Female Focus February 2019

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Female Focus Publications serving the English speaking community throughout the Costa Blanca since 1993

FF Your healthy magazine

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Specsavers Ópticas in Calpe supply reading glasses to Sri Lanka Specsavers Ópticas in Calpe and Real Estate Agents Inmo Cobat are working together to support the Ayubowan charity, who help disadvantaged young people in Sri Lanka. The team from Inmo Cobat visited the project at the end of last year and delivered the boxes of reading glasses via local schools, teachers and through the Buddhist temples in the area, to ensure that as many people as possible had access to these important visual aids.

The Inmo Cobat team asked a local teacher to gather people from her village who needed reading glasses and people travelled from far and wide to collect them. They explained that glasses are hard to come by due to the expense and the difficulty in getting to the big cities to buy them. They are often afraid to visit an eye doctor, due to the high cost of the appointments and the glasses themselves, so they are left with poor vision, which restricts their prospects at school and at work.

As well as distributing children’s glasses in two schools on the Hulandawa tea estate, glasses were left with teachers, who are well respected in the community and have been trained to check the eyesight of children and give glasses when required. This means that the community will continue to benefit from this donation for some time.

“We are very happy that our donation of reading glasses was put to such good use in Sri Lanka and are very grateful to Inmo Cobat for bringing our attention to this important cause. We have been collecting old and unused glasses at the store for many years and were delighted to be able to support the charity in this way. We continue to collect glasses at the store and appreciate any donation from customers and our local residents. These glasses will be distributed via the Lions Club network in 2019, to help many more people in developing countries to get access to the eye care they need.”

You can drop off your unwanted glasses to Avenida Ejércitos Españoles No. 6 in Calpe or Avenida Del Pla 125 in Jávea. Visit www.specsavers.es for directions and store opening times.

Female Focus February 2019

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FF Your magazine

Female Focus February 2019

FF Established in 1993

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January has been a month of tissues and tablets, medicines and mucus... even the poor little ones have been poorly - I put an exclusion zone around our house much to darling daughter's despair.

I have also spent the month sorting out paperwork, you know, all those things you say you will get round to looking at and then never seem to have the time. Well I suggest to you all that you do, as by looking over our expenses and providers I have to say that with a few changes I have made significant savings and also made sure what I am paying for is what I need.

Now, as this is the month of love I have dropped hints on what 'the other half' could spend the money saved on - namely something that sparkles, but as I was the one who forgot our wedding anniversary last month (actually I do almost every year) maybe I need to be the one thinking of gifts.....

Without wanting to scaremonger, these next couple of months are going to bring a lot of uncertainty and worry to many British people living here. Whatever your opinion please respect that of others and please do not bury your head in the sand, keep up to date and take heed of what advice is being given by the experts - something is going to change - don't leave things until it is too late. y

Lesle

Congratulations to Carolyn Dunbar from Calpe who won the 50€ competition last month, by spotting the logo on page 17. For your chance to win 50€ this month, see inside for details of how to enter.

Pick up your next issue on 5 March.

Deadlines: Editorial & Advertising - 12 noon - 18 February.

Female Focus covering from Alicante North and the QF Focus Magazine covering the Alicante South region.

To discuss your advertising needs with your local representative contact:-

Gandía to Jávea Roddy 688 815 405 or 96 575 6833 roddy@femalefocusonline.com

Benitachell to Finestrat Alan 689 358 232 alan@femalefocusonline.com

Office: Mon to Fri. 10am - 2pm Tel. 657 501 055 editor@femalefocusonline.com advertising@femalefocusonline.com classifieds@femalefocusonline.com www.femalefocusonline.com Like and Follow us on Facebook - Costa Blanca Focus https://www.facebook.com/FemaleFocus/ Female Focus Publications are available from over 1000 distribution points throughout the Costa Blanca, making us the largest Free English language magazine publishers by far!

Female Focus February 2019

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FF Your local magazine

The Teulada–Moraira Lions are once again proud to present the best tribute to the iconic Beatles here in Spain. "The Liverpool Band” will be performing in The Auditori, Teulada Moraira on Saturday 6 April starting at 7:30 p.m. on behalf of the Teulada-Moraira Lions.

It is fair to say that this is the biggest and most spectacular concert the TM Lions have ever staged and we are very much looking forward to a fantastic evening of “Beatlemania” in the most superb theatre setting in this area.

The Liverpool Band are a group of young, local Spanish musicians, who are very talented and have performed their tribute to the fabulous “Beatles” for several years. They have performed in the famous Cavern Club in Liverpool, England, on many occasions and pride themselves on their authentic stage act, instruments and harmonies. The band have recently introduced a keyboard player which enhances the show to yet another level, so join us for a special evening in tribute to the “fab four”.

We are producing this show in conjunction with the kind assistance of the Teulada-Moraira Ayuntamiento and tickets will be available only through Instant Ticket. Tickets can be purchased in several ways: Go to Auditori Teulada-Moraira website: https://entradas.instanticket.es/auditori-teulada/public/janto/ main.php?Nivel=Evento&idEvento=CLUBLEONES Call 902 444 300 or go direct to Instant Ticket: https://www.instanticket.es/description/?id=23460&site=389 Call at one of the following Box Offices: Espai La Senieta, Moraira 9:00 to 15:00 Monday to Friday.

Ayuntamiento de Teulada 9:00 to 15:00 Monday to Friday.

Auditori Teulada Moraira 11:00 to 13:00 and 19:00 to 20:00 Wednesday to Saturday.

For information on all our events please call 96 649 9954 / 618 017 201 or email tmlions.concerts@gmail.com. Website: www.tmlions.com.

Female Focus February 2019

FF We've got the numbers

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Take Control of Your Finances Everyday I get asked “what’s happening with Brexit”? It’s a hugely important question but the honest answer is – nobody knows!

And when it comes to your personal finances, it’s even more important to take control of your finances here in Spain whilst you can.

However, some things are clear and here are my top 3 tips of steps to take and actions to consider.

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by Steve Iball, Area Manager deVere Spain

1) Don’t accept the low rate of interest you are getting from your UK and Spain bank accounts. Discuss using a compliant Spanish bond which will allow tax savings on future growth and income, whilst giving you the opportunity of higher returns. Discussions with a regulated financial adviser here in Spain is vital to achieve the right solution for you.

2) Post Brexit, there could be 25% tax applied by UK HMRC if you want to transfer your private and company pensions from the UK. Therefore open up a conversation now before Brexit happens so you can know the options and take the most appropriate course of action to maximise your future pension.

3) Ensure you are fully legal living here in Spain. If you spend more than 183 days here in any year you need to address this by having residence status, registering on the local Padron, understanding your tax exposure in UK, and declaring UK/overseas assets on a Modelo 720.

My job as a qualified, regulated financial adviser is to assist you with any of the above and to help you make the most of your finances, today, tomorrow and into the future. Finding out is free, it’ll cost an hour or so of your time to sit with me and simply talk. There’s no obligation, but an hour of your time might not just save you thousands, but make you money in the future.

Call me and book you complimentary financial wealth check today.

For more information, contact me on 610 822 484 or email steve.iball@devere-spain.es.

Female Focus February 2019

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FF Your community magazine

HomeEspaña & Currencies Direct raise €1,000 for Make A Smile in Calpe A new partnership between HomeEspaña and Currencies Direct has helped raise €1,000 for Calpe charity Make a Smile in January.

Founded by Tony Grande, who moved to Spain in 1982, and run with his wife Lucy Rowat Grande and other generous volunteers, Make A Smile ensures food and shelter for local children in need.

Passionate about fighting inequality, Tony and Lucy donate much of their time to raising funds, with the aim of improving the lives of underprivileged and vulnerable adults and children.

HomeEspaña (see their advert on page 45) and Currencies Direct work together to ensure buyers and sellers of Spanish property receive a first-class service, both with their property purchase and also when sending funds out of Spain after a property sale.

Chris Solomon, Managing Director of the HomeEspaña offices in Calpe, Denia and Benidoleig said “When joining forces with Currencies Direct in 2018, we made a promise to support good causes locally, and we are delighted to be giving this money to a very worthy charity in Make A Smile, who do an amazing job of looking after disadvantaged children”.

For more about Make a Smile visit: https://www.makeasmile.es/.

Cancer Care Jávea are raring to go this year and continue raising funds to help anyone suffering from cancer and cancer related causes. We aim to help provide direct support to patients and their loved ones, so their journey through cancer is made easier.

We have our own Nurse Practitioner who is helping with communications between patients and local hospitals and gives help with other aspects of care required before, during and after a diagnosis of cancer. We are proud to say that we have a growing list of patients who have now benefited greatly from this service since it started nearly a year ago.

It has inspired our long term vision to build a team of nurses to provide a service which guides as many patients and families as possible through the health system from diagnosis, testing, treatment and follow up care.

We need your continued help and support to achieve this. Please contact us to donate and for more information, or come into our charity centre shops and talk to the volunteers.

Telephone numbers: 96 579 6846 and 96 579 0129. We are located in Jávea Park just off Av.de Paris.

INSPIRATION & INFORMATION at The Homes Gardens & LIFESTYLE Show Villa Gadea Hotel, Altea – 5th & 6th April 2019 COMING SOON The Costa’s Nº 1 Lifestyle Event two fantastic days packed with Inspiration, Information & Attractions.

FUN, ENTERTAINMENT AND FEATURES Show Super Hamper Raffle Win the huge hampers!

FREE ENTRY

Cooking Demos Art Competition & Gallery FREE Tapas Trail FREE Caricatures

Over 80 exhibitors With products & services to see, taste, try and buy!

Baskets in Bloom Competition View the entries in the outside Show area.

Art Gallery & Competition - On the Rocks! Vote for your favourite piece

We will be telling you more in the coming weeks. So get ready for the Celebratory 10th Edition with Cava and Cake!

Cooking Demos Daily in the outside demo area.

At the Villa Gadea Hotel, Altea N332 & Exit 64 AP7 Friday 5th & Saturday 6th April

of artwork. (see www.gmpromotions.es to enter)

Talks & Presentations Daily in the outside demo area.

Free Caricatures with Avalon Fun attraction, be drawn to Stand Nº 60, Salon Olivos!

Chefs

To grow your business be sure to book your stand at the Event of the Year which attracts thousands of visitors.

Contact the sales team gina@gmpromotions.es call 695 399 841 for more information

Over 80 Exhibitors

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GINA MARKS MBA Show Director www.gmpromotions.es 695 399 841 FB HomesGardensandLifestyleShow See us at the next ‘Homes Gardens & Lifestyle Show’ at the Villa Gadea Hotel, Altea on Friday 5th & Saturday 6th April 2019 Female Focus February 2019

FF Your local magazine

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Car Insurance with a Smile

By Alan Silver

If you’ve got a car, you need car insurance.

You have no choice!

But you do have a choice when it comes to choosing an insurance agency and a plan. I came across Insurance Altea a year ago having been disappointed with how much I was paying and not being able to have a straight conversation with my previous insurance company. I saw the ad in FF and thought “well why not, I’ve got nothing to lose”.

In fact, I had everything to gain. Firstly, my comprehensive cover dropped by nearly 200€, good start. But then it became clear that my plan was actually better than before: fully comprehensive, only 150€ excess, policy in Spanish and English, courtesy car always plus European cover. Perfect. As you can guess, I signed there and then.

Sadly, I had a claim in the first fortnight. I spoke to Elaine and realised that making a claim was really no bother. All sorted with the minimum of fuss. I can’t recommend them highly enough.

Call Elaine at Insurance Altea on 96 584 0753 and see for yourself!

After all, instead of nothing to lose, you could save hugely!

See their advert on page 4 for more information.

Female Focus February 2019

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My name is Steve Woods and I am a solicitor specialising in claims for asbestos related diseases and I thought I would look at a number of questions that often arise and that make people worried about the possibility of making a claim. My message is, if in doubt ask!

I CANNOT REMEMBER WHERE I WORKED, OR THE COMPANY I WORKED FOR NO LONGER EXISTS. It is not unusual for companies that traded in the 1960s, for example, to have long since stopped trading. With investigations I can trace insurers who provided cover for these companies and they are obliged to deal with the claims. Even if you are hazy about the exact name of a company or your period of employment with them, I can obtain your work history from HM Revenue & Customs and this provides confirmation of who you worked for all those years ago.

I HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH AN ASBESTOS CONDITION BUT I DID NOT WORK WITH ASBESTOS. I always like to meet my clients and it is surprising how often, when you start talking about a person's work history, what they remember. Often, it turns out that even if a person did not actually work with asbestos, they worked alongside people who did and therefore came into contact with dust. Another possibility, and a particularly sad one in my experience, is a wife who comes into contact with asbestos from her husband’s work clothes.

A RELATIVE HAS DIED FROM AN ASBESTOS RELATED CONDITION BEFORE MAKING A CLAIM. It is not widely known that claims can be made even though the person affected has died (provided the claim is made within 3 years of death). The claim is made on behalf of the person's estate.

DIAGNOSING AN ASBESTOS RELATED CONDITION. There are a number of conditions that can be caused by exposure to asbestos, including lung cancer. The main issue is whether the breathing difficulties can be attributed to asbestos. This is the point we have to prove in all respiratory disease cases, not just asbestos related but also, for example, silicosis – medical evidence is required to prove a link.

Claims for breathing problems caused by exposure to asbestos can be complex but the quicker the claim is started the quicker these issues can be dealt with.

So, if you are concerned about your particular situation or have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch.

I am happy to talk to you free of charge.

www.femalefocusonline.com

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FF Your legal magazine

How to protect your health in Spain In Spanish there is a saying: “your health is the only thing you have”. If we think about it, it’s true. Your money can come and go. Your relationships can come and go. Your material belongings can come and go. But once you lose your health…

This is not an article about diet, exercising or any other healthy daily practices we all should go through. It’s about one simple action to protect your health in Spain: having a Spanish health card. We see it like having a good insurance: you never think you’ll require it until you need it.

The good part? Obtaining the Spanish health card is a simple process but let us clarify something; let’s separate “health issues” into two main categories: 1. Emergencies (Unexpected events that in general require a fast reaction).

2. Ongoing treatments (Can be because of serious illness or non-life-threatening complaints).

So the question is: would you be covered in Spain in case of an emergency? The answer: yes, you would. What about if it were ongoing treatment of a non-lifethreatening problem? No, you would not without having the Spanish permanent health card.

It’s all connected. Regardless of the Spanish region, to obtain a permanent full coverage Spanish health card you must go through the process: padron, Spanish residency, health centre.

Now, all this can change due to Brexit. The UK could become a complete non-EU country. This would imply having to request a visa, and one of the main requirements would be having to take out private insurance.

