QFocus Magazine July 2021

Dep. Legal A-685-2016

E FR E

JULY 2021

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

MAKE THE PERFECT BHATURA BREAD

PUZZLES SUDOKU CROSSWORD THE NIGHT SKY IN JULY

Also inside this issue:-

Your Horoscopes Your Local Community News Puzzles - Recipes Legal - Astronomy A View From The Top Finance - Health & Beauty Violet King Local Business Reviews Club & Charity News Classified Adverts And So Much More BROUGHT TO YOU BY....

QFocus Magazine July 2021

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The night sky in July,

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and something special

I

t’s been quite a month for the astronomy group, we had our first proper get together for a very long time. It was in a bar, naturally, everyone being sensible and vaccinated.

I hope it was just the cautious start of a return to group observing and meetings.

It was also a month when we had an eclipse, not a very big one here in Torrevieja, but excellent viewing conditions. Like most keen amateurs I use some special equipment to look at the Sun, it saves me from being blinded rather nastily. Even though eclipses are very well understood, actually seeing a chunk of the Sun disappear, and in my case, to see quite a lot of detail, always has a real sense of wonder. I even managed to get a passable photograph this time, I was really pleased until one of my sons friends said it looked like a piece of cheese!

Our smartphone competition is still running, I've received some lovely pictures already, you all have until the end of July to email them to me. Some of the best have been taken with no special apps or extra equipment, just care and thought. I'm waiting until the end of July for a reason, there is a really special sight in the night sky on July 26, after midnight. The Moon will be rising, and very close to it will be Jupiter, bright and orange and obvious for all to see. This makes a glorious and easy to photograph sight, if you really want to make a good picture use a little imagination. For example, stand somewhere so they appear framed by a gap in some buildings or trees, use your imagination.

Not far away from Jupiter will be Saturn, not as bright and obvious as Jupiter, but still an obvious planet. I mentioned a few issues ago that Saturn goes through a cycle of opening and closing its rings as we see them from Earth. This autumn will be the last chance for a while to see the rings really well, this time next year they won't be so obvious or spectacular. Anyone who has the chance to see Saturn through a telescope should make the most of it, otherwise you'll have a while to wait before they open again.

That's all from me this month, so make the most of the warm nights and go outside and wonder at our night sky.

Please email me your smartphone astronomy pictures and any queries to vegabaja.astronomygroup@gmail.com

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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Y

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QF���� Maga���e J��� 2021

ou must be so careful with your documentation and paperwork in Spain. It has become far more complicated and involved, since the finalisation of Brexit. For example, it is now necessary to have the TIE or a Work Visa to be able to get employment in Spain.

At present, there is no easy way. Firstly you will need a padron and I understand there have recently been a number of fraudulent padrons issued. So be very careful. Health cover is necessary with the complete documentation and certificate.

It is no good selecting the cheapest health option – the authorities require a certificate to confirm health cover with your application and there are a limited number of companies whose policies are accepted and authorised by the police.

Despite what others may advise or recommend, please ensure you use the correct company to do your application – both lawyers and gestors are experienced and there are a number of individuals who specialise in the process of applying for the TIEs/ residencia/ visas.

This is where my company can be very helpful, as we do supply a fully recommended health insurance and my company works very closely with many authorised legal associates.

Imagine finally reaching the stage where you present all your documentation, only to discover that your application is rejected because your documents do not meet all the legal requirements. The correct advice and help is essential to avoid this happening.

Exactly the same situation applies when you are talking about investments and pensions held in the UK. Once again, it is necessary to be sure the company you are using has full authorisations and credentials for both Europe and Britain. This becomes more important with your applications for residencia and visas, as you are required to have an amount in the bank and proof of income as part of your application. However, if you purchase a property in excess of €500,000, you can apply for a Golden Visa and the process is slightly different.

Please do not attempt to do any of this yourself or be persuaded by people who tell you it is not necessary to do anything. In both instances, this would be wrong and would have a detrimental effect on your dream to live in Spain. ● If you need assistance and any more information, please contact one of my offices, visit the website www.jennifercunningham.net or email info@jennifercunningham.net.

QF���� Maga���e J��� 2021

Page 4

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Our weekend away glamping was a lovely welcome break although it was cut short due to heavy rain on the Sunday. Even though we only travelled 20 minutes away, we could have been a million miles away as we just switched off completely and enjoyed the facilities available.

I've more recently returned from our weekend in Tarragona supporting the dance academy my angel competes with. It was quite an event with thousands in attendance and dancers from all over Spain and the Balearics. Although our academy didn't get placed, they all had a great time and gained some valuable material in the workshops they attended. All in all an experience they won't forget in a hurry.

And to top it off, I came home to a different looking house as my other half had decided to use the time while we were away to get stuff done on the house. Needless to say I was a happy bunny.

After what has been a very unpredictable first half of the year with the amount of rain we’ve had, it now seems like summer has finally arrived. Hopefully, as it has been so late getting here, we will have good weather up until November. Until next time...

