QF Focus, April 2020

April 2020

April 2020

E

E FR

Dep. Legal A-917-1993

Also Widely Read By Men

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

Av. del Mar, 14, Nave F, 03187 Los Montesinos

Deposito Legal A-685-2016

More pages with extra

PUZZLES INTERVIEWS STARS ARTICLES RECIPES COMPETITION...

Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020

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Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020

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Stay safe and healthy hat a shock it was for all of us to read about the Coronavirus, and watching on television a total disaster happening in China. At the time, it seemed so far away and you could look on with nothing but astonishment as whole cities were shut down and new hospitals built.

It didn't take long to realise, that we could all be affected.

All of us have different coping techniques, one is to panic and run around in circles, and rush to the supermarket and bulk buy. The other is to read as much as possible, do everything in your power to keep yourself and your family safe and healthy, whilst living as normal a life as possible. There is very little else you can do, except continually wash your hands.

It makes you realise how very vulnerable we all are and with so many nasty, evil people around, it is a wonder something like this hasn't happened before. If you feel a little like a sitting duck, you are not the only one.

My company has put in place an emergency procedure, should one of the staff become infected and the particular office has to close for a while, to maintain as full a service as possible to all my clients.

I have always impressed on people to take out travel insurance when booking a holiday. Sadly, there will be many holidays spoilt by current events. However, if your holiday and insurance is booked before any particular area is restricted by the government, you will be covered by our travel insurance, and every case will be assessed on an individual basis.

With regards to private health, obviously the same situation applies regarding the emergency number, which in the Valencian region is 900 300 555. Whatever you do, do not go to an emergency department or hospital, private or public, if you believe you have symptoms. You will be assessed over the telephone and if necessary visited for tests and given advice.

¡ If you need any more help or information, please call one of my offices. To finish with better news, I

have relocated two offices, one in JĂĄvea (so we now have locations in both the Port and the Arenal) and the other in Playa Flamenca, to provide a better service to my clients.

Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020

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Although it is going to be difficult, I am going to try to refrain from any negativity this month, and instead try to look for some positivity under these current circumstances.

You will notice this month we have decided to combine both our southern and northern monthly magazines to be able to provide you with a large edition with lots of puzzles and ideas of things to do whilst we stay indoors. As a company that cares for our community we feel it is vitally important to keep our readers spirits up and support our advertisers as they always support us.

On a personal positive note, we have managed to start putting our house into shape. The shed that my other half started to build quite a while ago has now almost been completed, bathroom and kitchen tiles have been thoroughly cleaned, bedrooms have been painted and plants have been potted….by the time this is over, our house will hopefully be spotless.

We have also found more time to cook proper meals each day instead of the usual make do, quick and easy food. Some brilliant box sets and films have been watched, and lots of books have been read. And one of the best things of all is that my “microsoft phone friends” seem to have been made unemployed. I am really grateful for small mercies.

Congratulations to Lynn Finnie from Benijófar who won last month's competition after spotting Harry's Bar logo on page 30. This month if you find the Curry On cooking logo (not on their advert page, or this page) you are in with a chance of winning a selection of curry kits which will be posted out to your house.

Simply email editor@femalefocusonline.com with your name, address, phone number and the page you found the logo on. See inside for full competition details. Good luck. lle

Miche

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

Discuss your advertising with your local representative:-

QF Focus Magazine Office Tel: 657 501 055.

Pick up your next issue on 4 May Sales Manager Deadline for advertising Michelle 663 178 228 michelle@femalefocusonline.com & editorial - 17 April Please send editorial to editor@femalefocusonline.com Advert content to advertising@femalefocusonline.com Female Focus Publications are supporters of www.aldeasinfantiles.es

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Family protection with Spanish Insurance

N

ot only can we protect your house, car, life, health, business and holiday. We can also protect your family. All at unbeatable prices with the best cover!

The family protection insurance is a combined dental insurance, funeral insurance, medical cover while travelling and integrates family wellness benefits.

The policy will cover the following: · Burial arrangement and expenses. · Death assistance which includes administrative services. · Additional sum for burial expenses: There is an extra sum on the insurance which is to keep your body in storage, as here in Spain funerals can be as soon as the next day. · Travel assistance: - Assistance benefits in the event of death: early return of accompanying insured parties, accompanying minors in the event of death, companion for the mortal remains and return of the insured if a relative dies.

- Assistance benefits for illness or injury: medical transfer in the event of illness or injury, medical expenses in the event of accident or illness abroad, emergency dental expenses abroad (up to 300€), sending medicine, extension of stay in hotel due to illness or accident abroad.

- Finding luggage.

- Forwarding documents and personal belongings. · Second Medical opinion. · Dental services: included is a free clean and checkup and discounts on all types of dental treatment. We can provide you a list of Generali certified dentists. · Health and Wellness Services: This includes discounts on treatments like: Acupuncture, Chiropody, Optics and Audiology, Psychology and many more. · Repatriation back to your country of origin.

Call us on 966 731 691 or contact us via the website: www.spanish-insurance.net.

With the lock-down we are all working from home to continue to provide the best insurance at the best price on the Costa Blanca.

Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020 Dear customers, Unfortunately we have been informed that we can only work behind closed doors if we are attending emergency and transport vehicles. Following special protocol due to COVID19, our doors will remain closed. However, if you encounter a significant emergency with your vehicle, we will do our best to assist you. In such a case please call us on 965 077 330, or send a message to 671 549 920.

Once notified, when you come to leave your car, knock loudly on the door and we will come out to take your car in. Payments can be made by paypal or credit card. Thank you for your understanding. Stay safe and healthy. Best wishes from all of us at Venture Fleet. Av. del Mar 14, Nave F, Los Montesinos.

Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020

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Our thoughts are with all who have friends or loved ones, or are themselves suffering from this horrible virus. As well with those who are living in uncertainty surrounding their job or business. Our thanks go to all those people who are working hard at this time.

As with a lot of us here in Spain we have family in the UK. My parents have been spoiled rotten by the community during the time they have not been able to leave their house with meals and shopping being brought by neighbours. I am so grateful to them all and am trying to do my bit by paying it forward here. I have heard so many similar stories of neighbours and communities pulling together and I hope this continues. By supporting each other we can only become stronger.

As Michelle has said in her Ed's Comments, we have combined the two magazines this month to give you all more puzzles, activities and articles.

Congratulations to Roslyn McFadden from Jávea who won the competition last month, by spotting the logo on page 31. This month if you find the Curry on Cooking logo (not on this page, or the recipe page) you are in with a chance of winning a selection of curry kits which will be posted out to your house. Simply email editor@femalefocusonline.com with your name, address, phone number and the page you found the logo on. See inside for full competition details. Good luck. esley Pick up your next issue on 4 May.

L

Deadlines: Editorial & Advertising - 12 noon - 17 April.

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

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

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

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

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

Female Focus Publications are available from over 1000 distribution points throughout the Costa Blanca, making us the largest Free English language magazine publishers by far!

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

Office: Mon to Fri. 10am - 2pm Tel. 657 501 055 editor@femalefocusonline.com advertising@femalefocusonline.com classifieds@femalefocusonline.com www.femalefocusonline.com Female Focus is proud to have been voted the third most popular magazine worldwide in the independent Expat Survey Consumer Awards

Female Focus Publications are supporters of www.aldeasinfantiles.es

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'I SAY TURN OFF THE NEWS AND CREATE YOUR OWN HOPE'

F

Aaron Paul tells Gemma Dunn of his joy at joining the Westworld universe.

Aaron Paul has taken his future into his own hands - at least where technology is concerned.

For one, he hasn't owned a computer in more than 10 years, and that's just the start.

"I'm rarely around my phone," begins the Breaking Bad star, 40.

"I deleted Twitter and Facebook a while ago; I'm kind of still holding on to Instagram but even that gets a little heavy at times, [but] we're used to surrounding ourselves with negativity that is poured on to us by the news".

"I shut off the news a long time ago," he muses, deep in thought.

"Honestly, I don't know if we're meant to know about all this sadness around the world. I think it's changing us, as a society.

Now it's like, 'Oh my God, is there hope?' I say turn off the news and create your own hope."

Armed with a bottle of hand sanitiser, Paul, 40, is simply saying what a lot of us are thinking right now. But this isn't just in relation to the current coronavirus pandemic or our unsettling political climate.

Rather the American actor is contemplating his future due to the subject matter of his latest show, Westworld.

Joining the third season of the Emmynominated sci-fi drama, Paul plays Caleb Nichols, a construction worker and veteran who crosses paths with Dolores (Rachel Evan Wood) and challenges her notions about humanity.

In the aftermath of last season's massacre, Dolores, Bernard (Jeffrey Wright) and an unknown host, occupying the body of Delos exec Charlotte Hale, begin a new chapter - outside the park.

Crossing into uncharted territory for its latest eight-part run, the tent-pole hit, created by Jonathan "Jonah" Nolan and Lisa Joy, will therefore step away from the Western genre to explore a futurist, cyberpunk-influenced "real world" (2058 to be exact), dominated by an ominous technology company.

And Paul couldn't be happier to be hurtled almost 40 years ahead.

"It's honestly been everything that I thought it would be. I was such a massive fan of this show," he gushes, having joined returning cast members Wood, Thandie Newton, Ed Harris, Jeffrey Wright and Tessa Thompson.

"When I got the phone call that Lisa and Jonah wanted to sit down and talk to me about how they saw me fitting into Westworld, I was deep into negotiation on another new series," he reveals. "And I'm like, 'Oh my God, I have to take this meeting'."

"When they pitched me the world and how they wanted to go outside of the park and see what this futuristic society was really all about, yeah... [I was in]."

As for Caleb: "They sort of gave me his history, his backstory, and then we ran with it," he says, careful not to give too much away".

"Again, I'm just so obsessed with science fiction, and Caleb being sort of the point of view of a man living in this futuristic society was incredibly exciting to me. It felt like a really fun thing to dive into."

And the rumoured-to-be-tough production schedule?

"Insane," Paul says point blank. "[On my first day] everyone told me, 'Welcome to war. All the rumours are true. It is a hard show. Good luck'. And it really was that, but in a great way".

"On Mondays we'd do our daytime shoots, but then starting on Tuesdays, our call time would be two or three in the afternoon - and then by Wednesdays we're doing nothing but night shoots and then Thursdays, Fridays, sometimes Saturdays, night shoots, and then back on the Mondays, day shoots," he lists.

"It's just, my God, so hard, but also so fulfilling. Everybody in front of the camera, off camera, were just so excited to be there and to be a part of telling this story. You could just feel the energy on this massive set."

The show asks some big questions about the nature of our reality, free will, and what makes us human, too. Something Paul is keen to delve into.

"I mean, Westworld is very much a science fiction show, but we all can agree that it feels like it's kind of somewhat grounded in reality, which is terrifying," he notes.

"I love just being submerged in this, but then being submerged in it, it's impossible not to just get as much information as possible and so I find myself down really dark, long rabbit holes of the simulation reality theory, and all of, like, what are the dangers of technology?"

"It's such a blessing and a curse, us as society and data control and our data collection. It's crazy, you know."

Has stepping away from such platforms improved his wellbeing?

"Oh 100%. I mean, I think it's the whole ignorance is bliss theory, but I used to be just suffocated in the Trump mania of it all," Paul fesses, having previously been outspoken about the US president on his Twitter feed.

"Now I just refuse to watch it - as there's nothing literally nothing I can do, other than being depressed by it. I focus on my friends and my family and we lift each other up".

Matt Crossick / PA Photos

rom shutting off the headlines to limiting social media, actor Aaron Paul says he has cracked the code when it comes to sustaining a positive, happy future. He tells Gemma Dunn he feels better than ever.

"I feel like I've like cracked a code in a way, where I cannot begin to tell you how much better I feel."

The good news is his lifestyle change hasn't had an impact on his work, with the fatherof-one busier than ever.

Last year, Paul reprised his Breaking Bad character Jesse Pinkman in the surprise Netflix film, El Camino.

While in recent years, BoJack Horseman (on which he also served as an executive producer), The Path, and Apple TV+ crime series, Truth Be Told, have padded out his already impressive CV. Westworld was different though, as it was already a proven show, he says elatedly: "I've never joined something that was already such a massive success, and so I was just incredibly excited."

As for what's next, he's open to feeling inspired - but he will admit he doesn't want to play another struggling, lovable drug addict in the near future.

"But I do tend to gravitate towards roles that I love to watch," he quickly adds, in reference to his award-winning turn as Pinkman.

"I love hard hitting dramas, I love heavy stories, and I don't mind playing characters that are just going through a lot".

"For me, it has something for me to sink my teeth into - so as long as it has that, and the story is interesting."

Westworld is now available on Sky Atlantic and NOW TV.

