QFocus Magazine December 2021

Dep. Legal A-685-2016

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December 2021

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

a u o y g n i Wish s a m t s i r h Merry C from the s u c o F e l Fema s n o i t a c i l b Pu Team REVERSE CHRISTMAS CALENDAR in aid of the Elche Children's home

VICTORIA SPONGE CAKE urite

everyone's favo

SELL YOUR HOME NOW IS THE PERFECT TIME

QFocus Magazine December 2021

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YOUR FIRST TELESCOPE FOR ASTRONOMY Mention astronomy to anyone and probably the first thing they think of is someone looking through a telescope up into the heavens. Like most cliches, this is probably true, no one ever forgets the first time they are shown the Moon in real detail, or the rings of Saturn or a star cluster, I could go on.

This should be great for us amateur astronomers, more people getting hooked on our hobby, unfortunately, it often doesn't work like that. The biggest reason, as I mentioned last month is that there are some really poor instruments out there, and often these are the ones most people will see in the big stores.

Over the next few months I'll attempt to cut through a lot of the technobabble and pitfalls and give some guidance to anyone who wants to see the wonders of the universe for themselves.

The first thing I have to do is to manage your expectations.

Astronomy has been transformed in recent years by digital photography, quite normal amateurs can take photographs that are better than the best professional ones of thirty years ago. This has produced a rash of fantastic pictures with detail and colour that our eyes will never see. No matter how good a telescope is, what we see looking through it is different to the pictures.

So, what's the point of looking? It's because it's a real experience, actually looking at Jupiter is as different from looking at a photo of it, as actually going on holiday is from reading a guide book.

There's also lots of real science you can do if you want to, but I won't bore you with all that for now, I'm assuming you just want to see things for yourself.

How much does it cost to buy a proper telescope?Obviously there's no upper limit, but the lower limit for something usable is around 200 Euros, later I'll explain what you could get for that and what you'll get if you pay more.

Two hundred isn't a lot to pay for something that should last a

lifetime in a hobby, but it isn't pocket money either, not for most people, so what would you actually be able to see? Obviously the Moon would be the first thing to look at, and on a clear night it can be astounding, it's almost as though you are hovering above, looking at the mountains and craters, peering into the shadows, looking at the area where Neil Armstrong first put a human foot on another world. You'll want to see the other planets, Jupiter, Saturn and Mars are great, there's the Nebula in Orion where stars are being born, double stars, clusters, you get the idea.

What's the catch with all this? Well, you can't just buy a telescope, plonk it down and hope to find what you want in the sky, there's a learning curve to all this, it's not hard, lots of very young people do it, but it is necessary. You also need to understand what you are buying, a telescope is actually three equally important parts, the optical tube, the mount and the stand.

Next month I'll continue with why each bit matters, the different types of telescope, and suggest a way to save a wad of money when you start.

The picture this month is Isaac Newton's first telescope, a thing of beauty.

Clear skies to you all.

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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QFocus Magazine December 2021

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It has been a very eventful busy month and set to get even busier. We are in the process of selling and buying a property so I have been having a good clear out and have done a few car boot sales recently.

We still have more books than a library, and that is after I finally managed to get my other half to reduce his collection by about a third (some of which were duplicated) though it is almost guaranteed he will soon be off to the market and come home with more books to replenish the ones he has lost. For the last few weeks we have been living out of boxes so we are hoping and praying everything is finalised very soon so we can be in our new home in time for Christmas.

Work has also been very busy getting the new autumn/winter issue of the Professional Services out, as well as putting together this Christmas issue of QFocus. I would like to once again thank everyone (readers, contributors and advertisers) for their continued support year after year.

Have a fabulous Christmas and New Year and let's hope the upward trend of normality continues throughout 2022.

Until next time. ichelle

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

Discuss your advertising with your local representative:-

Sales Manager Michelle 663 178 228 michelle@femalefocusonline.com

QFocus Office: Mon to Fri. 10am - 2pm Tel. 657 501 055 Pick up your next issue on 4 January

Deadline for advertising & editorial - 15 Dec

Please send editorial to editor@femalefocusonline.com Advert content to adver�sing@femalefocusonline.com

