This summer has been a busy and productive one for Amovate, and we would like to share several exciting updates, community news, and opportunities to become involved.

A Message from the Committee

Over the past several months, many of you generously supported our GoFundMe campaign for the proposed playground and multi-use court. Although that project was unfortunately unable to move forward, we remain extremely grateful for your generosity and confidence in Amovate.

Request for GoFundMe Refunds

If you contributed to the campaign and have not yet requested your refund, we kindly ask that you do so by August 30th, 2026. After that date any unclaimed funds will be added to Amovate income.

Once the remaining funds have been identified and recovered, the Committee intends to redirect those resources toward something that benefits everyone in our community—the continued restoration and preservation of the Old School House.

Your assistance with this final step will allow us to put those unused funds to meaningful use.

One last note: Amovate is updating its social media presence and will be making an announcement soon!!

Thank you once again for your continued support.

Old School House Restoration Update

Significant progress has already been made thanks to the dedication of our volunteers.

Recent work has included:

  • Clean up of mould throughout the building.
  • Painting of the main hall (using Amovate funds)
  • Collaboration with the Junta de Freguesia to improve the surrounding grounds and facilities.

Every hour volunteers help preserve this important community building for future generations.

If you would like to join our growing team of volunteers, we would be delighted to welcome you.

Working Together for a Cleaner Vale da Telha

One of Amovate’s highest priorities continues to be improving waste management throughout Vale da Telha.

Working closely with both the Câmara Municipal and the Junta de Freguesia, several improvements have recently been introduced.

You may already have noticed the new information signs located at many waste collection areas explaining how residents can arrange free collection of bulky household items.

Free Collection Service

The Câmara provides free collection for items such as:

  • Mattresses
  • Sofas
  • Refrigerators
  • Other bulky household items

To arrange collection, please contact:

Câmara Municipal
☎ 282 243 340

Green Garden Waste

A designated collection area for green garden waste has now been established near the Skate Park, beside the roundabout leading toward Monte Clérigo.

This service is also provided free of charge.

Unfortunately, illegal dumping of garden waste continues along roadsides, beside waste bins and in roundabouts.

Please help spread the word by speaking with:

  • neighbours
  • gardeners
  • contractors
  • landscaping companies

Together we really can make a difference.

Let’s Make Vale da Telha Beautiful!

New Outdoor Exercise Equipment

Thanks to the generous support of the Junta de Freguesia de Aljezur, new outdoor fitness equipment has now been installed behind the Old School House.

The equipment includes:

  • Exercise bicycle
  • Standing elliptical trainer
  • Seated elliptical trainer

Originally purchased by the Câmara approximately ten years ago, the equipment has now been professionally refurbished and repainted before being installed for everyone to enjoy.

Thank You to Our Volunteers

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has donated their time, skills and enthusiasm to Amovate during recent months.

Community organizations succeed because of volunteers.

If you have been thinking about becoming involved, now is a wonderful time to join us.

Even a few hours can make a tremendous difference.

Amovate Events

Join friends and neighbours while supporting local vendors and community activities.

Next Community Market dates:

  • 13 September 2026 
  • 11 October 2026 

Oktoberfest is Coming!

Date and more information will be announced soon.

Over 50 doubles tennis tournament

Date: 10 October 2026

Around Aljezur

August 11th, 2026: Neon Walk

Festas de Aljezur

26–29 August

The municipality’s annual celebration includes:

  • Historic street parades
  • National music performances
  • Regional food and craft stalls
  • Community festivities
  • The famous “Banheiro 29” coastal plunge

Summer Entertainment

Throughout August, the Aljezur Convida series continues with performances across surrounding villages including Rogil and Bordeira.

Look for:

  • Live music
  • Magic shows
  • Cultural performances
  • Family entertainment

The area also hosts regular wellness events including dance gatherings, community dinners and eco-retreat activities.

Amovate Sports and activities

Tennis

News Flash!

An Over-50 Doubles Tournament is planned for October 10th, 2026. This will be for current and former Tennis Club members and the fee will be €5 per person.

Teams will be drawn before the event.

