Focus On Costa Blanca North June 2022

FR E

E

JUNE 2022

COSTA BLANCA NORTH

Serving the community since 1993

DRIVING Mobile Phone Mounts - the dos and don'ts

WHAT'S ON Forthcoming events and places to visit this month

PUZZLES Crossword, Sudoku, word search ......

Focus On Costa Blanca Magazine June 2022

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Don’t be dazzled this summer…. We have the answer….

P

olarising sunglasses contain lenses designed to reduce light glare from surfaces such as water, sand, or flat surfaces like a road. When sunlight is reflected from these surfaces into your eyes, it can distort the true colour and shape of objects, making them harder to distinguish. This light glare can dazzle the eyes, which can cause discomfort, pain, or sometimes short-term visual impairment.

Prior to moving to Spain, many expats may not have noticed a Come and see polarisation for yourself, with no obligation. particular sensitivity to sunlight. However, if you ever experience At Specsavers Opticas, symptoms of light sensitivity (known as photophobia) during sunny we provide expert eye days at the beach, or on the golf course, or whilst driving, a pair of care advice, helping polarising sunglasses could well help you distinguish objects much you keep your eyes better and, considering the big improvements that you could enjoy healthy. by using them, polarising sunglasses are not expensive.

As well as protecting How do polarising sunglasses work? your eyes from the Polarising lenses contain a sun by reducing the special chemical layer which impact of glare on acts as a filter for light. The the eyes, polarised molecules of this layer are sunglasses may benefit arranged to partially block people with cataracts, some of the light from passing photophobia, or other through the lens. Much like specific eye conditions. a shutter blind, they only let In particular, polarised sunglasses are likely to help people who light through the gaps in- like to drive, fish, sail, read, play golf or relax by the pool, making between the molecules. This it easier for you to get on with the activities you enjoy. means that only light rays that Just visit your nearest store to talk with one of our Englishapproach your eyes vertically speaking opticians, or book in for an eye test. At the moment we can fit through those openings, have our 2 For 1 offer, so you could have 1 pair of clear lenses and and horizontal light waves 1 pair of sunglasses, with the sunglasses having polarised lenses reflected from the sea, road, or at little extra cost. smooth sand will be blocked.

As a result, the image you see Specsavers Opticas Jávea, Avda del Pla, 125. with polarising lenses is a bit Tel: 966 463 420. See advert below for darker than usual, but objects opening times. look clearer and the details can be much easier to see.

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Focus On Costa Blanca Magazine June 2022

How wonderful that people can travel again Let’s hope this carries on and we don’t have a return to the restrictions and paperwork.

Hopefully there will be a lot more appreciation and realisation of what we had before Covid-19.

I am delighted to inform you that we are working with a very successful travel insurance provider and we at Jennifer Cunningham Insurance can give you a no obligation quotation if you are a resident in Spain, with single trip and annual cover to meet your needs.

Single Trip Travel Insurance is for up to 180 Days, (31 days maximum for over 65s), available up to age 79 and there are discounts for Couples & Families.

Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance has a choice of 17, 32, 45, 90 Days, with 3 Levels of Cover up to age 79, and discounts for Couples & Families.

With three levels of cover to choose from – Silver, Gold and Platinum, with varying levels of sums insured depending upon your travel needs, you have the choice to fit the insurance to your travel requirements.

Our standard travel insurance also includes cancellation, medical and repatriation, personal accident, baggage and personal effects, money, cards and documents.

There are additional cover options, the most popular of which are: - Covid-19 – This optional extension is useful if you wish to be covered for Covid-19 before and whilst on a trip.

- Winter Sports – if you are participating in winter sports whilst on holiday.

- Pre-Existing medical Conditions.

Europesure do not cover all pre-existing medical conditions, however, there are many conditions that are covered. It is not necessary to complete a medical questionnaire. Contact us and we can provide more information.

My advice to you is to go nowhere without insurance and to find out more, and have everything explained to you fully, contact one of the offices.

For more information or a quotation, telephone one of my offices, email info@jennifercunningham.net or visit the website, www.jennifercunningham.net.

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We are going to see Madness at the end of this month in Murcia - this was booked for 2020 but of course cancelled until this year. It really is amazing how much we took so many things for granted, needless to say I can't wait.

Gorgeous granddaughter has got a tiara - sorry a crown - to wear with one of her festera dresses. When darling daughter collected it, it was something similar to the moment Amy was given a tiara in The Big Bang Theory - if you haven't seen it then I'm sure you can find it online. I'm not sure who is enjoying it more....

Whatever you are doing this month make sure you stay hydrated and slap on the sun tan lotion. Summer is definitely here. Until next time, take care and be kind. y

Lesle

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

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

To discuss your advertising needs in Focus on Costa Blanca North or QFocus Magazine (covering the southern Costa Blanca), contact your local representative:-

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

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

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The N-332 are a group of Spanish Traffic Police Officers who decided to create a Facebook group to inform all ex-pats and tourists about Spanish traffic laws as they think it is unfair to fine them for breaking rules they didn't know about. You can find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DrivingSpain/ and follow them to keep up to date as they only share official information.

Let's put the misconceptions about mobile phone mounts in vehicles to rest!

N332 sent us (Torrevieja Translators) an interesting TikTok from a driving instructor and a Guardia Civil officer about a topic that has caused much confusion over the past few years. The misunderstanding stems from people hearing / being told that they can not use phone mounts in vehicles if they are not DGT authorised mounts, and that mounts with suction cups are prohibited. There are stories from individuals stating that they have received fines for using unauthorised mobile phone mounts.

This leads to the question: Does the DGT have authorised phone mounts, and if so, which are they?

Firstly, we should clarify that there is no such thing as a 'DGT authorised' mobile phone mount, the reason that people have received fines has been misunderstood or lost in translation. The problem doesn't lie with the phone mounts as such, it's more a matter of where the mounts were placed and the effect it may have on the field of view of the driver.

According to article 13, section 2 of the 06/2015 traffic and road safety law: "The driver of a vehicle is obliged to maintain their own freedom of movement as well as the necessary field of vision and permanent attention to driving, to guarantee their own safety, that of the rest of the occupants of the vehicle and that of other road users." So, if an officer deems the placement of your mobile phone to be restricting your field of view or may distract your attention from the road, you could receive sanctions of up to 200€ and 6 penalty points, even if you are not operating the device when pulled over. There are many different kinds of mounts for mobile phones, that doesn't mean all of them are considered legal in Spain. While the DGT does not specify or authorise the use of any particular, which is where the confusion comes from, you should use your best judgment. While suction cup windscreen mounted holders are not prohibited, it's important to not place them in the centre of the windscreen, thus reducing your field of view. Other mounts considered dangerous are ones that attach below the rearview mirror and those that can be mounted into the steering wheel. While these can be purchased, it is argued that these will cause a distraction and lead to a shift in concentration away from the road. The recommended (but also not 'DGT authorised') kinds of mounts are those that are installed in the air-conditioning vents just below the windscreen, as they do not block the view out of the windscreen.

Take a look at the TikTok from the driving instructor and the Guardia Civil officer, who goes into more detail about the matter: https://www.tiktok.com/@educ.../video/7091360022449474822. We hope that everyone can now put the confusion to rest and rely on common sense when purchasing mobile phone mounts. Sources: https://boe.es/.../2021/12/21/pdfs/BOE-A-2021-21006.pdf https://www.boe.es/.../2015/BOE-A-2015-11722-consolidado.pdf & https://www.xatakamovil.com/.../no-existen-soportes-para...

Road Safety is a thing for everyone. Drive responsibly!

