QF Focus - March 2020

Deposito Legal A-685-2016

E

E FR

March 2020

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

ES WITH T U N I M E V I F DSON JON RICHAR MONT U & LUCY BEA

JULIE WALTERS ON CANC E DIAGNOS R IS Also inside this issue:Your Horoscopes - Your Local Community News DP Entertainment - Recipes - Legal - Astronomy A View From the Top - Finance - Health & Beauty Violet King - Local Business Reviews - Club & Charity News Keith Nicol's Forthcoming Events - Classified Adverts - Puzzles Spot the Logo....

and so much more...

brought to you by....

QF Focus Magazine

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Exciting changes coming soon

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ver the last year I have been trying not to get too involved publicly over Brexit. Having lived and worked in Spain for over 30 years, I consider myself to be European. What saddens me most of all, is the surrendering of my European British passport. I wonder if the UK really understands the implications of coming out of Europe and whether it is just a fairy story – only time will tell.

I am relieved a decision has finally been made and some of the uncertainty has gone. I, along with other businesses, can start to make decisions for the future. For the moment, nothing has changed. However, if your wish is to stay in Spain, you will require a Residencia, health care and a Spanish driving licence, for a start.

My advice would be to do this as soon as possible.

My first decision, after a lot of deliberation, is to re-locate one of the two offices in Jávea port, which was my first office. The reason for two offices in the port was essential at the time, but this is no longer the case, with the Renewals now firmly established in my Els Poblets office. The new office I will be opening is located in the Arenal area of Jávea, with the same telephone number 966 461 690, between Michaels Bed Shop and the Chinese restaurant on Avenida del Plá, giving you the choice of which Jávea office to visit, as both will be able to help you with all your insurance needs.

With regards to the southern area, Benijófar office will be having a major reform this year, which is exciting as we will have a beautiful refurbished office. There will, of course, be a certain amount of chaos for a few months, which will not be easy for the staff, because we will temporarily move into the office upstairs, but the results will be well worth it. I, of course, will keep you informed of the changes. n For more information or a quotation, please contact one of my offices or visit the website www.jennifercunningham.net

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Over the past couple of years I have been plagued by Microsoft callers telling me I have a problem with my computer. I have tried all sorts to put them off calling me from claiming to not have a computer, iPad or smartphone, to leaving the call unattended until they eventually got fed up and hung up. For a while the calls seemed to stop until very recently when I started receiving up to 3 / 4 calls per day.

I decided to change my tactics in dealing with these calls and on one occasion told the lady she should communicate with her colleagues as that was the 4th call I had received from Microsoft that day... only to be told by her that she didn’t have any colleagues! Really?

From a company the size of Microsoft she had no colleagues? To which she replied “Fair enough, goodbye”. The following day I received another call from them to which she didn’t quite catch me in such a good mood. I asked her to remove my number from their database and stop calling me, although my language that day what somewhat choice, to which she responded to me in the same “choice” words, again not the kind of words you would expect to hear from a Microsoft employee.

My message to you all is do not be taken in by these scammers, they can sound very convincing and real at the time, instead have a little fun at their expense.....

Congratulations to Cheryl Lovett from San Miguel de Salinas who won last month's competition after spotting Maximos logo on page 27. This month if you find the Harrys Bar logo (not on their advert page, this page or the front cover) you are in with a chance of winning a a delicious Sunday Lunch for 2 people.

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

Michelle

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

Discuss your advertising with your local representative:-

QF Focus Magazine Office Tel: 657 501 055.

Sales Manager Michelle 663 178 228 michelle@femalefocusonline.com

Pick up your next issue on 31 March Deadline for advertising & editorial - 16 March

Please send editorial to editor@femalefocusonline.com Advert content to advertising@femalefocusonline.com Female Focus Publications are supporters of www.aldeasinfantiles.es Front page photo of Julie Walters by Yui Mok/ PA Photos and of Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont by PA Photo/ UKTV/ Des Willie.

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Hello MARCH & THE MAKING OF

THE WELLBEING EXPO

A couple of months in and 2020 is Marching on! And so are GM Promotions as we work with a spring in our step creating the WELLBEING Health Beauty & Lifestyle Expo at the PARADOR HOTEL, JAVEA on Friday 8 & Saturday 9 May. Pop the dates in your diary to join us for 2 informative, inspirational and motivational days, exhibiting products and services, staging talks and demos, also treatments & taster sessions will be on offer, plus some free classes and workshops as well as food and drink samples! It’s a unique opportunity, not to be missed to shop and pamper yourselves!

This exciting Expo is for everyone to enjoy and be part of, to see, touch, try, taste and buy products, services, and treatments. Discover what can help us be, and feel more healthy, beautiful, and spiritually connected, to feel more in flow! Plus if you are looking for new activities, hobbies, or places to travel to….. we have all that covered as well, ready to enjoy the summer months.

Promoting a variety of topics and subject matter that will help you look and feel great from inside out and from top to toe! General health care, body care to self-care. Mainstream to alternative and holistic approaches, eco and planet friendly product solutions, nutrition and fitness to stylish fashion and accessories, explore vegan and organic options to travel and leisure pursuits to finding working opportunities. We will also be showcasing outdoor living products and services, art and soft furnishings.

This event is the All about YOU Event. It’s time to take care of YOU! And it is absolutely OK to put yourself as a priority! In fact it is a necessity! So come along and discover what’s available here on the Costas to keep your WELLBEING and Wellness, health and Lifestyle in tip top condition!

All part of creating and planning this EXPO is our ‘OPEN/ NETWORKING’ afternoon for the exhibitors and potential exhibitors to visit the venue and meet each other and the expo team on Tuesday 24 March from 16:00 – 19:00 at the Parador Hotel, Jávea. If you would like to book a stand and showcase, share your products, services, treatments and messages…get in touch. See www.gmpromotions.es or FB Health Beauty & Lifestyle Show, contact gina@gmpromotions.es or call 695 399 841 for stand availability.

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What would you do with free money?

A new Car or a Cruise, maybe?

Investment related: “Wow Dave, Blacktower have really done us proud on this Bond.

Thank you all so much for the work the Company does.” Pam James, Quesada (client of 7 years).

“I can recommend Dave Diggle for financial investment advice.

As a cautious saver, the various options and plans were explained in full and excellent advice given. The investments we made have grown and we are more than happy with the service provided.”

Angela Haram, Benijofar (Client of 5 years).

“I wish I had met him years ago - Dave is refreshingly honest, and I quickly realised he was on my side, unlike my previous Adviser Firm, which is why I called him. I have been delighted with the results of his changes.” Paul Butler, Altea (Client of 11/2 years).

Pension transfer related: “We have dealt with Dave Diggle since July 2014 and we cannot recommend him highly enough. With perseverance and determination he came and sorted a very problematic UK pension release for us. Since then he has looked at our savings and arranged tax efficient bonds for us, whereas our money was making nothing previously due to the poor interest rates, we are now able to have a good income from our investments. Dave is always ready to handle any questions, quickly and efficiently. We like the fact that we see him face to face when needed and we are not dealing with a voice at the end of the phone. He always carries out any dealings we have with him with the utmost professionalism and good humour.”

Mr & Mrs D, Montesinos (Client of 5 years).

“A big thank you to Mr Dave Diggle for his perseverance in getting my pension transfer finally sorted out. I cannot recommend Dave highly enough and the business relationship does not end

QF Focus Magazine

with this one transaction as Dave is always at the end of the phone or email to offer advice about any investments. Well done Dave, you have 5 stars from me!” (Client name withheld as recently deceased).

Current returns from one of our fixed rate return funds:

Growth (Sterling) Fund Growth (Euro) Fund

3.5% p.a.

2.6% p.a.

Blacktower Financial Wealth Management is an independent advisory firm and is NOT tied to any 3rd Party product providers. We would only recommend an appropriate product for you and your family’s circumstances.

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

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

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

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

QF Focus Magazine

Knitters needed for knockers!

Knitted Knockers are special handmade breast prosthesis for women who have undergone mastectomies or other procedures to the breast.

Traditional breast prosthetics are usually expensive, heavy, sweaty and uncomfortable. They typically require special bras or camisoles with pockets and can’t be worn for weeks after surgery. Knitted Knockers on the other hand are soft, comfortable, beautiful and when placed in a regular bra they take the shape and feel of a real breast.

We're looking for experienced knitters who can give there time to help us knit these to donate to our ladies that may need them. If you can help please get in touch: Call Annette: 616 871 952. Email: info.spanishknockers@gmail.com.

DAFFS is a group that meets on the 2nd Monday of every month at the VEGA BAJA office in San Miguel at 2pm. We offer support, information and a non judgemental place to help people better understand and feel less isolated if someone they know suffers with addiction, helping you to help them. Come along or for more information email: daffs2019@gmail.com.

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King’s College Education Centre will be able to consult in Real Time with the Paediatricians at Quirónsalud

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uirónsalud Alicante will provide virtual consultations for medical emergencies with the education centre, King’s College of Alicante. Thanks to these virtual consultations, the school’s nursing centre will be able to contact, in real time, the physician on call for Paediatric Emergencies at Quirónsalud Alicante to treat any possible question related to the state of health of its students and, if necessary, transfer them to the hospital centre for medical attention.