Michelle

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 3 August

Deadline for advertising & editorial -19 July

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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QFocus Magazine July 2021

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CROSSWORD By the PA puzzles team Across 7. Handbook (6) 8. Violin (6) 10. Rider’s footrest (7) 11. Flimsy material (5) 12. Australian birds (4) 13. Long-legged bird (5) 17. To ape (5) 18. Cleansing agent (4) 22. Colour (5) 23. Eagerly (7) 24. Storming (6) 25. Bulk (6)

Down 1. Shattered (7) 2. Grudging (7) 3. Loiter (5) 4. A compound (7) 5. Grown-up (5) 6. At no time (5) 9. Stage illumination (9) 14. Dilate (7) 15. Palm fruit (7) 16. Works restaurant (7) 19. Fiery particle (5) 20. Tint (5) 21. Sharpen (5)

See classified pages for answers AUTARKY A Absolute power B Self-sufficiency C Keeper of goshawks

BANE A Destruction B Bullock craft C Condemn to exile

ANSWER: B

ANSWER: C

BY PA PUZZLES TEAM

BUCCAL A Roman curve trumpet B Type of white wine C Pertaining to the cheek

ANSWER: A

The word may sound familiar, but do you know what it means?

QFocus Magazine July 2021

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QUARTERLY ANNOUNCEMENT - 25th May 2021 - provided by an Investment Product Provider extremely well known to British expats: There is no change to Expected Growth Rates (EGR) of the International Bond applied to investor's accounts daily, as follows, AFTER charges:

Growth (Sterling) Fund Cautious (Sterling) Fund Growth (Euro) Fund Cautious (Euro) Fund

3.3% p.a.

2.4% p.a.

2.4% p.a.

1.6% p.a.

(note: The above is what new investors would receive and investors of over 5 years would receive 1.2% p.a. more than published rates above) In ADDITION to the above daily applied returns the following instant unit price uplifts were applied on 25th May 2021: Growth (Sterling) Fund Cautious (Sterling) Fund Growth (Euro) Fund Cautious (Euro) Fund

2.88% 2.00% 2.68%.

0.00%

This was very pleasing news indeed, particularly to new investors in this bond.

In addition to the above returns on your money the investments are wrapped in a Spanish Tax Compliant investment product designed for Spanish resident ex-pats and this will give you the following benefits: • Mechanism employed by the provider smooths returns. Excellent for inexperienced investors and historically vastly better than bank interest returns.

• Option to give a regular monthly or quarterly withdrawal of 5% p.a. penalty free, giving peace of mind for the regularity of a set income.

• Avoidance of Spanish inheritance tax advert below for liabilities between spouses if written as a See more information joint policy which is all held in Ireland i.e. outside of Spain.

• Named UK resident beneficiaries will only pay inheritance tax per UK rules on the passing of this bond. In most cases this will be Nil. • All income tax deduction and reporting and Modelo 720 asset reporting is done for you in Spain by the product provider. This is very simple for investors.

• Portable, should you move back to UK. • Minimum investment £20,000 or €25,000 or US$35,000.

• 1.5% allocation bonus for investments over £150,000 (immediately worth £152,250). 0.5% allocation bonus for investments over £75,000.

Please call me for information on investment solutions for your circumstances (minimum £20,000/€25,000) or about pension transfers to enable flexible access (take what you want when you want rather than being drip-fed your own money).

David Diggle C.A.T. DipFA TEL: 615 607 278 / 865 751 713 Email: info@daviddiggle.es / dave.diggle@seagatewealth.es Website: www.daviddiggle.es / www.seagatewealth.es We work in conjunction with fully regulated and authorised companies.

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Quirónsalud Torrevieja acquires a new state-of-the-art linear accelerator for the treatment of all types of cancers with radiotherapy.

Q

uirónsalud Hospital Torrevieja introduces a new linear accelerator for the treatment of all types of tumours: VARIAN TRUEBEAM 2.7.

The Radiation Oncology Department of Quirónsalud Torrevieja hospital, with 20 years of experience, continues its commitment towards the forefront of technology and excellence in treatments, now adding this accelerator to the innovative techniques already being applied, such as Intraoperative Radiotherapy (MOBETRON, Intraop).

With this new accelerator, says Dr. Rosa Mª Cañón, head of the Radiation Oncology Department at Quirónsalud Torrevieja, “greater accuracy is achieved in the localisation of tumours, and therefore, more precise treatments”.

“It is equipped with state-of-the-art 3D and 4D imaging systems that allow online visualisation and correction during treatment delivery.”

“The new accelerator”, she adds, “features a wide range of energies and the most advanced radiotherapy techniques, which allow us to increase the dose to the tumour and reduce it in healthy organs, shaping the irradiation beam so that it adapts perfectly to the threedimensional structure of the tumour, protecting nearby tissues and organs as much as possible, reducing side effects, which improves the quality of the treatment and, therefore, is of great benefit to patients.”

Shorter treatments: duration per session and total number of sessions Dr. Rosa Mª Cañón explains that yet another of the advantages of the new equipment is the treatment speed, which is up to ten times faster than in conventional accelerators.

The new accelerator has two energy rates, including FFF energy for High Intensity. “The FFF system enables us to treat some tumours at much higher doses than in conventional (Hypofractionations / Radiosurgery), with a much faster speed than the usual treatments.

QFocus Magazine July 2021

Administering higher daily doses results in increased tumour control, shorter duration of each session and a reduced total number of sessions.”

Real-time tumour check Other advantages of the new equipment include high-quality CT (scanner) imaging. “We can acquire high-quality 3D images to check the treatment area. The ImageGuided Radiation Therapy system: IGRT, is used to check the position of the tumour before each treatment session and also during treatment delivery. Thus, we check that the tumour, and the healthy organs surrounding it, is in the planned and optimal position for treatment, and if not, the equipment indicates the necessary movements to correct the patient's position so that the tumour is in the exact place with respect to what was previously planned on a computer,” explains Dr. Cañón. This feature minimises error due to tumour movement and therefore reduces uncertainty in the treatment delivery.

