Female Focus - January 2020

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January 2020

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

Inside this issue:5 Minutes with Mary Berry - Interview with The Fizz Walk Your Way Well with Niamh O'Sheehan - Recipes Your Local Community News - Legal - Book Reviews Stage Diary by Benny Davis - Finance - Health & Beauty Your Horoscopes - Club & Charity News - Properties Local Business Reviews brought to you by....

Classified Adverts - Puzzles Spot the Logo ......... and so much more...

FOCUS ON health

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Opticians in Calpe and Jávea donate 24 pairs of glasses to the Foundation for Health and Community

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DISADVANTAGED members of the community will receive free prescription glasses thanks to an agreement between Specsavers Ópticas Calpe and Jávea and the Foundation for Health and Community (Fundación Salud y Comunidad - FSC).

A total of 24 pairs of glasses are being donated by the Specsavers Ópticas stores to improve the vision and quality of life of the users of the foundation’s centres in the Alicante Province.

The users of these centres can visit the opticians to have a complete eye test to check their vision and the health of their eyes. If necessary, they can then choose a pair of glasses from the Specsavers’ range, which will be donated to the charity free of charge.

The director of the opticians in Calpe and Jávea, Mike Stone, expressed his pride in being able to donate 24 pairs of glasses, 12 to the centres for Marina Baixa and 12 to the centres for Marina Alta.

He explains: ‘We are very committed to the cause and want to support vulnerable people in our area. We are very happy to be able to help 24 users of this foundation to improve their vision and have the opportunity to continue with their education and development’.

To finalise this long-term agreement there was a meeting in the Calpe store in December, with representatives of both Specsavers Ópticas and the FSC present. Alba Argudo and Claus Weger from Specsavers, were delighted to welcome representatives of FSC; Centre Director Ainhoa Cano, Area Director for the Care of Dependents and Minors Toni Gelida and Carmen Poveda, the Assistant Area Director.

Ainhoa Cano and Toni Gelida from the FSC added: ‘We are very grateful to Specsavers for this collaboration. The interest they have shown in our work and their openness to collaborate with the foundation demonstrates their dedication to helping the vulnerable people that we work with in our centres’.

For over 25 years the FSC has been working in the areas of research, prevention, intervention and awareness-raising for health and social problems that affect groups at risk of, or in a situation of, social exclusion.

It is a non-profit organisation, committed to helping vulnerable people in society, endorsed and subsidised by public bodies and administrations. Its aim is to improve the quality of life of users and facilitate social integration through the promotion of health and collective welfare.

The Foundation manages more than 100 social projects, a third of which are carried out in the Valencian Community.

To find out more about the FSC, the important work they do and their centres please visit www.fsyc.org.

For more information on Specsavers Ópticas visit www.specsavers.es.

Pictured are: Alba Argudo and Claus Weger from Specsavers Ópticas with Carmen Poveda and Ainhoa Cano from the FSC (Fundación Salud y Comunidad)

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FOCUS ON business

What makes Jennifer Cunningham Insurances so different?

A good question and I can offer you a number of answers.

I started my company over 26 years ago, working from home and developing the business slowly over a number of years. Once established, I employed staff and rented a large office in Jรกvea port, where I am still to this day. How life has changed for me, and for the better.

I realised when I moved to Spain, that there was very little help available and what was available was normally in Spanish. There was no private health insurance, no funeral plans and no insurance dedicated to the Expat, and little customer service.

I started the business selling health insurance for a British company, along with funeral plans. Having lost my husband in Spain, I realised how difficult it was to arrange a funeral and the costs were enormous.

Being very disciplined myself (probably due to my time in the Air Force), I have a strong work ethic. I used to work from home during the day, and I would go out early evenings making home visits until I was busy enough to take someone on to help me. From those early days when I worked tirelessly, I built my company and now have 7 offices. I demand from my excellent and loyal staff that they treat all my clients with respect, courtesy and honesty and offer them the best service that is possible.

I pride myself that the after sales service is the best, a service very rare in Spain. I have a Claims Administrator and a dedicated Renewal department, who will make sure that as your circumstances change, your policies could change with you and you fully aware of your coverage.

So these are just some of the reasons why we are so special. We are more than just a voice on the phone, offering good, old fashioned service. Not always the cheapest, but the best, working with Liberty Seguros and ASSSA healthcare, who both provide special Expat policies and are the best in the market.

For more information or a quotation, please call one of my offices listed in the advert below, or visit the website www.jennifercunningham.net.

Female Fe male Focus January 2020

FOCUS ON since 1993

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Christmas on La Zenia beach was a great day which I would recommend to anyone who is not doing the traditional lunch. Lots of BBQs, stage with live entertainment throughout the day and generally a goodwill feeling all round.

Perfect for families, and all ages. We did feel as though we needed to up our game for next year though as our Santa hats and freezer box were definitely outdone by some of the outfits and setups. It is worth researching as to best times to turn up etc otherwise you will not find parking close by and some of the roads are closed off.

There's a lot going on at the moment - we have made a few changes to the layout and added some new content which we hope you like.

We are also launching the Marina Baja edition of the popular Focus on Professional Services magazine with pages already booking in fast. As the year goes on you will see further changes, but don't worry we will still bring you all the things you love about Female Focus publications.

To advertisers, readers and contributors all our very esley L best wishes for 2020.

Congratulations to Chantal Martínez from Altea who won the 50€ competition last month, by spotting the logo on page 31. This year we are doing the competition a little differently. This month if you find the Curry on Cooking logo (not on their recipe pg 27) you are in with a chance of winning a selection of curry kits which will be posted out to your house. Simply email editor@femalefocusonline.com with your name, address, phone number and the page you found the logo on. See inside for full competition details. Good luck.

Pick up your next issue on 4 February.

Deadlines: Editorial & Advertising - 12 noon - 20 January.

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

Altea to Finestrat Fran 649 018 410 fran@femalefocusonline.com

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

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!

Like and Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/FemaleFocus/

Office: Mon to Fri. 10am - 2pm Tel. 657 501 055 editor@femalefocusonline.com advertising@femalefocusonline.com classifieds@femalefocusonline.com www.femalefocusonline.com Female Fe male Focus January 2020

FOCUS ON professionals

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Resolve to review your financial planning for 2020

By Brett Hanson, Senior Partner, Blevins Franks This New Year check your tax, investments, pensions and estate planning are on track to protect your family’s long-term wealth.

Tax planning: Make sure you know where you are deemed tax resident, especially if you are new to Spain or spend time in the UK. You then want to structure your investments and wealth to minimise taxation – wherever you have assets – while meeting your obligations.

Cross-border tax planning is complex, so take specialist advice to get it right.

Savings and investments: If you do not have a financial plan suitable for Spain, take a fresh look at your arrangements and the tax-efficient opportunities available. Successful investing is about having a well-diversified strategy based around your personal circumstances, time horizon, needs, aims and risk tolerance. Explore investment structures that allow multi-currency flexibility to minimise exchange rate risk.

Pensions: Today offers more pension choice than ever, but this may change post-Brexit. For example, tax-free transfers to EU/ EEAbased Qualified Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) may be targeted once the UK leaves the EU. Carefully weigh up your options, including the tax implications in both countries, to establish the best approach for you, taking regulated advice to protect against pension scams.

Estate planning: It is vital to review your estate planning when living in Spain, as both succession law and tax work very differently to the UK. For example, Spain’s ‘forced heirship’ rules could automatically pass a proportion of your worldwide estate to your direct family, whatever your intentions. You can override this by applying the EU regulation ‘Brussels IV’ in your will, but take care to understand the options and tax implications.

To bring all these elements together and avoid missing out on suitable opportunities, take expert, cross-border advice for a prosperous 2020 and beyond.

Summarised tax information is based upon our understanding of current laws and practices which may change. Individuals should seek personalised advice.

Keep up to date on the financial issues that may affect you on the Blevins Franks news page at www.blevinsfranks.com.

Female Fe male Focus January 2020

FOCUS ON You

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Avalon celebrates exceptional feedback after being named ‘Best Funeral Plan Provider’ at this year’s Personal Finance Awards

Avalon Funeral Plans is celebrating a coveted award win after being named ‘Best Funeral Plan Provider’ at the 2019/20 Personal Finance Awards.

Now in its 22nd year, the Personal Finance Awards has long been recognised as a benchmark for excellence in the UK’s consumer finance market, providing a reflection of the consumer’s choice of top financial providers over the last two decades.

Nominations for the awards are sent in directly by the consumer, based on their experience of outstanding products or customer service in the industry. This year, the awards received just over 20,000 votes.

With over 25 years’ experience providing funeral plans to more than 70,000 customers across the UK and Europe, Avalon was recognised for its dedication to its customers, as well as the high standard of its service.

These qualities are continuously reflected in the company’s industryleading customer feedback, with over 2,000 reviews and a rating of ‘excellent’ on Trustpilot, as well as a five-star rating on Defaqto, lending justification to the company’s esteemed award win. So trusted is the brand that someone chooses an Avalon funeral plan every 10 minutes*.

Avalon is the fastest growing provider of funeral plans in Europe, providing specialist expat plans in Spain, the Canaries, Portugal and Cyprus.

Avalon funeral plans are specially designed with British expats in mind, with unique features compared to other providers. If expats split their time between the UK and The Canaries, an Avalon funeral plan is valid in both countries so they can choose to have a funeral either in The Canaries, or back in the UK. They also provide local support for customers and their families, working with local, independent Funeral Directors in The Canaries.

Female Fe male Focus January 2020

Their 24/7 English speaking expat bereavement helpline is of vital support for families when the time comes, particularly in countries where the funeral process can be unfamiliar and complicated. For example, funerals in The Canaries can happen with 24-48 hours and Funeral Directors can request part of full payment upfront, plus there is the language barrier to contend with. Having an Avalon expat funeral plan in place makes planning and paying for a funeral as an expat simple.

The award win follows a successful period of growth for the business under a new senior management team led by CEO, Susan Stevenson.

Speaking about the award win, Avalon’s CEO, Susan Stevenson, said: “There are few other industries in which taking care of the customer, their journey and their family is quite so important. We like to think we’re different to other funeral plan providers in that we go the extra mile in helping customers and their loved ones when they perhaps need it most. It’s our promise to always put our customers at the centre of what we do, and the fact that we’ve been recognised for our efforts - particularly by such a widely renowned awarding body as the Personal Finance Awards - really means the world to us”.

Regulated in the UK by the Funeral Planning Authority (FPA), Avalon employs more than 200 people at its offices in Cheshire and across Spain, The Canaries, Portugal and Cyprus.

The company is flexible in offering customers three different ways to discuss their requirements and their range of funeral plans. They can speak to a specialist advisor in the comfort of their own home, or over the phone, or 24/7 online.

For more information, visit www.avalonfuneralplans.com. *Based on sales of funeral plans over the period Jan – Dec 2018, by home appointment or over the phone, during standard trading hours.

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FOCUS ON legalities

Take care with currency!

The £/€ exchange rate could have a significant effect on the Sterling cost of your Spanish property transaction, or if you’re a vendor how much money you repatriate to the UK. With the recent UK election result causing Sterling’s value to fluctuate, and the strong likelihood of Brexit now happening at the end of the month, it has never been more important to plan your currency transfers carefully.

When it comes to transferring funds between the UK and Spain, a bit of planning can save a whole lot of time, worry and often money for British people buying or selling Spanish property, as well as those living here and making regular cross-border payments.

This is especially important when the exchange rate fluctuates more than normal, an effect caused by economic and political events beyond our control. The second week of December was the perfect example. As analysts predicted a majority for the Conservatives in the UK election, a result that would almost certainly leave a clear path for the implementation of Brexit, the exchange rate swung in favour of Sterling, causing it to hit a two-and-a-half year high against the euro (£1/€1.19). And immediately following the actual election, even this high was surpassed once again (£1/€1.20).

Bear in mind that exchange rate movement is dictated almost entirely by market sentiment. And this can change from day to day, and from event to event. The truth is nobody can predict what will happen – they can only make forecasts based on key economic indicators and what has happened before.

So why is all this so important?

If you are British buyer on the verge of purchasing a Spanish property, it is likely your funds are still in your Sterling bank account in the UK. You need to think seriously about how and when you will exchange your Sterling funds into euros and send them to Spain. The first step is to sign up with an FCA-authorised currency transfer firm, who specialise in helping people exchange and transfer funds between the UK and Spain. You will also need a local Spanish bank account, which Sun Lawyers can assist you with.

