Predicting weather is one of the most difficult tasks. Weather has often been described as fickle, cruel and mysterious. Although the Algarve enjoys nearly 300 days of sun, during the winter months, we may see significant rainfall.
The enjoyment of our outdoor activities can be greatly affected by rain. Although a light drizzle may not dampen spirits to the extent it becomes unpleasant, heavy rain is another matter. And, as we know, thunderstorms can be dangerous.
To predict what will happen over the next few hours, you can use the video playback buttons on the upper right of the image. As the video plays, you will see the path and speed of the rain clouds. You can pause the video at any time to note the position and time of the current image. The double arrow buttons will advance or rewind the image in 10 minute intervals. It is even possible to calculate the speed of an incoming cloud by measuring the distance travelled.
Weather systems often form multiple bands of rain. Radar will help to predict the duration of the rain and the colour of the image will help to predict the intensity of the rain. Even if a forecast shows rain for a long period, there are often windows between bands of rain that will allow some dry outdoor activity.
Using rainfall radar with local forecasts adds to the ability to predict when the wet weather will hit.
Please give us your newsstories, public interest stories and any events that you would like to contribute by replying to this email or emailing: noticiaseeventos@amovate.com.
We have received a letter from the former Mayor of Aljezur (please see below), President José Manuel Lucas Gonçalves, and I wish to thank him for his support and assistance over the last four years
In his leadership role he worked together with the Amovate Committee in moving forward the children’s playground and multi-use court planned for the Old Schoolhouse site. I wish him the very best in the next life chapter. I also wish to acknowledge the work of the Vereadores who were instrumental in providing the coordination and cooperation necessary to complete the steps required to confirm the Câmara’s commitment to accomplishing our projects. An additional thank you to Mr. António José Montiero Carvalho who worked numerous hours with Amovate members to ensure that the proper language was added to the Mandato 2021-2025 regarding the projects. Finally, I offer my warm congratulations to Mr. Manuel Marreiros, our new Mayor. My best wishes as you prepare to take on the responsibilities and challenges of high office. We have had good interactions in the past during your previous Mayorship and look forward to working together again to build on our positive relationship and momentum.
Additionally, I would like to provide an update on the status of our planned projects for a children’s playground and a multi-use court as well as roof replacement at the Old School House. On July 17th, 2025, the Municipo De Aljezur, Camera Municipal, issued their Mandato 2021-2025 Act 17. In Section 7.4 of the Mandato specific reference is made to Amovate and funding of our projects as follows: “The Chamber resolved, unanimously, despite the lack of funds endowed in a sufficient Budget to support the expense, according to information from the Financial Management Service the Administrative and Human Resources Division, to allocate the financial support in the amount of eighty thousand eight hundred and ninety-seven Euros (€80,897.00) to meet expenses for implementation of the playground and with the reformulation of the multi-use sports mini-game field”
Important to note is that a major driving point for the Câmara to join in the effort to fund the playground and multi-use court was the €10,000 raised by the local community to contribute to the projects. The Câmara also agreed to fund roof renovations at the Old Schoolhouse.
I, along with other members of the Amovate Committee, plan to work diligently with the Câmara to implement this agreement.
Upcoming Events- Please Save the Dates
Sunday, December 7th, 2025 from 5:00-8:00 PM
Amovate Membership Gathering at the Fonte do Vale Restaurant in Vale da Telha. Details to follow!
Saturday, December 13th, 2025.
Christmas Market at the Fonte do Vale Restaurant in Vale da Telha. Come and do your holiday shopping and lend a helping paw to the dog and cat shelters of Aljezur. There will be cakes, savories, stands with jewelry, AEZA merchandise, art, jams and more! Please contact Jennifer at 912 418 589 or Rowan at 937 135 486 for more information or to purchase raffle tickets. Volunteers greatly appreciated!
Tuesday, January 20th, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Annual General Meeting (AGM) Please plan to attend. All members welcome!
Update on Litter Collection and other collaborative efforts with the Camara of Aljezur in VdT
Members of Amovate and other VdT residents participated in a litter clean up on 26/9/2025. We all respect the beauty of this area and plan other such beautification projects in the near future. The Freguesia de Aljezur donated bags and gloves for the Community Cleanup. They were a great help as we picked up 30 bags of litter in VdT. • The crew cleaned up the bags from the streets for litter pick up. • The crew loaded up the discarded waste that was left at the Old Schoolhouse. • The Freguesia are cutting a forest barrier around Vale da Telha (they are getting started in Sector H soon) • They have put in defibrillators in VdT and Aljezur
Excitement is building for the next cleanup which will be announced soon!