Likewise, and in order to promote healthy lifestyle habits throughout childhood and adolescence, the specialists at Quirónsalud Alicante will hold informative talks for teachers, parents and students at King’s College, where they will broach relevant subjects, such as the importance of a balanced diet to avoid childhood obesity, sleep or a correct dental hygiene.

About Quirónsalud Quirónsalud is the leading hospital group in Spain and, together with its Fresenius-Helios headquarters, also in Europe, it has over 40,000 professionals at more than 125 healthcare centres, including 47 hospitals that offer close to 7,000 hospital beds. It offers stateof-the-art technology, and a great team of highly specialised professionals of international prestige. Its centres include Centro Médico Teknon, Ruber Internacional, Hospital Universitario Quirónsalud Madrid, Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Hospital Quirónsalud Barcelona, Hospital Universitario Dexeus, Policlínica de Gipuzkoa, etc.

The Group works on the promotion of teaching (eight of its hospitals are attached to universities) and medical-scientific research (it has the FJD’s Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria [Centre for Healthcare Research], the only private healthcare centre certified by the Secretaría de Estado de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación [Ministry for Research, Development and Innovation]).

Likewise, its healthcare service is organised into transversal networks and units, which allows for the optimisation of the accumulated experience of the different centres and the clinical translation of its research. Currently, Quirónsalud is developing over 1,600 research projects throughout Spain, and many of its centres perform cutting-edge work in this context, and are pioneers in different specialisations, such as oncology, cardiology, endocrinology, gynaecology and neurology, among others. n Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja. Tel: 96 692 1313. www.quironsalud.es. See main advert on page 11.

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Property Owners - don't fall foul of holiday let rules

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roperty-buyers in Spain planning to make money from holiday lets could be forgiven for feeling confused about how to stay within the law, and not without good reason!

Since 2013, the task of regulating short-term holiday rentals has fallen to each of Spain’s 17 regional governments. This came about after the Spanish central government decided to exclude this sector of the rental market from its national Spanish Tenancy Act, or LAU (Ley Arrendamientos Urbano), preferring to devolve it to the regions.

The regional governments, some of which already had a level of regulation in place before 2013, were given guidelines by Madrid and over the years most have adopted some core rules, such as homeowners needing to obtain a rental licence. Inevitably though, today there are not only regional differences in the way short-term lets are controlled, but also between provinces, town halls and cities within the same region. Even individual complexes and urbanisations have their own rules, which will be set by the community of owners, so always check these before buying somewhere.

In other words, what goes in the Costa Blanca won’t necessarily go in the Costa del Sol, and rules for the city of Valencia will be different to the rest of the Valencian Community.

At the same time, other factors can trigger changes to local rental regulation, such as pressure from large tourism bodies, local politics and how saturated an area is with holiday accommodation - keeping up with things isn’t easy without speaking to local experts.

Getting your licence Typical of most regions now is the need to register and have your property licensed for holiday lets. As a rule, homeowners should start by gaining permission from their town hall or declaring their intention to do so with the authorities. The next step is to register their property and obtain a unique registration number – which is done through returning a completed form to the local tourism office or post office, often followed by an inspection (depending on the region). You’ll need relevant documentation, including ID and your property’s occupancy licence.

Each rental property should also be rated as either superior, first or standard, depending on the size/ level of comfort and facilities.

There are minimum size requirements for some rooms, and specified health and safety standards will need to be met too. Both the rating and registration number should be included in any marketing, and on display in your property. Other – but not all - requirements include the owners having to log details of all paying guests with the local police.

Beware, advertising and renting out your Spanish property illegally and without the appropriate licence can result in hefty financial penalties. Similarly, income generated from rentals should be declared to the Spanish tax office and all necessary taxes paid.

Rentals in cities In Spanish cities that have become especially popular with tourists and foreign homeowners, short-term rentals have become highly regulated in recent years. Fuelled by AirBnB, a boom in demand for holiday accommodation has in many cases been detrimental to domestic residential markets, typically leading to shortages of affordable housing for locals.

Since mid-2018, short-term tourist rentals have been banned in apartments, or ‘multifamily residential housing’, in Palma. Across wider Mallorca and the Balearics, holiday rentals have always been more controlled than other mainland regions. Controls in the city of Valencia include keeping short-term rentals on different floors to residential properties and limiting them to less than 50 per cent of a block or housing unit. In some neighbourhoods, there is a moratorium permitting any short-term rentals. While in Barcelona, where the AirBnB effect has been greatest such that it is said to have the highest density of tourist apartments in Europe, there has been a heavy crack down on unlicensed holiday lets.

A key takeaway for buyers intending to rent short-term to holidaymakers is to be prepared to obtain a tourist rental licence and always observe local regulation, right down to the rules of your chosen community. Using a lawyer will help you keep within the law.

n Article supplied by Sun Lawyers - see their advert below for contact details for your nearest office.

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THE MEANING OF

H

QF Focus Magazine

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, for 450€ plus IVA. 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 (+2) 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.

QF Focus Magazine

Practical Amateur Astronomy

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Using Binoculars Part 4

ello again, well, Betelgeuse hasn't exploded yet, so I'll get on with some more exploring of the sky. The end of March and the beginning of April this year is an especially good time to be outside looking up at the sky, and the 29 March is unusually good.

If you can get out on that night, and look in the west just above the horizon, you'll see in that one small area a crescent Moon, Venus, the Pleiades and Hyades star clusters. Of course, you can see all these things at other times but having them all together in a group is a rare feast for the eyes.

The Moon is well placed to observe right through the first week of April, and well worth spending some time looking at. In a later article I'll be talking you through the best times and what to look for on the Moon.

Those of you who have been following this little series, and there are a surprising number of you, might have noticed that I've been working my way around from the south to the north, that's because when we started, Orion was prominent and beautiful, but won't be visible in the summer.

Let’s start with the last constellation we looked at, Cassiopeia. At the moment this W shaped constellation appears to be standing on its end. I would like you to concentrate on the top two stars, imagine a line from these curving away up the sky to the north. It's here that you will find probably the most famous constellation of them all, the Plough, or Ursa Major to give it its proper name. In times past the shape reminded people of an old fashioned plough, in America they call it the big dipper, as in a type of ladle. If we were naming it today we might call it a supermarket trolley. You'll also notice that it isn't right way up. To newcomers the Plough does a strange thing, it revolves around the sky, so if you look

at it in the evening it will face one way, look again 6 hours later and it has turned through 90 degrees. If that sounds like a clock, you're right, it's one way people used to tell the time at night, with a little practice you can do the same.

Another thing to look at is the second star from the end of the handle, a star called Mizar. Looking through binoculars you will see it's not one star but two, the second is called Alcor. You've just found your first double, or Binary star. Not bad at all for a beginner. Going to the other side of this constellation, the two end stars are often called the pointers, because they point to the pole star, a star that is over Earth’s north pole and so never moves around our sky.

I'm nearly out of space for this month, next time I'll be showing you what to look at on the Moon, and then these articles will have a temporary change of theme, including what to look for when buying binoculars for astronomy, and a round up of some upcoming space missions. In the autumn I'll resume observing when the major planets will be visible in the evening again, you're going to my Group enjoy that. Thanks for reading.

Vega Baja Astrono

Charles Oates

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

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How well do we really

know ourselves?

W

ell if we don’t, who does? We are the only ones who control our thinking, our actions, and the results we get ...no other human being is aware of what goes on in our minds, so we are in control as a result of that. Even attitude is important when we don’t want others to take control ...think about it.

As children we are guided, controlled and looked after. When we become adults we can choose the kind of person we want to be ...and we can be the best, believe me! When things go wrong, nine times out of ten, people blame others. Think about this ...we are all where we are today because of choices we have made. Why allow things into your life that you do not like, or want to get involved in. If we are in a situation we cannot get out of, then ACCEPT that and change your attitude. People in prison who cannot get out can make a difference to their personality by changing the way they behave and liking themselves more. Believe me it works to see things and handle things differently.

Our lives can be different as each new day starts if we handle things in a way that won’t cause offence or bad feelings ...we may be out of our comfort zone to handle things differently, but it is definitely worth it to see different results.

Don’t allow others to offend you, and if they continue to do so, realise that we have certain people in our lives that maybe were a wrong choice in the first place ...take control and change things. Unless you do, you will not experience the fact that you like yourself and the person you have managed to become.

Life can be amazing if we handle things well. Start each day with the hope of improving the way we handle things. Start off with appreciating a new day ...some people don’t have that any more!

Until the next time!

Violet King

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our ARIES This month try not to get too preoccupied with your own needs that you forget those of your nearest and dearest. Although you may not feel at your best you must not take for granted those who are constantly supporting you, or you may just find that when you need them most they are no longer there.

TAURUS Although you do not have the best start to the month, fortunately there is a significant change during the middle of the month which makes everything return to normal. Your love life will also see a change, which will bring you so much more joy.

GEMINI You are on a mission to help someone you feel is being treated badly and by doing this it gives you the strength to fight some of your own battles which have been bothering you.

CANCER By getting some organisation into your life you can at last put some of those amazing thoughts into action. You will love the results.

LEO Before you break up a relationship think hard about all the things which brought you together in the first place. Is it worth losing someone so close and throwing away all the good times you have together.

