QFocus April 2021

Dep. Legal A-685-2016

E FR E

APRIL 2021

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

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OMY ASTRON photos - taking of the stars with your phone

Good news for investors!

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Drop up to 2 dress sizes this Spring!

BLONDE HAIR

keep it healthy and full of shine

QFocus Magazine April 2021

Taking photos

of the night sky

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ast month I mentioned that I have been asked whether 'normal' people can photograph the stars, so I think it's time to go through the basics of what is called Astrophotography.

The simple answer to the question, is yes, almost anyone can do it, and it's not particularly difficult. If you are one of the binocular using people who read my jottings, you only need to spend a few Euros to get a good result that would amaze an amateur astronomer of 50 years ago, when I started out.

I'll start at the beginning, why take photos at all? It's because the human eye is great at what evolution has made it for, but very poor at storing light from something dim and distant. A modern camera can be far more sensitive to light, and with a little help, keep adding to a faint bit of light, until it's bright enough to see properly. If you've ever seen a picture of a galaxy, it has been made just as I've described, a galaxy is so faint that all the eye can see, even with a telescope is a faint blurry mass, a camera can bring out all the detail of these fantastic island universes as we used to call them.

Now then, how is it done? As you'd expect, an enthusiast or professional will use lots of equipment. They'll have a good telescope with devices to keep them pointing precisely at a point in space, and a very special camera fastened to it. A more ordinary enthusiast, like me will use a modern digital reflex camera attached to a telescope. This all costs a lot of money, name a price from a thousand Euros up to millions, and you can buy it.

What an ordinary person can do is use a smartphone. That clever little device you use for so many things has a remarkable camera built into it, so good in fact that it beats equipment sold for a lot of money only a few years ago. Assuming that your phone is reasonably up to date, you can photograph star clusters, nebulas, constellations, meteor trails etc. You can also take those wonderful star trail photographs that pop up in news stories from time to time.

If you are a binocular user, there is a very simple device sold that allows you to attach a smart phone to the eyepiece of binoculars, (or a simple telescope), I bought one for 12 Euros and they work very well.

More about that later.

I have a limited amount of space here, so I'll be continuing this next month with some ideas to get you started, but in the mean time there are some things you can be getting on with. Firstly, you need an app to make your phone take long exposures, I suggest you download 'camera fv5' app for an android phone, or 'nightCapp pro' for an iPhone. Both free, both simple to use. Spend a few minutes with your app learning how to use the settings, the leaning is up to you, I can only point you in the right direction. If you want to make a start, choose a very dark night, put the camera facing up into the northern sky and take a few long exposures. If luck is with you, you'll have a simple picture showing little streaks of the stars across the sky.

I'll leave you with something to aspire to, a prize winning picture taken by my friend Ron Giddy of Sinus Iridium, the bay of rainbows on the Moon. Ron is just an ordinary person like the rest of us, but he has spent a lot of time with his telescope and computer to get pictures as good as this.

Next month, I'll explain more about using your phone and binoculars to take pictures, and maybe a competition.

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

Oates Charljaes Astronomy Group Vega Ba

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ACCIDENT POLICIES

n accident policy is the best protection for your daily life, which is always full of surprises.

We run the risk of having an accident every day, wherever we are, so to avoid additional medical costs, the accident policy is tailor-made cover to protect you and your family, no matter what happens.

If you think that accidents at home are not so common, a fact to think about is that throughout the year more domestic accidents occur than sports and traffic accidents. More than 3% of the population suffered some type of injury at home or in their free time, with women being the most affected, representing 57% of the cases. Every 24 seconds a domestic accident occurs in Spain, the most frequent being due to falls (44.20%). The main scenarios where accidents occur in the home are the kitchen, the bathroom, the bedroom, the living room and the garden and, of course, all of these rooms are used frequently. So the chances of having an accident that requires medical care is quite high.

You may be of the opinion that accidents would be covered by your private medical cover or the state national health. Let me assure you that this is not always the case. So instead of assuming that everything will be automatically covered by the national health system, you could be in for a shock when you discover that your accident may incur medical costs, because not everything is covered. This would be a financial shock.

There will be many of you who will be feeling very comfortable in your assumption. Please do not wait to discover, far too late, that you personally will be responsible for any medical costs.

