Silver Coast “samples” the IX Fair of Handicrafts and Flavours

Until April 30 the inscriptions are open to the participation of artisans in the IX^th Handicrafts and Flavours Fair, at Sobral de Monte Agraco – Silver Coast of Portugal.

The fair will take place in the Parque Verde das Bandorreiras, on the 7^th and 8^th of June and will include music, art as well as street animation throughout the week-end.

Entries must be made in the Municipal Library of Sobral de Monte Agraco through the location Rua (street) do Municipio, 2590-038 Sobral de Monte Agraco, the phone number 261948265 or by fax 261948266.

Opera and History at the Silver Coast

The Monastery of Santa Maria in Alcobaca (Silver Coast of Portugal) is already operating on the summer schedule.

From April the 1st until September the 30th, it is now possible to visit, the monument elected in 2007 as one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal, between the time between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., the ticket office closes 30 minutes before.

The summer schedule allows visitors to see more rooms and Cistercian cloisters for another two hours, since between October and March the doors close at 5 p.m.

Similar to what happened last year, the lyrical singer Luis Pecas will be present on a daily basis, during the summer months, for special shows in the unique monument.

At 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., the Chapter Room is the privileged stage to hear some of the most beautiful arias of opera and music by the voice of the local religious tenor, one of the best of the Silver Coast of Portugal.

Golf at the Silver Coast

The detailed plan of the golf course, to be deployed on the land between Alfeizerao and S. Martinho do Porto as well as for a hotel near the picture perfect bay is already being prepared.

With a total of 16 holes, the green is planned for a land classified as agricultural reserve, but its construction is justified because it is "a project of great interest to the region" as guarantees the vice Mayor of Alcobaca, Carlos Bonifacio. Therefore the municipality wants to closely monitor the development detail plan, which responsibility of creation was delegated to the private group promoting the enterprise, through the private buildings council.

More tourists, generating more wealth and more jobs are the major advantages given to projects whose protocol between promoters and the local authority of Alcobaca should be signed soon. Political rivals PS and PSD together make for a majority in favour of an investment whose study of environmental impact, already completed and without any problems reported, still hasn’t convinced the CDU, which also criticizes the over-supply of such equipment.

Silver Coast is slowly becoming a force to reckon with in the golf tourism business.

Crazy Cars race the Silver Coast

The second edition of the Crazy Cars Race is back to Caldas da Rainha on May 25th, a Sunday, with the inscriptions under way until the contest day.

After having participated last year about 100 people, divided into 18 teams and some individual shares, the councillor Hugo Oliveira hopes that in 2008 the participation level will be even greater. "We want to have more crazy cars and to involve more people, encouraging their creativity and at the same time to make disclose more about our city," explained the councillor for Youth.

Apart from building an original and no motor car that travels the streets of Caldas da Rainha, participants must also participate in a proof of knowledge, responding to several questions about the city. This time there will also be some physical evidence.

As for cars, there are no limits to the imagination. They can be processed bicycles, cars, bearings, skates, roller blades or other means of transportation other than motor. According to Hugo Oliveira, there are groups that have started to build their cars, but there is still time for new subscriptions. The deadline for admission is up to 13:00, on the day of the race.

There will be two categories, individual and in groups and in both cases is distinguishing the means of transport that has the greatest creativity (60%) and best score in the test of knowledge (40%). The first prize will be a week-end in a European capital, but is not yet defined the destination. The second and third prize will be a week-end in a youth hostel.

Last year the winners were a group of students of the Training Centre for the metal industry (Cenfim) and Claudino Moreira.

The route will start in front of Town Hall, crossing the street Herois da Grande Guerra, among other streets, and ending at the statue of Queen Leonor.

In the first edition, the fact that the route required cutting traffic off of several streets was very complicated, even taking into account the fact that it wasSunday, which caused many complaints. So, this year, was chosen pedestrian areas for the race.

Since Hugo Oliveira is also responsible for the Trade matters at City Hall, he wants to use this event to encourage more people to come to the city on a Sunday afternoon and make their purchases. "What people have had this experience in Caldas on a Sunday afternoon?”

The City Hall has already contacted the trade association for this entity awareness among its members at the centre of Caldas to be open doors for the day. The municipality also defies traders to join the initiative.