SUPPORT LOCAL SHOP LOCAL SPEND LOCAL

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Focus On Costa Blanca Magazine June 2022

Financial Advice from our family to yours There are certain jobs (not just in the financial sector) which require companies to be regulated to legally carry out their roles.

Being a financial adviser is one of them.

Individuals could be forgiven to presume that any financial advisory firm advertising in magazines, newspapers or on the radio are fully licensed and regulated – unfortunately, that is not always the case.

Regulations and licences are vitally important as they provide clients with a level of protection, not only when advice is given, but also post advice should recommendations ever be deemed inappropriate.

Equally important, however, is that the individual you are dealing with is fully qualified to act as a financial adviser. The UK has tightened its laws in recent years meaning that advisers now must obtain level 4 status (Diploma level) before they are able to give advice. This requirement has not yet reached the Spanish coastline, but it should hopefully only be a matter of time.

At Logic, we are proud to have two fully qualified, Diploma status advisers in Ian and George. This provides our clients with peace of mind that we continue to build our family- run business for the longterm; to be sustainable, licenced and regulated moving through the generations. Clients have certainty with who they are dealing with and know exactly who is going to turn up at every review meeting. You don't always get this stability with other companies who have a high turnover of staff.

We can offer advice on any aspect of financial planning but the main areas we typically cover are as follows: - Explanation of Residency & Tax Residency here in Spain.

- Tax efficient investments solutions for Spanish tax residents.

- Flexible pension product solutions.

- Cross-border tax planning.

- Highlighting differences between the UK and Spanish tax systems.

- Holistic financial analysis/ planning to cover an individual or couple's overall position.

The events over the last few years have created several questions, especially for individuals who have recently moved here or who are considering a move over to Spain. Processes which we were used to have changed and will no doubt continue to change moving forward.

If you have any questions or would like clarification on any doubts you may have, then please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to assist.

● Logic Financial Consultants are fully regulated & licensed 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 24, 1B, Jávea.

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

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YOUR ASTRONOMICAL TELESCOPE - YOUR QUESTIONS - THE LAST PART I seem to have opened a little bag of worms when I started answering questions. Last month I answered the main ones I'd had, then I got some more, so here are the rest.

Next month I'm putting this subject to bed and I'm going to describe what our astronomy group actually gets up to, you might be surprised!

Q. Why do the stars twinkle?

A. This is a surprisingly good question. The shimmering of a star is caused by our atmosphere, sometimes movements in the air can make the light bend a fraction before it gets to us on the ground.

We call it atmospheric refraction because it sounds posher! There's a separate thing when looking at stars etc that astronomers call 'seeing', and that's another phenomena.

Q. What is 'Seeing' when looking at the sky?

A. Simple once you know, it’s how steady or stable the air is, any turbulence in the air will spoil a view of what you're looking at. Common problems with poor seeing are observing clouds on Jupiter and sand storms on Mars, they're indistinct at the best of times, poor seeing makes it much worse.

A common mistake beginners make is to take their telescope or binoculars on to roof terrace, the heat of the building makes the air shimmer which limits what you can see.

Q. What is dark matter?

A. The most honest answer to this is, Blessed if I know. There are lots of ideas and experiments that sometimes make it to the papers, no one is at all sure yet, but hopefully we'll know in a few years.

Q. So why do we know that dark matter exists?

A. The short answer is gravity, just as gravity makes the Moon orbit the Earth, and Earth orbit the Sun, everything else in the

universe is pulled by gravity. The problem is that there isn't enough solid matter to give anywhere near enough gravity to make things behave as they do.

There has to be something else at work, something we can't see, so we call it dark matter. It's rather amazing when you think about it, all the things about the universe we don't understand.

Q. How many stars are there?

A. Oh dear, the numbers are rather big, so big that they don't really fit in our experience of things. Our galaxy, a huge whirlpool of stars has around 300 billion stars, I can just about cope with that, the problem is the number of galaxies that exist. The current estimate is 2 trillion galaxies, so multiply that by our 300 billion stars, you work it out, I'm not going to fill these articles with all the zeros in that number for the next few months!

The best answer I've ever heard was from Carl Sagan, when asked how many stars there were, he said 'plenty'.

Right, that really is enough questions, if you are interested come and join our group, we're a sociable lot, and only slightly barmy!

Charles Oates,

up.

Vega Baja Astronomy Gro

● To find out more about observing and astronomy, email us at vegabaja.astronomygroup@gmail.com.

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Focus On Costa Blanca Magazine June 2022

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FITNESS TIP OF THE MONTH

Looking to Get Fit? We’ll Get You Started

by Animae Fitness @ Altea Golf

At Animae, we always conduct a thorough interview with new clients so we can get to know them and help them get fit. But don't think this is a casual chat, it's a very serious and vitally important foundation to what we do. In doing this, we consider the why, what and how. Of course, we're here to help you with the "how", but unless you know "why" you're doing this and "what" your goals are, the "how" is impossible to know.

There are many reasons "why". It might be that you want to lose weight through getting fit, either for a specific event or a lifestyle change. It might be for medical reasons, or a number of other things.

The "what" is your goal. What exactly do you want to achieve and what are the time frames around that. This may remind you of so called SMART goals. If you can be Specific, Measurable, Achievable Realistic and Timebound, you're more likely to get there.

At Animae, we take all that into account, and assess where you are now. We can then work out a plan to get you from now to your future goals, identifying which work-out regimes work best, how much you might need a personal trainer and how to keep on track of your goals.

If you want a modern gym, with personal trainers, in a stunning setting (of Altea golf), then book a free consultation and find out for yourself if we're right for you.

Alicante twins starring on Netflix

Twin brothers Juan and Fernando Monzo are starring in a new youth series on Netflix, Cielo Grande (in English it is called Secrets of Summer). It has already proved so popular that a second series has been confirmed.

Based in Argentina, Cielo Grande combines action, mystery, romance and endearing musical moments. It tells the story of a group of teenagers who work to save an old hotel lost in the middle of the Argentine Delta. Cielo Grande brings together childhood memories, family secrets and unforgettable moments in the middle of an exciting wakeboarding competition.

In the series, the 18-year-old Monzo twins from Alicante play themselves and even keep their own names. They play twin influencers and singers who were born in Spain but are touring the world with their manager Matrix (Mariel Percossi).

Summoned by Luz Aguilar (Abril Di Yorio) to promote the wakeboarding competition and the hotel, they befriend Ian Navarro (Byron Barbieri), who is also a social media content creator, and will share their adventures in the Argentine Delta with all his followers. Meanwhile Matrix approaches Noda (Agustín Pardella), the hotel receptionist, who is involved in some secrets.

As well as following the initial 11 episodes on Netflix, you can listen to the songs from the series on all digital platforms including YouTube. You can follow the Alicante twins on Instagram @twinsmonzo and TikTok @twinsmonzo The Monzo Twins are also developing a musical career and are working with the renowned vocal coach, Ezequiel Fernanz (IG @ezequielfernanz25).

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Focus On Costa Blanca Magazine June 2022

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Focus On Costa Blanca Magazine June 2022

How to select a great hairbrush This can be a difficult choice!

How many brushes have you selected, bought on a whim in a supermarket or online?

Then, got home, tried it out and it’s not been the correct size? Or the bristles were too sharp and cut through to your scalp let alone your hair? Or you curled your hair around the brush and then had a panic attack when it got stuck? Through the fear of having to cut that brush out of your hair! (And probably blaming your partner for disturbing you or rushing you out the door!) Maybe the brush just didn’t properly pick up your hair, maybe it was too big or too small.

It’s a mine field choosing that right brush to suit your hair needs and your ability to use it. Yet a brush is so important, if you’re spending a fortune on hair shampoos, conditioners, treatments and styling products to safeguard your hair, the last thing you want to do is damage it with the wrong brush.