Have you got the paper health card obtained through the European Union Health card and the padron? We’re afraid to confirm that it’s limited and temporary, not useful for ongoing treatments; and unfortunately many people find out literally when they need ongoing treatments.

So our recommendation is to take action now. Apply for your Spanish residency card and obtain your health card afterwards, before Brexit. It is not that difficult, they are just simple procedures, with some paperwork involved. Nothing too onerous.

Have you got any questions? Please give us a ring at 96 647 1898 or send us an email at admin@sun-lawyers.com. We’ll be happy to hear from you!

Female Focus February 2019

FF Your community magazine

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“The kitchen is the heart of every home” Have you ever stopped and wondered why family and friends all tend to congregate in the kitchen? What is it about kitchens that evoke a mysterious magnetic attraction?

The household kitchen was designed for preparing and cooking meals. However, over the past few decades, the kitchen has slowly morphed into the epicentre of the home.

In fact, in most homes the kitchen wears many hats—it’s the centre of the family conference, the place for bantering with friends, the computer room, an entertainment centre, children’s art museum and let’s not forget its original purpose—a place to enjoy good food with family and friends.

Traditionally Spanish kitchens have been used solely to cook, however, since more and more Europeans have moved to Spain they have influenced a more open plan design so the kitchen has been integrated more into the main living area. Plus as the climate on the Costas affords “al fresco” dining there is often a need for a BBQ kitchen outside too. Someone recently described her kitchen as the “Winter kitchen” and the BBQ area as her “Summer kitchen”. Every home has a kitchen but on the Costas we are spoilt by having two.

People invest a lot into kitchen upgrades because it is the most important room when it comes to the resale value of their home. Kitchens set the tone for the entire house.

They have the ability to not only provide a meal but a complete experience. An inspiring space can mean the difference between a mediocre day and a fantastic day. So, if you are thinking about changing your “Winter” or “Summer” kitchen, M3BT has a wealth of experience working with all the major tile suppliers with access to all the latest tile designs, kitchen tops, current appliances in the market and carpentry to suit all styles and budgets.

Let M3BT help you refresh the heart of your home and your investment.

So give us a call on 618 084 156 to chat about your ideas or visit www.m3bt.com.

Female Focus February 2019

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FF We've got the numbers

Crumpets For me on a cold winter’s day there’s nothing like a hot buttered, crispy, squidgy crumpet with my cuppa.

Crumpets are quintessential British with a very, very long history! Apparently one the earliest reference is around 1380s. Crumpets were initially hard pancakes baked on a griddle. It wasn’t until the Victorian era when bakers began adding yeast that we have an incarnation of the modern crumpet. Homemade crumpets are fairly easy to make and taste so much better than shop bought.

Butter for greasing tins

To make the crumpets you will need crumpet rings or baking /egg rings.

Ingredients 275ml milk 55ml water 225g strong plain flour 1 tsp fine sea salt 7g sachet fast-action dried yeast ½ tsp caster sugar

Time: 1 hour 20 minutes. Makes /Serves 6.

Recipe 1. In a sauce pan, gently heat the milk and water until just warm enough to put a finger in and hold it there for a few seconds.

2. Stir in the yeast and sugar. Cover and leave in a warm place for 10 to 15 minutes. The mixture needs to be frothy before it’s mixed into the flour.

3. Into a mixing bowl sift the flour and sea salt. Make a well in the middle. When the yeast mixture is ready; pour it into the bowl.

Using a wooden spoon mix gently to form a smooth batter.

4. Cover the bowl with a clean tea towel, leave in a warm place for around 45 minutes or until the batter rises and becomes light and frothy with bubbles.

5. Grease the insides of the rings well with butter. Place a frying pan over a medium heat, add a knob of butter and arrange the

rings in the pan, wait until the butter sizzles then spoon 2 tbsp of the batter into each ring.

6. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, first small bubbles will appear then larger bubbles will appear on the surface and burst.

7. Use a tea towel to protect your fingers to lift the rings and flip the crumpets over and cook for a further 2 minutes.

8. Reheat the pan, grease the crumpet rings and repeat with the remaining batter.

9. Serve the crumpets hot with butter and jam.

TIP: For a flavoured crumpet add a bit of spice into the flour, cardamom, chilli or cumin seeds.

The Spice Sisters run Indian cookery classes in Spain and UK. Dates for our next 2 retreats in Spain are; 28 May to 2 June and 1 to 6 Oct 2019 at the Akinion Spa and Resort. Please get in touch for further information:Email; keepcalm@curryoncooking.com. https://www.facebook.com/Curryoncooking/. www.curryoncooking.com.

Curry on Cooking kits can be purchased online and include:

y Happ e's n i t n Vale Day Female Focus February 2019

FF - www.femalefocusonline.com

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The Hearing Clinic, incorporating Premier Hearing Services Since taking charge at Premier Hearing Services, Chris Elcocks has been particularly focused on bringing the very best range of products to us here on the Costa Blanca.

Digital technological advances have completely revolutionised the hearing aid world, and as a fitting change to this ever-improving area of science, Chris has decided to modernise the look and focus of the business as well, by renaming the business as ‘The Hearing Clinic’.

The Hearing Clinic still offers the friendly personal service that we are used to, but aims to always be at the forefront of what technology has to offer.

One of the newest products on the market is ‘Oticon Opn’.

Hear better and remember more with less effort Oticon Opn, or Opn for short, is changing more people’s lives with a new world of sound, helping them open up to the world like never before. Opn is the first hearing aid proven to work in harmony with the brain to help people hear better with less effort and to remember more of what is being said.

Fast enough to support the brain The processing speed of Opn technology ensures more accurate information about the 360° soundscape. Opn improves your ability to understand speech by up to 30%, so you don't have to work as hard to understand, leaving more mental energy to remember what you hear.

Recent studies show that Opn delivers best in class performance when listening to speech in noisy environments, especially when speech is coming from the side.

Old technology In complex listening environments where sound sources are many, dynamic and unpredictable, traditional hearing aid technology focuses on one sound source at a time. By reducing all other sound signals - speech and noise alike - it leaves the wearer with a narrowed and artificial listening experience.

New Oticon Opn technology Ground breaking digital technology from Oticon is both fast enough, and precise enough, to analyse and follow the dynamics of the soundscape, and to differentiate between speech and noise. By rapidly and precisely reducing noise, it allows you to access and handle multiple speakers simultaneously. It is a major step in achieving clear hearing.

Female Focus February 2019

If you think or know that you are experiencing hearing loss and would like professional advice, please contact Chris Elcocks of The Hearing Clinic (now incorporating Premier Hearing Services) on 659 644 106 to arrange a FREE hearing consultation and see his advert above.

www.femalefocusonline.com

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FF - Your healthy magazine

Sharper and tighter jawline.

Threads, HIFU, Radiesse, filler and Kybella.

Self conscious about your profile view?

Do you lift your chin up in photos hoping to hide a jowly jawline and wrinkly neck?

If you are looking for a non surgical way to turn back the clock, then this year’s fastest growing anti aging treatment could be the answer.

APTOS THREADS The new latest generation Aptos threads are an easy way to smooth wrinkles and tighten sagging skin in the face and neck without going under the knife.

We’ve seen a huge increase in the number of enquiries about new generation thread lifts and it’s estimated to be the biggest cosmetic treatment this year.

The procedure involves inserting threads into the skin which are pulled tight, lifting the skin and underlying muscle to create a tighter, smoother and jowl free complexion.

As the threads dissolve naturally, the skin starts to produce more collagen and elastin which gives a longer lasting result. The threads are inserted through a tiny incision in the skin so there is no scarring after treatment.

HIFU If you are looking for a completely natural option and gradual solution to keeping a tight jawline, then HIFU Ultherapy could be your method of choice.

HIFU stands for high intensity focused ultrasound, it is a non surgical, clinically proven technology for lifting and tightening the face, neck and décolletage. It works by naturally stimulating the production of collagen for a younger looking appearance.

RADIESSE Radiesse, a filler made of calcium hydroxyapatite can be used to stretch lax skin in the cheek area, pulling up the jowls. It can be injected in the jawline to make it sharp and chiselled to give absolutely perfect and stunning results.

KYBELLA Finally, sometimes the jowls and the excess folds in the neck are not skin but fat. Kybella can be injected to dissolve fat and so make the jowls disappear in a matter of 6 to 12 weeks.

So, don’t let those imperfections get you down, we can work miracles at Zen Smile Spa. Call us on 96 579 3810 or visit www.spajavea.es.

Female Focus February 2019

FF We've got the numbers

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If you are taking Statins for High Cholesterol please read this!

Two factors we will address: stress and inflammation.

If you suffer from stress, which nowadays is hard to avoid, there is a hormone released in your body that can cause heart attacks and of course a lot of other diseases.

Added to this, there are strong indications that cardiovascular disease is an inflammatory condition. In fact, many physicians and providers feel that the anti-inflammatory effects of statins are most important in reducing cardiovascular events.

So in recent times, statins have become ever more widely prescribed to reduce high cholesterol, and while they may be effective in doing this, their adverse effects are becoming increasingly recognised as a cause of muscle problems, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy and global amnesia.

Whilst changing a poor diet and taking more exercise may be a choice, as is trying to cut the stress from your life, most of us are used to going to the doctor and asking for a pill to give us a near instant remedy, with fast results. Many people take statins with few side effects, but others struggle with leg and muscular pains but see no option than to continue with the drugs. And of course it should be borne in mind that some side effects can be irreversible.

In contrast to statin failures, CBD which contains cannabinoids (naturally occurring substances in the hemp plant - cannabis sativa) are protective against severe injury and toxic exposures to brain, lung, liver, gut and kidney. Remarkably, CBD reduces myocardial dysfunction, cardiac fibrosis, inflammation, and helps you to cope with stress.

Preliminary evidence suggests that cannabidiols could replace statins for prevention of cardiovascular disease.

CBD containing several cannabinoids has shown exceptional anti-inflammatory effects. In fact, cannabinoids have been shown to reduce atherosclerosis and acute ischemic complications in clinical studies. They also calmed inflammation and improved endothelial function for heart and other organs in numerous animal studies.

The endothelium is the thin layer of cells of the inner walls of our arteries and blood vessels. If the inflammation around and in the membranes can be reduced, then thrombosis can be suppressed, vascular inflammation, and hypertrophy improved.

What is more there are few if any side effects to taking CBD oil. Surely you deserve to improve your health without pain and other side effects?

I am a qualified nurse and happy to discuss your personal concerns and help you decide if CBD is the answer for you. Please call Miriam on 692 320 121 for a private consultation.

Suffering with Bunions? (or other feet problems)

Before

After

Before

After

KEYHOLE FOOT SURGERY The Effective Solution

This non-invasive approach is fast, effective and costs less than you might think. Call us and we’ll get you back on your feet in no time.

We also diagnose and treat: Bunions / Hallux Valgus, Claw / Hammer Toes, Taylor’s Bunion, Heel Spur, Metatarsalgia (ball of the foot pain) and Neuroma or Morton’s Toe

Lara Virginia Yáñez Carra www.calpepodologos.es

CLINICA PORTALET

Calle Portalet 9, 1st Floor, Door G • Calpe Tel: 96 583 5245 Email: info@calpepodologos.es Female Focus February 2019

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FF - Your beautiful magazine

Adult orthodontics?

A great-looking smile is a sure way to boost self-confidence and orthodontic treatment can even enhance an adult's career opportunities and social life. There are potential health benefits as crooked teeth are more difficult to clean effectively, setting the stage for tooth decay and gum disease. Crowded teeth also tend to worsen with age and become even more problematic, so there are many reasons to consider orthodontic treatment at any age.

A lot has changed since you were a teenager in terms of the orthodontic appliances themselves. Clear braces can sometimes be used instead of the metal ones and are less visible. Invisible clear aligners are also appropriate in many cases for rapid alignment of front teeth.

These newer appliance options have increased popularity for adult orthodontics with most reporting that they are very happy with the results. So, remember that when it comes to straightening teeth, there is no age cut off. If a better smile is something you really want, schedule a consultation at our clinic to discuss your treatment options.

What will determine if you are a good candidate for orthodontic treatment, then, will not be your age; it will be the current state of your gums and what type of problem you are trying to fix.

Gum disease, which is the cause of bad breath and loss of toothsupporting bone, is more prevalent in adults than in adolescents.

Orthodontic treatment works by gently moving teeth within the bone that supports them, and orthodontic treatment in the presence of gum disease can aggravate the disease and make it worse. While gum disease does not preclude successful orthodontic treatment, it is essential that any existing gum disease be treated first.

If you are interested in orthodontics or other options for your smile please book a consultation at clinica dental la plaza, Jรกvea on 96 646 1120.

Article supplied by Dr Karen Gardner, dentist and orthodontist.

Female Focus February 2019

FF Your healthy magazine

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Drugs and Alcoholism - it’s time to take control As regular readers will know, in Jávea we are lucky to have Dr Ignacio Poole, who is a specialist Surgeon with a Master in Aesthetic Surgery. In his smartly renovated clinic he performs cosmetic procedures at extremely affordable prices. On top of this, Dr Poole is also a certified family doctor/ GP able to deal with all of our daily ailments and health problems.

But a slightly lesser known side of Dr Poole’s activities is as a trained counsellor for addictions such as alcoholism and drugs.

Particularly at this time of year when people have, for instance, been through a very heavy drinking period like Christmas, which for many brings its own stresses and problems, now is often the best time to confront a problem by seeking professional support.

In particular now, with spring in the air, this traditionally tends to be a time of the year when people look to selfimprove. Many people go on diets or give up smoking etc, and others sometimes choose to take the bold step of seeking professional help for other conditions. Sometimes this step is taken solely by the individuals themselves, but very often it is taken in conjunction with the person’s families who have perhaps been suffering as a result of the person’s addiction.

Every Thursday at 8pm there is an AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) meeting at Dr Poole’s clinic, the only requirement for AA membership being a desire to stop drinking. To start with, though,

Female Focus February 2019

especially where alcoholism is concerned, it is best to establish a personalised treatment programme to ensure that the individual receives all the professional support which will be so necessary during their early days of trying to beat the addiction.

So, because of the nature of the treatment, you must make your appointment when you are sober, this is an important decision to make, one which is unlikely to be remembered or carried through if made when under the influence, and then a meeting can be made with Dr Poole to start the process. Kind, experienced and attentive, Dr Poole will help guide you, step by step, back to being yourself. And as with all of his treatments, your first consultative visit is completely free.