Like and Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/FemaleFocus/ & Instagram @FemaleFocusPublica�ons 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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CROSSWORD Across 1 Jagged mountain range (6) 5 Athens is ruined - quick! (6) 8 Main vessel (8) 9 Push a pawn (4) 10 UNCLE's Napoleon --- (4) 12 Kind of potato (5) 13 Get to know (5) 14 Set of changes (4) 16 Prescribed amount (4) 17 Former Egyptian President --Mubarak (5) 18 Prepares for publication (5) 20 Potential measure (4) 22 Observed (4) 23 Accordance with the rules (8) 25 Gazes fixedly (6) 26 Free from liability (6) Down 2 Ice house (5) 3 Soft toy (3,4) 4 Exclamation of surprise (3) 5 Joy (9) 6 Land between Honolulu and Sydney (5) 7 Turning green? (7) 11 Tub additives blast hats off (4,5) 15 Rudimentary component (7) 16 Communicate (7) 19 Hidden (5) 21 Abate (3,2) 24 "Turn to the right!" (3) See back pages for answers

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QFocus Magazine December 2021

QFocus Magazine December 2021

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If you had invested £50,000 on 1st January 2015 in the same investment we use for pension funds and a stand alone investment, how would you have faired? Read On...

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ad you invested £50,000 in the High Growth Strategy on 1st January 2015 you would have practically doubled your money by now at £99,430 – even with the problems Europe/Britain/The World has faced in the last 4 years. And that's where I am invested and I have no plans to change it.

The above portfolio system is one that we often use for our pension investments, as well as direct savings investments and each risk profile (cautious, balanced, adventurous or high growth) invests in around 22 funds which in turn invest in many assets classes and companies across many sectors and countries. Diversification is one of the most important features of the portfolios and is operated by a team of specialist investment managers and researchers.

There are no penalties for withdrawal at anytime, so it is completely flexible and indeed, we can set up a fixed regular monthly withdrawal of an amount of your choosing.

If you are interested in this or any other investment strategies that may be appropriate for your circumstances, give me a call, send me an email or pop into the office and ask for me.

David Diggle C.A.T. DipFA. Tel: 965 704 338 Email: info@daviddiggle.es / dave.diggle@seagatewealth.es Website: www.daviddiggle.es / seagatewealth.es

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QFocus Magazine December 2021 Page 7 eliminate pathogens.

Rule out diabetes arly detection is key for managing diabetes and through a simple preventing complications caused by the disease. Experts blood test. at Quirónsalud advise that anyone with symptoms or The Quirónsalud risk factors should be screened.

Torrevieja and Alicante experts Dr. Jorge Cid, endocrinologist at Quirónsalud Hospital in Torrevieja explained that a and Alicante said, “one of the main drawbacks of this disease is simple blood test that the initial symptoms are hardly noticeable, specifically in the performed in the case of type 2 diabetes, so when they occur they are ignored or laboratory measuring the fasting attributed to other health problems”. glucose level, is sufficient for a Dr. Cid stressed how important it is to carry out routine medical diagnosis and with this the existence checks to detect the disease, since undiagnosed diabetes can cause of diabetes in the patient can be various health problems (kidney disease, vision disorders, heart either confirmed or ruled out. problems and more).

“In the event that the disease exists, Diabetes may be due to the lack of insulin secretion by the pancreas the team of professionals work to and /or the decrease in its effectiveness, according to Dr. Cid and, find the most appropriate treatment given that this hormone has the job of transforming carbohydrates to control it, in order to improve in food into energy, its defect causes an increase in blood sugar. the health of the patient and avoid Symptoms of diabetes complications”, said Dr. Cid. The specialist advises that there are five main symptoms to look He added that, “a patient diagnosed with diabetes must lead a out for: healthy life - diet and exercise being the first steps in the treatment of type 2 diabetes”.

1. Increased urge to urinate and feeling thirsty.

2. Weight loss. This symptom is more typical of type I diabetes Ultimately, Dr. Cid was keen to stress that diabetes is a very common disease. According to the di@abetes.es study, 13,8% of and is usually accompanied by a continuous feeling of hunger.

3. Blurred vision. Excess glucose in the blood induces an increase Spaniards have type 2 diabetes mellitus, which represents around in the loss of fluids from the body, including those that maintain 5.3 million people. “Of them, almost 47% of the total were initially the humidity of the lens of the eye, thus producing a sensation of unaware that they were suffering from the disease”, warned the doctor. dry eye. ● Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja. Partida de la Loma, 4. Tiredness. Due to insulin deficiency cells cannot absorb glucose and are left without an adequate source of energy to carry out their s/n, 03184 Torrevieja. Tel: 966 921 313, email: normal functions. info.torrevieja@quironsalud.es. www.quironsalud.es.

5. Frequent infections. Diabetes reduces the body’s ability to See our main advert on page 5.

5 ways to spot diabetes early

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QFocus Magazine December 2021

THE MEANING OF

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HORIZONTAL CRACKING

orizontal cracking under the roof or terrace slabs is probably the most common building defect in southern Spain. The defect is easy to identify as they generally have a perfectly horizontal direction, beneath or on top of concrete slabs.