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THE FOLLOWING EVENTS ALL OCCURRED IN A YEAR IN LIVING MEMORY. CAN YOU GUESS THE YEAR? Year 1 1. Scent Of Mystery was the first feature film to be shown in SmellO-Vision 2. The Shadows had a UK No.1 hit with Apache 3. Prince Andrew was born 4. Author Albert Camus died Year 2 1. Batman makes his first appearance in Detective Comics #27 2. Italy and Germany signed the "Pact of Steel" 3. Judy Garland starred in The Wizard Of Oz 4. Britain introduced limited conscription for 20-22-year-old men

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Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020

Dear Clients and Readers,

Our thoughts are with you either as a client of Sun Lawyers, or as a reader of this article, as we continue to confront the global challenges posed by the Coronavirus pandemic and adapt to its impact on our lives.

There are many professionals who are helping at this critical time; from providing healthcare, security and support for the most vulnerable, to offering crucial analysis, insight and advice.

In such uncertain times community really matters, and we know that there are many of you concerned about your legal rights with the Spanish Government, wishing to understand what you may be due in terms of State support, or how your Bank is obliged to help you with suspending mortgage payments or whatever. Such matters can be especially worrying, especially in a period when we are subject to social isolation, with many Government offices closed.

The situation is changing every day. There is no set formula for what is happening, but we wish to reassure you that Sun Lawyers are here to help you. We may not have all the answers yet, but given time we will work with you on the legal front to ensure that the very best possible outcome is obtained.

To ensure the health of our staff and customers our offices are closed at the moment, but if you have a particular legal matter that you would like to put to us, then please feel free to email me, Pippa Lomax, on pippa@sun-lawyers.com. Or if you prefer to telephone, please call 605 766 117.

These are obviously challenging times for everyone, and Sun Lawyers are here to give you expert legal support.

With warmest wishes to you and your loved ones, Pippa Lomax. Client Liaison Manager. Sun Lawyers

Answer 1: 1960 Answer 2: 1939

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Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020

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

It is not a maths game at all, there is no calculating involved - it is a pure logic game.

Fill in the grid so that every r o w, e v e r y c o l u m n a n d e v e r y 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

Significant events which happened in April throughout history 1738 Bottle opener invented.

1770 British explorer Captain James Cook first sights Australia.

1789 George Washington is inaugurated as the first President of the United States of America.

1793 Bank of England issues first ÂŁ5 note.

1840 "Penny Blacks", first adhesive postage stamps issued by Great Britain.

1898 Spanish-American War: Spain declares war after rejecting US ultimatum to withdraw from Cuba.

1912 RMS Titanic sinks at 2:27am off Newfoundland.

1917 US declares war on Germany, enters World War I. 1923 Insulin becomes generally available for diabetics.

1948 World Health Organization formed by the United Nations.

1955 Ray Kroc opens first McDonald's Inc. fast food restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois.

1955 Polio vaccine tested by Dr Jonas Salk announced to be 'safe and effective'.

1956 Elvis Presley's 1st hit record, "Heartbreak Hotel", becomes NÂş1.

1968 US civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee.

1968 British politician Enoch Powell makes his controversial "Rivers of Blood" speech.

1968 1st decimal coins issued in Britain (5 & 10 new pence, replacing shilling and two-shilling pieces).

1970 Paul McCartney officially announces the split of The Beatles.

1973 The first portable cell phone call is made in New York City, United States.

1975 Microsoft is founded as a partnership between Bill Gates and Paul Allen to develop BASIC interpreters for the Altair 8800.

1976 Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs founded Apple Computer and The Apple I computer, created by Steve Wozniak is released.

1981 Race riot in London area of Brixton.

1981 1st Space Shuttle, Columbia 1, returns to Earth.

1986 World's worst nuclear disaster: 4th reactor at Chernobyl nuclear power station in USSR explodes.

1990 Wrecking cranes began tearing down the Berlin Wall at the Brandenburg Gate.

1990 Hubble space telescope is placed into orbit.

1992 Euro Disney (Disneyland Paris) opens in France.

1992 John Major elected Prime Minister after his Conservative Party wins the most votes in British electoral history.

1998 The Good Friday/Belfast Agreement for Northern Ireland is signed by the British and Irish governments.

2002 Funeral of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother at Westminster Abbey UK. More than a million people lined the streets.

2003 The Human Genome Project is completed with 99% of the human genome sequenced to an accuracy of 99.99%.

2016 First baby born with DNA from 3 parents through mitochondrial transfer in Mexico.

2018 Streaming music services overtake worldwide sales of CDs and vinyl for the first time according to IFPI. 2019 US online sales overtake retail sales for the first time, with 11.813% online compared with 11.807% for general merchandise stores, 2019 Paris cathedral Notre Dame catches fire, toppling its spire and destroying its roof.

2019 Teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg speaks at a Extinction Rebellion protest in London amid city-wide climate protests where Waterloo Bridge was occupied over four days.

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Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020

Practical Amateur Astronomy Using binoculars - part 5

I've had several questions from people who've been following this column which I've always done my best to answer, one of the most common ones is why didn't I start with the Moon?

There are two reasons for that, firstly, the Moon isn't always visible in our early night sky, so anyone who wants to have a look at it, can easily be put off when they don't know when to look.

Secondly, knowing how to observe the Moon, and how to enjoy it isn't as obvious as you might think.

A beginner might quite reasonably think that looking at the full Moon would be a great time to observe, actually the opposite is true. When the Sun is shining straight on to the Moon’s surface it is very difficult to see all the features clearly, there are very few shadows and the whole surface looks washed out. If you have a look when the Moon is a crescent, or a half Moon, the Sun is shining at an angle to the surface and you can see a lot more detail.

Anyone living in this area will be familiar with how different the distant hills look at different times of the day, as the sun moves across the sky. The effect on the Moon is exactly the same.

So now we know to look when the moon is only partially lit, but how can you know when that is? I'll start you off with some dates.

What we want is to have the Moon visible, in the early night time, but not a full Moon. The early part of April is a good time with a partly lit Moon, and then we have to wait until the end of the Month, the 28th of April onwards for a few nights before this ideal is available again. Of course the Moon is visible at other times, but I don't know anyone who wants to get out of bed at 4 in the morning to sit outside with their binoculars.

How do I know those are good dates to look? I use a simple computer program that lets me see what the night sky will look like in the future. A more practical answer for most people is just

to use the internet. There are many sites you could use for this, but I'd recommend you look at a site called 'Heavens Above'. Just put this in your search box and it will come up. At first you might find it intimidating, don't be put off. The reason I'm recommending this site is because as you get used to it you can use it for many other things including finding when the international space station passes over us.

The first thing to do is use a box in the top right which asks where you are. Just enter 38 degrees north, or use the map that pops up. Once the site knows where you are the information will be accurate for you. The last thing to do is look at the left hand side, there's a list of things, look under astronomy and you'll see the moon listed there, click it and all the moon phases are listed with dates. That's all there is to it, you can now easily find out when to go outside and observe.

That's about all you need to start enjoying the Moon, what you look at is up to you, but finding where Apollo 11 landed in the sea of Tranquillity is a good start. Look at the mountain ranges and the craters, Copernicus and Aristarchus are great craters to find. Maps can be found on the internet.

I hope you enjoy yourselves.

Oates Charljaes Astronomy Group Vega Ba

¡ To find out more about astronomy, come to one of our monthly meetings email us at vegabaja.astronomygroup@gmail.com.

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Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020

Uncertain times require certain advice Perhaps this is the time to let our family help you and yours?

I

n this ever changing world no-one knows what is around the corner, as recent events have proven. More than ever, the important question is… How can we properly plan for now, and for the future, taking into account all eventualities?

Based out of Jávea, we are a family run financial advisory firm with over 45 years’ experience covering the Costa Blanca, Murcia and the Canary Islands.

We pride ourselves on our friendly, personal and professional service, which enables us to build strong, trusted, and lasting relationships with all of our clients.

We also pride ourselves on being different from other financial advisory firms. We have Five Principles that we feel set us apart: Qualifications to UK standards: We have two fully qualified advisers within the family business, both properly qualified by examination and holding the Diploma in Regulated Financial planning, awarded by the UK’s Chartered Insurance Institute.

This means that you will receive financial planning advice of the highest standard.

Our business is authorised and regulated to give financial advice across Europe, on both direct and indirect investments: We are authorised and regulated in both Ireland and Czech Republic and therefore have permissions throughout the EEA to give advice under both directives IDD and MiFID. This means that we are overseen, monitored, assessed, and able to give impartial qualified advice always at the standards required by these professional bodies.

All charges and fees fully disclosed with no hidden costs: We believe in dismissing the jargon, and explaining our financial planning advice in plain, clear English. This means that you will be made aware of all charges and fees, and fully understand the products selected for you.

We are fluent in Castellano, Valenciano and English: We can help and liaise with Spanish Accountants and Lawyers, and we understand the differences between UK and Spanish tax and how they interact. This means that both your Spanish and UK financial affairs will be in sync and working properly for you.

We are exclusively a family business and every single client is important to us: Our vision is to provide independent, qualified and regulated advice for generations to come. We want to know our clients in the same way that we would like them to know us.

Being Independent means that we are not tied to just one or two product providers; instead we have access to every provider in the market. This allows us to select the right products and services for you for now, and for the years to come.

So as we started out by asking, perhaps this is the time to let our family help you and yours? For all new clients we offer a free, noobligation consultation where we can sit down to discuss and fully understand your goals and concerns for the future. We can provide independent advice and information on Investments, Pensions, Inheritance or Spanish succession tax planning or indeed any aspect of financial planning.

· Logic Financial Consultants are fully regulated independent

financial advisers, covering the Costa Blanca, Murcia and Canary Islands. We can travel to you, or you can visit our office at Calle Andres Lambert No 24, 1B, Jávea.

Tel: 965 020 444. Email: info@logicfc.com Web: www.logicfinancialconsultants.com

Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020

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“The market is sometimes irrational and panics about things, but every time that’s ever happened, it has always corrected itself.”

The global COVID-19 outbreak has sent global stock markets into chaos.

With massive drops followed by huge rebounds day after day, volatility has become an ever-present force that investors have to manage. Now, more than ever, it is imperative that investors avoid making decisions motivated by fear. The importance of staying invested cannot be overstated, even as markets continue to plunge.

Why should investors stay invested during turbulent times?

Put simply, because doing so can give you an edge when it comes to seizing new opportunities as prosperity returns. The history of the MSCI World Index since 1980 shows us that the best strategy is often just to leave your investment where it is during periods of crisis – the aftermath of each has seen markets exceed pre-crash values. After all, everything from Black Monday in 1987 to the Greek debt crisis caused panic at the time, yet their impact is now barely remembered by many investors.

What has happened when markets have dropped this drastically in the past?

For example, in December 2018, equities fell by about 20% because of concern about rising interest rates in the US. They subsequently bounced back, so if you’d sold investments in December you would have missed out on the rebound.

Fears and opportunities Unfortunately, fear conquered 2 of my clients and they sold their investments against our advice. However, in the same day, 1 new client phoned to take advantage of the situation, so hopefully he will find himself in a rising market over the next year or so, if he isn't already, by the time you read this.

ELCHE CHILDREN'S CARE HOME: Some of you know that I have been the volunteer accountant for the Elche Children's Care

Home since April 2014. There are 20 children staying in the home currently and as one can imagine, fund raising for the benefit of these children has ceased due to lock down.

But their needs don't stop, so please be generous if you have a heart and donate on-line on their website www.ecch.es or e-mail info@ecch.es to donate by bank transfer. Can you spare €10?

Finally, I must clarify that no funds whatsoever, raised for the children by donations from the incredibly kind public, have been invested as that is not the remit of my position as volunteer accountant.

Blacktower Financial Wealth Management is an independent advisory firm and is NOT tied to any 3rd Party product providers.

We would only recommend an appropriate product for you and your family's circumstances.

David Diggle C.A.T., DipFA of Blacktower Financial Management (International) Limited. Tel: 615 607 278 / 965 058 212. Email: dave.diggle@blacktowerfm.com. Website: www.theblacktowergroup.com. Location: Costa Blanca.

The Blacktower Group (formed Jan 1986 UK) has been offering sound, independent advice for 34 years.

The above information was correct at the time of preparation and does not constitute investment advice and you should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity.

Blacktower Financial Management Ltd is authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority and is registered with both the DGS and CNMV. Blacktower Financial Management (Int) Ltd is licensed in Gibraltar by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and is registered with both the DGS and CNMV in Spain. See advert below for more information.