Now let’s look a little closer. At this moment in time, you’ll have an idea of your budget in euros, according to today’s exchange

rate. But have you considered that on the day you have an offer accepted and agree to buy a property – how ever far in the future that might be, the exchange rate will be different to now?

Thinking further ahead, the exchange rate on the day you (or your lawyer) need to sign the sales contract and pay a 10 per cent deposit will have changed. And most importantly, when the bulk of the balance for your purchase is required, typically between six weeks and two months down the line, the rate will be almost certainly have moved again. These changes in the rate might only be small but they can make a difference to buyers with tight budgets who unexpectedly have to make larger Sterling payments than they budgeted for.

The good news is that there is a way to remove this currency movement exposure from the buying process. Currency transfer firms have a tool that enables clients to secure an exchange rate the moment they find a property – or before if they prefer - which they can use for all future payments to complete the purchase. Called a forward contract and requiring a small deposit, effectively it allows a British buyer to fix the Sterling price of their Spanish purchase on the day they make an offer, taking away any uncertainty about what their Sterling cost might be on completion day. Some buyers prefer to fix the exchange rate for half the value of their purchase and buy the remaining balance of euros when they complete – your currency firm will fit a solution to around your personal requirements.

So, don’t put off thinking about your currency requirements until the last minute, or completion day. A bit of planning now, can save a lot of heartache in the future.

Please contact us for more information on this and any other legal matter. Find the details of your nearest office in our advert below.

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FOCUS ON business

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Wishing you all well in 2020, A Happy New year, decade and vibes!

GM Promotions welcomes 2020 and the new decade in with our exciting news and launch of the Spring WELLBEING EXPO, edition No 3. Confirmed to be staged at another stylish and tranquil setting of the PARADOR HOTEL in JÁVEA on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 May and encompassing the health, beauty, LIFESTYLE and leisure industries with products, services, treatments, related feature attractions, fun, information, inspiration and motivation, cooking demonstrations, entertainment, food and drinks tasting, talks and demos, plus prizes and give-aways galore…..

The Expo will be focusing on energising to relaxation concepts, diet and HEALTH issues, cooking demos, informative talks, to FREE trial classes, fashion and trends to fitness and exercise. BEAUTY treatments & products from head to toe. Holistic approaches healing therapies for the mind, body, soul and spirit! Clairvoyance to mainstream and alternative medicine, chiro to physio, aesthetic, cosmetic, dental, eye, hair care services and treatments, eco and planet friendly products, vegan, veggie, organic, travel and leisure activities, new hobbies, recreational activities plus new product launches and feel good factors! The lifestyle and leisure industry in general, plus outdoor living will all be on display and showcased at this event!

We are NOW OPEN for stand bookings, promotional demonstration opportunities, sponsoring of expo attractions and general promotions.

Calling all businesses and professionals in these industries, if you would like to be part of this growing expo and enjoy opportunities to meet likeminded people, businesses and potential clients, we are waiting to hear FROM YOU! CONTACT US if your business revolves around these industries and boost your business for 2020 - BOOK YOUR STAND NOW. For our visitors our aim is to help you discover the importance of wellness, and be motivated to try new things! You don’t know what you don’t know! If it’s happening for your wellbeing you can find it all at the WELLBEING Health Beauty & Lifestyle Expo. We are mainstream, alternative, holistic, spiritual, and here for YOU! For now save the dates and new venue Venue: The Parador Hotel, Jávea, Costa Blanca North. Dates: Friday 8 & Saturday 9 May from 10.30 – 18.00.

Contact the team: gina@gmpromotions.es, FB @Health Beauty & Lifestyle Show, or call 695 399 841 for all the information and availability.

See www.gmpromotions.es for regular updates, the schedule of talks and demos and our exhibitors; plus our main media sponsors will also keep you posted right here in the Female Focus publications.

GreaseKing offer a prompt and reliable service with a very high standard of cleanliness.

We cover the Costa Blanca North in all aspects of grease cleaning and exterior washing.

This can be a domestic oven, or a full commercial kitchen detailing service or a hood, duct and extraction clean.

We also offer exterior power washing services from full exterior wash to patios, walkways, pool areas and terraces.

Don't be shy, get in touch now and enquire about our services. I am sure we can do something for you!

Leave the grease (or dirt) with us!

Call GreaseKing now on 634 308 714 www.greasekingspain.com.

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FOCUS ON local businesses

We Monitor... We Alert... WE SAVE YOU €€€€s You are about to read about a brand new "Eureka" type product which Archimedes himself would have been proud to invent.

This service will undoubtedly save many Costa Blanca property owners hundreds or thousands of Euross over the coming years.

Introducing MiAgua Water Loss Monitoring.

We all know friends, neighbours (indeed perhaps ourselves), who have experienced massive water bills following a hose being left on, a leak in the garden irrigation system, or a burst pipe. In Spain where higher water usage means a higher tariff, if a leak happens it is all too easy to end up with a really enormous bill.

And in many areas where the water meter readings are taken by the water company only every 2 months, it is all too easy for a leak to be pumping thousands of litres of wasted water into the ground for days, weeks, or even months. In other words you don't even know that you have an issue until it is too late. And a leak left undetected could cost you thousands in water lost!

The MiAgua solution is miraculously simple.

We install our smart water meter onto your pipe work, after the supplier’s meter. By radio signal, our meter transmits the water usage, measured hourly, to our base stations.

Our system will detect an abnormally high daily usage, or unusual usage patterns, and will alert you and/or a nominated key holder via email and SMS, so that you can take immediate action, and hence ensure that you never receive an excessive water bill.

For less than 30 cents per day, your data is being stored and analysed, and any unusual usage is detected. Our online application which can be on your Phone, iPad, or PC also provides you with full sight of your water usage... literally by the hour!

MiAgua Smart Monitoring is extremely affordable!

The installation and fitting of the MiAgua water flow meter is a one-off cost of €120 inc IVA. It is fitted after the water company's

meter and after the shut-off valve, so it is on your side of the pipe work. There is no change to your water supply company. There is no need for any WIFI signal or mains power supply as the system uses its own inbuilt radio and will work for 10 years + on the inbuilt Li-ion battery.

The cost of the ongoing monitoring is just €102 inc IVA for a whole year period. That works out at exactly €8.50 a month including IVA. That is equivalent to just 30 cents a day! You pay nothing until 48 hours after installation when we verify that your system is working perfectly.

The areas we cover.

Our current regions are Denia, Jávea & Moraira and surrounding towns. On our website you will see the exact areas that we cover, and we are continually expanding to more areas as well.

Ready to Order?

More information can be read on our website, as well as the simple Order Form.

Website: miagua.es Email: info@miagua.es Tel: English Speaking (+34) 611 212 289.

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FOCUS ON Community

Walk Your Way Well

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by Niamh O'Sheehan

You’ve got the 2020 vision! This year you see yourself fitter, trimmer and healthier. Your New Year Resolutions to NOT smoke, NOT drink, NOT eat meat, NOT eat sugar are firmly signed, sealed and delivered. You feel strong and determined and then BOOM! That stressful situation or that dinner party catches you by surprise. Why not turn the whole thing on its head. Instead of vowing to QUIT something; why not decide to DO something?

Truth be known, New Year's resolutions are a flawed way to reach an admirable goal. Becoming the best version of ourselves doesn’t happen overnight, in a week or even in a month. In fact, it takes approximately 66 days before a new behaviour becomes automatic. Studies have shown that less than 25% of people stay committed to their resolutions after just 30 days, and only 8% accomplish them. So, please don’t set yourself up for failure.

If you do fail at your resolution just pick yourself up, dust yourself off and GO FOR A WALK. Committing to introducing walking as part of your 2020 exercise regime is really so easy. Here’s why; it’s FREE, it’s FLEXIBLE, it’s FUN. In this month’s article I’m going to offer you information on some motivational tools that work like magic to keep you focused and goal driven. I imagine the majority of us reading this article are somewhat APP savvy? And if not, then I do suggest you take a leap into the current century and embrace the fun and educational side of the amazing applications and devices available to us all.

It’s not as daunting as it might seem and I bet you’ve got a friend, neighbour or younger relative who’d be only too happy to help get you set up. Please drop me a line if you have any questions and I’d be delighted to help you out or suggest a local clever clogs who will get you up and running (walking) in less than an hour! niamhosheehan@hotmail.com.

FITBIT: If you’ve been incredibly lucky and received a FitBit for Christmas then you have a magnificent motivational tool attached to your arm and in your face 24/7. I very gratefully received slippers from my kids. Green eyed monster – down boy! FitBit is one of the most universal and straightforward step tracking apps on the market. And, it even tells the time! Installation is super easy.

You set yourself a daily target (recommended at 10,000 steps per day) and off you go. You’ll find yourself taking the slightly longer route, walking to the shops or climbing the stairs to reach your daily target. Let’s keep the fabulousness of the FitBit between you and me. Because, if you’ve not been gifted one then we need to keep an eye on the second hand market around the 3rd week of January when they start to appear for sale as unwanted gifts.

Female Fe male Focus January 2020

WALKING APP: There are dozens of applications available to download to your phone that will track your time, your route, your kilometres and your calories.

Personally, I use WALKMETER as it does exactly what it says on the tin. I’m sure I don’t use it to its fullest capacity. My favourite buttons are the START – PAUSE – STOP. There is lots of statistical information you can gather about your walking habits and routes but one very important tip: BRING YOUR PHONE WITH YOU. EARN WHILE YOU BURN: If you are an Apple toff then you MUST download the SWEATCOIN APP. This is an amazing concept and executed excellently. This app converts your steps into currency units called SWEATCOINS with which you can buy goods, services and experiences on their marketplace. What’s not to love? I also have an application on my phone called CHARITY MILES and it donates actual money to my chosen charity for every mile I walk. It’s pittance but it all adds up. The more of us doing it means the more of us giving it.

WATER REMINDER: This is probably the easiest and one of the most beneficial resolutions you can make. And it should be a forever resolution. DRINK MORE WATER. Water is the best and the most hydrating liquid. It promotes cardiovascular health, keeps our muscles and joints functioning and cleans toxins from our bodies. So, let’s wash the Christmas overindulgence away with a water reminder app. Know this: if you are thirsty then you are dehydrated. We must constantly keep our bodies topped up and a regular BEEP BEEP on your phone will keep us on our toes.

Maybe you want to up your intake from none to the recommended 8 glasses per day? Or maybe you exercise a lot or want a deep cleanse by aiming for 3 litres a day? Whatever your target this is a really simplistic motivation tool to keep us focused. And think of all the steps you’ll accumulate running to the loo all day.

I wish all the readers of Female Focus and happy and healthy 2020 and truly hope you’ll come walking with me this year. WALK YOUR WAY WELL my friends.

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FOCUS ON Showbiz

FIVE MINUTES WITH... MARY BERRY

By Gemma Dunn, PA

Best Home Cook is not about tears and tantrums - but rather encouraging competitors to be the best they can, says returning judge Mary Berry. Gemma Dunn finds out more about the show's second helping.

The search for the nation's Best Home Cook is back on as Mary Berry, the queen of home cooking, and produce expert Chris Bavin, team up for a second series of the BBC One show.

The eight-part run will once again see 10 eager contestants - all living together in a shared house compete as they are tested by the exacting judges on their home cookery skills.

Expect brand new kitchens, tougher challenges (who can forget the Ultimate Challenge and Rustle Up round?) and an exciting and tense finale each week.

There's also a new addition to the professional line-up, with Michelin-starred chef Angela Hartnett joining the judging panel, alongside returning host Claudia Winkleman.

So what else can TV favourite Berry, 84, tell us?

WHAT DO FANS SAY WHEN THEY MEET YOU? The nicest thing is, if I'm in a supermarket getting my shopping, and you get a hand on your shoulder and they say, 'I make your lemon drizzle.' Or, 'I had your such-and-such last night: thank you,' or something like that. It's lovely, I find that people are exceedingly nice, and they just want to let you know. As long as it's short...

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE BEST HOME COOK? It's someone who's versatile and is a really excellent cook using fresh ingredients and classic methods with a twist - they've got to be dedicated. It's amazing when the [home cooks] start off and they each have their own speciality, but when they're given another challenge, say my Ultimate Challenge, they may not have made it before and so to give them confidence, I tell them what I want.

They have a practise and although they arrive full of confidence, throughout the programme they've got to build on that.