If you want to enjoy security and protection, for you and your family, there are four different options to choose from at as little as 50€ per annum, which will cover any financial consequences of an accident. ● For more information or a quotation, call us on 966 461 690, email info@jennifercunningham.net or visit the website www.jennifercunningham.net.

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This month we are celebrating 10 years since the very 1st QFocus was produced and how the time has flown by.

During this time the magazine has gone from strength to strength through the support of our readers, contributors and advertisers, some of which have been with us since the 1st edition and continue to do so - our thanks go to you all. Not only have we grown in copies but also in the areas covered and 10 years in production is such an achievement, especially in these current times, that we are very proud to shout about it. Let's bring on the next 10 years and see what they have in store for us.

My plan to declutter and bag up for charity hasn't quite gone according to plan. Instead I seem to have created more mess by starting to have a good sort out, then the phone always rings and I get distracted, so the job never gets finished. I'm starting to sound like my other half with the excuses! However, I will get it done, it just might not be in the time scale originally planned.

Congratulations to Doreen Moores from Altea la Vella who won last month's competition after spotting the Curry On Cooking logo. For your chance to win a selection of Curry Kits this month, see inside for full details. Good luck.

Michelle

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

Discuss your advertising with your local representative:-

Sales Manager Michelle 663 178 228 michelle@femalefocusonline.com

QFocus Magazine Office: Mon to Fri. 10am - 2pm Tel. 657 501 055 Pick up your next issue on 4 May Deadline for advertising & editorial -19 April

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

Like and Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/FemaleFocus/ & Instagram @FemaleFocusPublica�ons Female Focus is proud to have been voted the third most popular magazine worldwide in the independent Expat Survey Consumer Awards

Female Focus Publications are supporters of www.aldeasinfantiles.es

QFocus Magazine April 2021

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QUARTERLY ANNOUNCEMENT - 25th February 2021 - Provided by an Investment Product Provider extremely well known to British expats:

There is no change to net Expected Growth Rates (EGR) of the International Bond applied daily, as follows, after charges:

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

3.3% p.a.

2.4% p.a.

2.4% p.a.

1.6% p.a.

See advert below for more information

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

2.95% Nil 3.97% 2.76%

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

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

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

• Avoidance of Spanish inheritance tax liabilities between spouses if

written as a joint policy which is all held in Ireland i.e. outside of Spain.

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

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

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

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

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

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Nestled in an exclusive urbanisation on the lower slopes of the tranquil hills surrounding Calpe...

The Colina Club offers you a home with the security of excellent support whilst enjoying the stunning views over Calpe to the Mediterranean Sea and the famed nature reserve of the Peñon de Ifach.

In the 30 years that the Colina Club has been providing continuous care to the ex-pat community of retirement age, we have constantly adapted and strived to continue providing a comfortable, secure, peaceful and caring community for our residents.

Working within the current government restrictions to ensure our residents' and guests' safety, we continue to offer our long term unfurnished rental apartments and The Residence, our fully licensed Nursing and Rest Home, for those who are looking for a quiet, family-orientated, small village atmosphere in which to live.

The independent living apartments were specifically designed so that both the lower and upper apartments have level access (just one small step) from the parking area directly outside. Our pub and Village Tea Room have been a wonderful social time for our residents.

With adjusted schedules, our free minibus service has continued to take residents to and from Calpe.

Our apartments are independent living, but you never feel alone. You can relax with the security of knowing help is always close at hand with your free personal 'HELP' alarm monitored 24 hours a day in case of an emergency. During lockdowns, we have visited every resident every day to provide companionship and check on their welfare.

The good thing about living at The Colina Club is that you can keep your independence yet still have all the medical back-up available.

Our private Doctor and nursing staff are part of the team that provides excellent medical support in your apartment. These services, amongst others, are included in the price of the monthly rental. ● The Colina Club is all about providing families and residents with the Peace of Mind and the security of excellent care by providing a comfortable, secure, peaceful and healthy facility in a superb location, allowing you to enjoy life in your senior years. So why not come and see for yourself?

Spot the 12 differences (answers in the classified pages)

QFocus Magazine April 2021

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Checklist: the most common paperwork pack to sell a property The most common paperwork pack to sell a property in Spain is; - Latest Water Bill.