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Easy Crossword

Across 1 Tree with cup-shaped flowers that appear before the leaves (8) 6 Person given to spreading rumours (6) 9 So-named before marriage (3) 10 Throw as from an aeroplane or ship (8) 11 Long-tailed black and white crow (6) 15 Roll of names, especially of candidates for a job (9) 19 Strong-scented perennial herb (3) 20 Drink of bourbon, sugar and mint over crushed ice (5) 21 Came together (3) 22 Imperial measure equal to two pints (5) 23 Steal from a person (3) 24 Large Australian flightless bird (3) 25 Sudden forceful flow (5) 26 Be in possession of (3) 27 Foreigner, stranger (5) 28 Strong, angry emotion (3) 29 Extra wheel (5,4) 34 Places in a grave or tomb (6) 37 Blatant or sensational promotion (8) 38 Close-sleeved linen vestment worn by a priest (3) 39 Misleading falsehood (6) 40 Indirect (and usually malicious) implication (8)

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Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020

Answers to puzzles in the classified pages

Down 2 Prayer-ending word (4) 3 Depression scratched into a surface (5) 4 Light-beam amplifier (5) 5 Declare invalid (5) 6 Precious or semi-precious stone (3) 7 Settle from pressure or loss of tautness (3) 8 Determined beforehand (11) 12 An expert or collector of ancient objects (9) 13 Spreading throughout (9) 14 Not warranted (11) 15 Most torrid (9) 16 Tyrannical leader (9) 31 Sharp, hooked claw (5) (5) 17 Lottery in which tickets are drawn from a revolving drum (7) 32 Be similar in end sound, eg dove and love

18 Extremely sharp or acute (7) 33 Metal, atomic number 79 (4) 30 Jewish spiritual leader (5)

35 Centre of a storm (3) 36 Took a chair (3)

Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020

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www.femalefocusonline.com

Female Check-Ups, Essential Examinations for Women’s Healthcare

P

revention is essential for women’s healthcare. Not only does it preclude the appearance and propagation of diseases, it also lowers the need to undergo treatments that, thanks to check-ups, would be absolutely superfluous. According to the specialists at Quirónsalud, undergoing preventive examinations is essential to care for female health, improve women’s quality of life, and detect possible problems early, so they can be treated, and other related complications avoided.

Regarding when women should start going in for check-ups, Doctor Yaquelín Popa, Family Physician at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja, recommends starting between the ages of 15 and 20. During this first check-up, adds the Doctor, one of the important issues is to figure out if there are alterations in the menstrual cycle, two years after the first menstruation. A basic blood test should be taken, including serologies to find sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and if the patient has started to engage in sexual relations, a gynaecological examination, including cytology and vaginal smear, if the patient presents any type of symptom.

“On this front, the specialists must take the lead in offering as much information as possible about sexually transmitted diseases, and the most efficient methods to prevent them,” points out Doctor Popa. These checkups should be accompanied by an accurate survey of questions for the patient, and taking her blood pressure. “The goal,” indicates the specialist, “is the prevention and early diagnosis of some diseases that don’t usually produce symptoms or can go undetected in their early stages.”

Women’s sexually active period starts in their twenties, when Doctor Judith Catalá, family physician at Quirónsalud Alicante, recommends paying greater attention to preventing sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies. Doctor Catalá advises “undergoing a gynaecological check-up every year, with cytology to rule out the presence of Human Papilloma Virus, in addition to a breast examination, and a blood test with serology if you have had risky sexual encounters.”

Likewise, the specialist also recommends obtaining information about different birth control methods and condom use to prevent STIs. In this age group, it is also advisable to start biannual medical check-ups that

include medical examinations as well as blood and urine tests, measuring blood pressure and gynaecological examinations.”

Between thirty and forty, check-ups need to be more exhaustive, and in addition to yearly gynaecological visits, Doctor Jesús Recio, Head of Internal Medicine at Quirónsalud Valencia, recommends greater control of a woman’s cardiovascular health. According to Doctor Recio, “cholesterol and hypertension controls need to be more exhaustive between 30 and 50, since the risk is higher, especially after 45.” From this age, the specialist recommends undergoing a stress test and an echocardiogram for better cardiological control. “Another issue to watch for after 45 years of age,” the specialist points out, “is type-2 diabetes, since the disease starts to appear around this age, especially if there is a family history.”

After 50 years of age, a time when women are in perimenopause, Doctor Fulgencio Molina, Head of Family Medicine at Hospital Quirónsalud Murcia, proposes undergoing a bone densitometry, in order to detect bone density deficits early, and rule out osteopenia and osteoporosis. “Additionally,” he adds, “we should not ignore dental health, cardiovascular check-ups and, if there is a family history, cancer screenings, particularly colon cancer.”

Hearing and sight problems also tend to start after 50, so we advise yearly visits with the ophthalmologist and the otorhinolaryngologist, to detect any hearing or sight problem, and improve quality of life.

Finally, after 65 years of age, the experts at Quirónsalud recommend flu vaccines every winter, to avoid any type of complication.

· Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja. Tel: 96 692 1313. www.quironsalud.es. See main advert on page 19.

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Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020

PROFHILO: TREATING SKIN LAXITY It's not a filler, it's not Botox.

P

rofhilo is an injectable treatment of hyaluronic acid which improves skin quality.

Not only does it act as a moisturiser when it is injected under the skin, but it also helps your skin naturally produce extra collagen. Since profhilo is not a filler, it will not plump up your face or make you look puffy. Instead, it will enhance your skin's elasticity, tighten it and help reverse common complaints such as fine lines and wrinkles.

In short, profhilo remodels skin laxity and battles crepiness. It is not a replacement for fillers and Botox but can be used as a combination with them or as a stand-alone treatment. Profhilo is working on the skin quality, rather than the muscle movement and volumes.

HOW DOES PROFHILO WORK? Profhilo is a very runny hyaluronic acid which is strategically injected into the upper layers of the skin with a small needle. Because it is "honey like" it dispenses effortlessly into the skin where it has a scaffolding action on the tissues, hydrates and begins its bio remodelling process. This is how profhilo is different from conventional fillers.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE REQUIRED? 2 sessions 30 days apart are necessary. In those 30 days after each session the skin works hard, producing new bouncy collagen and elastin to give your skin a firmer, smoother, plumper complexion.

Full results are seen only after the second session as your skin produces more and more collagen and elastin, however, changes are immediately visible after the first session.

GREAT AREAS TO TREAT: • ARMS • NECK • UNDER EYES • CHEEKS • CHIN

·

For more information please contact ZEN - SMILE - SPA, Calle Jorge Luis Borges 8, Jávea. Telephone 96 579 3810.

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Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020

Enjoy virtual tours of many of the art galleries as well as online performances of operas and ballets.

Zoos and aquariums can be visited 'virtually' via their web cams.

Audible is streaming hundreds of children's books for free, and many other companies and individuals are giving online lessons, concerts and information to keep you occupied. There are cooking lessons, craft demos, DIY suggestions, in fact something literally for everyone.

Curious Minds. Keep your brain active with free online resources, as recommended by tutors and staff at the Department for Continuing Education at the University of Oxford. https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/about/ curious-minds?fbclid=IwAR2ZxAPeX TJh8vbJfxq1rkcihNxCnj0u9s9Z5H9y dC-VG_5cWfvU80683n4 Authors are going live in real time to engage children and create a safe place where imaginations are fired - find out more by following this link - https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/mar/26/ one-big-virtual-love-in-how-childrens-book-authors-are-creatingonline-sanctuaries?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other Remember rather than searching the above links you can go directly to these sites from the online edition where all links are "live".

ONLINE ACTIVITIES TO PASS THE TIME

Some that the team have been following are: During the UK 'lock down' Joe Wicks is hosting a free workout aimed at kids LIVE on his YouTube channel. Find out more: https://www.thebodycoach.com/blog/pe-with-joe-1254.html

Suffering with Bunions? (or other feet problems)

Before

After

Before

After

KEYHOLE FOOT SURGERY The Effective Solution

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

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

Lara Virginia Yáñez Carra www.calpepodologos.es

CLINICA PORTALET

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

www.femalefocusonline.com

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Page 19

In Times Like These Don’t You

Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020

Wish You Were Here?

By Amanda Hobbs – Ciudad Patricia

“It’s times like these when you really appreciate the value and benefit of moving to Ciudad Patricia”. Resident (March 2020).

I often say it’s never too early to think about moving to Ciudad Patricia. So many of our residents say they wish they had made the move earlier. Why? • Keeping Your Dreams Alive. You can continue to enjoy living your dream in Spain at Ciudad Patricia, where the worry about home maintenance is a thing of the past.

• Complete Peace of Mind. With our community support worker, doctor and rehabilitation centre all within the resort, you’ll have all the health support you could ask for within a safe and secure environment.

• Friendships Start Here. Our residents all say it’s amazing how many new friends they’ve made by moving to Ciudad Patricia, it takes away all the worries of being lonely in your senior years. We’ve even had 3 weddings from residents who have moved here!

Of course, we’re all taking extra precautions due to the current situation and all our residents are staying in their own apartment and Socially Distancing. The well-being and care of our residents is, and has always been, our number 1 priority. We have naturally restricted visitors to Ciudad Patricia to absolutely essential only. Of course, visitors will also be required to follow guidelines on washing hands, being sensible and social distancing with their movements severely restricted so as to avoid coming into contact with residents. Our Community Support Worker (Jane) is busier than ever responding to Resident’s needs and for the less mobile, even going shopping and getting prescriptions (small fee applies). Residents keep in touch with our free apartment to apartment phone system.

So, even though you can’t visit us at Ciudad Patricia, we’re still able to talk through your options so you can start planning your future.

We have plenty of information available to email you, just call me on (+34) 673 064 288 or email ahobbs@ciudadpatricia.com and ask.

Take care and stay safe.

See our main advert on page 29 for more information.

Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020

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Staying Healthy Hello to all readers. We are all aware that in recent times there has been an increase in awareness of the importance of being and staying healthy in order to prevent, not to treat most medical conditions.

With this in mind, several lines of conduct can be advised.

Good nutrition and dietary measures in order to reduce the intake of sugars, animal fat etc., regular exercise, daily walks (obviously when allowed), mild sun exposure, staying well hydrated (1,5 - 2 litres of water every day), reduction of the consumption of toxins like tobacco or alcohol, and unnecessary medication.

Although we might all have the knowledge of the above, there are still too many cases of obesity and even overweight children, lack of vitamins, minerals and nutrients, abuse of toxic substances or medication, and a general lowering of body defence mechanics, the immune system that makes us all more prone to diseases that range from infections to increased risk of cancer, diabetes, coronary etc. just to mention a few.

Complementary measures such as oral vitamin and mineral supplements are usually advised but there are still conditions where the absorption of these vitamins and nutrients in the body is reduced, or even stopped, leading to the need of I/M (intramuscular) or I/V (intravenous) supplementing.

I am glad to inform our readers that we now offer some of these complementary supplements in our Clinica Arenal.

Basic hydration plus vitamin C or B12 supplements given in I/M or I/V drips, and a whole range of multivitamins and minerals according to each individual need.

In some cases it may be advised to have a regular blood test with your own GP prior to a first consultation and general exam plus a detailed medical history to rule out incompatibilities or possible allergies.

Please contact the clinic for more information.

This article was provided by Dr Ignacio Poole, before the escalation of the crisis. Dr Poole's surgery is still open for emergency cases only, please call beforehand for an appointment time. Dr Poole, as well as being an International Master in Cosmetic Surgery, is a Family GP. Clinica El Arenal, Av Arenal 2, Jåvea. Telephone 865 525 304, ¡Mon-Fri 10.30am - 1.30pm. Email: clinicaarenal@gmail.com

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The good news is, you can remove a gel manicure at home without damaging your nails. The best way to safely remove your gel polish does take a bit of time and patience, but it will help to keep your nails in good shape.

How to remove your gel nail polish at home

Find a Well-Ventilated Space Give yourself plenty of time for the removal process and most importantly, do it in a well-ventilated area so you're not breathing in all that acetone.

Break Out the Nail File Using a coarse nail file, gently and slowly sand down the top layer of gel polish to rough up the top coat. Avoid filing too far into the colour. Basically, you just want to remove the shine.

Protect Your Skin Next, coat the skin surrounding your nails and fingertips with a cuticle oil or a thick cream. This will provide protection from the acetone, which is very drying.

Soak Some Cotton Balls The key to removing gel nail polish is to soak your finger tips in acetone. You can do this in a small bowl filled with acetone and a drop or two of cuticle oil, or you can use a soaked cotton ball to sit on each talon.

Cotton balls are preferable to pads because they hold on to the acetone better as your nails soak. Cotton pads can dry out too quickly.

To start, saturate the cotton balls with acetone - more than you think you need.

Wrap Your Fingertips with Aluminum Foil Tear the foil into little squares, then place an acetone-soaked cotton ball on each pinkie and use the foil to secure the cotton ball in place. Then, after 10 or 15 minutes, check your progress.

Lift off The gel polish should look as if it is lifting off the nail and should come off with little to no pressure - if not, go back to soaking for another five minutes and try again.

Once the gel nail polish has loosened, remove the foil from each finger and apply slight pressure to the nail with the cotton ball. For any remaining spots, gently use a nail stick, working under the gel to lift it off the nail plate.

Hydrate!

After a long acetone adventure, your nails will likely be a bit dry.

If you're going to let your nails breathe a bit, soak your nails in coconut oil for five to seven minutes, then apply a cuticle oil, on your nail beds to rejuvenate and rehydrate them. If you're polishing again, skip this.

It might seem like a lot of moisture-sucking acetone, but it's

Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020

much better than picking or peeling your polish, Acetone removes oils from the nail, but it doesn't damage the nail bed. That happens when the nail bed endures trauma from peeling and pushing the polish off, which can leave you with brittle, broken nails.

Happy soaking!

All the team at Mimis Kru look forward to seeing you all again when it’s safe to do so. Until then, keep well everyone.