WHAT ELSE ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? It's also important that when things go wrong, we look and see how [the cooks] cope. At home, things go wrong and it isn't tears, rushing away, throwing things here, there and everywhere...

You've got to pick yourself up and produce something, and if it isn't produced, we can't judge it! The challenges increase in difficulty and many of them have got a tricky part to the recipe, so we want to see they can achieve that skill.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELVES AS JUDGES? We all have very high principles; we want the best person to win and we want to encourage everybody. We do not want tears, or people to be nervous. Claudia [Winkleman] is the person who, when she can see something happening, if people are upset, she's over there just making it a bit more jolly, helping if she can. But it's got to be challenging. I wouldn't say it was too hard, I would say it was challenging.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO COOK AT THIS TIME OF YEAR? Last Sunday I did a sticky toffee pudding, and everybody loved it. I love a good casserole; a really good cut of meat, plenty of red wine, something nice and warming.

DOES ANYBODY COOK FOR YOU? All of my close friends. First of all, when they first meet you, they say, 'I'm terrified of cooking for you,' but people do their family recipes. True friends, it doesn't matter. I love a scrambled egg - it doesn't matter what you have, it's the company. As a home cook, you get your specialities and it's always good to give that to your friends. [As for restaurants], they usually give me a nice welcome.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT YOUR 'NATIONAL TREASURE' TAG? There are lots of national treasures, aren't there? It's a warm, nice thing for people to say and there are a lot of us from gardening to cooking ones. It's something with respect and I feel as if I'm doing the job properly - and I hope I am. I'm very fair and I just want home cooks to cook even better; I want them to be home cooks, not buy in. And I think people will watch and then the next day go shopping and cook.

THE SHOW IS STEERING VIEWERS AWAY FROM TAKEAWAYS AND BACK INTO THE KITCHEN. HAVE YOU EVER INDULGED IN FAST FOOD? I have never had a takeaway, and that is purely because we live a long way from the town. But why should I? I can muster up things very quickly. I've been to McDonald's with grandchildren and they enjoy it a lot; I don't really know much about it, but I know so many children love it. But if you are at home there are so many things that you can buy that will help you if you are very busy, that don't cost that much extra. You do pay a little bit more for it, but you can get food on the table a little bit quicker.

AND FINALLY, HOW CAN WE ALL ENSURE WE'RE COOKING IN A SUSTAINABLE WAY? I'm very careful on using leftovers, so I try not to throw anything away. I often cook ingredients or extra rice and think, 'I'll do a nasi goreng with that,' and the other thing I do is make compost. We've just moved to a new house and for a year I brought compost from the old house to the new house, because it makes your vegetables and your plants grow a lot better!

Best Home Cook is now showing on BBC One. Pictured above right: (L-R) Angela Hartnett, Claudia Winkleman, Mary Berry and Chris Bavin with the home cooks. PA Photo/BBC/ Keo Films/Mark Johnson.

Pictured above left: Mary Berry. PA Photo/BBC/Keo Films/Nicky Johnston.

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Costa Women – launch in Jávea on 21 January Connecting Women all over Spain and the islands is a successful community called Costa Women and it’s launching in Jávea on 21 January at Salt on the Arenal between 10am and 12 noon.

Costa Women was created as a community in 2010 for Women like you - living in Spain or thinking about relocating. Together we inspire, enable and support each other.

Having travelled this far, the Costa Women members already share an adventurous spirit; we have stepped outside of our normal environment and moved overseas – this provides us with a wonderful link whatever culture or country we have arrived from.

Members of Costa Women are from the whole of Spain; from Costa del Sol to Asturias, from Barcelona to Cadiz, from Madrid to Canary Islands and all the places in-between. We host local events in 28 different locations.

We enjoy the diversity of all individuals from 127 different countries, including our wonderful Spanish hosts; we all have a story to tell.

The friends that you can make through Costa Women are just one of the many benefits of joining the local group and linking up with the free community website costawomen.com.

Any woman can become a member; no matter what your hobbies, values, beliefs, or views and come to the events.

Hosting the coffee morning is Julia Girling, who relocated her life and business here just over a year ago. She comments “I’ve been fortunate to connect with lots of great ladies, who have helped and supported me through moving here, setting up a home and helping me through all the differences this wonderful country has to offer.

“No one has to be alone, connect, share stories and contacts and come along and have a great morning over a cup of coffee or tea at Salt – I would love to get the opportunity to meet you.”

HELP moves to Teulada Due to a greedy Landlord raising our rent up by another 500€ per month we were basically giving all our charity money to him.

So we have now moved to a new location in Teulada, Avenida Mediterranea 37, next door to Restaurant Edy. Tel: 96 649 1284. The shop is bright and spacious with a large free car park just up to the left from the shop and parking in the Avenida too. However we are in great need for people to know where we are, to receive more donations of goods and for new volunteers to join us, especially for Mondays and Thursdays.

Medical equipment for loan Our shop also has the medical equipment to loan out with wheelchairs, walkers, crutches etc available and of course hospital beds and hoists can be requested in the shop for the more serious problems too. If you had equipment from Moraira please return to us in Teulada when you need to.

We look forward to seeing you and plan to hold some special event days in the shop this year.

Our opening hours are Mon to Sat 10:00 until 13:30, pop in and pick up a bargain.

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FOCUS ON beauty

Anti Aging without Needles There is no doubt that Botox and filler are the crème de la crème of anti aging treatments but the skin is not just about volumes and filling wrinkles.

Skin tone, texture and flaccidity are just as important and can be addressed effectively with these wonderful medical aesthetic treatments.

1) Medical Microdermabrasion. This consists of exfoliating the upper epidermis with a diamond tip and a high vacuum suction which remove black heads and dead skin cells leaving the skin silky smooth and ultra clean and spot free resolving both greasy and dry skin problems. To be performed every 6 weeks together with a concentrated serum specific to each person's skin, applied to the newly treated skin to achieve maximum absorption and to saturate the skin with anti-oxidants. From 70€ per session.

2) IPL. Intense pulsed light treatment at medical intensity levels removes red thread veins as well as age spots leaving skin uniform and results are visible only after 1 session. 4 sessions during the winter months for maximum results and then repeated once a year as a maintenance regime. From 100€ per session.

3) ND Yag laser has a double effect. Firstly used to treat stubborn thread veins that cannot be treated by IPL and secondly as a collagen stimulator to tense the skin to leave it taut and rejuvenated. From 200€ per session.

4) HIFU is High intensity ultrasound (ultherapy) which uses ultrasound to stimulate the SMAS layers of the skin. It is performed at 1,5mm, 3mm and 4.5mm beneath the skin which stimulates collagen production at these depths thus stretching and tensing the skin over these layers. The only needle free non surgical facelift. Can be performed on eyebrows, top lip, cheeks and neck. Results visible from 6 weeks and carry on improving up to 3 months after the treatment. To be repeated every year as we carry on aging. From 160€ - 200€ for eyes and from 320€ - 390€ for cheeks or neck.

ZEN - SMILE - SPA, Calle Jorge Luis Borges 8, Jávea.

Telephone 96 579 3810. www.spajavea.es.

CHANGE ONE THING

Hopefully you are using bags for life when doing your shopping. Take it a step further - stop tearing off the plastic bags in the fruit and vegetable section and use re-usable eco-friendly mesh cloth bags instead.

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www.femalefocusonline.com The first meeting of the Arts Society Marina Alta 2020 season will be held on February 6 at Salones Canor Teulada. Doors open at 9:45 for registration. Coffee will be available for members and guest. For members only the Annual General Meeting will begin at 10:15 and the lecture at 11:00 promptly.

The lecture will be “Charles Rennie Mackintosh - More than a Tea Room” presented

by Ms Stella Lyons.

Stella Lyons is a freelance Art History lecturer and speaker accredited with The Arts Society. Stella Grace Lyons gained her BA in the History of Art with a 1st class in her dissertation from the University of Bristol (2007-2011), and her MA in History of Art at the University of Warwick. She spent a year studying Renaissance art in Italy at the British Institute of Florence, and three months studying Venetian art in Venice. Stella will celebrate the work of Glasgow Art Nouveau and Art Deco artist and architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868–1928) and his wife Margaret MacDonald (1865-1933).

Glaswegian-born Mackintosh, a designer, architect and artist, was the foremost Celtic exponent of Art Nouveau, and had a considerable influence on European art. But he is an even more enigmatic figure today than when he was alive.

Both Mackintosh's, and his wife Margaret Macdonald’s work has a distinctive character. They worked in a variety of media, including metalwork, embroidery, and textiles. Margaret was to be a great influence on the work of architect and designer and one that captures the transition between the Victorian era and the Modern age. This talk will consider both Charles and Margaret's life, work and legacy.

As has become standard fare, a glass of wine & soft drinks will be available to members & guests to allow socialising with the Committee and Speaker after the lecture.

For further details of the Society, venue and programme for 2020, see our website www.marinaaltaarts.com or for membership contact Jane at membership@marinaaltaarts.com FOCUS ON since 1993

Teulada – Moraira Lions Present Ges Rogers Union Gap The Teulada – Moraira Lions are once again proud to present the fabulous “Ges Rogers Union Gap” on Sunday 19 January in Espai La Senieta, Moraira. This promises to be a very special show featuring all the greatest hits by The Union Gap including Lady Willpower, Woman Woman, Young Girl and many, many more songs from the 60s right up to the 90s.

This year the show will open with a special tribute to the one and only Buddy Holly, performed by Gary Woodward with his “Woody does Buddy” tribute which should be a real treat.

To book tickets for this great show and shake off those Post Christmas blues call 96 649 8493 or email: tmlions.concerts@gmail.com. Tickets are priced at 15€ and there will be a bar and raffle.

For information on the club and all our concerts or about becoming part the TM Lions go to www.tmlions.com

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FOCUS ON wellness

Eric Champon, 46, is a first time writer, married to Jenny. He started writing the book in 2016 after moving to JĂĄvea, then his life took over. He picked up the writing in 2018 and finished writing in the summer of 2019 when the book was published. ‘The book is about not letting the tough times in life define who you are. My mother committed suicide when I was 4, then my father committed suicide when I was 19, my wife had cancer in 2008 (she made a full recovery) and the following year I suffered depression as an 'aftershock'... I explain how these three traumatic events have been the platforms for amazing positive and transformative experiences to follow...’.

Book synopsis Life sometimes deals you a sh*t hand. But you can't quit. You have to stay in the game to see if you can get better and stronger.

The writer provides a message of hope for people who suffer with mental health issues or find themselves struggling with episodes of their life. Having reinvented himself a few times, Eric touches subtly in a style that is candid, light and easy to read on the issues of suicide, physical abuse, body image issues, bullying and violence, and depression.

It is when you are down that life normally comes up with an opportunity for you to rise up: be aware and grab it, and enjoy the new you...

A reader's review 'Inspirational. Refreshingly honest, Who the f*ck am I? details how the author has dealt with the dramatic twists and turns that life has so far thrown at him.

The author's conversational tone is engaging from the onset and I defy any reader not to be impressed by his irrepressible spirit, even when facing life's toughest challenges.

Every obstacle is turned on its head and becomes a platform for positive change, surely a lesson we can all learn from.

Exploring the highly relevant subject of mental health, Who the f*ck am I? should be a compulsory read for anyone experiencing adversity themselves.

The overall positive message will linger with the reader long after the book is finished.'

Who the f*ck am I? A Journey of Self Discovery is available on Amazon kindle and paperback and on books2read.com.

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FOCUS ON health

www.femalefocusonline.com

"The Healing Powers of the Mediterranean” Last month we introduced the fact that Dr Poole is the medical practitioner at Step One Recovery Centre in Moraira, guiding the medical needs of a patient from the day of admission to the Centre, right through to the day of release.

Step One Recovery is a life-saving addiction recovery retreat, set on a luxurious private estate, where total confidentiality is assured. The aim of the Centre is to give the patient everything he or she requires in order to heal from addiction, and thus be able to resume a better, healthier and sustainable lifestyle.

Whether it be Alcohol, Drug, Smoking, or Gambling Addictions, or other Mental Health issues such as Stress or Breakdown, the highly skilled and experienced staff of Psychologists, Doctors, Nurses and certified Counsellors, as well as Physical Fitness trainers and Yoga Instructors, will work with the patient to help them heal their body and soul in a holistic and supportive way.