The cause that produces this fault is a differential expansion and contraction (due to drastic temperatures in summer and winter) of roofs or terraces which is different to the expansion of walls, some of them are never hit directly by solar radiation.

It is a minor building defect and can’t be considered structural.

Repairing the cause is technically impossible, by eliminating the borders of the crack and re-rendering the area the crack will reappear, and therefore the easiest and cheapest way to approach the problem is just a cosmetic repair by filling in the crack with a neutral silicone or with an elastic mortar decorating afterwards to unify the finishing colours.

Requesting a Structural Survey is now common practice in Spain, affordable and typically proven to save clients’ money by avoiding problem properties. For the nominal cost of 84€ IVA Inc, Martinez de la Casa Architects offer an on-site Building Survey and Defects Assessment for property buyers and owners throughout Almeria, Murcia & Alicante.

The service includes a property inspection by the Architect, with on-site defects advice and appropriate plan of action. A survey inspection will expose potential hidden costs.

Recommended before buying a home, Martinez de la Casa Architects (fully insured) also offer full Technical Property Reports, officially stamped by the College of Architects. They can also provide sclerometers, hygrometers, luxmeters and poroscope and other highly sophisticated inspection services (by separate quote) to find hidden damages.

l Martinez de la Casa Architects is the Number 1 company in EPC Certificates (121€ inc IVA), Certificates/Retrospective Licences for pools (190 €+IVA) and extensions (270 € +IVA) and we also offer superb discounts for groups or if you require more than one certificate for your property done at the same time. Plus, if your solicitors are studying your case, ask them to contact us to provide the necessary certificate/s, and we will make the whole process easier, cheaper and faster 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 on our services.

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Book Review by Ivor Kindle Title: Amazing Peace Author: Maya Angelou Publisher: Random House Maya Angelou, Poet, civil rights activist. Born April 4th 1928, died May 28th 2014.

The poem "Amazing Peace" was read by Maya herself at the lighting of the "National Christmas Tree" on December 1st 2005. The poem is a celebration and radiant affirmation of the goodness of life. Maya inspires us to embrace the peace and the promise of Christmas.

Truly a book for the joy of the season of Christmas.

Keep well everyone. All the best for the season.

Keep reading, Ivor Kindle.

Don't forget to start your Reverse Advent Calendar!

Lakeview Bar & Rest. have turned their attention to helping Elche Children's Home and collecting much needed goods for the children. After talks with the home the most needed products for these teenagers are toiletries.

Therefore Lakeview have devised a Reverse Advent Calendar which can be downloaded and printed from their Facebook and Instagram pages @lakeviewbarrestaurant and also on the digital version of this issue at www.femalefocusonline.com.

Alternatively there will be printed copies you can collect from Lakeview, where your kind donations will be thankfully received.

Whether you would like to just select a few days of the calendar to purchase or the complete calendar, it will all be gratefully appreciated. ● Lakeview Bar & Rest.

C/ Toledo 16, Ciudad Quesada.

Call on 722 891 977 or Email: lakeviewbarrestaurant@ gmail.com Facebook/Instagram: lakeviewbarrestaurant.

See advert on page 21.

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QFocus Magazine December 2021

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Santa Claus lives on the Costa Blanca!

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hilst children up and down the land are busy writing to Santa in the North Pole, those in the know are sending their messages to the real birthplace of that famous man in red with the flowing white beard - Alicante.

The origin of Santa Claus is San Nicolás de Bari, Alicante’s patron saint, whose feast day is December 6. Many Europeans including the Dutch, Germans, Polish and Ukrainians celebrate this feast day when the children receive presents.

San Nicolás or Saint Nicholas travelled throughout the Mediterranean lands and Asia preaching the gospel. At this time Spain was an important empire, dominating much of central Europe and leaving many of its customs as its legacy.

Tradition says that San Nicolás sailed from Alicante to the Netherlands on a steamboat full of oranges from Alicante and other gifts for the children. Every year, they eagerly waited for the boat and San Nicolás - or Sinterklaas as they called him - to arrive in port.

Every year he picks a different port in the Netherlands so as many children as possible get to see him.

Visit Santa in Alicante It’s no wonder, therefore, that Alicante pulls out all the stops to celebrate Christmas.

Children can visit Santa and watch the elves making Christmas gifts in the House of Santa Claus (Casa de Santa Claus) in Alicante throughout December.

The city also puts up a magnificent belén or Christmas crib and has an ice-skating rink to create a very festive air. You can also visit the Museo de Belenes in Alicante (www.alicanteturismo.com/museode-belenes) to see a vast display of nativity figures and Christmas scenes.