¡ Mimis Kru, Local 12, Edificio Caribe, Av del Pla 129, Jåvea.

Tel 96 579 3584. www.mimiskruhairandbeauty.com Facebook Mimiskru. See advert on the Horoscopes page.

Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020

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CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) In case of mild symptoms, stay at home!

Phone our landline (+34) 965 837 553, we can do the test at home.

If more severe symptoms are present, phone our 24h/365d emergency phone (+34) 607 255 755, we will transfer you to hospital.

Coronavirus is a type of virus. As a group, coronaviruses are common across the world.

Typical symptoms of coronavirus include fever and a cough that may progress to a severe pneumonia causing shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

Generally, coronavirus can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long-term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.

Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new strain of coronavirus first identified in Wuhan City, China.

If you suspect novel coronavirus (COVID-19), it is essential that you remain at home in order to prevent transmission to somebody else. We will visit you at your home following a safe protocol and take samples from the nose and send them to the laboratory for testing.

Should the symptoms appear not mild, do not hesitate to phone our 24h/365d Emergency Phone (+34) 607 255 755.

We can transfer you immediately to a hospital in an ambulance.

We can also help you, if you think you might have coronavirus or you have been in close contact with someone who has it: ● Stay at home and avoid close contact with other people. ● It is not necessary to go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. ● Phone to our landline (+34) 965 837 553 and receive advice.

· Clinica Britannia, Ejércitos Españoles 16, 1st Floor, Calpe. Tel 965 837 553 or 607 255 755 24hours a day - 365 days a year.

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Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020

What on Earth is a Podcast (and why should I care) By A.S.

N

o doubt you’ve heard the term Podcast, but I meet many people who are unsure of what this is all about. Those in the know become big fans of Podcasts and like me, listen regularly. So what are they, and how do I get them?

Think of a podcast as a radio show, only you listen to it when you want. Sort of like Netflix but for the radio. There are all types of shows from your regulars on the BBC, to plays, discussions, informative, comedy and even book readings. The list is endless. The best thing, most of them, are FREE! To listen to most Podcasts, you need a podcast app on your phone or tablet. If you are using Apple, you’ll already have the Podcasts app. If you have Android, head to the Play Store and find an App. Google have their own app which is as good as any. All these apps have the ability to search and when I started I simply put BBC UK in the search bar and I had the option of subscribing to a whole host of shows. For me, I chose ‘Digital Planet’ (because I like the world of tech and how it helps people). ‘History Hour’ (an interesting take on recent events with interviews from people who witnessed it) and ‘50 things that shaped the modern economy’ (highlights the inventions of things we take for granted but are invaluable to the way we live).

Nowadays, large media corporations have their own app where you can listen to the radio live or listen to catch up version – ie podcasts – right in the app. So, for the BBC that would be their “SOUNDS” app.

Recently, I’ve been venturing further and discovered a huge range of plays, book reading etc. Again all free, One of the most popular and hilarious is “My Dad Wrote A Porno”, where a retired man decided to write a Porno book. His daughter found it and realised it was simply hilarious in its prudishness. So she got a group of friends, and read it out loud and then they talk about it. Had me in stitches!

So go ahead, get your app, search for whatever topic you like and get into the world of Podcasting. A great way to tune in, and switch off for a while!

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www.femalefocusonline.com

What to do if you have food poisoning?

F

ood poisoning typically occurs when pathogens contaminate food or drinking water. Though uncomfortable, food poisoning is relatively common, with an estimated 1 in 6 Europeans getting some type of food poisoning this year.

Most people who experience food poisoning don’t require a trip to the hospital, but you won’t want to venture too far from the bathroom, either.

An upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhoea are the most common symptoms. They typically subside after 48 hours.

What causes food poisoning?

5 pathogens typically account for 91% of all food borne illnesses.

They include: Norovirus (from oysters, fruits, and vegetables), Salmonella (eggs, meat, and dairy products), Clostridium perfringens (meat and poultry), Campylobacter (under cooked meat and contaminated water) and Staphylococcus (cream, eggs, and milk).

Under cooked meat and improperly handled produce are common culprits in food poisoning. Wash your hands, utensils, and plates between raw and cooked stages.

During an episode of food poisoning The human body is designed to remove things it doesn’t need or finds threatening or harmful and will follow its natural reaction to cleanse and purge the digestive tract to get rid of the harmful bacteria.

After vomiting, delay brushing your teeth for at least an hour.

Stomach acid expelled can damage the enamel on your teeth, and brushing right after can further erode the enamel. Instead, rinse your mouth with a mix of water and baking soda.

What steps should I take after food poisoning?

After you experience the most ‘explosive’ symptoms, experts recommend letting your stomach rest by avoiding food for a few hours.

Stay hydrated Liquid intake is crucial for helping your body fight off food poisoning effects. Vomiting and diarrhoea can cause dehydration, so take small sips of water or sports drinks containing electrolytes, alternatively clear sodas (such as Sprite, 7UP, or ginger ale) decaffeinated tea, chicken or vegetable broth can all help.

Eat bland food When you feel able, eat foods that are gentle on your stomach and gastrointestinal tract. Stick to bland, low-fat, low-fibre foods. Fat is harder for your stomach to digest, especially when it is upset, so avoid fatty foods.

Recharging your digestive system Replace your normal intestinal flora with natural yogurts or probiotic capsules for at least two weeks, to regenerate the healthy bacteria lost in the food poisoning purge and to get your digestive and immune system back on track.

Getting sufficient rest can also help make you feel better faster.

If you have a history of dehydration, heart disease, embolism, or any of the other severe symptoms of food poisoning; blood in your stool, severe abdominal cramping, blurry vision, or diarrhoea lasting more than 3 days, then don’t delay, seek medical help.

Membership of the ASOCIACION AMIGOS EUROPEOS DE JAVEA is just €55 for a whole year for the whole family. Our ambulances are akin to Mobile Intensive Care Units and can mean the difference between life and death. We cover almost all of Costa Blanca North and will come straight to you wherever you are. To join telephone Laure Bolufer (Registration Manager) 10am to 1pm every weekday. Avenida Juan Carlos 1, No 69, 03730 Jávea.

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

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Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020

FOUR Ws - Can you guess who - what - where & when?

BY PA PUZZLES TEAM

WHO... is the famous daughter of actress Goldie Hawn?

WHAT... are the two colours on the flag of Cuba, other than white?

WHERE... is the Ireland rugby union team's home ground?

WHEN... was Nelson Mandela born?

Challenge Nº 2 WHO... played the title character in the film Annie Hall?

WHAT... sea lies to the north of Turkey?

WHERE... in Cornwall did Ellen MacArthur end her record-breaking round-theworld voyage in 2005?

WHEN... is St Stephen's Day? Challenge Nº 3 WHO... wrote the plays Bouncers and Up 'N' Under?

WHAT... was Sri Lanka known as before 1972?

WHERE... in Europe would you spend a zloty?

WHEN... did Al Pacino pick up a Best Actor Oscar for Scent Of A Woman?

Challenge Nº 4 WHO... wrote the children's books Fungus The Bogeyman and The Snowman?

WHAT... type of creature is a chocolate hind?

WHERE... in Britain are the Scott Monument and Holyrood Park?

WHEN... did Mother Teresa die?

Challenge Nº 5 WHO... wrote the 1855 novel North And South?

WHAT... are the forenames of Mr Burns in the cartoon series The Simpsons?

WHERE... was the composer Luigi Boccherini born?

WHEN... was the satirical magazine Private Eye first published?

Challenge Nº 6 WHO... wrote the opera Cosi fan tutte?

WHAT... does GCHQ stand for?

WHERE... was the actor Sir Antony Sher born?

WHEN... did boxer Chris Eubank last contest a title fight?

Answers Nº1: Kate Hudson; Red and blue; Aviva Stadium; 1918.

Nº 2: Diane Keaton; Black Sea; Falmouth; December 26th.

Nº 3: John Godber; Ceylon; Poland; 1993.

Nº 4: Raymond Briggs; Fish; Edinburgh; 1997.

Nº 5: Elizabeth Gaskell; Charles Montgomery; Lucca, Italy; 1961.

Nº 6: Mozart; Government Communications Headquarters; South Africa; 1998.

Challenge Nº1

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Book Review by Ivor Kindle Title: Pagan Britain Author: Ronald Hutton Publisher: Yale University Press This book is an Academic Tour de Force of Britain before Christianity arrived. It is a well researched and quite revealing piece of work.

If you have ever wondered why your neighbour sometimes does not wear shoes and always seems to be watching the Sun...well now you know.

I sourced this book as a gift for a great friend of mine who is Pagan in his beliefs, being curious I gave the book a quick once over and to my surprise found that the mysteries of Pagan Britain are both interesting and enlightening.

...Keep reading, Ivor Kindle.

LIVE ANIMAL WEBCAMS

Although you can't go and visit them, you can still enjoy watching what the animals are up to via live web cams at these zoos. Edinburgh Zoo - San Diego Zoo - Dublin Zoo - Houston Zoo - Kansas City Zoo - Atlanta Zoo - Marwell Zoo. Chester Zoo has a lot of online activities available and I am sure that many others will follow suit.

www.femalefocusonline.com

Page 27 www.femalefocusonline.com Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020 As we all know, at the time of going to print, hair salons across the country have had to temporarily close in an effort to help slow the spread of Coronavirus. As the situation continues to unfold, many clients have been worrying about the fact of not having their hair coloured, cut or treated for some time.

HAIR

SOS

It is a big worry for us stylists as we would not want any of our clients to attempt anything at home such as colouring/ highlighting or cutting. This could turn into a big disaster, and at the end of the day cost you a lot more money on colour correcting and restyling at your next visit back to the salon.

My advice would be to use, from your local supermarket (in this case because it is an emergency situation, and if they have in stock), a root spray touch up. You could simply use your mascara or eyeshadows from home to help to cover your natural hairs that are coming through to stop you putting on a box colour!

Also, a colour hair mask will help enhance your hair tone and slightly re-fresh your colour without depositing a permanent pigment in to your hair. This will help your stylist as they will be able to correct it a lot easier when everything is back to normal.

DIY HAIR MASK. If you are suffering with split ends or dry hair, this DIY mask is truly magical for hydration. It's made with avocado, which is filled with fatty acids that coat your hair cuticle in moisture, and honey, which acts as a humectant (an ingredient that draws moisture from the air and into the strand). If you’re not sure which oil to choose, pick olive oil for thicker, coarser, and/or colour-treated hair, and argan oil for finer hair types that are easily weighed down.

DIY hair mask ingredients: - 1 ripe Avocado - 1 tablespoon of Argan oil or Olive oil - 1 tablespoon Honey - 1/8 cup Coconut milk or Almond milk.

The steps: 1. Combine all the ingredients in a blender (or, use a hand mixer).

2. Smooth the mixture throughout your dry hair, from roots to tips, then clip your hair up and wrap in cling film or a towel.

3. Leave on for at least 30 minutes, then shampoo and condition as usual.

· Article supplied by Máximo Beauty. Email: maximobeauty@gmail.com. Facebook: Maximo Beauty.

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Change Of Dates for the WELLBEING HEALTH BEAUTY & LIFESTYLE EXPO Watch this space for our NEW DATES!

D

ue to current circumstances the upcoming WELLBEING Health Beauty & Lifestyle EXPO is going to have a change of dates! From our original dates Friday 8 & Saturday 9 May to new dates that we will be arranging. So watch this space!

We are complying with all the guide lines and restrictions so we all stay safe, hence postponing the event will give us the time we will need to keep all our preparations on track! Then our showcasing, exhibitors, speakers, and experts in their fields will be delighted to see everyone at the Parador Hotel in Jávea on the Playa de Arenal.

They will welcome your support on our NEW DATES soon to be confirmed. The Expo is free entry and there will be ample FREE parking. It will be something to really look forward to after these challenging times we are all experiencing.

We are going to make sure it’s going to be the best day out and a marvellous place to meet everyone again! There will be plenty of reasonably prices refreshments to enjoy throughout the days.

Please everyone be advised that we have to be on ‘hold’ for now with all the guidelines, but as soon as we can return to normal our organising will continue to create our two terrific days packed with products, services, treatments and taster sessions, to be informative, inspiring, pampering, and ohhh did we mention the opportunity to shop for out of the ordinary items, products and services! Opening from 10.30 – 18.00 enjoy browsing the 50 plus stands, participate in various workshops, listen to a wide variety of talks and demos by the experts, and enjoy the feature attractions.

QUICK CROSSWORD

By the PA puzzles team Across Down 1. Calm (5) 1. Vertical (13) 4. Courteous (7) 2. Moving (5) 8. Recede (7) 3. Smooth (4) 9. Upright (5) 4. Reach (6) 10. Merit (4) 5. Pliant (8) 11. Priest (8) 6. Respire (7) 13. Display (4) 7. Diversion (13) 14. Hint (4) 12. Start (8) 16. Pottery (8) 13. Broadcasts (7) 17. Win (4) 15. Discharge (6) 20. Con (5) 18. Astound (5) 21. Offence (7) 19. Aid (4) 22. Esteem (7) See classified pages 23. Negotiate (5) for answers

Your journey of discovery for improving your WELLBEING starts right here!

