This year, Ludo looks at Tides. He writes: Tides are an everyday occurrence, but most of us do not understand them well. Why is it that in most of the world there are two tide-cycles a day? But not everywhere. It is widely recognized that the gravitational pull of the moon is the main tidal driving force, but the sun is also a major player. The relative position of the three astronomical bodies (Sun, Moon and planet Earth) is more complex than a simple interplay of not-so-circular orbits and creates a set of factors that determine the tidal ranges. The rotation of our globe produces a less well-known Coriolis-force that makes the tides propagate in unexpected directions. Tides are also influenced by the shape of the continents, and tidal ranges are not equal in all parts of the world, while some ocean locations have no tides at all. Tides appear to be a simple phenomenon at first sight, but on deeper study turn out to offer a wide field of knowledge.

Ludo´s presentations will take place in the Municipal Library in Tavira at 18:00 on Monday 25 November; and at 18:00 in the Municipal Library Lagoa on Tuesday 26 November; there is no cost. Lynne and I will organize a supper after the talk in Tavira – please be in touch if you want to come.

At 16:00 on 8 December at Quintinha da Música, our concert will feature the Celtic Harp, in the expert hands of Luisa-Maria Cordell. Her concert is called Harp Eclectics and includes examples of music from different countries and some baroque and modern pieces. There will also be a Christmas flavour. Reservations at €25 per person may be made as usual at peterbooker1347@gmail.com