Call now to book your initial meeting: Clinica El Arenal, Av Arenal 2, Jávea. Telephone 96 579 2418, Mon - Fri 10.30am to 1.30pm, email: clinicaarenal@gmail.com. See main advert above for information on other services offered.

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Blow drying tips

Do you like spending hours blow drying your hair? If not here are a few tips that can save time and protect your hair.

Firstly the science bit… the hair is made of a protein called Keratin, wet hair in good condition can stretch up to 50% its original length. Washing the hair breaks the temporary hydrogen bonds so the hair can be moulded into a new shape during blow-drying. The outer protective layer of the hair is called the cuticle and to achieve a smooth shiny result, blow dry the hair in the direction of the cuticle (root to point).

Tip 1: Dry the hair 60% before using a brush – To reduce damage to the hair, towel dry first, remove any tangles carefully starting at the points (ends) so you don’t rip the hair, gradually making your way to the roots using a ‘tangle teaser’. Rough dry then start with your brush.

Tip 2: Protect your hair from heat damage with a good product - Apply a heat protectant product, for damaged ends KRU recommend Schwarzkopf ‘Peptide Repair Rescue’. For extra thickness consider a mousse, for straightening wavy hair a straightening cream could be the product for you. KRU stock a range of professional products and we are always happy to give home care tips. Use products sparingly, following the instructions and apply where it is needed eg: For volume concentrate product at the roots as too much on the ends may weigh it down.

Tip 3: Using a nozzle – The nozzle on a hairdryer helps to direct the heat to where it is needed, apply the heat from root to point this helps smooth the cuticle.

Tip 4: Buy good quality brushes - Ask your stylist what they recommend for your style.

Round brushes help to grip the hair and achieve a smooth look, the diameter of the brush you need will depend on the length of your layers and the result you want to achieve. Ceramic or metal centred brushes can help reduce the time it takes to blow dry your hair.

Tip 5: Section with clips - Clip your hair away from the sections you are not drying, start on the fringe and finer areas around the front hairline as these often dry quickest. Then work up from the nape, make sure your section is not bigger than the diameter of the brush you are using.

Tip 6: Dry from the root – Roll your brush down towards the ends whilst concentrating the heat to where the brush is, this will help you achieve the lift and smoothness. Leave the section to cool this helps ‘set’ the bonds in their new shape or alternatively use your cool button on your hairdryer.

If all this seems too much work come to KRU for your weekly blow dry!

SPECIAL OFFER FOR FEBRUARY: Have a blow dry for 5€ with our trainee stylist.

To book an appointment please call KRU on 96 646 3970 or call in to the salon on Avenida del Pla in Jávea. See advert on 'Your Horoscope' page for more information.

Female Focus February 2019

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FF Your healthy pages

our ARIES Stop being stubborn over something that really is not worth it. This should be the month of love, not arguments. Focus on what is really important to you and your loved ones right now and get on with it instead of making excuses.

TAURUS If you are thinking of making some changes in the home then plan things carefully. Your hard earned cash should not be wasted by not thinking things through properly in the first place.

GEMINI Well you are in for an interesting month to say the least. Help will come from an unexpected place, but people who you thought were on your side might not be a loyal as you hoped.

CANCER You are so easily distracted at the moment and it is not doing you any favours with others who really need you to stay on track. Making a plan or a list and sticking too it might be the only way you can do this.

LEO Finding a balance of helping others without losing track of your needs is proving hard. You cannot keep giving all the time, sometimes you have to let others give to you, or even give yourself the attention you need.

VIRGO Try not to be too outspoken however hard that is, everyone is entitled to their opinion however ridiculous it may seem to you. Your need for knowledge is heightened so put it to good use.

Female Focus February 2019

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oroscope LIBRA It will surprise you how making one small change can bring you so much more pleasure. It gives you the drive you have been missing to make other changes. This even goes as far as your outlook towards things and people. A spring clean is on the horizon!

SCORPIO Try to focus on your goals and achieving them and not on other people's or you will not get anywhere, whereas they will be leaving you standing. You know where you are headed so stick to it. Mid month you will be challenged and it will bring out your bad side if you let it.

SAGITTARIUS A face to face conversation is what is needed to sort out a misunderstanding.

Don't leave it to messages or the issue will really get blown out of proportion.

Someone is trying to get out of a commitment - let them, they have their reasons and it's not worth falling out over.

CAPRICORN You are achieving one goal after another with everything running smoothly and to plan. If you see someone struggling help them to achieve as well.

AQUARIUS Keeping sowing the seeds and the benefits will continue pouring in. Life is for living so live it, enjoy new experiences and stop putting down so many limits.

PISCES The month starts of more aggressively than you expected but don't second guess yourself, you know that you are right and by the end of the month so will everyone else.

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FF - your healthy magazine

New Year – New You!

Are you still shaking off those January blues? And can you really believe we are already in February?

Yes, February, famously the month of love.

Well, why not love yourself a little bit more this month and treat yourself to those eyebrows or eyeliner you´ve always wanted?

Semi-Permanent make up can restore eyebrows, or create shapely new ones, eyeliners can freshen up those eyes and really make them look amazing and lips can be beautifully enhanced.

With age, most of us have thinning eyebrows and it becomes very difficult to see to fill them in with powder or pencils as glasses just get in the way.

The daily ritual of trying to achieve a lasting and balanced look becomes a chore for most people.

The benefit of waking up with lovely eyebrows, eyeliner or lip colour already in place simply cannot be underestimated, just ask anyone who has had semipermanent treatments.

For sporty people, or those who do not feel they can apply make-up particularly well, semi-permanent make up may be the answer.

Some of our clients say it is great for people (like them) who are simply really lazy! No more eyebrows disappearing as the day progresses, no more eyeliner running and lipstick colour fading.

Why not contact Looks Javea to arrange a free, no obligation consultation?

We are happy to explain the procedures in full and answer all of your questions.

We specialise in natural semipermanent make up, with the emphasis on enhancing what nature has already given you.

We’re sure you will be pleased with the results.

Take a look at our website www.looksjavea.com or give us a call on 692 117 050.

It’s time to fall back in love with YOU.

Female Focus February 2019

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FF Your community magazine

The Gel Bottle – Designed with Salons in Mind

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Open your eyes to

By TW of TheGelBottleSpain Attention Nail Technicians

We’re so excited to have become the official distributer for TheGelBottle in Spain and have had such a good response.

We hope you enjoyed reading our article in January's Female Focus. We couldn't be prouder of the treatments we do, helping people not only look better, but feel better.

orders over 100€ (exc IVA). Just go www.thegelbottleinc.es, place your order and when you get to check out, add PROMO CODE ES-LAUNCH and save even more. See advert on page 17.

To make an appointment, just call me, Dr Myriam Vroomen on 684 098 468 or email info@skinklinnik.com. I look forward to welcoming you to SkinKlinnik! See advert on facing page.

One example of our treatments is eyelid surgery (blepharoplasy). As Nail Techs love the we get older, excess colour range, the skin can develop different ‘glittery’ at the same time as shades, and our unique underlying muscle slackens. This leads “builder in a bottle”. to 'droopy eyelids'.

Equally as important, A simple procedure our community have addresses the issue commented that with our larger bottles, the product goes further leaving you looking which is great for the economics of their salons. Our new 20ml younger, fresher and bottles are designed to hold maximum product and provide up to feeling great about 100 applications per bottle. yourself.

Not only will your customers love the extensive range, they’ll We're fully qualified, fully licenced and fully insured to carry appreciate our “10Free” credentials, 100% recyclable packing and out these procedures. Our clinic can be found in Altea (N332 La the product is vegan and cruelty free.

Olla, 1km north of town centre, Calpe direction). We also have So, don’t forget, we’re running a 25% off launch Promo on all consultation suites in Moraira.

Female Focus February 2019

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FF - Your community magazine

Vegas Nails... the must-visit nail bar for a perfectly polished manicure Nail bars are the best. Go in feeling drab and un-groomed and come out looking like a million dollars. Yes, whether it's a quick shape and tidy, a full on set of gel nails or a bold, acrylic mani, nail salons have the power to transform your nails, making you feel instantly more chic, pulled together, beautiful and confident!

Many readers will already know Vegas Nails which has been established 9 years, and used to be situated inside the Portal de la Marina shopping centre.

Now just 5 minutes drive away at the Prado Comercial Centre in Ondara, Vegas Nails is even better than before. The new premises are bigger and lighter, and whatever style you are after, Vegas Nails are here to take care of the health and beauty of your hands and feet, offering an array of nail treatments to choose from, all at great value.

A regular manicure or pedicure is a great option if you wish to have a quick filing, cuticle tidy and shaping of your nails before a polish in the colour of your choice.

Bored of your regular mani? Jazz it up with some nail art. At Vegas Nails we offer bespoke nail art, meaning that you will have a completely unique design!

After a longer-lasting solution? Gel polishes like Shellac or Gellux will usually look shiny and stay pristine for up to 3 weeks at a time.

Looking for longer nails? Choose to have some nail extensions. Acrylic nails and hard gel nails add length to your natural nail, lasting two to three weeks before they grow out leaving a gap which can then be in-filled.

With so much choice at Vegas Nails, our nail technicians are experienced in helping clients select the best method to achieve beautiful nails.

As a SPECIAL OFFER FOR ALL FEMALE FOCUS READERS, Vegas Nails is offering 5â‚Ź off any hand or toe nail treatment when you spend 15â‚Ź or more. Offer valid until the end of March. Simply show this article to your technician.

FREE and EASY PARKING is also a feature for the Vegas Nails new nail salon. You can choose to park outside the El Prado Comercial Centre (near to the bull ring in Ondara town centre) or in the underground car parking beneath the Mercadona store.

VEGAS NAILS Nail Salon. Open 10am to 8.30pm Monday to Saturday. Walk-ins welcome. Pedicures by appointment, call 96 647 7217.

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# Female Focus February 2019

FF Your community magazine

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So what do I get for my €50 per annum?

The Asociación Amigos Europeos de Jávea (AAEdJ), is a private ambulance service provider covering most of the Marina Alta, including inland. It was established in 2000, and is a non profit-making organisation, with all income and donations being reinvested into improving resources even further, and towards purchasing new ambulances from time to time to give even wider coverage.

Membership costs €50 each year per family. The annual membership fee entitles members to be taken to a public or a private hospital in case of an emergency for free. Emergencies away from the house are included, and all the ambulances are staffed by two qualified paramedics.

So the actual answer to the question “What do I get for my €50 per annum?” is that for the whole 365 days of the year you have the peace of mind knowing that their ambulance service is poised ready to help you in an emergency. But of course you are hoping not to have the need to call upon their services!

If there is an emergency, though, and you do need to call them out, this is where the clear benefits of being a member kick in…

1) To request an ambulance all that is needed is one phone call to the 24hr emergency number, simply quoting the family membership number. No need to speak in Spanish, no need to give directions, no need to worry about any other questions. All you have to do is quote the membership number.

2) Members’ addresses are pre-loaded into a GPS location system to help ensure a rapid response to your home. This means no delay, which can be absolutely vital in the cases of someone suffering a heart attack or stroke.

3) Details of everyday medications and allergies are pre-recorded so as to help the responders administer the correct initial treatment upon arrival.

4) The ambulances are fully equipped with life-saving equipment. Effectively they are mobile intensive care units, capable of saving lives or reducing the severity of an injury. Without wishing to belittle the Spanish system, the State ambulances are sometimes little more than transport vehicles and carry very little emergency equipment.

5) The AAEdJ ambulance will take you to whichever hospital you prefer, whether private or public. This is in contrast to Spanish State ambulances who are tasked to take you to the nearest hospital. Additionally, prior to arrival at whichever hospital, our ambulances will have radioed ahead, informing the hospital of the impending arrival, and giving the details of the condition, and current treatment being administered. This enables the receiving hospital to have the correct trauma team ready to receive the patient.

6) If the medical situation is serious enough to dictate that repatriation is necessary, the Association can provide a full road repatriation service to a person’s country of origin, or to an airport to liaise with an emergency aircraft. These are done at discounted rates for members.

7) There are always English speaking staff there. Other services can include a daily call to see if medicines have been taken or to simply see if the member is okay, or the free loan of recuperation equipment such as a walker, or a wheelchair (refundable deposit required).

So, to summarise, for the €50 Membership per year, your whole family gets a fantastic amount of emergency cover! To join, speak with Laure Bolufer, the AAEdJ Registration Manager on 96 579 6099 (Laure works from 10am to 1pm every weekday).

The AAEdJ covers almost all of Costa Blanca North and inland, and of course Laure will be able to confirm if your area is covered.

ASOCIACION AMIGOS EUROPEOS DE JAVEA. Avenida Juan Carlos 1, No 69, 03730 Jávea. Telephone 96 579 6099 (24hr).

Email: amigos_europeos@yahoo.es.

Female Focus February 2019

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Your informative magazine

How Not To Feel Lonely in Your Senior Years

By Amanda Hobbs – Ciudad Patricia My name is Amanda and I have been working at Senior Resort Ciudad Patricia for approximately 8 years. When I first started there were only a handful of British residents, now we are over 50% British. I would like to share with you why people come to visit the resort.

The main reason is the fear of being alone in your home when something happens, a fall or accident where there is no one around to help you. Many people live where they are surrounded by villas or apartments but do not to get to see many people. So, if something was to happen and you do not have the phone near you what would you do? At Ciudad Patricia you have complete peace of mind you are never alone there is always someone to turn to or talk to. Whether you have a fall, accident, or if something goes wrong in your home like a blocked sink, you can call reception for help, or if it's an emergency you just press a button for 24 hour emergency medical response.

Nearly 5 years ago the Residents Association thought it would be a good idea to have their own community support worker who works for the residents to help them with many things to make life easier especially if they are alone. With the help of Nadine, the resort manager, we made the decision to employ Jayne, a qualified auxiliary nurse who used to work for the NHS in England. She has lived in Spain for 16 years and is totally fluent in Spanish. Jayne is lovely, friendly and bubbly and in my opinion a real asset to the resort. It’s clear that Jayne enjoys her role. I asked her what she liked the most “it is very rewarding to be able to help the residents when they need me”. There is a small fee for some of Jayne’s services, but all in all, everyone agrees she makes life so much easier all round.

All the residents agree, it’s a lovely feeling to have peace of mind to have Jayne there to help you when you are alone.

All these wonderful facilities take away the worry of being alone and allow you to live a wonderful life with peace of mind in your senior years. If you’re interested to find out more, see my details in our advert on page 3.

The Original Charity Shop and Library donate a total of €40,335 and celebrate a very successful year 2018 Once again, The Original Charity Shop and Library, Jávea is very pleased to announce that it can look back on a very busy and successful 2018. Since our move to the new shop on Carrer de Nancy 1 in Jávea’s Arenal area, we have been busier than ever, enabling us to make a total of €40,335 in donations to various charities.