Benefits of treatment with the new linear accelerator P Greater safety, enabling analysis and correction of the position in real-time at the time of treatment. It implements Imaging Systems, obtaining high quality images (both 2D and 3D: CT), including Imaging Guidance Systems: P Reduces lung irradiation in complex treatments through the “Respiratory Gating Module,” which allows treatment to be administered in the selected respiratory range.

P Greater precision in patient positioning. It features the “PerfectPitch 6DoF” table, capable of correcting small changes in the 6 movement axes.

P Minimises the chance of errors. It allows manual and automatic positioning and the ability to move with remote control from the control room.

Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja. Partida de la Loma, s/n, 03184 Torrevieja.Tel: 966 921 313, email: info.torrevieja@quironsalud.es. www.quironsalud.es. See our main advert on page 5.

QFocus Magazine July 2021

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Never jump into project expenses without being sure a licence will be issued

Here are 5 common reasons for the Council to reject a licence which, if the work is already done, can only be resolved using a simple Certificate of Antiquity/Retrospective Licence.

1: Building work on plots that have already used there maximum build area.

4: Closing in small existing gaps in the property: patios, existing terraces, porches.

All plots have a maximum area which you are allowed to build on. This is known as maximum built area allowed. If the property has already reached the maximum size allowed, no major licence will be issued.

Most glass or bricked enclosed terraces and porches will not be allowed to be glazed in or transformed into interior spaces.

2: Plot under the minimum required size.

No building work is allowed if the plot is under the minimum square metres required to build in the area.

Some plots, although being legal, are under the minimum required size for building. This being the case no licence will be issued.

Any existing shed, exterior built cupboard, semi-opened kitchen and other covered buildings or works such as a carport or pools will need a retrospective licence in order to become unobjectable in the future.

3: Extensions violating the minimum required distance to the plot’s boundaries.

Permanent carports, or any kind of roofed buildings that are violating the minimum required distance to the plot’s boundaries is a reason to decline a license. National planning laws for detached properties require a minimum distance between a window and a neighbour’s boundary of 2 metres. Regional and local laws may allow between 3 to even 5 metres or more. There are many variables depending on different factors. A Certificate of Antiquity is the only document that can avoid previous works being objected to by the planning department at the Town Hall.

Spanish properties traditionally tend to have patios and courtyards, along with semi-opened spaces like porches and partially covered terraces to provide shelter from the sun and to maximise the outdoor lifestyle. These semi-opened spaces are easily closed-in, but the bureaucracy is not as easy. These works, however small you might consider them, are adding to the registered square metres of the property and often permissions are declined. A Certificate of Antiquity is the only document that can make these existing works accepted by the planning department at the Town Hall.

5: Underbuilds are not allowed to be used for living accommodation: Underbuilds with living accommodations are never done with the correct licences and again a Certificate of Antiquity/Retrospective Licence is the only document that can prevent prosecution for any interior alterations done at the property or alterations that don’t meet the planning standards.

Martinez de la Casa Architects always recommend their clients enquire at the Town Hall if the licence will be possible before jumping into expenses for doing projects, employing architects, etc).

In case the building work has already been completed (applicable for all cases above) the document needed is a Certificate of Antiquity, also known as a Retrospective Licence.

Once issued, this document acts as a licence, protecting the owner against possible sanctions from the Town Hall. It is highly recommended to avoid putting off potential buyers due to the existence of illegal extensions to the property. It will also be needed on completion of the sale in order to update the property’s description in Title Deeds & Land Registry.

Only properly qualified and registered Spanish Architects are permitted to issue Retrospective Licences, so if your solicitors are studying your case, ask them to contact Martinez de la Casa Architects to provide the Antiquity Certificate and they will make the whole process easier, faster and cheaper with their fixed published prices and guaranteed deadlines.

The cost of an Antiquity Certificate/Retrospective Licence for pools is 190€ +IVA and extensions or complete properties only 270€ +IVA. Discounts are available if you also require an Energy Performance Certificate (121€ IVA incl.), Habitation Licence (from 118€ IVA incl., but Registration Tax not included) or any other of their services, done at the same time.

If you want to have your Retrospective Licence/Antiquity Certificate for your extension or pool now, in accordance with present laws and to protect against possible future changes in the laws that may affect you, Martinez de la Casa Architects will arrange an appointment and guarantee the delivery of the Certificate of Antiquity within 10 working days after survey.

For all enquiries, please call 665 810 411. Martinez de la Casa Architects guarantee the delivery of the Certificate of Antiquity within 10 working days after survey.

Visit our website www.martinezdelacasa.com to see an impressive list of nearly 200 client’s testimonials.

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Royal Ascot Ladies day was the event we had all been looking forward to as we left as a group from Alfaz del Pi making a stop at Elche services on the motorway to pick up more members.

The next stop was at the beautiful Finca Golf resort in Almoradi which was the meeting point for the members from the south of Alicante Once refreshed the combined group of Jaguar cars left in convoy heading for the famous restaurant of Rebate while taking the wonderful sightseeing route around the brilliant blue water of the lake Embalsa de la Pedrera.

On arrival at the restaurant a welcome drink was waiting to be served from the outside private bar, along with tapas. and this gave time for meet and greet conversation, and for the Ladies it allowed time for extra glasses of champagne to go with their Royal Ascot hats, because after all we were celebrating Ladies Day. The thirsty Jaguar big cats had already been parked in the car park of the restaurant because now it was all about members enjoying lunch and horse racing.

