Female Focus - October 2019

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October 2019

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

See page 4 for front cover picture information

FOCUS ON health

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Parents advised to check that poor eye sight is not holding their children back Opticians are using the start of the new school year as an opportunity to inform parents and children of the importance of regular eye tests.

At the start of term, they recommend that parents take their children to a professional who can check their vision and take the right measures to ensure that their eye sight is not holding them back. Poor vision can inhibit learning and hold them back from performing well in sports.

Juan Carlos Martínez Moral, president of the General Council of Colleges of Opticians-Optometrists (CGCOO), says: ‘As vision can often change during your school career, it is important to have regular eye examinations by an opticianoptometrist. By having your eyes tested at least once a year, you can rule out refractive problems such as long-sightedness, shortsightedness, or astigmatism; binocular vision abnormalities such as strabismus, or amblyopia, popularly referred to as "lazy eye".’

Mike Stone, Director of Specsavers Ópticas in Jávea and Calpe agrees: ‘We have seen a high number of children needing glasses across our opticians in Spain and experts around the world are reporting a sharp increase in myopia in young children. The difficulty with children with poor eye sight is they often don’t realise there is anything wrong before it is identified in an eye test. This means they struggle unnecessarily at school and can be misdiagnosed with learning difficulties simply because of their poor vision. To avoid issues like these, we also recommend yearly eye tests for children before they go to full-time education and incorporating an eye test into the “Back to School” routine to pick up any changes early, before it starts to effect their learning.’

According to charity ONCE, they have 4,245 members aged 18 and under who are suffering from low vision or blindness and studies show that one out of every four children has an undetected vision problem that may inhibit their progress.

Common eye conditions can all be identified with a complete eye test. The sooner that vision problems are detected, the better the outcome. Conditions such as squint and amblyopia (lazy eye) can be treated more effectively if they are picked up earlier.

Book a Back to School eye test at Specsavers Ópticas by calling the store in Jávea 96 646 3420 or Calpe 96 583 5367. They have a great range of glasses which are specially designed for children, including a new range of Toy Story glasses. To find your nearest store visit www.specsavers.es.

Female Focus October 2019

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FOCUS ON you

Hotel Moli Boutique Hotel Moli Boutique is a lovely and quiet place to disconnect and relax, a small hotel conveniently located in the middle of the old town of Alfaz del Pi ideally placed between Benidorm and Altea making it is quite easy and comfortable to move around by car or public transport.

The Hotel has wonderful views of the sea and mountains from the outside terrace and is a perfect place to celebrate events like Weddings, Communions, Christmas Parties, and Company dinners.

There is a fantastic restaurant on site that serves menu of the day options as well as a la carte with a head chef boasting more than 40 years of experience cooking all around Spain.

Adjacent to the restaurant is the Gin Palace bar, where you can relax with a drink and let their friendly staff prepare you the best cocktails in the town.

The Hotel Moli Boutique is not the same type of hotel that you might find in Benidorm, here they are focused on giving guests and customers a more personal touch and will do their best to make them feel at home.

Do not hesitate to pay them a visit and discover this little and lovely place to see for yourself why this is one of the best boutique hotels in the area.

Carrer Calvari, 12, 03580 L'AlfĂ s del Pi, Telephone: 96 506 30 81.

Female Focus October 2019

FOCUS ON since 1993

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www.femalefocusonline.com At the moment we are doing a lot of celebrating. This month our darling daughter has her birthday as does our gorgeous granddaughter. But I suppose the most important really should be the birthday of the magazine as this month we are celebrating our 26th birthday.

I think there may be some serious cake eating - unlike our grandson who, as you can see on the front cover, smashed his cake on his birthday at the end of August.

Our thoughts are with all affected by the floods. As I write this we are a week past and one of our employees still has not been allowed close to his house due to the water levels. Our daughter has just made her fifth trip from Calpe with the van loaded up with donations for the flood victims. I went down with her on the first trip and saw first hand the devastation. This just made her more determined to continue helping as long as she can.

Her and her partner are collecting and sorting and are in contact with the local town halls to make sure the items are taken to where they are needed most. At this rate we are going to need a bigger van! All this whilst running their business and with two young children. So proud.

Lesley

Congratulations to Sandra Spriet from Pego who won the 50€ competition last month, by spotting the logo on page 41. For your chance to win 50€ this month, see inside for details of how to enter.

Front page photo - my favourite pic of our grandson's first birthday 'cake smash' photoshoot by Calpefotos www.calpefotos.es. Tel: 96 583 8761.

Pick up your next issue on 5 November.

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

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 Villajoyosa Claudine 691 025 295 claudine@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!

Office: Mon to Fri. 10am - 2pm Tel. 657 501 055 editor@femalefocusonline.com advertising@femalefocusonline.com classifieds@femalefocusonline.com www.femalefocusonline.com Like and Follow us on Facebook - Costa Blanca Focus https://www.facebook.com/FemaleFocus/ Female Focus October 2019

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FOCUS ON community

Were You Worried?

by Notar Insurance, Albir

You know that sinking feeling, the weather turns, the gota fria arrives, the rain hammers down and you get a small leak and start wondering “am I properly insured”. It’s a reasonable feeling and that’s when you’ll be glad you got your insurance through Notar in Albir.

Sadly, many people find themselves underinsured, or even worse, not insured at all. You might ask how can that happen? Well, insurance is one of those things that when people typically buy it, they look for the cheapest policy forgetting the small print. Then they make a claim and find that they were underinsured! We’re not saying you shouldn’t expect to get a good price, but you need to balance it with being correctly insured.

At Notar, we’re a premium representative of Liberty Seguros, part of the leading global insurance providers, offering great value policies with comprehensive cover and less punitive excesses! Notar chose Liberty for exactly these reasons.

Lene Silden heads up the insurance team and always takes the approach to listen carefully and find out what your insurance needs are, and then to explain the policies in full so you now exactly where you stand. And then of course you’ll be presented with a quote which you’ll find is great value.

Accidents do happen and this is when you really need a friendly face with a sympathetic attitude, and someone you feel is “on your side”. This is at the heart of Notar’s style of customer service and probably a key reason why Notar’s client retention rate is so good.

Lene Silden is the main contact in their offices in Albir. If you have any questions or would like a no/obligation quotation, simply email Lsilden@notar.es. Lene will get back to you straight away and you’ll soon realise you’re in very good hands. It really is worth a quick email!

This is Emily Downes, she is doing a Multimedia Journalism degree at Bournemouth University back in the UK and loves interviewing the community and discovering wild and wonderful stories.

To gain experience towards her degree we invited her to be our guest writer this issue.

You will notice a few articles written by her this month, we hope you find them informative and enjoy.

We wish her all the best with her degree.

Female Focus October 2019

FOCUS ON professionals

Female Focus October 2019

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FOCUS ON local businesses

Female Focus October 2019

FOCUS ON finance

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PC Highway celebrates its 10th birthday! By Emily Downes A full decade of serving the community! PC Highway, the super friendly computer and electronics showroom, has been established since 2009!

Female Focus caught up with the Jávea store owner Heidi who said: “The company is doing well, we’ve had a good summer and a good ten years all thanks to my great clients”.

She went on to say that her customers are super loyal and that reflects why the company always aspires to be the best, and to go the extra mile. This is certainly clear in all their charitable ventures outside of the shop. Heidi described how she is a big supporter of APASA dog shelter as well as helping the homeless in the area. With support from the shop’s customers over the years too, bringing in goods they don’t need or making donations, Heidi says she can go on to help those that have been left behind by the system.

Personal engagement with customers is a top priority at PC Highway as the shop is also renowned for its multi language skills making it easy for customers to be attended in their own language to give the best service possible.

The main showroom in Jávea is open from Monday to Friday from 9:30h until 17:30h (they don’t close for lunch) and on Saturdays from 10:00h until 13:00h.

PC Highway are happy to spend time with you to answer any questions and enquiries. Heidi and Sebastian will help you choose the right device or patiently find the best solution for your needs.

So if you are looking to buy a new device or have got technical problems with something you already own, they are definitely the best place to go.

The shop is as strong as ever and looking forward to serving the community for the next 10 years and beyond. Heidi said finally: “I am so thankful and I wouldn’t change a thing.”

See advert alongside for more information.

Female Focus October 2019

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FOCUS ON legal

RESIDENCIA TIME IS TICKING! Sun Lawyers are the people to go to if you are looking to become a Spanish resident, especially with Brexit looming even quicker around the corner.

The retiring British Ambassador to Spain, Simon Manley, said that his final wish was for every Brit living in the country to make sure that they are fully legal by getting a residencia in time.

Sun Lawyers could not agree more, and we know exactly what to do for you, and don´t forget that UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has pledged to get Britain out of the EU at the end of October, deal or no deal, and that means time is running out!

It all may seem a bit daunting, but here at Sun Lawyers, we've lost count of how times we've gone through this process down the decades, and it is straight-forward.

Sun Lawyers will do virtually all the work for you to give you peace of mind, and make sure that you have all the correct documents to enjoy your time in Spain.

Forget the bar talk and rumours, because it is all very simple, and you should apply for a Spanish residency card if: - You’re spending more than 90 days in Spain.

- You want to be legal in Spain.

- You want to have healthcare in Spain.

Let's examine those three points in more detail.

You're staying in Spain for over 90 days It's all down to the law, and clearly states that if you spend more than 90 days in Spain per year, then you must apply for a Spanish residency card, which in effect is a stay permit.

If you are from the UK, the Brexit issue is clouding the waters, but essentially you have to get yourself covered with a residencia, pure and simple, and we at Sun Lawyers can get that sorted for you and your partner and family.

The proposed UK-EU withdrawal agreement allows residencias to continue, but they will then be swapped over to a different card, which the Spanish government said earlier this year would be a straight-forward process.

That looks like being the case as well in a no-deal Brexit scenario according to Madrid, but you have to get a residencia right now, and time is ticking by quickly.

You want to be legal in Spain This is a simple matter of “peace of mind”, as doing everything according to Spanish rules can only bring benefits, and Sun Lawyers have the expertise to tell you what's what!

As an example, as a British or any EU person that is permanently resident in Spain, once you have obtained your Spanish residency card, you then legally have to switch your EU/British licence for a Spanish driving licence.

Yes, EU driving licences are valid in Spain (as long as they have not expired), but if you are a permanent resident, you need to stay within the law and swap over to a Spanish document, rather than going through all kinds of hassles, some of which could cost you time and money.

That's just one example over being legal, and we at Sun Lawyers have the checklist that you need to make sure that you will be fine for many years to come.

You want to use the Spanish healthcare system Essentially there are are two main categories here: Limited and temporary healthcare in Spain. This must be done through the EHIC health card, but this does not include ongoing treatments.

Permanent all-inclusive healthcare in Spain. One essential requirement to qualify is to have a Spanish residencia, in order to get a SIP card, which will give you that vital healthcare access.

Sun Lawyers will sort that out for you, once you have got that residencia, and there are countless people that we have helped on that score, with many years of experience on how to do it.

Ready to act?

It is common for Sun Lawyers to see people postponing important decisions, like the need to apply for Spanish residency or sorting out the taxes or buying a home with a reputable lawyer.

Don't plough on without the right advice and experts behind you and get in touch with the English-speaking Sun Lawyers team to apply for your Spanish residency, which is imperative that you get right now!

Female Focus October 2019

FOCUS ON community

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Living in Spain and Brexit pops up The British Consulate in Alicante is running a series of pop-ups this month.

At each pop-up, members of consular staff will be available to answer questions about Brexit, living in Spain and access to healthcare.

British Consul Sarah-Jane Morris said: “As we approach the date when we will leave the EU, we recognise that British nationals may want to speak to us individually about their concerns and to check if there is anything else they need to do.

By going to areas where there are a lot of British nationals, we hope to make this as easy as possible. There is no need to book an appointment. Anyone who wants to speak to someone from the Consulate can come along at any point between 9.30am and 2.30pm.

“If you aren’t able to come and speak to the team in person, do stay up to date with the latest news by signing up for email alerts to the Living in Spain guide on gov.uk and following Brits in Spain on Facebook.”

Pop-up dates and details: 15th October - Benidorm 9:30am-2:30pm Benidorm Indoor Market, Av. Ametlla de Mar 9, Rincon de Loix, 03502 Benidorm.