VIRGO This is a perfect time for brainstorming and spending time together with like minded people as you will really get some great ideas coming out of it. Also it is a great time to de clutter your space and your head. Putting your energy into your dream will keep you out of trouble.

oroscope LIBRA Your feeling of mistrust towards people's motivates can leave you feeling very lonely at times. Finding people you can trust will help you move forward with plans, as they are full of amazing ideas to help you.

SCORPIO Some of your usual circle of friends will not be able to deal with some of your more extreme ideas and so you may have to find another group of people to discuss them with. You are focused on your uniqueness at the moment, but don't go too far or you may start to lose important friends, who you need.

SAGITTARIUS Don't try and put up with other people's ignorance, just walk away if they do not see reason the first time of explaining. Use your energy on positive things and people and it will benefit you all.

CAPRICORN After feeling a bit down at the beginning of the month you will soon get your teeth into a new project which will see you back to your normal self. Aim high and let others help to achieve this latest goal together.

AQUARIUS Seeing ways of overcoming the obstacles you are coming across rather than being put off by them will see you moving forward, and it is about time too. You have been held back long enough.

PISCES Your love of beautiful things can sometimes mean spending too much. Try to choose carefully so that you still can enjoy them but not overdo it, after all you only have so much space before you really are just surrounded by stuff without being able to appreciate the beauty.

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Where has the quiet English Village gone?

D

QF Focus Magazine

o you remember the days when you knew all your neighbours and they were there to help when you were not feeling well, or you would just nip round for a quick cuppa? Where everyone cared about each other. The English Village has not disappeared it has simply moved to Spain.

The Colina Club is the caring retirement village where the residents and staff provide the English Village atmosphere, where everyone knows each other and are there to help each other and are always available for a chat.

The Colina Village comprises 48 Independent Living Apartments, for long term rental, which are configured to provide either one or two bedrooms in 5 two storey phases and The Residence, which is our fully licensed 20 bed Nursing and Rest Home. The village is arranged around the swimming pool and bowling green to take full advantage of the spectacular views over the countryside and on down to the Mediterranean Sea and PeĂąon de Ifach.

The Colina Club has many activities to suit everyone, if you wish to join in, from Spanish lessons, creative reading and writing classes, quiz nights, pub nights, trips to local restaurants etc.

The Colina Club is all about providing you and your family with the Peace of Mind and the security of excellent care by giving a caring, comfortable, secure, peaceful and healthy facility in a superb location, allowing you to enjoy life in your senior years as you wish, so why not come and see for yourself as places are now much sought after and limited. n Telephone: 96 583 5226 - Independent Living Apartments Telephone: 96 583 7310 - The Residence www.colinaclub.com

QF Focus Magazine

HAIR

BREAKAGE

Page 15 The thought of breakage literally makes my hair stand on end. Getting your hair stuck in your hair straighteners, your hair brush pulling your hair and causing pain, and your hair constantly getting caught up in the bobbles, are all reasons which cause hair snapping.

Luckily, we've discovered several precautions you can take to stop the unintentional thinning and shortening of your locks. Here are four top tips on how to keep your hair strong and battle breakage.

Get Strong In my opinion, healthy hair starts in the shower. What you do to your hair before you style, sets the tone for hair strength, hydration, and overall health. Make sure you deep condition your hair once a week with a formula that brings vitality back to dry/ damaged hair and visit your stylist once a month for an in-salon hair strengthening treatment to treat the hair professionally. We recommend Ybera Botulinum Rejuvenation or Genoma.

Get Silky Hair oil fights breakage in many ways: sealing parched ends, deep conditioning the scalp, moisturising strands overnight, the list goes on. Make sure to invest in a good hair oil such as our Mythic Oil

by L'oréal Pro - just a couple of drops of this hair-saving formula conditions, reduces frizz, and strengthens against breakage.

Get Protected The best way to beat breakage is by using a heat protector for before blow drying whilst controlling the temperature of the hair dryer and to also apply a thermal protection spray before using any type of heated stylers.

Get detangled - carefully Detangling the hair is one of the most important moments as when the hair is wet it can snap a lot easier than when being dry.

Firstly you need to use a special detangling brush recommended by your stylist and always start brushing from the bottom ends to the midlength downwards until reaching the top without pulling.

We hope this helps you to stop your hair from snapping and if you are interested in any of the treatments or products mentioned above please don't hesitate to contact the salon, as we are more than happy to explain more about them. n For more information or an appointment please contact us Máximo Beauty - telephone: 96 572 4671 or visit the salon at Plaza de la Constitución Nº2, Benijófar. Email: maximobeauty@gmail.com. Facebook: Maximo Beauty.

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Hi All. Wow! - March already. Where does the time go? We are into the last month of the first quarter of 2020, so soon.

This month I'd like to feature a very multi talented Lady - Lorna Michelle.

I had the pleasure of hearing her perform last New Year's Eve. I had just flown in from Germany earlier that evening and decided to stop off at one of my favourite restaurants at La Marquesa, Quesada.

If the name Lorna Michelle sounds familiar to you, she presents the Simple Saturday Request Show on Big F.M. Radio from 3pm - 6pm.

That is in addition to having a busy schedule, performing across the South Costa Blanca entertainment circuit.

It was 14 years ago that Lorna Michelle first came to live in Spain.

However, after 7 years she returned to the UK. After spending the following 5 years back in Britain, Lorna Michelle once again returned to Spain... that was 2 years ago.

I used the term "Multi Talented" in my introduction of this very versatile performer. Coming from a musical family, it was back

QF Focus Magazine in 1984, that Lorna Michelle attended a local dance school that taught ballet / tap and acrobatics.

Two years later, at the tender age of 5, she was a cast member in the production of Hans Christian Andersen, staged by the Rolls Royce Amateur Operatic Society.

Throughout the rest of the 1980s, and into the 1990s Lorna Michelle gained valuable experience from the Stagecoach Stage School in Derby, specialising in drama / singing and dance, whilst simultaneously receiving local private training.

This led to being cast in Rolls Royce Amateur Operatic Society productions of The King and I, and GiGi. It was in 1999 that Lorna Michelle began singing semi professionally performing a varied repertoire, that includes Tamla Motown, songs from the Musicals and Pop. Stevie Wonder and Pink are amongst her favourite singers.

Just over 5 years later in 2004, she won the "Outstanding Music Student of the Year Award" , presented to her by Sir George Martin (The Beatles former Producer), at BAFTA, Piccadilly, London.

Lorna Michelle entertains at many charity events locally, especially A.E.C.C at Zenia Boulevard. n She can be heard at the Park Inn, Quesada on Wednesdays, where she sings and hosts a Karaoke night. Also La Vida Sunset Bar at DoĂąa Pepa on alternate Fridays. Her other regular venues can be checked out on the Facebook 'Lorna Michelle Homepage'.

Alternatively, keep an eye on the local press to see any future up and coming performances from this very Bye for now, D.P. talented Entertainer.

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H

TV

Baked Granola Bars

s A en Se On

QF Focus Magazine

ome baked granola bars are great for breakfast, school and work lunch boxes, delicious as a pre/ post workout snack and a quick fix on the go.

Healthier than shop bought, easy to make and adapt to suit all tastes.

Ingredients 100g butter 200g jumbo oats 25g chopped walnuts 25g chopped almonds 100g sunflower seeds 50g sesame seeds 3 tbsp honey 100g brown sugar 100g dried mixed fruit Recipe - Heat oven to 160ºC/ fan 140ºC/ gas 3.

- Line a baking tin 18 x 25cm and a baking tray with parchment.

- Mix the oats, seeds and nuts well, spread on the baking tray and toast in the oven for 5-10 mins.

- Heat the butter, honey and sugar in a pan, stir until the butter is melted.

- Add the fruit and oat crumble to the syrup mix. Mix really well until all the oat mixture is well coated.

- Tip in to the baking tin and press down lightly.

- Bake for 30 mins. Cool at room temperature in the tin, cut into bars and enjoy!

Looking for a gift with a difference? The Spice Sisters deliver cookery lessons to small groups plus one to one. Email keepcalm@curryoncooking.com - visit www.curryoncooking.com.

Recipe supplied by The Spices Sisters from Curry On Cooking. Don’t forget to like them on Facebook 'Curry On Cooking'. You can purchase their currylicious kits from www.curryoncooking.com. n

QF Focus Magazine

FIVE MINUTES WITH...

JON RICHARDSON & LUCY BEAUMONT

M

By Gemma Dunn, PA

eet The Richardsons was never meant to be an embellished idea of what marriage is - but proper warts and all, Jon Richardson says, of his and wife Lucy Beaumont's new sitcom. Gemma Dunn finds out more.

Ever wondered what really goes on behind closed doors when it comes to celebrity couples? Well, now's your chance to find out.

Kind of.

Starring Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont, Meet The Richardsons - written by Lucy, 36, and Car Share's Tim Reid offers a fictional window into the funny and frustrated marriage of the comic couple.

The six-part sitcom sees the duo play exaggerated versions of themselves as viewers get a glimpse into their home and work lives, surrounded by their famous friends (Bernie Clifton, Alan Carr and Jonathan Ross star, to name a few) and their Hebden Bridge neighbours.

"Fundamentally, it's about being under the same roof as someone you love, but who irritates you on a daily basis," explains Jon, 37.

"That's universal. It's just two people winding each other up."

Featuring a third birthday party for their daughter Elsie, caravan holidays and Jon's constant refusal to do or go to anything, we're set for a giggle. But what else can the pair tell us?