The event and daily programs will be packed with content, no two stands the same, so indulge in some quality time on, for and about you and your loved ones. It’s an opportunity like no other to let go, embrace new things, investigate what’s on offer here on the Costa Blanca to help improve your Wellbeing & Lifestyle!

It will be a much needed day out with a difference… Come and join us, at the Parador Hotel in Jávea SOON… Ohhh did we mention there are pamper hampers to be won, tapas to be tasted, free prize draws to win, win, win, including a 2 night stay with breakfast at the Parador Hotel in Jávea…

For more information and our UPDATES ON THE NEW DATES see Facebook 'Health Beauty & Lifestyle Show', local press for details, and keep it here for a sneak preview of who the exhibitors are going to be right here in Female Focus, our main media sponsors…….. plus all the other updates.

To BOOK A STAND contact gina@gmpromotions.es or call / WhatsApp 695 399 841.

www.femalefocusonline.com

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

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Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020

Down 1. Reproves the one who cries: it will clean the floorcovering (6-7) 2. They could be driven in and slain (5) 3. Wickedness is something to live up to (4) 4. Powerful hit in gym brings confusion (6) 5. Important person thus introduced me to society (8) 6. Come on - change youth leader: it makes for thrift (7) 7. Died without evil street being upset; how unselfish! (13) 12. No stamp required; the situation is vacant (8) 13. Endeavouring to have audience with monarch (7)

15. Large girl having more than one husband (6) 18. A 50-1 possibility of being unaccompanied (5) 19. A region that makes a really good start (4)

See classified pages for answers

BY PA PUZZLES TEAM

Across 1. Ocean-battered boat (5) 4. Deceive by being insane about island (7) 8. Fence partly using abusive language (7) 9. Ties up boat on waste land ... (5) 10. ... otherwise Elsie doesn't get one (4) 11. Obstinate remnant was brought into the world (8) 13. Leave off to put the crockery back (4) 14. Little Edward's whirlpool (4) 16. Potentially shocking (8) 17. Inferior ground (4) 20. Previous monastic leader (5) 21. Atmosphere left where there are take-offs (7) 22. Rue gory knavishness (7) 23. Change at noon? (5)

Female Focus Magazine April 2020

Page 30

our ARIES As much as you are not happy with how some people are treating you at the moment, now is not the time to confront them head on. Trying to find out what the real issue is will help you understand their problem and you might even be able to help them out.

TAURUS By being a little more tactful you will get further towards your goal. Keep challenging and they will keep pushing back. Rather than getting out your credit card, now is a good time to review your cash flow.

GEMINI By being understanding and forgiving right now will you will get much further. Now is a good time to start planning for the future, but make sure you take others into consideration or you will upset those nearest and dearest.

CANCER Bonds are strengthening within the family group in ways you never thought possible.

Looking at things from both sides will make everything clearer for you all.

LEO Your wild side is threatening to get you into trouble. You are so unpredictable that it is better to say away from making any important decisions at the moment. Keep your head down this month and stay out of trouble.

VIRGO Be careful how you explain yourself as you tend to cause a lot of misunderstanding. Concentrate on surrounding yourself with quality and not quantity and you will be happier for it.

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oroscope LIBRA As one door closes another opens, and the new path leads you to a happier place. Whatever may come your way this month you will be able to deal with and at the end you will be in a stronger place than before.

SCORPIO Reading the fine print has never been more important. Do not sign your name to anything this month without double checking it. Someone trying to help you may come across as being bossy. They don't mean to be, it's just their way, so try to be thankful.

SAGITTARIUS You are feeling invincible, as though nothing can stop you and you can conquer anything.

Don't get over confident or it could all go badly wrong. Don't let anyone rush you into making a decision unless you are satisfied it is the right thing to do.

CAPRICORN It is a good time to make long term investments, and not only of the money kind. You are ready to get things straight, and how they should be, after putting up with making do for far too long.

AQUARIUS You are going to be doing things by the books this month otherwise you are just going to upset too many people. You cannot continue to act as if it doesn't matter, because it does.

PISCES Patience is your word for this month as you are going to need lots of it. Although you need to tell people exactly what you want from them, you need to do it in a delicate way otherwise you will lose their support altogether.

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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

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Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020

By PA puzzles team

Across 7. It's handy to count on (6) 8. A number of directors at sea (6) 10. If a rule is broken it means you don't win (7) 11. Senior tree (5) 12. A vessel we turn and turn about (4) 13. Possibly hated the end of one's life (5) 17. Far from pleased, I indulge in abuse (5) 18. Famous old Venetian sport (4) 22. A good man not well yet (5) 23. I turned awkwardly, not yet having taken the test (7) 24. Extent of one's education (6) 25. Safe rescue is organised (6) Down 1. Excused duty? (3-4) 2. A case for the government (7) 3. Accommodate, either way (3,2) 4. Doesn't approve of material things? (7) 5. Two letters of convenient size (5) 6. Deck that is trouble to the Royal Navy (5) 9. Taking ill, the odd nurse left (9) 14. Tried to get well! (7) 15. Large numbers of policemen hold a debt (7) 16. One still too young to take certain steps (7) 19. A word in one's ear from aides (5) 20. Crest of a bird with part missing (5) 21. Might be cold, yet good tempered (5)

Spot the 12 differences (answers in the classified pages)

S E L Z Z U P I S S O IMP LES TEAM

BY THE PA PUZZ

1 "That's funny," said Jim. "Peter's twice as old as Gwen was when he was a year older than she is now."

2 "Your cakes," said Ron, handing his mother a big paper bag. "Twenty-four altogether, £2.27 the lot."

Mary smiled. "That's a lot, but I suppose you got some cream ones."

3 "There's a sale on, so I got these," said Ted, unpacking a carton. "Twenty-three small glasses and eighteen large; £18.03 the lot."

"That's cheap," Mary commented.

Mike smiled. "All right. But she's half as old as he will be when she is a year older than he is now."

"Some cream, some plain," replied the boy.

"But if I'd got as many cream as each plain one cost, and as many plain as each cream cost in pence, there'd be three fewer in all."

"The cheaper ones were a quarter off the normal price, the others a third off. And they cost me just one pence less than fortyone of the smaller sort would have at the regular price."

What were their ages?

What were the prices?

What were the normal prices?

ANSWERS: (1) Pete 10, Gwen 7. (2) Seven cakes at 13p, seventeen at 8p. (3) Prices, 44p and 87p.

We have heard so many comments complaining about both the low temperatures and the amount of rain, especially as we had record breaking temperatures during February this year. But did you know that the Spanish have a similar proverb to our own:- 'Ne'er cast a clout till May be out’

…..Meaning simply 'never discard your [warm winter or layer of] clothing until the end of May'.

In Spain the proverb is “Hasta el cuarenta de mayo no te quites el sayo”. A literal translation is “Until the 40th of May don’t take off your tunic (or dress).

Female Focus Magazine April 2020

As Seen On TV

Page 32

www.femalefocusonline.com

Kajar Ka Halwa - Carrot Halwa

Kajar ka halwa is a north Indian favourite dessert soft, sweet and fudgy treat served at special occasions. Carrot halwa is traditionally made using full fat milk, simmered until it becomes rich and sweet, using condensed milk speeds up the cooking process. Dried milk powder is optional; it helps to absorb/dry out the carrot mixture.

This dessert can be eaten hot, warm or chilled.

Ingredients 25g ghee or butter 500g carrots peeled and grated 250ml condensed milk 25g cashews 25g raisins 25g sugar 20g dried milk powder (optional) 1 teaspoon ground cardamom powder

Serves 4

Stirring all the time; cook for five minutes on a medium heat, then turn up the heat high and cook for 10-15 minutes or until the carrots become soft and dry looking. Add and mix the cardamom powder.

Pour in the condensed milk and bring to a boil.

Turn down the heat to medium and simmer, stirring regularly, until most of the liquid has been absorbed and evaporates.

Add the sugar and fruit and continue cooking, stirring so the mixture doesn’t catch, until thickened, then stir in the milk powder for another minute or so. Allow to cool slightly before serving with the nuts sprinkled on top.

Method In a large heavy-based pan, heat the ghee on a medium heat then add the grated carrots. Mix and coat the carrots with the ghee; sauté for five minutes stirring continuously.

Looking for a gift with a difference or to learn a new skill? The Spice Sisters deliver talks, demos, cookery lessons to small groups plus one to one. For further information email keepcalm@curryoncooking.com.

To garnish chopped nuts: pistachios/ almonds/ cashews (optional)

· Recipe supplied by The Spices Sisters from Curry On

Cooking. Don’t forget to like them on Facebook 'Curry On Cooking'. You can purchase their currylicious kits from www.curryoncooking.com.

r updates page 'Dia I Nit' fo ok bo ce Fa r ou rv it Vis and extra se ices to opening times

CHANGE ONE THING Turning the tap off whilst cleaning your teeth and the shower off whilst shampooing your hair saves a significant amount of water.

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w

W

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A View From The Top

elcome to my monthly column “A view from the top”. Hopefully you will find my rambling readable (maybe even enjoyable).

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

It’s the World we created.

If you are a regular reader of my outpourings, then it must have struck you that a recent common thread to my notes has been about both myself and my peer group, and our descent into what the Spanish charmingly call "The Third Age". Much of our recent discussion has been about the threat posed by the "Coronavirus" and how it is predicted that the people most at risk are people nearing the three score years and ten mark...Namely 70 years old and above. Simply put, people of this age profile are nearly always suffering, or have suffered from, a serious illness that has left their bodies and their body defence system open to attack from a new unexpected viral attack. As I type this piece it is impossible to keep up with the scope and geographical range of the Pandemic that is Covid-19 (coronavirus). I have read and listened to the advice

Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020 of many experts in respect of how the virus should be managed ...how the virus will move through X phases and how we should take precautions in respect of hand washing and keeping ourselves, and our immediate environment clean and sanitised. Hopefully the planet will recover, and the medical and viral professionals will, in the fullness of time create a vaccine that will keep this particular nasty virus at bay...but at what cost in terms of human life? Experts (remember them) ...have been saying that although research is under way, a vaccine is a year or so away rather than just around the corner. The economic wellbeing of the whole World and its prospect for recovery are uncertain ...recovery will happen, but again at what cost to the Human Race for that’s what a global pandemic is ...it is a threat to the human race. My thoughts on the issue have been on how such a disaster such as this could ensue. ..how does an animal virus cross the animal / human boundary?

What has been going on in the so-called civilised World that has allowed this jump to happen? I read stories about so called "Wet Markets" where all manner of animals are reared, slaughtered and eaten with little regard to health and rudimentary hygiene. I ask you - bat's being boiled in a cauldron to make bat soup. A meat shop that had for sale live peacocks, rats, foxes, wolf cubs, turtles, snakes, wild pigs and much more. Is it any wonder that this Corona Virus has followed the SARS virus of years ago (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) over the animal/ human boundary as a Zoonotic disease, and launched its attack on us humans. What have the Governments of countries that have these Wet Markets been doing all these years while this unhygienic and dangerous method of slaughter has been going on? Once this plague is over the World needs to unite to stop these practices from happening.

If not how long before yet another Zoonotic plague attacks human kind? Next time we may not be so lucky ...presuming of course we survive this attack.

State of Emergency ...Lock Down.

As I type, we in Spain are currently just starting day one (it’s March 14th 2020) of a complete shut down of schools, universities, bars and restaurants...with the likelihood that beaches and other shops will also be ordered to close leaving only supermarkets and pharmacies open to keep the population going. Sporting events have been cancelled and people have been advised not to gather in large groups. Where I live the local Council has said no gatherings of more than 40 people are allowed in Council owned rooms, halls etc. With this in mind I watched in wonder as the British government allowed many thousands of people to gather to watch the Cheltenham horse race meeting over several days. As I wondered at the inaction of Boris and his gang the news came through that the British Government had decided to ban visitors to the House of Commons ...well that’s all right then. Enough from me as I am struggling to raise any creative juices to continue my writing. I hope you all come through this terrible man made crisis.

Let’s hope that we learn, and in the future, we respect both the planet we live on and its animal population ...if not it’s a sure thing that Mother Nature will not respect us.

Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020

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If you are able, please give to your local charities they are suffering now as all their fund raising events have been cancelled and charity shops are closed.

Uwe was found next to a supermarket, looking for food. He was completely house trained and walks very well on the lead. He does not feel at home at the dog pound, in spite of that he is very social and loving. For more information call 618 754 635. www.apasa.eu.

This is Petal, a 9 month old Podenco. She loves to play with the two dogs she is staying with and would so love her own Forever Home.

To meet Petal, please ring Akira Shelter on 657 689 567, email akirashelter@aol.com.

Petal can be adopted or fostered and Akira pays all expenses for their foster dogs.

All refuge centres are subject to restrictions during lock-down, so please call before visiting.

Bob is around 4/ 5 months old and is 1 of 4 pups.

He likes to be cuddled to feel safe and secure and is very happy when playing with his toys. Bob is vaccinated, weighs just 4 kilos and will be small/ medium size when fully grown. Call/ WhatsApp: 645 469 253. To view more animals for adoption go to www.petsinspain.com.