16th October - Busot 9:30am-2:30pm Bar Grace Busot, Av. Pais Valencianos (1509,71 km), 03111 Busot.

22nd October - Benidorm 9:30am-2:30pm Camping Villamar Benidorm,Ctra. Albir, km. 0,300, 03503 Benidorm.

Advice for UK nationals living in Spain can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/living-in-spain.

Broadway Tonight

Fans of musical theatre will love the latest revue show from Sounds Familiar called "Broadway Tonight". The show is packed with numbers from famous Broadway musicals and is on a the Auditori Municipal in Ondara on Friday 1st November.

There is a wide range of styles in this show including a medley from Jesus Christ Superstar and song and dance routines from Annie, Guys & Dolls and a Chorus Line.

The ages of the shows range from classics such as Sweet Charity, through Andrew Lloyd Webber's Tell Me On A Sunday and Sunset Boulevard to more recent hits from the Book of Morman and Something Rotten which includes the cast in tudor costumes for the opening of the show.

Book your tickets now for a great Broadway night out. The performance starts at 8pm with the doors opening at 7.30pm.

Tickets are priced at 12 euros and are available by phone on 96 558 1483, or online at www.philipashley.com/boxoffice.php.

You can find more information about Sounds Familiar, including clips and pictures from past productions at www.soundsfamiliar.es.

Female Focus October 2019

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FOCUS ON Albir

Living Life on TOP of the World.

by Claudine Tang

It’s not gone unmissed to my mind that the little coastal town of Albir that’s nestled at the foot of the Sierra Helada has certainly grown in recent years to become quite the place to be.

There’s a super variety of Restaurants & Bars to cater for everyone including some lovely trendy new eateries & even a stunning nightclub along the seafront walkway the “Paseo de las Estrellas”.

The natural beauty of the Lighthouse walk alongside the conservation area is outstanding and a lure for walkers & sightseers alike.

In recent years Albir has become home to the “Sha” an exclusive wellness Clinic that is situated high on the side of the Sierra Helada.

With a host of high end facilities this beautiful resort with stunning far reaching views attracts international celebrities all year round.

Despite its exclusivity it is remarkably close to the town, and of course very accessible having its own helipad and being that Albir is actually only 45mins drive to Alicante & the nearest airport.

Homes in Albir seem to hold their prices exceptionally well probably due to most of the reasons mentioned already.

It’s contrast & proximity to Benidorm also gives great demand for holiday rental properties on top of the steady requirement of long term rentals in the area.

This makes Albir an excellent hotspot for homefinders & investors alike.

Having done our research we discovered that in 2018 an older property situated high on the hillside of Albir with those lovely views shared by the Sha sold for 400,000€ the owner invested 200,000€ in a reform and was subsequently offered 1.4 million euros to re-sell! Whilst those figures can never be guaranteed and quite possibly not repeated with the ever growing demand in this town we have found that there are building plots available with experienced local Real Estate Agent Anders from Notar. He told me that with properties gaining at the moment approximately 40-60% increase in value after reform, Albir is the most economically viable investment in the region!

He also tells me that there are now not so many properties and plots available as they get snapped up very quickly right at the top, however I’m reliably Market Info Courtesy Notar Albir

informed that he does still have a couple available to view. Food for thought!

It’s interesting to know that Albir hosts the open air market right in the centre of Albir every Sunday. Their local fiestas are in August.

The fireworks of Castell L’Olla can also be seen from Albir beach.

There are Roman ruins that can be viewed on the Main Avenida del Albir. All on street parking is free all year round and there are no less than 7 Indian restaurants in the village and that’s not including all the other difference cuisines on offer to be tried!

Next time you’re passing by, maybe stop and take a walk... grab a bite... drive up and take in that view... dance until dawn & fall in love with Albir.

Female Focus October 2019

FOCUS ON Wealth Management

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Time to take interest in your investment options

By James Johnson, Associate Partner, Blevins Franks www.blevinsfranks.com

These are challenging times for investors, especially for those looking for growth through low-risk investments. Bank interest rates around much of the world remain extremely low. In the UK, you have to go back over ten years to find the last time the Bank of England interest rate went over 1%. In the eurozone there are even negative rates.

Prolonged low interest rates mean funds in UK savings, ISA or deposit accounts are failing to keep up with the cost of living. With rates expected to remain low for some time, achieving better returns than bank deposits means widening your investment horizons. However, it is crucial to factor in diversification and your personal appetite for risk.

Many people worry about the risks of investing for capital growth but overlook the risks with leaving money in the bank. Even the biggest financial institutions can fail and cash deposits can be eaten away by inflation over the longer term.

While market dips can be unsettling, you can reduce risk by being invested for the medium to long-term in a well-diversified portfolio.

The key is to spread investments across different regions, asset types and sectors, using a strategy matched to your particular situation, goals, timeline and risk appetite.

If you have UK investments but are living in Spain, you also need to factor in currency exchange costs. Once your key expenses are in euros, it can prove much more expensive to take income in pounds, especially amidst Brexit uncertainty. To minimise conversion fees and exchange rate risk, explore investment options that enable currency diversification and flexibility.

And do not underestimate the impact of taxation. Explore compliant arrangements that can shelter capital from tax while providing a tax-efficient income in Spain.

As always when considering your investment options, you need a long-term, diversified strategy based around your personal circumstances, objectives, risk profile and time horizon. For the best results, take personalised professional advice.

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

Female Focus October 2019

FOCUS ON living

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We've Qualified!

The Asociacion Amigos Europeos de Javea is delighted to that announce that we are now ISO 9001 certified for our health transport services.

"What on earth does that mean?", we hear you ask...

Some readers may be familiar with the ISO Qualifications framework from their past or present work in the UK, where the ISO recognition system is very well established.

In short, the ISO qualification is the internationally recognised Quality Management System (QMS) standard.

Achieving the ISO 9001 standard is not about establishing a set of procedures that are complicated and difficult to manage. The aim is to provide a workable management system that is suitable for our association and will improve all areas.

Our journey towards achieving ISO 9001 status has taken a lot of preparation work over past years and especially so over the last 6 months. It culminated in an intensive inspection test where every single aspect of our business was subjected to a fine tooth comb.

So why is this important for you, our customers? Well, this accolade shows that we are now recognised professionally, having achieved the ISO Qualification UNE 179002:2018 which is ultimately aimed at improving and keeping at the very highest level our service to you in terms of: • A valid ISO 9001 certificate will give our members confidence that we are working to standards and procedures that will provide them with a high standard of customer service.

• Increase in efficiency, productivity and profit • Improved customer retention and acquisition • Consistent outcomes, measured and monitored • Globally recognised standard • Compatible with other ISO standards • Better internal management • Less wastage

Female Focus October 2019

The UNE 179002:2018: Certification of quality management systems for healthcare transport companies guarantees compliance with the requirements of the Standard ISO 9001 in the most critical processes of patient transportation.

The certification is developed specifically for companies in the healthcare transport sector.

Thus all our existing members can, as always, be assured that our service is absolutely top notch. And to all readers who are considering joining the AAEdJ, you can now see that we are professionally recognised, providing a guarantee of the quality of service which all patients will receive.

Being a member of Asociacion Amigos Europeos de Javea is so important. We are not like Spanish State ambulances, many of which do not carry anything like the lifesaving equipment that we do, nor have the highly trained staff. Our ambulances are akin to Mobile Intensive Care Units and really can mean the difference between life and death. As a member we will come straight to you, either at your home, or wherever you may need us.

Membership of the AAEdJ is just 50€ for a whole year for the whole family. To join telephone and speak with Laure Bolufer the AAEdJ Registration Manager on 96 579 6099 (Laure works from 10am to 1pm every weekday). The AAEdJ ambulance service covers almost all of Costa Blanca North and will come straight to you wherever you are.

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

Email: amigos_europeos@yahoo.es

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FOCUS ON beauty

10 Ways To Rescue Your Skin After The Summer After a summer of sun, our skin becomes dry and lacklustre. UVA radiation gives rise to 'crepey' skin on our cheeks and neck and folds and wrinkles become more pronounced due to lack of hydration. Not to mention hyper-pigmentation and age spots on our faces, chests and hands. This, combined with natural aging factors such as lower oestrogen levels after the age of 35 and depletion of collagen in the skin, create wrinkles that become like scars.

October is the best time of year to start treating the skin.

1 - The skin must be assessed by a specialist to determine the depth of the pigmentation and skin damage that has occurred. The appropriate treatment to brighten your skin will be decided.

2 - Peels The depth of the skin peel chosen will depend on the damage your skin has suffered to renew the top layers of your epidermis or dermis.

3 - IPL is fantastic for age spots and post summer acne prone skin.

4 - ND yag laser For red thread veins.

5 - Botox October is the best time to have Botox as it will stop those wrinkles from moving and so prevent them from becoming worse and more visible. Remember during the summer months we move our facial muscles in excess to protect our eyes from the sun’s rays.

6 - Hyaluronic acid and Profhilo Hyaluronic acid comes in different viscosities. It can be used to hydrate the skin to give it a more youthful appearance, to fill the fine summer wrinkles or to restructure the deeper cheek wrinkles.

7 - Radiesse is calcium hydroxyapatite found in bones and teeth and encourages the production of collagen beneath the skin so is ideal for restructuring the skin around the cheeks – its effects last over 18 months.

8 - Threads If after the summer you start to feel as if your face has dropped and that you are beginning to look saggy, then threads will pull up those folds and give you your V shape back again.

9 - Home care with Retinol will help to encourage skin renewal but always check with your medical aesthetics specialist as to which percentage is the best for your skin. He/ She will also advise you as to which medical creams are best for your skin condition.

10 - Book an appointment on 96 579 3810 with Dr Carolyn Carbasse at Zen Smile Spa, our medical aesthetics specialist able to restore your skin after a summer of sun and late nights!

Female Focus October 2019

FOCUS ON since 1993

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A breakthrough in the world of hearing aids

By Emily Downes The new technology of the Oticon ‘Opn S’ hearing aids has arrived in Spain. They are designed to help you break free of restrictions and join the conversation, even in difficult listening environments.

Studies prove that Oticon ‘Opn S’ users can experience speech understanding at the same level as people with normal hearing in noisy environments. These new hearing aids exceed the limits of what has ever previously been possible.

So how is his new generation of hearing aids able to give even better speech understanding in noisy environments?

Well, previously, most hearing aids coped with noisy environments by focusing on one speaker – typically the one in front of you. Now, the technology in the ‘Opn S’ gives you access to the relevant sounds around you, and puts you in charge of which sounds you want to focus on.

And now here’s the science bit! The Oticon Opn S introduces the OpenSound Optimiser, a new technology that analyses sound at 56,000 times per second to allow access to up to 30% more speech details with a more natural sound and increased comfort.

The result of this life-changing technology is that you will understand speech even better, with less effort. This lets you join in and keep up with conversations – even in challenging listening environments like a family dinner, or when visiting a restaurant.

For more information on how you can take advantage of this groundbreaking technology get in touch with Chris Elcocks at The Hearing Clinic and open up your world of hearing.

Chris offers a FREE Hearing Consultation, and works at clinics in Denia, Jávea, Alfaz del Pi, El Albir, Benijófar and Bolnuevo. Free home visits are also possible. Tel 659 644 106. www.thehearingclinic.es.

Female Focus October 2019

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FOCUS ON life

Walk Your Way Well by Niamh O'Sheehan January 1st is traditionally seen as the start of the new year. With this comes a deluge of resolutions and pacts that we have postponed until after our final blowout on New Year's Eve. But, what if we decided that our own personal new year starts today? Who says that the number on the calendar should determine the initiation of quitting an hold habit or taking up a new hobby? How many of us have been heard declaring “I’ll start my diet on Monday”. Me for one. Wouldn’t it be simply fabulous to break free of the shackles of time and start our improved healthy eating approach right now. At this very moment. The structure of time is a great means of helping us coordinate and schedule. But, it can also lead to the implementation of limitations.

Where am I headed with all this jabbering? To this: Please go for a walk today. Don’t wait for the rain to stop. I promise that you won’t melt. Don’t wait until you’ve got a Fitbit. Every step still counts. Don’t wait until Monday. It might never come!

If you are still procrastinating I’m going to take a few minutes to list the obvious benefits of walking and how it can enhance your wellness. Sometimes we need to be reminded of things we already know to bring the knowledge out of our storage cupboard and place it on the table right under our noses.