Autumn/Winter Sports
Tennis
Over the weekend of Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th of September there was a new chapter of the never-ending Doubles Tennis Tournament at the Amovate Tennis Club. Twenty intrepid and tireless tennis players took part in a two-day tennis battle which was played on the first day with the “Americano” system.
In the Americano system each player has to change partner in every doubles game. In this way the competition is very dynamic and playable. At the end of the first day a ranking among all players is created, and it is possible to form stable teams which will play on the second day throughout quarters, semis and finals to crown the champs. The second day of the Tournament is played with the classic system of one set made of six games.
The September final was played by Francesco/Niek (first team) vs Roos/Roberto (second team), who won in two sets (6-2, 7-6). The second set was particularly tough and exciting, with some players literally rolling on the courts – a good show for the people watching!
Winners Roos and Roberto (the double “Rs”) were rewarded with a good bottle of wine and a glorious first prize: a free entry pass to the traditional social tennis lunch, which took place on October 10th at José Restaurant.
The money raised with the Tournament was used to complete the on-going work to renovate the courts and re-paint. “We are particularly happy with the improving conditions of our tennis courts” said Francesco Tedesco, the organiser of the Doubles Tournament. “Courts are now becoming safer for all the members of the Tennis Club, in particular with the new fences between the courts which we are going to install in the coming weeks”. The Tennis Club in Vale da Telha counts approximately 200 annual Members plus other 200 Visitors along the year. Social events are planned every Sunday morning at 10am as well as Tuesday afternoons at 2pm. For becoming a new Member or register as a weekly Visitor please visit: www.amovate.com/tennis-club/ tennis lessons are also possible contacting the tennis coach at tennislesson78@gmail.com.
Walking Football
The play resumed on Wednesday, 24 September after a short summer break. We aim to continue through to the end of June with a short break over Christmas every Wednesday from 10:00 to 12:00.
Although the pace may be slower than the more familiar form of football, it’s no walk in the park! Our emphasis is having fun, keeping fit and aim to avoid physical contact. There are a few different rules such as a maximum of 3 touches on the ball, no heading of the ball and keeping the ball below head height.
I you wish to have a try, the first match is free and anyone is welcome to watch. If you haver questions, please email at football@amovate.com
Old Schoolhouse Calendar and Class Updates
New classes for the month of November:
Kids after school Program is newly added to the Amovate School House programming. Project 36 is a space for children between 6 and 12 years old focused on creativity and socialization. We want to offer a new activity option for people who live in Vale da Telha and the surrounding areas through use of different activities (games, dance, singing, theater, crafts, workshops, and more). We aim to strengthen each child’s qualities and abilities, respecting their individual learning pace.
HIIT bootcamp is a new addition to the schedule on Sunday mornings at 10am. Instructors Shirin and Kim will lead you through a complete body workout. In this hour you can expect to do work on strength, agility and mobility. Energize your body every Sunday at 10am.
HIIT continues with Leonie and Kim who are experienced physical trainers and they will keep you in shape! In the HIIT workout we do a circuit with different exercises based on functional training. This means you train in various skills that contribute to the quality of our lives, improve performance, and prevent injuries. This will help you achieve your goals which may include working on more strength, endurance, and mobility.
Send a PM at +31627272808 if you want to book a class
Local News and Events
Aljezur Sweet Potato Festival
The dates for the 2025 Aljezur Potato Festival are set: 28-30 November! Please follow the link provided for more information and details. https://festival-batatadoce.cm-aljezur.pt/
Art Exhibition
There will be an opening of the exhibition “Sossego” by Nuno Ezequiel on November 7th, 2025. The artist presents “Quiet”-a universe of vibrant colors, intense strokes and fragmented shapes that bring to life emotional narratives full of movement, celebration and personal depth. For more details, please follow the link at: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GcZuqeTHZ/
International Choir of Aljezur
Please mark your calendars for the International Choir of Aljezur Christmas Concert on Sunday, December 14th, 2025 at 16.00 in the Igreja Matriz (main church) of Aljezur.
Feedback?