Everyone at Step One Recovery is dedicated to providing compassionate care, assistance and treatment around the clock until the patient is ready to leave and get back to the life that they truly deserve.

"Addictions and Mental Health issues come in many guises" Some addictions are relatively easy to diagnose. An addiction is doing something you have no control over, to the point where it becomes harmful to your health and well-being. Whilst most commonly associated with drug, alcohol, smoking or gambling, in fact when you really look into the subject you can find evidence of addiction for even the most seemingly harmless activities.

As a Rehabilitation Centre, we at Step One Recovery know that addictions come in many varied forms, and we have the skills and expertise to help treat them. Whether it is an Anxiety & Depression disorder, an alcohol dependency, an eating disorder or a breakdown through Stress, or the need to achieve Rehabilitation from uses related to Cocaine, Heroin, Cannabis, Crystal Meth, Amphetamine, Codeine, Painkillers, Prescription Drugs, Sleeping Pills, or whatever, we believe that all should be treated with the same amount of care and attention.

“Start the journey to long term recovery” So if you, or one of your loved ones needs care with love and nurturing, coupled with ´best in class clinical expertise´ in delivering successful therapies and treatments, then contact us at Step One Recovery. Naturally all conversations are completely confidential. Call us on (+34) 672 637 647 or (+44) (0) 7914 760 631 and come and experience the “Healing Powers of the Mediterranean” and start your journey to long term recovery. Website: www.step1recovery.com.

Article Provided by Clinica El Arenal, Av Arenal 2, Jávea. Telephone 865 525 304, Mon-Fri 10.30am to 1.30pm. Email: clinicaarenal@gmail.com

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FOCUS ON beauty

Booking a doctor's appointment online or via the GVA + Salut app.

Did you know that you can book an appointment for your local medical centre online at: www.san.gva.es/cita_previa/citaprevia_cas.html.

Here you can request an appointment with your doctor or nurse if your local centre is computerised with the Abucasis system.

The ABUCASIS system connects the centres and information systems of primary and specialised care so that all the clinical and administrative information of the patient is centralised and available from any point of the public care network (clinics, health centres, speciality centres and hospitals).

The procedure to follow is: · Enter the SIP number and the date of birth. · If the centre to which the patient is assigned is configured, the services it offers are shown. · Select the service to which you want to make an appointment. If you already have an appointment for said service in the centre, it would be shown so you can cancel it. · Select the date range from which you want to make an appointment. The first 3 available appointments that meet the selected conditions are shown. · Select the appointment which best suits you. · When confirming the appointment, it can be printed as a reminder.

The offer of appointments provided by the system may not meet the needs of the patient. This may occur because the system does not make available all the doctors / nurses by appointment. In this case it is suggested that you call the centre directly or that you go to the centre.

Another option is the GVA + Salut app which can be downloaded onto your phone. On this you can also keep track of your prescription medication.

If all this seems a little confusing then you could always ask your local pharmacy as many of them are more than happy to do it for you.

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FOCUS ON well-being

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New treatments for Erectile Dysfunction ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION (ED) is a very common problem affecting about 1 in 10 men but unfortunately only a small proportion of these men actually receive any treatment for their problems.

Most men will, at some stage, fail to get or keep an erection. The most common causes are stress, tiredness, anxiety or excessive alcohol intake.

About 75 per cent of men with ED will have physical reasons, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, as a side effect of prescribed drugs or prostate surgery.

NON-INVASIVE: New therapies There have been major advances in the treatment of ED and the majority of sufferers can be treated are available to treat ED. effectively, firstly with some lifestyle changes, and also with tablets.

You will no doubt have heard of Viagra but there are also other similar tablets available. At Clinica Britannia, they discuss these tablets with you, including the potential problems with their use.

Another option is an injection. In this effective form of treatment, a drug is self-injected directly into the shaft of the penis. The procedure is easy to learn and relatively pain free. Patients may also benefit from MUSE, a small pellet of medication which is inserted into the urethra (water pipe) using a special disposable applicator.

This is pain free.

Occasionally ED is due to a reduced level of the male sex hormones. This is tested for and if found to be a problem, doctors can prescribe appropriate hormone replacement treatment.

Finally, some patients may benefit from Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), offered at Clinica Britannia.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is an innovative treatment. This clinically proven method has been used for various medical conditions, such as kidney stones, for many years.

ESWT is a non-invasive treatment option. The shock waves are generated outside of the body (extracorporeally) and then travel through the patient's skin into the tissue, producing a painless microtrauma that enhances the generation of new arteries, thus improving the penis blood circulation.

The treatment takes a few minutes per session and consists of a certain number of pain free shockwaves through the skin (distal penis, base of penis and perineum) once or twice weekly for four to six weeks. A major advantage of this innovative option includes virtually no risks or side effects.

This awesome Swiss technology is now available in CLINICA BRITANNIA. So why not discuss your options with Englishspeaking doctors at Ejercitos Espanoles 16 (BIS), First floor, Calpe, Alicante.

Their multi-lingual team are on hand to help. Call them on +34 965 837 553.

Alternatively, you can britannia.calpe@gmail.com or www.clinicabritannia.com.

email visit

See our advert above for information on other services we provide.

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FOCUS ON wellness

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 9 years. For those of you who have yet to discover us, we are a Senior Resort. 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 there they are surrounded by villas or apartments and 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 something goes wrong in your home like a blocked sink, you can call reception from maintenance, or if it’s an emergency you just press a button for 24 hour emergency medical.

Nearly 6 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 (pictured right), 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, contact me – Amanda Hobbs – on +34 673 06 42 88 or email ahobbs@ciudadpatricia.com.

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FOCUS ON Health

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Women often wait too long to call for help in a Heart Attack A recent study has backed up past studies in 2018 & 2015 that women often delay calling for medical help when heart attack symptoms start.

One reason may be the persistent myth that "only men have heart attacks". This is exactly that... a myth. Women have heart attacks too.

But women are more likely than men to suffer the lesser-known heart attack symptoms (see below). Thus many women, and the people who witness their symptoms, may not immediately realise they should call for help due to the symptoms being so "mild".

One study concluded that on average women were still spending 41 minutes longer in ‘ischemia’ which is a reduction in the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart. And that was largely due to delays in calling the emergency services.

The difference in the symptoms between the sexes may be due to the ways that men and women deposit cholesterol in the arteries. Heart attacks occur when a clot obstructs blood flow to the heart. The quicker doctors can restore the blood flow, the less damage there will be to the heart muscle. Hence the medical saying "Time is muscle".

How the symptoms differ.

When a man has a heart attack, it can often look similar to the Hollywood heart attacks that you see on screen. Often men will start getting sweaty, there will likely be pain in the left side of their chest, and the pain may go to their jaw, and it may go to their arm. Basically, when you see it, you know that you have to call for an ambulance. Yes, men may also experience the lesser-known heart symptoms listed below, so it is obviously also very important to watch out for these.

For women, heart attack symptoms often look a lot different. A woman’s symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, shortness of breath, fatigue and stomach pain. Since a woman’s symptoms tend to be more subtle, they may be associated with a non-cardiac condition, including stress and anxiety. Hence why women may not recognise these symptoms as a threat and may get to hospital later than men.

Treatment of cardiovascular disease is just as effective in both sexes.

When women get the same rapid treatment as men, they also benefit from the same mortality reduction.

Women do just as well with stents as men, and just as well with angioplasty. Thus early aggressive treatment is equally as important in women as it is in men.

The overall message to both women and men is: If you have the symptoms, act on them, and call for an ambulance. Don't chance it. You are not ‘bothering’ the Doctors and Nurses, it’s their job. If it turns out you 'just' have really bad heartburn, that's good... you'll get to go home straightaway.

Membership of the ASOCIACION AMIGOS EUROPEOS DE JAVEA is just €55 for a whole year for the whole family. Our ambulances are akin to Mobile Intensive Care Units and can mean the difference between life and death. We cover almost all of Costa Blanca North and will come straight to you wherever you are.

To join telephone Laure Bolufer (Registration Manager) 10am to 1pm every weekday. Avenida Juan Carlos 1, No 69, 03730 Jávea.

Tel: 96 579 6099 (24hr). Email: amigos_europeos@yahoo.es.

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FOCUS ON community

Beat the winter blues If you are feeling a bit pale and uninteresting this winter, there is no need to wait for the summer to give your skin a boost and a feel good glow. Tried and tested by Female Focus, the verdict on the Fake Bake spray tan is yes, yes, yes! A beautiful even all over tan is now so easy to achieve.

So why is Fake Bake the favourite on the market?

Fake Bake flawless self-tan liquid is also available to apply at home, it often receives five stars because, it goes on evenly and sinks into the skin quickly, it also doesn’t rub off on clothes, sheets, upholstery like other tanners, it is very easy to apply. In a nutshell – it works, looks natural and lasts.

How Self-Tan Works Self-tanning occurs in the top layers of your skin called the Epidermis, which is made up of layers.

The Stratum Corneum is the layer affected by self-tan products. Fake Bake Self-Tan products contain the naturally-derived, premium tanning agents DHA and Erythrulose.

DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) Although DHA has been used in self-tans since the 1970s, it wasn’t until the late 1980s that cosmetic companies found a way to produce browner, less orange results, by improving the refining process. DHA interacts with the Keratin (more commonly known as 'dead' skin cells) that lie in the top layers of your skin. This tan develops rapidly, but is also most temporary as your skin cells are worn away.

Erythrulose Effectively, DHA and Erythrulose do the same thing – they react with Amino Acids to turn your skin brown. They work together to reduce streaking and miscolouring for a natural looking tan. They also make your tan last longer and fade perfectly evenly for a continuously natural appearance.

Cosmetic Guide Colour Fake Bake Self-Tans also contain a cosmetic guide colour. This assists your application, showing you where you have applied the selftan. It also gives your skin an instant sun-kissed look. However, this is simply cosmetic and washes off to reveal a gorgeous Fake Bake tan.

So, don’t wait until summer time to spend ages trying for the perfect tan. A Fake Bake Full Body Spray tan is only 28€ or treat yourself and include a pre-tan Full Body Delux Exfoliation – both for only 50€. DIY Fake Bake products to use at home are also available from 28€.

Local 12, Edificio Caribe, Av del Pla 129, Jávea Tel: 96 579 3584. www.mimiskruhairandbeauty.com Facebook: mimiskru. See advert on the Horoscope page.

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FOCUS ON Your Horoscopes

our

ARIES With the new year you are ready to start on keeping your resolutions and reaching the goals once and for all. It may take a while to get others on board as it will mean some radical changes, but it will be worth it, so keep at it.

TAURUS It will take a while for you to settle into a new year and a new situation you find yourself in. Don't rush things and concentrate on yourself whilst adapting to all the changes being made around you.

GEMINI Your to do list is getting longer, but mainly because you have so many ideas at the moment. Talk things through before jumping in to anything as their input will be invaluable.

CANCER Helping someone stick to their New Year's resolution gives you an idea for one of your own. Positive changes are going to be the theme this year.

LEO Looking forward you are full of energy to make this year one to remember. You are full of motivation, just know your limits and when to ask for help and this really could be your year.

VIRGO Having been trapped in a routine for so long you now see that it has to change. Focusing on the important things is good but you are missing so much by fixating on them. Seeing things clearly and not so blinkered is a real eye opener and opens up so many new possibilities for this year.

Female Fe male Focus January 2020

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oroscope

LIBRA If you have been a bit lax in keeping contact then make up for it and call, visit or just message them. You have been busy concentrating on work and now it is time to give more energy to your personal life, family and friends. Find that work / home balance again.

SCORPIO Planning a holiday will give you all something to look forward to as the normality returns after the holiday season. It doesn't have to be a lavish cruise or jet setting across the globe. Just some time away will be just as good for you.

SAGITTARIUS The new year means new possibilities and almost a new start - it's like a clean slate all over again. Expand on the good things of the past year and leave the rest behind.

CAPRICORN You are crossing things off your to do list as fast as they are going on it and finding solutions to problems you have been puzzling over for ages. Keep it up and you will sail through this month.

AQUARIUS You are determined to make this year one where you let more technology help you rather than seeing it as a threat. What a difference it is going to make for you and all those around you.

PISCES An issue you have been worrying about for too long will resolve itself without you having to do almost anything. Let it be a lesson that if you deal with something immediately, it will save you from a lot of sleepless nights.