HOW DID 'MEET THE RICHARDSONS' COME ABOUT? L: We did Married To A Celebrity on Channel 4, which we really enjoyed, as we were basically arguing on TV and found it quite cathartic. Then Lee Hupfield [the producer] thought it could work as a sitcom and he was so enthusiastic, we trusted him that we could make it work.

J: I think he could see the backstory; the same as in Seinfeld, you see their lives and how it informs their stage act. This is that, but our couch scenes are a nugget of an argument and all the rest of it is how real life plays out from that.

HOW DID YOU FEEL ABOUT CAMERAS INVADING YOUR HOME? L: I loved it. I definitely played up to being a bit more of an aggressor. Normally I take a lot and have to back down for a lot of things. I really enjoyed going hammer and tongs and putting Jon in to awkward situations. Like setting him on fire - I really enjoyed that.

J: It helps you win an argument when it's in a script and it can't be changed. If you arrive on set and there's a pyrotechnics team there, you sort of know you're going to get set on fire.

HOW DID THE WRITING PROCESS PAN OUT? L: I co-wrote it with Tim Reid, who co-wrote the first series of Car Share with Peter Kay. A lot of it was taking story lines from things that have happened, almost verbatim from an argument. It sometimes got really meta, because the lines between the fictional Jon and the real Jon blurred. [For example], I agreed for us to do a Dock Pudding competition and I said that Jon was going to be a judge, but I forgot to tell the real Jon!

PA Photo/UKTV/Des Willie

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HOW TRUE IS IT TO YOUR OWN LIVES? L: All of it. Some of the story lines have been heightened for entertainment, but it's always real. It's a bit like The Only Way Is Essex. Jon's saying Seinfeld and I'm thinking, 'It's not, it's The Only Way Is Essex'.

J: It's not The Only Way Is Essex!

L: It's exactly the same thing that they do, and there's nothing wrong with saying that. People love it. And they all own beauty salons now, so we're going to be all right. You're going to be selling false eyelashes.

IS THERE REALLY A LOT OF ARGUING AT HOME, OR IS THERE A LOT MORE LAUGHING? L: It's very rare that I make Jon laugh. He laughs at me more than with me. It's more like, 'That was the most bizarre thing I've ever seen'.

J: I think we're quite relaxed around each other when we're on our own, but when we have guests, we both click into gig mode and work as a double act. I become a heightened version of me and you become a heightened version of you, and we could both do with being heightened, let's be honest.

HOW DID ELSIE FIND THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE? Both: She absolutely loved it.

J: She's just at an age where she can't really remember what went before, so she doesn't understand why people have stopped filming every minute of our lives. She keeps asking when the crew are coming back. She kept asking to be in scenes.

L: We didn't want her in it a lot though. She was too good! We don't want her to be the next Shirley Temple. We do need to be careful about how much we expose her.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO MORE SERIES? L: We hope so, because it's so enjoyable.

J: I think, if anything, it phased the marriage out by increasing the workload, and that's the way we should do it. A few more series of this and then separate houses with an adjoining door. It's basically where we are now. I'm mostly in the pub, in the garage, and you're in our house, and then we meet up for a shoot.

CAN YOU SEE YOURSELVES BECOMING THE KING AND QUEEN OF DAYTIME TV? J: I think with daytime, there's only a matter of time before you're trending on Twitter for saying something that's been taken out of context, whereas you have more control with this. It is our lives, but ultimately, you know you can record something six times then pick the best one and edit it.

L: It wouldn't do us any harm to stay away from being like a married Ant and Dec. J: I don't think there are many married couples who can do what we've done. But we probably aren't the people who could interview Peter Andre about his upcoming tour. So we'll leave others to that.

- Meet The Richardsons on Dave Channel.

QF Focus Magazine

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QF Focus Magazine

We are all in for some fun filled days in March 14 March and continuing right up until the course you don’t need to have Irish blood i always the largest celebrated Saints day in t

The Irish community certainly know how to ge to join in the fun.

The renowned St Patrick's Day parade at Ca 2020 and is sure to be the largest to date parade is to be held on Sunday 15 March wi itself to commence at 3pm. It is advisable to one of the many popular bars or restaurant array of Irish hats, flags and other memorab a vast selection of food available. You can re on the strip by calling 96 532 3235 - they ar traditional Irish Sunday Lunch including Beef colcannon and a delicious Irish Stew. You ca takeaway to eat while you watch the parade well as the normal menu) will be available fr an Irish breakfast.

Following the 2019 parade the decision was Sunday closest to St Patrick’s Day, so as to e attend on a non-working and a non-school d for the children, who are one of the most im and who now play such an important part in on the Orihuela Costa.

On St Patrick's Day itself there are lots of v the New St James Gate at Torreta 2, recen providing live entertainment throughout the and drinks promotions available from 12 no Molly Malones where there will be a huge s with Jaime & Vera and a disco karaoke with T the evening with food served throughout the Marquesa Golf will be awash with Irish flags and only Daz providing live music from 5pm Max from 9pm until late. Wherever you deci craic and make it a memorable occasion.

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QF Focus Magazine Photos kindly supplied by Keith Nicol www.keith.photo

h with many celebrations starting on Saturday big day itself on Tuesday 17 March. And of in your family tree to participate in what is the world.

et a party started and welcome all nationalities

abo Roig will be celebrating its 10th year in with over 20,000 attendees expected. This ith entertainment from 1pm and the parade o arrive early to grab a good view or table at ts along the strip. There will no doubt be an bilia being given to the public on the day and eserve a table in advance at The Orange Tree re open from 9am daily and will be serving a and Guinness Pie, boiled bacon and cabbage, an also purchase their stew and burgers as e pass by. Many of these tasty Irish meals (as rom Saturday 14 until Tuesday 17 as well as

s taken to organise all future parades on the ensure that as many people as possible could day, at least for most of us. This is especially mportant reasons that the day is organised, the celebration and in the parade itself here

venues holding various entertainment with ntly refurbished and under new ownership, e day and night from 3pm with free Irish stew oon. In Gran Alacant get yourselves down to street party with a BBQ, live entertainment Tony Hall starting late afternoon until late in e day. And if you live in the Quesada area, La s at the Shenanigans Sports Bar with the one - 8pm to get the party started followed by DJ ide to go make sure you have fun, join in the

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QF Focus Magazine

GREAT HAIR doesn't happen by chance,it happens by appointment.

W

omen wear hair extensions for many different reasons.

So much can be achieved through the use of them.

By adding a few into the front of hair a completely different hairstyle is created. We can thicken hair, lengthen hair, re-style hair and even add flashes of colour to hair. The options are endless.

Hair extensions are also great for covering up hair loss issues such as bald spots or thinning hair. As hair extension products advance, more and more are turning to their application to help overcome these problems, giving that much desired transformation and confidence boost.

The hair I use is a product of years of sourcing the best. Hair that stays in fantastic condition and blends just like your own. I apply the hair using the kindest of methods. One of these methods involves the use of nano beads, as shown in the images.

Nano beads are kind, discrete and easy to refit. I also specialise in fusion and micro ring application. n If you are considering hair extensions or would like more information, please contact myself on Telephone/WhatsApp: (+44)7903 585997 or email: emma-b123@hotmail.com.

You can also find me on Facebook: Hair Extensions by Emma B. I offer a free no obligation consultation with a mobile service.

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QF Focus Magazine

Do you have family or friends coming to visit this year but you don’t have the room for them to stay with you?

Then look no further than Carey’s Holiday Lets.

A

ndrew & Colette permanently moved to Spain in 2014 after 20 years of holidaying in Quesada and soon after began investing in properties for rental. During their time in the UK, Andrew was a publican for over 30 years at the Haverstock Arms, which was a favourite amongst many celebrities including Robert Powell, Ronnie Fraser, John Culshaw and Chris Moyles to name just a few. Another regular was Chris Evans DJ who also hosted the TFI Friday programme, which had world famous bands and celebrities join them on the show. Andrew joined Chris on this show as “Andrew the Barman” and is still known to many by this name.

Andrew & Colette attended a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, many events at the House of Commons and are members of Royal Ascot. Andrew was granted Freedom of the City of London following his charity work, of which he is still very active, recently generously donating a mobility scooter to a local resident after a fall.

Their first purchase in Spain was an apartment on Conjunto Bravo, where Andrew became the president, a role he still holds. Due to the success of the rentals he went on to purchase more apartments, both 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom. All of the apartments are fully equipped with all the mod cons, air con, filtered water, sun beds and all bedding and towels. They are all close to many amenities, host a communal pool and have received 9.1 rating on booking.com. Carey’s Holiday Lets are registered with both Rojales and Valencia for the tourist licence and are fully insured with Ibex, giving you peace of mind this trustworthy family run business will cater for your every need.

There are both weekly and monthly lets available in the summer and long lets are available from 1st October until 30th April (min 2 month let), and all rates are fully inclusive of all bills, so you won't find any nasty hidden extras. For more information you can contact Andrew or Colette on 0034 617 385 658 or 0044 7771 632450 or email andrewcareyhome@hotmail.com

QF Focus Magazine

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Forthcoming Events

By Keith Nicol All information is correct at time of going to press but we advise you to check for any changes which are beyond our control.