- Latest Electricity Bill.

- Latest council tax (SUMA bill).

- EPC Energy Performance Certificate.

Required in all cases except for detached properties of under 50m².

- Habitation Licence.

Currently, the submission (registration receipt) of having applied for a Habitation License (not the license itself), is required to sign for a property sale at any Notary within Alicante. Requirements and the amount of Registration Tax necessary for the certificate vary greatly between the different municipalities.

-Certificate of Antiquity / Retrospective Licence.

This is required whenever the property has been extended, altered or had a pool built without a proper building licence. By having a Retrospective Licence / Antiquity Certificate, building works become non objectionable and vendors use it to avoid putting off potential buyers, due to the existence of undeclared or unlicensed building work.

The Antiquity Certificate is also the document needed at the Notary to update the Title Deeds (Escritura) with any alterations made to the property.

Martinez de la Casa Architects is one of the most prominent and respectable practices in the area, providing all types of Certificates and Licenses, amongst other services.

Offering super discounts for groups (call your neighbour) or if you require 2 or more different documents done at the same time.

Also if your Solicitor or Estate Agent is studying your case, ask them to contact us to provide your property's selling pack, we will make the whole process easier, faster and substantially cheaper for you.

We are the Number 1 company in EPC Certificates (121€ inc IVA) and Number 1 for Antiquity Certificates (pools 229€ inc IVA, extensions 326€ inc IVA) and Habitation Licences (from 118€ inc IVA, Town Hall tax not included, depending on each municipality.

Please contact us for an accurate quote).

For all enquiries or to arrange an appointment please call 665 810 411 or visit www.martinezdelacasa.com to see over 150 testimonials on our services.

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QFocus Magazine April 2021

Residents in Senior Resort Ciudad Patricia now also vaccinated As widely reported, the residents of Ciudad Patricia’s nursing home (the high-risk priority group) received their Covid Vaccinations earlier this year.

On March 11th, it was the turn of the remainder of the Residents living independently in Ciudad Patricia’s retirement apartments to receive their first vaccination. After different requests by the management of Apartamentos Ciudad Patricia and the medical team of the Geriatric and Rehabilitation center, the Valencian Health Authority finally agreed that all residents could be vaccinated at the same time within the Resort. To prepare for this, an area in the Central Building was set aside and all vaccinations were carried out in accordance with the relevant requirements.

This was welcomed by all as another positive step on the road to post-Covid normality and as a reflection of the ongoing measures the resort management takes to maintain the health and well-being of everyone at Senior Resort Ciudad Patricia.

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Book Review by Ivor Kindle

Title: William Wallace Brave Heart Author: James Mackay Publisher: Mainstream Publishing

Some time ago a friend of mine (Keith) passed me a book he had picked up in a charity shop... He said 'I saw this and thought of you', not because I am a Scot you understand but because he knows that I have a passion for history.

For many months I have been fiddling around my bookshelves trying to find something to read to keep me occupied during the lockdown and this book took my fancy and hopefully it will take yours.

This is one of the best history biography books that I have read. Forget the film Brave Heart, this is the real story of a true Patriot. The bad guy is Edward and his cohorts of back stabbers and empire grabbers. The detail is impressive as is the story of oppression and fealty during the reign of Edward and of his desire to conquer all before him.

This is a book that will educate and explain, it is a proper researched history story and the detail is impressive.

Read and learn.

Keep reading, Ivor Kindle.

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Mi Casa Care Spain is owned and managed by a team of health and social care professionals based in the UK and Spain, Mi Casa Care is like no other care company in Costa Blanca or across Spain!

Mi Casa Care (ES) is part of the Responsive Care Group (UK) family, an experienced and established innovative regulated care provider who deliver state of the art technology enabled care services, rapid response and falls lifting, personal alarm systems and e-health technology along with live in care, home care, complex care, dementia care and companionship services supported by technology across the Costa Blanca.

All care services are personalised and managed by our team of qualified and registered nurses ensuring someone is there for you or your loved ones 24/7. Our registered nurse team in Spain has a wealth of knowledge and experience which spans over 25 years!

Our carers undertake a robust recruitment process which includes DBS, Spanish police check, references, mandatory training, ongoing inhouse training and they are continually supported by the management team in Spain.