Observation circuit, more than 100 species of birds

At the “Tapada” (Nature Reserve) of Mafra – Silver Coast, it will be possible to see more than one hundred species of birds, starting from May. "We will open a new circuit which is the bird observation circuit", revealed Ricardo Paiva, director of the “Tapada”. "It’s the great challenge of the year, we made the lifting of that journey and we know that is, more often, seen species" of birds, explained.

At the “Tapada” (Nature Reserve) of Mafra – Silver Coast, every year is looking to submit a new product, and this year, it will be possible to observe chapins, felozas, pintassilgos, piscos pectoris red, as well as couples of birds of prey. This is the case of the Bonelli Eagle, which can reach underground and medium-scale, and whose offspring’s are the first flight in May and can be observed accompanied by parents throughout the area of the “Tapada”, Royal Bufo, a kind of owl of large dimensions, and the Azor (similar to the hawk), specialist in hunting birds in full flight, all nesting in the “Tapada”.

Apart from this route of bird observation, which will be in operation from May, the “Tapada” (Nature Reserve) of Mafra – Silver Coast already provides "walking, train and horseback, with horses themselves, and even a treasure hunt."

Climate change is a concern at the “Tapada” (Nature Reserve) of Mafra – Silver Coast, vulnerable to forest fires in summers of extreme drought. Another concern is that climate change can destroy the biodiversity due to not giving it time to make the kind of natural selection to adapt to the new climate.

"I fear very much that today's species do not have time to adapt, (climate change which were felt in centuries now occur in decades), we run a serious risk of diminishing our biodiversity, that is another area/ goal that the “Tapada” wants to seize next, he said. "We are neglecting the biodiversity issues that will be fundamental to our future," warned.

Silver Coast translates for Quality...

The National Council of Ministers approved the partial suspension of the Municipal Director Plan of Obidos, for a period of two years.

A measure, that provides ease pressure on urban ecologically sensitive areas, particularly near the coastline and the Lagoon. A government resolution published in the Daily Republic; identifies preventive measures, "aimed at the development of projects of high quality and sustainable development of the area, which involves the reduction in the rate of construction planned in the Municipal Directorate Plan in force."

Preventive measures are the ban on the holding of any urban operations, except those for the creation of holiday villages and Hotels that respect the constraints imposed, in particular with certain index of construction and environmental surroundings.

Quality development is the future for Obidos and Silver Coast in general.

Berlenga Island, Silver Coast protects its jewels

The Natural Reserve of the Berlenga Island, off the coast of Peniche – Silver Coast of Portugal, has new marine inhabitants, revealed Julio Coelho, chairman of the Technology University of the Sea-ESTM, at the end of the ceremony of a protocol signing by the local municipality with Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Biodiversity - ICNB, Institute for Environment and Development - IDAD - University of Aveiro, and the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria - ESTM, aimed at drawing up the dossier of the candidacy of Berlenga Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO.

"There are species that have appeared here, in our seabed, which supposedly was not anticipated being there for these latitudes," said Julio Coelho. This is a specificity that "already identified and will be released, through a sub-aquatic photo investigation" which will be published shortly. "These are species of algae, which are set in stone, that it was not supposed to be there, and a species of fish that was not supposed to go there, as was identified," he explained.

These new species might be able to adapt to the climate change that the planet has suffered in recent years with increase in temperature, the teacher admitted. "It will have to do with marine currents, with temperatures of water, and micro-environmental conditions that meanwhile were installed, round the Berlengas, which provided the setting of species that were not supposed to exist here," he said.

Compiling programmes of environmental management

The preparation of the application file is now in charge of Professor Henrique Queiroga, of the University of Aveiro for whom it is necessary to ensure that there is "compatibility with the Human Nature" in the archipelago of Berlengas. "We will make the compilation of information that the UNESCO requires as essential, to decide on the programmes of environmental management that are under way and show that we will articulate the political, economic, social, tourist and conservationist, to preserve the environment "of the Natural Reserve of the Berlengas, explained.

According to the mayor of Peniche, Jose Antonio Correia, the municipality intends to promote sustainable development and preservation of important natural heritage, demonstrating in practice, "attitudes of social responsibility that morally assist this." The recognition which is to be expected from the UNESCO "will also disclose to the world the full potential and unique heritage that has Berlenga Island, and that is important to unveil and value," stressed.

Silver Coast, New Shopping Centre inspired by local culture

The future shopping center that Sonae Sierra intends to build between the hypermarket Modelo and the Health Centre of Caldas da Rainha is inspired by the legacy of Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro, a famous figure of the town.