Spring is in the air and with that, longer nights, sunnier skies and some great events for you to enjoy. While St. David's day is done and gone, St. Patrick's is just around the corner, and this year's largest European St. Patrick's parade has switched from its traditional 17 March to the Sunday before, on 15 March. The action takes place along the Cabo Roig strip and more information can be found within this magazine.

Over the weekend of 7 and 8 March, the region's premier lifestyle and quality of life event, Expo Torrevieja returns with their VII edition in the foyer of the International Auditorium. At Expo Torrevieja 2020 you will discover a collection of products and services that unequivocally define “quality of life and luxury living” in the most beautiful of venues that’s available in the entire Southern Costa Blanca. A tapestry of products and services spanning the scale from the large: luxury and vintage automobiles, to those on a more modest scale: solar energy, telecommunications, contemporary fine art, fashion and design, fine wines and the most innovative in home décor and technology.

Expo Torrevieja 2020 is dedicated to creating the best Lifestyle events for both visitors and our partners… come along and join in the fun. There will also be displays from local Emergency Services teams, Policia Local, Guardia Civil, local charities and pet rescue centres plus Clubs and Associations Meeting Point and Rock Against Cancer. Entrance and parking is free. Doors open from 10am until 3pm. www.ExpoTorrevieja.com.

During the winter the The Rojales Craft Market at the Cuevas del Rodeo is open on the 1st Sunday of each month in the morning from 11am to 2pm. It's is a fun place to visit if you are looking for a small gift, piece of art or decoration. Local artists put their work on display along with other craft works to browse and enjoy.

Also on the 1st Sunday of each month is the Ace Cafe Classic Car event, on the street outside La Torre Hotel in Los Montesinos from 11am to 1pm. Admission is free. A similar event takes place at the El Toro Market in Pilar de la Horadada on the last Sunday of the month, which also includes a car boot sale, music, entertainment, car and bike prizes, cafe and market stalls.

If you love good food, fine wines, chocolates and local produce, one event you will not wish to miss is 2020 GASTRONOMIC ALICANTE, the third meeting of this Mediterranean lifestyle event. This takes place from 27 to 30 March, and features an entire exhibition offering products from the province plus workshops, cooking shows, competitions and why the majority of people go there..... the free tastings. A wide variety of exhibitors will show the public and professionals different gastronomic specialities of the province, designations of origin, quality brands plus wines, liquors and typical drinks from the region. More info at https://alicantegastronomica.com/.

During March Torrevieja's International Auditorium also have a number of events of interest apart from Expo Torrevieja 2020. The Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra (OST) presents their fifth concert of the 2019-20 season. This features Scandinavian Composers such as Sibelius, Grieg, Nielsen, Lumbye and Gade. Directed by José Francisco Sánchez. It takes place on Saturday 28 March, at 7pm.

On Thursday 26 March from 9pm to 11.45pm it's time for Don Giovanni, an opera in two acts by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, staged by the company Opera 2001.

Tickets are on sale for: 35, 25 and 20€. The following discounts apply: 100 tickets for Friends of the Auditorium (20% discount) and 50 Retired tickets (50%). Discounts not cumulative. More info and to book tickets: https://auditoriotorrevieja.com.

Kids of all ages are invited to attend the Torrellano Miniature Steam Train. It is run by the Friends of the Railways Association and so is normally only open on Saturdays between 4pm and 8pm with Miniature Train Rides during February and March on the 2nd Sunday from 10.30am to 1.30pm. Every month the Friends of the Railways Association host a miniature train event at the railway museum in Torrellano. Donations of 1.50€ per visit are requested.

The Royal British Legion Concert Band (RBLCB) will be holding a special memorial concert in Torrevieja on 29 March to commemorate the life of founder member of the band Bill Singleton who died last September. Starting at 7pm in the Centro Cultural Virgen del Carmen, the concert will include a selection of light classical music as well as popular numbers from musicals under the direction of David Last. Accompanying the band will be three choirs, Studio 32 Theatre Group, Spangles Ladies Harmony Chorus, Crescendo Choir as well as Michelle Dance Group from the UK, Francisca Sanper and her Spanish Dancers and the Torrevieja Pipes and Drums.

QF Focus Magazine

Live-in Care work; a career that changes lives.

Page 25

I

f you care what happens to people when they get old or need help looking after themselves, Live-in care is an immensely rewarding role where you can make a real difference to someone else’s life. As a Professional Live-in Carer, you provide care and companionship at a time when a person needs it most, all in the comfort of their own home.

The Good Care Group is proud to be the most awarded and accredited Live-In Care Provider in the UK. They are rated ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission in all 5 categories and are committed to delivering the highest standards of care for their clients, and support for their Carers.

Due to their continuous growth they are actively looking to recruit more Live-in Carers who are based in Spain and able to travel to the UK to look after their elderly clients living in England and Scotland.

They have a recruitment and training team based in Spain and have many carers who currently split their time between living in Spain and working in the UK. Professional Live-in Carer Allison has worked with the company since 2016 and says “I have been very lucky and have cared for the same lady for 3 years, I also cared for her husband as well for two of those years.

We have a lovely relationship, my lady has dementia and I can see the difference Live-in care has made to her life. It’s a joy to spend time with her, we have many special moments together and are lucky to share many common interests. To see the difference I make to her life really does make caring for her a pleasure.”

All Professional Carers are directly employed by The Good Care Group and receive market-leading training which is held in either Guardamar or London (accommodation and travel contributions included). With a variety of rota patterns to choose from, flight contributions from Spain* and paid UK travel expenses whilst in placement, their carers can get the best of both worlds; spending their time working in the UK and still enjoying valuable time off in Spain.

Typical shift patterns for Live-in carers are "2 weeks on" and "2 weeks off" and this has proven to be an ideal working arrangement for many Spain-based carers. They do have many other working patterns available; so you can pick the pattern that suits your lifestyle and gives the best balance between working and spending time with family and friends. As all of the roles are for “Live-in” care positions, your accommodation will be provided for the duration of your working time in the UK - you do not need to have a UK base.

If you’re a compassionate person with at least 6 months' professional or personal care experience this is an opportunity not to be missed. n For further information on working as a Live-in carer, contact their local recruiter Jayne Nuttall-Blake on 634 345 685 or email Jayne.Nuttall-Blake@thegoodcaregroup.com *terms apply

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w

W

A View From The Top

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

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

Old Age Is Killing Me.

With A Friend Like Boris.

If you have ever read any of my past pieces you will gather that I have more than a passing interest in Politics... British Politics to be exact. This interest comes from having spent several years as a full time Trade Union Secretary. I worked for British Telecom (GPO, then Post Office, then BT) for several years and some of those years were within the Industrial relations field as a full time Secretary. British Telecom, being a forward thinking company, actually paid my wages and supplied my private office space all in the cause of good industrial relations. During my years as a full time Secretary I had many times to call out local management in respect of what I considered to be a breach of normal working conditions, or patterns, or indeed what I considered a break away from the expected norms of day to day working life and business agreed terms and conditions. After X number of years I resigned my industrial relations role and returned to work as a BT employee... despite my years of working for the rank and

&

Was having a couple of pints of foaming ale with my mates at the Table of all Knowledge in my local, when the conversation inevitably came around to the matter of which one of us was having this, that or the other surgical procedure or medical consultations in an effort to keep our worn out bodies in the best of health. The conversation was stimulating, although not so stimulating that a seizure was on the cards... oh no, those sorts of thoughts are a long way in

QF Focus Magazine our collective distant pasts. Now at home I have been thinking about the prospect of ageing... I sure have gotten old! I have had heart surgery, I need a new knee, my hips are painful and I am awaiting surgery on both my eyes to restore decent vision. I take eight pills each and every day and have to watch my diet, to the point where I know the amount of saturated fat in all my favourite foodstuffs in my local supermarket. My sleep pattern is disrupted overnight by my need to visit the toilet on at least three occasions, and I am having trouble with my memory function... You know the sort of thing... “Why exactly did I come into the kitchen?” All this and more as I race toward my three score years and ten. So, in a nutshell, several of my digits do not function as they should ...my brain and my body still have ambition, although trying to combine that ambition gets harder by the week, and Father Time as mentioned, is bearing down on me. That said however, life is still good. Why? Because I still have my driving licence.

QF Focus Magazine file so to speak, and actively supporting their complaints and issues against my employer, my return to work as an employee was made simple due to the adult attitude of the head of Human Resources who made it clear that I was to be treated in a fair and just way, and that under no circumstances could past events be held against me for matters that I handled whilst working full time within the industrial relations field. MY thoughts were turned to those past times when I watched with some unease as our bumbling fool of a Prime Minister de Piffle Johnson, went about the ritual slaughter of half his Cabinet in his February reshuffle. Now don’t get me wrong I wish nothing more than a plague on his house and a plague on his Ministers... but what happened to good old fashioned respect and courtesy in Politics. Did I really type that when I know that Boris Johnson and respect are an alien concept... just look at his record with women, in fact look at his record with anyone who does not follow his bumbling tomfoolery to the letter. He and his sidekick Dominating Cummings or is Johnson Cummings’ sidekick... anyway it matters not, are departing from the norms of behaviour and promoting self serving persons into positions of power within the British Government. Remember it’s they who are supposed to work for us not the other way around. Time will tell, but I have this fear that things can only get worse rather than get better, as what can be said to be a cabal of mostly un-elected SPADS (Special advisers) begin to take over the reins of Government power in Britain.