Beneficiaries: Caritas: €11,100, The Franciscan Refuge for homeless men: €10,700, The Red Cross: €1,600, the Raquel Paya School for special needs children: €3,996, MABS Cancer Care: €4,035, TAPIS Jávea: €1,935, Make a Smile: €1,147, the Jávea Feral Cats Association: €2,235, Jávea Autism Association: €500 and several smaller amounts which were paid out to support various other deserving causes.

The Shop and Library volunteers would like to thank all their loyal clients, customers and sponsors who made it all possible and look forward to seeing you again soon in the shop or library.

Looking for a bargain or a good read? The shop has a great selection of winter clothes and also household and electrical items, curtains, bedding, jewellery, tools, bric-a-brac and much more.

Come and browse - you are sure to find a bargain. The library has lots of books for sale, but you can also join the library for only €30 a year.

For more information about us please visit our web page: www.charityshoplibrary.com or email: info@charityshoplibrary.com.

The shop is situated on Carrer de Nancy 1 and the library in Jávea Park. We are open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 1pm.

Female Focus February 2019

Facebook - Costa Blanca Focus

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A View From The South

Welcome to my monthly column “A view from the South”.

Hopefully you will find my rambling readable (maybe even enjoyable). You may agree or you may disagree with my views, I care not. These are my views long held and forged over a life time of work, travel and experience. Now that’s over let’s have a look at what is really winding me up.

Whale Meat again.

Reading the newspaper online when I came across the story that pronounced "The Japanese have announced that they would be leaving the International Whaling Commission". This story saddened me but it did not surprise me. Since 1986 the killing of whales for commercial gain on the high seas has been banned under the auspices of the IWC ...however during this time Japan has still killed whales under the guise of research. In fact, during the year 2016 Japan killed 4,000 - 5,000 tons in weight ...approximately 300 plus animals of which more than 200 were pregnant females. Whales are mammals ...mammals are warm blooded animals that breath air, have hair and female whales feed their offspring milk via mammary glands.

These characteristics classify whales as mammals rather than as fish. The killing of these magnificent creatures is shocking ...when will human beings stop denuding the planet of its heritage. The Japanese as a nation do not eat whale meat as a staple part of their diet. In fact, the 2016 tonnage caught when divided across the Japanese population is equal to about 1 ounce per person per year.

It would seem then that economics are not part of the Japanese rational for re starting commercial whaling, rather it is a political act - a bit of Japanese sabre rattling to brace the Japanese psyche against Chinese dominance of the seas surrounding Japan and its territories. Whales are both sapient and sentient beings. Sapience being an ability to act with appropriate judgement within complex social groups ...something you and I would call wisdom. Being a sentient animal means that whales may be aware of a range of sensations and emotions, of feeling pain and suffering and of experiencing a state of well being. I have written before about the barbaric treatment of dolphins at the hands of the Japanese ...now it appears that whales are back on the Japanese agenda ...for God’s sake reverse this barbaric decision to leave the International Whaling Commission and defend these beautiful marine creatures.

My Not so Fox Faced Friend.

Continuing with the animal theme, some months ago I wrote a QF piece which explained how we have taken on a rescue dog ...you may remember him ...he is called Fonzie. Fonzie we thought, was a Fox Terrier cross ...long bearded snout with very long kangarooish legs. Oh how wrong were we ...it now turns out that Fonzie, rather the being a Fox Terrier is in fact an Irish Terrier...and those long legs are part of his Irish Terrier make up. He (Fonzie) is coming up to his first birthday ...in February he will reach his first year on God’s earth. As I write this piece, he is curled up on his bed next to Santos (our Border Collie) ...he, Fonzie, has been out with Er Indoors to the dog running area near our Aldi/Consum roundabout.

Fonzie just loves to run and then he loves to run some more and then some more. At the doggie area he meets up with his girly Female Focus February 2019

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doggie friends the "pointer sisters" and the "coccapoos" chaps... he rubs noses with all and sundry doggie friends and has a great time just tearing around. It is really amazing to see so many dogs of so many differing breeds...long, tall, short, and just plain small all getting along and enjoying the chance to run around and bark and play. The most heart warming thing to me is that many of the dogs playing and looking so happy are "rescue" dogs, some of whom have literally missed being put down by a matter of minutes. I applaud all the owners and their faithful friends...the saying it’s a dogs life can have a positive meaning. What is that journalistic saying "Hold the front page" well I am just in from nipping to the shops for some bread ...lunch was going to be boiled egg and soldiers ...I just love boiled egg and soldiers ...however today no soldiers for me due to the fact that Fonzie has somehow managed to knock the egg basket off the kitchen worktop and has eaten all two dozen eggs that in the said basket. The kitchen floor has a few bits of eggshell lying around and is covered in a shiny coating of egg white. After half an hour mopping the floor all is back to normal ...I have Googled just to make sure that no lasting harm will come from a dog eating raw eggs ...Google says in fact eggs are good for dogs as a food supplement ...I wonder what effect two dozen will have. The effect Dear Reader is quite simple ...Fonzie was up half the night using his doggie toilet (dug over and stoned area in our courtyard) and when he wasn’t going, he was farting ...Yes you are correct ...just the same as egg sandwiches. We now have a regime that keeps everything back against the kitchen wall out of doggie range ...Oh Fonzie we do love you so.

The Table of Wisdom.

I had the privilege to Chair the New Year resumption of "The table of Wisdom"...myself and a few learned friends get together over a few beers and sort out the woes of the World. Brexit is always prominent as a topic as is Tango Man (Donald Trump) ...issues with our assorted automobiles again are worth discussion, as is the fact that although we all have mobile devices none of us seem to be able to use them in the correct manner. Technology coupled with the ravages of age equals dimness to greater or in some cases lesser degree.

Now, it was my pleasure to welcome an ex drinking friend back to the Table of Wisdom on a temporary basis as he is over here on an extended holiday ...Arthur was duly sworn in and has caused nothing but chaos and confusion ever since ...He thinks Flashman was a character in Blackadder ...he does not understand the role of "the memory man" in the film "The Thirty Nine Steps" and he believes the film "The Five Graves To Cairo" only had four graves. To top it off, apparently he has a school report that against the subject mark for Geography the tutor has inscribed "Does well to find his own way home!".

The Table of Wisdom looks like it will have to call an emergency general meeting to resurrect our sullied image ...perhaps we could co-opt Arthur’s dog Jess onto the panel - being a Border Collie cross she is bound to be the brains of the family. Brexit is a doddle compared to Chairing the "Table of Wisdom".

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FF - Your magazine

Life is a journey. Be prepared to enjoy it without worries.

Living in Spain is undoubtedly a great and enjoyable experience but, unfortunately, sometimes we have to face the legalities of a different bureaucracy. You can find many differences in legal procedures even when it comes to death, something inevitable that we all have to deal with. In order to make things a little easier in these sad times you must be ready for what’s in store.

Also the cost of a funeral in Spain, like most countries, continues to rise and most Spanish families take out some kind of funeral insurance to cover the related expenses and also to avoid the administrative headache of what is, of course, a very difficult time.

You may ask yourself, do I need funeral insurance in Spain?

You might not have thought about it yet… but it might be time to leave everything in place for your loved ones by taking out a funeral insurance to alleviate some of the costs and the difficulties that your family will face especially when they reside outside of Spain.

If you want to protect your loved ones from the financial burden and the bureaucracy that this upsetting time entails, you can consider a Liberty Funeral Insurance to get everything sorted.

To provide all Liberty Seguros customers with a first class service, their multilingual phone assistance number is available 24/7.

Liberty Seguros also has an extensive network of over 300 brokers and agents that are dedicated to providing unbiased, friendly, expert advice. Speaking your own language, they will be pleased to help you.

To find your nearest broker or agent visit www.libertyexpatriates.es or simply call 91 342 25 49.

Liberty Seguros guarantees a funeral service according to your local custom and arranges the necessary documents and paperwork related to the insured’s death.

What are the advantages of this insurance?

It gives you the sought-after peace of mind making sure that your loved ones will not have to worry about anything, saving them money and worries.

Liberty Seguros will manage all types of tasks such as requesting the widow’s or orphan’s pension or the death certificate, in addition to services during life such as the will and review and drafting of legal documents. They offer payment flexibility so that you can go at your own pace: monthly, quarterly, biannually, or annually.

Moreover, the same policy covers up to eight insured parties, so that all your family can be included under the same plan. The price becomes more competitive the greater the number of insured parties. And as of 90 years of age, you no longer pay the premium, but you will have guaranteed service for life.

What covers are included?

• Burial or cremation service • Full transport within Spain with no limit and outside of Spain for trips of up to 90 days.

• Procedures with government entities in the event of death.

• Legal advice related to the death of the insured.

• Open notarial will and living will.

• Digital deletion after death.

• Psychological assistance for first-degree relatives in the event of the insured’s death.

This policy is flexible and you can tailor it to your own needs, by adding additional covers such as: • Travel assistance in case of serious illness or accidents for Spanish residents, including trips abroad up to 90 days.

• Transportation in the event of death for long-term stays abroad (up to one year).

• International transport of Expats residing in Spain (repatriation cover in the event of death).

• Arrangements and legal advice related to privacy.

Female Focus February 2019

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HELP hat-trick in New Year honours Three Costa Blanca charity volunteers win MBE

By Jack Troughton

THE dedication and service to the British community in Alicante was recognised by Her Majesty the Queen in the New Year’s Honours List as three key HELP volunteers were awarded the MBE. Elaine Horton, President of Jalon Valley HELP, Candy Wright, President of HELP of Denia and the Marina Alta, and Ricky Garland, a volunteer with HELP Vega Baja, are all made a Member of the Order of the British Empire.

The award was given to the three charity workers’ “outstanding achievement of service to the community” and British Ambassador Simon Manley said: “I am delighted that the commitment and compassion of Ricky Garland, Elaine Horton and Candida Wright have been recognised by Her Majesty the Queen in this way, after so many years of service to British nationals in Spain”.

The three recipients were contacted by the ambassador in November to see if they would accept the award but each were sworn to secrecy until the Honours List was made public in the last days of 2018.

Female Focus spoke to Elaine (pictured top right) and Candy (pictured top left) whose charities are based in our area. As the news spread of their awards, they said they were flooded with messages of congratulations from excited family, friends, and members of the HELP teams.

Both presidents spoke of their personal pride at being recognised with the honour but were also quick to thank the volunteers who make the two branches of HELP such a success in the community.

Candy – who also regularly treads the boards and raises money for charity as President of Careline Theatre and works with victims of domestic violence – said: “This award doesn’t just encompass me but all the people I work with; it highlights HELP and all the work the charity does”.

And Elaine said: “It is all very well for me to pick up a gong; yes, I am very proud, privileged and overwhelmed – but the people who are in the front line get you there. You are only as good as the people who are around you”.

CHANGE In recent times both Elaine and Candy have had to steer HELP through a series of changes and adapt the charity to supporting an international community that is going through demographic change.

The problems of an aging population means having self-help groups, up to date information, liaising with social services, dealing with the problems of isolation and loneliness, and even more complex cases.

Candy has been president of HELP for four years. She came to live in Spain as a teenager and works as a professional translator.

She said the charity continued to grow and worked closely with other expat and Spanish associations and professionals. “We are a Female Focus February 2019

minority and need to encompass and embrace where we live; we need to work with the Spanish, there are things like social services and expat pensioners and disabled people, for example, can access this.

I think my biggest contribution is bringing much more awareness of HELP and its work to the Marina Alta – that was my intention; awareness means funding and helping more people. HELP has grown so we help people of any nationality.

It is all about what you give and what you get back. The important thing for me is the community and working together and with other charities.”

Elaine and husband Richard – another member of the HELP team – both worked for social service in Dorset in senior positions before moving to Spain 17 years ago. She said: “As far as I am concerned, you do what you do, you do what is right. You try and make a difference; that’s what it is all about, you do not expect accolades”.

At the helm of HELP for over six years, she believes the charity must always push forward and never rest and stagnate. “Our volunteers step up to the mark every single time.”

TRADITION Elaine said raising money to make donations and lending equipment had been a traditional part of the charity and were important; but it had evolved to being directly involved in care.

“When looking after people and providing emotional support, taking people to hospital and helping people when they are ill, or dying, or their partner is dying; that brings responsibilities and the whole issue of sustainability is vital.

It is not good saying ‘we will do this’ and six months down the line finding we do not have the finance to do it.”

Now Candy and Elaine can look forward to a trip to either Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle to receive their awards from a member of the Royal Family.

Candy said: “I just wish my mum and dad were here to know about this; my brother and sister have said they are so very proud – mum and dad would have been beside themselves with pride.

I first spoke with my husband, daughter and son. My brother asked if I had told my Uncle Peter, who is 97. I rang the UK and my uncle said ‘Oh my God, a Wright with a MBE, it is wonderful news’.”

And Elaine said: “We have two sons back in the UK; the youngest one is not our natural son but came to us when he was eight and he is absolutely beside himself with pride”.

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Always a ‘hot’ attraction at the Homes Gardens & LIFESTYLE Show are the live cooking demos and this year’s Show Chefs have been on some incredible journeys to get where they are today! Here are their stories. Get ready to give them a huge welcome as they drop in to the alfresco cooking area where they will be sharing their culinary skills to delight our taste buds… Be sure to grab your seat in the audience on Friday 5 & Saturday 6 April at the Villa Gadea Hotel, Altea and enjoy watching, then tasting their fabulous food and flavours! Show Cooking Demos are at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.45pm both days. See www.gmpromotions.es for full details.

Dani Bowler born in England, educated in Spain, has enjoyed the best of two worlds when it comes to life, experience and culinary delights. Initial interests led him not to the kitchen but to the golf course where he rose through the ranks to become a low handicap player. However, the delights of the Mediterranean cuisine took hold and he returned to Manchester from Spain to pursue a career in the catering trade. Wetherspoons took him to London where he got the chance to audition for MasterChef, along with 20,000 other hopefuls. After numerous interviews, his infectious love of the trade coupled with his knowledge of two distinct country’s delights saw him make it to the final 65 on the prestigious BBC 1 program.

His innate love of the craft, took him to the final heats in the program. His (and the BBC’s) loss was Albir’s gain using the experience he gained on the show, his years of experience and most importantly, his love of the craft, Dani returned to Spain and opened the Vintage Café in Albir, quickly becoming the taste of the town.