So, from detangling to styling, here are some tips from MimisKru. Synthetic bristles: help to detangle hair.

Boar bristles: soft and help to smooth the cuticle within your hair, leaving a shine. Great for thin fragile hair as they are less harsh. Help to create blood flow within the scalp. I recommend a paddle brush or flat brush for long hair, or a round boar bristle brush for styling.

Nylon bristles: perfect for styling and detangling especially when they are made around a ceramic aluminium tube, help to reduce frizz and create a great wave when heat of a hairdryer is applied, setting on a cooler heat maintains the shape of the wave to stay longer.

Wooden bristles: work great on brushing thick dry hair.

A wide tooth detangle brush is recommended for very curly hair, best combed whilst wet to allow to dry into its natural wave.

All these brushes are available to buy at MimisKru hair and beauty or their online shop: wonderwaves.es ● Local 12, Edificio Caribe, Av del Pla 129, Jávea. Tel 965 793 584. www.mimiskruhairandbeauty.com Facebook Mimiskru.

See our advert on the Horoscopes page.

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Safe weight loss help Whether you are obese or just want to lose a little of that belly fat before the summer, now available is a new revolutionary Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved treatment by form of injections, that can help you do just that.

These injections have great health and weight loss benefits for both diabetic patients and those who do not suffer with the disease, but just want to kick start their metabolism into weight loss mode. With patients suffering with type 2 diabetes, the treatment can substantially lower the blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, or in some cases death.

Advice from a Nutritionist is also very beneficial when receiving the injections, as they can advise and personalise a suitable diet plan for the maximum results to be achieved. Proper nutrition is essential to healthy living, successful weight loss and the overall well-being of the body.

If you have always suffered with your weight or want to see if this treatment is suitable for you then contact your GP who can organise for a simple stool or blood tests to be taken. The results can diagnose if there are any underlying problems such as Gut Dysbiosis which if left untreated can significantly hinder weight loss.

● Clinica Britannia, Ejércitos Españoles 16, 1st Floor, Calpe.

Tel 965 837 553 or 607 255 755 24 hours a day - 365 days a year.

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Focus On Costa Blanca Magazine June 2022

Members of the Amigos Europeos de Javea are very lucky – You can join them today

The Asociacion Amigos Europeos de Javea is a private emergency service available 24/7 for all 365 days of the year covering almost all of Costa Blanca North. Their ambulances are akin to Mobile Intensive Care Units, and can mean the difference between life and death.

This month they are celebrating their 22nd Anniversary and are currently providing peace of mind to over 4000 families in the Marina Alta area.

This announcement is from the President and members of the Board: The ASOCIACION Amigos Europeos de Javea would like to inform all its members and residents of the Marina Alta that since its creation more than 22 years ago it has carried out some 45,000 services of various kinds, both at a regional, national and international level. At the International level, England together with Germany, Holland, Belgium and France are the countries to which we have made the most international transfers. It fills us with a great sense of satisfaction to have 4,295 FAMILIES who have signed up to our Association, and who trust in our trusting professionalism and the good work that we do everyday.

We would also like to thank all the former and current members of the Board of the Association whose efforts have enabled our service to continue despite the economic difficulties that are being overcome daily.

We also want to thank all the Town Halls, Hospitals and Clinics of the Marina Alta and Baja that have trusted us by establishing agreements, all the Insurance Companies that also ask us for our services, as well as different Clubs and Associations.

And of course, all this would not have been possible without the great effort and professionalism of all of our wonderful staff past and present throughout the years.

We hope to continue offering our services to the whole community for many more years.

If you would like to join the association and be protected by this valuable and worthwhile service then please see our advert alongside. Membership is just €60 for a whole year for a whole family.

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Another Amazing Event! We did it again! THANK YOU it was so good to be back with another incredibly successful Show!

Post Show praise and feeling very proud of what was achieved by everyone involved at the spring 2022 Homes Gardens and Lifestyle event at the Villa Gadea Hotel, Altea last month. 9 months in the making after being halted for over 2 years the buzz was incredible with this year’s cast of exhibitors, sponsors, show chefs, speakers, local artists, and our tapa trailing restaurants - they were all outstanding, putting in time, love and energy to deliver another informative, creative and inspiring event showcasing products and services for our international community. Give it up for them all with a huge round of applause! And also to all the visitors who came out in their droves to support the event with our local businesses, established and new.

GM Promotions Show Director Gina Marks said ‘I was delighted with how many people really love and value this event, and how missed it had been for all. The buzz was electric and seeing the joy it brings to everyone knowing how much it helps and supports the local businesses and economy is very important to GM Promotions core values, great satisfaction again that the exhibitors did so well and how everyone made many more new connections to generate future business. There were a few more challenges thrown into the mix this time, a wet Wednesday for part of set up and an unusual car parking challenge caused by another event, of a child’s music fiesta below the hotel on Saturday unbeknown to us and the hotel. Apologies if you had to walk a little further than normal this time!

But it did not stop the crowds of visitors coming to enjoy this impressive community event and the sunshine arrived just in time for Showtime too!

Time for praise and thank yous to this year’s Show team Fred Walton, Usha Rignall, Justine Rowlinson, Sue Nutbrown, our main media sponsors Female Focus Publications, feature sponsors, Avalon and 5 Real Estate, all our exhibitors, our media sponsors, Lady Jazz, the Villa Gadea Hotel and staff, our chefs and speakers, the tapa trailing restaurants, our charity helpers and also praise and thanks to our 28 participating local artists who featured in the Art Gallery feature.

The proceeds of the super hamper charity raffle have been divided with 204.00€ each going to support the homeless via Project 4 All and the Albir Foodbank. The entry fees of the Art Gallery have been donated to The Guardian Angels single parent family charity and the DAR Asociacion, helping Ukrainian refugees and TUFAS sold a considerable number of plants raising donations for their animal charity.

The visitors chose their most popular artworks in the Art Competition to be 1st place by Congratulations to Ellie Villalaba, Connie Engelfriet with ‘ Golden Girl’ and 2nd place for Larisa Klibanskaya with ‘Mi Torro’ the winner of the Exhibitors Prize Long awaited joy, fun and sun was had by all once again at this, our 11th edition and we Draw sponsored by Female Focus are feeling so grateful to be back!……. Watch this space for our future events! More news Publications and seen here with Alan coming soon. Meanwhile if you visited us …. THANK YOU. If you could not make it this who presented her with the prize. time hope to see you at one of our future events.

For more information see www.gmpromotions.es Tel 695 399 841 and FB Homes Gardens and Lifestyle Show.

U3A Calpe News A very successful Coffee Morning was held recently at U3A Calpe's new home in Edificio Santa Marta, courtesy of LAFMA. Well over fifty members came along to enjoy coffee and free cakes, courtesy of the enthusiastic bakers on the Committee! At future events it is hoped to showcase new and existing U3A activities. Next month, the President will be introducing a demonstration of the game of Rummikub, in the hope that a new group for this can be established.

At the meeting, new Groups Coordinator Jim Stamden was introduced to members. Jim joined the Committee last November, but has also worked on the committee of another local organisation for some time. Jim has agreed to take over the vacant post of Groups Coordinator and will be working with all group leaders to support them in the activities they make available to members. Jim is also keen to increase the number of group activities available to members, and already has three potential new groups in the pipeline. He is anxious to hear from members about the activities that they would like U3A Calpe to offer. Please contact Jim at groupscoordinator@u3acalpe.org.