Article by Sarah Farrell - www.sarahswritestuff.com

Season's Greetings from the Female Focus Publications team

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Spot the odd one out

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Season's Greetings from the Female Focus Publications team

RECIPES by Pushpa from the Spice Hut Turkey Samosas

Finely chopped left over Turkey 1 onion diced Little oil 2 green chillies finely chopped Finely chopped left over vegetables 2 tspn garam masala Turmeric 2 tbspn of garlic paste 2 tbspn of ginger paste Salt Oil for frying.

For pastry: 250g wholemeal self raising flour Salt 2 tbspn butter 75ml water.

Method: Fry the onions in the oil until slightly golden, add garlic, ginger, chillies, garam masala, turmeric, salt and lemon juice.

Add the finely chopped turkey, vegetables and mix well.

Check for the flavour, add more spices if needed.

Put aside to cool down.

For the pastry: sift the flour, add salt, and rub in the butter.

Add water and mix into a dough, knead well until dough is pliable.

Divide the dough into 16 pieces and roll each into 4 inch circles, cut in half and dampen the cut edges making a pocket.

Spoon the cooled mix and seal/ press together the dampened edges. Make sure they are sealed all sides. Heat the oil and fry the samosas until golden brown, drain them on kitchen paper. Eat them hot with dips. ●

The Spice Hut Quesada. Tel. 966 731 063 or visit www.spicehutspain.com.

Season's Greetings from the Female Focus Publications team

CHRISTMAS IS COMING! Spangles Ladies’ Harmony Chorus hit the ground running when they returned to rehearsals at the beginning of September.

In the lead up to the seasonal festivities, with invitations to sing at various venues in Los Alcázares, San Javier, Balsicas, Cabo Roig, Sucina and Estrella de Mar, they began refreshing their Christmas repertoire.

“After the past two years of uncertainty and sadness, we are so looking forward to singing and celebrating Christmas in public again” remarked Spangles’ Musical Director, Valerie Lynch.

“We’ve been working hard on our Christmas repertoire since our return, so that we can celebrate with our local community and give something back.”

If you’d like to see this champion chorus perform, here is a list of where they will be singing: Sunday, 5 December - 12.30 - Christmas Concert at the Unica Garden, San Javier Wednesday, 8 December - 18.00 - Zarcos Cocktail Bar, C/Rio Ter, Los Alcázares Friday, 10 December - 18.00 - Christmas at The Claddagh Pizzeria, Urb. La Regia, Cabo Roig Wednesday, 15 December - 16.30 – Peaky Blinders Bar, Estrella de Mar The above concerts may be subject to change, so please check on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SpanglesChorus Spangles is a ladies’ a cappella chorus, singing in four part harmony. They rehearse every Thursday, from 10am to 1pm at Centro Municipal Las Claras, Calle Helena, Los Narejos, Los Alcázares and visitors are always welcome. If you’d like to book the chorus for an event or you are thinking about joining them, you can find out more on their website: www.spanggleschorus.com or email info@spangleschorus.com.

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Season's Greetings from the Female Focus Publications team

Spot the 12 differences

You can find the answer in the back pages.

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Season's Greetings from the Female Focus Publications team

Give Back This Season with a Reverse Advent Calendar!

Instead of opening a window on your advent calendar to get a piece of chocolate why not do the opposite? Don't take, give something each day. The reverse Advent Calendar involves collecting 24 items, as a family, group of friends or as an individual, to donate to a charity that supports people in need at this time.

These items can be food and other essential items, clothes, toiletries, presents, really anything that would make life that bit easier and happier for someone in need.

There are lots of charities who would be grateful for your help, especially this year which has been particularly hard for so many. Give into the real spirit of Christmas by finding out how you can make Christmas that bit more special for someone in need.

www.femalefocusonline.com

Fill your Christmas stocking with

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QFocus Magazine December 2021

Turrón de Jijona

Article by Sarah Farrell - www.sarahswritestuff.com

T

urrón is the go-to sweet treat at Christmas in Spain. Not only is it absolutely delicious, it also fits nicely into the Buy Local, Shop Local ethos many of us are adopting this year.

The best turrón is made in the small town of Jijona, about 30 kilometres inland from Alicante. Turrón has many similarities to nougat as it’s made with honey, sugar, and egg whites with the addition of almonds.

Around 500 years ago, the Moors introduced almond trees to the Alicante area and this, combined with the abundance of wild flowers for bees to make honey, turned Jijona into the ideal spot for making turrón.

You can vist Jijona, the birthplace of turrón, to visit the Turrón Museum (www.museodelturron.com) for a complete history of the Christmas sweet.

