Over three fun-filled days in October, the Algarve 41 Club celebrated its 40th birthday.
Nineteen members along with their wives, partners and guests from Costa Blanca and Stockholm 41 Clubs attended the events which culminated in a celebratory dinner on a Saturday evening at the Hotel Baía Grande, Albufeira.
Chairman Kendal Milne started the celebrations by welcoming 50 attendees to his welcome party in Almancil, where the wine flowed and fun and fellowship prevailed.
The following day 34 of those attending the party went to the Valverde Bowling Club for the annual 41 Club Bowling Competition, where 31 members competed. Always keenly contested, the men’s competition was won by the Club secretary, Mike Trice, with the lady’s trophy being won by the President’s wife, Elaine Rushworth, for the second time in three years.
On the Saturday evening, the 40th Anniversary Dinner had 59 revellers dancing the night away to the live music of “Nightshift”. But not before honoured guest Wynn Parry, representing the President of the National Association of 41 Clubs, responded on behalf of the members and guests to the welcome speech given by Chairman Kendal.
The President of the Algarve 41 Club, Robert Rushworth, a founder member, proposed the final toast to the Algarve 41 Club and absent friends.
In his speech, Robert explained how the Club was formed in October 1985 with 22 ex-Round Tablers from UK 41 Clubs, only four of whom were resident in the Algarve. The objective being to bring 41 Club fun, fellowship and long-term friendships to the Algarve.
Over the three days of celebrations, €500 was raised for the Club’s charitable fund, which over the years has supported a number of local charities.
Along with their wives and partners, members continue to meet twice a month on the first and third Tuesdays, the latter being a social dinner, and of the 37 members, eight are now resident in the Algarve, whilst “overseas” members come from the UK, Ireland, Finland and Sweden.
For more information on the Algarve 41 Club, and to be a part of the ongoing adventure, whether you are a regular or occasional visitor to the Algarve, please contact the Honorary Secretary Mike Trice – mike.trice@gmail.com