Her Majesty the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Celebration

U3A Calpe is delighted to be associated with Her Majesty the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Celebration, being organised by Julia Phillips, at the Club de Tenis, Calpe on Friday 3 June from 2pm. This event, celebrating a unique milestone in Her Majesty's long reign, offers a Cava reception and toast, buffet lunch, a special Jubilee cake, live music from the ALL STARS and a Kenny Rogers tribute act, together with a raffle in aid of Cruz Roja, of which Her Majesty is a Patron. Places are limited, so please contact U3A member Dorothy, for further information or to purchase tickets. Dorothy's email details are: dorothy_warner2@yahoo.co.uk.

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Focus On Costa Blanca Magazine June 2022

The new shopping experience in Jávea!

Beautiful clothes from EU 42/44 (UK 14/16)

If like me you are sick and tired of searching for your size and then it never fits anyway, a 16 in one shop a 20 in another, XXXL!!!, clothes to cover your shape but hardly anything stylish, the same experience time and time again, it’s boring and soul-destroying, well enough was enough! I decided, after talking to so many ladies in my work as a hairdresser who felt the same way, to open my own store!

My mission is to find clothes from size 42/44 (UK/14/16) that provide women with curves a shopping experience where they can find their own unique style and be part of a community.

Where they are not defined by numbers and they feel equal, beautiful, comfortable, elegant whatever their style. At Sé Tú we are not followers of fashion; it is all about your style and for you to be comfortable in what you wear.…to just be you!

Sé Tú is taking back the reins; we provide clothes that reflect a love of life, to be seen in all our beauty, elegant, bold, comfortable and just downright beautiful clothes and accessories. But this isn’t where we stop, gosh no, we have ripped up the definition of size!

Our labelling reflects colour and not size, we are all beautiful as all colours are beautiful, so we are labelling our clothes with colour, it’s not complicated and we will be there to guide you on your first visit, you enter a new way of shopping at Sé Tú.

Find us on Avenguida Trenc d’Alba,13 which is the same road as Mercadona (Old Town/Pueblo), plenty of parking in that area or strides from Parking Portal del Clot. @setujavea

www.setujavea.com

Our Ethos: Sé Tú is positive, caring and innovative; everyone should look and feel beautiful, no matter what their size or shape. Each one of us is special, we all deserve to be treated equally. We will be bold and courageous to make sure that each one of our customers has this choice. We’re here to set your style free, allowing you to be bold, elegant, confident, stylish, and special every day.

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If you have stage fright but still wish to perform, come and learn MODERN JIVE / CEROC and discover your strictly hidden talent. Classes have re-started in Jávea at Isla Bonita / Jávea Karting every Thursday 8pm with dance supremes Martin and Carol. Beginners and intermediate class. Tel 96 588 2119 Martin for information or just turn up. We try to match evenly girls and the boys if possible please...so dig out your dancing shoes and come give it a go!

The Entertainers June 2022 Programme

The very popular local group, The Entertainers, had a successful programme in May which included a concert for Ukraine on behalf of Moriara/Teulada U3A. Their provisional programme for June is set out hereunder.

Saturday 18 June – Charity Show at El Cid, Beniarbeig starting at 7-30pm for Jalon Valley Help.

Thursday 30 June – Charity Concert for SCAN at Los Arcos.

Check the relevant websites for booking details. We hope to see many of you there.

CANCER CARE (LENWYN NURSES) SPEAK AT MOFTAG GENERAL MEETING Jayne Nuttal Blake and Carole Hicks from Cancer Care (Lynwen Nurses), Costa Blanca were invited as guestspeakers at the MOFTAG general meeting in May. MOFTAG had donated a special care bed to Cancer Care in January of this year after one of their members had brought to their notice the amazing work they do for people diagnosed with cancer.

One could say they are the equivalent of the MacMillan nurses in England and it is truly amazing what they have established in such a short time.

Moftag will certainly be supporting them with equipment and supplies that they need.

For more information contact them direct on 722 684 093 or email nursecancercarejavea@gmail.com or visit their website www.cancercarejavea.org

U3A Moraira-Teulada raises over €3,500 for Ukraine Fund-raising efforts by members of U3A Moraira-Teulada in May have raised over €3500 to help people of Ukraine. The monies raised will be donated to charities helping the people in Ukraine Concert for Ukraine - On 10 May, a concert was held in La Senieta, starring The Entertainers, a local group of singers and musicians who are all volunteers, and who perform exclusively in aid of charities. The audience were amazed at the professionalism of this group. They lived up to their name and delighted their audience with a wide range of songs including ballads and some very wellknown dance music.

Everyone had a great night, and the generosity of members helped U3A Moraira-Teulada to raise over €3250 from this event alone.

Europe Day cake stall Fundraising efforts by U3A Moraira-Teulada members also included a cake stall at the Europe Day celebrations in Font Santa on 7 May which raised 260€ from sales of cakes made by members. The stall was run

by Cindy Hinton, and helped by Lorene Hogan, Lynn Radford Johnson, and Rose Aghdami.

MOFTAG RAISES THE BANNER FOR THEIR SPRING FAIR Don’t miss the Concert at the Cave Moftag members raised

Imagine a warm summer’s evening as the sun goes down, sitting in the huge and wonderfully acoustic entrance to the Cueva de las Calaveras in Benidoleig, listening to 30 strong, male voices, singing songs such as Rhythm of Life, Bohemian Rhapsody and Bring Him Home, as well as classics such as Va Pensiero and the stirring Welsh hymn Men of Harlech. Once again this year the Costa Blanca Male Voice Choir will be performing their popular Concert at the Cave on June 17 and 18 starting at 8.30pm. The box office is now open and tickets priced 12.50€ can be booked online at www.costablancamalevoicechoir.com – but hurry, the performances are always sold out.

the banner for their Spring Fair on Saturday 14 May at Pub Delfin in Calpe.

The venue has become synonymous with Moftag’s fund raising fairs twice a year. The results were once again overwhelming with a total of 2669€ being raised. Nearly half of that came from the raffle alone, for which Moftag prides itself on a host of good prizes.

However, without the generosity of super donations for the raffle and the loyalty of the people who come along to the fair none of this would be possible, and for that Moftag is extremely grateful to local businesses and residents.

Moftag will be using the money to assist local charities in their needs during the year and is in regular contact with the Red Cross, Maite Boronat Day Centre and Caritas. Another association that Moftag is now supporting is Cancer Care (Lynwen Nurses).

In addition to this Moftag provides social activities for its members and meets up on a weekly basis. If you would like to know more about the longest running Charity Club in Calpe please contact the president Jenny Godfrey at 639 139 518.

New members are always welcome.

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Focus On Costa Blanca Magazine June 2022

Come and Celebrate the

Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

with a traditional Garden Party at our New Rooftop Bar

Here at Black Flame we are constantly making improvements, and we are delighted to announce that our latest adventure has been the renovation of our large Rooftop Terrace.

We wanted somewhere to be able to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in an appropriate fashion, and needed a larger garden so we have created the perfect area to be able to host a Garden Party to celebrate the Jubilee and the opening of our new space.

The event will be from 3pm on Saturday 4th June and we will be serving a traditional Afternoon Tea with Coronation Chicken and Cucumber sandwiches, Mini Fish and Chips, Scones with Clotted Cream and Jam, Victoria Sponge, Tea and Cava. All this for only 18€ for 2 people.

Happy Hour from 5pm to 6pm with Pimms and Gin and Beer Specials. Cocktails available too.

The evening BBQ will be served from 7pm (tickets still available) With Live Music from Joe Wilkinson from 6pm, the afternoon and evening promise to be a true celebration of all things British.

See our advert alongside for contact details.