Between July and November, you can also see Jijona’s most famous turrón El Lobo and 1880 being made by turrón producer Almendra y Miel. The company was set up by the Sirvent Selva family in 1725 and is still run by the family to this very day. The factory employs around 100 people who work six months of the year from summer to winter, when the sweet is traditionally eaten.

No tour would be complete without a trip to the factory shop to stock up. Just for the record, our favourite turrón - which also happens to be the most expensive - is Turrón 1880, made with 67% almonds and 15% honey.

But we recommend you try several different types of turrón. You can get hard and soft varieties and other flavours such as coconut, chocolate, dried fruits and other nuts.

To make sure you are buying top-class turron, look for a stamp saying Jijona Denominacion de Origen y Geografica Protegida, which guarantees authenticity and quality.

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QFocus Magazine December 2021

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he Christmas Shop is back! Everything for Christmas under one roof. If you haven’t been to the Christmas shop you won’t know about over 5000 Christmas items that make you feel like you have just walked into Santa's Grotto.

Fibre optic trees, villages, LED and solar lighting, outside signs and inflatables, cake decorations, Santa suits, silly hats, crackers, stocking fillers and decorations in 20 different colour schemes. The ‘Forever Christmas’ range includes amazing one offs that you won’t see in anyone else’s home, and there's a section with over 50 items all for 1€. The card section has the largest range of Christmas Cards on the Costas and something for everyone.

Santa recently visited the store bringing gifts galore for the kids and a fabulous day was had by all with the Santa Express giving a short tour of the area. It was wonderful to see such a good turnout especially as last year had to be cancelled due to Covid.

The Elves at The Christmas Shop thank you all for your continued support year after year and send all their love and hope you keep safe. ● The Christmas Shop can be found on the CV905 between Torrevieja and Quesada at the Lakeside Commercial Centre, San Luis.

Or find them on Facebook 'The Christmas Shop Spain'.

For more information call Lucy on 672 544 744 or see their advert alongside.

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QFocus Magazine December 2021

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www.femalefocusonline.com

WORD 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

SEARCH

in the back of the magazine. Good Luck.

ADORNOS - DECORATIONS ANGEL - ANGEL ÁRBOL - TREE BELEN - NATIVITY SCENE CABALGATA - PARADE OF THE

THREE KINGS CAMPANADAS - CHIMES FLOR DE PASCUA - POINSETTIA GUIRNALDA - WREATH LUCES - LIGHTS MUÉRDAGO - MISTLETOE NAVIDAD - CHRISTMAS NIEVE - SNOW NOCHEBUENA - CHRISTMAS EVE NOCHEVIEJA - NEW YEAR'S EVE PAPÁ NOEL - FATHER

CHRISTMAS POSTALES - CARDS REGALOS - PRESENTS REYES MAGOS - WISE MEN /

THREE KINGS TURRÓN - TURRON UVAS - GRAPES VILLANCICO - CAROL

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QFocus Magazine December 2021

Specsavers Ópticas Costa Blanca South stores become drop-off points for the A Helping Hand Christmas Appeal

SPECSAVERS Ópticas in Guardamar, Torrevieja and La Zenia are joining a Christmas campaign to ensure that disadvantaged children have a gift to open this year. They are drop-off points for the campaign organised by A Helping Hand Costa Blanca and welcome anyone to pop in with their gifts until 15th December.

Lisa James, store director from Specsavers Ópticas explains, ‘I have been really impressed by all the hard work that Ines Perkins has been doing to help those people in our local area who have struggled due to the pandemic and desperately need support. When I saw her Christmas appeal collecting toys for so many children whose families are having a hard time right now, I just knew we had to get involved, so I'm so delighted that all three Specsavers Ópticas stores in the Costa Blanca South can act as drop off points for this excellent cause.’

A Helping Hand Costa Blanca are collecting Christmas gifts for 173 children in Southern Costa Blanca. They have identified struggling families between Alicante and Torrevieja on the coast and Elche, Orihuela and Murcia inland and want to make sure that all the children have a wonderful Christmas this year. They are asking generous local residents to spend around 10€ per child on a new gift, for children between two and 10 years old. Wrap the present and label it with your name, the age range suitable for the gift and whether it is for a boy or a girl and drop it off at Specsavers Ópticas in Guardamar, Torrevieja or La Zenia. The campaign is running until 15th December and the charity hope that many local residents will get behind it and make a child smile this Christmas.

As well as the Christmas campaign, A Helping Hand feeds 300 people through their food bank, so donations of non-perishable food, cleaning products and toiletries are also welcome.

Ines Perkins has been working tirelessly for over a year feeding around 100 families a month and explains that they rely on the generosity of local residents to keep going with this important work.

