30.11.06

Bank Holiday - 1st December

This day is the celebration of the patriotic movement that placed the dinasty of Braganza on the throne of Portugal.

The restoration of the independence from neighbours Spain was iniciated in Lisboa on the 1st December, 1640 by a group of nobles that proclaimed D. Joao IV, king of Portugal.

28.11.06

From our Golf Desk

From:
To: Golf Desk
Sent: Friday, November 24, 2006 12:07 AM
Subject: Re: RECENT ALGARVE GOLFING

Hi Helen

I meant to write to you earlier to thank both yourself and Jane and the rest of the staff at Hotel Garbe for a really enjoyable break. We were sorry that we didn't get to meet you, but we were very busy and just didn't manage to say hello.

We were very pleased with all the arrangements that you made and given the courses you arranged to our specification we have to say the value was excellent. The rooms were excellent, the car hire arrangements and golf were also as we sought, so we very satisfied with what you had prepared for us.

We were a little under the weather alright on the last day at Palmares and when we arrived it started raining very heavily so we didn't go up to the reception and check in. It is a course I have previously enjoyed and to be frank it wasn't easy to skip it, and maybe we should have played but given the conditions and our own condition at that stage we decided to give it a miss. However we also must say we had great weather for the bulk of our stay, with the only substantial rain on our day off.

We certainly will keep you and the Hotel Garbe in mind for any future golf trips to the south of Portugal that we may arrange in the future and many thanks again.

Cheers and all the best
Sean

27.11.06

Theatre Dinner Review - Contributed

We had been basking in glorious sunshine under cloudless blue skies and then the rain came! We were feeling blue. What was on the horizon?

A visit to Hotel Garbe situated on the beach at Armacao De Pera. A table for 10 was booked and we all met up to support The Royal British Legion in their quest to feed and entertain us but most of all collect funds for the needy ex servicemen and women.

We feasted on a 3-course meal in the hotel’s Raj Indian restaurant. What a feast it was too, washed down with wine followed by coffee. All diners were ably looked after by Paulo and staff.
With tummies full to bursting, we then sat back to be entertained.

President of the local British Legion, Harry Warner, was Compere/Master of Ceremonies for the evening and got all theatre-goers into the right mood by telling a few jokes and distributing the raffle prizes.

This was followed by 2 One Act Comedy Plays, “Dinner for One” and “Plaster”.
“Dinner for One” was acted by Alf and Barbara Dyson. The play was a trifle slow and it was thought that the non-speaking part of Butler James should have been allowed a few “um’s” and “ah’s” to “ginger along” the audience with the plot.

“Plaster” brought together David and Sue Butler, both of whom gave sterling performances of this most hilarious “husband and wife” scenario. Set in a hospital ward where poor David was plastered from head to toe. His facial expressions when wife asked those “wifey-type” questions were unforgettable.

Both plays were directed by the well-known Jenny Grainer.

Last on the bill was the very talented artist/singer Graham Cooper who had us all laughing/singing and tapping to his selection of good “oldie songs”. Watch out for this man, he will go FAR. Well I know he’s been to FAR-O, ’cos he told us so!

The original plan was for 2 shows on 9th & 16th November. However, as both were “sell-outs” a further evening’s entertainment has been arranged for Thursday 23rd November.

These “Dinner/Play” evenings are excellent value for money and because of their popularity, if repeated in the future, it is recommended seats are booked early to avoid disappointment.
Total contribution towards RBL funds was 1267 Euros.

Pauline Thurman. 20 November 2006.

23.11.06

Christmas Fair - Next Week

SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS
CRAFT AND GIFT FAIR
at
Hotel Garbe
Armacao de Pera

December 1st 2006
Doors open to the public 11am – 5pm

make sure you visit the Algarve’s best Christmas Craft and Gift Fair

Fashion * Pottery * Bed Linen * Christmas Cards & Wrapping * Toiletries * Cosmetics * Wine * Furnishings * Books * Woodcraft * Toys * Health Products * Tombola * Raffle


21.11.06

Swim for Shoes


JOIN US!
Two opportunities to SWIM FOR SHOES where you can have a dip in the Atlantic Ocean and help to raise money for children here in care who are in need of new shoes.

These will be on Christmas Day and New Years Day at 11.00 a.m. on the beach at Armação de Pêra in front of the Hotel Garbe.

All you need to do is turn up with swimwear, towel and go in for a full swim or just a paddle – the choice is yours as long as part of you gets wet! Then we can all recover in the Hotel Garbe bar with a drink of mulled wine on Christmas Day and hot chocolate on New Years Day, generously donated by The Hotel Garbe, to everyone who has taken part.

Buying shoes for the children who are in care is an ongoing expense and we want to help as many as possible start 2007 with a new pair of shoes. Each child of school age needs a pair of gym shoes and a pair of trainers. Whilst some clothes can be second hand owning a pair of new shoes helps to ensure the children feel good and fit in at school.

