Speaker at yesterday's meeting was Cidalia Philipe. She informed us about her new job at Golfers Paradise and handed acting President Brian two gifts for raffle prizes (to be held over for a future meeting). Our weekly raffle was drawn by Cidalia and won by Raymond.

In the press (Algarve Daily News.com): Rotary Club provides exchange students with "best possible experience of their lives" One of the highlights of the year for members of the Almancil International Rotary Club (AIRC) is when the Youth Exchange Students, sponsored by the club, present reports on their experiences. On WednesdayDecember 6 it was the turn of the long-term exchange students, Yonela Chiperi and Loredana Privilean, both from Laura Ayres School in Quarteira. L > R: Dr Raymond Parfait, Yonela Chiperi, President Claire Busbridge and Loredana Privilean Yonela and Loredana took part in the Rotary Summer Camp Project in 2016 and enjoyed it so much they wanted to participate in the long-term exchange program. Yonela spent a year with three families in Italy. Loredana spent a year with three families in Ibbenburen in north Germany. Watched by proud family and Rotary members and special guests, both students gave impressive PowerPoint presentations of their year, after which they agreed it was the best possible experience of their lives. The Rotary International Youth Exchange Programs (YEP) allow over 8 000 students from 80 countries worldwide to participate yearly in Youth Exchange Programs. AIRC is strongly committed to youth and education, and therefore very active in youth exchange, including summer camps and long-term exchanges. The Exchanges are organised by Rotarians Dr Raymond Parfait and Patricia Doling. The exchange provides young people with opportunities to develop their personality and self-confidence; make new friends from other countries; open their minds to different people and cultures and learn or improve their knowledge of other languages.

At our December 13th meeting Rotarians, visitors and guests were treated to carols sung by the Sao Lourenco choir under the leadership of Joyce Whitelaw. Patricia and Raymond gave a brief overview of YEP (Youth Exchange Program) and introduced the Past President of Interact, Carolina Figueras and this years two Rotary long term exchange students Ionela Chiperi and Loredana Privilean.

AIRC's Community Services lead by Peter Hinze visited the Almancil School today, where the children from the autistic class we support made a short presentation for us.

Great meeting last Wednesday, when our Long Term Exchange students Lauredana and Ionela talked about their experience during one year abroad. In the presence of their mothers they enthusiastically told us how enriching their stay, in Germany and Italy respectively, had been. The Chair and two members of the District 1960 Youth Exchange Committee had come all the way from Lisbon & Setubal to hear their story.

AIRC once again supported the food drive of Banco Alimentar last weekend.

October 29 Quiz night. Almancil International Rotary Club decided not to hold a Christmas Market this year but instead opted for a fund-raising quiz night to raise money to send young students to summer camps in Europe in 2018; a project the club has supported for a number of years. The event was held at the Chinese Gourmet Restaurant in Almancil and raised 1,100 euros. The questions, with a truly international theme, were set by Rotarian Brian Pullin and, despite fierce competition, the winners were The Aqua Babes. It was a truly fun night and everyone agreed the club should organise another quiz for next spring before which no doubt much research will be done on flags of the world and car badges! Photo: President Claire Busbridge and MOC Sandy, the Aqua Babes with President Claire.

Today's raffle was drawn by Mo and won by Raymond.

Robert Morrow from RC Dundas Valley Sunrise, Ontario Canada, has sent us these pictures. "200 Rotarians from my District celebrated World Polio Day at Niagara Falls which was lit up in Rotary colours to commemorate the event."

VOG Wednesday November 8. Governor Afonso Malho visited our club last week. He was handed a check for the Portuguese Rotary Foundation by President Claire Busbridge. Banners and presents where exchanged.