Our carers are even working towards their care certificate and additional Health and Social care qualifications to enhance their knowledge and specialisms.

Mi Casa Care, has listened to what our community has asked for and we now have a Dementia Helpline for anyone to call if they require practical, clinical, or emotional support and a Mi Casa Care Dementia Facebook page.

Our next venture is in progress and we are excited to announce that we will be opening a training academy and an older person’s day care centre.

Mi Casa Care is driven to improve standards of care throughout Spain, both legally, professionally and ethically, always putting quality and commitment at the heart of everything we do. ● Please see advert below for more information or contact us on 910 077 114, email info@micasacare.es or visit www.micasacare.es

QFocus Magazine April 2021

www.femalefocusonline.com Page 12 What was not being adhered too was the rule that masks should be kept on if you are not seated, not very often, but how many times must people be told. I keep my mask on a spectacle cord so elcome to my monthly column “A view from it is always around my neck and is easy to put on when I am not the top”. Hopefully you will find my rambling eating or in this case drinking. My thoughts were therefore turned readable (maybe even enjoyable). You may agree toward what the passing locals must have thought of us foreigners or you may disagree with my views, I care not. seemingly not having a care in the World. Now I know that lots These are my views long held and forged over a life time of work, of families have suffered during this awful crisis but have some of travel and experience. Now that’s over let’s have a look at what us lost a feeling of sensitivity toward to how others see us. This is really winding me up. quote is from someone I know that spends her life being at the service of all the local citizens in my community..."The Sun is Our Lives in Spain.

Recently here in the Valencian community the restrictions with out,spring is here and we are going out and about. However I feel regard to the management of the Covid virus have been relaxed in discouraged and anxious when I see the bars full of people without line with the reduction in the number of reported Covid 19 cases. masks. They give the impression that the health situation does not This reduction has been hard earned by all members of the wider suit them, they ignore the fact that there are families who have Valencian Community and has meant many people have virtually been trying to stop people dying for many months, they ignore the recommendations, here it seems to be the sun and the beach and spent the past year as prisoners within their own houses.

Now the question that must be asked is one of "How will the the bar, my hopes for a better future are disappearing." Powerful general populace behave within the relaxed environment?" As I stuff from a local, now whether you agree or disagree is not the write this piece it is March 15th. Today the rules in respect of question. No, the question is, do you feel what local people feel? restaurants and bars are further relaxed and will now allow 100% Have you ever stopped and thought, I wonder what my neighbours occupancy on outside terrace areas and 30% occupancy inside the think? Could we, us foreigners be more sensitive to our hosts? It is a question that I ask myself every day. Do you? restaurant/bar.

Tables can only have occupancy of four persons Myers -Briggs and all that. and social distancing must Now those of you who enjoy my ramblings on a monthly basis be maintained. I have taken may often wonder...Who is Mr View and where does he get his advantage of the relaxed ideas from? Is he a genius? Is he male or female (the clue is in Mr rules and have joined View)? What is his background? Or even maybe you would like friends for a couple of cold to tell me to stick my opinions where the Sun does not shine, but beers and a chat about the are frustrated that you cannot contact me to tell me to my face... ways of the World. MY so to speak. feeling however is that perhaps myself and many Well as in the headline to all my diatribes I state that "These are other non Spanish citizens my views gleaned from a lifetime of experience, education and of this lovely country have travel etc etc". I also state that I care not what you the reader may somehow lost or maybe we think, so, before I carry on, as the awful Piers Morgan would say, never had a sense of what you can like it or lump it. The point of this piece, as those of you it feels like to be Spanish. not too thick to have grasped, is about personality types.