Please give us your newsstories, public interest stories and any events that you would like to contribute by replying to this email or emailing: noticiaseeventos@amovate.com.
he President and other Committee members have been working closely with the Aljezur Cȃmara to complete the planning and funding of a playground, multi-use court and building upgrade to the Old Schoolhouse grounds in Vale da Telha. The process includes reviews of the safety of the facilities, reviews of commercial and financial documents, and bids from the contractors. While these items are still in review the installation date has yet to be determined, but every effort is being made to move the process forward.
You may notice a new “reply to” address in this newsletter. This will enable replies directly to the communications team. If you would like to email directly please do so at noticiaseeventos@amovate.com. Look forward to hearing from you!
Calling all Volunteers!! There will be a Vale da Telha litter cleanup project on Friday morning, September 26th, 2025. Spend a couple of hours picking up litter from our beautiful streets while talking with friends…old and new. More details will be posted on the Amovate website as they are formalized. If you are interested in volunteering please email Shirin at: rentals@amovate.com
Autumn Events
Tennis Doubles Tournament September 27th and 28th – Registration is now open
A new Doubles Tennis Tournament is planned for the weekend of September 27th and 28th, 2025. Since the last tournament of this type many players have expressed their desire to play again so we are bringing back this popular event. Registration is now officially open and if you are interested, please email Franceso at fr.tedesco@inwind.it. . Please note that you don’t have to have a partner to play in this tournament as players will be split into different groups and you will play with all those in your identified group. This is called the “Americano” system! The participation fee will be 10E for each player and the money raised will go to charity. Don’t hesitate to contact Francesco with questions or if you need additional information.
Local News and Events
Local Elections
Voting Day (Please note that registration is now closed for elections.)
Sunday, October 12, 2025
Polling stations are typically open from 8 AM to 7 PM.
Message from the Amovate Committee The President and other Committee members have been working closely with the Aljezur Cȃmara to complete the planning and funding of a playground, multi-use court and building upgrade to the Old Schoolhouse grounds in Vale da Telha. The process includes reviews of the safety of the facilities, reviews of commercial and financial documents, and bids from the contractors. While these items are still in review the installation date has yet to be determined, but every effort is being made to move the process forward.
You may notice a new “reply to” address in this newsletter. This will enable replies directly to the communications team. If you would like to email directly please do so at noticiaseeventos@amovate.com. Look forward to hearing from you!
Calling all Volunteers!! There will be a Vale da Telha litter cleanup project on Friday morning, September 26th, 2025. Spend a couple of hours picking up litter from our beautiful streets while talking with friends…old and new. More details will be posted on the Amovate website as they are formalized. If you are interested in volunteering please email Shirin at: rentals@amovate.com
Autumn Events Tennis Doubles Tournament September 27th and 28th – Registration is now open A new Doubles Tennis Tournament is planned for the weekend of September 27th and 28th, 2025. Since the last tournament of this type many players have expressed their desire to play again so we are bringing back this popular event. Registration is now officially open and if you are interested, please email Franceso at fr.tedesco@inwind.it. . Please note that you don’t have to have a partner to play in this tournament as players will be split into different groups and you will play with all those in your identified group. This is called the “Americano” system! The participation fee will be 10E for each player and the money raised will go to charity. Don’t hesitate to contact Francesco with questions or if you need additional information.
Additionally there is ongoing work to improve the condition of the courts to include replacing the fencing between the courts and painting of support walls between courts with a contrasting bright color. Our goal is to upgrade safety on the courts!!
Local News and Events Local Elections
Voting Day (Please note that registration is now closed for elections.)
Sunday, October 12, 2025
Polling stations are typically open from 8 AM to 7 PM.
Festival da for Batata-Doce (Sweet Potato Festival)
Be on the look–out for confirmation of dates for Festival da for Batata-Doce (Sweet Potato Festival) which is usually at the end of November. It’s a lively 3-day event celebrating the sweet potato harvest, and local producers. You’ll find everything from soups, pastries, and even desserts. It’s an incredibly enjoyable experience for all food lovers out there!
Cultural exhibits in Aljezur
Exhibits are at the Tourism Office in Aljezur.
International Choir of Aljezur
The International Choir of Aljezur will have an autumn concert on October 19th, 2025 at 17:30 in the new cultural Centre in Bordeira (Escola Nova). Be on the lookout for flyer posted around town.