At 2pm we moved into the private room to enjoy a four course lunch, but firstly Mike Brook welcomed everyone, followed by Dennis Wilson and Bill McKay who explained about the horse races. After the meal it was time to have some fun. Bill had a little technical hitch which caused a laugh when the horses were running backwards, but it all added to the fun of the day which everyone thoroughly enjoyed.

If you would like to join us and become a member of JEC-Costa Blanca please email Mike Brook on mikebikejec@gmail.com or telephone 640 866 711.

Calling all clubs and charities - tell everyone about your forthcoming events in your favourite local magazine.

See page 4 for deadline dates and contact information

QFocus Magazine July 2021

QFocus Magazine July 2021

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A View From The Top

W

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.

Groupthink.

Like many of you I watched in amazement at the performance of Dominic Cummings as he sat in front of an assortment of members from two Parliamentary committees. He was in front of these combined members to "dish the dirt" on how the UK Government had performed whilst he was main adviser to Boris Johnson. The attraction to me personally was that I hoped that he, "Cummings", would reveal information that gave some insight into the chaotic handling of the Government in respect of dealing with "The Covid crisis". I sat and listened with great interest for all of the seven plus hours of the Dominic Cummings tells all show. However, when it was over the real truth is that Cummings did not actually throw any light on the chaos that was the inaction and complete lack of responsibility of the Prime Minister and his gang of cohorts.

It has been obvious from the start of the Pandemic that as far as management skills go, Johnson and Company just do not have any. NO empathy with the sick and dying, as shown by his (Johnson’s) outburst "That the bodies should be left to pile high etc". No organisational skills in that front line workers and medical professionals were left to fend for themselves, while people made fortunes trying to source and supply PPE equipment.

No leadership skills in that he (Johnson again) did not attend the COBRA crisis meetings that were set up to manage events such as a National Pandemic.

During the hearings Cummings set about the Health Secretary, saying that he should have been sacked for repeatedly lying to other members of the Cabinet - this from a man who used his eyesight as a reason to go drive about whilst the rest of the UK were told to stay at home. This from a man who organised and created oh so many outright untruths about the Brexit debate. So many falsehoods were created, falsehoods that to this day are still recounted by people too stupid to understand the "nose in front of their face" as the saying goes.

Remember that until he was sacked as Johnson’s adviser, this man seemed to be happy to enjoy his seat at the top table, seemed to be happy to work for a workshy narcissist and philanderer who has an inflated sense of his own importance and a deep need for excessive attention and admiration. A man who has a history of troubled relationships and an obvious lack of empathy for others.

www.femalefocusonline.com We had on our television screen one lying so and so telling stories about another lying so and so.

He, Cummings, explained that the reason it all went so wrong was that the Government could not think or plan its way out of a paper bag due to the use of Groupthink. Essentially you call a meeting and allow an all prevailing idea or justification to be discussed. You discuss the problem to death until group collective acquiescence comes to the fore, and everyone in attendance believes that somehow a solution to a problem has been found. Groupthink has no aspect of Leadership, it has no aspect of responsibility, what is does have an informal harmony in which all concerned believe they have resolved this, that or the other, when in reality the buck has been passed around the table until a collective mistake is presumed to of some value.

I used to run meetings of both managers and reporting teams, the key was and is to always lead the meeting. Yes of course allow discourse and discussion, allow differing viewpoints and of course invite alternatives to a particular course of action. What should never happen though is that a leader leaves the meeting with anything more that, a quiet satisfaction in knowing that after all the brain storming, all the alternative chat and all the collective input, the outcome will be what the leader knew it was going to be when the meeting was called and scheduled. Leadership is a natural skill, leadership is born of confidence and an ability to take decisions. It is not, as the British Prime Minister seems to think, something to hide behind or something to persuade others of your cleverness via your use of worthless Latin phrases.

The outcome of the combined committee hearings to which Cummings gave evidence, or worthless tittle tattle depending on your viewpoint, has in fact not had an outcome. He, Cummings said he would provide additional information / evidence to support his assertions that the Government as a collective was not able to function. This evidence, as I write has not seen the light of day. In effect the whole hearing has turned into a he said / they said and even she said (in respect of her dog). These are the people who ask for your trust and your vote. Where we go from here is anyone’s guess, the lying just goes on and on. OR so I had thought.

However, as I type, news has just come through via a Cumming sBlog that proports to show a WhatsApp message from Boris Johnson that states that the Health Secretary "is xxxxxxx hopeless". Now when Downing street does reply to the assertion it will be interesting. What is even more interesting is that perhaps, just perhaps, Cummings actually does have follow up evidence, if nothing else the idea that Cummings can prove some of what he says should put the wind up the useless article of a Prime Minister that is Spaffer Johnson. Lie your way out of that why don't you.

Page 14 www.femalefocusonline.com Lyrical Mixed Voice COSTA BLANCA SOUTH Choir: Rehearsals started again mid-June and will be continuing every Wednesday from 10.30am to 12.30pm at La Zenia Note from Benny: Things are looking up. Easing of covid Church. Their repertoire restrictions have given a ray of light to our amdram boardfeatures classical through to treaders. Hopefully, productions held in mothballs will go well-loved show numbers, so why not pop along and join them? ahead late summer onwards. Live get-togethers will also help New singers are always welcome. An ability to read music and members social life to jump into gear once again. Smiles all to be able to hold your own tune in 4-part harmony are distinct round, including those cash starved charities who have also advantages. For more up-to-date information, please contact suffered from the lack of entertainment programmes revenue.

Philip Mitchell (Musical Director) on 865 750 435 or Trent Harris Good luck all.

(Chairman) on 650 764 127.