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FOCUS ON The Fizz

'WE WERE ALL CRYING AS JAY RECORDED A SONG THE DAY SHE FOUND OUT SHE HAD CANCER'

MPG Records

By Lucy Mapstone, PA Deputy Entertainment Editor Former Bucks Fizz stars Cheryl Baker, Jay Aston and Mike Nolan are full of festive cheer following the re-release of their Christmas album. The pop stars talk about the emotional impact of Aston's cancer battle, their plans for the future and why they are still a success nearly 40 years after winning Eurovision.

It's fair to say The Fizz - the group comprised of former Bucks Fizz stars Cheryl Baker, Mike Nolan and Jay Aston - have had a difficult 18 months.

For a group with such a chequered history (a near-fatal coach crash, numerous line-up changes, in-fighting and even a legal conflict over the band's name with original band member Bobby G, to name just a handful of their more difficult moments), what the trio have dealt with most recently has undoubtedly been one of their most challenging battles yet.

When Aston, 58, was diagnosed with mouth cancer in June last year before undergoing a gruelling operation where a large portion of her tongue was removed and replaced with part of her leg, nobody knew if she would ever sing again.

With her own and the pop group's future both hanging in the balance, it was an undeniably tricky time.

Full of determination, however, Aston got herself straight into the recording studio to sing her parts on their Christmas album, as well as the forthcoming new record.

"When Jay was diagnosed, we literally just had to throw her in the studio," Baker explains.

"We had no time to think about what was going on because we had to get all of Jay's vocals down before she had the operation, because nobody knew what was going to happen after.

"So she went in first of all and did all of her bits, all the harmonies that she could do and everything, and then Mike and I went in afterwards."

The group worked simultaneously on their first Christmas album - the Mike Stock-produced Christmas With The Fizz, released quietly last year - and their upcoming fourth LP Smoke & Mirrors, which will drop in 2020.

"The Christmas album and the one that's coming up, which we've actually now been recording for over 18 months because of my situation... they are both very emotional for me every time I hear them," Aston admits.

"They take me straight back to the point where I wasn't entirely sure I was going to see Christmas. They are quite poignant for me."

For Baker and Nolan, both 65, there is a song by Aston on the unreleased album that particularly resonates.

"There's a song Jay recorded the day she was told her condition had developed into cancer," Baker says.

"The song could be taken as someone singing to their partner, or it could be someone who has lost somebody, or someone who is getting married or even a love song."

"It was so moving, and when Jay was singing it, she started crying, and we were all in the studio crying watching her. It was the most emotional thing, and she did the most fantastic job of it."

"It's a great song and I'm really looking forward to hearing the response from fans. Every time I hear it, it reminds me of that day."

Aston is now fully immersed in the band's workload again, having recently re-released their Christmas album to give it another push, and as they prepare to release their new album and go out on tour next year.

"I went back to work relatively quickly, after about three months, but it was tough," Aston says.

"I mean, I've lost nearly 40% of my tongue and it was replaced by a bit of my leg, so it's a bit like having a brick in your mouth when you're trying to talk and sing."

"I've had to learn how to sing again. It hasn't affected my voice, it's

just how it comes out and the pronunciation of things."

"Also my energy levels are very low, so I have days where I feel very, very tired, and other days I'm kind of better. But I would say I've not recovered yet because I just don't have the energy I used to have on a daily basis. There is progress, it's just quite slow."

The trio will sing and perform as usual on their Up Close and Personal Tour, but they will also entertain the audience with video footage and a Q&A session about their career as a chart-topping group, which will give Aston the chance to relax a bit more than usual on stage.

"To do a dozen or 15 or so two-hour concerts at that level, I'm not up to that yet, so even though this was suggested before my illness, I'm very pleased it's not going to be as taxing!" Aston admits.

Having spent so many years together as a band - whether in the original Eurovision Song Contest-winning line-up of 1981 along with Bobby G, or the many other iterations the group has experienced under a myriad of monikers, including The Original Bucks Fizz - Nolan insists that working together and performing is as enjoyable as ever.

"The shows are a dream, you go out there and perform and it's great fun," he says, reflecting on performing their biggest hits Making Your Mind Up and The Land Of Make Believe years later."

"The travelling to gigs is the hardest part, but it is more enjoyable than it used to be. When we first started, everything was so routine, but now we can do what we want to do and in our own time. I prefer it now."

With a cheeky laugh, he adds: "Plus, being in a band where the other two really adore you is lovely!"

As Baker and Aston roll their eyes good-naturedly, Baker recalls the earlier days in the group, when things were far less harmonious.

"Bobby G and I used to fight like cat and dog," she says of her relationship with her former colleague, who continues to tour under the Bucks Fizz name with his wife and two other singers.

She continues: "We're a lot older now and not necessarily wiser, but we work better together. There are arguments, but they are very few and far between, and it's much more harmonious."

Looking ahead to the future, Aston wants to make it clear that there is more to the group than just skirt-ripping routines and "fuzzy pop", and that they still have what it takes to be a viable pop outfit nearly 40 years after rising to fame.

"There's actually a lot more depth to us as a band," she insists.

"And when people come to see the shows, people who have been convinced to come by somebody else, we always end up converting them to being a Fizz fan because they realise there have been loads of songs that have been our hits that they've forgotten about because we don't get much airplay, and they go, 'Oh I remember that!'

"I think we're at our best when people can see us live, rather than the distant memory of Eurovision, where we're portrayed as a onetrick pony.

"There's an awful lot more to us, and when you come and see us that's evident."

Christmas With The Fizz is available now. The Fizz kick off their Up Close and Personal Tour on March 13 at The Spotlight in Broxbourne.

Smoke & Mirrors will be released in 2020.

Female Fe male Focus January 2020

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www.femalefocusonline.com

5 Foods to Keep Away From Your Dog As dog lovers, we want to spoil our furry members of the family all the time. Especially when it comes to sharing the things we love with them. Unfortunately, not everything that is good for us is good for our pets too. Listed below is a series of foods to keep away from your dogs.

1. Chocolate (& Caffeine) - Now even if you have never had a dog of your own you probably know that chocolate is toxic to dogs. What you might not know is that this also extends to coffee and caffeine. All of these items come from cacao seeds, which contain methylxanthines. This has been known to cause numerous ill effects in dogs and even death. They should be kept far away from your pets.

2. Grapes and Raisins - This one might not be as widely known, and that might be a result of the reason behind it being somewhat unknown as well, but grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. It is best to avoid giving either of these to your dog at all.

3. Salt - When ingested in large amounts, salt can cause pets to have excessive thirst and urination. This can lead to severe dehydration and even sodium ion poisoning, so it's best to limit the salty snacks you give your dogs. Some common salty snacks to watch out for can include pretzels, crisps, popcorn etc.

4. Bread - This common table food can cause bloating and twisting in your dog's stomach. This extends to all forms of bread, from sliced to baked.

Also, when eating raw dough, the ethanol produced from the yeast can cause your dog to become drunk. Obviously, you do not want that so you are going to want to keep all forms of bread away from your pups.

5. Bones - Dogs are famously known for their love of bones, however, giving your dogs bones from the table can be very harmful to them. Certain bones like chicken and ribs are prone to breaking off easily. This can do damage to your dogs throat going down and even choke them. The bones can also splinter off at any point going down, potentially damaging their insides and their stomachs.

Be aware - it looks like the warm weather is bringing the processionary caterpillars out sooner than normal.

This is Jacob, he was found on the streets of Altea.

He is approx 2.5 / 3 years old. He walks well on the lead and has a very kind nature. Come and visit him and find out more. Benidorm Animal Shelter (Protectora de Animales y Plantas Benidorm) desperately need more volunteers to walk the dogs or care for the cats. Mon to Sat 10 - 13.30. Contact us on 685 524 049.

Tayson, male, Am. Staff. DOB 05.08 49cm. Tayson is a very intellegent, strong willed person lover who loves water and long walks. He has no aggresion issues at all but cannot live with other dogs.

For more information call 618 754 635. www.apasa.eu.

Tristan is a lovely boy who is great with children and other dogs. He is 4 years old and is vaccinated, chipped and has a passport. He can also be fostered; Akira pays all expenses for their dogs on foster. If you would like more information then please call 657 689 567 or email akirashelter@aol.com. Shelter open every day between 10am and 3pm.

Meet Our Horses! Join us on Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings at APAC Rescue Horses to see the horses and join in the fun with drinks and tapas to help support and raise awareness. Everyone Welcome. For more information email apacprotectora@gmail.com, visit www.apac-cv.com or Facebook: Apac Rescue Horses.

Female Fe male Focus January 2020

HEMMY – is 3, a very quiet cat who loves attention.

He has been neutered and has a passport. NO ADOPTIOIN FEE. Food and donations also urgently needed. Visit ARC’s charity shop Carrer Valencia 1, Jalon between 10am & 1pm Mon to Sat. Sally: jalonvalleyarc14@yahoo.co.uk. Facebook – 'Jalon Valley ARC'. Charity Reg No CV-01-054107-A. CIF No G5482759.

Theo he is about 3 years and is a friendly boy, good with other dogs and is in good health. He is a lovely dog who deserves a forever home, could he be for you? Phone 650 304 746 or email p.e.p.a.spain@gmail.com Clinton is a male podenco/ pincher mix, small to medium sized, born in 2018. Clinton is a very friendly, active young boy who is good with other dogs and likes his walks. Visit: www.aprop-pego.org for more information.

Tanamera is a small animal rescue, located in Valencia, Spain, privately run by volunteers who rescue, rehome and rehabilitate ex hunting dogs. For more information email: stichtingtanamera@gmail.com or find them on Facebook (Tanamera Rescue)

www.femalefocusonline.com

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Turmeric Golden Latte Spice Mix Turmeric has been touted as a wonder drug and recently gained popularity in the west due to research highlighting the therapeutic and healing properties. A member of the ginger family; turmeric has been harvested for more than 5,000 years and plays an important role in food, medicine and beauty products in the east.

Golden milk or turmeric milk is an Indian drink which can now be found in almost every trendy high street coffee shop! This golden beverage is easy to make at home and for half the price! Once mixed this recipe can be stored in an airtight jar for up to three months.

Ingredients Spice Mix

Ingredients Golden Latte Milk

• 5 tablespoons ground turmeric • 350 ml milk • 3 teaspoons ground ginger • 1 teaspoon spice mix • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon • 1 teaspoon agave syrup/honey or • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom sweetener of choice (optional) • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Method Latte Spice Mix In a bowl add the turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom and ground black pepper.

Mix really well and transfer to a glass jar with an airtight lid.

Method Golden Latte Milk In a small bowl add one tablespoon of the milk with a teaspoon of the turmeric latte mix; using a fork whisk to combine. Add the rest of the milk mix well.

In a saucepan heat the milk gently until steaming, add sweetener of choice, pour in to mug and enjoy!

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook 'Curry On Cooking' and purchase our currylicious kits from www.curryoncooking.com.

PLASTIC WE NEED TO

CHANGE!

KILLS

WILDLIFE Female Fe male Focus January 2020

FOCUS ON home & garden

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Happy New Year. A new year. A new garden I know it’s the last thing on most people’s minds to organise things in the garden just after Christmas, but it is actually a great time of year to do so. The weather can often be quite pleasant early January, allowing you to get into the garden.

Article supplied by Lee Charlesworth

If you have thought about extending a terrace, moving some trees to create a new area for a summer kitchen, or re designing an entire garden. It's a good time to start to have a mooch around the garden and think a little about what you would like to get from your garden space for the future.

This is a process you can go about yourself or you can use the help of a garden design company such as Charlesworth Gardens where you will be pleasantly surprised by the cost of our design work. We will come in and speak to you, collate your ideas and create something special for you to enjoy. We have more than a few tricks up our sleeves design and creativity wise, with 20 years’ experience of designing gardens and a lot longer in construction and architecture to give you exactly what you need.

&

Designing a garden is a very complicated process, and sometimes isn’t as quick as some people would like, firstly the design will most likely go into a queue of work, then the design work has to be done, then checked with the customer normally via an onsite meeting, then an estimate or quote has to be developed. Depending on exactly what the customer wants, some design changes may be required. The relevant changes to the estimate or quote then have to be made, all this before the possible requirement for third party elements to quote for gates, specialist parts or materials, water features, the best specialist BBQs etc. There is a huge myriad of parts that make up the whole continued from previous page

Female Fe male Focus January 2020

www.femalefocusonline.com garden and creating this to bring to the customer as a complete easy to understand packaged piece of work is very time consuming.