New members are always welcome, and you do not need experience. Rehearsals are every Thursday between 14.00 – 15.30 at the Bombeiros. Contact Alice for details 910 208 590 or send an email to corointernacionaldealjezur@gmail.com
Do you have a newsworthy topic or article? If so email shirininportugal@gmail.com. Please note all content will be approved and may be edited for brevity or sensitive material.
Friday August 29th, the Vale da Telha streets were full of the smell of fresh sardines being cooked on the grill. The local Camara of Aljezur handed out multitudes of fish to long lines at the Amovate (along with other locations throughout the council). For the rest of the afternoon there was the smoke of grills filled with delicious sardines, laughter of locals enjoying their amazing meals and satisfied groans of full bellies after the feast had been devoured. A great day for all. If you have a picture of your amazing meal, look for the post on Facebook Amovate page to add your memory in the comments.
Amovate is excited to feature Pilates with Denise on Mondays at 10am. Denise has been a Clinical Pilates instructor for over 15 years, and a physiotherapist for 28 years. Group Pilates Classes with Accessories. Group Pilates classes with accessories are dynamic, welcoming and adapted to all levels — from beginners to advanced practitioners. We use accessories such as balls, elastic bands and sticks, which intensify the exercises, increase the stimuli and bring variety to the classes. Benefits: • Improved posture and body alignment; • Increased muscle strength, especially in the core (abdomen, lower back and pelvis); • Greater flexibility, balance and motor coordination; • Stimulation of conscious breathing and mental focus; • Relief of tension, back pain and stress; • Stimulation of socialization and motivation in a group environment. Recommendation: The classes are recommended for: Those seeking a better quality of life and body awareness, practitioners or sedentary, young and old! Denise Whatsapp+351 926286298
Golf Society
The VdT Golf Society has been active for some years now and continues to welcome golfers of all levels. We play once a month on the morning of the second Thursday at either the Morgado or Alamos course close to Portimao. Competitions are primarily individual stableford scoring with the occasional team event. Prizes are awarded for best scores, nearest the pin and longest drive….plus a few “oddities”! Presentations and after golf socials are held at Vale da Telha’s Fonte Restaurant in the evening of the competition. Would you like to join the group? Please send a message to: vdt.golf@gmail.com, enter “Membership Enquiry” as the subject and we will contact you. Thanks to Bob for coordinating membership!
Before and After Photos of Trash and Recycling Areas
Thank you to the Junta de Freguesia for cleaning up two of our unsightly bin areas. Both the Eucalyptus Roundabout in VdT and Praia da Arrifana (near elevation station) have been upgraded. Take a look at the comparison below:
Do you have a newsworthy topic or article? If so email shirininportugal@gmail.com. Please note all content will be approved and may be edited for brevity or sensitive material.
The official ceremony of commemorating the 50th anniversary of our Humanitarian Association and the 35th anniversary of the Philharmonic Band took place April 26.The ceremony was presided over by Mr. President of the Municipal Council of Aljezur, attended by distinguished guests, namely the President of the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority and the Vice President of the Portuguese League of Firefighters.The solemn session was a time to honor our Firefighters from the Board of Honor, recognize and thank the entities that have collaborated with and assisted our Association.It was still a moment of high recognition with Distinguished Service Awards to elements of the Fire Brigade, local municipalities, and former members of the Command and Social Organizations, while we never forget to honor all those who are no longer with us.During the solemn session, a protocol of mutual cooperation was signed with the Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters of Mondim de Basto.The Humanitarian Association has also been distinguished by the Gold Badge of the Portuguese Firefighters League, Silver Medal of Protection and Relief Degree Blue Distinction by the Ministry of Internal Administration, and the Gold Degree Medal of the Municipality of Aljezur.
Message from the President of Amovate
In order to vote in this year’s elections registration must be completed sixty (60) days ahead of time which is now! If you aren’t sure if you are eligible, please check the following government website: https://www2.gov.pt/en/guias/votar. If you are still unsure, you may visit the Junta Office in Aljezur to inquire. We are pleased to announce that the Amovate has been working hard with the Câmara, (who allow us to use the building), to get the school house into tip top condition going forward for the future for the use of all member residents of Vale da Telha and surroundings. We have also had great help from the local community and businesses donating money to help build a children’s park in the grounds. The school house improvements, the playgroud and multiuse court are planned to be completed in September 2025, all going well, just a few adjustments are being made to make sure that both the park and the multiuse court being built at the same time. All will be completely certified according to local, governmental and European standards. The Câmara municipal and the presidente and vice presidente have been hands on getting this organized. The president of the Junta da Freguesia has cleared all around the Amovate building and supplying nighttime lights and the Locky system for the parcel service.