We all know that walking is a hassle-free way to boost your activity levels. There are no enrolment forms or gym fees. There’s no class timetable. No need for fancy sports wear. And, you are only dependent on yourself as it’s not a team sport. So, now that we’ve reminded ourselves about how easy it is to incorporate walking as a fitness tool in our lives let’s have a look at why we should bother. Walking does all of this: · Reduces your risk of heart disease · Improves your blood pressure · Improves your blood sugar levels · Improves your blood lipid profile · Enhances your mental well being · Maintains a healthy weight · Strengthens your bones · Improves your balance and co-ordination · Improves your flexibility and muscle strength With all of this in mind let me finish off by sharing one of my favourite motivational quotes “Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone” - Pablo Picasso.

Walking Word: WARMUP. Don’t just steam out the door at full throttle. The perfect walking workout is like an upside down letter “U”. You should start slowly, rise up, then drop down to finish.

An easy start allows your body temperature and heart rate to rise slowly and your muscles and joints warm up to become compliant and less prone to injury.

TechnoTip: As well as an active body we should strive to have an active mind. And whilst walking we can easily multitask by listening to a PODCAST. A podcast is a digital audio file made available on the internet for downloading to a computer or mobile device. Get this; if you can google it, there’s probably a podcast about it. The term podcast is actually a portmanteau of iPod and Broadcast. Don’t despair if this all sounds too foreign to you.

There are some great guidelines online introducing us to the world of podcasts.

Female Focus October 2019

FOCUS ON health

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Plastic Surgery For Men - The most requested procedures Most men have, at one time or another, looked in the mirror and made a mental list of the imperfections they see. Ears that stick out, love handles, jowls, blotches, or lines that weren’t there before fatherhood.

It would be nice to view them as marks of experience, like the patina on a gracefully aged leather jacket, but more men than ever are taking a much more practical approach.

Although men may only account for around 10% of cosmetic surgery procedures carried out in the UK today, it is still a very significant number, and the number is growing.

So let's look at the most common procedures: 1) Nose Job Rhinoplasty, the nose job, is one of the most common aesthetic surgeries in the world.

Why? Some guys are simply unhappy with the nose they were born with, while others want to correct a nose broken in an accident or a sport-related injury.

How? A fairly straightforward procedure, the rhinoplasty operation is carried out inside the nose, so no scars are visible.

2) Liposuction Even with the strictest of training regimes, it can be hard to shift fat that’s covering muscle. Liposuction is an increasingly popular way for individuals wanting a six pack and more contoured stomachs.

Why? Sometimes there are stubborn pockets of fat that no amount of dieting and exercise seem to shift.

How? It is basically a procedure where fat is sucked out of the body using a tube.

3) Eyelid Surgery Especially popular with men in middle age, Blepharoplasty is an operation to get rid of droopy eyelids or any ‘excess ocular luggage’ you might be carrying.

Why? The eyes are the windows to the soul and a fresh pair of

Female Focus October 2019

curtains can knock years off.

How? Small incisions are made in the natural folds of the eyelids to remove excess skin and fatty tissue that cause hooded eyes or eye bags.

4) Ear Pinning With 1 in 20 Brits convinced their ears stick out too much, Otoplasty has become one of the most popular procedures with men.

Why? Some people simply aren’t happy with the shape of their ears, others may have suffered an injury or have played rugby!

How? A relatively simple operation, it involves a re-sculpting of the cartilage at the back of the ear allowing the ear to adopt a more regular position.

Dr Ignacio Poole is a specialist Surgeon with a Master in Aesthetic Surgery and a certified family doctor / GP. If there is anything about your appearance that bothers you, then feel free to call into the clinic and find out more. The first consultative visit is completely free.

Clinica El Arenal, Av Arenal 2, Jävea. Telephone 865 525 504, Mon - Fri 10.30am to 1.30pm, email: clinicaarenal@gmail.com.

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FOCUS ON wellness

Skin Care For The Neck And Chest

by Yvonne Rollinson Beauty with Technology These days many of my clients are deciding to improve their appearance and are investing in cosmetic surgery. This now in 2019 is nothing out of the ordinary for women and men, but surgery generally does not improve the condition of the skin, especially in the areas that can be a ‘give away’ to ageing, the areas of the neck and décolletage.

My advice is to all my clients, whether they choose the surgery route or non- invasive antiageing treatments, is to invest in a course of conditioning treatments for these areas. It is common to invest time and money on your face and forget these most important and delicate areas that are often neglected.

Autumn and winter are an ideal time to invest in such courses of treatment, when the sun is no longer so strong and the skin is not so exposed, so what do I suggest?

After a long hot summer, removing faded suntan and dead skin cells is vital to keep the skin soft and fresh looking and to encourage new and healthier skin cells. Microdermabrasion with fine crystals, applied under suction lifts away the debris accumulated on the skin and allows this process to take place, and conditioning masks and creams can now do a better job as these old cells have been removed.

Treatments such as gentle acid peels and ultrasonic peeling are another alternative.

Intense Pulsed Light treatment or IPL are a great addition to build up the quality and strength of the skin by encouraging the manufacture of collagen.

Any redness on the chest area or brown pigmentation can be greatly improved by IPL treatment but this must be done in the less sunny months.

Micro needling with serums, a treatment called Dermafrac, which is a painless needling procedure, again improves the condition and quality of the skin, by moisturising and encouraging collagen.

To help the neck, which is such a delicate area and can show the signs of ageing more quickly than others, skin tightening using Radio Frequency together with pads using micro current are a very effective, pleasant and relaxing treatments.

It is necessary to invest in a short course of 4 to 6 treatments, depending on the treatment taken over a period of months, treatments vary in price and a free consultation is necessary to decide on what is the best option for your skin.

Please contact Clinica Dental La Plaza in Jávea on 96 646 1120 and ask for Yvonne Rollinson - Beauty With Technology.

Female Focus October 2019

FOCUS ON well-being

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Does your posture create your pain?

Posture has been discussed in many different angles……literally.

What’s a good posture? What’s a bad posture?

Whilst working or standing or just sitting, many of us are not aware of what our posture is like. The risk from poor posture comes from a reduction to the movement in the joints of the body, along with repetitive patterns of strain. When we get pain from our poor posture, medical advice and physical therapy treatment will often be required to reduce the imbalances created over a period of time. So what can we do to avoid these restrictions? Well, quite a lot, beginning with good sitting and standing posture!

In an ideal world, good posture includes the head being positioned over the top of the spine and the buttocks, with a slight 'S' shaped curve through it. Neck and shoulder muscles should have even tension at the front and back of the body, and the lower back should be in its natural curved position. It's advisable to support your pelvis against the back of the chair. Good posture makes breathing and digestion more efficient by helping to de-compress the front of the body.

Sitting can present a problem at work, at home and in the car too. Avoid crossing your legs to prevent a twisting action on the spine and to promote good blood circulation.

Sitting in bed can pull on your lower back and strain ligaments and joints, so it's a good idea to keep yourself well supported and change sitting positions frequently.

Your mobile phones can also create pressure and strain on your neck (as seen on the picture) and can give you neck pain and headaches.

With small adjustments to our everyday lifestyle, bad posture can be easily overcome, offering support and better health to the muscles, ligaments and joints of the body!

If you have problems with your posture, or you're finding you're getting pain whilst sitting or standing or too much mobile phone time, then get in touch with me.

Osteopaths treat the pain by releasing the tension and can help get to the root of the problem for you, then give you advice how to help yourself.

Heidi Tryland, UK Qualified Osteopath. Tel. 625 709 515, C/Marques de Campo 60, 2nd floor. Door 15. Bell 315, 03700 DENIA. Email: heiditryland@yahoo.co.uk.

Website: www.deniaosteopath.com.

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FOCUS ON you

Naturally Beautiful Give back to Nature with Eve Taylor at Mimis Kru Mimis Kru are delighted to be offering the calming The company has a very positive environmental remedies of Eve Taylor products to all their clients. and ethical stance, for the last 50 years they Renowned for combining pure essential oils with are proud to say no products have ever been totally natural 100% vegan ingredients to create tested on animals and are completely vegan. uncomplicated skin care solutions.

The products contain ingredients that are These include ultra-soothing products for good for the skin beyond cosmetic, they work hypersensitive or irritated skin as well as others deeper than just the upper layer of skin and are created for dry, ageing and sensitive skin or proven to give highly effective results. products for normal skin, plus many more.

In benefits that go beyond the products themselves, the company One of only three salons in the area, Mimis Kru are stocking the full range including the very popular C+ Age Resist Priming Moisturiser, a favourite of salon owner Jo Black, she says “It brightens my face and gives me a lasting glow. I just love wearing it.

It’s SPF15 and anti-ageing too so great for here in Spain. It also goes a long way, so it’s great value”.

Eve Taylor products, created in London, have been a worldwide success, currently exporting to over 40 countries. The range gives Mimis Kru beauticians, Kina and Bee, the ability to analyse each client and prescribe the correct products to clients for both salon and home use.

Kina really loves the Eve Taylor Massage candles, and recommends them for this time of year, she said, “Once you have lit the candle for a little while, you can remove some of the melted wax and rub it into your dry skin areas, especially elbows, knees and heels. So your room smells lovely and you have lovely smooth hydrated skin”.

go on to explain that they use tamper evident and contamination free packaging and strive to utilise as much recyclable material as possible, which is perfect for today’s changing attitudes toward waste and the environment. Even the “foam nuggets” that protect items during shipping are made from corn starch and are 100% biodegradable and even dissolve in water completely safely.

This year the skin care brand partnered with Trees for the Future to launch a new environmental campaign to further suit the current and pressing need, globally, for environmental change. The brand has pledged to plant one tree for every retail product it sells. Eve herself, had said: “With environmental concerns being more important than ever, we are taking steps to be responsible to our world and give back to nature”.

Mimis Kru are thrilled to be introducing the naturally beautiful Eve Taylor products into the salon, ensuring uncomplicated and affordable skincare for all those who try it.

Article written by Emily Downes Local 12, Edificio Caribe, Av del Pla 129, Jávea Tel: 96 579 3584. www.mimiskruhairandbeauty.com Facebook: mimiskru. See advert on the Horoscopes page.

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FOCUS ON family

Soludent Dental Clinic You may not of heard about Soludent dental surgery in Alfas del Pi but many local Spanish families have... so much so that in just six years the practice has looked after over 3000 patients.

Lina and her team are highly recommended within the local community for their dentistry and orthodontics. They have earned this reputation through hard work, dedication and because they are a team of three highly qualified & experienced dentists who are each specialists in their own field of dentistry. This includes Endodontics, Orthodontics (braces/ brackets) orthopaedic dentistry (children), surgery, prosthetics & implants.

The surgery is in the town of Alfas del Pi (inland from Albir) and just a 2 min walk from the Casa de Cultura.

There is a friendly family vibe and every effort is made to speak English to those who are unable to speak Spanish.

Here are some great reasons to get a check up at Soludent: They use the latest high quality dental equipment & technology, customer satisfaction is very important to them and you will also find their prices are very competitive.

Call: 865 649 255 for your appointment for better dental health!

Javea U3A back in business!

Javea U3A is back in business after the summer break – although some of the 50-plus groups have continued to meet throughout the holidays.

The first general meeting since May took place at the Parador on the Arenal on Wednesday 25 September.

At the October meeting, guest speaker is U3A member Angela Chantry with a presentation entitled “A Journey Through The Fascinating History of the Royal Town of Xabia/Jávea”.

General meetings are held on the last Wednesday of each month. Doors open at 9.30am and the business part of the meeting starts at 11am. All members are welcome – and non-members who would like to join the U3A can come along and sign up …. it only costs €10 joining fee and €10 annual subscription.

During the last couple of weeks, a number of groups have got together again including Dine & Dance, Quiz Night and Dining Out. Others returning include Travellers’ Tales, History, Spanish Culture & Cuisine, Wine Appreciation (WAGs) and Ladies That Lunch …. as well as regular groups such as Walking, Snooker, Cribbage, Canasta, Rummikubs, Badminton, Padel, Fit Steps, Sit & Keep Fit, Family History, Satcine and many more!

Can you afford not to be part of it? Visit the website www.u3ajavea.com for more details.