Charlesworth Gardens, is the absolute specialist within garden design and landscape construction within the area. We are only a small team, but this allows us to control quality a lot more and deliver the standard of garden we believe every customer deserves when choosing to work with us.

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FOCUS ON home & garden

The January Sale is on at Harris Furnishings Harris Furnishings are well known for their fabulous range of quality furniture including suites, sofas, sofa beds, chairs, recliners and rise-recliners, beds, occasional tables, and accessories. From famous names such as Parker Knoll, for whom they are exclusive Spanish stockists, but also Losbu, The Libra Company and more.

Now is your chance to pick up a bargain. The January sale is now on and runs until the end of the month.

So with this shiny new year, get into the garden and start to think about how you can and would like to get the most from your garden space and then choose the company that knows how best to make it come to life.

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.

For example this gorgeous Leather Brooklyn 4 seater corner sofa and chair is currently 50% off. Reduced from â‚Ź4,200 to â‚Ź2,100.

Call in and try them out for yourselves. Find them on the Pedreguer Industrial Estate or visit www.harrisfurnishings.com.

Tel. 96 646 9371. Free Delivery between Altea and Oliva.

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FOCUS ON home & garden

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Air-con heating

– the cheapest form of heating?

By K&M Air Conditioning (a proud member of the CBBA) Winter is in Spain, and even though it’s not as cold as UK, it certainly feels chilly.

It still amazes us how many people are using bar heaters etc in the winter and just live with their unnecessarily large electricity bill. But did you know that with a new aircon system, you can get the same amount of heat for 6x cheaper. Here’s the science bit so pay attention.

Air conditioning works by pressurising gas. The new R32 gas, when pressurised, boils at -51ºC so it needs relatively little electricity to drive the compressor.

Additionally, new systems use half the amount of gas of older systems which means even less electricity. The other thing to note is that these systems use approximately 0.7Kw of energy and produce around 4Kw of heat (with bar heaters, you need 4Kw of energy for 4Kw of heat). If you’re wondering why 4Kw is important, that’s how much you need to heat an average sized living room.

One thing to note, we often get asked where the element is. The short answer is – there isn’t one. It’s old technology and aircon simply doesn’t work this way!

So when you consider the cost of electricity for your average sized living room, with traditional bar heaters it’s going to cost you around 0,80€* per hour, with an aircon system just 0,14€* per hour – and that nearly 6x cheaper!

We supply and install aircon system from all leading suppliers throughout the Northern Costa Blanca. To find out more, either call us on 96 587 4838 or email info@km-aircon.com. Our shop is in Calpe on Calle Pintor Sorolla!

We look forward to seeing you! (*calculation depends on actual aircon unit and your electricity tariff).

Female Fe male Focus January 2020

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Thirteen years of continuous growth!

Despite 2019 being a very turbulent year with BREXIT uncertainty and general elections, Select Villas have seen another record year of growth. With our multi-lingual, hardworking team and pro-active approach to marketing we have steered the company through the muddy political waters and are ready to meet any further challenges in 2020.

As we have had such a successful year selling comfortably more than 1 property per week we are now in need of new properties to rebuild our stock. We have put together a very attractive exclusive package for vendors who trust us to handle all of the marketing and advertising for their property.

Come to us as an EXCLUSIVE CLIENT and we will offer you a reduced commission of 4% (plus IVA), Free floor plans, Free site plan and a FREE Energy Performance Certificate, at Notary.

Find us on Av. Madrid, 5, Moraira. Tel: 96 649 0861.

Moraira Plumbing & Heating Have Moved We're delighted to let you know that Ray and team have, after 12 years in their small local, move to larger premises.

They're still on the Moraria - Calpe Coast Road, but closer to Moraira. Their new showroom is significantly larger and will include a sizeable showroom where you can see the sort of air-conditioning, bathroom, heating and plumbing products they have to offer.

With ample parking nearby, you can find them between the Kathmandu and Telitec on the Moriara Calpe Coast Road.

We'll have an in-depth article in February's edition!

Female Fe male Focus January 2020

FOCUS ON food & drink

Crossword

Across 3 Clear (11) 9 Vegetable, emblem of Wales (4) 10 Pillaged, stripped (9) 11 Banishment (5) 12 Vase for a deceased person's ashes (3) 13 High-ranking police officer (9) 16 Shine brightly, like a star or a light (5) 17 Snake-like fish (3) 19 Large, brightly coloured handkerchief (7) 22 South American rodent bred for its fur

(known as nutria) (5) 24 Second-nearest planet to the Sun (5) 27 Sated, full (7) 29 Old Testament prophet (3) 31 Reasoned judgment (5) 32 Doubtful or incredulous (9) 35 Public transport vehicle (3) 36 Leave or strike out, as of vowels (5) 37 Foundation garments (9) 39 Festival, celebration (4) 40 Trip with a surprise destination (7,4) Down 1 Hypersensitive (8) 2 Consignment (8) 4 Sisters of one's parents (5) 5 Fear, dread (5) 6 Invite (3) 7 Tolerate (6) 8 Passage through or under something (6) 10 Pay back (9) 14 Elongated seed vessel of a leguminous plant (3) 15 Person undertaking a journey (9) 18 ___ de Cologne, perfumed liquid (3) 20 Short sleep (3) 21 Person who excels at a particular sport (3) 23 Lubricant (3) 25 Woman's loose dressing gown (8) 26 Released, gave out (8)

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Answers to puzzles in the classified pages

28 Hawaiian garland of flowers (3) 29 Special design or symbol (6) 30 Editions of a magazine or newspaper, for example (6) 33 After the expected time (5) 34 Set of beliefs (5) 38 Pass from physical life (3)

Thank you from The Calpe and Benissa International Lions Club We would like to thank everyone who helped raise funds for our causes in 2019.

Thank you to Sundown Swing and Xaranga la Xarlota bands and everyone at Marcia's Dance Studio for the wonderful concerts they staged for us.

A big thanks to Helga and Marco from El Toro restaurant for their fabulous food at our fashion show, their Christmas meal for the underprivileged, and allowing us to meet in their restaurant every month.

Many many thanks to all our customers of our charity shop in Edificio Pueblo 2 on Calle Pintor Sorolla, Calpe. Lastly but not least a big thank you to all our volunteers and members who work tirelessly in our shop. All your efforts allow us to donate over a 1,000â‚Ź a month to local people less fortunate than ourselves.

The photo shows a group of our Lions at our annual Christmas Party for the children at the Gargasindi School for special needs.

Much fun was had and presents were handed out to all children by Father Christmas thanks to your generosity.

Female Fe male Focus January 2020

We wish you a happy and healthy New Year and look forward to your support in 2020.

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FOCUS ON You

New Year, New Challenges and New Interests

After a busy festive season where our members organised a Christmas party for under- privileged children, sang carols, line danced in a children’s home and enjoyed the Oliva U3A Christmas Party, we’re back with an exciting bunch of groups and activities.

If you like to step it out on the dance floor, there’s Dance Latin American, Line Dancing, Ballroom Sequence Dancing, Modern Jive and Flamenco groups to help you get into a new year rhythm. Or maybe Zumba Gold where dancing is used to keep fit.

Yoga is available Monday and Friday mornings for those looking to improve physical flexibility and mental calmness.

If you are more of an outdoor type, then why not join Walking Football where everything is played at a slow pace? Or the amblers and walking groups where the social occasion of a meal after exercise is just as important as the main event.

We have over forty groups to choose from, including a few notable new ones: • Keyboard for beginners: a chance to dust down your keyboard and learn to play • Fishing: starts in January and will support sea and river fishing • Sewing and Dressmaking • Card Making • Astronomy for Beginners We also have an upcoming 2-day home brew experience plus a chance to try out Stand-up Paddle Boarding once the weather warms up a bit Every month, there’s also a friendly pub quiz and a guest speaker at our monthly meeting (January’s speaker will be Lola Sanchez from Denia Cancer Charity which the Oliva U3A helps support).

For those no longer in full-time employment come and find out how the Oliva U3A likes to keeps its members physically and mentally active. The annual membership is only 10€! If you are interested, email mickgoy1@gmail.com or come and chat on Friday mornings with Angela or Sue from 11am in the Oliva Municipal Market or head to the webpage https://u3aoliva.wildapricot.org/ and click the ‘interested in joining’ link.

The President of the Original Charity Shop and Library receives MBE Georgina Harvey, President of the Original Charity Shop and Library recently received a most deserved honour. The Medal of the British Empire was presented to Georgie by the British Ambassador, Hugh Ibbotson, at his residence in Madrid.

Georgie was born in Tunbridge Wells and later lived in London.

She worked as an administrator for Special Educational Needs.

Georgie and husband Ed have three children and six grandchildren.

They moved to Jávea 25 years ago and Georgie immediately became involved in the Original Charity Shop and Library. As a bookworm she initially worked in the Library but later in the shop as well. She has been President of the organisation for the last 13 years and under her presidency OCSL has seen enormous growth.

There have been several moves in the last few years: from Jávea Park to Avenida la Fontana and two years ago to the wonderful new location on Carrer de Nancy in Jávea’s Arenal. A move that proved to be extremely successful, hardly there and it became necessary to expand again!

14 years ago Georgie and Ed moved from Jávea to the mountain village of Barx / La Drova near Gandia. But, of course, there was never any question of giving up OCSL. Indeed, Georgie proceeded to recruit new volunteers and all of them make the trip to Jávea every Tuesday to work in the shop.

Congratulations Georgie from all the staff and clients on your MBE award. Well done, we are so proud of you!

Female Fe male Focus January 2020

FOCUS ON you

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Heal yourself to Happiness

by Deborah Jane Sutton

Are your emotions stopping you from getting more out of life?

Do you feel like there's more to life than the one you're living?

Then this book is for you.

Deborah Jane Sutton is an Energy Healer who specialises in emotional healing. She is passionate about sharing the simplicity of self-healing and is dedicated to helping others learn how to heal themselves through simple and effective measures.

Deborah takes the reader by the hand and introduces them to the concept of Energy Healing, the importance of loving themselves and the many ways they can raise their vibrations in order to attract a more positive life.

Deborah's teachings are based on two fundamental laws of Energy:

Author Bio:

1. Everything is Energy: including you, your words, your emotions, your thoughts, your food and your toiletries!

2. Like attracts Like: the Energy that you put out will attract the same frequency of energy back to you so the higher the better!

Deborah Jane Sutton lives in the orange groves of Valencia where she runs Heal yourself to Happiness Retreats and also offers healing/coaching sessions online. She walks her talk and keeps her own vibrations high by doing what she loves – walking her dogs, swimming, yoga, learning, writing and spending time with her family. Deborah's purpose is clearly helping others see the power within themselves and nurturing self-love. Her second book, Heal your Soul, is also available on Amazon.

This book also covers - the power of words and how you can use them to raise your vibrations - the power of expressing gratitude on raising your vibrations - how to muscle test yourself (kinesiology) and others - how to check for allergies and intolerances to certain foods - simple and effective emotional healing techniques - the importance of loving yourself ….....plus numerous ways to raise your vibrations!

Heal yourself to Happiness - http://amzn.to/1Og98Gl Also available in Spanish - http://amzn.to/1SPcSEb Heal your Soul - https://amzn.to/2FFVlPi For more information about Deborah and her work, visit: www.deborahjanesutton.com

The Sociedad de Conciertos de Música Clásica de L'Alfàs del Pi January Concerts Sebastiano Brusco, piano, Schubert & Chopin, Thursday 16 January, 20:00, Forum Mare Nostrum, L’Alfas del Pi, tickets 7€ on the door.

Claudio Piastra Quartet, guitar and jazz trio, “Classical meets Jazz”, Saturday 18 January, 20:00, Forum Mare Nostrum, L’Alfas del Pi, tickets 10€ on the door (members free).

Sebastiano Brusco, piano, Mozart, Debussy, Schubert & Chopin, Sunday 19 January, 12:00, Centro Social Albir, tickets 10€ (5€ members) on the door.

Full details www.alfasmusica.com.

Did you just suffer a robbery on your street? You cannot locate a relative and you think he has been lost? Witness bullying, violence or vandalism?

If you find yourself in these situations or simply want to feel more secure at all times, AlertCops is the application you need. With it you will have a direct communication channel with the Law Enforcement Agencies. Everything through your smartphone!

AlertCops is free and allows you to communicate crimes to the Law Enforcement Agencies in a simple and very discreet manner.

