In particular, he shows why these appearances took place at that particular time, how local people responded to these events and what effect they had on the country as a whole. More than a century later, how has the district of Fátima been affected by the outcome? The Tavira presentation will be at 11h00 on Friday 26th January; that in Lagoa at 18h00 on Tuesday 30th January.

In the 2023- 2024 series, the Algarve History Association will sponsor our next concert at Quintinha da Música on Sunday 28th January at 16h00. We shall host the violin duo Après un Duo, featuring Romeu Madeira and Ingrid Sotolarova. They will present pieces by Dvořák, Janáček, Suk, Elgar, Fauré and Ravel among others. This concert promises an occasion to promote first-class musicians resident here in the Algarve. As usual, tickets at €25 are available from Peter at peterbooker1347@gmail.com. He is also able to supply directions if necessary.

Our programme in February will feature a presentation by Henry Work on the History of Barrels. He gave this presentation in Tavira two years ago, before people were properly ready for a re-start after the pandemic crisis. He points out that all sea voyages, including those to India by Vasco da Gama, benefitted from the use of barrels since there was no other way of storing liquids. And the reliance on barrels has been long-lasting. They were an important part of the export trade of fish from the Algarve until the invention and adoption of canning. Barrels are used even today in the refining of wines and spirits, and are therefore still an important part of life. The reasons for the different sizes of barrel, and their use for different purposes, is fascinating.

Dates for your diary: Tavira Friday, 23rd February and Lagoa Tuesday, 27th February