The request for prior information given by the company in the local City Council has presented the study pictures of a North-American company based in Texas - the fd2s - with clear references to Ze Povinho and other creations by Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro.

The Rainha Shopping provides throughout its surrounding images of the universe of the ceramist, according to a protocol that Sonae Sierra signed with the Faiancas Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro. "We want the local habitants to review the local heritage in our building, and recognize what is their tradition and their culture," explained in prior note.

According to the initial designs submitted by the Texan company, Ze Povinho, tiles and ceramics from Faiancas will decorate the future shopping centre.

The fd2s has worked with Sonae in preparing the project for a shopping in Campinas, Brazil. The park D. Pedro is "the first shopping centre of thematic and specialized "of the country, according to its presentation on the Internet "The pioneer model of the Park D. Pedro is allied to the welfare and entertainment of the local community and special concern with the environment, "added.

As to the draft architecture, it is now the responsibility of Quintela Jose da Fonseca, after the Department of Planning and Urbanism (DPU) of City Council, raising some doubts about the integration planning and excessive volume the first draft presented.

The new project is more appealing to the Mayor, according to Gazeta,. But still there is no official position on the prior information.

Sonae Sierra refers, in the document presented, that they want to "develop a building 'icon', a landmark for the city, with a design of rounded forms, vertical development in terraces, with the clear objective of reducing the visual volume." Flower pots were made with natural landscaping, "thus removing the impact that the three floors could create regarding the street and passers-by."

The air link between the new building and Modelo Hypermarket, considered crucial in terms of trade and use, "is also an event in terms of Urban Design and Design." According to the images available, the impact of such air link in the new proposal is smaller than the previous one, because it is done in an area below.

The planned investment in the project is estimated of 50 million. The prior information submitted will now be examined by the DPU and the city council executive.

Obidos, Researchers prepare solutions for sustainability

The council of Obidos gave the following task to the StaR course, which occurred in Obidos from 7 to April 11: to develop practical solutions in order to transform the beautiful medieval town in an Eco-Town for a sustainable future.

The program STaR City brought together young researchers with multidisciplinary skills and aims to find solutions to current environmental issues and thus contribute to sustainable urban development in Europe.

Obidos has a great opportunity to become the first Portuguese village to reach the point of zero-emissions through the optimization of existing infrastructure, introduction of renewable energy, sustainable solutions to transport and waste management.

This course has a special focus on intelligent infrastructure systems, sustainable transport, sustainable tourism, evaluation of impacts, challenges to local authorities and others to be addressed by young researchers. The Municipality of Obidos and STaR encourages groups to submit ideas and new solutions for the future development of this town, to be replicated in other communities in Europe. Municipal authorities emerged with a vision that points to the creation of a new standard for urban spaces in Portugal and the results that flow from this event can be replicated in many other Portuguese communities.

The challenges and impacts of tourism are recognized in all municipalities and have been taking this into account which reached a basis for cooperation. The concept of Eco-Town, once implemented, should, first, protect the local environment of the negative impacts of tourism and, second, become a reference and have a role in attraction as a catalyst for the planning and improving quality of life. Funded by the Marie Curie programme, the STaR City is a unique project composed of a series of events covering the four key sectors in sustainable urban development: energy, transportation, waste management and urban planning.

The participants, students in doctoral and post-doctoral, with different skills from different disciplines and countries, provided the basis for innovative solutions and discussed real problems within the theme of sustainable solutions. They were also present, in large, internationally renowned experts, together with representatives from universities-edge, businesses, municipal and national authorities as well as the European Union.

Silver Coast and Obidos, always looking for improvement!

Silver Coast, safer and more accessible

S. Martinho do Porto will have a pedestrian bridge over the railroad.

In the near future, residents and tourists from the village of Sao Martinho do Porto can rely on a pedestrian crossing that will connect the train station to the beach sidewalk.

The installation of this equipment is the result of an agreement between the City Hall of Alcobaca, REFER and a civil construction company responsible for a resort that is already being built in the village and that is exclusively meant as second homes for English families. The contractor is responsible for building such equipment, which could be used by all, on the other hand the City Hall of Alcobaca has promised the construction company land for sidewalks and public equipment.

The new pedestrian bridge will be equipped with two lifts to facilitate access to those with reduced mobility and is justified mainly by increased security of all who have to cross the rails for access to the beach. The details of the agreement and the investment that this implies, should be signed at a meeting with a date yet to be defined.

Silver Coast of Portugal, constantly on the move! Improving every second... every day.