To use it you just have to register, open the app and press the alert button specific to your icons menu. This way your position will reach the nearest control centre. It's as if you always have a Law Enforcement Agent by your side!

Download and find out more in English at: https://alertcops.ses.mir.es/mialertcops/en/index.html.

Alternatively you can download from the App Store or Google play.

Female Fe male Focus January 2020

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A

Spot the odd one out

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FOCUS ON Good Food

B

C

D

E

F

&

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 Female Fe male Focus January 2020

FOCUS ON The Stage Diary

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The Stage Diary now in its 13th 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 Ladies Choir: The choir are now in the last weeks of rehearsals for their upcoming concerts 'Circle of Life'. Tickets are now available for both concerts - Thursday 6 February at 19.30 at the Anglican Church, La Fustera, Benissa and Saturday 8 February 17.00 at Black Apple, Jalon. Contact musical director Aileen on 696 514 613 for more details or check the choir's website - www.capriceladieschoir.com.

Careline Theatre: Their January production, `Panto Goldilocks and the Three Bears´ is a panto with a twist! The story has circus owner Ma Barnaby trying to save her circus as the dastardly baron steals her animals for his zoo. Goldilocks and Friends come to the rescue. Panto dates 15 to 18 Jan at 20.00 and matinee on 18 Jan at 15.00 too. Book online at www.carelinetheatre.com or email carelineboxoffice@gmail.com.

Costa Blanca Male Voice Choir:

www.femalefocusonline.com Phoenix Dancers: The Dancers would like to wish everybody a very Happy New Year and look forward to seeing you in 2020. They are all, ready, willing and able to work on new shows for the forthcoming year. If you would like to join them please get in touch with choreographer Phaedra, at 607 290 896. The Dancers are always on the lookout for new dancers and singers. The more members they have, the more charities they are able to support.

Sounds Familiar: Sounds Familiar are looking for new members who would like to join them for their next musical revue show to be performed later this year.

Everyone is welcome whether you are an experienced performer, or if you would like to try out this fun hobby for the first time.

Rehearsals take place in Benissa on Monday evenings. Please contact Philip on 96 558 1483 or philip@soundsfamiliar.es for more information.

The Chaplaincy Singers: The Singers, seen here under the baton of musical director Philip Ashely, wish to thank everyone who supported their five Christmas performances.

They begin the New Year with new music. Why not join them every Monday from 10.45 at the Ermita Sant Josep in between Moraira and Calpe.

Further information from Eileen on 607 706 904.

Valley Voices:

The choir ended the year with two sold-out joint concerts with the English Choir in Moraira and a packed Christmas Carol Concert in Benitachell Church. They are raring to go this year and welcome new members to their weekly rehearsals at Bar Mediterraneo in Teulada on Tuesday evenings at 17.30.

Jávea Players: Once again this longestablished company is bringing a professional actor to entertain its audiences in their Studio Theatre. Pip Utton will be performing two shows: `Churchill´ on 27 to 29 January when, whisky in hand, he talks more about his personal life than politics. `Einstein´ will be on 30 January to 1 February. Don’t worry, it won’t be too scientific. For details: www.javeaplayers.com.

Oliva Drama and Cultural Association: ODCA have started rehearsals for their spring show to be held in Bellreguard theatre at the end of March. More details next month. If you'd like to join them, they meet every Saturday morning in Oliva.

For more information, please phone 644 889 155, email olivadramagroup@gmail.com, or see their Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/OlivaDrama.

Female Fe male Focus January 2020

After an extremely successful Christmas Fanfare Concert last December in Jalón where the `Voices´ were joined by Orba Choir, a sizeable donation was made to Jacqui Phillips of MABS. Rehearsals start for their summer concert on 13 January at the Animo, Alcalali. If you’re interested in joining this international choir, please email valleyvoicesspain@gmail.com or telephone 634 301 483.

If you would like your group to be part of the Stage Diary please email editor@femalefocusonline.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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Moraira-Teulada U3A presents more than 3,000€ to The Alzheimer’s Day Centre in Teulada Last month the members of the Moraira- Teulada U3A met for their pre- Christmas meeting. One of the highlights was when the President’s wife, Eileen Haxon, presented a cheque for 3,105€ to Sylvia Tatnell, the President of The Alzheimer’s Day Centre in Teulada.

The money was raised at various events held by U3A members including a very successful Autumn Fayre which raised 2115€, a quiz which raised 500€, and 490€ raised by the Drama Group.

Thanking members of Moraira- Teulada U3A Sylvia Tatnell told them how much such wonderful donations help those who run this charity to look after those in the community affected by this terrible disease.

Following the presentation members were well entertained by the U3A Ukulele Group who sang a medley of Christmas songs to entertain their fellow members.

More than 300 mince pies were consumed during the meeting and so those attending went home well fed!

Photo shows: On the left Eileen Haxon U3A President's wife and on the right Sylvia Tatnell President of the Teulada Alzheimer's Day Centre.

Choir Concert

Calpe U3A

What a wonderful night for the Calpe U3A Choir. Not an empty seat in the Salo Blau Casa De Cultura performing a variety of carols and light Opera pieces to a jolly and most appreciative audience.

We were delighted to donate 700€ to the Cruz Roja, received by Paco the President, on behalf of this worthy organisation.

I am very proud of The Choir and look forward to finding the right music for our next events. Mary Anderton.

Christmas Dinner Dance Thursday 12th December was a magical, glamorous evening spent in the wonderful surroundings of the Puerto Blanca Restaurant.

The restaurant was beautifully decorated with Christmas trees and lights inside and out. The food was exceptional and beautifully presented. Our DJ for the night was Marcus. The dance floor stayed busy throughout the evening. Everyone enjoyed the choice of music which was a good mix and ended with a Christmas melody that we sang along to. Kerry Edwards.

Find out more about our groups and events at www.u3acalpe.org​

Montgó Chorale “Come and Sing!”

Montgó Chorale were delighted to present their traditional Christmas concert at the Loreto church in Jávea on 8 December, and as always were gratified by the enthusiasm and generosity of their audience. Another full house! And generous donations totalling 1450€ to the retiring collection for the Loreto Church’s Cáritas, helping the Charity’s work providing financial and practical help and comfort to local families in need.

The performance was sadly the last under the direction of Jan Dewland but the choir looks forward to starting rehearsals with its new Director, Aileen Lightfoot. The next concert will take place in Pedreguer on 24 May and it is hoped that the inclusion of the much-loved Requiem by Gabriel Fauré, among other fine pieces, will result in another splendid audience …and also attract some new singers to swell the choir for this performance!

The choir invites anyone with enthusiasm for the choir’s classical choral repertoire to “Come and Sing!” on 13 January. This occasion will be part rehearsal and part social to enable potential new members to meet current singers, ask questions, and join in the first practice of the concert pieces. Male voices, both tenor and bass, would be particularly welcome. An ability to read music would be an advantage!

For any further information, and directions to the rehearsal venue in Teulada (Monday evenings), please contact Sally Merrett by email on sallycarslakemerrett@gmail.com.

Photo shows: Montgó Chorale and departing Director Jan Dewland (centre, L) welcoming the new Director Aileen Lightfoot (centre, R).

THE SALVATION ARMY

English Speaking Church of Denia Worship Service. Sunday 10.30am Followed by a time of Fellowship Everyone is welcome. Come as you are!

For more information: Dieter Zimmerer +34 698609658 or Barbara Zimmerer +34 652319810 Email dieterzimmerer@hotmail.com www.centrosaron.com

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FOCUS ON charity

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NOTICEBOARD 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.

ESIA (English, Spanish, Intercambio Altea) is a multicultural group where people from all around the world gather together to have fun, share their experiences, cultures, traditions, and more in a friendly and unique environment. It is necessary however to have a basic understanding of English and Spanish to enjoy interesting conversations with people from all over the world. We meet on Mondays and Fridays (Tuesdays and Fridays from 01/09/2019) from 17:30 to 20:30 and it is free to attend. Our meetings take place above the library at the Biblioteca at the Facultad de Bellas Artes (UMH University Míguel Hernández) in Altea or you can contact Martin: esia4you@gmail.com.

GOLF Are you a golfer? If you enjoy golf, come and join the over 60's golf group at Golf Club de Ifach St Jaime. We play every Tuesday morning. Prices to be won every week. Call 670 387 967 or send a text.

HELP of 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: info@javeabridgeclub.com or telephone: 658 055 572 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.

Jávea International Baptist Church (JIBC), Sunday Service 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 information please visit our website: http://www.javeabaptist.es or call 96 579 5847.

Jávea. La Ermita del Popul, (The Church Of England Diocese in Europe). Every Sunday Holy Eucharist at 9:45am. Every Wednesday Holy Eucharist at 10.30am.

Sundays 7 July to 9 Sept – Holy Eucharist 9:30am. You will be most welcome to join us at any of these services. Contacts: Senior Chaplain: Fr. Marcus Ronchetti 603 259 769 Email: marcusronchetti@yahoo.co.uk. Local Chaplain: Fr. Jim Booker 965 734 029. Mobile: 670 846 898. Email: jimbooker57@gmail.com. Secretary: Colin Welch 965 771 792. Mobile: 689 315 151. Email: moiracolin@telefonica.net.

Jalon Valley Help events. Casa de Animo, Centro Civico, Alcalali: Tuesday Drop In: 10am – 1pm – All welcome. Meet new people. Come and have a cuppa and a chat.

Many other weekly activities are on offer including: Craft, Card Making, Art, Mosaics and Flower Arranging groups, Val de Pop Singers, Valley Voices Choir (U3A), Fitsteps, Slimming classes and Sunday Drop In. For further information on the above contact Tina on 634 333 212. JVH Charity shops open Monday – Saturday mornings in Jalon, Alcalali and Orba. Free Medical Equipment loan service. Volunteers always needed. For all enquiries tel.: 659 624 643. www.jalonvalleyhelp.com.

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.

continued on next page

&

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 contact George Lapper 617 972 950 or Pauline Kernick 616 319 725.

Amigos de Denia charity shop. We are a charity that raises money for local organisations in and around Denia. You can find us on Passeig Saladar 87 not far from the railway station. We have a large shop with a stock of good second hand clothing, bedding, children's pushchairs and cots, homeware and lots more.

We have in excess of 500 English paperbacks and many in Spanish, French and German. We also have a large range of DVDs. We are open from 10am to 1pm Mon to Sat. Donations and volunteers are always welcome. So why not come and visit us or contact Denise on 689 628 053 or email denisepbb@live.co.uk.

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.

Benidoleig Line Dancing Classes. Tuesday evenings from 10 September at Restaurante La Lloma on the Pedreguer Road. From 18.30 to 21.00, everyone is welcome including new dancers and a bar is available in the venue. Beginners for the first hour followed by improver and intermediate dances. For any other information please contact Azaharcountylinedancing@gmail.com.

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 for details and directions. For further info about the Fellowship, directions and map visit www.benitachellcf.org.

Benidorm English Church: Non denominational, international & evangelical.

Services Sunday 9.45am and 4pm during winter months. Wednesday 10.30am --12pm coffee morning -- 2pm bible study. Friday 10am Communion. Full details phone: 677 738 103 or (0044) 7789113339. The English Church, Torre Principado 12-13, Av. Madrid 26, Benidorm just behind Restaurant Artigas 2 on Levante Beach.

Email: abrobertson9@outlook.com.

Benidorm International Friendship Club meets each Wednesday 11.30am for 12 o'clock start at the Villasol camping. All are welcome to join us for a chat and a drink. Ring Mike for details 625 287 096.

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 – 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 11am. 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 Tues at Bar Vinyater, Jalon at 3.30pm Whatever your level or experience you will be welcome to join us. Both men and women make up this marvellous and happy group. Phone contact Christine 629 555 480. Leave message.

Concerts Costa Blanca: We produce concerts at Teulada etc. and also run buses to Valencia's Opera House (opera & ballet) & Palau de la Musica (concerts) with regular pick-ups from Moraira, Jávea & Mas-y-Mas (N332, north of Gata). Our yearly plan is up-dated and mailed regularly. Web: www.concertscostablanca.com / E-mail (& to join mailing list) info@concertscostablanca.com.

Costa Blanca Computer Club. The first meeting in 2020 is planned for 18th January in the Sierra Bernia School, Alfaz del Pi. See https://sites.google.com/ alfazcbcc/home for information and detailed meeting programme.