Following the competition everyone is invited to enjoy drinks and dinner together at Fonte do Vale Restaurant

Walking Football

Walking Football is taking a short summer break. We expect to resume on:

Wednesday, 15 September

Location: Campo Municipal

We play on Wednesdays from 10:00–12:00. If you are interested in joining us, please email:

football@amovate.com

Everyone is welcome to come along and watch or give it a try.

Old School House Activities

Check out the schedule for classes including Pilates and Mobility on Tuesday at 17h30 and YogaxPilates on Monday at 8h45, and all of our instructors provide great workouts. Participants can expect:

  • Challenging workouts
  • Individual coaching
  • Great enthusiasm
  • Plenty of motivation

The August 2026 schedule is below. Please come and try the classes!

Community Spotlight

Donation to NECI

On June 20th, 2026 an Amovate summer barbecue was held at the Fonte do Vale Restaurant. During the event donations were taken and Amovate is pleased to announce that a €150 donation was made to NECI, an organization providing invaluable services throughout our region.

NECI’s work includes:

  • Specialized education for children and young adults
  • Accessible transportation with adapted vehicles
  • Mobility equipment loan and recycling programs
  • Beach accessibility initiatives
  • Community food partnerships
  • Residential care facilities for adults requiring ongoing support

Their work continues to improve the lives of countless families across our community.

Community Arts Project

The CLDS 5G | UMMA ALJEZUR – Cultivating the Future, Honoring the Roots project is launching the exciting Paper Giants initiative.

Inspired by the Legend of the Taking of Aljezur Castle, community members are invited to help create giant artistic figures representing each parish.

For August 2026, the regular schedule of activities for CLDS 5G | UMMA Aljezur is officially on pause. 

The organization is dedicating all of its time and events to a special community project called “Gigantes de Papel” (Paper Giants). 

August 2026 Event Schedule

  • Ongoing (August): Community construction phases for the “Gigantes de Papel” project.
  • August 29, 2026: Public presentation and celebration of the completed Paper Giants, integrated into the Aljezur municipality festivals. 

Past Regular Activities (Resuming after August)

When regular programming returns, the typical schedule includes:

“Domingos em Família” (Family Sundays): Pop-up community storytelling, ecological tales, and creative workshops rotating through local parishes like Odeceixe, Rogil, Carrapateira, and Maria Vinagre.

“Quarta de Cidadania” (Citizenship Wednesdays): Local community empowerment and informational sessions held in various neighborhoods. 

You can check for real-time schedule adjustments and sign up for workshops directly on the official UMMA Aljezur Instagram Page or monitor community updates via the Município de Aljezur Website.

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.

We look forward to seeing you throughout the summer!

The Amovate Committee

Free Collection of Bulky Waste Items

🇬🇧 Do not Abandon Bulky Waste on the Street!

🚚 FREE COLLECTION

Door-to-door bulky waste collection service

Use the municipal service of Aljezur Municipal Council.

• 🗓️ Business days: From 9:00h to 15:30h

• 📞 Booking Tel: 282 243 340

• 📧 E-mail: geral@cm-aljezur.pt

• ✍️ Book your collection now!

________________________________________

🇵🇹 Colabore para ter um Aljezur mais limpo!

🚚 SERVIÇO GRATUITO

Recolha porta-a-porta de resíduos volumosos (Monos)

Não abandone os seus monos na rua! Utilize o serviço municipal.

• 🗓️ Dias úteis: Das 9:00h às 15:30h

• 📞 Telefone: 282 243 340 (Serviço de Ambiente)

• 📧 E-mail: geral@cm-aljezur.pt

• ✍️ Agende já a sua recolha!

________________________________________

🇩🇪 Keine Sperrmüll-Ablage auf der Strasse!

🚚 KOSTENLOSE ABHOLUNG

Haus-zu-Haus-Sperrmüllservice des Gemeinderats von Aljezur

Nutzen Sie den kostenlosen kommunalen Abholservice.

• 🗓️ Arbeitstagen: Von 9:00h bis 15:30h

• 📞 Termin Buchung Tel: 282 243 340

• 📧 E-mail: geral@cm-aljezur.pt

• ✍️ Buchen Sie jetzt Ihre Abholung!