High Speed 2... HS2.

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After several years of so called pre-work planning, HS2 was finally given the go ahead. My feeling is that the project is nothing but a cash cow for HS2 limited and a collection of lawyers and consultants. I have written about my doubts in respect of this project before... the escalating cost... now expected to be 106 Billion and believe me I expect the costs to keep on a severe upward curve. Put bluntly the connection phase from London to Birmingham is just not needed... why is everything in Britain so London centric. What is needed is to build a proper railway system from West to East across the North of England linking the Major Cities with branch lines feeding out to service the surrounding towns and major population centres. As I type the news is saying that talks have been held with the Chinese in respect of a contract to build the infrastructure of HS2 ...ask yourself why is it that in Britain we do not appear to have either the engineering or technical knowledge to build these projects ourselves?

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QF Focus Magazine

Live and Enjoy Your Dream at Senior Resort Ciudad

Patricia

Everyone who has decided to move to Ciudad Patricia has a list of many reasons why. I love meeting and talking with the residents every day, here are some of the things they tell me why they come and live here.

Friendships start here What I hear is that many people I see feel alone or have a fear of being alone. Socialising is so important in your senior years.

What most our residents have in common is that they all want to fully enjoy their life. All kinds of fun activities are laid on to join in if you want to. To help you keep fit and healthy we have 5 pools and a gym. You will never have to feel alone here even if you just meet people for a morning coffee in our cafeteria.

Maintaining your dream of living in Spain We have such a beautiful green resort full of lovely trees shrubs and flowers giving lovely gardens to stroll through.

There are 5 buildings consisting of 190 apartments. You purchase the apartments on a lifetime right of use. There are different types and size of apartments to choose from one, two and three-bedroom apartments. They have spacious terraces. Some apartments have their own private garden suitable for a small pet. You can even try out an apartment for a minimum of 3 nights to help you get a feel for the life here and a chance to meet some of the resident's, and explore the grounds.

Peace of mind When you aren't feeling well we have a community support worker that can go shopping for you, get your prescriptions, go with you to the hospital and doctors to translate for you and much more (for a small fee).

We have a doctor living on site for emergencies and he also has his own surgery for appointments which are included in the monthly service cost.

There is even a residential and rehabilitation centre when you need full time extra care.

Ciudad Patricia really is the perfect solution to your golden years living in Spain. Why not come and see for yourself, it is never too early to start planning your future. n I hope to see you soon. Call Amanda 0034 673 064 288 for more information.

See page 19 for details of our open day.

QF Focus Magazine

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JULIE WALTERS

OPENS UP ABOUT BOWEL CANCER: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE DISEASE

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By Prudence Wade, PA

he actor found out she had stage three cancer 18 months ago. Dame Julie Walters has spoken about her diagnosis with bowel cancer for the first time.

The actor now has the all-clear; she told the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire show her condition was discovered 18 months ago, after doctors found two primary tumours in her large intestine.

Walters - who has starred in everything from Billy Elliot to Mamma Mia! - first went to the doctor because of indigestion and "slight discomfort", with her symptoms later evolving into stomach pain, heartburn and vomiting.

When she was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer, she says she had surgery and 30cm was taken out of her colon.

When thinking back to her diagnoses, Walters describes her feelings as: "Shock. First of all, shock. And I thought, 'Right'. Then you hold on to the positive, which was that he said, 'We can fix this'."

The charity Bowel Cancer UK says it's the UK's fourth most common cancer killer - even though around nine in 10 people would survive the cancer if detected at the earliest stage.

Genevieve Edwards, chief executive of the charity, says: "Being aware of the symptoms and visiting your GP if things don't feel right can help increase chances of an early diagnosis."

While there are a lot of reasons behind the lack of early detection, it may be attributed to the stigma around bowel cancer because it involves an 'embarrassing' part of the body.

When asked about people resistant to go to the doctors with symptoms in that area, Walters says: "Your bowel is part of your digestive system, it's just what digests your food - and I think you just have to remember that. It's just, you've got to go get things checked."

She then adds with a giggle: "Doctors are used to bottoms - they've got one themselves."

The symptoms One of the main things to look out for are persistent changes in your bowel habits.

"You may have looser stools; this can happen for a number of reasons, but if there's no explanation for this and it's lasting a long time then it is something you should get checked out," advises Dr Diana Gall of Doctor4U. "Bleeding from your bottom or blood in your stools is a symptom that you should also take notice of."

Other symptoms are more general and include "abdominal pain, bloating, and discomfort, unexplained weight loss, and extreme tiredness which may be unusual for you, or there may be no apparent reason why you're feeling so much fatigue", says Gall.

It's also worthwhile feeling for lumps in the stomach area - while this doesn't necessarily mean you have bowel cancer, they're still

Ian West/ PA Photos

Late diagnosis

something which should be checked out by a doctor.

Symptoms are often subtle and can be easily confused with other bowel conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). "However, if your symptoms are persistent and are lasting more than four weeks, it's time to see your GP as this may be a sign of bowel cancer," advises Gall.

According to Gall, "symptoms usually develop in later stages of cancer, but this doesn't mean it can't be treated".

Screening tests There are two main ways to screen for the cancer: one is using an at-home kit, which collects a small stool sample and sends it to a laboratory to be checked out.

In the UK people aged between 60 and 74 and registered with a GP are sent a kit every two years. The NHS say it's used to check for tiny amounts of blood in your poo and does not diagnose bowel cancer, but is simple way to find out if you need further tests.

Another method is a bowel scope screening, which Gall says "uses a camera instrument to look inside the bowel".

It's currently being rolled out to people in England age 55 and above. Acolonoscopy can also detect bowel cancer, but isn't a regular procedure. Always see your GP if you're worried about any symptoms.

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ABSOLUTE Hair, Nails & Beauty Offering you a high-end salon experience like no other.

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rom the moment you set foot in the door, we want you to feel that this is your opportunity to enjoy a little 'me' time. Our friendly professional team are on hand to bring out the Absolute beauty in you, whichever service you have booked with us... and there are lots to choose from.

All forms of hair cut, hair styling, barbering, manicures and pedicures, chiropody, permanent make-up, waxing, non-surgical eye lifts, micro-needling, massage and holistic therapies are available.

Aside from offering a great service, we know it is the little things that make all the difference. At Absolute, you can expect: Complimentary speciality teas and coffees, comfortable reclining chairs at the wash basin, top branded products and above all else a first-class service delivered by professionals in their individual field.

For the month of March you can take advantage of an introductory offer of 25% OFF colours, highlights, waxing and massages, please mention when booking your appointment... n Call us on 966 731 336.

QF Focus Magazine

QF Focus Magazine

It's business as usual with parking close by

A

s you will probably know, the road improvement work has finally started on the high street in Quesada. We, at The Treasure Chest have noticed a significant drop in trade and also in the amount of people that are wandering about.

After speaking to other businesses in town, they are all saying the same. We would like to take this opportunity to let you know (if you don't already) how to get into central Quesada and where you can park. As you approach the arches coming into town there are diversions in place, simply follow either one of them or even easier follow the signs for Don Carlos and they will bring you to our door. There is plenty of parking available a very short walk away.

We have the Quesada Boulevard car park immediately opposite our shop and there is also a very large open air car park just up from the Town Hall, behind the Tennis Courts.

Small local businesses still need your support while these works are being carried out otherwise we may have a shiny new high street with a lot of empty shops, bars and restaurants so please continue to support us so that we can all still be here for you when the work is complete.

We certainly will try our best to be here to supply you with all your usual cards and gifts. Thank you n The Treasure Chest, Av. de las Naciones 10, Cuidad Quesada, Tel: 96 671 8100. www.thetreasurechest.es

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Page 32

RECIPES by Pushpa from the Spice Hut

Aloo tikka - fried potato cakes 2 large potatoes, mashed 2 chillies, finely chopped Small onion, finely chopped Salt as required 1 tspn ginger paste 2 tbspn fresh coriander, chopped Oil for shallow frying Mix the mashed potatoes with the chillies, salt, coriander, ginger paste and onions.

Form into small balls and flatten slightly.

Heat the oil in a shallow frying pan, then fry the potato cakes on both sides until golden brown. Serve hot with dips.

Tomato, garlic and fresh coriander chutney.

2 large ripe tomatoes, peeled 3 cloves of fresh garlic Small cup of fresh coriander leaves 2 chillies 1/2 tspn Salt 1/2 tspn sugar Cumin seeds

Put all above, except cumin seeds, in a blender and blend into a smooth paste, you can add a little water if needed. Add the cumin seeds and mix well.

Serve with aloo tikki, enjoy. n The Spice Hut Quesada. Tel. 96 673 1063 or visit www.spicehutspain.com.

QF Focus Magazine

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The History of “Pinarello”, The Worlds No 1 Road Bike.

Part 1

Giovanni Pinarello was born in Italy on 10 July 1922 during a difficult post-war period, and was the eighth of twelve children. His love for two wheels led him to pursue a career in cycling. The young Giovanni immediately attracted attention and he had won over 60 races by the time he was 20, he also won “La Popolarissma” in Treviso which was a very important race in the Dilettani circuit (a level of racing that opens the doors to being a professional).