It soon became apparent that Dani’s talents could not be contained to one location. He quickly became the desired chef for many private yachts anchored in nearby Altea, bringing a sparkle of stardust to an already glamorous location. He also provides a unique dining experience in the home or business of clients, anything from 2 to 200, he happily approaches every situation with a verve and gusto that is as diverse as his many MasterChef dishes, from Paella (the quintessential Valencia delight) to a specially tailored dining experience.

Gareth Stubbs (aka The Bouncing Chef) never set out to cook for a living and as someone recovering from an eating disorder, creating inventive and innovative meals for people didn’t enter into his mind. However, when he and his best friend, Jeroen Coenen, opened their health retreat (D-Toxd) in 2014 and the chef employed didn’t arrive, Gareth stepped in! Despite the daily challenges of working with food, he realised deep down that he had a natural talent for cooking. Add in Jeroen’s passion for sharing food with people and they created a unique eating experience for their weekly guests - one that combines fun and friendship and flavour. In 2018, they published their first recipe book, FUEL which also won an award at the end of the year in The Janey Loves Platinum Awards creates by Janey-Lee Grace from BBC 2. The Bouncing Chef is on a mission to inspire people to eat more freshly prepared, plant-based meals, showing that they can be tasty, simple and fun.

Chef Mr. Kesar Bahadur Thapa has gained over 28 years of experience working in internationally renowned high class restaurants such as Moti Mahal Delux Kitchen (India), Mugal Mahal Kitchen (Kuwait), Taj Mugal Mahal Kitchen (Lebanon) and La Porte des Indes (Brussels). This experience empowered him to obtain and refine his ability to conjure up innovative Nepalese and Indian dishes that are simply delectable. Head Chef Kesar of the Himalayan Tandoori Restaurant in Altea has championed the highest quality food standards, in addition achieving service excellence.

Our top trio are all at the top of their game, and are looking forward to celebrating the Show’s 10th edition by cooking up a variety of dishes for us. So put the dates in your diary now - Friday 5 & Saturday 6 April and join them in the garden area of the Show at the Villa Gadea Hotel in Altea.

For more information on the show please see the advert on page 7.

MAIN MEDIA SPONSOR Female Focus February 2019

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CATLAND Jávea

(CIF No G-42561464 and Non-Profit Charity No CV-01-059013-A) It was just over a year ago whilst I was out catching cats for sterilisation, helping The Association Jávea Feral Cats when the crazy idea happened. A neighbour who lived close to the colony of cats began to scream at me DO NOT BRING IT BACK. I explained to him that this was the cat’s home as there did not exist a refuge in Jávea. An idea popped into my head, tomorrow I will ring the town hall and ask for a piece of land. Easier said than done.

The next day I met with Councillor Courcelles who assured me that she would speak to the Mayor.

The Mayor agreed, subject to a project that would benefit the town. Then started the hours of work creating the project and presenting it to the Mayor. Then started the never-ending red tape, meetings and tense moments waiting and hoping, Councilor Courcelles always by our side. Eventually in December we officially signed for 3000m2 of land as the project substantiated the benefit to the town.

The refuge will consist of 10 cages 6 by 6 m2 which will be sheltered from the elements, 4 quarantine, a nursery, 4 portacabins for an office, clinic, kitchen and storage. All cats that enter the refuge must be sterilised and health checked. The refuge will be run by volunteers.

Catland now desperately needs donations and volunteers to help with fundraising.

Everything is set in place but without the funding we will not be able to complete this project. Please visit our website www.catlandjavea.com or Facebook: Association Catland Javea to find out more information and to see how you can help.

We have set up a go fund me where you can donate https://www.gofundme.com/catland-javea or direct to the Sabadell Bank, Account name: Asoc Catland Jávea, Account number: ES04 0081 0660 0200 0231 5243. Further payment options will be available soon. Thank you Claire.

Eve, Holly, Ivy, Angel and Sprout are Pondenco pups, 4 weeks old on 21 Jan & needing their forever homes in mid-Feb. No adoption fee but a donation is much appreciated. Also, many other dogs & cats needing homes. Food and donations urgently needed and can be left at ARC’s charity shop on Carrer Valencia 1, Jalon between 10 am & 1pm Mon to Sat. Contact Sally:- 625 985 689 or Jayne:- 649 310 285. Email jalonvalleyarc14@yahoo.co.uk. Facebook – 'Jalon Valley ARC'. Charity Reg No CV-01-054107-A. CIF No G5482759.

Alfie, a Breton Spaniel, is a happy lad, walks well on the lead, and pleased if he is pleasing you. Around four years old, he gets on with most dogs. He is vaccinated, microchipped and treated for parasites. Please 'phone Akira 657 689 567, email akirashelter@gmail.com.

Facebook: Akira Benissa Dog Sanctuary. www.akira-animals.com.

Imarco is one of many new lovely kittens. Shelter open every Sunday 10am - 12pm or call Luisa 648 100 629. Aldea Felina Denia Cat Protection League. For information on other animals please visit www.aldeafelina.es. Visit our 2nd hand charity shop on Ave de Jaime I 23, 03779 Els Poblets.

Meet Our Horses!

An open evening every Thursday night, with drinks and tapas to help support and raise awareness for the rescue horses at APAC Caballos. Everyone Welcome. For more information email apacprotectora@gmail.com, visit www.apac-cv.com Facebook: Apac Caballos.

or

Castaño lived with his mum and siblings in a hole near a main road. His sister was run over, but Castaño was rescued in time. Still a bit shy, but what a stunner! He is now learning to live a normal life and already loves his tummy rubs!

More info on Facebook: Tanamera Rescue

HELGA, female crossbreed, DOB 06.13 – 55 cm She is an active dog that could very well become a good guard dog in a garden. She does not have problems with other female dogs and she could easily be trained as she is intelligent. But be aware of the fact that if you will keep her in a house she would also appreciate your sofa. For more info call 618 754 635. www.apasa.eu.

This is Hannah, she is 18 months and weighs 21kgs, she is such a well behaved girl, likes children and happy with other dogs her size, can you give her a home? Tel: 650 304 746 or email p.e.p.a.animalcharity@gmail.com.

Pet Charity Advert Spaces Sponsored by Dragon Insurance..... For ALL your Pet Insurance Needs Dragon Insurance · We Insure just about anything · 96 649 3762 · www.dragoninsure.com Female Focus January 2019

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There is a disturbing trend in the leather furniture industry

Article supplied by David & Jayne Harris of HARRIS FURNISHINGS To cut costs and present to the consumer a "leather" product at a low price, many in the leather furniture industry have turned to an inexpensive material known as bi-cast.

Over the last few years there has been an explosion of "bi-cast leather" (sometimes known as bycast or bonded or PU leather) often made in China and sold worldwide in furniture stores. Many of these stores have no idea that they are actually selling an inferior product to an unwary public. If ever there was a time to use the phrase BUYER BEWARE, this is it.

The facts speak for themselves. Bi-cast products are made by bonding a thick polyurethane coating to a split-hide leather or composite leather substrate. Split-hide leather and composite leather are both significantly inferior to top grain leather. Bi-cast is fundamentally a man-made synthetic upholstery product, and as such some countries (e.g. the UK and New Zealand) have legislation that it cannot be marketed as leather. Spain has no such legislation, so an unsuspecting public is being led to believe they are purchasing natural leather, when in fact they are getting essentially faux leather.

Here's the crux. Bi-cast is to natural leather what particle board is to hardwood, or a chicken nugget is to a chicken breast. The public is being duped. With natural leather the strength and durability comes from the epidermis (outer layer) of the hide. Because bicast is a polyurethane-coated split (inner layer), it does not have the strength, durability or life expectancy of natural leather. Its structural integrity can be shockingly short-lived. As an expert leather furniture repair and restoration firm, we have seen countless occasions where the polyurethane coating peels, or the substrate material splits and tears, often in as little as 3 to 6 months. When, not if unfortunately, the bi-cast covering fails, it is time to replace the furniture as repair or restoration are not viable options with this material.

So, if you are considering buying a leather suite be extremely wary of ridiculously cheap prices, natural leather is not cheap but it's most definitely worth paying a few hundred euros more for a top grain leather suite as you can be safe in the knowledge your purchase is going to give you the longevity you would expect from leather. The old adage "you get what you pay for" is certainly true of leather!

Harris Furnishings DO NOT SELL BICAST! If you want peace of mind knowing you are buying genuine top grain leather we have a fabulous range of leather furniture at sensible prices!

For good old fashioned customer service and top-quality genuine leather furniture, find HARRIS FURNISHINGS & SOFA MEDICO on the Poligono Ind. Les Galgues, in Pedreguer, opposite the new masymas. Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm, and 10am to 2pm on Saturday. Ample Parking. Free delivery between Altea and Oliva.

Female Focus February 2019

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Article supplied by Lee Charlesworth

Simplify your life When I visit a new customer either wanting a new garden, or a garden makeover one of the singular things they always request is they want the garden to be low maintenance, which I completely understand. When you buy a home here or have a holiday home you want to spend time enjoying yourself, not having to do maintenance or chasing people around to do jobs.

Yet so often clients still want natural grass, WHY? Not only is it incredibly difficult to keep, it doesn’t look good, it doesn’t feel good and it costs a lot of money to maintain.

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It is well known by any good gardener that a lawn is the singular biggest cost of any garden. I have numerous cases now with new customers where their maintenance costs could be slashed because the plants in the garden only require twice yearly pruning to control everything, then other than a bit of weed control and blowing to keep the garden tidy for a visit, there is nothing else to do.

But the moment you put a natural lawn into the equation you now require weekly visits through the Spring / Summer and into Autumn then twice a month through Winter.

This alone drives costs up. You then also have to remember that this is excluding any maintenance costs for the sprinkler systems, any special treatments required to keep the grass looking good.

Wouldn’t you want to turn up to a perfect lawn that is always green, always beautiful and costs almost nothing to maintain.

If you have a natural grass lawn, or if you want some green in your garden then contact Charlesworth Gardens and its sister company Artificial-Grass-Spain and do the right thing.

Our grass is Spanish made to European safety standards, is far higher quality than the majority of other grass products and laid by a trained team. We have been dealing with artificial grass longer than anyone else on the Costa Blanca. STOP wasting money now and call in the professionals, cut down your ongoing costs and always enjoy a perfect artificial grass lawn.

Plant of the Month

START YOUR DAY WITH A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP

I chose this plant this time last year but looking at it you can see why. For a quick growing and amazing looking climber, it’s definitely a good choice.

My plant of the month is the flame vine, Pyrostgeia Venusta, the picture (above right) has been sent to me by an existing customer who absolutely loves the plant and you can see why.

For more information please give us a call on 696 283 704, email info@charlesworthgardens.com or visit www.charlesworthgardens.com, www.artificial-grass-spain.com and www.floresgardencentre.com.

QUALITY BEDS & BED LINEN FROM BUDGET TO LUXURY All British sizes available • Styles to suit all pockets FREE assembly, caster cups & delivery* FREE disposal of your old bed C.C. Byblos Local 8, Ctra. Calpe-Moraira, Los Pinos 1K (Coast Road) Calpe Tel: 96 583 6814 Email: info@thebedcentre.com www.thebedcentre.com Opening Hours: Monday - Friday: 10am - 5pm Saturday: 10am - 1.30pm

*FREE DELIVERY from GANDIA to ALICANTE Female Focus February 2019

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Creating Beautiful Homes At Lotus Interiors we believe your home should be so much more than just the “space” you live in. It should be a reflection of you, your personality, your likes and loves and when you walk in you should feel an emotional connection with every room.

Creating schemes that work is the key to success and one aspect of this is carefully balancing the many different types of finishes that can be used in interior design; from matt and soft sheens on walls, floors and furniture, to softness and texture from your curtains, seating, cushions and rugs, through to metallic and reflective finishes on lighting and accessories, layering these up correctly can make or break the final look and feel of a room.

Harmonious Finishes In many homes I am asked to create schemes based around a single neutral colour, be that white, beige or grey. It is in these mono schemes that the use of finishes is especially important. Light bounces off or is absorbed by different surfaces in a combination of ways, which ultimately give a room a feeling of depth and warmth. Too little variation and a room can appear cold and clinical, too much and it can feel over stuffed and confusing.

So how do you get it right?

Here are a few starters for 10 to help you layer up and create the perfect combination.

Matt This is almost always the most dominant finish in a room as painted walls give you a matt surface and modern tiled floors are invariably matt as well. Light doesn’t bounce off a matt finish so it creates a soft back drop to the rest of the space. Some fabrics are also matt, for example linen types, so make sure you choose colour or texture to contrast against your matt walls and avoid your room feeling too flat and dull.

Light Sheen This finish can be easy to overlook in a scheme as often it comes as a result of other elements used in the room without you even thinking about it. Wooden floors, wooden furniture and painted

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woodwork can often give a light sheen finish and some floor tiles are mid sheen as opposed to matt or shiny. Light Sheen finishes can also be found on many fabrics such as silks, satins and velvets and mixing these into your scheme is an easy way to balance out the matt of painted walls.

Soft Softness in a scheme invariably comes from your fabric layer. Think upholstery, bedding, curtains, cushions and rugs. Living rooms and bedrooms will naturally contain a higher percentage than a kitchen for example but a fabric Roman blind is a great way to soften a harsh kitchen. Layer your softness up with upholstered headboards, throws and cushions on beds, and mix and match cushions on sofas to create inviting spaces. And don’t forget, this soft layer doesn’t just create a cosy look to a room but it also works to soften acoustics, making a space more comfortable on the ears as well!

Textured Textures to me are incredibly important as they add interest and design without having to go overboard on colour and pattern.

Naturally I am drawn to adding texture through fabrics with deep pile velvets, chunky weaves and burn out designs being my favourites, but natural wooden surfaces can also add texture, with rustic rawness cutting out the sheen and creating stunning focal points.

Reflective Whether it be the metallic finishes of chrome or brass, silver or gold or the positioning of a feature mirror, the reflective layer in a room inevitably adds a feeling of chic.

Light sparks off these surfaces lifting the room and a little goes a long way so don’t go overboard! Consider using reflective surfaces on side and coffee tables to create a real WOW factor, or be more subtle by introducing reflective finishes on lighting and curtains poles.

If you’d like help to create your beautiful home simply get in touch with us and take advantage of our no obligation home consultation, we look forward to hearing from you!

Tammi

Lotus Interiors, Ctra. Moraira 14-16, Benitachell.

Call 96 649 3232. www.lotusinteriors.es.

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The Stage Diary now in its 12th year of publication is not only an important guide to what’s on in all regions but is also an on-line web introduction to potential expat’s researching community life in Spain. The diary also acts as a planning guide to assist groups avoid unnecessary clashes of production dates.