Female Focus October 2019

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FOCUS ON community

Finally the Roundabout Charity Shop is near to a Roundabout! by Emily Downes The Roundabout Charity Shop has a new home on Avenida Joan Fuster in Jávea (opposite the Port School and very close to the Tosca Roundabout).

The new shop opened with a balloon adorned and extremely busy ceremony attended by volunteers, collaborators and the Jávea Councillors for Social Services, Rita Berruti, and the Port District, Marta Bañuls.

The shop was full and bustling with customers for this opening with individuals snatching up the goods.

Indeed, one customer was so impressed with its new layout that they bought not only a table and chairs that sat comfortably on display in the new roomy showroom, but also the full crockery set laid out and which beautifully complimented the furniture! The extra space has also allowed for a dedicated book, DVD and music area with seating and complementary tea and coffee. Dubbed “Mini Waterstones” this allows patrons to try out a chapter of a book before buying or for partners of keen shoppers to take a break whilst their other halves browse the extensive range of items available.

The shop took advantage of this opportunity to make a donation of €1,196 to the Red Cross, an amount that will enable them to renew their computer equipment and update their database system.

Please come along and volunteer if you have some spare time. The shop is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 13:30 and also on Wednesday afternoons from 16:00 to 19:00.

The Roundabout Charity Shop’s President Liz said: “I want to be a modern charity shop. We’ve got lots of plans for more events to come, maybe a fashion show or Halloween events, and of course Christmas as that is only just round the corner!” We are delighted to report that the opening day raised over €800 which will go towards the local charities.

The organisation, in addition to the physical store, has a Facebook page where it displays the second-hand products that it has for sale and also promotes its activities.

Like other charity shops working in the municipality, this shop collects donations which are then sold for charitable purposes. All the proceeds go to social projects, and extremely worthwhile causes.

Will it, won’t it, will it, won’t it?

Well in the end it didn’t - rain on the Guardian Angels Summer Fete that is. After the worst storms to hit the Costa Blanca in 140 years wreaked havoc further down the coast and inland, the team that worked so hard to put on a charity fete in aid of the Guardian Angels waited with baited breath to see if the event would be able to go ahead.

Thanks to the determination of all involved many of the stall holders did manage to make it through to put on a great show for the public that pleasingly were not put off by the gloomy weather and turned out in great numbers for this good cause.

Sue Nutbrown, President of Guardian Angels and organiser of the day said 'Thank you to everyone who attended the Guardian Angels fete, supporters, helpers, stall holders and visitors to make such a success of our first major fund raiser with me at the helm, I, we couldn’t have asked for more. I am proud to announce that we raised a staggering €5183.74 and after costs we are able to bank a whopping €3764.67: You are all, truly angels. THANK YOU'.

Pictured is Female Focus’ Roddy with Sue Nutbrown, Guardian Angels President, and Mark Stacey, celebrity antique expert and auctioneer.

HELP in Moraira is on the move to Teulada

Avda Meditteranea 37 to be exact. A very greedy landlord has made us have to up-sticks and away. The new shop is large and perfect for us. A room to keep our HELP medical loan equipment in, wheelchairs, walkers, zimmer frames, shower stools and more. A nice storeroom area and our nautical themed bathroom with a little kitchenette being installed are all reason enough for the move. However more than anything, hard working volunteers deserve that after all their hard work each month a large sum of the money is not eked away by a greedy landlord.

We are opening from 4 October but our official Opening Party will be on the 4 November where we will have lots of new stock donated by generous people, and a Cava or two and nibbles to celebrate so please come along and join us.

We are also looking for new volunteers to help us in the shop so if you would like to give a little of your time please send an email to help.denia@gmail.com.

Female Focus October 2019

FOCUS ON society

Page 24 www.femalefocusonline.com At San Juan, people get to jump through bonfires to cleanse their souls of sin, get covered in sparks from overhead fireworks and get chased. A beach party is for wimps.

Journalist and broadcaster Jack Troughton plays ‘Johnny Foreigner’ and casts an eye over Spain to focus on stories that serve as a gentle reminder he remains an Englishman abroad.

Streets of fire - a screaming success

EVERYONE arriving in Spain wants to sample some local culture, so I hatched a little gunpowder plot and took visiting family members along to Jávea’s annual port fiestas and the tribal excitement of ‘correfocs’.

To those who have yet to discover this slice of tradition native to Valencia and Catalonia themselves; the name roughly translates as ‘fire runs’ and involves a gang of professional hooded hooligans chasing people through the streets with fireworks.

Sparks fly everywhere, there is a stench of cordite from the incendiaries, and the night is filled with smoke, a heady beat of drums and the odd scream.

The odd scream? From the moment a mischievous little devil lit the first blue touch paper, two unsuspecting sisters were suddenly in full retreat and given to frequent banshee wailing. There hasn’t been so much noise from them since they were introduced to my pet stag beetle a few years back.

Obviously this particular slice of Spanish life predates the arrival of health and safety and remains an absolute hoot - especially for those seeing it through unbelieving eyes for the first time.

The firework gang themselves resemble members of the Klan with their hoods and uniforms. Aficionados wear old clothes, caps or hoods and dance with the firework-wielding guys and girls under the sparks; it is possible to be spectator from a safe distance but the little monkeys often dart into a crowd to add a little spice to their evening.

Look at the programme for any fiesta in the region and if it features ‘correfocs’ try and get along - it’s one of the most spectacular sights available and remains an unforgettable cheap thrill ...those of a nervous disposition can always fortify themselves with a little nip of something and help the local economy.

The part played by this madness is different in every town. A favourite - and a nationally recognised tourist attraction - is San Juan celebrations in Jávea’s old town. This is a baptism of fire dating back to pre-Christian times and the annual midsummer party.

Female Focus October 2019

Scrooge and the countdown to Christmas POPULAR seasonal treat Quality Street is in the news again in a sweet and sour tale to kickoff stories leading up to the festive season.

No matter shorts, t-shirts and swimwear are still needed in this part of the world; Christmas is coming and the popular brand has become an annual barometer for what’s occurring this year.

For chocoholics, the Quality Street saga is good and bad news. The tub is shrinking again; there are fewer toffees but more chocs and a newbie - a chocolate caramel brownie in bright blue wrapping.

Shrinkflation strikes again as the most popular seasonal size drops from 720g to 650g. The phenomenon is when manufacturers facing higher costs reduce sizes of the product (and hope no one notices).

However, Quality Street does come in larger sizes in the festive range - there is a 1kg and a jumbo 2kg tin for “those who want more to share with family and friends” (or just hoard favourites). John Lewis offered a successful pick n mix option last year; potentially preventing a Boxing Day apocalypse over the final ‘purple one’ or ‘green triangle’...or giving toffee lovers a chance.

Other popular brands have yet to declare any changes but it is a highly competitive world out there and supermarkets have yet to start the festive price war.

Quality Street has been around since 1936 and was named after a play ‘Quality Street’ by one JM Barrie, best known as the creator of Peter Pan. Snack on peasant food CRISP flavours continue to include the weird and wonderful - who can forget the introduction of ‘hedgehog’ and the promises the recipe was only made possible thanks to help from ethnic Romany advisors...manufacturers later had to admit no spiky animals were actually involved.

A popular flavour here in Spain is ‘campesina’ and out wandering lonely as a cloud with the dog one day last week, we came upon a discarded packet in a hedgerow (it has been hot and litter bins are always so far away).

The makers of this particular brand had helpfully translated an English translation on the bag, possibly to whet appetites - a yummy-sounding ‘Peasant Flavour’. It brings up images of toil and sweat in the fields; a friend was sure there was a spelling error and the snack was in fact an upmarket pheasant flavour.

Campesina would be better served as ‘country flavour’ but in these poetic days, simply ‘farmer’s’ or even ‘peasant’s’ flavour would have been better. No matter, they are a tomato and herb hit and very pleasant to boot...and nothing at all to do with the depopulation of rural villages.

Advert help for struggling VW GERMAN car maker Volkswagen was forced to shelve an advertising campaign for its evergreen motoring sensation, the VW Golf, after being found guilty of gender stereotyping in the ad (guys get the sporting fun, girl pictured reading on park bench next to pram).

VW strenuously - having invested a quid or two in said commercial - denied such intent but the company did the same about emission stats for diesel engines and look where that got them.

A couple of weeks later an eight-year-old took his parents Golf for a spin on an autobahn near Dortmund and reached 140km/h.

Alerted by little guy’s mum, police came upon the car; safely parked, hazard lights on and warning triangles out.

The youngster said he just wanted to take a drive - he has driven on private property before and is a fan of go-karts - and even admitted such speeds made him feel a little unwell.

However, VW, the answer is obvious. Promote the new Golf by saying it is still fun to drive but so simple even schoolchildren can enjoy it (and send cheque to...).

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our ARIES Chose a goal you can achieve this month and go for it. Not only will it bring you great satisfaction, the results will be fantastic and it will give you the motivation to move onto the next one. Hopefully more people will come on board making it easier and more enjoyable.

TAURUS You can't help feeling a bit of jealousy creeping in even though you know that you shouldn't be feeling that way. Not doing something about it and trying to ignore it will just make it worse.

GEMINI Although you want to know the truth about something, it does not mean to say that it will make things better or change anything if you do. Think it over carefully before you start asking too many questions.

CANCER Don't just go along with the flow if it doesn't feel right. Trust your feelings and don't let others make you change your mind without a very good reason.

You will be glad you did in the end.

LEO As much as you don't want to take orders from anyone, you have to from authoritative figures. Learn when to fight your battles and when to leave it be. This way everyone will have a better time.

VIRGO Your logic and practical way will get you through a setback that you did not see coming. Move forward and don't let it hold you back. Don't waste your time, use it wisely and you will soon be back on track.

FOCUS ON charities

oroscope LIBRA You hear some unexpected news about someone close but can't believe you have been wrong about them for so long. You are feeling very indecisive at the moment so it is not the best time to deal with anything major. Take your time to decide what to do.

SCORPIO Keeping people guessing may feel fun to you but it really is not fair to them. You know how you feel, so tell them before they get fed up of waiting, as then it will be you who misses out. Confidence is the key word this month, you are full of it.

SAGITTARIUS It is time to get back some of the control you seem to have lost recently and you are more than ready to take it on. Get back in the driver's seat and get tackling those tricky issues once again.

CAPRICORN New doors are opening for you, all you need to do is decide wether to walk through them or not. Don't get overwhelmed by it all, think it through.

AQUARIUS You need to improve the impression you give off to people as you can come across totally differently to how you hope they see you. Your nervousness in certain situations is the problem, deal with that and you will see the difference.

PISCES Don't rely on anyone this month, if you want something done you will just have to do it yourself. Fortunately you are seeing the good in everything and everyone and nothing is going to wind you up. Giving some time to a good cause will uplift you more than you imagine.

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FOCUS ON YOU!

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Jo & Janette’s Walking Support Group Exercise has ENORMOUS benefits for people living with and beyond cancer * Reduces cancer fatigue * Helps preserve cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness * May reduce chemotherapy side effects * Improves psychological well-being * May reduce risk of cancer recurrence and prolong survival * But, most importantly, it’s SOCIAL and it’s FUN! Get further details of the next walk by visiting our shops in Jávea Park, Jávea or email either cancercarejavea@outlook.com or nursecancercarejavea@gmail.com.

Jávea Players Open Day – Calling New Members! by Emily Downes There’s no business like show business and certainly no business like the Jávea Players, who are hosting an Open Day at the Studio Theatre on Calle Cronista Figueres Pacheco 6 (near Mercadona/ pueblo) on 6 October, from 12pm - 4pm.

After the success of the last Open Day, they are planning a similar layout and activities, aiming to bring just as much interest and enjoyment this time around.

With this event the Players are looking to encourage more people to become members (especially young ones!) to help run all aspects of the theatre company as well as promoting future productions.

On the day there is even a chance to win a free ticket for "Look Out He's Got a Gun!" for anybody who signs up as a Jávea Players member, and pays, during the Open Day. A few of their current actors will be performing very short improvisations during the event and there will be the opportunity to see footage of previous productions and performances, all while enjoying a canapé or two at the bar that will be open on the day.

So if you’ve ever had the urge to be involved with theatre but didn’t know where to start then the Jávea Players Open Day will be the event for you.