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES SHOP LOCAL SPEND LOCAL BUY LOCAL

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LEGACY OF THE CELTS Castro de Santa Tecla

WHAT IS A CASTRO – THESE STRANGE CIRCULAR BUILDINGS HUDDLED CLOSE TOGETHER? A Castro is a village inhabited from the 1st century BC, lacking straight streets or corners. The road network and houses were all circular. The earliest circular houses at Santa Tecla were made solely from straw-mud; the latest, which can be seen today, were built with masonry. The roof was made of branches and mud set over long poles, wigwam style. There was no central support pole. Castro’s were located in naturally protected areas; high up, near rivers or small peninsulas, close to water sources, arable land, and even higher areas for grazing livestock.

Castro de Santa Tecla are well-preserved ruins. Two buildings have been rebuilt to give an idea of how people lived here. According to historians, houses and entire villages were built in round shapes since, according to their Celtic mythology, there were no corners to hold spirits.

Santa Tecla is an archaeological site located on the Santa Tecla mountain, close to the municipality of La Guardia. From here you can see Spain, Portugal, the mouth of the Mino estuary and the Atlantic Ocean. At 344 meters high, it is a privileged place to be.

However, on this cool Atlantic coast and because of its height, there is a lot of fog around.

Castro de Santa Tecla was inhabited an exceedingly long time ago but went into decline leading up to 4th century AD, these dates being established from materials found in various archaeological digs. Its inhabitants were dedicated mainly to agriculture, livestock, fishing, and shell fishing. Fields were cultivated one kilometre away from the Castro, although aerial photography has shown terraced areas in the forest that perhaps were used for planting crops.

No ditches, parapets or embankments have been found indicating little need for defence. Perhaps its strategic location in the mountain, next to the mouth of the Mino river, was enough to feel safe. This Castro also enjoyed a system for channelling rainwater through drains carved into the rock under the pavement of its circular streets.

Wandering around this site, between circular houses with no obvious streets, may seem a bit chaotic. But look for petroglyphs! What is that you may well ask? Scattered around Santa Tecla are remains of previous occupiers, probably from 2000 BC, as evidenced by various rock engravings, many of them underneath Castro houses.

Find all the Spanish words from the word list in the puzzle grid. Words may be found going forwards, backwards, up, down or diagonally. Answers can be found in the back of the magazine. Good Luck.

This place was abandoned until the ruins were re discovered in 1862. Now all you have to do is get there. But a warning, although accessible by car almost to the top of the hill, there is not a lot of parking. A walk up a road, then a track, and even a long flight of steps, is necessary to enter the site.

PLACE

YET ANOTHER CASTRO IS TO BE FOUND AT NEARBY BARONA. This Castro too is in a striking location, next to the sea on a peninsula. A forest, waves crashing into the sand, soaring birds and among this - a Castro. Its inhabitants lived from the sea, with a diet rich in fish and shellfish. Many hooks and fishing tools have been found.

WORD SEARCH

ABAJO - DOWN AHÍ - THERE ALLÁ - OVER THERE ALLÍ - OVER THERE AQUÍ - HERE ALREDEDOR - AROUND ARRIBA - UP ATRÁS - BEHIND CERCA - CLOSE

DEBAJO - UNDER DELANTE - IN FRONT OF DENTRO - INSIDE DETRÁS - BEHIND ENCIMA - ABOVE ENFRENTE - OPPOSITE FUERA - OUT / OUTSIDE JUNTO - TOGETHER LEJOS - FAR LUGAR - PLACE

Twenty houses were built here, family homes of different sizes, circular and oval in shape, without windows or doors. A fort too, its well-preserved entrance guarded by a double defensive wall of stone and sand, with a moat four meters wide and three meters deep which allowed defence against any attacker.

Castro Santa Tecla, Vigo, Galicia.

Map reference 41 5328 N, 8 5204 W. Barona, Ponteverda. Galicia.

Map reference 42 4135 N, 9 0108 W. This article is an extract from ‘OUT OF SIGHT SPAIN, top 150 cool places to visit.’

By local author Harry King.

216 pages. 140 colour photos.

Best value source: Book Depository.com Waterstones.com Amazon Kindle Store.

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Page 21

Water Water Everywhere

On Friday 22 April 35 members of U3A Marina Baixa travelled to the Parc Natural de l´Albufera and its large freshwater lagoon, the largest in Spain, just 10 km from Valencia. The lagoon covers an area of 2,800 hectares and is home to some 300 different species of birds throughout the year. The trip included a tour of the lagoon by boat providing an opportunity to see the wildlife close up and the picturesque thatched barraca style houses lining the shore of the lagoon. Lunch consisted of a traditional Valencia paella in the El Palmar restaurant using rice grown locally in the paddy fields surrounding the lagoon and cooked on open wood fires. The smell was awesome!

The depth of water in the lagoon is maintained at an average of 1.5 metres by a system of lock gates and the local fishermen are only permitted to fish if their parents or grandparents have fished there before them. The fishermen go out in the early evening to lay their nets and then return first thing in the morning to gather their catch, eels being very popular for the local all-i-pebre (eel stew flavoured with garlic and pepper).

After lunch the group travelled to Cullera with its impressive fortress built high above the town. It is built over the remains of a Moorish castle and dates back to the 10th century, its aim being to control the coastline and the estuary of the Júcar river. The group enjoyed a relaxing hour on the promenade of the large bay of Cullera before returning to Albir.

Sincere thanks to Margaret and Malcolm Hamer for arranging the visit in liaison with LPD Travel. Bookings are now being taken for Christmas when there are two venues on offer – one in Peñíscola and the other in Torremolinos. Both of these are likely to be very popular so early booking is advisable. Further details from the Travel Co-ordinators by email to u3amhamer@gmail.com or by phone 602 293 642 / 604 537 275.

U3A Marina Baixa meet on the 4th Monday of every month (except August and December) at the Casa de Cultura, Alfaz del Pi at 11am. New members are always welcome and membership for the year is just €10 so why not come along and see what the Association has to offer.

Focus On Costa Blanca Magazine June 2022

Birdwatchers have a field day!

Javea U3A report by Publicity Officer Ian Rogerson The Javea U3A Birdwatching Group visited four sites on Thursday 7 May, the Clot de Galvany Reserve, Santa Pola Salinas, El Pinet Reserve and El Hondo Reserve, and an excellent selection of birds was recorded.

Group Leader Nigel Bentley led members to The Clot de Galvany Reserve, where they spotted three little bittern, two males and one female.

Also there were marbled duck, white-headed duck, great reed warbler, western swamphen, at least a dozen bee-eater, redrumped swallow, sand martin, and on the lake a pair of black-necked grebe were seen displaying.

At El Pinet Reserve many flying collared pratincole were seen chasing each other. Also here, were several nesting species, including pied avocet, common tern, little tern, black-winged stilt, black-headed gull and slender-billed gull.

At El Hondo Reserve more black-necked grebe in summer plumage were seen great white egret, spoonbill, marbled duck, white-headed duck, western swamphen, whiskered tern and redknobbed coot with chicks.

However, the highlight here was a little crake, a rare species in Spain – see photograph.

In all, 57 bird species were recorded during the day.

Picture 1: U3A Birdwatching Group leader Nigel Bentley, right, receives a special award from President Claude Grealy for being the longest-serving U3A group leader.

Picture 2: A rare little crake spotted at El Hondo Reserve.

Visit www.u3ajavea.com for more information on joining one of the many U3A groups.

Calpe U3A Ladies Dining

J.U.G.S.

The latest ladies lunch took place on the 12 May at Restaurant Bistro Calentura Calpe, 30 ladies attended. A great time was had by all. The food and service were excellent. A big thank you to all the staff at the Centro Bristo. Our next Ladies Lunch is Planned for 9 June (venue yet to be decided). If you would like to join the ladies who lunch; for the company and the laughter please contact Anita by email on tinka.tinkabel@yahoo.com. www.u3a.org

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Page 22

Adopt a

Focus On Costa Blanca Magazine June 2022

Pet

If you have spare time on your hands please contact your local pet charity to see how you can help out. They are always in need of more volunteers to walk the dogs, stroke the cats, meet the horses or help with cleaning out the kennels and stables. If you have an idea for fund raising they would love to hear from you.