QFocus Magazine July 2021

Actors Community Theatre Society: ACTS present their long-awaited production 'The Vagina Monologues!' You may laugh, you may cry, you may be enlightened, you may be shocked, whatever your reaction, it's not to missed! It will be shown at Lakeview, Ciudad Quesada on 17 September at 20.00hrs. Entrance fee of 5€ will be collected at the door. Contact Susie 602 575 273, a pre-show meal can be ordered by contacting Lakeview direct.

Campoverde Theatre Group: The Group unfortunately are not yet able to rehearse as their venue, which is Council owned, is still not open, and may remain closed for some time due to a problem with the building. Meanwhile Zoom meetings are still in progress as all are keen to get into the acting and singing mode once again.

Further information will be published as soon as it is available.

Cantabile Ladies Choir: At the moment, the choir, based in Torrevieja, are hoping to begin rehearsals again in September providing restrictions have been lifted. New members in all parts are always welcome, especially sopranos.

The only requirement is the ability to sing in tune in this friendly three-part female choir who perform a very varied selection of music. For further information please email valbeange@gmail.com or telephone 966 795 816 or mobile 648 034 232.

Rojales Pantomime Group: The Group enjoyed their first social event of the year.

Originally booked outside in The Courtyard, unfortunately, due to rain, the event had to be held inside. A fun music quiz was followed by lunch, and it was great to see so many members of the group ensuring they will be able to go forward with rehearsing their next pantomime as soon as they can. If you would like more information, email: rojalespantomime@gmail.com Studio 32: They are back again, rehearsing their next show ‘South Pacific’. This will be staged at the Cardinal Beluga Theatre, San Fulgencio from 24 to 27 November. They also have a new rehearsal venue, Lakeview Bar and Restaurant, Quesada. They are currently on their summer break and will recommence first week in September. New members needed either as cast members, backstage crew, technicians, or front of house.

No previous experience necessary as coaching will be given.

Contact: studiothirtytwo@icloud.com or call 607 424 299.

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

www.femalefocusonline.com

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Colina Club restart their social outings

T

he residents of the Colina Club apartments would like to thank the staff of Los Amigos in Alcalali for such a warm welcome when we came recently for our lunch outing. Now that the owners of Los Amigos have returned after their extended holiday, we decided it was a perfect time to return to one of our favourite restaurants for our regular lunch outing.

We would also like to give a big thank you to Trude and the staff at the Gran Sol restaurant here in Calpe for opening on your days off when restaurants were starting to open.

You provided a safe environment that allowed our residents to relax and enjoy a great meal. From all our residents, congratulations on the newest member of the family.

As we return to the new normal, the Colina Club is slowly and carefully commencing our social activities. The Colina Club has also opened the local pub, The Village Tea Room and the afternoon social activities in our library. These activities allow our residents to enjoy a rich social life in the safe and caring community of the Colina Club.

QFocus Magazine July 2021

QFocus Magazine July 2021

H

Page 16

WAITING IN THE WINGS?

www.femalefocusonline.com

By Benny Davis

anging around backstage, took on a completely different meaning, when the ACTS Theatre Company were performing, `The Play That Goes Wrong´

A complex set involved actors exiting an upper structure, backwards, down a ladder, and just to make things even more hazardous, completely in the dark. Needless to say, an accident was just waiting to happen – and it did. One poor board treader completely missed his footing and was left silently, hanging in space by the tips of his fingers until the end of the scene. Only then did the stagehands manage to lower him down to safety. Just one of the many hazards this intrepid group has had to undergo since their baptism in 2015.

From that initial year, ACTS, based in Benijófar, have left no stone unturned in their quest to present the most professional productions within their ability, from research to the final curtain. Take for example their stage version of the hit movie, `Calendar Girls´. The director not only visited the Yorkshire Dales village of Kettlewell, where the movie was filmed, but managed to persuade the originator of the story, Tricia Stewart, to jump on a flight to Spain for the sole purpose of helping to promote the production. This proved to be so successful, a matinee performance was added at the last minute. Incidentally, Tricia’s part in the film was played by Helen Mirren.

Former successes include a variety of productions from farce to romantic comedy, but you can’t expect six years living with the ghost of live theatre to give up without a fightback. Many other gremlins joined forces to try and disrupt this dedicated group of amdram thespians whilst performing, including an occasion when a lead actor dried up, leaving his panic-stricken fellow actors frantically trying to ad-lib as if all was normal. Completely unruffled, the said actor walked to the wings, paused nonchalantly, grabbed a stiff drink, then whispered to the prompt, “What’s my next line?”

Like all groups, Covid restrictions have hit them pretty badly. As a result, only two get-togethers, in the form of glorified read-throughs of the `Vagina Monologues´ have been possible since the outbreak. But the latest news is that ACTS are back in action and anticipate live performances being staged from November. Good news for local charities who have benefited from receiving thousands of euros in donations raised by this group of talented and kind-hearted members.

SUDOKU

Here are four 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 r o w, e v e r y c o l u m n a n d e v e r y 3 x 3 grid contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repeats, which means that no number is repeated in any row, column or box.

Answers to puzzles in the classified pages

Page 17

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How do you know where you are?

I don’t mean the location you are in, or even where you are in the stream of time, I mean where are you in the run up to being the kind of person you would really like to be?

Did you realise you had a choice about what kind of person you want to be?

It’s quite mind blowing, but EVERY DAY we choose to be, not WHAT we want to be, but WHO we want to be. Prince or pauper, the status makes no difference to our ability to achieve what we want as far as our personality selection is concerned.