Sociedad de Musica Clasica de L’Alfas del Pi October Concerts

International Wind Ensemble, Piano and Wind Quintet, Beethoven and Mozart, Saturday 19 October, 20:00, Casa Cultura, L’Alfas del Pi, tickets 10€ (members free) on the door.

Maurizio Moretta, Piano, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy and Gershwin, Thursday 24 October, Forum Mare Nostrum, L’Alfas del Pi, tickets 7€ on the door.

Maurizio Moretta, Piano, Mozart, Beethoven, Debussy, Chopin, Liszt and Galos, Sunday 27 October, 12:00, Centro Social Albir, tickets 10€ (members 5€) on the door.

Full details: www.alfasmusica.com.

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FOCUS ON Recipes

Upside Down Plum and Almond Cake This is a lovely caramelised, moist, gooey cake to have with a scoop of ice cream as a dessert or with a nice cuppa coffee. A great way to use up the glut of plums at this time of year.

Upside down cake reminds us of school dinners and cookery classes. We’ve added a twist on the old skool pud by using plums and ground almonds; using brown sugar as the topping and in the cake gives a really deep, dark caramelised flavour and appearance.

Ingredients Upside Down Topping 50g dark brown sugar 30g melted butter 10 halved plums

For the Cake Batter 100g dark brown sugar 100g butter 3 medium eggs 100g SR flour

1 pinch of salt 1 tsp milk ½ tsp vanilla essence 20g ground almonds

Serves: 10-12 Recipe Preheat oven 180C, 350F, Gas mark 4.

Butter a large 20cm loose bottomed cake tin. Sprinkle the brown sugar in the tin, add the melted butter. Mix really well and spread evenly on the bottom of the cake tin. Pack in the plums face down in the tin. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl; cream the sugar and the butter until it becomes creamy.

Add one egg at a time and mix into the mixture.

Add the ground almonds, milk and vanilla essence.

Sieve the flour, baking powder and salt into the bowl and fold in gently.

Pour the batter into the cake tin over the plums, using a wooden spoon spread evenly.

Place the cake tin on a baking sheet. Bake for about 45 mins or until the cake is cooked. Check if cooked by inserting a toothpick in the centre of the cake – if it comes out clean the cake is cooked.

Once cooked leave to cool for 5 minutes. Place a large serving plate over the tin and in one swift move (using oven gloves) lift and flip the cake on to the plate, remove the cake tin. Serve and enjoy!

Great with ice-cream, custard or fresh cream.

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 Focus October 2019

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FOCUS ON community

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The WELLBEING Health Beauty & Lifestyle Expo is coming soon!

Save the dates! Friday 1 & Saturday 2 November 10.00 to 17.00 Villa Gadea Hotel, Altea - N332 & Altea exit from AP7 THE COUNTDOWN IS ON! We are excited to share with you some of the content that will be at the WELLBEING Expo which is shaping up and looking beautiful! We are ready to welcome you to enjoy two days all about YOU! For inspiration, information, energy, shopping, activities and entertainment for you to look good and feel great, to participate in and interact with. Meet over 60 exhibitors with stands, plus the professional speakers, mentors, fitness instructors, coaches and teachers.

Get ready to discover how to enhance your wellbeing to improve your lifestyle in the stunning surroundings at the 5* Villa Gadea Hotel, Altea, directly on the N332 and straight off the Altea exit of the AP7.

Join us and browse the stands, from food to fashion, healing to hypnosis, golf and gifts to name a few - see, try, touch, taste and buy products and services! Try treatments, and taster sessions, stop by the VIP Fizz and Juice bar sponsored by The Orange Tree in Albir for a free taster of bucks fizz, mango cava or a juice.

Exhibition discounts and specials offers on many products and services, food tasters and free prize draws, including one to win a nights accommodation for 2 in a deluxe double at the Villa Gadea Hotel. Enjoy the varied talks and demonstrations program over the two days, and check out all the activities you can participate in with our FREE classes and workshops…. Join in or spectate, this event is for you to be part of, to meet everyone, and be inspired to enhance your life and lifestyle here on the Costa Blanca.

We are covering the A – Z of all things mainstream, alternative, holistic, aesthetic, cosmetic, organic, eco/ planet friendly, leisure time, recreational activities, art, travel, and LIFESTYLE in general.

We are waiting to welcome you, our Show team, all our exhibitors, speakers, Show chefs and our main sponsors Altea Club de Golf who are undergoing major changes with a view to making it one of the best 9 hole golf courses in Spain. The restaurant, bar and terrace are being totally renovated and combined with the outstanding location, the golf club is now a perfect venue for dining, weddings

and all types of special occasions. There is also a new Fitness Centre with gymnasium, personal trainer, two studios for Pilates and Yoga plus a chiropractor, physiotherapist and masseur.

Last, but not least, there is a new Golf Academy with Golf Simulator and two professionals on hand to give classes to both new and existing golfers. All of these facilities and services are available to members and non-members alike. The new look Altea Club de Golf, Restaurant Jacaranda and Bernia Fitness will all be present at the WELLBEING expo, on stands 9 and 10 and in the outside garden area to help you with your swing! Enjoy a canapé and a chat on golf, food, and fitness. They have everything for your wellness and wellbeing... oh and did we mention the beautiful views!

Plus there are one or two prize draws happening courtesy of our Expo sponsors and some fantastic prizes to be won!

Put the dates in your diary to come along and ENJOY yourselves!

Have fun, be happy and embrace how to enhance your wellbeing for the better! See you there!

See www.gmpromotions.es, FB @Health Beauty & Lifestyle Show Telephone: 695 399 841 Email office@gmpromotions.es.

To book a stand please email gina@gmpromotions.es.

main media sponsor

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Female Focus October 2019

FOCUS ON pets

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FILL IT UP for APASA

PC-HIGHWAY are trying to "FILL UP" our shop in support of APASA who due to lack of funds are struggling to feed many abandoned dogs.

If you would like to help please buy a yellow 4, 18 or 20 kilo bag of dry dog food (available from Mercadona) and deliver it to us at PC Highway and let's see if we can fill up our place. (Calle Niza 13, Jรกvea open Mon to Fri from 9.30am - 5.30pm and Sat 10am - 1pm) If you know us, then we'll take the money too. The animals thank you for your kindness. To find out more about APASA visit www.apasa.eu.

Foxy is around a year old. Foxy has a sweet personality, is very affectionate and is just waiting for a family to love. She is available for adoption immediately but can also be fostered. Akira pays all expenses for their foster dogs. Foxy is vaccinated, microchipped, and treated for parasites. To learn more please log onto our website www.akira-animals.com, email akirashelter@aol.com or call the AKIRA shelter on 657 689 567 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 Focus October 2019

Bess is a sweet little dog, she lived on a chain and now deserves so much more. She is still quite nervous of people, but with TLC this is changing. Bess is looking for a home of her own, can you love her? Phone 650 304 746 or email p.e.p.a.animalcharity@gmail.com.

Nina is about 5 months old. She has been vaccinated but has an eye condition which will require eye drops for the rest of her life. APROP will pay for these drops. She has a lovely nature and is looking for a loving family. Visit: www.aprop-pego.org.

Lirio is such a handsome and sweet boy, but has not found a home yet. He is only 8 months, and already quite big. A cuddle bear for people who love big fluffy dogs. More info: stichtingtanamera@gmail.com or find us on Facebook (Tanamera Rescue)

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FOCUS ON Events

NILAM WRIGHT AKA The Wright Guru Op HeArt - Op Art exhibition Made in England, Nilam who is of Indian heritage, is now living the dream in Sunny Spain. The mix of cultures has influenced her perception of life.

She seeks to challenge, educate and amuse the creative mind, body and soul. An Art/ Wellbeing facilitator, hypnotherapist, fitness professional and the founder of Curry On Cooking Ltd, Nilam is Keeping Korma and is on a mission to discover what enlightenment could be like!

Op HeArt - Op Art by Nilam Wright Seeking to add the missing heart into the traditionally ‘cold’ Op Art movement.

‘Focusing isn't just an optical activity, it is also a mental one.’ Quote from the original Op Artist Bridget Riley Nilam's small yet powerful illustrations use existing optical illusion techniques.

The heart represents wisdom of feelings as opposed to the head-wisdom of reason.

Her work simply captures the viewers' attention and engages

senses using movement, geometrical patterns and of course a red heart to promote self love, compassion, understanding and acceptance.

Her Optical Illusion art conveys a sense of peace and curiosity designed to aid you on a meditative journey away from the hustle of life and to go inward to promote self love.

During her month long exhibit, Nilam continues to question 'Your Meaning Of Life' to encourage you to create your own reality in a world full of illusion and to raise awareness for The Samaritans in Spain, a free helpline for those who are needing a listening ear or guidance.

Op HeArt - Op Art exhibition is on from 4 October to 31 October at Alte Arte, Calle Concepcion, 4 Altea, Facebook: AlteArte Opening: 20.00 on 4 October. At 19.30 there will be an Optical Illusion Workshop - booking essential. For more information call Nilam on 642 424 383.

The Costa Blanca’s largest and best guide to the best local businesses including...

Property Services Legal & Finance House & Home Trades & Services Infotech & Marketing Good Food Guide (Vega Baja edition only)

Autumn Antiques Fair 9 October at Salon Canor, Camino Assegador, Teulada.

After the success of the valuations at the Summer Fair where all monies went to Caring for Cats, we are giving the same service again.

Valuations by a panel of experts are available for a donation of 2€ per item this time all the money goes to Tanemara who rescue abused and abandoned hunting dogs. Valuations are from 10.30am until 12.30pm.

The fair is fully subscribed too and our fabulous plant man Michel will be there in the entrance.

Hours are 9am until 3pm. Free entry and parking. Food and drink available at the bar.

Any queries please call 626 795 587 or 620 641 006.

BOOK NOW for issue 18 due out in November 15,000 Copies • All Businesses Listed on the Online Business Directory Email advertising@femalefocusonline.com or contact your local representative for more information Female Focus October 2019

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FOCUS ON businesses

If you have never received a window clean via a water fed pole system, you may be curious to what it is all about?

Why are our window cleaners now using this method?

What are the advantages?

When I’m Cleaning Windows use the pure water fed poles ‘Reach & Wash’ method. It is the latest technology in a very old industry.

Gone are the days where someone walks around the streets carrying an old wooden ladder with chamois cloths slung over their shoulders (albeit you may still see the odd one or two still about). Health & Safety Regulations along with new technology has pushed the industry forward into having the latest systems and window cleaners being able to offer many more services than just cleaning windows.

From the aspect of Health & Safety, the use of water fed poles brings a huge benefit, allowing cleaners to keep both feet firmly on the ground whilst carrying out your clean. It eliminates the use of ladders in most cases, avoiding risk of falls, ladders slipping, or ladders falling onto property. It increases safety for the public, the home/business owner and also the operator.

More importantly, pure water window cleaning also eliminates the need for use of detergents, therefore environmentally friendly. Purified water alone absorbs dirt from windows, frames, sills etc. As there is no detergent residue left on your windows (which there would be via the old traditional method), they will attract less dust & grime.

Our water fed pole system uses only 100% filtered & de-ionised water. Our de-ionisation process removes 100% of the impurities from tap water to create pure water. This produces superb results leaving your glass sparkling. With the water fed pole system, frames sills doors & glass are cleaned every time! Hard to reach windows are not a problem.

If you would like a free no obligation quotation, please call 615 611 115 or email matt@whenimcleaningwindows.es.

Jávea Church Clothing Sale 10.30, 19 October Jávea International Baptist Church (JIBC) are holding a clothing sale at 10.30am until 1pm on Saturday, 19 October, at the church centre.

All proceeds will be given to ACACIA (Assisting Communities and Children in Africa), specifically Mazwi village, Zimbabwe.

Tea and coffee will be available in the adjoining café.

JIBC is an English speaking international church, and our weekly service is held at 10.30am each Sunday, as well as a Tuesday walking group and a Place for Friendship café every Thursday morning, (market day), where everyone can enjoy tea, coffee and cake. You will receive a warm welcome into our fellowship.

Our church centre is at Calle Favara, 8, in the old town, just up from the market square and multi-storey carpark. Please access our website on www.javeabaptist.es or call 96 579 5847 for directions or further information.

Female Focus October 2019

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Female Focus October 2019

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FOCUS ON you

Here at Siesta Group we appreciate how important it is to supply quality garden furniture and accessories so you, our customers, can relax and enjoy the Spanish climate to its fullest.