Adults and children are all welcome to take part on the understanding that you do so at your own risk. If you have family and friends staying over the festive season it will certainly be something different to do!

As this is a charity event we will gratefully accept all donations offered

For further information please contact
Vicki Good 282 320 260 mail@hotelgarbe.com
Verna Kinder 282 449395 pvkinder@mail.telepac.pt

Picture - Christmas Day - 2005

20.11.06

The Royal British Legion

Following the two theatre dinners that recently took place in the Raj Indian Restaurant we were delighted to receive this letter - many thanks to all of you that attended these events.

ALGARVE SUB-BRANCH.
Tel: ** 351 289 791699
e-mail: thewilkinsons@iol.pt
Chairman:
Peter Wilkinson
Casa Al Gharb
Sitio dos Calicos
8700-069 Moncarapacho
Algarve, Portugal

Dear Vicki

On behalf of the Royal British Legion and in particular the Algarve sub-Branch I wish to thank you and all your staff for ensuring the success of the two evenings of plays last week at your hotel.

The productions raised the sum of euros1267 for British Legion funds which will assist us in our commitment to the welfare and support of ex members and families of our armed forces.

Perhaps you would kindly pass on those thanks to your customers by including this letter in your hotel information sheet,

Thanks once again to the Hotel Garbe and indeed for the ongoing support of many of our functions throughout the year.

Best wishes


Peter

17.11.06

Introduction to Portuguese Wine


The first of the Introduction to Portuguese Wine Courses took place at the Hotel this week.

Peter Koberg and Claire Larson of WineMine an established local wine company, guided the participants through the finer points of Portuguese wines including A brief history of Portuguese winemaking - Tasting techniques and other tips for enjoying wine - The Portuguese table wines, districts and grapes; Port wine – the Portuguese legacy….Madeira and Moscatel.

More courses will be held in January, February and March, 2007 - for more information please send e-mail to
info@hotelgarbe.com.

16.11.06

Theatre Dinner next week

RAJ AT GARBE

Presents

Two One-Act Comedies

“PLASTER” from VISITING HOUR
&
“DINNER FOR ONE”
with
GRAHAM COOPER
at the Keyboard singing some old favorites
Directed by
JENNY GRAINER

Thursday 23rd November 2006

7.00 for 7.30 pm
3 Course Indian Dinner
with Wine and Coffee
28,00 Euros per person


Don’t miss it book now.
Tel.282 320260 - Fax: 282 315087 - E-Mail: mail@hotelgarbe.com

15.11.06

Painting on the Beach

This week we have three of our Activity Courses taking place in the Hotel - these photos are some of the participants of the Painting Course - taken yesterday at Fishermens beach.


14.11.06

‘Whispers’ - Palmair In-Flight Magazine

We were delighted to read this article in the Palmair In-Flight Magazine

David Skillicorn, Managing Director of Palmair for 12 years took his teenage daughter Lucy and three of her friends on holiday to the Hotel Garbe.














MY GETAWAY: Renowned for its long coastline of stunning beaches, interesting caves and unique rock formations, where breezes waft in from the Atlantic Ocean to cool even the hottest day, the Algarve has much to offer - a good climate, excellent hotels, restaurants and
apartments, friendly locals and a variety of ways to relax, or alternatively to party – a great, safe choice for all age groups.

WHERE TO STAY: We stayed at the Hotel Garbe in Armacao de Pera this year, it has a superb beach location, lovely pool area with a snack bar and as Palmair’s top selling hotel is a great holiday choice. Buffet breakfast can be enjoyed outside on the terrace each morning &
the hotel is air conditioned. We’d first holidayed in the Algarve in 2005 staying at the Tropical Sol Apartments – again, a great choice for a self-catering holiday with plenty of good inexpensive bars & restaurants nearby and the now famous Albufeira ‘strip’ just 5-10 minutes
walk away. As a complete contrast Monte do Casal enjoys a secluded inland location and is perfect for couples seeking peace & quiet, good food & wines and pampering – I won’t be taking the teenagers there!

EATING OUT: Fishing is one of the prime occupations on the Algarve and Portuguese restaurants excel in their fish dishes. But in our featured resorts you’ll find restaurants to suit all tastes & Evelyn, our resident Resort Manager, always has a list of recommended venues. This year we mainly opted

10.11.06

Dia da Sao Martinho

Dia da São Martinho – Saint Martin - is celebrated on the 11th November.

Celebrated throughout Portugal, this annual event pays homage to the saint who, on a cold and blustery November night, shared his cape with a poor stranger. The day is toasted with new wine tasting and roasted chestnuts – a Portuguese speciality

The legend goes that São Martinho was a brave soldier. On this day, a long time ago, he saw a poor beggar shivering with cold and without hesitation he handed him over his warm military cloak.

As a reward God made the sun shine through the clouds, and in remembrance of his generosity, on this day every year the days get a little warmer.