We are definitely dealt a certain hand from birth as far as genetics are concerned, inheritance from family background etc, but from the moment we are old enough to think for ourselves we are able to choose the kind of person we would like to be, REGARDLESS of circumstances, good or bad, friend or foe.

In case you feel that things like this aren’t under our control, think of the worst situation a human could be under and then realise that some people handle their situations in an admirable way.

Why would anyone want to be the kind of person that people speak badly of? What place has unkindness and violence got in our lives?

If the circumstances we are in are difficult then think of the things we have to be grateful for and work towards making changes when possible. Perhaps things won’t change overnight to make us happy, but keep the door open to opportunities, and if an opportunity doesn’t arise, CREATE it!

Nothing is more encouraging for me than talking to someone who loves life and handles everything thrown their way with expertise. There was a time when they couldn’t do that, but they learnt! Keep an open mind, be prepared to make changes, and go for being the kind of person you would like to be!

Until the next time!

Violet King

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 Stave on 623 220 052 or just come along for a chat one Saturday.

QFocus Magazine July 2021

Page 18

QF���� Maga���e J��� 2021

our ARIES Your social life is once again increasing in pace. As long as you do what you are comfortable with, you can enjoy catching up with people and having some fun times together again. Having a better time socially also means that everyday life is much better.

TAURUS Learning and expanding your ideas are top priority at the moment which is good as everyone around you seems to be in the same frame of mind. Be careful this month to not get into a confrontation with family members.

GEMINI Chose your words wisely otherwise they will cause pain when they were not meant too. Keep on the path to find what you really want to achieve or you will be asking the same question over and over.

CANCER Your self evaluation continues and you can feel the benefits of questioning yourself. Someone close to you will need your support more than ever now and it will bring you both closer at last.

LEO The fog you have been feeling recently is at last starting to lift and you can see yourself looking to the future. Meeting up again with people through groups and activities is great as you have so many new ideas to share.

VIRGO You are seeing improvements in all aspects of your life which feels long overdue. At last you can start moving forward again with ideas and plans.

Let everyone know what they are so you can work on these together.

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oroscope LIBRA These last months have seen many changes which will continue as others share their experiences with you. Remember though that just because it is your passion does not mean that everyone has to be as enthusiastic.

SCORPIO Try to avoid conflicts as you all try to adapt to the changes that are happening. Some of you will not be able to move as quickly as others so try to make sure everyone is given time to adjust. A chance to study comes at the prefect time.

SAGITTARIUS Travel is something you have really missed and now you have itchy feet to get going again. Looking for a get away close to home might be just want you need.

CAPRICORN Research and investigation will give you some amazing ideas and insights into a project you have in mind. Some reflection on personal matters will be needed when a situation arises that you were not expecting.

AQUARIUS Make sure that any fights you pick are worth fighting for. More often than not when you think about it before reacting, they really aren't.

Fun and entertainment are your priorities after quite a tough time. Take it steadily though as you still have responsibilities to think about as well.

PISCES The summer normally means overworking either with visitors or work.

Relax and enjoy the fact that this year you can concentrate more on yourself. Things will still be busy but at least you will be able to enjoy some of the fun as well.

Page 19

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QF���� Maga���e J��� 2021

Brow & Lash Bar offers every Tuesday at Absolute.

LASH LIFT & BROW SCULPT A fabulously combined duo; two perfect treatments to enhance the eyes and frame the face!

Lash lift

Perfect for those;  Who don't want the hassle of wearing mascara daily  Who don't want to wear false eyelash extensions  Who want their eyes to stand out

YOUR EYES WILL LOOK AMAZING!

Both treatments together in under 60 minutes - ONLY 50€ Lash lift & tint only 25€ Brow sculpt & tint only 25€ Lash lift & tint with brow shape & tint Only 40€ Lash tint with brow shape & tint Only 20€ Brow sculpt with lash tint 35€ ● For a salon appointment or more information please call Absolute Hair, Nails & Beauty on 966 731 336.

Your natural lashes are lifted using eye pads and lifting serum, this does not hurt!

A tint is included for that extra beautiful finish and you can expect the lift to last up to 8 weeks.

Brow Sculpt

Whether you want to achieve the full fluffy brow look or create symmetry in uneven brows or tame unruly hairs, Brow Sculpt is for you!

Brow Sculpt can change the direction of hair growth to create a more uniformed look with more definition in the eyebrow arch; creating a more desirable brow shape!

Brow Sculpt lasts up to 6 weeks and includes a tint for maximum enhancement.

Book Review by Ivor Kindle Title: Scram!: The Gripping First-Hand Account of the Helicopter War in the Falklands Author: Harry Benson Publisher: Preface Digital We all know about the Falkland Islands War in 1982. It's all about SAS deeds and Nuclear Submarine warfare coupled with the Marines marching (yompin) over cold and hostile terrain.

This story however covers the silent War that was fought by members of both the RAF and Army Helicopter units. This is a concise record of both who the pilots were, and what their machines were asked to undertake in both support and offensive roles during the Falklands War. This is a fascinating tale of heroes in action, understated and almost forgotten. This book is a valuable testament to real unsung and unmentioned, but still major contributors to the ultimate Victory that was the Falklands Campaign.

Keep reading, Ivor Kindle.

Finca La Castellana in San Miguel to receive royalties from July sales of PODENCOS MAKE YOU SMILE

by Nola the Untrainable.

An Amazon review says, “This book made me laugh out loud, It’s brilliant.

Very well written.”

For a light-hearted look at ex-pat life on the Costa Blanca through the eyes of a rescued Spanish Podenco dog, this book is for you.