Email: info@petsinspain.com.

Bert black Labrador, 5 years old. Sadly his owner passed away. He is an energetic, large breed and very loyal. He needs a large garden & plenty of exercise.

Tel: 600 845 420 Email: k9clubinfo@gmail.com. www.k9club.es.

You’re invited to come and meet the Easy Horse Care Centre rescued horses, ponies and donkeys during our open day, held on the first Sunday of each month from 1pm to 4pm.

Entry is free and children are welcome. On the day, we offer a free guided tour of our stables and fields at 2pm sharp – make sure you pop along at this time to be able to meet our horses.

Call 652 021 980 or email rescue@easyhorsecare.net.

For more information visit our website http://www.easyhorsecare.net.

Calling all clubs and charities - let us know about your forthcoming events and animals for adoption. See page 4 for contact details.

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.

Hannah is a gorgeous mix labrador/ podenco around 2 years old. She is good with other dogs and a wonderful nature. All the volunteers love her. For more information, or if you would like to volunteer please call 685 524 049. Benidorm Animal Shelter (Protectora de Animales y Plantas Benidorm) Quark is a lovely boy who is urgently looking for a new home. Shelter open every Sunday 10am - 12pm or call Luisa 648 100 629.

Denia Cat Protection League – Aldea Felina http://www.aldeafelina.es This is Mia, a one year old podenco cross, She is fully vaccinated and healthy. She is currently living in a foster home and enjoys the company of other dogs and people. She loves to play and enjoys exercise and games. For more info call 650 304 746 or email p.e.p.a.spain@gmail.com This is Ambra, she is still a puppy, under a year old. She is sterilised and is sociable with other dogs. She deserves a home to call her own. For more information on her or any of our animals please visit: www.aprop-pego.org.

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

Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020

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Your Home In Safe Hands

As we head into further weeks of strict COVID-19 lockdown here in Spain it is important that your property, one of your most valuable assets is not left to fend for itself. Many property owners in Spain are not full-time residents and even those who spend much of their time here have left to return home under the current rules.

Many properties are now left empty, meaning that the little problems that we all face such as a leak, damp, electrical failure and storm damage are occurring in unoccupied properties, many with no one to take care of them.

At this time, it is more important than ever to have empty properties checked on a regular basis to make sure that preventable issues are discovered and dealt with in the owner’s absence. A small problem can quickly manifest itself into a serious one, increasing the worry and cost in the future. This situation can easily be avoided with regular property management checks. A local property manager can quickly contact a recommended, or your preferred tradesman, to tackle any issues and also report back to give you peace of mind that all is well.

Engaging the services of a registered and reputable property management company is crucial as they will take all of the correct precautions regarding travelling to a workplace, including official documents, sanitary products and social distancing.

While providing this service they will be visiting properties that are empty and have been for a number of weeks meaning a safer environment to work in.

Property management is a low-cost way of making sure that once owners can return to Spain, that they will find their treasured holiday home in good order, welcoming them back with a sunny smile.

I want to wish everyone a safe journey through the current crisis, follow the rules, take care of your loved ones and keep well.

Louise x White Coast Property Management, www.whitecoast.es, info@whitecoast.es Covering the Costa Blanca South

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Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020

Do I really need an irrigation system?

T

he full answer to this question is quite long, complex and different depending on the situation of each and every garden. The short answer for the majority of clients I have and meet is, YES.

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Article supplied by Lee Charlesworth

Many books and magazines may try and sell you on having a drought tolerant garden, but this really depends on what you want your garden to look like.

The reason I say that you do need an irrigation system is because the majority of customers starting here a-fresh will need to plant new plants, and quite simply those new plants will require water, especially and mostly through their first year.

All of the plants we supply as a landscape company, come from local growers from within the region, and therefore the vast majority of the plants we source are naturally equipped to deal with the type of weather we get within the region. They are also used to the type of soil we have in the region, as much as this can vary.

The idea of a drought tolerant garden is not at all impossible, but this needs planning and time.

It requires the planning and design of the garden, the creation of shade via trees that need time to settle and grow. Shade is the most important factor in not having to water, it's nature's way of cooling us and the ground down and giving us protection from the sun. Take a street with trees and without trees, then check the temperatures of the pavement and road on a sunny day, you will quickly understand. Plants that have shade require much less water than those planted in direct sunlight, and if they are tropical plants this is the environment they really thrive in and you will be rewarded with lush green foliage which looks spectacular.

Because of the type of plants we use they also only require the majority of water during the first year, especially summer. Once they are past this period it can be turned off during the winter period and then dramatically reduced during the future summers, as by this stage the plants will have their roots down in the soil and be happy.

&

The big advantage to having an irrigation system, is that even if you don't really need to use it, there may be some particularly hot days and weeks. Having the system in place can allow you to water your garden in an easy and efficient manner, in the knowledge that

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Page 37 each plant is getting a drink. It saves hours of standing with a hose pipe, where you have very little control over the amount each plant receives.

Remember the best tip I can give anyone for an irrigation system, especially for bedding plants, is a little and often. When I say often, I mean twice a day.

Always avoid timing an irrigation system to come on when the ground is still hot, as it will just heat the water and cook your roots.

Have it come on at the coolest points of the day around 05000600 in summer. If your system only allows a strict 12 hour period between watering then push the morning time to 0630-0700 as the temperatures will only just be starting to climb but they will also be past the most fierce times in the evening.

Charlesworth Gardens are specialists in the design and landscaping of gardens within the Costa Blanca.

¡ 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.

Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020

Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020

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2nd (and 3rd) time lucky with SHOWERMAN!

“If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again” is the old saying.

And this is exactly how David and Sue of Los Cerezos in Jávea felt after having their first bathroom refurbished.

I’ll let them explain…

We bought this house in December 2018, from the original owner who had owned it since it was built in 1979.

It was old and tired and still had the 3 original bathrooms: Family, ensuite and underbuild apartment. We wanted to crack on with getting the house updated and thought initially we could live with the ensuite and under-build bathrooms but the main bathroom was awful.

So we got various quotes, but as we were fairly new here and we didn’t have much experience, we chose the cheapest company. We soon came to regret that decision as although they did a decent job in the end, they were very inefficient; and it took a total of 2 months. Any difficulties they came across became our problem, instead of sorting things themselves they passed it back to us to fix, and as we weren’t resident the whole time it was extra stressful trying to sort things out when we weren’t here.

We wanted to move in and get settled in time for the summer, so they had a deadline, but they missed it. So although the bathroom turned out quite well in the end, it was a very painful process.

So, when the time came to get quotes for the ensuite, we didn’t invite that company, but as a typical Yorkshireman I like value for money, so for the 2nd quote I asked Alexandra to come back again and she was happy to do so. We liked her quote, so we gave her the go-ahead as we appreciated her flexibility.

And wow what a different experience. SHOWERMAN quoted 8 days to do the ensuite and it took 8 days. They worked hard, sorted any hassles and were very efficient, we were delighted to have found a company we could trust and leave them to it. Alex sorted any problems that arose…for example there was an issue with the stopcock (we were having other work done at the same time and the water could not be switched off) and the plumber was there and fixed it within 30 minutes.

And they are nice! Eager to help they even helped carry our shopping bags in. As a family company, SHOWERMAN is someone to rely on, and someone to get the job done.

We were so happy with the 2nd bathroom that we decided to get the 3rd one done as well, but this time we didn’t shop around for quotes, we went straight to Alexandra as we had found someone we could trust. · Contact Alexandra and you will not be disappointed. Tel: 96 579 2285 or mobile (WhatsApp) 639 292 081. www.showermanspain.com. C/ Historiador Escolano 14, Jávea (Thiviers).

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Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020

Some Common Questions Answered

Paul, Sam and Anne of Paul's Emporium are hoping all our customers and friends, past, present and future, are keeping safe and well in these trying times.

Why Is The Average EPC Rating So Low?

We look forward to seeing you all as soon as the situation permits.

What Is The Difference Between An EPC In UK And Spain

This is basically due to poor insulation in local building methods. Ratings in Southern Spain are generally very low but this fact doesn’t affect the marketing process or the property´s price.

There is little difference between the UK and Spanish standards or protocol with an EPC. Surveyors in UK take into account light bulbs whilst in Spain we are not allowed to include light bulbs and other installations that are not likely to be permanent during the 10 year validation of the certificate.

Is It Obligatory To Have A Retrospective Licence?

There is no law that makes it obligatory to have a Retrospective Licence (also known as a Certificate of Antiquity), but all purchasers or solicitors are asking to have licences correctly in place. Most vendors prefer to have a Retrospective Licence when a pool or extension has been done without a licence or without the proper licence. Vendors benefit from having this done sooner rather than later, as explained before, to avoid trying to organise such things at the last moment (when sales are already very stressful) and to avoid additional “in panic” expenses. Plus, we are seeing an increase of vendors having these licenses done to prevent losing the confidence of a potential purchaser due to the existence of illegal parts of the property. Likewise agents are now more likely to expect a vendor to have this license for the sake of their reputations, so as not to sell a property that is only "partially" legal and prevent having possible disgruntled clients later on.

What Do I Need To Have A Retrospective Licence?

The conditions needed in Alicante area to obtain Retrospective Licences / Antiquity Certificates for extensions or pools is that the extension or pool needs to be over 4 years old, and without having received any objections from authorities.

Martinez de la Casa Architects is the Number 1 company in EPC Certificates (121€ inc IVA) and Number 1 for Antiquity Certificates/ Retrospective Licences for pools (190€ +IVA) and building extensions (270€ +IVA). We also offer superb discounts to groups of 2 clients or more on the same visit, or if you require a combination of legal certificates/ services.

If your Solicitors are studying your case, ask them to contact us to provide any of these documents and we will make the whole process easier, faster and cheaper for you.

·

For all enquiries or to arrange an appointment please call 665 810 411 or visit www.martinezdelacasa.com to see an impressive list of over 150 testimonials by different clients.

Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020

WORD SPIRAL

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BY PA PZZLES TEAM

Page 40

Starting from 1, fill in the grid in a clockwise direction with four-letter words. The last letter of each word becomes the first letter of the next word. If you have correctly filled in the grid there should be a seven-letter key word reading across from 8.

&

WORDSPIRAL 1 - CLUES

1. Wealthy 2. Hurt 3. Is obliged to 4. Sound a horn 5. Try out 6. Unfreeze 7. Shed tears 8. Close friends 9. Indian dress 10. Notion 11. First man 12. Fix 13. Let fall 14. Entreaty 15. Performs on stage 16. Shoe part

&

Key word clue: Mammal type

WORDSPIRAL 2 - CLUES

1. Bottle stopper 2. Flying toy 3. Finishes 4. Potato 5. Person from Denmark 6. Heroic 7. Applaud 8. Pigmeat 9. Make things with wool 10. Sound quality 11. Hearing organs 12. Settee 13. Very dry 14. Panto character 15. Engrave 16.

Hawaiian dance Key word clue: System of exercises

Answers to puzzles in the classified pages

Spot the odd one out A

B

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

C

D

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

HELP of Marina Alta

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

E

F

SAMARITANS IN SPAIN

FREE PHONE 900 525 100

pat@samaritansinspain.com If you are a victim of domestic violence call 016 - there is a way out.

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Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020

RECIPES by Pushpa from the Spice Hut

Spicy pumpkin Ingredients 500g pumpkin diced 3 tbspn oil 1 large onion diced 1/2 tspn sesame seeds 1/2 tspn mustard seeds 1/2 tspn cumin seeds 2 chillis whole fresh or dried 1/2 tspn turmeric 1/2 tspn Salt or as required 1 tspn Ginger paste 1/2 chilli powder Fresh coriander Method

eing you e s to rd a rw fo Looking e meantime th in n o o s in a all ag in recipe k p m u P y ic p S r enjoy ou

Heat the oil on a medium heat, add the mustard seeds and sizzle until they start to pop, add the cumin, sesame seeds and whole chillis and stir for a couple of seconds, then add the onions and fry until golden.

Add the pumpkin, salt, ginger, turmeric and chilli powder, stir fry on a low heat and cook until soft.

Garnish with coriander and serve hot.

¡

The Spice Hut Quesada. Tel. 96 673 1063 or visit www.spicehutspain.com.

Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020

Page 42

Translate what you see through your camera

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Did you know that for some languages using the Google Translate App on your phone, you can translate text by pointing your phone's camera lens over it? You will see the translation on your screen. It can autodetect the language but if needed you can choose the languages required.

Hollie Guard Personal Safety App can help you feel safe

In danger? A simple shake or tap of your phone activates Hollie Guard, automatically sending your location and audio/ video evidence to your designated contacts. Great for kids, athletes, dog walkers, domestic violence victims or anyone who may feel they are in an unsafe situation. It is a free App, check it out and see how it could help you and your family stay safe.

KEEP IN TOUCH

If you are looking for a free solution to easily connect with family and friends over the lockdown period here are some of the free apps we use.

SKYPE

has been a r o u n d for a long time, and its mobile version is great for video calls to big groups with a huge time limit for the free version.