She says: ‘Thank you to Specsavers Ópticas and all the businesses which have put themselves forward as drop-off points and supporters of our charity. We give our families clothes, toys, baby items and sometimes furniture. We run campaigns for Easter eggs, birthdays and now Christmas and appreciate everyone who takes part. If you can help with a simple packet of pasta, or a Christmas present for a child or maybe a clear out of your wardrobe - anything helps. I believe the kids are most important and don’t think they should suffer because of the tough financial situation their families find themselves in. This is why we’d love it if as many people as possible could choose a Christmas present for a child in need, wrap it and drop it off at one of our drop-off points. Thank you for your generosity.’

Find out more about the charity by following @AHelpingHandCostaBlanca on Facebook.

Find your nearest Specsavers Ópticas store by visiting www.specsavers.es

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COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

Note from Benny: Christmas is at full swing. Let us make the most of this wonderful season, in case we have to return to those black Covid lockdowns in the future. Times are unpredictable at the moment, so get out there, sing and act your hearts out, entertain and help the charity money flow for those less fortunate than ourselves. A very Merry Christmas to all.

www.femalefocusonline.com

Rojales Pantomime Group: All the cast and crew of the new Pantomime production, `Treasure Island´ due to be performed at The Cardinal Belluga Theatre in San Fulgencio in February 2022 hope everyone has a wonderful time at Christmas. They are all busy rehearsing this great pantomime for you to enjoy after all the Christmas festivities are over. More details here and in the local press.

Studio 32: This musical theatre company are back with a bang. Having successfully delivered four performances of South Pacific at the end of November they have now started preparations for their summer 2022 show which will be the musical extravaganza ‘Guys & Dolls’. If you would like to be a part of this show, either on stage or helping out backstage, contact the company by email at studiothirtytwo@icloud.com for further information or go to their website at studiothirtytwo.org.

Actors Community Theatre Society: Due to popular demand ACTS will be presenting their `Christmas Cracker´ production twice in December, on Tuesday 14 and again Thursday 16. These comedy sketches will be performed after your two- course meal has been served, at Lakeview, Ciudad Quesada, starting at 13.30. Contact Susie on 602 575 273.

Lyrical Mixed Voice Choir: They cordially invite you to join them for their socially distanced Christmas concert, `A Joyous Christmas´, the first in 2 years!

- which will take place at the Church of Cristo Resusitado, Calle Talco, La Zenia on 10 December at 19.30. Tickets available from Choir Members; La Ponderosa, La Zenia; and The Card Place, Punta Prima.

News flash! 10 December is virtually sold out, so they have now added a second concert on 12 December at 19.30. Queries to: - Trent Harris, (Chairman) 650 764 127.

If you would like to be part of this band of 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

Think Blue.....

Let's make 2022 the year to make a difference

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AS SEEN ON TV

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QF���� Maga���e De�e��e� 2021

BOXING DAY CURRY

Using leftovers from Christmas dinner to make bubble and squeak for breakfast and a Boxing Day curry is now a festive tradition for many of us. We have created this dish where any cooked meat or leftover vegetables can be added to the curry sauce to create a delicious, fragrant curry.

Recipe Ingredients 400g cooked turkey cubed/ shredded 1 garlic clove finely chopped 1 medium onion finely chopped 1 inch ginger finely chopped 1 can chopped tomatoes 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 teaspoon mustard seeds 1 teaspoon turmeric ½ teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon garam masala 1 teaspoon ground coriander 2 tablespoons dried methi fenugreek leaves (optional) 50ml double cream 3 chopped chillies (optional) Chopped fresh coriander to garnish Time: 30 minutes Serves: 4

- In a large saucepan heat the oil to a medium heat; once hot, add the cumin and mustard seeds and cook until they start to pop and turn a golden colour.

- Add the onion and garlic and cook for about 10 minutes or until golden brown.

- Add the fresh ginger, along with the tinned tomatoes. Mix and cook for a couple of minutes.

- Next stir in the spices, turmeric, salt, garam masala, black pepper, ground coriander, ground cumin and fresh chillies.

Cook for 1 minute. Turn the heat down to low, stirring occasionally; cover and cook for about 8-10 minutes or until the sauce is rich and thick.

- Add the fenugreek leaves and the turkey. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the turkey is piping hot. Stir in the cream and mix well - Check seasoning. Garnish with coriander and serve with rice, chapattis and plain yoghurt.

Looking for Christmas stocking filler, hamper or a gift with a difference for friends and family back in the UK? Check out Curry On Cooking’s website www.curryoncooking.com, full of currylicious gift ideas from curry kits, Indian stacking lunch boxes, and spice tins to chapatti making kits!