From 1946 Giovanni makes his mark in the world of cycling and in 1951 he was last in the 34th Giro de Italia which was won by Rosa Fiorenzo, but in those years last place was not a disgrace, instead the last rider wore the Maglia Nera (black jersey). Giovanni still tells stories of the strategies that he carried out in order to take this ranking.

There have been known cases of cyclists purposely flattening their own tyres, hiding in barns or bars in the aim to lose time in order to arrive last in the stage. Arriving last also means a celebration, including a lap of honour with the winners in Vigorelli Velodrome.

Giovani did just that on the 10th June 1951 carrying this triumph to Milan. That jersey went on to tag Giovanni forever “the one with the Maglia Nera” and is still visible today in the Pinarello shop in Treviso. In 1952 Giovanni prepares to ride the Giro de Italia again but at the very last minute he is required to give his spot to the young Pasqualino Fornara who had just been fired from the Fausto Coppi’s team Bianchi. Giovanni is disappointed but his team offer him €100,000.00 to step aside, a considerable amount of money for those times. This money is used to bear the fruit of what shall be the crown of his dreams to open a small bike workshop in order to build his own bicycles and so Cicli Pinarello was born.

Giovanni worked hard, harder than he had ever before and he had so many good ideas. In 1961 Pinarello sponsors its first ride

and it’s first victory at the “Tour de L’avenir” thanks to Guido de Rossa. The Pinarello brand begins to carve out its own space ahead of the bigger names of its time, small sponsorships, small goals, and slowly the plant grows. In 1975 Pinarello begins to enjoy widespread popularity and its first Giro D’Italia victory, opening a decade of great satisfaction. In 1988 Pinarello begins to change, it is no longer a small workshop and things start to get serious, Fausto, Giovani’s son enters the business and they also have their first Tour De France victory with Pedro Delgado. Giovani slowly leaves his position to allow Fausto to continue his dream.

Gary and Lynn at Cyclogical in Quesada are the main dealer for Pinarello bikes in the Costa Blanca and normally have a complete range of Pinarello road bikes in stock including the all new, all singing, all dancing Dogma F12 and the Dogma K10 which has an electronic suspension unit and was specially designed for Team Sky to compete in the classics. n Team “Cyclogical” meet every Tuesday and Thursday night at 5.30pm and Sunday mornings at 8am and cover between 90 and 120kms at a moderate to fast pace, so if you fancy a challenge, looking to improve your fitness, riding ability and speed, and also have a new group of friends to train with, then why not come along and give it a try or call Gary on 637 487 377.

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Animal Adoptions and re-homing

A

Spot the odd one out B

Lisa is around 5 years old and loves cuddles and snoozing. She is chipped, vaccinated, sterilised and good with other cats and dogs.

Call: 645 469 253.

To view more animals for adoption go to www.petsinspain.com.

Email: info@petsinspain.com.

Canela D.O.B. January 2018. Canela was rescued from an apartment in Almoradi after her owners went away. She is a very happy affectionate girl who loves children but prefers her own company where other canines are concerned. If you would like to adopt Canela call 600 845 420 / 610 832 726. www.k9club.es.

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

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

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

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

C

D

E

F

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

Apah Rescue San Pedro

Finca la Castellana Once a month we hold a charity dog walk, starting and ending at the Finca in San Miguel de Salinas, to help raise money to help with the monthly food bill. With up to 230 animals at any one time, it can costs in the region of €3,500 a month to feed them all. It’s also a great chance for people to meet the dogs, help socialise them and give them an extra bit of love and attention.

You can bring your own dog or walk one of ours. If you would like to walk a rescue dog please be at the finca at 10.30am, the walk starts promptly at 11am. The walk is around 2.5km through the local campo, at a gentle pace with a half way water break, for people of all ages and fitness levels. Refreshments await your return. It’s €5 per walker with or without a dog. Our next two walks are on 15 March and 19 April. Tel: 610 45 11 33, visit www.fincalacastellana.org or Facebook: Finca la Castellana for more information.

SUDOKU

&

Can you help? Changes in circumstances of some volunteers means we are becoming desperately short of helpers and this piles more and more pressure on those left behind. At the moment the two areas struggling the most are our Cattery (just outside Pinar de Campoverde) and our shop in San Miguel de Salinas.

In the cattery we need help on the morning shifts and our shop is open from 10am to 2pm, Monday to Saturday. If you love cats, we’ll find a space for you. If you want to help us care for our animals, but prefer the ‘people’ side, we’ll find a place for you in our shop. If you want to know more please call our shop in Pilar de la Horadada on 966 766 555 or via Facebook: Apah Rescue San Pedro. If you have some free time and want to do something that saves innocent lives, PLEASE contact us. Thank you. www.apahrescue.org

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

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

Answers to puzzles in the classified pages

QF Focus Magazine

Crossword

Across 1 Relating to the mathematics of points, lines and curves (9) 5 Celtic priest (5) 8 Fish eggs (3) 9 Basic truth or law (9) 11 Country roads (5) 12 Take in food (3) 14 Angry dispute (7) 17 Full of fun and high spirits (7) 19 Blood pump (5) 21 Of course (9) 24 Felt concern (5) 25 Raised horizontal surfaces (9) 26 Assigned to a station (5) 28 Liberty (7) 31 Peculiar (7) 34 Legendary popular music pianist, ___ Charles (3) 35 Home of a beaver (5) 37 Thus (9) 39 Burnt remains (3) 40 Bear fruit (5) 41 Celestial body orbiting another (9) Down 1 Opening (3) 2 Junior (5) 3 Two times (5) 4 Grovel (5) 5 River mouth (5) 6 Large vase (3) 7 Exhibited (9) 10 Line of travel (5) 13 Audibly (5) 15 Long-tailed rodent (3) 16 Relating to the Moon (5) 18 Creases (5) 19 With an optimistic outlook (9) 20 Cognisant (5) 22 Prepare for a military confrontation (3) 23 Examinations (5) 24 Bedtime beverage (5)

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Answers to puzzles in the classified pages

26 Exclude (3)

27 Avid (5)

29 Be afraid of (5)

30 Traditional stories accepted as history (5)

32 Number in a trio (5) 33 Dire (5) 36 Stain (3) 38 Organ of sight (3)

Page 36

The Stage Diary now in its 13th year of publication is not only an important guide to what’s on in all regions but is also an on-line web introduction to potential expat’s researching community life in Spain. The diary also acts as a planning guide to assist groups avoid unnecessary clashes of production dates.

Actors Community Theatre Society: ‘Ladies' Day’, by Amanda Whittington, is about four women from a fish filleting business in Hull who head off to Royal Ascot the year it relocated to York. The ACTS company will present this touching comedy at the Casa de Cultura in Benijofar, and you could join them at the races on 23, 24 and 25 April.

Tickets (10€) will be available soon. Further information from icvallender@gmail.com Adante Classical Choir: Andante International Choir will perform John Rutter’s ‘Requiem’ the end of March. This includes parts of the Latin Requiem with added psalms and biblical verses in English. Friday 27 March, the choir will perform at 20:00, Parroquia Cristo Resucitado, Calle Diamente 7, in Orihuela Costa. On 28 March, the choir will perform at 20:00 at Parroquia Nuestra Señora del Pilar, Calle el Sol 2, in Los Montesinos. Sunday 29 March, at 18:00, the choir will sing at Iglesia San Pedro y San Pablo at Calle de los Jazmines 2, in Torrevieja.

Cantabile L a d i e s Choir: The choir are now rehearsing for their Autumn concerts scheduled for the end of N o v e m b e r, beginning of December. They aim to perform four to six concerts a year. New members are always welcome, the only requirement is the ability to sing in tune in this friendly, three-part female choir.

Contact: valbeange@gmail.com. Phone: 96 679 5816. Mobile: 648 034 232. Rehearsals: La Siesta Church, Torrevieja, Fridays 14:45 - 17:00 from September to May. Crescendo International Choir: The Choir performed a concert on Saturday 8 February at Salt Church in Los Montesinos that raised 1200€. The money will be combined with other funds for new flooring. The Choir welcomes new members. They rehearse at Casa Contenta, located in Rojales on Avenida Justo Quesada, from 17:30 to 20:00 on Mondays. The Choir have sopranos, altos, tenors and basses from at least 10 different countries around the world. For more information, go to www.crescendo-choir.com

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

They meet every Thursday, 10:00 at Casa Contenta Rojales, near Quesada. Drop in and say hello, you will be more than welcome. Interested? Please contact Mick Hume at michaelhume4814@gmail.com Lyrical Mixed Voice Choir: This highly successful recently formed harmony group has capped a phenomenal first year with its ‘Sounds of Christmas’ concert performed to a sell-out audience on 6 December.

Their first concert of 2020 will take place in La Zenia on Sunday 26 April. Entitled ‘A Grand Night for Music’. It is certain to be sold out very quickly! Apply now for tickets at www.lyrical.es Stagestruck Theatre Group: The group are now in rehearsals for their next production ‘The Haunting of Hoggs Bottom Manor’, a musical comedy.

Tickets can be pre ordered by contacting the order line on 695 092 181. The show is full of dancing and sing along songs. Early booking is recommended.

You can email the group on:stagestruck.show@gmail.com for more information.

Studio 32: This musical theatre company are pleased to announce that tickets are now on sale for their summer show, Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein’s, ‘South Pacific’.

