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Sunset Secrets
A typical fellowship event of the Rotary Club of Silves. Fourteen of our members and friends enjoyed a night at the Castle enjoying Sunset in the Castle, an annual July event featuring Jazz Music , Dancers and a Fire show; all in the most wonderful setting of Silves Castle.
O What a Lovely Shed!
The Garden at Casa do Povo now has a secure place to store the materials and tools funded by RC Silves. The tools are used in their garden by adults with learning difficulties. The activities in the garden not only provide a physical activity but a learning and therapeutic one too. The Rotary Club of Silves has supported Casa do Povo on many occasions over the years with furniture, learning resources and a cushioned floor for their nursery space. RC Silves members will always value the work that they do for the more disadvantaged in our community.
Welcoming a New Member
President Judy Falcao expressed the pleasure of welcoming Annette Gillhart as a new member. Annette has already been involved with many projects at the club and hopes to focus on our new Peace Project “Youth Arts for Peace” as well as the environment. Members look forward to working with Annette.
Silves Rotary Club Celebrates Presidential Handover at Riverside Retreat
Thirty people braved the rain and dusty, winding roads to attend the wonderful Presidential handover of the Silves Rotary Club, held at the breathtaking Figs on the Funcho nature retreat the event unfolded as a tranquil oasis nestled right beside the sweeping curves of the Arade River.
The afternoon commenced with a poignant, traditional Flag Ceremony, anchoring the event in a sense of shared purpose and global community. Guests then looked back with pride on a remarkable year of achievements, before tucking into a vibrant, seasonal vegetarian feast.
As the heavens opened up, a sea of colourful umbrellas bloomed across the scattered outdoor tables. Far from dampening the mood, the rain heightened the cozy, shared camaraderie. The gathering brought together visiting Rotarians, active club members and Governor’s Assistant Dr. José Manuel Sosa. Together, they offered glowing praise for outgoing President Pam Winn. Under Pam’s exceptional leadership and tireless dedication, Silves has officially blossomed into the largest and most thriving Rotary club in the Algarve. Her past year was defined by impactful initiatives, including vital school and environmental projects, alongside targeted financial aid for local community requests.
Taking the reins with effortless aplomb, incoming President Judy Falcao who also meticulously organized the afternoon’s stunning setup—unveiled an exciting roadmap for the year ahead. Judy expressed her vision to harness the rich, diverse talents of the club’s international membership, aiming to elevate both fellowship activities and vital community fundraising to new heights.
Guests laughed and toasted with fine wine, enjoying a comforting menu of fresh mint and pea soup, burnt aubergine vegetarian chilli, “marry me” mushrooms & beans, accompanied by two salads, fluffy couscous and rice. The culinary highlight concluded with a spectacularly creamy lemon mousse. As the day drew to a close, the rain gave way to the soaring, soulful notes of a live vocal performance by Adriana Neto Goncalves. Her beautiful melodies echoed over the quiet river, leaving guests inspired, connected and ready for a bright new chapter of charitable service in the Algarve.
Dancing in the Aisles
On Saturday 13 June the Silves Rotary Club Charity concert was held at the charming Teatro Mascarenhas Gregório in Silves. 2000€ was raised towards Silves Rotary Club’s Education Projects. The audience was enthralled by music from the well-known Brazilian quartet lead by Túka. They performed Latin American classics, Reggae and interpretations of some contemporary pop pieces to the delight of the audience with some dancing in the aisles. Thanks to the generosity of the audience Silves Rotary club can continue its work with local schools through 2026 and into 2027.
These include funding 14 students from Agrupamento Escolas de SilvesSul to join 300+ students at a Model United Nations conference at Cheadle Hulme School in Greater Manchester. This will be their 3rd year. The two teams of six will be representing Portugal and Mozambique. Two students who were included in previous teams have been selected as Guest Committee Chairs for the Youth and Environmental committees.
Preparations are already underway for the clubs next large scale fundraising activity where members will walk from Monchique to Cabo Sao Vincente to raise money to help fund therapies for young children with language and learning difficulties. The walk is due in October and is a follow up to the successful Valença do Minho to Santiago de Compostela walk in the autumn of 2022.
Pam Winn, the RC Silves President would like on behalf of all members to thank the sponsors of our event with special thanks to Tuka and his Trio, Camera Municipal de Silves for allowing us to use the wonderful Teatro, Pedro and Joao the staff of the Teatro and last but not least Quinta Dos Sentidos for providing us with us with some excellent wines for our audience.
Garden Party Raises 1500€ for Community Projects.
On Sunday 17 May another successful fundraising Garden Party. Party goers were treated to a South African style Braai (BBQ) along with other delicious savoury and salad dishes all prepared by members of the club. The deserts were also in abundance along with local wines and those from the Alentejo and Douro regions.
Music was provided by the ever-popular Jackson River. Jackson as usual entertained with every kind of music from opera to rock. Members danced the afternoon away with line dancing proving very popular. A fun time was had by all and a total of 1500€ was raised in aid the RC Silves community programmes.
The President Pam Winn and event organiser Judy Falção thanked everybody who helped to make the day a success. They said “We could not support projects in the Silves community without the contributions at events from our Portuguese and International community”
RC Silves final event before the summer will be a music performance held at Teatro Mascarenhas Gregório in Silves on 13 June with well-known Brazilian artist, Touka Moura performing. Monies raised at this event will help fund the club’s education programmes. Information will be available soon.
Cookery Competition Finals 2026
Eight judges will gather at Algoz School this April through to June to taste the food created by 5 groups of students. The food will be paired with local wines. They will to be judged on the food and the service. The students greet the judges and lead them to their table and present their menus.
For the finals this year, the Rotary judges are joined by Adelia and Wilson from the Rainha Restaurant near to Silves. They will cast their professional eye over the menus. The first 2 finals produced some lovely food.
This competition is going to be difficult to judge.
Walking through Scenic Paderne
A new walk for some of the RC Members and friends. This walk was organised by Ulrike to take in the lovely views and spring flowers around Paderne.
It was just over 6 kms and the group really enjoyed the walk and the friendship. Participants donate 5€ which helps to fund RC Silves Community Projects.
Garden Party, Nora Sunday 17 May 12:30
This is the 5th edition of the Garden Party. An afternoon of fun, fellowship and fund raising. All in aid of RC Silves many community projects. Jackson River will provide the music. Food from the South African style BBQ and many more cakes and treats. To book please contact secretary.rotarysilves@gmail.com
Last years event:-
Silves Treasure Hunt
Rotarians from RC Silves for fun and fellowship enjoyed each other’s company whilst learning a bit more about Silves Historical Sites on a Saturday in April. Even those who lived in Silves learned about new points of interest. Of course, they visited the castle, cathedral, misericordia church and roman bridge. But they also visited municipal museum and had their picture taken with the Moor princess, Chapel of the Martyrs, pillory, Casa da culture, the palace of Viscounts of Lagoa sadly in bad condition these days.
After the exertion of the walk they adjourned to a local restaurant for of course, chicken and chips. Each member received a Kinder egg as their treasure. Which were eagerly consumed.
Further fellowship events are in planning for visit to a fish farm and a Gin Tasting.
Rotary Clube de Silves 