Or how about an online tailored cookery lesson? Drop the Spice Sisters an email at keepcalm@curryoncooking.com.

QFocus Magazine December 2021

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A View From The Top

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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.

As it’s that time of the year again may I start by wishing you Dear Reader a happy Christmas and a happy and healthy 2022. The past year has flown past, and the theme of my piece will be my usual ...things that Wonder me at Christmas.

My first Wonder of this Christmas time is why Paul Sculley, currently Small Business Minister under Johnson, thinks that ultimately the electorate will be judge, jury, and final arbiter with respect to Members of Parliament who are caught up in sleaze or are implicated in dodgy practices. He, Sculley may be right that ultimately the electorate will have a say, however Sculley's brain must reflect his title (small) if he thinks that anything is allowable in the present, as some time in the future they, the Politicians, will have to answer to the electorate. NO, no Mr Sculley, Politicians must behave in the now showing leadership and honesty on behalf of themselves and their constituents.

My second Wonder is to laud the brave Richard Ratcliffe, husband of Nazanin who is still being kept against her will in Iran. As I type Richard is currently living in a tent outside a government building to protest and urge the UK Government to act on his and his families behalf and engage with Iran in respect of his wife.

He is on a hunger strike and as the temperatures fall I for one fear that his predicament will only become more dire. Quite simply the UK has £400 million of Iran's money and Iran wants it back.

You may remember that the ex useless UK foreign Secretary Boris

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Johnson, now the equally useless Prime Minister, went to Iran and made a complete mess of Nazanin’s situation by claiming she was working in Iran when in fact she was doing no such thing. If the UK has Iran’s money for a deal that did not transpire then the UK should just give Iran its money back ....simples.

As the current year has rolled past I, along with many other people have had the benefit of being given a vaccine against Covid.

My personal experience of the way Spain, my adopted home, has handled the whole terrible Covid situation has been a good experience. Sometimes my expectation of things here in Spain leave me somewhat exasperated, you know, why do I have to do everything twice? Why will the banks who have my money only deal with me and my money on certain days and at certain times etc? However, when push did come to shove Spain and her authorities, and her health personal stepped up to the mark and performed with calm and organisation in its vaccine rollout program. The Wonder at the relief I felt when I was vaccinated remains with me to this day. Well Done Spain.

Without any doubt the last two years have been oh so hard for so many people. Lives have almost been put on hold as people wondered what the outcome of the Covid outbreak would be.

Families have been separated by both illness and social distance measures, with contact being managed over WhatsApp or indeed Zoom. Other people have suffered with other health issues not being able to access normal care during these difficult times. Hopefully with the advent of the Covid booster (la tercera dosis) I think the Spanish call it, and with the future expectation that other medical treatments will come on stream in the near future, I for one see something like a return to normality, or at least a new normality with less restrictions. To you all may I say, enjoy the seasonal festivities, enjoy one another’s company but remember how difficult the last couple of years have been. Be kind and thoughtful and live in the hope that in the words of the song "Things can only get better". Merry Christmas and comfort and joy to you all. Keep safe and keep well. Hasta Enero 2022.

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See how toys are made in Alicante

QF���� Maga���e De�e��e� 2021

Isn’t it magical when the toys come to life in Toy Story? Does it take you back to childhood memories when you invented stories to play with your toys? Visiting the toy-making town of Ibi and the toy museum in Dénia will be a wonderful trip down memory lane for you.

Take the family or visitors to the little town of Ibi 43 kilometres inland from Alicante alongside El Maigmó mountain. Here, the toy-making industry is still an important part of Spain’s economy.

In fact, it is so important that Ibi is rumoured to be the headquarters of the Three Kings, who deliver presents to the children on January 6. In the Plaza de los Reyes Magos in Ibi you can see a statue and fountain dedicated to these three wise men.

Just over 100 years ago, Ibi’s economy relied on farming and making ice-cream using the ice from the surrounding mountains. Then, around 1905, a tinsmith made a tin carriage for his children and had his eureka moment. The Payá Hermanos workshop was born and by the 1930s around 500 people worked there.

One brother Raimundo Payá would buy toys on his travels and you can see this beautiful collection of tin toys in the Valencian Toy Museum (www.museojuguete.com/en/museum/) in Ibi in the former Payá factory.

By 1970 Ibi had a worldwide reputation for toy making and was home to 70 toy factories and 60 firms providing materials and services to those factories. Christmas is a delightful time of year to visit Ibi and marvel at its toy-making skills.