Tickets will be 10€ and can be reserved by calling Philip on 744 484 933 or email:tickets@studiothirtytwo.org The Dayamantes Singers:

The Singers were formed 10 years ago and meet in Daya Nueva every Wednesday from 11.00 until 12.30.

They are a group of men and women who enjoy singing a variety of songs from the 60s to the present time.

Now commencing the winter season with a completely new repertoire. Always looking for new members. If you would like to join and have a great social time, ring Jean: 690 778 091.

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

Stage Diary Costa Blanca North information can be found online at www.femalefocusonline.com

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Let’s Dance for Charity

Order your tickets for a great evening of entertainment with a variety of dance produced by Sue Gibson and performed by her and some of her Suzi4fitz ladies from her fitness and dance classes. The show is compered by the fantastic Graeme Mykal who will also be performing some of his excellent magic and illusions on stage.

The ladies have been working hard rehearsing their moves and are looking forward to performing on the two nights Thursday 12 and Friday 13 March at Los Montesinos Music School Auditorium.

Show starts at 7pm and doors open from 6.30pm.

Tickets are 8€ and 10€ and can be ordered by phoning 623 339 046 or by email tickets.suzi4fitz@gmail.com, or Facebook page Suzi4fitz Show “Let’s Dance”. Tickets can be collected from Las Ramblas Golf Club (ring to arrange a time) or collected on the door of the theatre on the night.

This is the 3rd show from Suzi4fitz in Los Montesinos. Please come and support us as the proceeds are going to be donated to Social Services to hand out much needed vouchers to families who need some help at Christmas 2020. So far the group have donated 9,000€ from the proceeds of their 3 shows and other charity events.

Last year the bulk of the donation was used to buy two hospital beds and 3 walking frames along with the food vouchers.

NOTICEBOARD

THE ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED POLICE OFFICERS (known as ARPO). Retired police officers from any national or international force are very welcome to join our group. We meet every 2nd Wednesday of each month at Friends Cafe Bar, Avda. del Mar 82, Los Montesinos 03187 starting at 10.30 a.m. We look forward to meeting new members and their partners. For further info. contact our web site, www.arpo.org.uk or email arpocostablancasouth@gmail.com.

Crime Watch Spain (Vecinos Colaborando) Reg. VG – 08261/2002 advise the community about security matters and help them to report any incidents in their communities to the authorities to try to keep out any intruders. For more info please email: colaborando.crimewatch@skynetlink.com.

F.A.B. or Friends After Bereavement meet on a Saturday at the La Laguna hotel, Quesada at 13:45. We are a friendly group who meet up, chat, and spend days out together helping people to re-start their lives after the death of a partner. We are not in the least morbid, just a cheerful bunch who support each other.

LO CRISPIN & DISTRICT CULTURAL ASSOCIATION. Registered Charity No. CV-01-046603-A. We are a friendly association established in 2010 and our aim is to organise regular social events, trips and functions in order to raise funds for local Charities etc. Membership is just 5€ per person per year. We are usually at “The Lo Crispin Tavern” Friday lunchtimes, from about 12.30pm to 2.30pm. Please come to see us. For further details contact Syd at lo.crispin.rca@gmail.com or see our website: www.locrispin-dca.eu.

Royal British Legion - Gran Alacant & La Marina Branch meets on the 1st Monday of the month at 18:00 in LOUNGE D in the Plaza Mayor (known as Masa Square) Gran Alacant. Remember that you do NOT have to be ex-services to join. Further details from email:granalacant.secretary@rbl.community.

The Royal British Legion, Torrevieja Branch bowls team play at Casa Ventura on Thursdays and Saturdays, 1.30pm for a 2pm start. We would be pleased to see you there. Come along and have a game. Everything supplied.

We are Torrevieja Maritime Association and our aim is to “Stimulate and maintain interest in maritime activities in the Torrevieja area among people of all nationalities”. We meet on the second Wednesday of the month at Casa de Galicia in El Chaparral, Torrevieja and can be contacted at torreviejama@outlook.com or via our Facebook site, Torrevieja Maritime Association.

The Royal Naval Association, Torrevieja Branch meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 1700 (5pm) at CHE LOCO bar/restaurant, El Chaparral urbanization, Torrevieja. For more information please contact Chairman Paul Edwards on 618 644 934, Vice Chairman Danny Kay on 96 671 6274 or Secretary Margaret Forshaw on 96 692 1996.

Almoradi scrabble club. The club meets at Cafe Almoradi, Calle Major 91 on the last Tuesday of the month from 15:30. If you are interested please come and join us, or for more information call 694 437 698 or email mrandcwatkins@hotmail.co.uk.

Salt Church, formally known as Torrevieja Christian Fellowship has relocated to Calle Daya Nueva 12, Poligono Ind.Levante 11, 03187 Los Montesinos. Sunday Celebration 10.30 am with “Kids Church”. Everyone is welcome! We look forward to meeting you.

Revival Torrevieja Rugby Club based on traditional ethics of rugby, family and respect. Thur evenings touch rugby at 20.00, plus 15s on Mon and Wed and for more info about all the teams and training places and times contact the co-ordinator Tony on 670 972 366.

The Aircrew Association Costa Blanca. Former and serving aircrew of the UK or Allied Armed Forces are very welcome to join this convivial and friendly organisation, founded here in 1988. Details from the Secretary on: 96 640 4123.

Page 38 Health & Beauty SLIM AND TONE in comfort ...at our new one stop Slimming and Toning Salon. We can offer you the Exante diet plan and the Shapemaster toning beds. Call 675 619 568.

Business Opportunities FOR SALE – HARRYS BAR, Quesada. Unique opportunity to purchase this well established popular bar /restaurant. Freehold.

Call Joanne for more information on 693 494 951.

www.femalefocusonline.com

QF Focus Magazine

Classified Adverts

Entertainment LADY JAZZ performing at the Costa Blanca! Perfect for your Lounge Area, Private Party’s, Weddings, Fine Dining and Cocktail Bar!!

High quality vocals & chillout tunes. Telephone 677 233 879 FACEBOOK:LadyJazzAnita or visit www.lady-jazz.com

Services TRANSLATOR AND INTERPRETER English/Spanish. All legal, medical and business matters. Covering the Costa Blanca. Contact: 6 5 8 9 5 7 4 0 4 o r ejbtranslations@gmail.com

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

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

Home, health, travel, motor, funeral c o v e r, c o m m u n i t y, b u s i n e s s . www.spanish-insurance.net Tel: 96 673 0694. Offices in San Javier, la Zenia and Quesada.

COYS RENT A CAR is an independent Car Hire company operating from Alicante airport, Torrevieja and the surrounding areas.

To get a quote, look at our website: www.coysrent-a-car.com COYS PARKING provide 6 month or 1 year contracts to park your car at Alicante airport, look at our website and click on Coys Parking www.coysrent-a-car.com

Misc Sales

TRAILER GALVANISED METAL, 110 x 90 cms, drop rear flap, swing body, spare wheel, jockey wheel, papers. 175€. Ring 690 772 178 (San Fulgencio).

COMB BINDER /HOLE Punch machine, make=ACCO , assorted plastic combs, sturdy , 35€. Ring 690 772 178 (San Fulgencio).

FLYMO TURBO LITE 330 Electric mower, spare blade, seen working, 65€. Ring 690 772 178 (San Fulgencio).

ELECTRIC YOGHURT MAKER used twice 10€. Tel: 617 946 295 Orihuela Costa.

OVAL PYREX PLATTERS, Pyrex Platters Decorated 6 ideal BBQ 20€.

Tel: 617 946 295 Orihuela Costa.

LARGE SLOW COOKER 5Ltr Oval little used 20€. Tel: 617 946 295 Orihuela Costa.

VINYL RECORD DECK, new in original box security tag still intact 40€. Tel. 617 946 295 Orihuela Costa.

Property Sales & Rentals

INVESTMENT PROPERTY Extended Town house La Marina (San Fulgencio). 2 bedrooms, 2 bath-rooms, kitchen /living /dining room. BBQ, 3 terraces. Close to amenities – supermarket, cafes, doc-tors. Close to Beach, swimming pool and airport (20 minutes). Sitting tenant available – minimum 5 years.

70,000€. Tel. 966 796 236.

Autos FIAT PUNTO multi jet 1.3 Turbo Diesel, 106000 km. ITV October 2020, economical, quiet engine 2,275€. Tel: 617 946 295 (Orihuela Costa).

www.femalefocusonline.com

Personal

AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS For families and friends of problem drinkers.

There are meetings in Torrevieja. Phone 634 349 961.

www.facebook.com/FemaleFocus/

QF Focus Magazine

Page 39

Classified Adverts

Puzzle Solutions

Answer to Spot the odd one out = C

Very easy

Medium

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.

By using this service you agree to receive the Female Focus publication newsletters to your email address unless you state otherwise.

Due to the fantastic success for our advertisers in the Professionals Marina Alta & Vega Baja areas Female Focus Publications are proud to announce the publication of The Professionals Marina Baja.

New Design · 18,000 Copies High Quality Paper Published twice a year · Digital Version Property · Legal & Finance · Trades Health & Beauty · House & Home Retail · Infotech · Good Food Guide Issue 01

FULL PAGE from

ONLY

60

€

+ IVA per month