Silver Coast samples Soups and Tradional Food

The Cooperative Wine Cellar of Labrugeira will receive, on days 12 and 13, the VI Festival of Soups and Traditional Cookery of Alenquer.

The purpose of this festival is to show popular food and old receipts related to the inhabitants of the field of the high part of the county of Alenquer and, in particular, its food for subsistence, the Cooperative Wine Cellar of Labrugeira intends to honor the growers of this region.

At a time when farmers are preferably dedicated to agricultural production at the expense of other alternatives of urban environments, they both were the owners of these resources but also assumed the letter of its productivity. Its purpose was more the immediate livelihood of the family, producing values of use and non-exchange values.

The soups were then made of how diligent, with potatoes, beans or grain and in some cases improved with meat, pork, mutton, lamb or chicken, and, as the remaining ingredients, everything from homemade production.

The "merenda", a light meal in the afternoon, a habit lost about half a century ago, functioned in place of supper. It was composed by leftovers of the earlier meal, based on snacks, and bacon, greaves, sausage and fresh cheese. This costume has fallen into disuse but is still in memory of the oldest.

Program

Day 12 (Saturday)
-- 12:30 - Parade of "Fanfarra" by The Volunteered Fire Fighters of Alenquer;
-- 13:00 - Event Inauguration;
-- 15:00 - Sevillian "Las Guapas";
-- 16:00 - HIP-HOP (Sporting Alenquer);
-- 18:00 - Folk "Rancho" (traditional dances) of Penafirme da Ventosa;
-- 21:00 - Group "The Vindimeiros";
-- 22:30 - Musical "Tuna", University of Coimbra.

Day 13 (Sunday)
-- 13:00 - Resumption of the Event;
-- 14:00 - Light Orchestra of Olhalvo;
-- 16:00 - Voices Maduras (Child);
-- 17:00 - Voices Maduras (Adult);
-- 18:00 - Sevillian "Home of Saozinha";
-- 19:00 - Bandinha the quarter;
-- 21:00 - Folk "Rancho" (traditional dances) of Vila Verde of Francs

National Pear Fair to be held in the Silver Coast

The Association of Farmers of the West Region of Portugal will organize the XV National Fair of “Rocha” Pear (special kind of pear only found in Portugal, in the West region).

Displays of all kinds of Sweets, Crafts and Regional cookery, between the days 6 and 10 of August, at the Municipal Forrest of Bombarral.

The event, countryside originated, occurring in the full season of summer, serves as a great contribution to the promotion of key sectors of the local economy and culture of Bombarral and the Silver Coast/ Western Region of Portugal.

This event will be composed by 100 stands of exposure, taverns and rural space for cultural and musical entertainment. The first day begins with an "Inauguration Picnic", which consists of a rural menu, with regional wine and accompanied by delicious sweets, liquor and canned fruit, in particular, “Rocha” pears.

This year some innovations are planned within the dissemination of traditional agro-food products, like a giant cake of “Rocha” pear.

The Silver Coast of Portugal, waiting for your visit and pleasure!

“Flavours of the Sea”, Festival in the Silver Coast

June will be the month of the Summer launching season in Peniche, with one more edition of the Festival Sabores do Mar (Flavors of the Sea) that will be carried out between the days 6 and 15.

To the resemblance of the two last editions, the “flavours” will go beyond the gastronomy. Pottery, Animation, Knowledge and Sport will also have highlight place in the 2008 edition.

The Swim Crossing between Farilhoes (Smaller Islands next to Berlenga, the Bigger Island off the coast of Peniche) - Peniche, the 11th crossing by kayak between Peniche – Berlengas; the city’s XXVth edition of the “Triatlo”, that will count with the presence of the best national athletes, such as world champ Vanessa Fernandes, Bruno Pais, Duarte Marques, and the musical shows with Jorge Palma (7th of June), Beto (13th of June) and Blasted Mechanism (14th of June), all of these are some of the initiatives already confirmed in the program.

Regarding the Knowledge theme, the Festival of this year will count on with, once again, the "I Am of from Peniche Convention ", an open forum to everybody that in some way feels connected to Peniche and that wish's to contribute with ideas or projects for the development of the area.

Preceding the 9th Festival “Flavors of the Sea”, is scheduled a gastronomic week of Peniche in the Restaurant Dom Tonho (by the Port), between the days 15 and 18 of May, that will mark the launching and official presentation of the festival.

Silver Coast, always looking for quality of life!