Caprice: Caprice ladies’ choir are looking forward to their next concerts in May which will focus on songs from the stage and screen, ranging from ‘The King and I’, to ‘The Greatest Showman’. They rehearse every Wednesday evening in Calpe and are always happy to welcome new members. For more information about this friendly choir, contact musical director Aileen on: 696 514 613 or via the website: www.capriceladieschoir.com.

Careline Theatre: Careline brings you the amazing production, ‘The Trojan War’, by the Prague Theatre Company. An Iliad is a tour-deforce evening based on Homer's epic poem of love, battle, gods and honour exploring humanity's unshakable attraction to violence, destruction and chaos, with the music of the muses, capturing the conditions of glory and violence with spellbinding modernity. 8 and 9 March at 8pm at Careline Theatre, Alcalali. Tickets 15€ from carelineboxoffice@gmail.com or call 605 181 726.

Costa Blanca Male Voice Choir: The choir played to a packed Benitachell church for its annual Carol Concert in December and after the Christmas break are now rehearsing new songs for the coming season. On 10 May they will be taking part in an International Choir Festival at the Casa de Cultura in Alfaz de Pi and due to popular demand are planning another Concert at the Cave in Benidoleig in June. Find out more about the choir on their website, www.costablancamalevoicechoir.wikidot.com or call Mike Evans on: 96 574 4577.

Jávea Players: The muchloved show, ‘My Fair Lady’, will be performed in Gata’s Unión Musical from 25-30 March at 7.30pm. 25 March is Gala Night – dress in your best Ascot clothes – with cava and finger food after the show catered by La Cocina: tickets 20€.

Tuesday-Friday tickets 16€. Saturday matinee at 4pm tickets also 16€. Box office opens 7 February. For more information see www.javeaplayers.com.

Female Focus February 2019

www.femalefocusonline.com Oliva Drama and Cultural Association: There's still time to get tickets for ODCA's 2019 pantomime, 'Robin Hood'. The entry fee is 7.50€, and there are performances at the Olimpia theatre in Oliva on the 6, 7 (matinée) and 16 February, a great family show with all the panto fun. For more information, please phone 644 889 155, email olivadramagroup@gmail.com, or see their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OlivaDrama.

Phoenix Dancers: The Dancers have started off the new year with a bang and are working hard for their forthcoming shows. Watch the press for full details for shows in March, April and May. Does anyone know of a boy Latin dancer who would like to join us and help raise money for charity? Partner not necessary. Please get in touch with Phaedra our choreographer on 607 290 896.

Sounds Familiar: Sounds Familiar are in rehearsals for their 10th anniversary production called ‘Showstoppers’, which will be on stage in Ondara on 28 February. Please contact Philip on 96 558 1483 for more information about the show or if you are interested in joining the group.

The Chaplaincy Singers: After a busy and very successful Christmas season the Chaplaincy Singers, under musical director Philip Ashley, are now tackling new material as the diary fills up for 2019. They rehearse on Mondays at 10.45am at La Fustera church. It's a good time to come and join them if you love to sing. Call 96 588 1483 for details.

Valley Voices: Valley Voices gave their Christmas concert in Jalon, after carolling during previous days for local charities. They are now back rehearsing for their next venture.

Thanks to Jacaranda for sponsorship, helping towards their professional pianist and director; allowing them to raise more funds for local charities. Please contact valleyvoiceschoircb@gmail. com, 699 603 088 or our Facebook page for more information.

If you would like your group to be part of the Stage Diary please email benny@female-focus.com. Deadline for copy is the 15th of the month prior to publication.

Stage Diary Costa Blanca South information can be found online at www.femalefocusonline.com

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What has the Oliva U3A got to offer?

By Angela, Press and Publicity Officer If anyone thinks that being an active member of the local Oliva U3A is just about meeting people and taking up hobbies then read on. With approximately 500 members living in or around Oliva we care about the local community. Moving to Spain is not just about living in a warmer climate, it’s about embedding ourselves into the culture and becoming part of the community.

Over the festive period members and groups came together to support local charities and hopefully spread a little festive cheer.

The Children’s Christmas Party. A children's Christmas party was held by Oliva U3A at the CPC on 12 December, when 57 under privileged children from Oliva attended. Each child received a box of presents which had been donated by U3A members, who we thank very much. It was a pleasure to see the faces of these children light up when they opened their present. A Huge Thank You to everyone who helped in various ways to make this party a superb success.

The five U3A Christmas Carollers managed to raise 116€ for the Oliva U3A chosen charity AECC (Spanish Cancer Research) for this year. The singers are all members of the U3A Choir and thoroughly enjoyed their evening out. If you would like to join Oliva U3A (Oliva Membership is only 10 Euros a year) and the choir and join in the fun please contact Lynda Goy by email on choir@u3a-oliva.org.

We are extremely happy to encourage all members to join in with some new activities.

Yoga is up and running....or should I say relaxing. I popped into the San Francesc social centre to catch up with the intermediate yoga class. It was their first session and I was interested to find out what attracted members to yoga. As they unrolled their mats, Rayne told me her mother went to yoga for more years than Rayne could remember, but she was always amazed at her mothers good health and agility, and now realises that if she doesn't start soon, she may not have the same great life her mother did. Jean explained she used to go to yoga years ago and is so happy to be able to pick it up again as she found it really helped with her flexibility and agility.

For Heather, it was her first time and so far had found it very beneficial. I didn't like to tell her that she wouldn't be laying on the mat all through the session. I will maybe ask her again in a few weeks. I didn't stay long because Marta the teacher was keen to get going. Good luck to all and I hope you all enjoy. If anyone wants to sign up to the Friday intermediate session or the beginners on a Monday, then please visit https://u3aoliva.wildapricot.org.

We have a new photography group being arranged for the first Wednesday of every month. Lynne Pilcher the group leader is determined to get out and about to make use of the wonderful country we live in.

"If you enjoy taking photographs and want to capture some of the beautiful landscapes, events and activities that go on in and around Oliva then join the Photography Group. The group is designed for getting out and about, taking photographs and having fun and will meet on the first Wednesday of the month at 10.30am."

It doesn't matter what sort of camera you have, this is about using it and getting out and about within a group and to get snapping.

Please be aware that this is not a group that will provide technical help on camera issues and usage, but hopefully there will be enough knowledge within the membership to help each other out if we have problems or questions. Open to all members. If you are interested then please contact Lynne through the Oliva U3A website https://u3aoliva.wildapricot.org/.

We are always looking for new group leaders to encourage a wider range of activities and classes. If you wish to discuss options or classes of any kind, then please contact the President of the Oliva U3A, Mick at president@u3a-oliva.org. Please visit our website https://u3aoliva.wildapricot.org/ to learn about Oliva U3A. Female Focus February 2019

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A Crash course in Classical music presentation by the Arts Society Marina Alta The second presentation of the 2019 season by the Arts Society Marina Alta will be held at Salones Canor Teulada on the 7 March at 11am. The venue (directions on our website www.marinaaltaarts.com) will open at 10am for registration and coffee will be available to members and guests.

'And now for something different ' from the Arts Society Marina Alta! Responding to the views expressed by our members in a recent survey, we invite members and guests to join broadcaster Sandy Burnett on a trip through the world of classical music from the Medieval era to the present day.

For Sandy's presentation “A Crash course in Classical music” he has prepared a quick glossary of the four key periods he’s covering, including a brief overview and definitions of five key terms that are relevant to each.

Sandy Burnett is one of the most authoritative broadcasters in the field of classical music. He was a presenter on Radio 3 from 1994 until 2006, and is a busy practising musician himself. Aled Jones said to Sandy: “You are a god”. He has been teaching classical music appreciation at the Idler Academy since 2011.

The presentation covers a thousand years of classical music, taking us from the Medieval and Renaissance periods through Baroque, Classical, Romantic and twentieth-century right up to what’s happening in classical music today. Sandy will explain the nuts and bolts of classical music – notation, form, and tonality – and discuss how composers went about the process of shaping their works.

Sandy's presentation will give you a clear understanding of the essential elements of music in each era, and will enable you to listen to classical music with fresh ears and greater understanding.

For further details of the Society, venue and programme for 2019 see our website www.marinaaltaarts.com or for membership membership@marinaaltaarts.com.

U3A Vall del Pop What’s On Programme

U3A Marina Baixa Trip to the Bonaire Shopping Centre

7 February - General Meeting. Speaker Jana Petken on Historical writer with many award-winning novels. Goodwill Team Cake Sale fund raising event.

20 February - Valencia Shopping Experience, IKEA and Shopping Mall [8€].

7 March - Annual General Meeting.

4 April - General Meeting. Speaker Duncan Campell on Reporter Highly Recommended.

11 April - Valencia Bioparc or Oceanografic. Tickets to be purchased on arrival. [8.50€ for coach only].

2 May - General Meeting. Speaker Benjamin Tinker on Chiropractor.

19 - 26 May - Trip to Galicia, 6 days / 5 nights.

22 - 25 September – Trip includes Euromed 1st Class train tickets, Half-board at Ayre Caspe hotel, visits to Sagrada Familia & Parc Guell, Barcelona Football Stadium and 1st Class shopping experience. [495€pp].

Visit our website, http://u3avalldelpop.com, for further details of what’s going on and of our groups.

Margaret & Malcolm Hamer (our Travel Co-ordinator & Hubby) arranged our first trip of the year, which was a “New Year Sales” shopping trip to The Bonair Shopping Centre, north of Valencia, which is allegedly the largest shopping centre in Europe!

Thus 36 Members (including 6 brave men!) set off from Albir on a bitterly cold, but bright sunny morning, for a lovely day of shopping and my wife assures me that we saved a fortune!

U3A Marina Baixa holds its general meetings on the fourth Monday of each month at the auditorium in the Casa de Cultura Alfaz del Pi. The doors open at 9.30am and the desks close at 10.50am for a prompt 11am start.

If you have not heard of this Association and would like to join them, you can be assured of a very warm welcome. Please visit the website www.u3amarinabaixa.com to find out more information there is also a Facebook page. If you do not have internet access please contact their secretary Joan Flint on 96 586 1226 or mobile 663 637 167 for more information.

Calling all groups and charities send your forthcoming events and information to editor@femalefocusonline.com before the 15th of the month prior to publication.

Female Focus February 2019

FF - Your Entertaining magazine Page 37 www.femalefocusonline.com IF FIVE MILLION PEOPLE is a social media campaign started by Orihuela A gourmet surprise that’s certainly worth the journey! resident Nick Moore which has a simple premise. If we unite and do good deeds, If you love good food, and we can make the world a better place. to eat it in a wonderful Recent topics have included: convincing setting, then a trip to Jalón neighbours to recycle, explaining why to The Black Apple Bistro straws are bad for the planet, sharing a is a must. At just 24, up and charity’s good work. The page posts great coming chef Tom Francis information to show us how to help the planet. It has a growing has developed his own style audience on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and Nick hopes that of gourmet bistro food which by sharing environmental messages, good news and also life-hacks has helped him establish via social media we can all make a difference to bring a smile and a loyal clientelle who just keep coming back. As local hope.

Nick said “I want to remain positive in a world that is increasingly Maggie put it, “it’s stylish, troubled. I started the page to try to make a difference. I hope the food is fantastic, the people will find it and follow and share my hope for the future. service is lovely and friendly Search for the page by typing IF FIVE MILLION PEOPLE and and it’s my favourite place on the planet”. Set in Heidi’s clicking LIKE or FOLLOW. Flower shop, the setting couldn’t be nicer.

The Black Apple Jalón

Gandia Area Social Club (International) Put More Life In Your Life With The GASC!!

We hold monthly Dinner Dances with live (high class) entertainment at the Viva España Restaurant on the N-332 in Oliva. Apart from the music nights we have monthly quiz and dinner evenings and weekly sporting activities, badminton, walking, hiking, petanque and trips away. There are always lots of good things happening to enjoy in the GASC! As ever, all are welcome.

Please see our website: www.gandiaareasocialclub.com especially the What's On page.

To book events please email: gascbookings@gmail.com.

See our Facebook too!

The menu changes so regularly that there’s no thing as a single signature dish, but from experience I can recommend the board platters, ploughman’s, fisherman’s, and even hot dishes such as goujons and warm Camembert bites. Don’t get me started on the Fish Pie, it’s to die for!

The bistro is open weekday lunchtime (Tues - Sat) and as from Feb 3rd, for Sunday lunch.

Booking is highly recommended, call Tom on 96 648 0324.

The Black Apple can be found in Heidi’s Flowers in Jalón, 100m from the masymas roundabout.

Female Focus February 2019

FF Your community magazine

Word Search Answers to puzzles in the classified pages

Page 38 www.femalefocusonline.com This is the first of a series of wordsearches looking at some of the most important Spanish words to learn. See if you can find all 26 Spanish words (in blue). Remember words can go up, down, across, diagonally and even backwards and to make it harder, some letters will have been used more than once.

ADIÓS - GOODBYE AHORA - NOW ALLI - THERE AMAR - to LOVE AMIGO - FRIEND ANDAR - to WALK AÑO - YEAR ANTES - BEFORE AQUÍ - HERE BAJO - LOW, UNDER BAÑO - BATHROOM BEBER - to DRINK BIEN - WELL (as an adverb) BUENO - GOOD CADA - EACH CASI - ALMOST CHICA - GIRL CHICO - BOY CIUDAD - CITY COMER - to EAT COMO - LIKE, AS CONOCER - to KNOW COSA - THING CREER - to BELIEVE, to THINK CUAL - THAT, WHICH CUANDO - WHEN

A B C Sounds Familiar, the Benissa based show group, are 10 years old in February.

To celebrate their anniversary their latest show entitled Showstoppers will be on stage in the Auditori Municipal in Ondara on Thursday 28 February.

The show features a wide range of hits from musical theatre including some of the group's favourite numbers from previous shows which have been dusted off and given a new lease of life with brand new routines and arrangements.

Anyone who enjoys musical theatre will find something to love in Showstoppers with hits from Cats, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Mame, Fiddler on the Roof, Chess and Beauty and the Beast to name just a few.

The show starts at 8pm with the doors opening at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at 12€ and are available by phone on 96 558 1483, or online at www.philipashley.com/boxoffice.php.

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Spot the difference -

See if you can spot all 12 differences

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SUDOKU Here are two Sudoku puzzles of different skill levels for you to try.

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3 x 3 grid contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repeats, which means that no number is repeated in any row, column or box.

Answers to puzzles in the classified pages

The English Choir of Teulada Moraira If you live in or near Moraira/ Teulada and you’re looking to join an English speaking choir...