Cookie, seated, and Bonito are perfect pooches, both good with other dogs, cats and children, house trained and well behaved. They are good on the leash, castrated and vaccinated, ready for their forever sofas. Please contact Akira on 657 689 567 or email akirashelter@aol.com.

Frida is one of many new lovely cats. Shelter open every Sunday 10am - 12pm, whatsapp Luisa 669 376 113 for more information. Denia Cat Protection League – Aldea Felina, please visit www.aldeafelina.es

Estrella, female, Spanish Mastin, DOB 04/15, 80cm. She is a large breed but easy to walk and good with other dogs and humans alike.

She will need a home that has a secure garden as she is a bit of an escape artist! Please call 618 754 635 or visit www.apasa.eu.

Felicia is looking for a special family, because she has autism. This 8 year old girl needs to be understood and loves one on one attention. Want to know more, or about our other dogs?

Contact us on Facebook (Tanamera Rescue) or alternatively by email (stichtingtanamera@gmail.com).

Introducing Lucky, he is about 6 years old and is currently living in a family run kennels. He is a healthy boy and a happy soul. He would love to be loved. For more info please call PEPA. on 650 304 746 or email p.e.p.a.animalcharity@gmail.com.

This is Shira, She is such an affectionate, lovely 7 month old dog. She loves kissing the volunteers and needs a loving forever home.

If you are interested please visit Benidorm Animal shelter Mon-Fri 10am to 1pm or call 965 856 268.

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

Rocky is now 3 years old and after a year with us is ready for a home with an experienced owner who knows the breed well and his essential requirements.

Rocky is a Malinois, a highly intelligent breed of dog that needs both mental and physical stimulation. Please contact apropego@gmail.com or call 654 616 043.

Spot the 13 differences (answers in the classified pages)

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Valencia - a major player in the silk trade

The international silk route covers many exotic destinations, among them Constantinople Samarkand, Damascus and Beijing, but a city every bit as important to the ancient silk trade once lay much closer to home, in Valencia.

Valencian silk manufacture began in Moorish times (around the 10th century), but the most remarkable growth experienced in the industry came with the arrival of Genoese craftsmen to Spain in the early 18th century, whose advanced technology allowed the existing silk weavers to achieve an artisan specialisation in high quality silk fabrics. From the 15th to the 19th century, silk represented the most powerful industry in the city of Valencia.

Part of that trades’ legacy is the Merchants Market, also known as the Silk Exchange, and the College of High Silk Art - Silk Museum which still exists today.

In the 18th century, Valencia became the main Spanish silk centre. This was the golden century of Valencian silk. At that time, twenty-five thousand people were engaged in the silk industry in the city, which had more than four thousand looms. The town of Caircaixent was home to many silk weavers. The culture of silkworms (Bombyx mori) began in China about 5000 years ago. The ancient Chinese were the first to discover that the cocoons of a caterpillar could be unwound and the filaments woven into some of the most beautiful fabrics in the world. Silk was so highly prized that the lustrous fabrics were reserved exclusively for the royalty of China. The local weavers trade came to an abrupt end when the mulberry bushes that feed the silkworms developed a disease in the late 18th century. Thus, from the early 19th century, the production and trade in silk declined.

However, the area’s proud silk production traditions are remembered today, through some of the local festivals, such as the Fallas, where costumes represent a unique manifestation of the beauty of silk fabrics.

It is possible to visit the Silk Museum and to see textile collections and working 18th century looms. The Museum houses the largest European archive of the silk trade and an interesting shop selling silk products. The other must-see on the route is the Silk Exchange. The Llotja de la Seda (Silk Exchange), a late Valencian Gothic style civil building built between 1482 and 1548. UNESCO nominated it as a World Heritage Site in 1996 as "the site is of outstanding universal value as it is a wholly exceptional example of a secular building in late Gothic style, which also illustrates the power and wealth of one of the great Mediterranean mercantile cities”. Its hall of columns, where dealers once haggled together is an amazing architectural sight.

The city’s other museums reflect the importance of silk items in the National Ceramics Museum, housed in a splendid example of Spanish Baroque architecture. The L’Íber Museum of Lead Soldiers, in Malferit Palace, has a room devoted to the silk route. The Cathedral Museum displays religious garments made of silk, and exceptional paintings in the Museum of Fine Arts depict figures in luxurious silks, underlining the value of the silk industry to Valencian history. The city also has Europe’s largest archives relating to silk, and important collections of 18th century silk textiles and looms.

It is still possible to walk the local silk route, either independently or as part of a guided tour. The guided tour takes approximately two hours and is available in English and Spanish. Booking is available on Valencia’s tourism website.

By Rhona Wells - rhonawells@hotmail.com

www.femalefocusonline.com

Focus On Costa Blanca Magazine June 2022 Page 24 Oliva Drama: The Company COSTA BLANCA NORTH staged a very successful variety show on April 30, raising over 300€. They are now looking at their next production for the early autumn. If you have any Note from Benny: Just as things seemed to be getting back to suggestions or if you would like normal, two items of negative news flowed through my desk. to be involved, why not contact Covid reared its ugly head again by forcing the Javea Players them? info@olivadrama.com. to cancel several performances and the singing group. Valley Phoenix Dancers: Are you Voices have been forced to close down owing to internal organising a show for charity? problems. But the good news is that Rojales Pantomime Group, If so, the Phoenix Dancers are who had casting problems earlier this year, now have a full cast ready and willing to help you. Just in rehearsals for their next production. Always a silver lining get in touch with Phaedra, their somewhere. choreographer on 965 830 980 and Caprice Ladies Choir: The choir let them know when your event is! have just completed two successful concerts, raising over 1,000€ in Sounds Familiar: total for charity. They are now The Company are starting on a new repertoire which starting rehearsals for they will be working on over the summer ready to present a a brand new musical concert in the autumn. For more information about the choir, revue and are looking contact Musical Director Aileen on 696 514 613, or check out their for new members website capriceladieschoir.com, or their Facebook page - Caprice. to join them in this fun production.

Cantãmus: The choir is looking for new Previous experience members, in all voice groups, to join them is not necessary, just a willingness to enjoy yourself and for their next set of music. They sing a have fun on stage. Sounds Familiar have been producing selection of spiritual or uplifting songs. musical shows since 2009. If you are interested in this Members are provided with all music and show, in joining the group for future productions, or tracks to learn, so you can practice at home would like more information, please go to their website at between rehearsals. Now would be a great www.soundsfamiliar.es or contact Philip on 965 581 483 or time to contact Philip on 638 734 285 or Eileen 607 706 904 and philip@soundsfamiliar.es. they will be happy to give you all the details about the choir. They rehearse on a Monday mornings from 10:45 to 13:00 and will be Vall del Pop Singers: The happy to welcome you. group are currently inviting new singers to join them on Careline Theatre: So Tuesday afternoons in Alcalalí.

Charlie & the Chocolate There is no requirement to Factory went off with a bang read music and the group sing and was a great success. a selection of popular songs.

Everyone had a super time This is a friendly group who presenting this happy show.

