This is an annual event for members and friends of the ASB which raises funds for the Gaivota home for children and teenagers in Albufeira.

At the end of the afternoon, I was pleased to present Dra Raquel Nunes, the director of Gaivota, with 1,415 euros including some donations from people unable to attend the lunch.

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Client;

This year in addition to the money raised at the lunch there was another 1200euros donation from a BBQ with the kids at the home in June and funding provided by the ASB for birthday presents and Easter eggs for each of the kids.

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I must also congratulate fellow ASB members Martin Holloway and Ken Blunt for their individual fundraising efforts.

Martin runs quiz nights at the Cocktail Garden in Monte Carvoeiro and raised 3290euros thanks to the generosity of the participants.

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Ken who is an accomplished musician on various instruments organised a lunch and music afternoon at the Indian restaurant and raised the sum of 1,825euros.

All much appreciated and greatly helps to improve the quality of life for all those at the Gaivota home.

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Many thanks to all at Restaurant O Barril in Albufeira for their kind hospitality and for serving us with an excellent lunch as usual which was followed by my wife Dee's homemade Christmas cakes.

Thanks to all who supported me with this event and over the past years since I started the ASB in 2010.

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Recently the ASB has grown considerably and now has an off-road Gravel group run by Andrew Chilton.

Longer tours of between 3 and 10 days in Portugal and Spain have been arranged by myself and Walter Kollert respectively. The monthly rides continue to be popular and usually finish at a restaurant for a social lunch.

I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Healthy and Peaceful New Year.

Ride safely.

by David Shirley