We rehearse every Thursday from 3.45pm – 5.45pm in the Pensionistas Social Centre above the café in the corner of the Town Hall Square in Teulada.

New members are always welcome so come along to a rehearsal.

Although reading music is not essential, it is useful as we can be working from a wide repertoire and a certain amount of commitment and “homework” is asked for.

Everyone is requested to attend all rehearsals although obviously health and holidays are the acceptable reasons for a member’s absence and prior notice would be appreciated.

The English Choir of Teulada Moraira will present their Spring Concert in May 2019 in aid of M.A.B.S. Venue to be announced.

Contact: Judith Haynes, email - theenglishchoir@gmail.com or visit www.theenglishchoirteulada.com for more information.

Exhibition of Impressionistic Watercolours by Lanie Widmar 1 February to 30 April - Restaurante Melitón Jardín, Altea La Vella, Alicante Lanie Widmar is a former architect, with nearly 30 years in the corporate design world, who decided to move on to focus on painting watercolours in the impressionistic style. Originally, from Laguna Beach, California, she moved to Altea, Spain in 2016. Lanie’s paintings are a result of experiences in the field that inspired her sense of awe in the beauty of the European landscape. She is particularly drawn to villages, and monuments that mark a historic place in mankind’s journey on earth.

Lanie spends her time travelling in Europe to sketch and paint historic monuments and villages in the Plein Air method of painting. Her transparent watercolours are described as vibrant in colour, interpretive in style with bold compositions.

Lanie will exhibit her watercolour paintings at Restaurante Meliton Jardin, Ctra. De Callosa 52, 03599, Altea La Vella, Tel: 96 584 8001. The exhibition of paintings will be on show from 1 February to 30 April every day from 9.30am to 11pm. For more information about the exhibition and paintings, please visit www.rabbitearsstudio.com. For directions to the restaurant, please visit www.meliton-jardin.com.

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NOTICEBOARD

Aircrew Association Costa Blanca. Former and serving aircrew of the UK or Allied Armed Forces are very welcome to join this friendly organisation founded here in 1988. Details from the Secretary on: 96 640 4123.

Alfaz Spiritual Foundation – Spiritual church in Alfaz de Pi, meets at the Forum Mare Nostrum, Camino de Pincho 02, every Thursday at 6.30pm for Divine Service.

Each week there is a different medium, international and 'home grown' giving evidence that life is eternal. Following the demonstration of mediumship, there is the opportunity to receive healing. Mediums offer workshops and private readings.

If interested and for more information please visit www.alfazspiritualfoundation.com.

Amigos de Benitachell Charity Shop can be found on Crta. Moraira No. 18, Benitachell. It is open Mon to Fri 10am to 1pm. Donated items are always welcome.

They are looking for volunteers. If you can spare some time for this worthy cause please call their president Carole on 620 781 034 or pop into the shop between 10am and 1pm weekdays.

Amigos de Make a Smile Charity Shop We have lots of good quality second hand clothes, handbags, small pieces of furniture, children's clothes, shoes and bedding. Find us at the bottom of the dual carriageway in Teulada on the left hand side near to the Rodafoc fire shop. We are also looking for volunteers to help us in the shop. So if you could spare a few hours a week come along and talk to the team.

Avenida del Mediterráneo, 4 Teulada. Open Monday to Saturday 10am to 1pm.

Benitachell Christian Fellowship. Looking for an English speaking church close to Moraira, Teulada or Benissa? Then you are welcome to visit us. Our Sunday service starts at 11am and runs for about 75 minutes. Whether you are a resident or visitor, please feel free to come along – we have a number of visiting speakers, the welcome is warm, the music is good and parking is nearby. Call Eric on 678 980 151 or Ann on 96 647 0303 for details and directions. For further info about the Fellowship, directions and map visit www.benitachellcf.org.

Charity shop of Calpe The shop is open every morning from 10am until 1.30pm except Sundays and can be found in Galerías Mar Azul – half-way up Avenida Gabriel Miró, on the right hand side. If you are looking for ladies´ and men's clothes and shoes, household items, paperbacks and small pieces of furniture, then drop in and have a look. Also, if you have any items to donate or would like to help out in the shop just pop in.

Calpe Christian Fellowship. We have moved to the Spanish church Vida Abundante on Avd Diputacion. English service every Sunday 11am, details www.calpechristianfellowship.org. Tel 670 491 283. Free car parking.

Calpe – MOFTAG – Mighty Oaks from Tiny Acorns Grow, is an English Speaking Ladies Social & Fundraising Club. We meet every second Wednesday in the month and organise social events for the third & fourth Wednesdays. A Warm welcome awaits. Please phone our President, Jenny Godfrey for details of the venue. Tel 96 583 0179 – mobile. 639 139 518.

CALPE U3A hold their monthly general meetings on the third Thursday of the month at the AR Sol Ifach Calpe 10am for a meeting start at 10.30am. Calpe U3A is about learning and pleasure. We have many groups to be involved with and the travel team have day trips and short holidays advertised on the travel team Facebook page and www.u3acalpe.org.

Chess Mates. We meet every Tuesday at Bar Vinyater, Jalon at 2pm Whatever your level or experience you will be most welcome to join us. Both men and women make up this marvellous and happy group. Call me on 605 231 331 for more details.

Costa Blanca Computer Club. Regular Saturday meetings in the Sierra Bernia School is planned to start on 12 January from 10:00 hours. See https://sites. google.com/view alfazcbcc/home for more club information, included our meeting programme.

Costa Blanca Mountain Walkers. The CBMW is a group of people who get together twice a week to enjoy walking in the mountains of the Costa Blanca.

Anyone is welcome to come along. Visit www.cbmwalkers.org for information on upcoming walks and guidelines.

Crib in Calpe - we meet every Monday evening (19:45 for 20.00 start) at Oriental Gardens Restaurant, Calle Pintor Sorolla, Calpe - for beginners and improvers and people that haven't played for 20 years. A fun evening with a happy group (no need to bring a partner). Ted: yogated@hotmail.co.uk or 634 313 527.

Crime Watch Spain. (Vecinos Colaborando Costa Blanca). We try to reduce crime and vandalism in our communities. We try to look after the citizens. We also teach Spanish. For more information please email: colaborando.crimewatch@gmail.com.

Denia, Church of England. At the Church of England at Les Rotes in Denia there is a Holy Communion Service every Sunday at 11.45am and all are welcome.

HELP of Denia and Marina Alta Parkinson's Support Group meets every last Monday of the month at our Activity Centre in La Xara at 2.30pm. The group gives support, latest information and advise on Parkinson's. Come along and meet a great bunch of people. Call the coordinator on 634 301 677 for information, www.helpofdenia.com or Help of DAMA FB. Language Exchange in Calpe - A totally free service to bring together English speakers wanting to practice Spanish with Spanish speakers wanting to speak English - Meetings on a 'One to One' basis at a mutually agreed time and place in Calpe. Contact Liz or Ted at calpeavl@hotmail.com.

Jávea International Bridge Club, Avda. de Paris, Arenal. Why not join us on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday (with host) & Friday at 2.45pm. Visitors very welcome. Email: pat@javeabridgeclub.com or telephone: 96 647 2158 if you wish to learn this fascinating game of bridge. More details on our website: www.javeabridgeclub.com.

Jávea Computer Club. The club is open to new and existing members from 9.30am until 12.30pm Mon, Tues and Thurs of each week Whatever your computing needs, we can probably help. So why not come along and get some assistance. Membership annual subscription still just 10€ with a one-off joining fee of 10€. Further information on the Club web site: www.javeacomputerclub.org or www.facebook.com/JCCCOMPUTERCLUB/ or email javeacomputerclub@gmail.com.

Jalon Valley Help events. Casa de Ánimo, Alcalalí: First Sunday of the month: Afternoon Tea 4-6pm, Tuesday Morning Drop-in: 10am to 1pm – a cuppa and a chat. Thursday Craft Group: from 2pm – sewing and knitting. First and Third Fridays: Art Group 2-4pm – beginners welcome. For information on any of the above call Alison on 96 648 2166. Charity Shops:10am-1pm Mon-Sat (Alcalalí 96 648 2970, Jalón 96 648 0944). Enquiries: 659 624 643 – also for loan of medical equipment eg wheelchairs, walking frames etc. No charge but a deposit is requested. Home knitters & volunteers needed. www.jalonvalleyhelp.com.

MALCOLM'S MUSINGS TOURING LOCAL STYLE … A LA CART

by Malcolm Smith

Unlike many Brits who set up home out here, I did not get the “join a club” fraternity. I really wanted to see some of Spain and meet some of the folk. And that’s what happened. Within a short time I had toured most of Iberia, made friends with local neighbours on the coast….. and become involved.

Although I have no religious leanings I had been invited to a Communion, a couple of weddings and even been in several funeral processions. The most unusual of my invitations was to trip around the ‘campo’ gypsy fashion in a donkey cart. The invitation came from Jeronimo Pinet who had an ‘odd ball’ restaurant in Tarbena and was a member of the local ‘Carroza Club’ whose hobby was to travel and camp in this style.

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Although I did not totally accept the offer, I did get to delve into the unique pastime and discovered what it was all about. Each year in early summer this travelling fiesta virtually took over the mountain lanes and villages with their antique canvas topped mule and horse carts. continued on facing page

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NOTICEBOARD

Jávea International Baptist Church (JIBC), Pastor Steve Hall. Sunday Service is at 10.30am at The Church Centre, Carrer Favara 8, Jávea, (just off the Plaza de la Constitucion in the old town or “Pueblo”, where the open air market is normally held on Thursdays.) For further information please visit our website: http://www.javeabaptist.es or call 96 579 5847.

Make a Smile Recycle Heroes Need Your Help. Dennis and Barbara accept any household items, furniture, electrical and clothes etc for the recycle projects. They are happy to do total house clearances. The items are given a bit of TLC and sold in rastros and auctions to provide funds for the charity. They can be contacted on 660 961 585 or 96 583 6814.

Marina Alta Model Railway Club. Dust off your Dapols, bring out your Bachmanns, haul out your Hornbys! The MAMRC meets regularly at its spacious Clubhouse in Teulada. We cannot make you young again, but we can remind you how it felt. All gauges for all ages. New members welcome. Call 96 647 1939 or email mamrclub@gmail.com.

Oliva Chess Group. We meet in Oliva every Thursday morning. New members welcome whatever your standard. For further details please contact Graham on 609 970 621 or email graham.flowerdew@hotmail.com.

Oliva Art Group. We meet in Oliva every Tuesday evening 6pm until 8pm and Wednesday morning 10am until 1pm. New members welcome, whatever your standard. For further information contact Graham 609 970 621 or email graham. flowerdew@hotmail.com.

Paquita’s Country Club is a Social Club which was formed 28 years ago, for people of all ages, resident or non resident. Being a member is a great way to meet and make friends, whether you are single or a couple. We are based at El Cid Restaurant & Bar in Benidoleig and hold weekly and monthly activities on and off site. These include a Walking Group – once a month a group of us walk for about 2.5 hours then have lunch somewhere nearby, a Travelling Diners Group, Weekly Tombola and Whist, together with Dinner Dances, Excursions & Mini Breaks. We are a friendly Club offering a warm welcome to existing and new members. Please contact the Membership Secretary Belinda Crick on 96 645 9724 or 686 222 754 for further information, we look forward to hearing from you.

PLJ Spiritual Social Centre. We meet at the Albir Cultural Social Centre (between Mercadonna and Sol Albir Estate Agents) every Wednesday evening at 6.45pm. We are a group of friendly spiritually minded people who are non profit, non political and non religious. Each week, there will be discussions and demonstrations on various topics and ideas based on Spiritual, metaphysical, and mystical themes with occasional guest speakers or mediums. For more information contact: Pauline: 602 559 062 Jan: 603 259 169 or Lyn:663 315 532. FB:- pljspiritualsocialcentre.

Email:- pljspiritualsocialcentre@gmail.com.

Royal British Legion Benidorm Branch meet at 11am on the third Friday of each month at Ciudad Patricia Benidorm. They also have a monthly lunch and various social events. New and old members most welcome. Please contact secrblbenidorm@outlook.com or call James on 677 786 559 for more details.

Royal British Legion Calpe Branch meet every Friday at 11.30am at Restaurant Dracula, Calpe Port (opp. Baydal Restaurant). New members always welcome.

Come along and meet new friends and enjoy the monthly outings. Please contact Norman Hodgkiss, on 96 574 7410 or calpe3465.members@gmail.com.

FF - Your magazine

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Royal British Legion Jávea Branch meet at Paris 24 on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month (except July & August). We meet from 10.30am onwards for coffee and a chat, our meeting starts at 11.30am. We have a very good Social Programme throughout the year. We would love to see members and none members coming to our meetings and join in. We would make you feel most welcome. Pamela Dawes, Membership Sec, RBL Jávea Branch, contact 96 579 0123 or 617 789 883.

Salvation Army Denia Are you looking for fellowship with a multinational congregation. We are based at the beautiful Camp Saron, just outside of Denia.

There is Sunday worship 10.30am, prayer and bible study on Wednesdays. All very relaxed with English, Dutch, German, Spanish, American, also Welsh, Scottish and Irish. The address is Camp Saron, Partida de Torre Carrels. Denia. Telephone 698 609 658 or 652 319 810.

San Juan Evangelical ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ located at Calle Juan Sebastián Elcano 25, 03550 San Juan. We have people from South America, the Philippines, Spain, England, the Netherlands and more nationalities, the diversity of God. You are very welcome in our Sunday services at 5pm to join us in worship and prayer. For further information: ivanysadys@yahoo.es or call 605 556 974.

Spiritual Friends Costa Blanca is a non-religious group of spiritually minded people who meet on Wednesday afternoons. Each week different - clairvoyance, discussions, talks and demonstrations on spiritual or holistic subjects. Email sp.fr.cb@gmail.com, website www.spiritualfriendscostablanca.com or contact Jan on 600 837 054.

Tennis. Old Bats and Balls meet at 10am every Thursday morning at the Rafol courts. Men and Women of all levels are most welcome and the subs average 1€ per week. We also enjoy a monthly and sociable lunch after the mornings play.

Call me on 605 231 331 for more details.

Valleys Bridge Club Come and join us for a friendly game of Duplicate Bridge.

We meet every Thursday at El Cid in Benidoleig, 1.30pm for play to commence at 2pm. New members are always most welcome. For further information contact either Brenda 96 640 4533 or Tina 96 558 3136.

