Q&A Session 2024

Q: Is there any intention of updating the kilowattage of the chargers?
A: Mr Pereira da Rosa (APR) said that new chargers had recently been installed which have a power of 22 Kw.

Q: Considering the plans for the new pool and the information sent out in the last newsletter mentioning that July and August are very busy months, is the purpose of the project to extend the facilities for members as well as for visiting members?
A: Mr. Ian Hares (IH) started by saying that the high occupancy levels are not just only July and August, as over the last couple of years the Club has been almost full from Easter to October. Part of the thinking is to release some of the pressure from the main pool. The idea is not to provide more beds but rather to spread them between the two pools. As the new pool will be heated throughout the year and will therefore provide an outdoor swimming facility through the winter, there will be opportunities to mitigate the cost of heating the main pool at the beginning and end of the winter season.

Q: Some years ago, there was a discussion on solar panels. Have there been any developments on this matter?
A: APR explained that there are solar panels installed in T1 villas, used for water heating. There are also panels in the clubhouse, which partially contribute to the heating of the pools.

Q: Does the Board have any influence on the charges of VDL? Albeit the service is very good, the charges are becoming very high.
A: IH said that this has been discussed at Board meetings and is a concern. We do not have a lot of influence on the charges, but this is a matter that we are tracking. APR deals with VDL directly and there is an annual review by end October. We will be sending a survey to Members in advance of this meeting to get views on car hire in general.

Q: What are the anticipated timescales (1) for the completion of construction work on the administration/minimarket block; and (2) for the commencement and completion of the new swimming pool complex?
A: APR informed that the minimarket and the ground floor will be ready by the end of July. The first floor of the building will be ready by the end of September. This will enable the beginning of the second phase, which will kick-off with the demolition of the offices and v.97 at the beginning of October. The pool and V. 97 are expected to be ready by the winter season of 2025.

Q: Has a decision been made as to whether the new swimming pool complex will be adults only?
A: APR advised that this remains under consideration. It is a matter that is very often raised at the open forums, and we receive a lot of feedback from the Members and comments would also be appreciated on this occasion. There was a suggestion to allow varied access during the day. Another Member suggested conducting a survey to members, while one Member expressed a preference for the facility to be adult only.

IH added that regardless of what is decided, it must be clear, simple and enforceable.

Q: In the light of the recent wildfires in Portugal, could you tell us if any extra measures have been put in place by the local authorities and by our club should a similar situation ever arise again?
A: APR informed that authorities have required the clearing of the grounds to avoid fire propagation. At the Club, all measures are implemented, including fire simulations which include firefighters.
In the case of the wildfires that took place, on that day we pulled out the fire hosing system into a state of readiness. Although everything was in order, operational and complying with requirements, we chose to replace the entire hosing system to a more modern equipment.

Q: Could you also tell us whether the club would be insured if any damage was caused by wild fires?
A: APR said that the Club is fully insured for cases such as this.

Q: Can you do anything about the lack of parking? There is very little available for the elderly/disabled.
A:Unfortunately there is limited space around the entrance of the Clubhouse and sometimes there are no available places. However, a Member can ask reception to have a buggy pick up from the place where the car is parked.

A Member thanked the Board for the work done in terms of the staff and on the preservation of the gardens.