Although fiction, it’s written with experience of ‘Living the dream’ and volunteering with dog rescue.

Nola has mastered the art of speaking English, but will her Oomans, Susan and David ever understand dog-speak? They carry on with their normal day-to-day activities, blissfully unaware of Nola’s quirky take on their lives.

You’ll find answers to, ‘What happened to the Haggis,’ ‘How come the dragon slayed Saint George,’ ‘How did a snake turn this Podenco into a radio star,’ and much more.

BE WARNED:- Have hankies ready for both the laughter and the tears.

Nola's very pleased to be able to support the Finca with the sterling work they do. With so many different animals in their care and enormous outgoings, they are constantly fund raising. Please help HER to help THEM. Paperback and e-book available on Amazon.

QFocus Magazine July 2021

www.femalefocusonline.com

Page 20

RECIPES by Pushpa from the Spice Hut Stir fried cabbage and carrots (Sambharo)

Ingredients Small cabbage, finely chopped 2 carrots, peeled and finely cut lengthways 1 green pepper, cut lengthways 3 green chilies, cut lengthways 1 tspn mustard seed 1 tspn cumin seeds 4 tbspn of oil Salt as required 1/2 tspn turmeric Juice of lemon as required Fresh coriander to garnish Method Heat the oil and add the mustard seeds. When popped add the cumin seed, straight away add the chopped cabbage, carrots, peppers and chillies. Stir well for a minute, then turn down the heat.

Add the salt, turmeric and dash of lemon juice.

Cook for 5 to 8 minutes.

Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with your meal.

Enjoy. ●

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

www.femalefocusonline.com

QFocus Magazine July 2021

Page 21

How to set goals and achieve them.

Part 1 Life doesn’t need to be over just because we are retired or in beautiful, sunny Spain. Nothing in this world will make us permanently happy. At all stages of our lives, we need a sense of progress.

As humans, we are capable of many amazing things but what we often end up doing is something quite different.

How many times have you been in this position? You have to do something and you even want to do it, but you don’t do it? How many times did you find an excuse to not do it? Perhaps you were paralysed by the possibility of making a mistake, so you prefer to spend time with endless preparations (or procrastination)?

“We are defined by actions, not words.” Why work with goals? Do you find it a familiar and maybe boring topic? With goals we create our future in advance, we create our destiny which shapes our lives. We have something to live for.

Some common mistakes when setting goals: Superficial work (we do not follow through): Instead of working on them regularly with weekly or monthly check ups, we work on them only once a year – usually on New Year’s Day. We don’t even look at what we did in the previous year and just set other goals.

We are not aware of the power of goals: “Yes, I have some goals” But I do not ensure that those goals are perceived as absolutely realistic inside my head. We don’t understand that when we set goals, we build something in life.

We don’t have a good map: If you want to go to a new destination, you have to have a map or navigation system or you have to know someone who knows the way. Let’s call it a plan for how to go from point A to point B. Without a map or plan you will get lost.

I have to say that this point is often overestimated, since people are not lacking in information on how to achieve something. In fact we live in an age where you can find a book or video about how to achieve something in the blink of an eye.

We don’t know why we want achieve something: ‘Why’ is more important than ‘How’. If our ‘Why’ is weak or unclear – we don’t feel enough energy to stand up, to go and get it. Motivation is different for everyone, so we have to find our own reasons... Strong reasons.

WORD SPIRAL

WORDSPIRAL 1 - CLUES

BY PA PUZZLES TEAM

&

Starting from 1, fill in the grid in a clockwise direction with four-letter words. The last letter of each word becomes the first letter of the next word.

If you have correctly filled in the grid there should be a seven-letter key word reading across from 8.

&

1. Vend 2. Circuits 3. Swing to and fro 4. Twelve months 5. Corrode 6.

Mexican snack 7. Of the ears 8. Harvest 9. Suffering 10. Require 11. Panto character 12. Epochs 13. Shock or overwhelm 14. Christmas 15. Rich soil 16. Is obliged to.

Key word clue: Legal term.

WORDSPIRAL 2 - CLUES 1. Shove 2. Part of a horse’s foot 3. A matted fabric 4. Sound a horn 5.

Stumble 6. Puddle 7. Speech defect 8. Bard 9. Mountain lake 10. Inert gas 11. Immediately following 12. Group of players 13. Cooked animal flesh 14. Rip 15. Impetuous 16. Very big.

Key word clue: Elaborate parade.

Answers to puzzles in the classified pages

QF���� Maga���e J��� 2021

AS SEEN ON TV

Page 22

Bhatura Bread

www.femalefocusonline.com

Bhatura is a puffed Indian deep-fried bread. It is mildly fermented using natural yoghurt. Perfect Bhaturas are soft, fluffy and chewy; they are usually paired with chole/ channa (chickpea curry) and a simple salad of seasoned onions, tomatos and chopped chillies. Chole bhaturas are loved by Indian, they are found at roadside cafes, restaurants, served at special occasions such as festivals, religious ceremonies and weddings. The bhaturas make a great alternative to the bun at a bbq wrapped around a sausage or a burger.

Ingredients 300g SR plus extra for dusting ½ teaspoon salt 4 tablespoon yoghurt plain 110-200ml lukewarm milk Oil for deep-frying OPTIONAL 2 teaspoons nigella seeds TIME: rest - 1 hour plus cook - 25 Minutes. Makes 8

Mix the flour along with the salt and nigella seeds in a large mixing bowl.

Add the yoghurt. Slowly add the milk until it comes together into a dough.

(You might not need all the milk).