World Mysteries Discussion Group This is a discussion group which meets up every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month at 4.30pm at Innate Active (formerly known as SolPark Tennis), Moraira, located on the outskirts of Moraira close to the Pan, Pan, Jamon, Jamon café bar. We discuss all types of subjects including the Egyptian Pyramids, crop circles, the ancient Sumerian tablets, lost civilisations, the recently discovered Bosnian Pyramids etc. We aim to promote investigation and research in order to share information and discuss interesting unexplained topics. For more information email morairaworldmystery@gmail.com.

Xàbia Book Circle. We meet on the first Tuesday of each month in the Centro Social, Xàbia Old Town, beside the Health Centre, at 6.30pm for a 6.45pm start, and we finish at 8.45pm. You can also follow our activities on our website www.xabiabookcircle.com. For more information please contact the Xàbia Book Circle Secretary, Nina Davies on 96 579 1782 or ninamdavies@yahoo.co.uk.

Calling all groups and charities send your forthcoming events and information to editor@femalefocusonline.com before the 15th of the month prior to publication.

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Twas a magical cavalcade never to be forgotten as it trekked through a panorama of rugged sierras along verdant lanes to the sounds of a mellifluous clarion of rousing bells.

The musical overture of bells and clanging brass harness heralds the procession which winds around the lanes with its ornate, finely decorated, olde-worlde wagons hauled by teams of equine hybrids, jennets and mules.

When I witnessed this spectacle for the first time between Callosa and Polop I rapidly ran out of film. My camera in overdrive I went snap-shot crazy. The gaily bedecked carts and wagons were a delight. The tiny carts were drawn by teams of two, troikas and even ‘fours-in-hand.’ All were beautifully groomed, the ‘carrozas’ were just as impressive and artistically painted. The animals’ decorative finery, comprising multi-coloured ribbons, brilliant rosettes and highly polished brass, complemented by the tinkling carillon and metallic clangour.

Every equine head was protected from the sun by a gaily decorated straw bonnet. The picturesque cavalcade proceeded at its own pace towards its overnight caravanserai. For several days, this ‘Volta en Carro’ had meandered through the Marinas Alta y Baja, reviving and reliving an era of horse-power travel.

This cart revival began in 1987. Benissa ‘carroza’ enthusiast Miguel Crespo Giner with a few friends, formed a club and very soon elegantly renovated covered wagons were rolling around the Costa. The association grew in popularity and within a few years there were more than 30 ‘painted’ wagons ‘living the life’ beneath a roof of a thousand stars. continued from previous page

This was the ‘Volta en Carro’ - WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Female Focus February 2019

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Health & Beauty P S Y C H O T H E R A P I S T CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT Psychotherapist for the confidential treatment of anxiety and depression. Plus couples t h e r a p y. P h o n e Ta n y a o n 634 354 892 to arrange an appointment.

THE INTERPRETER, for all your English/ Spanish interpreting & translations. Based close to Denia Hospital & surrounding medical centres. Emergency 24 hour call out for Denia Hospital. CALL 686 320 435 or email on candidawright@gmail.com FREE CONSULTATION - BOOK NOW, Does the weather ruin your make-up. Permanent Eyebrows & Eyeliner are the perfect solution.

Elements Beauty Spa In Denia. w w w. e l e m e n t s b e a u t y s p a . e s elementsbeautyspa@gmail.com Call: 966 424 647

Tuition QUALIFY AS A TEFL TEACHER With the prestigious Trinity CertTESOL qualification and join a profession with worldwide job opportunities. Our course is accredited by Trinity College, London and is run at our centre in Gandia on a part-time basis.

Attendance is on Fridays & Saturday mornings over a 10 week period. The next course starts in June 2019 but interviews must be completed by 31 May. No previous teaching experience necessary but your suitability for this demanding course is assessed through a written task and interview. Trainee places limited to 10. Also open to nonnative speakers with C1/C2 level of English. Please phone or email for further information.

Email: trinitygandia@gmail. com Tel: 96 286 7281 (Charlotte) www.appformacion.com

Services MAN AND VAN for hire, cheap & reliable. Jalon valley & surrounding areas. 96 648 0757 (9.30-1.30) or 636 100 873.

Personal JENNY'S CLEANING SERVICES. Reliable, honest and legal.

H o m e , b u s i n e s s , t e n a n c y, changeovers and oven cleans.

English and Spanish spoken Covering Javea, Denia and surrounding areas.

Call now 633 624 232 www.jennyscleaningservices.com

ARE YOU SUFFERING through another person drinking? Help is available Al-Anon meets every Thursday in Benidorm at 5pm. The meeting is in Calle Jardines not far from the Railway Station. Our contact number is 634 758 539.

CLAIRVOYANT READINGS JAVEA Clairvoyant readings in Jรกvea.

Peaceful surroundings. Hilary 677 221 409.

TRANSLATOR AND INTERPRETER English/Spanish. All legal, medical and business matters. Covering the Costa Blanca. Contact: 658 957 404 or ejbtranslations@gmail.com

SAMARITANS IN SPAIN

FREE PHONE 900 525 100

pat@samaritansinspain.com HELP of Denia and Marina Alta

Medical Equipment and Information office: 96 642 7044 Denia Hospital Interpreters and Info desk: 96 642 9346 HELP Coordinators: Benitachell 664 573 360 Calpe 616 237 135 Orba 639 176 812 Denia 634 309 442 Benissa (number to follow) Jรกvea 634 388 446 Teulada/ Moraira 634 318 819 Parkinsons Support 634 301 677 HELP President 634 345 014.

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Entertainment LADY JAZZ performing at the Costa Blanca! Perfect for your Lounge Area, Private Party's, Weddings, Fine Dining and Cocktail Bar!! High quality vocals & chillout tunes. Telephone 6 7 7 2 3 3 8 7 9 FA C E B O O K : LadyJazzAnita or visit www.lady-jazz.com

FF - Your healthy magazine

Puzzle Solutions

Wanted I BUY RECORDS LPs, EPs, SINGLES. 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s years.

Good prices paid. Tel. 962 851 809 - 622 750 117.

Misc Sales www.femalefocusonline.com

UNWANTED SMALL CHEST freezer as new only 90€. Buyer collects, tel 679 921 046 (Alcalali area).

HIGH PERFORMANCE HOVERCRAFT TYCO R/C AIRBLADE 40€ Kite TRIBORD P W 0 . 9 P L A Y E R 1 5 € . Te l ; 676 519 118 Villamartin.

FALL PROTECTION SAFETY BELT + SAFETY ROPE 1.50m €15. Tel; 676 519 118 Villamartin.

Genuine 'WAVE GRAFFITI' 3 fin custom made surfboard, Shaped by Chris Beynon 6' 2'' Incl. Leash and padded 'Rhino Surflite' surfboard bag BARGAIN €150 HANDCRAFTED ALOHA 7ft 8" Longboard. Greg Clough Design. Includes Body Glove Padded Surfboard Bag, 3 fins and Leash. €280. HIX UNDERGROUND, Classic Longboard, three finned, 7ft 10" made in Pembrokeshire, Wales,

by HIX Surf Company - circa late 1980's. Includes RHINO SURFLITE Padded Surfboard Bag and 3 fins.

Needs TLC. €120. Tel; 676 519 118 Villamartin.

BEIGE LEATHER COAT, quilted lining, with belt, 2 pockets and 5 buttons (+spare). Size 10-12/38-40 NEVER WORN AS NEW €25 Black COAT / JACKET Size Small-Medium.

Black. With metal studs. Two different sized zip fastenings. Worn once Perfect condition €35 Tel; 676 519 118 Villamartin.

For more classified sales visit www.femalefocusonline.com

Very easy

Medium

All adverts must be sent with your Name and NIE or Passport Nº (not published).

ADVERTS SHOULD BE sent with correct spacing and spelling, the first three words (only) in capitals. Email addresses will not be published on the website or in the magazine unless requested or supplied as part of the main text.

FREE CLASSIFIED ADVERTS. Sell your unwanted items for FREE! Free adverts cannot be faxed, phoned or posted they must be emailed to classifieds@femalefocusonline.com. Photos can be sent with your free advert, both will be published online but text only in print. Classifieds that are supplied incorrectly, all in capitals or with missing information may well be deleted.

‘Misc sales’ are for example one-off sales of second hand items to the value of 500€ or less. Maximum twenty words per advert/ item & maximum five adverts per person*, (email & web addresses count as three words). Property rental or any type of service, business opportunities, wanted, etc are not free and will be charged at the commercial advert rate.

Free Property adverts: Property sale adverts should also be emailed to classifieds@femalefocusonline.com by the property owner (up to 40 words).

These adverts will be published free for a 3 month period and can include Property Agent contact details (and photo to be included online only).

Commercial adverts: Minimum advert length ten words. 35 cents per word plus 21% IVA per month. Payment can be made by credit card or paypal. *Free adverts will be published in print on a space permitting basis. If you want to ensure your advert appears, normal commercial rates should be applied.

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Computers

Autos And Boats

Misc Sales LAZER - CERAMIC FAN heater Colour silver, Tall & Slim. Oscillates.

2 settings 750w + Maximum Power 1500w. Never used, as new in box, with instructions. €35 Tel; 676 519 118 Villamartin.

REPRODUCTION DESK for sale, 85,00€. Mobile 625 274 672 (Denia area).

WOODEN BABY COT in very good condition with almost new mattress, sheet and blanket €50 - telephone 075 2386 2444 (Ondara).

BABIES HIGH/LOW Chair good condition €25 - Tel 075 2386 2444 (Ondara) ORANGE GAS BOTTLE almost full €50 and Silver Gas Bottle almost empty €10 - Telephone 617 692 046 (Ondara area).

INTERIOR BARN SIZED SLIDING DOOR for sale, 110,00€. Mobile 625 274 672 (Denia area).

ELECTRIC CEMENT MIXER, 50,00€. Buyer collects (Parcent area). Telephone 96 640 5092 / 638 176 866 or mik-ria@hotmail.com STEERABLE KNEE SCOOTER, used once. Ideal for someone with injured foot. Indoor or outdoor. Can deliver locally. 150€. Tel 644 114 852 (Benidoleig area).

CHRISTMAS TREE (1-5m/6ft) green with snow affect + tree decor + lights included. €20. Telephone 677 613 118 (Benidorm).

GENTS GOLF CLUBS Full set Callaway irons + 4 metal woods.

Two extra drivers with different lofts. 4 quality putters incl. Ping and Oddessy New lob wedge. Chipping iron. 2 weighted training clubs. Ball retriever. New golf bag, 120€ the lot.

Tel. 665 234 121 or 665 456 353.

(Javea area).

TIMBER CABIN SAUNA. 2/3 person.

Quick infra red heating. Ideal for aches and pains. Cost over 3000€ when new. Perfect condition, 950€.

Tel. 665 456 353.

ELECTRIC RADIATOR 250 watts c/w time switch 45€ o.n.o. tel: 96 618 2057 (Benijófar).

Female Focus February 2019

ELECTRIC RADIATOR 1000 watts c/w time switch 40€ o.n.o. tel: 96 618 2057 (Benijófar).

ORANGE GAS BOTTLE, full of gas 25€ o.n.o tel: 96 618 2057 (Benijófar).

PIANO CLAVINOVA CVP-300, excellent condition, 1,000€, telephone 634 305 415.

BEAUTIFUL SOFA, as new, price 400€, buyer collects. See photo on www.femalefocusonline.com, approx. 1.90 cm in length. Original price 1,600€. Telephone: Heather, 628 637 519 or e-mail at fearneheather@gmail.com CARAVAN WITH AWNING for Sale Avondale Panther 2007 In very good condition Located on the Marjal Costa Blanca campsite. Email sylviacheal@hotmail.com SONY HEADPHONES MDR100ABN. Wireless, wired, bluetooth, noise cancelling, hand free calls, lime green. Brand new, rarely used €250.

Tel. 665 456 353.

GOLF CLUBS. 3 woods, 7 matching irons, "pin high", putter, bag, folding trolley, balls, tees, gagool & trousers, all you need, €48.00. La Marina.

686 60 46 47.

SONY 32 INCH Flat Screen TV. 60€.

Phone 618 852 663 Javea.

GENTS BIKE, PRISTINE Black. 21 gears. Alloy wheels. Complete with Bell. Perfect condition. 90€. Phone 618 852 663 Javea.

LADIES BIKE, SKY Blue. 21 gears, alloy wheels. Complete with Bell.

Perfect condition. Bargain 90€.

Phone 618 852 663 Javea.

BOOST YOUR GOOGLE ranking with the Costa Blanca’s fastest growing business directory…

With live Facebook feeds turning our readers into your customers business.femalefocusonline.com PAUL´S EMPORIUM IN Pedreguer.

Weekly changing stock. Everything priced to sell. Why pay new when you don’t need to? Find us in Pedreguer Industrial Estate. Tel 96 644 7002 or find us on Facebook at 'Paul's Emporium Pedreguer'.

www.femalefocusonline.com

Page 46

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October 2018 - March 2019

Female Focus February 2019

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR OVERSEAS MONEY TRANSFERS Call Sherry Fraser-Currie 96 626 5072 or email: sherry.f@currenciesdirect.com

GRAND VILLA FLORIDA Grande Villa Lock-Off in Kissimmee, Florida – 4 Bedrooms 4 bathrooms. Sleeps up-to 16 people. At Westgate Town Centre – 1 mile from Disney, Florida. GBP was £30,000.00 reduced for quick sale only £8,000.00 Bargain. Including many on site facilities, all activities included: paddle boats, swimming, tennis, etc. (one king bed and four double beds, two in same room and three separate double sleepers). Luxury Accommodation: Leather sofas and jucuzzi in bedrooms includes: 1 bedroom unit, 2 bedroom unit, 3 bedroom unit and 4 bedroom unit. Units can be used individually and locked off or all units used together. Ring Sandy 96 676 3865 or 681 623 195, e-mail: sandyf488@gmail.com BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY HOUSE, fully renovated, all mains services.

Benimarraig, Benissa, 4beds / 4baths. Underfloor heating, woodburner, pool, garage, electric gates. 285m2/5000m2. Very quiet location, no road noise. 595,000 euros. Email: fwandje@gmail.com Tel: 659 561 027 or visit www.fincaquisi.co.uk VILLAGE TOWNHOUSE, BENIARDA Village Townhouse with shops and bars nearby. Open plan dining, lounge and kitchen. Downstairs toilet. Woodburner and electric radiators. 3 bedrooms, one with terrace. Study area. Bathroom.

Roof terrace with mountain views and kitchen. Fibre broadband. 30 mins to coast. Reduced to 145,000€ or consider an exchange to smaller house or bungalow. Tel 693 246 318.

THE COSTA BLANCA'S Fastest Growing Business Directory...... If you are not on there you are losing out! business.femalefocusonline.com