Impossible I hear you cry Now like you Dear Reader I spent the formative years of my life and to some extent I agree not having any understanding or knowledge about personality with you. I for one will never truly know what a born and raised types, indeed as a growing person all I cared about was whether Spanish national feels about the various day on day issues that my team had won, whether the school inspector had been round to befall their homeland. However, why I raise the topic is due to the tell my Mum that I had been playing truant again and a slap was fact that whilst I was enjoying a nice cold beer in a once again open on its way, or whether the girl of my dreams would have lovely bar, I could not help but look out onto the outside walkway, and red hair. Now that last sentence in itself should give you an insight it became obvious that the passing populace were in amazement into my personality type, incidently it's ENTP, one of the Myersat the sight of people who were sitting at tables and were all Briggs 16 types. As I grew and left adolescence behind (oh yes chatting and drinking beer as if the pandemic and local Covid I did) I entered the world of work, it was sporting in nature for were a thing of the past. As I looked around the bar the rule about a while, that stopped and work with a capital W began. I soon only four maximum at a table was being obeyed, the rule about learned that my street kid attitude would not get me up the greasy social distancing in the main was also being obeyed, and I must promotion pole, what was needed was an attitude with a capital A say that the bar staff were cleaning each table as it was vacated. and knowledge to back it up. I not only worked hard, I also took to study and education as tools to equip my hopeful advancement to a worthwhile career. It was while studying Psychology as part of a degree that I came across the Myers -Briggs personality types and the personality test. Armed with information from taking the test, I fought my way up the career ladder using techniques and skills from what the MB test had showed was part of my personality make-up. This test Dear Reader is available online and is fun to do and more importantly, is free. The sixteen personality types are just too much effort for me to type, and to be perfectly honest I do not know if I actually believe in the science (psychology) behind the test of the resultant personality types. What I do know is that without having some knowledge of what my specific personality type could achieve, I doubt I would have achieved what I did.

A View From The Top

W

So there I have given you a glimpse into my inner being, does it interest you, does it frighten you, or does it, as it did me, open up further exploration and study into what makes us the person we are?

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QFocus Magazine April 2021

Doña Pepa, Quesada.

If you haven’t recently been to Coopers now is definitely the time to head on down there. Since Chanade became the new owner, after taking over from her parents following their retirement, she decided a change was a must and embarked on making the bar area a more modern, chic and stylish area maximising on the space. The revamp has been a huge success and loved by all the locals and staff.

There is a new seating area with sofa and coffee table, the perfect place to catch up with friends, as well as all new furniture throughout the bar area.

On top of the interior refurb, vast improvements to the outside area were also undertaken with a large covered outside terrace with patio heaters for those chilly days and evenings. A large screen and 3-metre projector has been installed on the terrace to ensure the sporting fans out there will not miss their favourite sporting action. All current regulations are in place to ensure a safe environment to enjoy drinks and food whether inside or out.

Coopers has always been a popular venue for their delicious food and now opens at 8.30am with a large selection of breakfasts available from traditional Full English to Eggs Benedict.

There is a huge selection of hearty pub grub and family favourites available on their day-time menu such as their much loved Fish & Chips as well as classics such as Lasagne and Cajun Chicken. A range of sandwiches, baguettes and wraps, salads, jacket potatoes, omelettes and burgers and if there’s still room check out the tasty side orders and also a children’s menu.

Coopers is the home of award winning Sunday Lunches, which are always popular so booking is always advisable. Served from 1pm to 6pm and just 11€ for 2 courses and 13.50€ for 3 courses, which both include a small beer, glass of wine or soft drink to accompany the best home-made traditional Sunday Roast for miles.

Coopers is open 7 days a week from 8.30am. To keep up to date with forthcoming events and their current trading hours (due to government regulations) check out their FB or instagram pages. For further information or to make a booking call Coopers Bar on 966 731 016 or better still call in to see them at Avenida Antonio Quesada, 49, Doña Pepa, Quesada.

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COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

Note from Benny: Now looking forward to latest easing of restrictions that hopefully may allow productions in mothballs to be unwrapped and be staged by either late spring or summer. Some groups are using Zoom and bubble meetings to keep together. We need the amdram and music scene, we need their wonderful charity funding, and we need this true-Brit determination to continue regardless that the average age in most groups is in the older highrisk category. Please support these groups wherever they are in whatever way you can.

Actors Community Theatre Society: Like everyone else around the world, even the large well known theatre companies, our actors are all suffering withdrawal symptoms due to the inability to slap on the greasepaint and get out on stage to entertain everyone. However, despite the lack of performance time, they are still busy working on new productions to bring to the stage as soon as the Covid restrictions are lifted. Zoom rehearsals are not quite the same as the real thing though, so they hope to get back to the rehearsal rooms soon! Watch this space for news!