Siesta Group was founded over 15 years ago and continues to expand and grow providing everything you may need for your garden or terrace area. Our latest store opened its doors in April in Partida El Planet 159, 03590 Altea and has already proven to be a popular choice with locals.

In store you will find a comprehensive range of furniture available in many different sizes, styles and materials and in particular we have an extensive range of beautiful Rattan Garden furniture consisting of Armchairs, Sofas, Corner Suites, Dining sets, Sunloungers etc. Our rattan is strong, durable, stylish and contemporary in design, making it suitable for all terrace and garden areas and as we import direct from the manufacturers and hold large quantities of stock, delivery can usually be made within a couple of days.

To complete the service we are also authorised stockists of the famous Broil King brand offering BBQs and accessories so we are confident we have everything to make your summer living enjoyable and comfortable.

Our success is down to our consistent service and quality, giving our clients exactly what they want ie good quality furniture and a service to match. Our sales team are always on hand to offer advice to ensure you make the right choice for you, and our distribution team are dedicated to delivering your furniture to your door, assembling it and putting in place.

In fact we are confident we offer the complete package.

All of our products can be viewed online at www.siestagroup.shop and in all of our five stores based at Gata De Gorgos, Altea, Los Montesinos, Cabo Roig and San Javier.

See our back page advert for more information.

Female Focus October 2019

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EVERYTHING REDUCED. Outdoor Heating Broil King Barbecues

MID-SEASON SALE.

Milan Loungers Set was 359.00€ SALE PRICE 299.00€

Loungers Artificial Trees

Sevilla Oblong 6 Seater was 699.00€ SALE PRICE 595.00€

Accessories

Murcia Cushion Box was 499.00€ SALE PRICE 425.00€

Parasols Cushions

Alcudia Corner Dining Set was 999.00€ SALE PRICE 899.00€

Murcia Canterlever (in Beige or White) was 699.00€ SALE PRICE 549.00€

Javea Bistro Set was 599.00€ SALE PRICE 399.00€

VIEW ALL OF OUR PRODUCTS AT www.siestagroup.shop.

Gata de Gorgos 965 757 775 • Altea 968 432 742 • Los Montesinos 966 720 875 • Cabo Roig 966 726 891 • San Javier 968 566 260

FOCUS ON gardens

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Heading into winter

We often have some fantastic weather at this time of year, despite the terrible amounts of early rainfall in September, but I would dare to say that for a lot of us who live here, autumn and spring are the most enjoyable times of year.

Your garden will be having a lovely blush now during the last of the growing weather for the year. We are very lucky that, unlike lots of Article supplied by Lee Charlesworth places around the globe, we get a great growing season with two blooms in spring and autumn. Because of this I don’t really have to give a list of autumn flowering plants as your normal plants in the garden should be doing this.

At this time of year your garden will need a trim, but a trim not a good pruning, always be aware of this. You are heading into the time of year when growing is not part of the plants agenda, and therefore cutting it deeply now makes it difficult for the plant to recover as it is slowing its growth rate down, not speeding up as it would be in spring time. So, remember only trim back the growth that has happened since summer. It is the longer leggy growth that shoots up at this time of year, trim this off and that way your plant (if it has been pruned correctly before) should now be just a good healthy size without the leggy shoots. The remaining growth is what helps protect the plant during the winter so leave it on. I am sure you wouldn’t want to stand naked in the cold, so why would you do it your plants.

Trees are a slightly different problem to deal with. At this time of year, experience has taught us that you have to prune your trees reasonably well as the increased chance of high winds and rain (like we had in September) and especially the two things together, can see your lovely big trees which may have been in the ground for years, blown over, and it can be a real shame to lose such large and important plants from your garden. You need to do two main things, firstly cut out and remove branches from the middle of the tree and secondly, remove length from the branches. The simple reasons are that by removing growth from the middle of the tree (which you don’t want anyway, for a number of reasons) allows air to pass through, and then reducing the branches in length keeps them stronger, less likely to snap and reduces the overall area which wind can catch the tree with. All of which greatly reduces the stress on the trunk and the roots of the tree.

The main thing to do even if you are having to work hard in the garden is enjoy it, for me there isn’t a greater feeling than doing some hard work and then sitting and relaxing, having a warm drink in the garden. This is the time of year when the garden can be used differently and the introduction of a fire pit in the garden or terrace can inject a new feeling of warmth into your garden or outside space allowing you to enjoy it just a little more than you normally would. You can use fire pits that also double up as BBQs which makes it even more fun especially if friends come around.

Enjoy your garden and if you need help with any garden design, landscaping work or gardening information you can always contact us.

We can come and create a perfect garden space for you, or supply any product required for the garden for you to get the best from it.

Go out and enjoy your garden.

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.

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Broaden Your Horizons

by Maximising your Rental Income Potential.

Many people enjoy a really good income by renting their property to holiday makers during the summer. But are you aware there’s a growing demand for low season holiday rentals...

If you’re only here on a part time basis, maybe dipping in and out of Spain with a lock up and leave property, then you may well be able to earn income through the autumn and winter months. Demand is growing, especially from northern Europeans who are looking for walking and cycling beaks, or even just looking for some winter sun.

Property requirements are a little different, mainly around the need for heating, both inside and to the pool if you have it, but not essential. Apartments are perfect for winter holiday makers.

The challenge we see at Horizon Holiday Villas is having enough properties to meet this demand.

This is where you come in. If you have such a property and are used to locking it up during the winter, contact us and we can advise you on its suitability. You’re probably thinking that your income maybe lower than in the height of summer, and you’d be right, but not so much lower giving the opportunity for a decent residual income on an asset that would otherwise be costing you money.

At Horizon Holiday Villas we have the experience and know how to ensure your property is properly licensed. We have the resources to manage your property, and professional staff to provide a superior level of service for you, the property owner, and guests staying in your property.

Find out more by contacting Horizon Holiday Villas in Jávea for a chat (no obligation) on 0034 691 312 522. If you want to whatsapp first, no problem. You can also email us on info@horizonholidayvillas.com.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Horizon Holiday Villas. www.horizonholidayvillas.com.

See our advert in the Property Section of the Classified pages.

Female Focus October 2019

FOCUS ON furnishings

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FLATPAXABIA now fitting IKEA kitchens As we come to the end of our busiest summer ever we want to announce our exciting new project.

We had been designing IKEA kitchens for many years, and had been asked so many times to fit them. Now we finally have our own in-house team of expert kitchen fitters, and last autumn decided to offer this service, along with our other established premium services.

IKEA Kitchen Experience with FLATPAXABIA: 1. Site visit to measure, plan & discuss 2. Remove old kitchen 3. Shopping personally, hand picking every item 4. Delivery on the date and at the time agreed 5. Fitting the kitchen with professional care 6. Liaise with plumbers, electricians and builders etc. as necessary.

7. Anything found damaged or missing, replaced, any extras needed, bought, anything not needed returned to IKEA, all included within the price.

We have fitted our first 6 kitchens and here are a couple of comments from satisfied clients: "We engaged FLATPAXABIA to fully rip out and replace our kitchen. They did a wonderful job shopping, delivering and installing the whole thing. The finished result is superb. It’s a slick service and everything was perfect."

David F – Moraira. February 2019.

"We are very pleased with our IKEA kitchen and the service provided by FLATPAXABIA. We rate your service a 5 out of 5."

Kerstin and Uwe R – Jávea. January 2019.

Please contact us for more information - www.flatpaxabia.com, info@flatpaxabia.com, Facebook @flatpaxabia - IKEA shopping and delivery. Tel. 96 579 4090.

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FOCUS ON dining out

Halloween Charity Night at Black Flame

By Emily Downes We all like to have fun at Halloween, but sadly for some the demons are real. So, with charity in their hearts and a celebration on the mind, Black Flame owners Heidi and Sam are holding a family friendly Halloween Charity Night on 31 October in support of Mental Health and Suicide Awareness. It’s the perfect opportunity for the Bar, Grill & Carvery to do its part and help the community.

Owners Heidi and Sam say: “A lot of the charity work here in Spain is about animals, and as much as we love animals we love people too, so it will be good to have a chance to support a cause that is very important to us”.

They go on to ask: “How do you get someone the ‘help’ they need here at the moment? It’s something we really want to bring attention to”.

When someone’s mental health does falter or fail, they should receive the same concern and help that someone with a more obvious “physical” ailment should get, not scorn and stigma, as often happens.

This is where awareness helps. If you end up with depression, anxiety, OCD or any other condition, it can be hugely debilitating.

Having someone dismiss it outright or accuse you of “faking it” can only make it worse.

Someone experiencing a mental health problem or crisis may not always realise. Many need help and assistance to even accept they have an issue that requires dealing with. And the more people around them who are “aware” of mental health problems and how they manifest, the more likely this assistance is.

Suicide awareness is a proactive effort to raise awareness around suicidal behaviours. It is focused on reducing stigmas that might confuse or even scare people, and encouraging positive conversations as a means of prevention.

Mental Health and Suicide hotlines provide help to those in need. Contact a hotline if you need support yourself or need help supporting a friend. If you're concerned about a friend, please encourage the person to contact a hotline as well.

The Samaritans in Spain can be called on 900 525 100 and their website is www.samaritansinspain.com.

Or to get in touch with the Spanish hotline for suicide prevention, phone 902 500 002 for Teléfono de la Esperanza, literally “Phone of Hope” and further information can be found at www.telefonodelaesperanza.org.

So to help this great cause, call in and buy your Black Flame Halloween tickets now, places are limited. 3 course menu 20€ including a welcome Halloween cocktail, live music with The Songbird, followed by their hair-raising Halloween Disco.

More information about the event can be found on their advert on this page and on their website www.blackflame.es or call 96 576 1731.

Female Focus October 2019

FOCUS ON fun

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The Teulada – Moraira Lions Present

“An Evening with Neil Diamond & Frank Sinatra” The Teulada – Moraira Lions are pleased to present a fabulous evening of great entertainment on Sunday 3 November, featuring two of the best tribute acts here on the Costa Blanca.

Stuart Muir will be performing his tribute to the one and only Frank Sinatra and this will be a nostalgic reverie to the magic of the songs of “ol blue eyes”. JJ Jones will be bringing his unique tribute to the legend that is Neil Diamond, and will be showcasing all the popular hits that have rightfully earned him his place in the Rock and Roll Hall of fame, including Song Sung Blue, Cracklin’ Rose, Love on the Rocks, Sweet Caroline and many, many more.

The show will be in Espai La Senieta, Moraira and starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at 15€ and there will be a donations bar and raffle draw with some great prizes.

For tickets and information please call 96 649 8493 or email: tmlions.concerts@gmail.com.

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

Now the summer is finally over, visitors have all but gone home and following on from the success of our recent Arts Fair, our autumn programme of scintillating presentations is to commence on 3 October at the usual venue Salones Canor Teulada. Doors open at 10am for registration, coffee will be available for members and guests, the presentation starting at 11am promptly.

We start our series with a blockbuster presentation: ‘Hampton Court after 500 years’ by Dr. Jonathan Foyle.

Hampton Court is best known as the main surviving palace of Henry VIII (1509-47). But how much of Hampton Court did he really create? The king had lost the principal medieval royal seat of Westminster to a fire in 1512, and in 1528 he adopted Cardinal Wolsey’s Hampton Court, which had been planned anew in 1515. This talk explains the European cultural background to Wolsey’s magnificent creation, presents reconstructions of lost interiors, and shows how much of the credit for Hampton Court was due to the ambitious cardinal before his reputation was shattered and his achievements defaced by the infamous king he had served. We share the wonderment of visitors who describe the lost interiors during the last years of Elizabeth I. Dr. Jonathan Foyle is quite obsessed by historic buildings. From an immersive career in conservation, research and curating, he is fortunate to have found ways to share many discoveries into our ancestors experiences. Dr. Foyle presents multi-media interpretations at fascinating historic sites, and has explained the wonders of the historic environment to audiences from America to Australia.

He is the presenter of the BBC2 series “Climbing Historic Buildings” telling the story of a 1000 years of British Architecture.

Jonathan is also a visiting professor of conservation at Lincoln University and is committed to bringing old buildings to life.

As has become standard fare, 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 & membership and for directions to our venue visit our website: www.marinaaltaarts.com.