Sports news
Walking Football
The Walking Football group plays every Wednesday from 10:00 to 12:00 at the Campo Municipal in Aljezur, although the group is takes a break for the summer season and Christmas. Walking football feels very fortunate to have the use of a pitch that is in such great condition.
Recently, the group has welcomed some new players. We are pleased to welcome Braze, Anastasia and Andre to the pitch. These players are very talented, and their skills may be spurring on some of the older players, with any luck.
The WF group has taken a break over July and August and resume early September. In the interim, if you are interested in playing, please email football@amovate.com
Tennis Highlights
Over the weekend of June 7th and 8th the fourth edition of the Fun Doubles Tennis Tournament, sponsored by the Amovate, took place at the local Tennis Club of Vale da Telha (Aljezur).
Thirty intrepid tennis warriors aged from fourteen up to eighty-three, from different nationalities with some arriving from Lagos Tennis Club, took part in this two day event using the “Americano” system for the first time. This system requires partners to change every doubles game. In this way the competition resulted very dynamic and fast play: each player had seven different games with seven different partners. “Players were very satisfied with the competition this year and we are happy we found the perfect format for our Fun Doubles Tournament, which we will improve further during next year’s giving attention to all the details” said the manager of the Tournament, Francesco Tedesco. “This event is a great opportunity to strengthen our tennis community and also to make some charity donations to local organisations. We are happy to have fun all together and provide support to others at the same time”. Part of the money raised with the Tournament is also used to re-paint and improve the conditions of the three tennis courts.
Under a blazing sun and a strong north-coming wind which gave a touch of volatility to some games, the players were able to complete nearly sixty exciting matches up to quarters, semis and finals, which were played with the classic system of one set made of six games. The final match was won by the Tennis Club members Valerio and Erwin, both rewarded with a bright-looking Trophy and a first prize kindly offered by one of the five local Restaurants sponsoring the event (Restaurant Fonte do Vale, Sushinami, Arte Bianca, Maxi Warung and Vales Restaurant). Prizes went to all the players entering the semi-finals, and also to two lucky players sorted randomly between all players. A special gift was also offered to the best over-60 player, Jon, and to the best under-18 player, Marley.
Now featuring Exercise to Music (ETM) on Wednesday afternoons at 11:15pm for the month of July. Julia brings her fun personality and great exercises to the Amovate for an hour-long workout that will have you sweating and smiling at the same time. Yoga Flow has also been added to the schedule. A challenging class that moves from pose to pose to encourage strength, flexibility and balance. Shirin will lead you through 60 minutes of yoga movement at 10am on Sundays. Please Whatsapp +1435 640 6371 for information.
Walking Group The Striders & Strollers
On Mondays and Fridays the Striders walk for a couple of hours. On Mondays the group travels to a destination outside of Vale da Telha and the walks can include challenging hills. On Fridays the group walks within the plateau, and usually ends with the group grabbing a quick beverage at a local restaurant to wind up the walk. The meeting spot is the Amovate Community Center also known as the old schoolhouse. Striders typically meet at 9am at the Amovate and take off from there. The Strollers meet at the Amovate at 9:30am on Fridays at 9:30. This walk is normally a slower pace and not as long as a walk, but just as fun. Please note that no dogs are allowed on the Strollers walks. For more information email info@amovate.com
In Local News:
Please see recent efforts to encourage composting by area residents. https://www.facebook.com/share/1ZQYEFeMLq/In 2019 the Amovate reported on fire safety measures, including evacuation measures. It has been confirmed that this information is still correct and the meeting place in case of emergency is across from the hotel for Vale da Telha. To see the notes from that meeting click here: https://share.google/gMREix36y6Cu4bfX8.If there is an emergency the best place to find information is the Câmara civil section of the website https://cm-aljezur.pt/pt/menu/72/protecao-civil.aspx (The Câmara is putting together more information, but not in time for the publishing of this newsletter.)
In Social News:
We are planning a social in October at Hugo’s. Please look out for more information as the time gets closer. Thank you for being a member of the Amovate. If you know of something news worthy for our newsletter please email rentals@amovate.com.
Do you have a newsworthy topic or article? If so email shirininportugal@gmail.com. Please note all content will be approved and may be edited for brevity or sensitive material.