Next up is a comedy night in welcome new singers and is open to anybody of any October. This is something age. Please contact the group for more information at Careline does well, and valldelpopsingers@gmail.com. full details will be out in the July edition of this column. They look forward to seeing audiences in October but remember if you Valley Voices: want to direct, act, sing, or dance with this Company, contact: The Unfortunately, Valley Voices President, for more information candidawright@gmail.com. have made the Costa Blanca Male Voice very difficult Choir: There may just to decision to be time to book tickets stop meeting, for their `Concert at the rehearsing and performing. A number of different circumstances Cave´ in Benidoleig on contributed to this sad ending, but their final rehearsal was a June 17 and 18, the box joyous sing-athon fuelled by cava and cake! They are very proud office is only available of all the monies they have raised during their ten years together online at www.costablancamalevoicechoir.com. The choir will and will continue to carry on singing. then be taking a well-earned break and will be back in October with their 'Just Us' concert in Beniarbeig.

If you would like to be part of this band of Jávea Players: Al fresco tapas dinner at Bar Imperial in the old town, followed by bats in the belfry: actually, Peter and Helen’s loft. Phil Mansell has written yet another comedy, `Bats´, involving mistaken identities. Various people come to their house, whom Peter mistakes for the bat exterminator, with ensuing mayhem.

Casa de Cultura, Jávea, Thurs 29 June, Sat 2, Tues 5 and Wed 6 of July. Tickets are 19.50€ including dinner. Bookings only on-line: www.javeaplayers.com.

charitable entertainers, please email editor@femalefocusonline.com.

Deadline for copy is the 15th of the month prior to publication.

Full details of all Stage Diary entertainment groups are available online at www.femalefocusonline.com

www.femalefocusonline.com

Focus On Costa Blanca Magazine June 2022 Page 25 Here are two Sudoku puzzles of different skill levels for you to try. It is not a maths game at all - it is a pure logic game.

F i l l i n t h e g r i d s o t h a t e v e r y 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.

SUDOKU

CROSSWORD

Across

5 Herbal Italian bread (8) 7 Agitate (4) 8 Offensive (13) 9 Possessed (5) 11 Direct hit is source of pride (6) 13 World's largest economy (1,1,1) 14 Fiddle (6) 15 Invest defensively (5) 17 Unpredictable (13) 20 Price paid (4) 21 Wine and soda water (8) Down 1 Leave-taking (8) 2 Finely honed (5) 3 Largest Balearic island (7) 4 Submissive (8) 6 Globe (3) 7 The Red or the Med (3) 10 Super-intense (5-3)

12 Tiny tree chopped up for ever (8) 13 Disrobe (7) 16 Like a brainiac (5) 18 Favourite (3) 19 Type of beer (3)

See back pages for answers

Focus On Costa Blanca Magazine June 2022

Page 26

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Where to see the

Hogueras fiestA

June is a special time to be on the Costa Blanca. There’s a beach party like no other when you jump over the bonfires on the eve of San Juan. Plus there is the spectacular Hogueras fiesta with giant satirical statues, music, dancing, flower offerings and more.

On the eve of San Juan, June 23, family and friends head to the beach to light bonfires and have a party. At midnight, it is traditional to jump over the bonfires to cleanse body and soul, and to bring good luck.

Many towns also celebrate the Hogueras de San Juan fiesta, which is similar to the fallas fiesta in that giant colourful statues are built in the streets to be admired for a few days before being burnt on La Nit de la Cremà. This takes place on the night of June 24, the actual day of San Juan (John the Baptist).

The best city to see the hogueras is in Alicante itself. Other towns celebrate the fiesta on a smaller scale such as Calpe, Benidorm, Jávea, Torrevieja, Guardamar del Segura, San Juan de Alicante and San Vicente del Raspeig.

In Alicante city, more than 200 statues or monuments are planted on or around June 20. They will then be burnt, in turn, on June 24.

The festivities include mascletàs - impressive loud firecrackers - in the Plaza de los Luceros at 2pm each day, flower offerings to the Virgen del Remedio, bands playing and dancing.

The Hogueras de San Juan has its origin in the tradition of burning unwanted objects during the summer solstice. Now, elaborate statues are constructed by skilled artisans at great expense. This year the cost of materials to build the hogueras has shot up 200% with the price of wood doubling while the price of varnishes and paints has gone up 60%.

Article by Sarah Farrell - www.sarahswritestuff.com

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www.thebedcentre.com Tel: 965 836 814 695 708 101 FREE DELIVERY Gandia to Alicante

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Focus On Costa Blanca Magazine June 2022

CHANGE ONE THING

Reusable straws are now readily available to buy. Not only are they are great way to cut down on plastic, they are also cleaner and safer where germs are concerned.

Make the change today.

Is wine the "Elixir of youth"?

On the Costa Blanca, we’re surrounded by great bodegas producing flavoursome wines. But, did you know that as well as tasting fabulous, wine has many health benefits too?

Grapes are a highly-recommended food as they have purifying qualities beneficial for your health. They are great for eliminating water retention, improving oxygenation, getting rid of toxins, decreasing blood pressure and delaying the effects of aging.

Drinking wine in moderation also has health benefits but you should not drink more than 200-250cc a day and always drink wine with food.

Studies have linked wine to good cardiovascular health and a lack of high cholesterol levels or clogged arteries.

Wine is also widely used in beauty treatments. Wine therapy beauty treatments such as bathing in wine, massage and peeling - can promote regeneration and replacement of the epidermis, improve circulation, detoxify, invigorate and cleanse the skin.

Red wine is used in thermal baths, oil from grape seeds is used to massage the skin while the seeds can be used to exfoliate the skin.

Wine tourism is being widely promoted on the Costa Blanca where you can visit the different bodegas, try different varieties and pair them with the local gastronomy. Now, you can use wine for its therapeutic qualities too.

Article by Sarah Farrell - www.sarahswritestuff.com

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Page 28

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How to tell if an

artificial grass product is good quality

There are a few things that you should know when buying artificial grass. All artificial grass when you first buy it on a roll will be squashed flat, this is just because of ease of moving and storing. But if the grass is allowed access to fresh air and especially sunshine it shouldn’t take long before it starts to come to life and prick up.

If you are in a shop and looking at grass a great way to tell if a grass is any good is to fold over a corner and agitate the grass, this will make the smaller filament fibres energise and do what they are supposed to do which is help hold up the main grass fibres.

When I am showing our amazing grass collection to our clients, I always explain how a grass that feels spikier is actually better. It's easy to think that it feels spikey to your hand that is not good, but when out in the sunshine of your garden and when it's underfoot it will just feel soft and comfortable. The reason I always encourage that, especially if the client has children or heavy traffic, it is better to have a more (spikey) grass, is because the spikey feel is actually the strength of the fibres, the memory of the grass. The memory is the thing that allows the grass to return to shape after being walked on or having furniture on etc.

Next time you are looking at a grass actually try and look at the shape of the main fibres. Are the fibres curved or wave, or even have a very small ridge in the middle? This is the shape within the fibre that gives it strength. Just the same as if you take 1mm thick steel that cars are made of, if it’s a long flat piece, despite being steel it will just flop and bend. But bend it down its length and it will stay standing upright all day, as it becomes a self-supporting structure, this is why your car's shape makes it stronger. This is what our grass does. It stays strong, looks great and with no maintenance it's amazing. It keeps your garden green all year and comfortable under foot in ways you can't imagine. Make the most of the depressing spaces within your garden and turn them into an area you will love, enjoy and use all the time. Speak to the team who know the best. Artificial Grass Spain.

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The Walk Your Way Well 28 Day Challenge

- by Niamh O’Sheehan

Are you feeling a bit MEH? Have you lost your MOJO? Maybe you’re not happy with your fitness level and you don’t know where to start to get yourself back on track? I have been running a 28 Day Challenge programme in the Walk Your Way Well community and it has been bringing outstanding results.

Participation, accountability, consistency and support are some of our keywords and we work on those every day.