The Oliva U3A is back with over 40 groups, new events and trips to keep you busy Last year our membership climbed to nearly six hundred members, this encouraged us to come up with new groups to try and keep everyone happy. We have groups for the mind, body and soul, along with events, (line dancing, BBQ and home brew experience) outings, monthly quiz and meetings to keep lifelong learning alive.

New or prospective members are welcome to try out a group activity before joining, or if you would like to come along and chat to learn more about the U3A, drop in to Coffee and Chat held at El Galano, Oliva, on Tuesdays at 11am. Please check the website https://u3aoliva.wildapricot.org/ for detailed information about groups and membership. Here is a quick summary of our groups Group activities by day Monday: Early Birds walk/run, Lawn Bowls, Art History, Spanish Intermediate and Advanced, Yoga.

Tuesday: Amblers, Art, Badminton, Canasta, Coffee and Chat, Crochet, Knit and Natter, Crafts, IT Workshops, Petanque, Spanish Conversation.

Wednesday: Art, Astronomy, Ballroom, Bridge, Flamenco, Guitar, Spanish beginners and Intermediate, Photography, Sing and Play, Walking (2 groups).

Thursday: Badminton, Craft Beer, Gardening gone to Pot, History.

Friday: Badminton, Bake and Babble, Book lovers, Choir, Creative writing, Modern Jive, Poetry, Walking Football, Yoga, Zumba Gold.

Day/time TBC: Classic cars, Community (action) Group, Cooking.

If you have an idea for a group, or would like to share your skills or knowledge, please do get in touch with me via the website. I look forward to welcoming new members.

Angela Town Oliva U3A Group Coordinator and Publicity Officer.

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FOCUS ON entertainment

- Ocean. See if you can find the list of 25 Spanish words (listed in blue) relating to things you may find in the ocean (other than plastic). Remember words can go up, down, across, Word Search Oceano diagonally and even backwards and to make it harder, some letters will have been used more

Answers to puzzles in the than once. classified pages AGUA - WATER ALGAS MARINAS - SEAWEED ALMEJA - CLAM ARENA - SAND BALLENA - WHALE BUCEAR - DIVE (to) CABALLO DE MAR - SEAHORSE CALAMAR - SQUID CANGREJO - CRAB CONCHA - SHELL CORAL - CORAL DELFIN - DOLPHIN ESTRELLA DE MAR - STARFISH FOCA - SEAL GAMBA - PRAWN LANGOSTA - LOBSTER MEDUSA - JELLYFISH MEJILLÓN - MUSSEL OCÉANO - OCEAN PEZ - FISH PULPO - OCTOPUS SIRENA - MERMAID SUBMARINO - SUBMARINE TIBURÓN - SHARK TORTUGA MARINA - TURTLE

Female Focus October 2019

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

Jávea International Bridge Club, Avda. de Paris, Arenal. Why not join us on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday (with host) & Friday at 2.45pm. Visitors very welcome. Email: 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 is at 10.30am at The Church Centre, Carrer Favara 8, Jávea, (just off the Plaza de la Constitucion in the old town or “Pueblo”, where the open air market is normally held on Thursdays.)

For further information please visit our website: http://www.javeabaptist.es or call 96 579 5847.

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.

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

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

CALPE U3A hold their monthly general meetings on the third Thursday of the month at the AR Sol Ifach Calpe 10am for a meeting start at 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 every Tuesday at Bar Vinyater, Jalon at 2pm Whatever your level or experience you will be most welcome to join us. Both men and women make up this marvellous and happy group. Call me on 605 231 331 for more details.

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. Join us at one of our regular Saturday meetings in the Sierra Bernia School, Alfaz del Pi, from 10am. See https://sites.google.com/ view/alfazcbcc/home for club information and meeting programme.

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

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

Female Focus October 2019

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NOTICEBOARD

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

Paquita’s Country Club is a Social Club which was formed 28 years ago, for people of all ages, resident or non resident. Being a member is a great way to meet and make friends, whether you are single or a couple. We are based at El Cid Restaurant & Bar in Benidoleig and hold weekly and monthly activities on and off site. These include a Walking Group, 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

FOCUS ON community

continued

very relaxed with English, Dutch, German, Spanish, American, also Welsh, Scottish and Irish. The address is Camp Saron, Partida de Torre Carrels. Denia. Telephone 698 609 658 or 652 319 810.

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

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

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

Call me on 605 231 331 for more details.

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

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

World Mysteries Discussion Group This is a discussion group which meets up every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month 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 Focus October 2019

Page 44 Phoenix Dancers: The Dancers are looking forward to a very busy season. See them in the Calpe Fiestas on 19 October, or their next charity show on 29 November The Stage Diary now in its 12th year of publication is not only an at the Casa de Cultura in important guide to what’s on in all regions but is also an on-line Calpe. They are still on web introduction to potential expat’s researching community life the lookout for strong boy in Spain. The diary also acts as a planning guide to assist groups dancers. Anyone interested please phone choreographer avoid unnecessary clashes of production dates.

Phaedra on 607 290 896. All Caprice Ladies Choir: The new singers and dancers are Choir will be performing very welcome.

FOCUS ON The Stage Diary

in a joint concert for Jalon Valley Help on 25 October in El Vergel. The choir sing a mixture of song styles, all sung in three-part harmony with something to appeal to everyone. For more information on the choir see their website: www.capriceladieschoir.com or contact musical director Aileen on 696 514 613.

Careline Theatre: Next production, `The Lady killers´ is a black comedy about an odd assortment of crooks masquerading as musicians preparing a heist. They rent a room at old Mrs Wilberforce’s, then store the stolen goods at her home, but then things start to go wrong. Production dates: 7, 8 and 9 November at 8pm. Tickets 12€. To book email: carelineboxoffice@gmail.com or call: 605 181 726.

Costa Blanca Male Voice Choir: The choir are now rehearsing for a joint concert with Valley Voices on 25 October in El Verger, raising money for Jalon Valley Help, followed by a another joint concert, this time with the English Choir in La Senieta, Moraira, over 2 nights on 20 and 21 November. New members still being sought, especially basses and baritones. You can find out more about the choir on their website, www.costablancamalevoicechoir.wikidot.com or call Mike Evans on 96 574 4577.

Jávea Players: Have you had the urge to be involved with theatre but never known where to start? Well, why not visit this excellent Company at their Open Day Cava Reception, in the Studio Theatre, Calle Cronista Figueres Pacheco 6 [near Mercadona/pueblo] on Sunday 6 October, 12 – 4pm. Learn about all aspects of staging a show from wardrobe to acting and front-of-house to backstage crew, whilst having a few nibbles and a drink. See also www.javeaplayers.com.

Oliva Drama and Cultural Association: ODCA are currently resting before casting and rehearsals begin for their next production in the New Year. They would welcome new members at this time, whether they are interested in acting, writing, directing, producing or working backstage. They meet every Saturday morning in Oliva. For more information, please phone 644 889 155, email olivadramagroup@gmail.com, or see https://www.facebook.com/OlivaDrama.

Female Focus October 2019

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Sounds Familiar: After the success of their 10th Anniversary production, the Company will be performing their latest musical revue show ‘Broadway Nights’ on 1 November in Ondara. Please contact Philip on 96 558 1483 for more information, or if you are interested in joining the group.

The Chaplaincy Singers: The singers have a busy Christmas schedule of concerts throughout December.

Director, Philip Ashley, has arranged new and interesting music as well as some seasonal favourites. If you’d like to join this friendly choir, they rehearse every Monday at 10.45am. For details call Eileen on 607 706 904 or Lyn on 692 059 257 Valley Voices:

The Voices have excitedly begun their rehearsal schedule ready for their upcoming concerts at El Verger on 25 October and for their Christmas concert at the Pensionista’s in Jalon Friday 13 December. Should you wish to join this happy multinational choir, (short of male singers) please ring 634 301 483 for further details.

They rehearse Mondays usually 4pm to 6pm at the Animo in Alcalali.

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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FOCUS ON relaxing

Offering a fantastic variety of delicious food such as organic meat & fish plus vegan and vegetarian dishes prepared fresh from their carefully “split” kitchen.

You will find Burgers, Steaks, Fish, Salads, Nachos, Shakes, Smoothies and so much more at Eden!

Randy & the team look forward to welcoming you to their vibrant terrace in Albir soon!

Cami Vell D’Altea Nr 36 • Albir 648 964 716

www.edenalbir.webs.com edenalbir@gmail.com

Crossword

Across 1 Belonging naturally, essential (9) 9 Enthusiastic recognition (7) 10 Thoroughly unpleasant (5) 11 Inappropriate or out of place (5) 12 Pavement (7) 16 Devoutly religious (5) 18 Of value (6) 20 Income (6) 21 Follow as a result (5) 22 Cipher used by Germany during World War II (6) 24 Central part (6) 26 Garden bush (5) 27 Wealthy heiress in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice (6) 28 Detailed plan or design (6) 30 Sibling's daughter (5) 33 Matters that are kept private (7) 36 Parson (5) 37 Figure out (5) 38 Arctic deer with large antlers (7) 39 In an agitated manner (9) Down 1 Not fully developed (8) 2 Three times (6) 3 Hostelries (4) 4 Japanese dish eaten cold (5) 5 South American rodent resembling a small beaver (5) 6 Decoy, lure (4)

7 Opinion (4)

8 Grudging feeling (4)

13 Make by putting pieces together (8)

14 Leisure time away from work (7)

15 Month with 30 days (5)

16 Enjoyable (8)

17 Watch (7) 19 Combatant (7) 23 Lasso (5) 25 Wholly (8) 29 Exotic flower (6) 31 Emergence (5)

32 Acute abdominal pain (5) 33 Draw into the mouth by creating a vacuum (4) 34 Plug in the mouth of a bottle (4) 35 Island associated with Napoleon (4) 36 Singlet (4)

Female Focus October 2019

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FOCUS ON going out

www.femalefocusonline.com

RBL Poppy Appeal Launch The launch of the RBL Poppy Appeal 2019 will take place in Benidorm on Friday 18 October in the presence of the mayor, and long-time supporter of the RBL, Sr Jose Pérez.

He will be accompanied by Ms Kate Green, Overseas Team Lead of the RBL Worldwide, British Consul, Ms Sara-Jane Morris, and both Capt Jonathan Beaney RM and Cdr Ed Dunn RN, who will be representing the Defence Attaché in Madrid.

Two other regulars at the head of the parade will be Wayne Campbell and Skippy Teasdale, from the Royal Hospital in Chelsea. The pair have been attending the launch for the last four or five years and will be easily recognisable in their bright scarlet coats. They will no doubt once again be the star attraction, certainly in terms of photo opportunities, so don’t be shy. I am sure that they will be delighted to oblige.

Here in District North, Spain, the RBL Poppy Appeal will be aiming to exceed the 2018 total of 176,000€, monies that will enable the Legion to continue its vital work in delivering life-long support to Service and ex-Service personnel and their families here in Spain, through hardships, injuries and bereavements.

Every euro received in Spain will be used in Spain where it will make a real difference, not only to the lives of Service men and women and veterans that live amongst us, but to their families as well, who can also experience difficulties dealing with the circumstances of a loved one who is serving or who has served.

So make your donation and wear your poppy with pride in the knowledge that you will be supporting your local Armed Forces community, past and present, who have done so and who will continue to provide an incredible service to our country.

The launch will be preceded by a short parade from Calle Castellon along Paseo de Levante to Rincon de Loix, Benidorm. It gets underway at 12 noon and will be led by the Torrevieja Pipes and Drums, along with standard bearers from across the many branches that make up Spain District North.

Do go along and show your support to our veterans on the day. Your attendance will be extremely welcome.

U3A Vall Del Pop: Monday Ramblers In response to requests for more “moderately difficult” walks, rather than mountain walks, Paul Leniston has decided to rename his Monday group to the Monday Ramblers, undertaking moderate walks. The new walking group, surprisingly, will meet each Monday for moderate 4 to 5-hour walks. This will include a picnic lunch and a couple of water stops.

They will be a combination of coastal, valley and hill walking. Most will be low level walks, though some easy ascents will be included. They will be done at a moderate pace and will be suitable for anyone who is relatively fit and has done some walking.

The first walk will be on Monday 7 October If you would like more information you will find contact details on the Monday Ramblers page of the Vall de Pop U3A website, alternatively you can email paulleniston@hotmail.com.

