From humble
beginnings in the homes of the first council members, the Association opened
its first office in Portimão in 1997, moving to its current premises in Rua do
Bombeiros in 2011. Current Membership numbers over 9,500, with a very wide
range of nationalities represented throughout Portugal. Overseen by a
voluntary Management and Fiscal Council, CEO Michael Reeve and his staff of 7
work tirelessly to keep Members up to date on what’s what in this ever-changing
world, so that they remain compliant with their obligations in Portugal but
also aware of their rights as residents here.
Michael
Reeve explains “One of the reasons for creating the Association in the first
place, was that foreigners weren’t able to easily find information about living
and owning property in Portugal and even with the growth of the internet that’s
still the case today, with so many people still struggling to find the relevant
information that actually refers to them. The Brexit turmoil and the more
recent Covid situation are proof that we just never know when we’re going to
need reliable and well-researched information. afpop Members know that they
have that to hand because the mission statement of the Association has never
changed. The team in the afpop office is Here to Help them and they do exactly
that.”
The
Association was awarded the distinction of ‘Utilidade Pública’ status by the
Portuguese government in 2010, the first non-Portuguese organisation to be so
recognised.
The last
President of the Management Council, Chris Ireland was awarded the BEM by Queen
Elizabeth in her last Birthday Honours list, which Chris put down to the work
that afpop has done in the community over such a long period. He said “Whilst
of course it is an honour to be singled out for an award, for the work that
afpop has contributed not only to UK citizens but also all nationalities and of
course in creating links with our Portuguese hosts”.
Current
President Paul Streeter echoed those words, saying “both Chris and I and our
predecessors on both councils are so proud of the work that the afpop staff
does to keep our Members informed, supported and reassured. It really is a
pleasure and an honour to be part of afpop’s long history”
Two of
afpop’s original Members, Mike and Jyll Pease, are still active Members and
remember “We joined afpop shortly after our arrival in Portugal from the United
States in 1988. Not long after joining, I took over as the Representative for
the Western Algarve and also served as Chairman of the Finance and Audit
Committee. In those days membership was quite modest, so in the case of the
Western Algarve, I contacted everyone listed in the telephone book with a
non-Portuguese name, suggesting that they consider joining the Association. The
outcome was excellent and we increased Membership considerably.”
There is a
lighter side too with social events for those that want them, arranged by a
dedicated team of Area Event Organisers. These have ranged from coffee mornings
and lunches to trips across the country and are a welcome source of
companionship for many afpop Members.
Members
additionally have access to the afpop Advantage scheme which offers significant
benefits on insurance, health, travel and accommodation, financial services,
property matters, shopping and much more.
Here’s to
the next 35 years!
For more
information, please call 282 458 509 or email info@afpop.com.
Alternatively, please visit www.afpop.com.