Costa Blanca Mountain Walkers. We are a group of people who get together twice a week to enjoy walking in the mountains of the Costa Blanca. Anyone is welcome.

Visit www.cbmwalkers.org for information on upcoming walks and guidelines.

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NOTICEBOARD cont.

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, a Travelling Diners Group, Weekly Tombola and Whist, together with Dinner Dances, Excursions & Mini Breaks. 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.

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.

The Salvation Army English Speaking Church of Denia. Worship Service. Sunday 10.30am followed by a time of Fellowship. Everyone is welcome. Come as you are! For more information: Dieter Zimmerer +34 698 609 658 or Barbara Zimmerer +34 652 319 810. Email dieterzimmerer@hotmail.com. www.centrosaron.com.

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 from 5-6pm at The Bar Mediterraneo, Avenida Del Mediterraneo, Teulada located on the right at the first traffic light controlled crossing coming from the N332 direction. We discuss all types of unexplained fascinating mysteries in our solar system and throughout the universe. We aim to promote investigation and research in order to share information and discuss these interesting 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.

Female Fe male Focus January 2020

FOCUS ON services

Health & Beauty HAIR NAILS & BEAUTY. Serenity in Moraira offer a wide range of treatments including roof top yoga.

Call Kelly on 96 503 5063.

For more classified sales visit www.femalefocusonline.com

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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.

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. 677 233 879 FACEBOOK:LadyJazzAnita or visit www.lady-jazz.com

Services

BAD BACK? Tonia Sherriff is a well-kown and well-respected local Osteopath based in Calpe. Call for an appointment. 637 715 308.

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 35 48 92 to arrange an appointment.

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 in the Spring & Autumn.

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

Wanted

Female Fe male Focus January 2020

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

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

HARRIS FURNISHINGS - British furniture store offering a fabulous range of quality furniture including sofas, chairs, corner sofas, sofa beds, recliners, rise-recliners, beds, coffee tables etc. Famous brand names including Parker Knoll.

Pedreguer Ind. Estate. 96 646 9371 sales@harrisfurnishings.com

FULLY COMP CAR INSURANCE from 279â‚Ź. For all your insurance needs: house, home, business, marine, car, health. Call Insurance Altea 96 584 0753 BUILDING & PLUMBING SERVICES. No job to big or small, from a re-grout to a new build. Experienced and all work guaranteed. Call Nicholas 696 949 220.

I Q G C G L A S S C U R TA I N S .

Enclose your terrace and naya without spoiling the view. Call Neil 965 973 307.

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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

AWNINGS, BLINDS, MOSQUITO nets, Commercial & Garage doors, Shower screens & doors.

PERSITOLD provide solutions for sun protection and comfort.

Showroom in Gata de Gorgos.

Many examples at www.persitold.es 96 575 6281 / 669 859 572 or email info@persitold.es C O M P L E T E B AT H R O O M REFORMS Whole project managed by in-house team. 24 years experience. Also specialist in shower and bath screens. Many satisfied customers. Call SHOWERMAN. 96 579 2285 / 639 292 081 or email info@showermanspain.com

www.femalefocusonline.com

FOCUS ON classifieds

UPHOLSTERY SERVICE Tired or broken furniture? From small repairs to complete recovers for home, garden, car or boat. Indoor & outdoor cushion covers. Pergola and parasol covers. Leather and fabric cleaning.

Pedreguer Industrial Estate.

96 646 9371 or email: sofamedico@harrisfurnishings.com.

BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION Specialised in residential property refurbishment. Kitchens/ Bathrooms, Windows /Doors, Reforms/ Extensions, Electrics/ Plumbing, Tiling/ Terraces, Roofing/ Rejas, Tosca Specialists. Over 30 years experience. All areas Gandia to Benidorm and Inland. w w w. s o v e r e i g n - c o n s t r u c t i o n . com 662 097 598 or email sovereignconstruction@gmail.com GLAZING & AWNING SPECIALISTS All kinds of glazing systems, roofing solutions and awnings, windows, arched windows, conservatories, doors and interior glass doors.

Call 96 645 7878 or email info@amasvista.com NEED A SURVEY? Call Advantage Building Services if you are buying a property, or have structural problems with a property you already own. Subsidence cases investigated, insurance claims mediated and processed.

653 733 066 or email mrmpaddon@hotmail.com or find further information at www.surveyorscostablanca.com EXCAVATION, GROUNDWORK & CONSTRUCTION Call AD Lawton for all your plant hire needs. Specialist in drainage, groundworks and septic tank systems. 648 052 911 or visit www.adlawtonconstrucciones.com NP CLEANING SERVICES - provide the following services including cleaning for homes and businesses - Holiday Let Management - bed/ mattresses - Laundry & Ironing (with free collection and delivery) - Oven & Hobs - Carpets, Upholstery & Rugs. Albir & surrounding, Call: 649 20 22 33.

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

Due to the fantastic success for our advertisers in the Professionals Marina Alta & Vega Baja areas Female Focus Publications are proud to announce the publication of The Professionals Marina Baja for March 2020

New Design · 18,000 Copies High Quality Paper Published twice a year · Digital Version Property · Legal & Finance · Trades Health & Beauty · House & Home Retail · Infotech · Good Food Guide Issue 01

FULL PAGE from

ONLY

60

€

+ IVA per month

Female Fe male Focus January 2020

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FOCUS ON services

www.femalefocusonline.com

Puzzle Solutions

Answer to Spot the odd one out = E

Very easy Services Cont.

Computers

Autos And Boats

WATER FILTER SYSTEMS Whole House & Undersink Water Filter Systems. Reduce Your Plastic Waste & Have Clean Filtered Water From All Taps In Your Home While Also Protecting Appliances From Limescale Buildup. Tel: 0034 681 315 659. Web: www.aqualyze.es.

GLAZE N SAVE convert your single glazed windows and doors to double glazed units without changing the frames. Very cost effective and a clean process. This is not secondary glazing. For more information call Gary on 662 455 960 or 96 671 2832 email gary@glazensave.es. Web: www.glazensave.es SKIPS IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE Small, Medium, Large skips for Building, Gardening, Mixed loads.

Also earth, gravel etc available for delivery. Call Contenedores Mata on 96 579 0172 or 679 440 046.

Medium 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 candidawright@gmail.com CAR REPAIRS & SERVICING. Automat Talleres (formerly Total Car Care) will get you right back on the road. Broken down? Send your grua to us! Pol Ind La Pedrera, Benissa.

965 730 225.

Misc Sales 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'.

For more classified sales visit www.femalefocusonline.com

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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www.femalefocusonline.com Misc Sales Continued

BITS AND PIECES Acros 52 100€. 4 tyres new 165/70 50€. Ply 8x4x1/2 5€ each. Golf clubs, trolley and bag 20€.

5 sided gazebo 40€. 300 to 400 roof tiles yellow 30€ the lot. Monitor 5€.

2 hard drive windows 5€. 1 printer, scanner, copier 5€. All Moraira area.

Tel. 627 255 461.

LADIES FOLD UP BICYCLE Ladies step-through fold up bicycle. 6 gears, rear pannier, pump, helmet and side stand. Aluminium frame and silver finish in Javea. 75€ 634 318 717.

CARDBOARD REMOVALS BOXES, 130 x cardboard boxes. Used once, in good condition. Sizes from 50 x 30 x 30. 1€ per box, Orba, Tel. Mikel 647 141 502.

RACING BIKE NISHIKI, men’s bike, good condition, silver, 16 gears, 57cm steel frame, Shimano Dura Ace, photos available. 79€ Orba, Tel. Mikel 647 141 502.

BRICK BARBECUE Fantastic Spanish style brick barbecue for sale. 50€ collection only. Tel. 617 936 936. La Drova area.

MOBILITY SCOOTER FOR damaged foot. Rest your leg and go. Indoor/outdoor use, as new. 130€ Tel: 644 114 852 Benidoleig.

FOCUS ON classifieds

EVERLAST TRAINERS High Top trainers, white leather, size 8/42, new. Cost 70€, accept 30€ o.n.o Tel: 96 647 4641. Buyer collects, Denia area. Photo available.

UKULELE: Top of the range tenor ORTEGA uke. Built in tuner and amplifier. Bag, music, strap, picks.

As new. 75€. Tel: 679 445 787.

Orba area.

FOLDING BED, single size 90 x 200, quality mattress little used, cost 100€, accept 20€, bargain. Tel 96 296 1149 or 630 228 227. Gandia Area.

DILONGHI TOSCA COFFEE machine and milk frother very good condition, 50€. Benidoleig area.Tel: 644 114 852.

T E FA L A I R F R Y E R e x c e l l e n t condition, used occasionally. Tel 644 114 852. 50€. Denia area.

SAGE JUICER GOOD condition.

Improve your health in the New Year with healthy vegetable and fruit juices. 100€ Tel 644 114 852.

Benidoleig

Have You Picked Up Your New Copy of The Professionals Yet? Available throughout the Marina Alta Region Or visit www.femalefocusonline.com to view with 'live' links to clients' websites and Facebook!

Female Fe male Focus January 2020

FOCUS ON sales

Property Sales / Rentals 3 BED VILLA BENITACHELL Immaculate 3 bedroom, 2-bathroom villa for sale in Benitachell. 146m² Build Size, 220m² Plot Size, Orientation: South, communal saltwater system pool, Parking, underfloor heating and double glazing, in very good condition, price 230.000€. Private sale for more information or viewings please call 688 692 229 (whatsapp) or email quierovender2013@gmail.com.

JESUS POBRE APARTMENT. Private sale of lovely spacious apartment of 70 m2, ground floor, 1bed, 1 fully bath, open plan kitchen, living-dining area with log burner. Roof terrace with sea- and panoramic views. SOLD with some high-quality white goods. 125.000€.

Call us for info 966 461 784.

FOR SALE – HARRYS BAR, Quesada. Unique opportunity to purchase this well established popular bar / restaurant. Freehold. Call Joanne for more information on 693 494 951.

Page 44 www.femalefocusonline.com JACARILLA 1 BED APARTMENT Spacious (57m2) Village Apartment opposite the Palace & Gardens with Balconey view and a secure Garage / Community Pool / entry system. Lounge/Diner, Kitchen, double Bedroom, Bathroom with walk-in Shower, Plus H+C AirCon, Bug Screens and new Water Heater - one owner 55,000€, email crippsjimpat@aol.com for photos.

PROPERTIES WANTED Casa Ambiente in Moraira urgently require properties to replace those we have recently sold and additionally, to meet the increasing demand we are seeing from International Buyers. We are centrally located, professional, honest, accredited, and speak 5 languages. With 25 years' experience in the local market, we know what it takes and are highly motivated to sell your property. Isn't it time you experienced the Casas Ambiente difference! Visit our website www.casas-ambiente.com or pop in meet the team in Av de la Paz 10b, Moraira. If you prefer, email contact@casas-ambiente.com or simply call 96 649 8595.

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SELLING YOUR PROPERTY? List with Casitas Iberica in Jávea and we will sell your house. Our exclusive listings benefit from professional internal and external photos, plus a free Virtual Tour. No Obligation Valuations. Tel: 96 579 4408 / 686 453 801.

Visit www.casitasiberica.com ACHIEVE RENTAL INCOME from your property. For more than 35 years Aguila Rent A Villa SL has specialised in holiday rentals in Javea, Denia and surroundings.

Trusted and professional.

96 647 0830 mail@aguilarent.com or visit www.aguilarent.com

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SAVE MONEY ON YOUR OVERSEAS MONEY TRANSFERS Call Sherry Fraser-Currie 96 626 5072 or email:- sherry.f@currenciesdirect.com Personal PSYCHOTHERAPIST CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT Psychotherapist for the confidential treatment of anxiety and depression. Plus couples therapy.

Phone Tanya on 634 35 48 92 to arrange an appointment.

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.

“To care, comfort and counsel people affected by cancer.”

Costa Blanca North: 634 311 690 Gran Alacant: 96 684 1276 La Marina: 699 894 183 Torrevieja: 602 648 486 www.mabscancerfoundation.com

HELP of 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 Orba 639 176 812 Calpe 616 237 135 Jávea 634 388 446 Denia 634 309 442 Teulada/ Moraira 634 318 819 Parkinsons Support 634 301 677 HELP President 634 345 014.

SAMARITANS IN SPAIN

FREE PHONE 900 525 100

pat@samaritansinspain.com Female Fe male Focus January 2020

FOCUS ON Property

Female Fe male Focus January 2020

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