Sounds like fun – so contact Paul without delay and dust off your walking gear. The more who turn up the more fun for everybody.

U3A Vall del Pop - What’s On 3 October – General Assembly. Speaker David Rohl – The Curse of the Royal Bloodline.

19 October – Dinner & Entertainment at Pepe’s in Alcalali 16€ with entertainment by The Entertainers, tracing a history of Popular Music with sing-along and dancing encouraged.

7 November – General Assembly. Speaker Sun Solicitors on legal matters, probably related to Brexit.

5 December – Christmas General Assembly.

23-27 December - Christmas in Peniscola - 420€.

For further information on U3A Vall del Pop check our website www.u3avalldelpop.com. The U3A is all about enjoyment and learning, and this is particularly evident in the U3A Vall del Pop, whose members hold their General Assembly generally, fiestas and holidays permitting, on the first Thursday of each month at the Centre Polivalent in Murla, and have a diverse range of some 30 groups for the interest of the members.

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

Female Focus October 2019

“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 Denia and Marina Alta

Medical Equipment and Information office: 96 642 7044 Denia Hospital Interpreters and Info desk: 96 642 9346 HELP Coordinators: Benitachell 664 573 360 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

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FOCUS ON community

Amata organises 5 Craft Fairs in October The month of October will be a busy one for the organisers of the regional craft association Amata: every weekend they have to set up an Arts & Crafts fair in a different village or town in the province of Alicante. All of them with original hand made goods, nothing from a factory, nothing imported.

The first one is on 4, 5 and 6 October in Onil, where they form part of a big event to promote the village. "Onil es Mostra" offers, apart from the Arts & Crafts Fair, local specialities, processions, parades, a marathon, games for children, concerts and fireworks. The Fair is set up around the Palace in the centre of the Old Town and opens on Friday afternoon at 6pm; Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 2 pm and in the evenings from 6pm onwards.

Two days later, on Tuesday the 8 October they start in Campello, where they stay until Sunday the 13 October. Wednesday 9 and Saturday 12 October are Bank Holidays. You can visit the fair, but also partake in the festivities of the Moros y Cristianos, with parades, landing of the Moorish troops on the beach, fights between Moors and Christians, and lots of fireworks. The fair is set up near the Cultural Centre (Casa de Cultura) at the Plaza de la Constituciรณn and the street Ramรณn y Cajal. Opening times are from 11am to 2pm and in the afternoons from 6pm until late; on Tuesday only in the afternoon.

On the same weekend, but only from Friday 11 to Sunday 13 October another Amata fair is held in the Port of Jรกvea, during the "Mar de Tapas" festival: many bars and restaurants in the Port offer in those days special sea food tapas. The Fair is at the sea front and opens the three days from 11am to 11pm. Next to the fair is a stand where you can buy tickets, with a list of establishments where you can exchange these for a drink with a tapa..

Then, from 18 to 20 October, there is a fair in Ciudad Quesada, an enormous estate in Rojales. Here some 30 stalls will be set up in the Plaza Blanca, near the main entrance to the estate, and opening times here are on Friday from 5pm to 9 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 9pm.

Finally, the last weekend of the month, 25 to 27 October, it's the turn of Tibi, a little village not far from San Vicente del Raspeig on the new road to Alcoy. The whole village participates in this event, offering local specialities, folk dancing, folk music and on Saturday a local group builds a "torre humana" - a tower of people who stand on each other's shoulders. The craft fair is set up on the promenade leading to the Ermita, a lovely chapel at the top of the village. Opening times from 11am to 2pm and then again from 5pm to 10pm; Friday only in the afternoon, from 6pm onwards.

More information about these fairs, also in English, on 639 979 678.

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

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

Answers to puzzles in the classified pages Female Focus October 2019

FOCUS ON services

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

CBD OIL - Legal, natural and has a direct effect on the immune system to help with problems such as sleep deficiency, ADHD, MS, Arthritis & more. Find CBD Store Spain - Avda de la Fontana 9A, Javea and Avda.

D’Europa 135 (n332 Alfas near McDonald’s roundabout.)

Page 48 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.

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

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

Employment QUALIFIED HAIR STYLIST Are you a qualified Hair stylist or Beauty therapist / Nail tech? We are looking for you to work in our Altea based salon. Please call 96 505 3144 or email your cv to clairealexanderstudio@hotmail.com.

EXPERIENCED HAIRDRESSER REQUIRED Experienced hairdresser required for busy salon in Albir.

Great team, great location, great opportunity. WhatsApp 654 32 10 97.

DO YOU NEED to earn more money? I'm looking for consultants to start immediately. Go to www. geraldinescott.com/female-focus for more information.

Wanted 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 p r o p e r t y. I s n ' t i t t i m e y o u 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.

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

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

RIGHT PLUMBER DON’T CALL THE WRONG PLUMBER. Call Right Plumber. All your plumbing needs.

Call Dan 656 303 236.

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.

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

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE SERVICES from gardens to pools, homes to commercial, we clean and care for your property. Jalon and surrounding areas. CLASS ACT 682 637 729.

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 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 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.

Business Opportunities 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.

Services

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 279€. For all your insurance needs: house, home, business, marine, car, health. Call Insurance Altea 96 584 0753.

Female Focus October 2019

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

BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION Specialised in residential property refurbishment. Kitchens/ Bathrooms, Windows /Doors, Reforms/ Extensions, Electrics/ Plumbing, Tiling/ Terraces, Roofing/ Rejas, Tosca Specialists. Over 30 year’s experience. All areas Gandia to Benidorm and Inland. Visit: 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. Call 662 097 598 or sovereignconstruction@gmail.com

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www.femalefocusonline.com Services Cont.

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.

Te l 6 5 3 7 3 3 0 6 6 o r e m a i l 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 HANDYMAN & HOME MAINTENANCE- repairs, gardens, tiling, roofing, guttering, shelves, plumbing & more. Covering Villajoyosa to Calpe, Call Neil on 603 254 841.

ROUND TOWN TRAVEL - Your onestop-shop for travel & entertainment at fantastic prices. Flights, accommodation, ferries, cruises, day trips & park tickets, car hire and airport transfers. Open 7 days a week, call (0034) 966 811 123 or visit www.roundtowntravel.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.

INTERIOR DESIGNER Not sure where to start? How to reorganize or redecorate? Create your perfect living space with my help! Tel: 693 549 887. Website www.houseandhomeinteriordesign.com Facebook: House & Home Interior Design.

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: 681 315 659.

Web: www.aqualyze.es.

FOCUS ON classifieds

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.

TOOL HIRE & INDUSTRIAL HARDWARE STORE Specialist in rental of construction & garden machinery, and hand & power tools. Rental on 24hr daily rate, weekly or long term. Javea based.

Fluent English spoken. 96 579 2502 www.cabocasse.com 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 MAN AND VAN for hire, cheap & reliable. Jalon valley & surrounding areas. 96 648 0757 (9.30-1.30) or 636 100 873.

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'.

CRAFT ITEMS, various - Crafters Companion Top Score Multiboard for cards & boxes, 10€. C/c The Boxer & envelope box creator with instruction DVD 15€. Spectrum Noir colouring CD 5€. C/C Mens collections CD (twin pack) 5€. Martha Stewart Frame Border Punch with extra punch 20€. Tim Holtz/sissix Alterations Butterfly die, extended spacer platform 2 'B 'cutting plates 30€. Knitmaster 321 Automatic punchcard knitting machine with table and weights/ books 80€.

Jávea area. For more information please call 669 654 342.

CYCLE EXTRAS. Helmet, foot pump, lock. All new. 15€ each. Orba area.

Tel: 722 697 534.

www.femalefocusonline.com

GAS FIRE. New unused. Modern.

Sealed black glass front. No chimney \ flue required. Wall mounted. NATURAL Gas only. Photo / details available.

750€, (cost much more). Email manitgdns@hotmail.com. Phone 689 348 881. Jávea area.

6 NEW GARDEN POSTS, stakes galvanised steel post, size 95 x 95, length 900. Cost 75€, accept 30€.

Tel. 96 296 1149 or 630 228 227.

Gandia area.

NICO BABY AUTO CAR seat, as new, only used once. 25€. Tel. 96 296 1149 or 630 228 227. Gandia Area.

10 HANDMADE LINED CURTAINS, good quality, turquoise colour and patterned. 6 width 130 - 196 length, 4 width 200 - 196 length + 8 curtain ties + 6 matching cushion covers. Cost over £300, accept 50€. Tel.96 296 1149 or 630 228 227. Gandia area.

LARGE PETROL CEMENT MIXER, cost 300€, must sell 50€. Gandia area.

Tel. 96 296 1149 or 630 228 227.

UKULELE (SOPRANO). As new.

Complete with tuner, bag, strap and some sheet music. 35€. Orba area.

Tel. 679 445 787.

CAMERA TRIPOD. 10€. Alcalali area.

Tel: 96 648 2589.

BLACK SWIVEL CHAIR Black vinyl swivel chair vgc 45€. Alcalali area. Tel 96 648 2589.

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Puzzle Solutions

Answer to Spot the odd one out = F

Computers Very easy

Autos And Boats

Medium

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Misc Sales Continued CAST IRON LOG FIRE, small, size suitable for small house or cottage with chimney 250€ buyer collects.

Alcalali area. Tel 96 648 2589.

ARTIST MATERIALS Various artist materials, tabletop easel, brushes, paints, oil, water, acrylic plus several canvases never used, 2 wooden boxes of paints, various, all you need to start painting. 80€ for all. Alcalali area. Tel 96 648 2589.

AC WELDER 200 fgf far tools, like new, reasonable offers please, on wheels with pull handle. Alcalali area. Tel 96 648 2589.

3 WHEEL ELECTRIC tricycle with helmet, lock, charger, bargain 999€, as new, used once. Alcalali area. Tel 96 648 2589.

BATH, SHOWER SCREEN, 84cms wide, 140 down, plus fittings 50€. Tel 96 646 2069.

WHEEL CHAIR, EXCELLENT condition 80€. Tel 96 646 2069.

GOLF CLUBS, full set, trolley and bag. 25€ Moraira 627 255 461.

5 SIDED GAZEBO 30€ Moraira 627 255 461.

A FRAMES & ACROS 2 A frames and board 10€, 2 6ft frames and board 15€, Acros 50 2€ each. Moraira 627 255 461.

ROOF TILES, 300, yellow. 30€ Moraira 627 255 461.

For more classified sales visit www.femalefocusonline.com NEARLY NEW FOUR burner gas BBQ, with good quality cover and new gas bottle. Must be seen. A bargain at 125 Euros. Telephone 96 640 8313 (Denia area).

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Female Focus October 2019

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FOCUS ON Property

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LARGE APARTMENT, Large 6 roomed apartment, fully furnished.

Gata de Gorgos. Private sale 139,000€. Tel 679 921 046, or 96 648 2285.

www.femalefocusonline.com

LARGE VILLA Denia, Large Villa in quiet location 6 kilometres from Denia - 6 Bedrooms, 2 Lounges, 2 Kitchens, Conservatory, Large Workshop, Large Pool - on flat plot only 5 minutes walk to Ondara Shopping Centre, Buses, Restaurants/ Bars. 485,000€.

Telephone 617 692 046.

LAND WITH STABLES for sale.

Approximately 10,750 square metres near Benijofar (South Costa Blanca) suitable for construction of a singlefamily home. Four stables, tack room, feed room, shower area plus wood cabin previously used as living quarters.

Tel: 696 290 283.

TOTALLY REFORMED TOWNHOUSE in Pamis, Ondara. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, lounge, separate dining room/studio, courtyard. Fibre Optic broadband. Woodburner and electric radiators. Large mountain view roof terrace. 5 minutes from Portal de la Marina shopping centre and Junction 62. 10 minutes from coast. 160,000€ o.n.o. Tel. 627 779 604.

FREE PROPERTY ADVERTS To get your free 3 month property for sale advert send your advert content (up to 40 words) to classifieds@ femalefocusonline.com - Please include your name, NIE or passport number and address, this is not for publishing but we must have these details on file.

Wording only in the Female and QF Focus Magazines.

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.

CLAIRVOYANT READINGS JAVEA Clairvoyant readings in Jávea.

Peaceful surroundings. Hilary 677 221 409.

Female Focus October 2019