FACEBOOK MESSENGER Messenger supports up to eight people in free video calls with no duration limit. Of course, you will need an account on Facebook to use this app.

WHATSAPP MESSENGER

WhatsApp allow video calls for up to 4 people at a time.

To activate, start a group chat and then click on the call button at the top right and select the participants, then click on the camera icon.

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Page 43 Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020 which they did, for the following 4 years.

It was in 2002 that Martin moved to Spain, and on arrival he thought he'd take a break from the music business.

But the following year, after getting "itchy feet", he decided to return to the performing once again.

Hi All. Initially teaming up with Well, where do I begin?

As we all know, the Coronavirus lockdown has hit us like an another entertainer called Dale, earthquake. As I write this latest review, none of us know just how they formed a duo and went out as "DAMMAD", covering long this situation will continue.

My main worry is that many venues, who were already struggling Ska, Reggae, Mod music, also through the winter months, will not be able to survive being closed incorporating Karaoke. over a long period of time. But, nevertheless, I will continue Unfortunately, due to ill health, some time later Dale had to featuring the local talent, here on the Costa Blanca South. return to the UK. Which leads me onto this months artiste, Martin Kay. Martin was brought up in a small mining village in South Martin carried on as a solo act for the first time.

Wales, where his father was a miner, and his mother was a semi In 2008, the members from Showaddywaddy Legend Tribute band asked Martin to be their lead singer, which he duly accepted. professional singer.

Martin and his brother were always picked to perform in the Martin enjoyed being in a band again and they did shows, up and school concerts, something that he admits, at that time of his life down the coast together for 9 years.

As enjoyable as that was, Martin Kay missed performing Reggae, - he hated doing.

This changed some time later, when both Martin and his brother and decided to go solo again. were watching their mother performing, and she brought them As well as doing shows, Martin spends a lot of time in his studio, both on stage to join her in singing the great John Denver number making backing / karaoke tracks, and now has his own label - Red Dragon Karaoke.

- Leaving on a Jet Plane.

The overwhelming response that they received changed Martin's During his years in the music business, he has the good fortune to work with, UB40, Alexander O'Neil, Hazel Dean, The Bachelors, mind and he thought, "I quite like this".

At 15 years of age, Martin Kay bought his first guitar and in a very The Grumbleweeds, The Real Thing, Heatwave, and Nevil short time was playing in the local working men's clubs and pubs, Staples, along with the groups I mentioned earlier.

Martin Kay is still doing shows all over Spain, with his Dualers in a duo with a friend of his.

At 19 years of age, he joined a band called "Rock 'N Roll Circus", tribute / Reggae show. and they began touring the UK holiday camps, supporting the likes Check out the local press / Facebook for his future performances. of Showaddywaddy / Mud / The Rubettes / Shaking Stevens and Hopefully, next month things might more. look more promising for a return to Bye for now, D.P. This led the band to being asked to tour with Showaddywaddy normality.

THE SALVATION ARMY

Female Focus

www.facebook.com/FemaleFocus/

We look forward to seeing you all soon - in the meantime stay safe!

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

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

Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020

Page 44

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

Note from Benny: Covid-19. All information in this edition of Stage Diary is correct at time of going to press. However, government restrictions regarding Coronavirus isolation, may alter some individual group details, especially rehearsal days.

We suggest readers check with the groups concerned for updates. We sincerely hope things will return to normal as soon as possible and allow our dedicated, hardworking board-treaders and singers continue entertaining us and raising money for local charities.

Actors Community Theatre Society: Hats are stored, horses stabled and just as Ladies’ Day at Ascot was moved to York in 2005, so spring has moved to autumn! Regrettably, owing to the Coronavirus pandemic ACTS have been forced to postpone their production of ‘Ladies’ Day’ by Amanda Whittington. It will now be staged hopefully early in November at the Casa de Cultura in Benijófar. For information about ACTS contact Ian Vallender at icvallender@gmail.com.

Adante Classical Choir: Andante cancelled its three scheduled performances of John Rutter’s ‘Requiem’ because of the governmentimposed lockdown. Plans are in place to perform it sometime after the Covid-19 crisis has subsided in Spain. For more information contact Karen Blagbrough at kaemichelle65@gmail.com.

www.femalefocusonline.com

Harmonisers Barbershop: Whatever your singing talent, a warm welcome awaits you at Harmoniser’s. They are a friendly club including all nationalities and a fun-loving harmony chorus singing in the Barbershop style.

Subject to government restrictions they meet every Thursday, 10am at Casa Contenta Rojales, near Quesada. Drop in and say hello, you will be more than welcome. Interested? Please contact Mick Hume at michaelhume4814@gmail.com.

Lyrical Mixed Voice Choir: The concert scheduled for 26 April, has been cancelled owing to the present Coronavirus situation. The choir are resting until restrictions are lifted, this includes all rehearsal days. For further information, go to: www.lyrical.es.

Rojales Pantomime Group: Join them for Pantomime Fun. The Group are committed to raising funds for local charities whilst entertaining people and having fun at their yearly pantomime shows. The next, pantomime, the very funny ‘Treasure Island’ will be performed in January 2021 but they need new members either as performers, backstage or chorus. For further enquiries email: rojalespantomime@gmail.com.

Stagestruck Theatre Group: Due to the increase of the Coronavirus and government restrictions, the group have cancelled their planned May performance. They apologise to all who have purchased tickets, but announce refunds are available via their ticket hot line or Facebook page. They hope to perform the pantomime, ‘Sleeping Beauty’ in November.

Cantabile L a d i e s C h o i r : The choir are now rehearsing for the a u t u m n concerts at the end of November, beginning of December. They aim to perform four to six concerts a year. New members are always welcome, the only requirement is the ability to sing in tune in this friendly, three-part female choir. Contact: valbeange@gmail.com or valcantabie@gmail.com Phone: 966 795 816. Mobile: 648 034 232. Rehearsals, subject to restrictions: La Siesta Church, Torrevieja, Fridays 14:45 - 17:00 from September to May.

Studio 32: This musical theatre company are pleased to announce that providing Coronavirus restrictions are lifted, their latest production, Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein’s, ‘South Pacific’ will hit the stage in the summer. Tickets will be 10€ and can be reserved by calling Philip on 744 484 933 or email: tickets@studiothirtytwo.org.

Crescendo International Choir: Subject to Coronavirus restrictions, rehearsals and performances have been suspended for the immediate future.

For more information, go to: www.crescendo-choir.com.

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

The Dayamantes Singers: The Singers were formed 10 years ago and meet, subject to restrictions, in Daya Nueva every Wednesday from 11am until 12.30pm. They are a group of men and women who enjoy singing a variety of songs from the 60s to the present time. They are always looking for new members. If you would like to join and have a great social time, ring Jean: 690 778 091.

Page 45

Nish Kumar is returning with his satirical and surreal news show The Mash Report.

There's a video clip of Nish Kumar on Twitter, strumming a guitar and singing a few chords of Bob Dylan's Tangled Up In Blue, but when asked about it, the comedian wants to make one thing clear: this is no attempt to launch a music career on the side.

Not that he needs to - the 34-year-old has enough on his plate, first and foremost the upcoming fourth series of the hit BBC Two satirical news show The Mash Report, which he fronts.

The series, sees Kumar joined by other comedians including Rachel Parris - as the team lampoon the week's news headlines.

We speak (on the phone) about the upcoming series in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic - before it was confirmed the show will not have a live audience - but even then, Kumar is realistic about that possibility.

"My entire career has been building up to a TV show in front of a sparse studio audience," he says light-heartedly.

His tone shifts within seconds, and he explains: "I mean, listen, there's a reason that we have studio audiences for these shows - it creates an atmosphere and gives the feeling in the room, but it's a public health issue, isn't it?"

"So, the lowest priority for everyone is [going to] a TV record, so we'll obviously just work around it as best we can."

The BBC has also since announced that filming on EastEnders and top BBC dramas including Casualty, Doctors, Holby City and River City has been halted amid the coronavirus outbreak.

As such, the upcoming series of The Mash Report will see the whole cast filming themselves at home. Kumar will be joined virtually by guests including Parris, Geoff Norcott, Ellie Taylor, Catherine Bohart, Desiree Burch, and Ahir Shah.

The Mash Report has cultivated a loyal following and clips such as Parris' sketch titled 'How NOT to sexually harass someone' became viral hits, so far amassing an impressive 1.5 million YouTube views.

His take on why the series has been a hit with British viewers is in part down to, he says, the need for people to have a laugh during dark times.

He explains: "I would say that there's been a space for this for a few years; there's certainly an audience for it."

"If I wasn't hosting the show, I'd be watching this show. I'm exactly the audience that has been cultivated on American latenight topical shows, and there's been a real thirst for something that's done in that

N

Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020

By Kerri-Ann Roper, PA Entertainment Editor

ish Kumar will be recapping the headlines as his satirical and surreal news show The Mash Report returns to BBC Two for a fourth season. The comic talks to us about making the hit, and how recent developments regarding coronavirus might affect it.

same format but that's aimed at a British audience."

"I think also in the last few years, the pace of change and the intense - at times weirdness - of current events... I think there's an appetite to see people talk in a funny way about things that happen in the news, just because it's been so chaotic the last few years. There's definitely an appetite for people to watch something that engages with current events in a less serious way."

Off the screen, Kumar made headlines when he had bread thrown at him and was booed off stage last year after making a political joke at a charity cricket lunch. The event's organisers issued a statement after the incident, saying they do not "endorse the reaction of a minority of audience members".

For Kumar, the incident was "part of the job of being a stand up".

He explains: "I'm entitled to express my opinion and they're entitled to express their opinion about my opinion. I don't really have a problem with people booing me, because I've got my right to my opinion, they've got their rights to their opinion about my opinion."

"I think the guy that chucked the bread roll probably needs to be on an anger management course because I just think, anytime as an adult you're flinging bread at someone, you've taken leave of your senses."

The baffling element, for him, he says was the intense media interest over the incident, which he refers to as a "storm in a teacup".

"I found that element of it absolutely baffling (the media interest). But certainly, the actual booing itself, as mad as it sounds, I don't really have a problem with it. I'm a comedian - worse things have happened to me."

Like having to watch himself back on TV, for example.

Apart from hosting The Mash Report since 2017, the Wandsworth-born TV and radio star has also appeared on numerous other TV shows including Taskmaster and Netflix's Comedians Of The World, but it took him a while to get to the point where he could watch himself in the name of work.

"For a long time when I started doing TV stuff, I refused to watch myself because it's an awful experience," he says.

"Unfortunately, in my experience, the only way to improve is by watching what you've done and trying to build on it and it definitely helped. It's an excruciating process to watch yourself on television, but it is very helpful."

Ian West / PA Photos

www.femalefocusonline.com

The freedom to be more risque than other shows with how it tackles news events is an "exciting opportunity", he says.

"It's definitely exciting to get things across because sometimes people are more receptive to listening to things if they're presented in a funny and entertaining way.

So you definitely understand that there's an element to which you are able to get things across that people might not otherwise want to listen to - as long as you can package them up in an interesting and entertaining way," he explains.

Speaking of entertaining, it's time to get back to his impressive music skills.

He describes himself as "an incredibly amateur musician" and explains he was asked to do a "couple of things" some two years ago for a podcast and a friend then asked him if he'd play the guitar on his album, which he did.

"And then on Taskmaster, a task came up that involved me playing the guitar, so it does look like I'm trying to force a second career as a musician. I want it made absolutely clear that it's not the case," he says.

More recently, there was also the Dylan video which saw him appear on a podcast about the singer and play the guitar, a skill he reckons he's been honing for around 15 years.

However, he is insistent that music is "something that I absolutely love doing, but I'm aware that I'm pretty terrible at it".

The same can't be said for his Mash Report prowess.

The Mash Report is now showing on BBC Two.

Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020 COSTA BLANCA NORTH

www.femalefocusonline.com Page 46 https://olivadrama.com, or email olivadrama@hotmail.com, or see their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OlivaDrama.

Note from Benny: Covid-19. All information in this edition of Stage Diary is correct at time of going to press. However, government restrictions regarding Coronavirus isolation, may alter some individual group details, especially rehearsal days.

We suggest readers check with the groups concerned for updates. We sincerely hope things will return to normal by the summer and allow our dedicated, hardworking board-treaders and singers continue entertaining us and raising money for local charities.

Caprice Ladies Choir: The choir are hoping to be singing at the first night of the International Choir Festival in Alfaz del Pi on Thursday 7 May. At present, they have not been advised that it is cancelled but will put updates on their Facebook page - 'Caprice'. For more information check out their website: www.capriceladieschoir.com or contact musical director Aileen on 696 514 613.

Careline Theatre: The words of the song make your dreams come true. `Charlie and the Chocolate Factory´ is for everyone!

Show dates at present are scheduled for 16 May at 15.00 /20.00 and 17 May at 15.00.

Due to the present situation Careline cannot confirm these dates will remain the same. Any changes will be notified in the May edition and on their web page: www.carelinetheatre.com and Facebook page.