Further north, Dénia also played an important role in Spain’s toy industry in the 20th century. You can see its tin and wooden toys in the Toy Museum (www.denia.net/museo-del-juguete) in the old train station on the Dénia-Carcaixent line.

In the first half of the 20th century, Dénia's toy industry was popular worldwide with around 40 family-run factories producing toy vehicles, dolls and games.

You can still buy toys made in Dénia from Cayro, which has been making classic board games and toys since 1954. You can buy these at many toy shops in Spain or online from their official website.

Article by Sarah Farrell - www.sarahswritestuff.com

SU DO KU

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.

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

Answers to puzzles at the back of the magazine

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our ARIES You are intrigued by new learning experiences which are being offered to you. Without taking on too much go for it, learning new things can only add to enrich your life.

TAURUS By finishing off projects before you stop for the holidays, you will be able to enjoy your time much more without thinking about unfinished business. It also means you are able to put your energy into new things in the new year.

GEMINI Personal relationships will come into focus and you know the time has come to really think about where you want them to go.

Mutual goals or lack of them will be a big factor in your decision.

CANCER Working out if the beliefs you have held until now will mean you move away from certain people and question some ideas. Research and information from well informed people will help filter out all the misinformation and misinformed.

LEO At the end of this year make sure you can look back and not regret anything which can be fixed.

If you can't, now is the time to fix things so you can move into the new year with a clear mind and positivity for the future.

VIRGO Your aims for the future are bringing good things and people into your life.

New experiences are highlighting where you are best suited and helping you to shape your direction for the new year.

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oroscope LIBRA Now is the time to reflect on all you have achieved and all you still want to achieve. This is you plural, not you alone. The team you have around you make everything possible and together you can really celebrate how well you have worked together.

SCORPIO Disagreements need to be sorted out so you can enter the new year in harmony. You want the same thing so find a way to make it happen without the conflict.

You can then really enjoy the holidays knowing that things are settled.

SAGITTARIUS Sharing your wisdom and experiences will really help, as well as letting others know that you are on their side. The best gift you can give this year is your time and expertise.

CAPRICORN Make sure everyone is pulling their weight and not leaving it all to the rest. Some subtle boundary setting and delegation will make sure everyone knows what is expected from them.

AQUARIUS Children are the focus of your attention, be it yours or not. Trying to make this time of year special for them is your goal. It doesn't have to be in an extravagant way, just showing them you care is the most important thing for them.

PISCES Are the differences in opinion really that great that you could lose a long term friendship. If so, then that is how it has to be but try not to over react and see if there is enough middle ground to continue to enjoy all the good things you have previously shared together.

F.A.B

(Friends after Bereavement) We are a relaxed and friendly mixed group who meet once a week at the Laguna Hotel in Quesada at 3pm for a chat and coffee.

The aim of the group is to support those who have lost someone close and help make new friends.

We also enjoy meals / lunches out and day trips etc.

For more information call Joan on 634 336 103 or Steve on 623 220 052 or just come along for a chat one Saturday.

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QFocus Magazine December 2021

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FOR SALE

HARRY’S BAR, Quesada.

Unique opportunity to purchase this well established popular bar /restaurant. Freehold.

Call Joanne for more information on 693 494 951.

SUPPORT LOCAL SHOP LOCAL SPEND LOCAL

You’re invited to come and meet the Easy Horse Care Centre rescued horses, ponies and donkeys Call 652 021 980 or email rescue@easyhorsecare.net.

For more information visit our website http://www.easyhorsecare.net Toyo is a little overwhelmed in the shelter, but slowly coming out of his shell. He was chained up for most of his adult life, but is now starting to enjoy his freedom. Best suited in an experienced home with no other dogs or small children. Call the K9 shelter on 711 075 305 or k9clubinfo@gmail.com

AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS For families and friends of problem drinkers. There are meetings in Torrevieja. Phone 634 349 961.

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

Joey is 4 months old and had to have a back leg amputated after it was badly broken. He is negative for feline diseases and good with other cats.

Call: 645 469 253, visit www.petsinspain.com or email info@petsinspain.com

CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS Across: 1 Sierra, 5 Hasten, 8 Flagship, 9 Move, 10 Solo, 12 Idaho, 13 Learn, 14 Peal, 16 Dose, 17 Hosni, 18 Edits, 20 Volt, 22 Seen, 23 Legality, 25 Stares, 26 Exempt.

Down: 2 Igloo, 3 Rag doll, 4 Aah, 5 Happiness, 6 Samoa, 7 Envious, 11 Bath salts, 15 Element, 16 Divulge, 19 Inner, 21 ANSWER TO SPOT THE ODD ONE OUT: B Let up, 24 Gee.

Easy

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