8.11.06

The Chelb Room



On the first floor of the Hotel we have a small meeting room - which as well as being used for the keep fit classes and bridge, it is often booked by local companies. This picture shows Tessa and Trevor Ashwell of the International Retirement Club who were with us yesterday.

The International Retirement Club is the first of its kind in the Algarve offering inderpendent living with the piece of mind that comes with being like minded people in a caring envoironment with 24 hour staff on call. www.internationalretirementclub.com

7.11.06

What's On - November, 2006

NOVEMBER 2006
Tuesday, 7th November - Nuno - Resident Organist - Bar Boa Vista - 9.00pm
Wednesday, 8th November - João Caracol - Music for dancing - 9.00pm
Thursday, 9th November – Fashion Show 4.00PM - Bar Boa Vista
Thursday, 9th November – Theatre Dinner – 7.00-7.30pm
Thursday, 9th November - Nuno - Resident Organist - Bar Boa Vista - 9.00pm
Friday, 10th November - Alan Storm - Singer - Carlos Pontes - 9.00pm
Saturday, 11th November - Nuno - Resident Organist - Bar Boa Vista - 9.00pm
Sunday, 12th November - Carlos Pontes - Bar Boa Vista - 9.00pm
Monday, 13th November - Nuno - Resident Organist - 9.00pm
Tuesday 14th November - Arte Viva - Music for dancing - 9.00pm
Wednesday, 15th November - Nuno - Resident Organist - 9.00pm
Thursday, 16th November – Theatre Dinner – 7.00-7.30pm
Thursday, 16th November - Ilze – Singer - Bar Boa Vista - 9.00pm
Friday, 17th November - Nuno - Resident Organist - Bar Boa Vista - 9.00pm
Saturday, 18th November – SANDRA TRIO - Music for Dancing - 9.00pm
Sunday, 19th November - Nuno - Resident Organist -9.00pm
Monday 20th November - Folklore Dancers - Bar Boa Vista - 9.30 pm
Tuesday 21st November - Nuno - Resident Organist - Bar Boa Vista - 9.00pm
Wednesday, 22nd November - João Caracol – Music for dancing - 9.00pm
Thursday, 23rd November – Nuno – Resident Organist - 9.00pm
Friday, 24th November - Alan Storm - Singer - Bar Boa Vista - 9.00pm
Saturday, 25th November -- Nuno - Resident Organist - Bar Boa Vista - 9.00pm
Sunday, 26th November - Carlos Pontes – Bar Boa Vista - 9.00pm
Monday, 27th November - Nuno - Resident Organist – Bar Boa Vista - 9.00pm
Tuesday, 28th November - Arte Viva – Music for dancing – 9.00pm
Wednesday, 29th November - Nuno - Resident Organist - 9.00pm
Thursday, 30th November - Ilze – Singer - Bar Boa Vista - 9.00pm

Weekly
Mondays -10.00am - Pilates - Advance Class
Mondays -11.00am - Pilates - New Beginners Class (Pre-book at Reception)
Tuesdays - 10.30am - Scuba Diving (pre-book at Reception)
Wednesdays – 2.00pm – Improvers Bridge
Thursday Evenings - 6.00pm - Pearl Exhibition - Reception Area
Fridays - 10.00am - Pilates - Advance Class
Fridays - 11.00am - Pilates - New Beginners Class (Pre-book at Reception)
Fridays –11.00am – Beginners Bridge
Friday Afternoons - 2.15pm - 5.30pm – Bridge Club
Friday Evenings - 7.30pm - Duplicate Bridge
Sunday Evenings - 6.00pm - Silver Exhibition - Reception Area


Fortnightly
Saturdays - 10.00am - Middle Eastern Intermediate Dancing Classes ( 4th & 18th November)
Saturdays - 12.30pm - Middle Eastern Beginners Dancing Classes (4th & 18th November)

Monthly
Monthly - First Thursday - 10.30pm - 12.30pm Writing Circle ( 2nd November)

THE FACILITIES AND ENTERTAINMENT FEATURED MAY CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

6.11.06

Afternoon Tea and Biscuits














As part of our winter programme (1st November until 31st March) tea and biscuits is served everyday in the Bar Boa Vista from 3.30pm until 4.30pm.

This picture shows two of the Bar Staff, Manuel and Luis setting up today.

3.11.06

The Algarve Artists Society


At the October Meeting at the Hotel Garbe we talked about the forthcoming evening meeting at the Lagoa Art College. We discussed some different aspects of art, in particular the different methods of producing a piece of art. It was suggested that we could make a collage based on the outline of the African Continent for the above meeting.

We then judged the Still Life or Model Competition and Sally Dawson won with her painting of Wine and Glass as shown on the right.

At the next meeting at the Hotel Garbel on the 20th November we are arranging for a local artist to give a talk about her paintings.

We would be pleased to receive applications for new members Contact info:- Sally Dawson Mobile 917408508Harry Hopley Mobile 966033124