Campoverde Theatre Group: The Group, although still unable to perform, are still keeping cast members in the loop by Zoom meetings. Director and Choreographer Pat Newport organises this on a weekly basis and still hopes to go ahead with `Musical Extravaganza´ as soon as possible. They also wish Pauline Shaw, who recently had a fall resulting in a broken hip, best wishes for a speedy recovery. Further details for the next production will be published when known.

Cantabile Ladies Choir: At the moment, the choir, based in Torrevieja, are hoping to begin rehearsals again in September providing restrictions have been lifted. New members in all parts are always welcome, especially sopranos. The only requirement is the ability to sing in tune in this friendly three-part female choir who perform a very varied selection of music. For further information please email valbeange@gmail.com or telephone 966 795 816 or mobile 648 034 232.

Harmonisers Barbershop: Whatever your singing talent, a warm welcome awaits you at Harmonisers. They are a friendly international group and a fun-loving chorus, singing in the barbershop style. At the present time, the chorus do not know when rehearsals will commence. Further details next month. If you are interested, please contact Michael Hume at: michaelhume4814@gmail.com for further information.

www.femalefocusonline.com Lyrical Mixed Voice Choir: Lyrical continue to think very positively about the future and are aiming to perform a `Spring Concert´ as soon as possible. Rehearsals for this concert will start when present Covid restrictions are eased. New singers are always welcome. An ability to read music and to be able to hold your own tune in 4-part harmony are distinct advantages. For more up-to-date information, please contact Philip Mitchell (Musical Director) on 865 750 435 or Trent Harris (Chairman) on 650 764 127.

Rojales Pantomime Group: Just like every other theatre group they are all missing the thrill of the theatre, learning lines, rehearsing parts, costume fittings, and of course, the camaraderie. At the moment they cannot even get together for social gatherings but assure their followers that they will bounce back to make their audiences laugh at their traditional panto antics and eventually get together again with their fellow thespians. If you would like more information, please email: rojalespantomime@gmail.com.

Studio 32: The Company have had to temporarily postpone rehearsals for `South Pacific´. Under the current circumstances, they aim to stage the show towards the end of November. Due to various circumstances, including Brexit and Covid they have lost a few members, so are actively seeking new faces to pop along to join either as cast members, backstage crew, technicians or front of house. No previous experience is necessary as coaching will be given. Anyone interested please contact them at: studiothirtytwo@icloud.com or telephone 607 424 299.

If you would like to be part of this band of charitable entertainers, please email editor@femalefocusonline.com.

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

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

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QFocus Magazine April 2021

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QUICK

CROSSWORD By the PA puzzles team Across 6. Afternoon performance (7) 7. Inferior (5) 9. Wash out (5) 10. Pad (7) 12. Booby prize (6,5) 14. Go separate ways (4,7) 18. Horse-soldiers (7) 19. Vacant (5) 21. Twist (5) 22. Pacify (7)

Down 1. Swift (5) 2. Failure (6) 3. Favourite (3) 4. Chessman (6) 5. A wise man (7) 8. Vegetables (7) 11. Postpone (7) 13. Poise (7) 15. Journey (6) 16. Figure (6) 17. Scatter (5) 20. Sever (3)

See classified pages for answers BULSE A Bag for diamonds B Pickled beef C Dissolute fellow

BLORE A Round of face B Sack-like outer garment C Violent gust of wind

ANSWER: A

ANSWER: B

BY PA PUZZLES TEAM

CAPUCHE A Franciscan monk B A large hood C Type of rodent

ANSWER: C

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

QFocus Magazine April 2021

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Have you ever considered that our unhappiness today can be a direct result of not realising certain facts about life?

Just consider this: 1. The Past: Though it cannot be changed it should constantly be recognised as having been your life’s greatest teacher. Look back if you must, but only to learn from the person you were back then and the mistakes you made, then LET GO and MOVE ON! 2. Today: This can be the result of the past and who you are at this moment in time, but today is the springboard of the rest of your life. Take control, your past will lose effect by making today work for you. Use every day to achieve something, however small.

3. The Future: This depends on how well you have learned the lessons of the past and how you have handled each and every day. All anger comes from pain and we can be angry because of the pain of our lives not being the way we want them to be, but by learning from the past the future can be very bright ahead.