Tip onto a lightly floured board or surface. Knead until you have soft, smooth pliable dough.

Cover the bowl with a damp tea towel and set aside, rest for at least 1 to 2 hours or overnight in the fridge.

Fill a large pan/ wok/ karai or a fryer with oil. Heat to about 180ºC or until a small cube of bread or dough browns and sizzles when dropped into to the oil.

Take golf ball-sized chunks of dough, roll into balls, then flatten, and roll out TIP - These can be batch cooked with a rolling pin on a lightly floured surface until you have a saucer-sized and frozen – defrost at room disc, about ½ cm thick. temperature and heat on a tawa/ Gently lower into the hot oil with a slotted spoon and let it rise to the surface – frying pan or in the microwave. it should puff up. Fry for 1-2 minutes until golden, then drain on kitchen paper.

Missing your curry fix? Since BREXIT, we have not managed to get our kits into Spain and into the shops. Currently we are dispatching from the UK to Europe; If you would like an order please email it with the delivery address, we’ll work out the cost of goods and postage for you. We are still offering lessons and have the masala dabbas (spice tins) available to buy in Spain. Learn to cook curry from scratch, treat yourself or loved one to a masala dabba and with all the spices cook up a storm with the Spice Sisters. Please email keepcalm@curryoncooking.com.

This is Tarco, a 7yr old Czecoslovakian Wolfdog. We would recommend a home with a garden and no small children and no cats!

Be warned, Tarco can howl. Call the K9 shelter on 711 075 305 or k9clubinfo@gmail.com Button is 7 weeks old and was found on the N332 last month. She is a tough little girl and loves to be cuddled. Call: 645 469 253 visit www.petsinspain.com or email info@petsinspain.com 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 All adverts must be sent with your Name and NIE or Passport Nº (not to be published).

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

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

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

Free Property adverts: Property sale adverts should also be emailed to classifieds@femalefocusonline.com by the property owner. They will be published free for a 3 month period and can include Property Agent contact details (and photo to be included online only).

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

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

Pets

Very easy

Medium

Hard Easy WORD SPIRAL 1 SOLUTIONS 1. Sell 2. Laps 3. Sway 4. Year 5. Rust 6. Taco 7. Otic 8. Crop 9. Pain 10. Need 11. Dame 12. Eras 13. Stun 14. Noel 15. Loam 16. Must.

Key word solution: CUSTODY WORD SPIRAL 2 SOLUTIONS 1. Push 2. Hoof 3. Felt 4. Toot 5. Trip 6. Pool 7. Lisp 8. Poet 9. Tarn 10. Neon 11. Next 12. Team 13. Meat 14. Tear 15. Rash 16. Huge. Key word solution: PAGEANT. QUICK CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS Across: 7 Manual; 8 Fiddle; 10 Stirrup; 11 Tulle; 12 Emus; 13 Stork; 17 Mimic; 18 Soda; 22 Paint; 23 Hotfoot; 24 Raging; 25 Volume.

Down: 1 Smashed; 2 Envious; 3 Tarry; 4 Mixture; 5 Adult; 6 Never; 9 Spotlight; 14 Distend; 15 Coconut; 16 Canteen; 19 Spark; 20 Tinge; 21 Strop.

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QFocus Magazine July 2021

Page 23 GLOBAL DISCOUNT FURNITURE Wanted - Quality used household and garden furniture. Top prices paid. Cash Waiting. Collection available. Call 966 713 457 or 604 237 149 or email info@globaldiscountfurniture.com or www.globaldiscountfurniture.com

Health & Beauty SLIM AND TONE At our new one stop Slimming, Toning and Vitamin Supplements Studio, we can offer you the Exante diet plan and the Shapemaster toning beds. Call 675 619 568.

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

QUALITY BLINDS SPAIN www.

Misc. Sales CAMPING FRIDGE, good working order, €20, call 602 452 850. Benifato area.

GAS FRIDGE FREEZER, €100, buy collects, good working order, call 602 452 850, Benifato area.

8 CLASSIC RADIATORS never been used, €800 buyer collects call 602 452 850 bargain.

Services SPANISH INSURANCE: for all your insurance needs in English.

Home, health, travel, motor, funeral cover, community, business. Visit: www.spanish-insurance.net Call: 96 673 0694. Offices in San Javier, La Zenia and Quesada.

S I M P LY D O O R S . F a m i l y r u n business our products range from external Doors, internal doors, sliding wardrobe doors, upvc windows and conservatories tel 96 671 8738 or 671 260 204. Web: www.simplydoors.es.

Property Sales & Rentals NEED A SURVEY? Call Advantage Building Services if you are buying a property, or have structural problems with a property you already own. Subsidence cases investigated, insurance claims mediated and processed.

653 733 066 or email mrmpaddon@hotmail.com or www.surveyorscostablanca.com

qualityblindsinspain.com is a family run business, supplying and fitting made to measure blinds on the costa. Tel: 96 57 01 984 Mobile: 65 83 38 123.

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

Web: www.aqualyze.es.

ALGORFA, 2 BED ATICO Algorfa 69,000€, 2 bed atico. Garage with storeroom, lift, pool, roof terrace.

Furnished, no chain. Close to amenities and golf. Mobile 675 416 420.

TOWNHOUSE, LA MARINA S p a c i o u s To w n h o u s e . 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen/ living/dining room in La Marina.

Close to amenities. €70,000. Tel. 966 796 236.

For Sale – Harrys Bar, Quesada.

Unique opportunity to purchase this well established popular bar / restaurant. Freehold. Call Joanne for more information on 693 494 951.

Personal