If you want to hit the reset button and recommit to your wellness then get in touch today.

Look at these statistics: Did you know that if you THINK about your goals and get some clarity you're 46% likely to achieve them? If you also WRITE them down that statistic rises to 56%. It's a big leap just for writing them down. And get this.... if you SHARE your goals, you're now 64% likely to achieve them. Seriously? Well, a Harvard Study says so.

Making a public declaration about what you actually want to achieve is incredibly helpful. But here's where it gets really interesting. When you report your daily or weekly progress to your ACCOUNTABILITY pod, that goes up to 76% of people hitting their goals. What a big leap from 46% from people that just think about it up to 76% when you layer on all those extra elements of accountability. And that is why accountability pods are magic!

So, aside from my exclusive daily lives, motivational material and loadsa fun support, the WhatsApp Accountability Pod is central to the success of the 28 Day Challenge. A group of like minded people, dotted all over the world, with varying levels of fitness and needs all after one thing: Self Improvement.

Are you curious? Do you want to Walk Your Way Well?

See the poster alongside for contact details.

Spot the odd one out

A

B

C

D

E

F

Focus On Costa Blanca Magazine June 2022

Robot service at the bars in Alicante

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Diners at restaurants along the emblematic Explanada and the Rambla in Alicante city centre are being served by robots. Bella, the robot waiter, can perfectly carry plates to the table and greet clients in 20 languages.

She is just one of the models developed by Elche start-up Bumerania and its founder Isidro Fernandéz. “When you go to a factory, a good part of the workers are robots. They are automated. But the social robot has not been developed yet,” said the engineer.

He had the idea of building a social robot but it wasn’t until the pandemic that he was able to work on the project. His robot waiter is the biggest success so far but Sr Fernandéz has other models such as Temi, who can help at hotel checkins and show guests to their rooms. Other robots can be used as hotel cleaners.

Temi is also the perfect companion for older people and is used in retirement homes in Barcelona and Alicante. These robots are capable of holding a conversation and monitoring the residents’ needs.

One of Bumerania’s most unusual robots is Ares, an electronic dog with 12 cameras. Ares can cope with all types of terrain - for instance, it can climb stairs - and is possible to be used for security purposes.

The robots can cost 6,000€ upwards but it is possible to rent them by the month.

Article by Sarah Farrell - www.sarahswritestuff.com

www.femalefocusonline.com

Focus On Costa Blanca Magazine June 2022

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our ARIES This will be a month of challenges with a lot of changes. Children need to be reminded of the boundaries before things get out of hand. During the second half of the month you will be full of energy to get things done.

Remember that not everyone has a much enthusiasm as you do.

TAURUS Working Taurus will find this month a hectic one as workers start finishing off projects before the holiday season starts. Love is very much in the air and you are being made to feel special by that special someone in your life. Enjoy it.

GEMINI With so many social engagements this month you are having a ball. Try not to burn the candle at both ends too many nights or it will start to take its toll.

Problems in relationships need to be addressed.

CANCER If you keep putting things off you are just going to end up in a last minute panic. If you are not confident that you can do what is asked of you, ask for help, you will soon get the hang of it.

LEO Home work balance will be tested for the next couple of months which could mean that everyone feels a bit left out. Getting everyone on board will make for a stronger team and also help lighten your load.

VIRGO An art related project will give you a new direction and you will be surprised how much you enjoy it. Family will be foremost in your mind this month, maybe a visit is in order?

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oroscope LIBRA Your home and family will be where your focus is this month. Spending time with loved ones is just what you need right now. Planning for a trip will give you something to look forward to after the hectic start to this year. You need some time to recharge those batteries.

SCORPIO With so many ideas you don’t know which one to focus on first. Maybe writing things down will enable you to see which direction to move in. Be careful of someone who is not all they appear to be you’ve had your suspicions but they will now show their true colours.

SAGITTARIUS In order for things to run smoothly this month you are going to have to tap into all the diplomacy you have. Egos and jealousy are making people over react at the drop of a hat.

CAPRICORN Nothing will get you down this month.

You are full of energy and enthusiasm for everything. This will rub off on those close to you and will give a very rewarding month all round.

AQUARIUS This will be a quiet month with no surprises in store as long as you don’t do anything rash. There will be lots of reasons to celebrate and socialise - go and enjoy them.

PISCES They say you make your own luck and you definitely seem to be doing that right now. Enjoy this wave of confidence, success and happiness, but also make sure you keep on top of things so that the wave lasts. Keep your eye on the ball and the success will continue.

HELPLINE NUMBERS HELP OF MARINA ALTA: Tel: 966 427 004 - www.helpmarinaalta.org MABS CANCER SUPPORT: Tel: 634 311 690 - www.mabscancerfoundation.com SAMARITANS IN SPAIN: Freephone 900 525 100 - pat@samaritansinspain.com ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: C. Blanca North: 648 169 045 - www.aa-costablanca.org C. Blanca South: 625 912 078 - www.aa-costablanca.org AL-ANON BENIDORM: Tel: 634 758 539.

www.femalefocusonline.com

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RENEWALS ADMINISTRATOR REQUIRED

for our busy team in the Els Poblets office, with the flexibility to work in the Jávea offices when necessary.

Position is full time, on contract. Insurance experience and Spanish preferable and must be a team player.

Please send your CV by email to Janet Knowles, accounts@jennifercunningham.net.

SUPPORT LOCAL SHOP LOCAL

Focus On Costa Blanca Magazine June 2022

Focus On Costa Blanca Magazine June 2022

Page 34

www.femalefocusonline.com

Calpe U3A

Men's Dining event

A record turnout by the gentlemen of the Calpe U3A for the recent Men’s Dining event held at restaurant Aguamarina.

Having booked a table for a generous size party, and having filled the table, more bodies just kept coming!

Sara, the proprietor, was starting to look a little stressed at one point but as the appointed time for the meal arrived, the influx steadied and with extra tables rushed into service, all was well.

Sara and her staff looked after us in her usual superb manner that we are used to, and a very jolly lunch was had by all amid much chatter.

The venue was very popular with the gentlemen present who decided that Aguamarina should become one of our regular haunts for the future.

The Men's Dining Group meets on the last Thursday of each month. If you are interested in joining us on a future occasion, drop a line to arthurandfreda@yahoo.com to be put on the mailing list. www.u3acalpe.org.

SUPPORT LOCAL SHOP LOCAL SPEND LOCAL

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

Save money on your overseas transfers. Call Sherry Fraser Currie on 966 265 072 or email sherry.f@currenciesdirect.com

I BUY RECORDS LPs, EPs, SINGLES. 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s years. Good prices paid. Tel. 962 851 809 - 622 750 117.

CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS Across: 5 Focaccia, 7 Stir, 8 Objectionable, 9 Owned, 11 Credit, 13 U S A, 14 Violin, 15 Hedge, 17 Temperamental, 20 Cost, 21 Spritzer.

Down: 1 Farewell, 2 Acute, 3 Majorca, 4 Yielding, 6 Orb, 7 Sea, 10 White-hot, 12 Eternity, 13 Undress, 16 Smart, 18 Pet, 19 Ale. ANSWER TO SPOT THE ODD ONE OUT: D

Easy

Medium

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Focus On Costa Blanca Magazine June 2022

20-25 weeks rented is not a dream

WE MAKE IT POSSIBLE Trust us with your rental property!

Aguila Villas takes care of the enquiries, bookings, payments, handling and the extensive marketing of your holiday house, villa, apartment or finca, making sure your home is rented in a profitable way.

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With more than 38 years of experience and know-how from specialising in holiday rentals of villas with private pools, holiday homes and apartments in Javea, Denia and surroundings, Aguila Villas is the best choice.

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