Costa Blanca Male Voice Choir: The choir are now rehearsing new songs for a joint concert with the worldrenowned Ponterddulais Choir, that providing government restriction are lifted, will be on 6 May in Calpe and for their very popular Concert at the Cave in Benidoleig on 12 and 13 June - bookings now being taken on www.costablancamalevoicechoir.com. They welcome more bass and baritone members and subject to government restrictions, rehearse on Tuesday evenings at Bar Mediterraneo in Teulada from 17.30 hrs. For more details see their website www.costablancamalevoicechoir.wikidot.com Jávea Players: The Players’ next production was to have been a tense, psychological play about Julia, a woman with mental and physical scars. Unfortunately, in view of the current Covid-19 situation and limiting gatherings in public places, `Dead Guilty´ has been postponed. Tickets will be refunded.

Subject to government restrictions, the summer show will be a musical extravaganza. Details to follow in due course. For more information about Jávea Players: www.javeaplayers.com.

&

Oliva Drama and Cultural Association: ODCA regrettably have to postpone their spring show ‘Fancy That!’ due to the Coronavirus containment measures in the area. Hopefully they will be able to reschedule later in the year. For more information about the group, please visit their new website

Phoenix Dancers: The Dancers are all very excited working on their new shows for the coming season. Watch the press for forthcoming dates. They are happy to welcome several new members for which they thank the Female Focus. However, they still need more singers and dancers to enable them to do two shows on the same night.

Please phone Phaedra their choreographer on 607 29 08 96 to check the current situation regarding Corona virus restrictions on rehearsals.

S o u n d s Familiar: The Company are looking for new members who would like to join them for their next production `Magic of the Musicals´ to be performed on 1 October. Everyone is welcome whether you are an experienced performer, or if you would like to try out this fun hobby for the first time.

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

The Chaplaincy Singers: 3 June is the date for the next concert of the `Singers´ at La Fustera. Still time to join them for this concert.

Subject to Coronavirus restrictions, rehearsals are 10:45 every Monday with Musical Director, Philip Ashley. For more info call Eileen on 607 706 904 or Lyn on 692 059 257.

Valley Voices: The singing group are taking a short break in line with advice from the Generalitat Valencia and the State Government and are rehearsing at home during the Covid -19 crisis. They are still hopeful that their spectacular `Sunset Serenade´ concert at El CID’s on 6 June at 17.00 can go ahead but will take advice nearer the time. Any enquiries to valleyvoicesspain@gmail.com.

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.

www.femalefocusonline.com

Page 47

Health & Beauty

P S Y C H O T H E R A P I S T CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT Psychotherapist for the confidential treatment of anxiety and depression. Plus couples t h e r a p y. P h o n e Ta n y a o n 634 35 48 92 to arrange an appointment. Visit www.feelgoodcs.com FREE CONSULTATION - BOOK NOW, Does the weather ruin your make-up. Permanent Eyebrows & Eyeliner are the perfect solution.

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

Tuition QUALIFY AS A TEFL TEACHER With the prestigious Trinity CertTESOL qualification and join a profession with worldwide job opportunities.

Our course is accredited by Trinity College, London and is run at our centre in Gandia on a part-time basis. Attendance is on Fridays & Saturday mornings over a 10 week period in the Spring & Autumn.

No previous teaching experience necessary but your suitability for this demanding course is assessed through a written task and interview.

Trainee places limited to 10. Also open to non-native speakers with C1/ C2 level of English. Please phone or email for further information.

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

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 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

Entertainment LADY JAZZ performing at the Costa Blanca! Perfect for your Lounge Area, Private Parties, Weddings, Fine Dining and Cocktail Bar!! High quality vocals & chillout tunes. Telephone. 677 233 879 FACEBOOK:LadyJazzAnita or visit www.lady-jazz.com

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

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

Services

Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020

AWNINGS, BLINDS, MOSQUITO nets, Commercial & Garage doors, Shower screens & doors. PERSITOLD provide solutions for sun protection and comfort. Showroom in Gata de Gorgos. Many examples at www.persitold.es 96 575 6281 / 669 859 572 or email info@persitold.es COMPLETE BATHROOM 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

I N S TA N T T E L E P H O N E INTERPRETATION Service 24h www.myfriendinspain.com No sign up - INSTANT LIVE translation of your conversation: Spanish to English, French or German. 807499846 Call for IMMEDIATE human help! Only 1,57€ per minute from a Spanish mobile or 1,21€ from a landline.

GREASE KING COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC CLEANING Full or part kitchen cleans on a one-off or regular basis. Prompt and reliable service throughout all of Costa Blanca North. Cleaning of: Extractors / Filter System / Canopies / Grease Ducts / Deep Kitchen clean / Domestic Oven / Patio and Exterior / Floor Polishing.

Text or WhatsApp for your free quote.

634 308 714. www.greasekingspain.com 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 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.

Q U A L I T Y B L I N D S S PA I N www.qualityblindsinspain.com is a family run business, supplying and fitting made to measure blinds on the costa. Tel: 96 57 01 984 Mobile: 65 83 38 123.

Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020

Page 48

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Puzzle Solutions Easy Crossword Answer to Spot the odd one out = E

Computers

Autos And Boats

Very easy

Medium

Easy

Hard

QUICK CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS See over page for more solutions Across: 1 Peace; 4 Affable; 8 Retreat; 9 Erect; 10 Earn; 11 Minister; 13 Show; 14 Clue; 16 Ceramics; 17 Gain; 20 Learn; 21 Umbrage; 22 Respect; 23 Treat.

Down: 1 Perpendicular; 2 Astir; 3 Even; 4 Attain; 5 Flexible; 6 Breathe; 7 Entertainment; 12 Commence; 13 Spreads; 15 Acquit; 18 Amaze; 19 Abet.

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 transfer. *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.

www.femalefocusonline.com Services Cont.

PLEASE REMEMBER NOT ALL SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE AT TIME OF PRINT - SOME WILL BE ON EMERGENCIES ONLY. AGAIN WITH ITEMS TO BUY - YOU CAN OBVIOUSLY CALL AND REQUEST TO HAVE ITEMS RESERVED, BUT WE DO NOT ENCOURAGE YOU TO LEAVE YOUR HOME TO PICK UP OR DELIVER ANY ITEMS FROM THE PRIVATE BUY AND SELL SECTION UNTIL LOCK DOWN IS LIFTED. UPHOLSTERY SERVICE Tired or broken furniture? From small repairs to complete recovers for home, garden, car or boat. Indoor & outdoor cushion covers. Pergola and parasol covers. Leather and fabric cleaning.

Pedreguer Industrial Estate.

96 646 9371 or email: sofamedico@harrisfurnishings.com BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION Specialised in residential property refurbishment. Kitchens/ Bathrooms, Windows /Doors, Reforms/ Extensions, Electrics/ Plumbing, Tiling/ Terraces, Roofing/ Rejas, Tosca Specialists. Over 30 years’ experience. All areas Gandia to Benidorm and Inland. w w w. s o v e r e i g n - c o n s t r u c t i o n . com 662 097 598 or email: sovereignconstruction@gmail.com GLAZING & AWNING SPECIALISTS All kinds of glazing systems, roofing solutions and awnings, windows, arched windows, conservatories, doors and interior glass doors.

Call 96 645 7878 or email info@amasvista.com NEED A SURVEY? Call Advantage Building Services if you are buying a property, or have structural problems with a property you already own. Subsidence cases investigated, insurance claims mediated & processed. 653 733 066 or email mrmpaddon@hotmail.com or find further information at www.surveyorscostablanca.com

Page 49 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 TRANSLATOR AND INTERPRETER English/Spanish. All legal, medical and business matters. Covering the Costa Blanca. Contact: 658 957 404 or ejbtranslations@gmail.com 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.

S I M P LY D O O R S F a m i l y r u n business our products range from external Doors, internal doors, sliding wardrobe doors, upvc windows and conservatories tel 96 671 8738 or 671 260 204. www.simplydoors.es GLAZE N SAVE convert your single glazed windows and doors to double glazed units without changing the frames. Very cost effective and a clean process. This is not secondary glazing. For more information call Gary on 662 455 960 or 96 671 2832 email gary@glazensave.es. Web: www.glazensave.es SPANISH INSURANCE: for all your insurance needs in English. Home, health, travel, motor, funeral cover, community, business. Tel: 96 673 0694. www.spanish-insurance.net Offices in San Javier and Quesada.

BUILDING WORK All types of small or large building work undertaken including bathroom and kitchen refits, patios & terraces, painting, pool repairs, extensions and underbuilds, plumbing and electrics.

Call 96 671 2832 or 662 455 960 for a free no obligation quote or email s_sconstruction@yahoo.co.uk (Costa Blanca South area).

www.femalefocusonline.com

Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020

Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020

Page 50

Services Cont.

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

COYS RENT A CAR is an independent Car Hire company operating from Alicante airport, Torrevieja and the surrounding areas. To get a quote, look at our website: www.coysrent-a-car.com

Personal PSYCHOTHERAPIST CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT Psychotherapist for the confidential treatment of anxiety and depression. Plus couples therapy.

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

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

Misc Sales

FEMALE FOCUS S.L. DOES NOT ENCOURAGE YOU TO LEAVE YOUR HOME TO PICK UP OR DELIVER ANY ITEMS FROM THE PRIVATE BUY AND SELL SECTION UNTIL LOCK DOWN IS LIFTED.

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KINGSIZE MEMORY MATTRESS. Like new, 50€, Moraria area, 679 991 065.

BICYCLE SUNDRIES. Helmet, foot pump, chain lock. All as new. 15€ each.

Orba area. Tel. 679 445 787.

PHILIPS HOSTESS TROLLEY in very good condition. Little used.

Photo available 60€. Telephone 699 842 824 Calpe BABYLISS THERMO-CERAMIC ROLLERS New boxed. 8 Large, 6 Medium, 6 Small. Clips and pins.

30€. Tel 699 842 824 Calpe.

G I R L S 2 4 i n c h M O U N TA I N BIKE, 18 speed in new, unused condition. Colour is pink. Absolute bargain at 65€. Calpe Area. peter.wythe1@gmail.com TEA SERVICE. 12 piece- Cups, Saucers, side plates. 35€. Moraria area. Tel: 679 991 065.

BRAND NEW GOLF BAG. Wilson Carry golf bag, light weight, 50€.

Moraria area. Tel: 679 991 065.

MOUNTAIN BIKE, 27 gear 60€.

Moraria area. Tel: 679 991 065.

DYSON BALL UPRIGHT VACUUM Cleaner. 50€. Moraria area. Tel: 679 991 065.

Property Services INVESTMENT PROPERTY Extended Town house La Marina (San Fulgencio). 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen /living /dining room. BBQ, 3 terraces. Close to amenities – supermarket, cafes, doctors. Close to Beach, swimming pool and airport (20 minutes). Sitting tenant available – minimum 5 years. 70,000€. Tel. 966 796 236.

SELLING YOUR PROPERTY? List with Casitas Iberica in Jávea and we will sell your house. Our exclusive listings benefit from professional internal and external photos, plus a free Virtual Tour. No Obligation Valuations. Tel: 96 579 4408 / 686 453 801. www.casitasiberica.com ACHIEVE RENTAL INCOME from your property. For more than 35 years Aguila Rent A Villa SL has specialised in holiday rentals in Javea, Denia and surroundings. Trusted and professional. 96 647 0830 Email: mail@aguilarent.com or visit www.aguilarent.com

WORD SPIRAL 1 SOLUTIONS 1. Rich 2. Harm 3. Must 4. Toot 5. Test 6. Thaw 7. Weep 8. Pals 9. Sari 10. Idea 11. Adam 12. Mend 13. Drop 14. Plea 15. Acts 16. Sole - Key word solution: POLECAT WORD SPIRAL 2 SOLUTIONS 1. Cork 2. Kite 3. Ends 4. Spud 5. Dane 6. Epic 7. Clap 8. Pork 9. Knit 10. Tone 11. Ears 12. Sofa 13. Arid 14. Dame 15. Etch 16. Hula - Key word solution: PILATES CRYPTIC CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS (page 29) Across: 1 Canoe; 4 Mislead; 8 Railing; 9 Moors; 10 Else; 11 Stubborn; 13 Stop; 14 Eddy; 16 Electric; 17 Base; 20 Prior; 21 Airport; 22 Roguery; 23 Amend.

Down: 1 Carpet-sweeper; 2 Nails; 3 Evil; 4 Mighty; 5 Somebody; 6 Economy; 7 Disinterested; 12 Post free; 13 Seeking; 15 Bigamy; 18 Alone; 19 Area.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS (page 31) Across: 7 Abacus; 8 Aboard; 10 Failure; 11 Elder; 12 Ewer; 13 Death; 17 Irate; 18 Polo; 22 Still; 23 Untried; 24 Degree; 25 Secure.

Down: 1 Tax-free; 2 Cabinet; 3 Put up; 4 Objects; 5 Handy; 6 Adorn; 9 Resentful; 14 Drilled; 15 Copious; 16 Toddler; 19 Aside; 20 Ridge; 21 Steel.

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

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Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020

Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020

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Female & QF Focus Magazine April 2020

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