Sometimes we fail to see that we are responsible for our present happiness just by having the right attitude towards the past, YOU are in control – you can make real choices now, you do not have to “go with the flow”. Take encouragement from knowing that in no situation can anyone control your mind, or your response to any situation, and results are what actions were, and where your thoughts started!

If this all seems strange to you, try thinking of all the famous people you have heard of who have had deprived beginnings Carrying their past round with them and allowing it to affect their present, or determine their future, is something they all decided not to do, and by a change of attitude today you can learn to do it too. Perhaps we can realise, like them, that all negative experiences teach us something, and learn to ask ourselves… what? Empower your life today by just thinking differently about your circumstances and yourself as a person and look forward to a future you are deliberately planning.

Let’s try to learn that lesson today and benefit for the rest of our lives!

Until next time! Violet King

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QF���� Maga���e A���� 2021

Slim4Life has helped hundreds of men and women lose weight for life and keep it off. It will work for you too!

Drop up to 2 dress sizes this Spring!

Our medically approved meal replacement programme combined with the release of powerful ketosis fat burning compounds will turn your ultimate body dreams into reality. Never feel tired, hungry or deprived.

LEARN HOW TO: ● Nourish your body with tasty, uncomplicated meal replacements – such a variety available with our unique Slim4Life programme ● Reprogram your mind to let go of negative self-image ● Make healthy your new normal without starving yourself or breaking the bank!

BENEFITS: Fast, effective and long-term results. Lose up to 2-2.5kgs per week Reverse chronic lifestyle-related diseases Reset metabolism and normalise leptin levels Reduce inflammation, regulate hormones and control cortisol count Detoxification and gut health restoration Stabilise blood sugar, reduce cravings and banish mood swings Retain muscle mass, as energy is derived from excess fat stores Improve insulin resistance Important lifestyle changes ensure long term success and eating behaviours to beat the bulge for good

Clients are ecstatic over their weight loss and more important the maintenance and keeping Slim4Life.

IT’S SO EASY! 1. Decide which Slim4Life Exante diet plan is right for you.

2. Choose from our huge range of shakes, bars, meals, desserts & snacks.

3. Book your consultation and join the Spring 30 Day Challenge.

START YOUR TRANSFORMATION Try our 30 day SPRING CHALLENGE to help guide you through the first 4 weeks of changing the way you eat with Exante- Feel healthy and watch the pounds fall off.

FOR THE FIRST FIVE NEW CLIENTS TO BOOK CONSULTATIONS WE ARE OFFERING A FREE WEEKLY SHAPEMASTER TONING SESSION IN THE FIRST MONTH OF THE PROGRAMME. ● Phone or email Shirley for your free consultation – at 675 610 568 or slim4life.es@gmail.com

Page 18

QF���� Maga���e A���� 2021

our

oroscope

ARIES Someone close is in trouble and if you are listening carefully to what they have to say you will be able to help them out without them having to ask for it. Trust your intuition about someone who is trying to change your mind about an important matter or person.

TAURUS This can be the first of many successful months for you if you put your mind to it. Mundane jobs can be far from it if looked at with a different approach, one which will be brought home when seeing them from someone else's point of view.

GEMINI Your eagerness to get things done will rub off on those around you and between you all you will achieve so much this month.

Working as a team really does move things forward.

CANCER Make this month the start of giving more time to you and your wellbeing. You have been concentrating on everyone else for long enough, now it is your turn.

LEO The answers to many problems will fall into place this month as you start to see things from their point of view, and they start seeing things from yours. Now you can move forward together instead of pulling against each other all the time.

VIRGO Things done in haste will be regretted, plan and do things carefully. Things said in haste can not be taken back, think before you speak this month.

Important decisions should be left to others or put off for the time being as you really are not thinking things through at the moment.

WORD SPIRAL

LIBRA Do not make any hasty decisions this month without first talking things through with a loved one or someone you trust. Keeping your emotions in check will be hard, but you must or you will regret your actions.

SCORPIO This month you are feeling better about things, although you know that there is still some way to go. Others may benefit from some of your positivity as they are not seeing things as anything but negative. Be careful to understand their situation though.

SAGITTARIUS You are feeling much more sociable than you have for a long time. It is not the easiest time for making new friends at the moment, but reaching out to someone who is feeling a bit lost and lonely will start a friendship which will benefit both of you.

CAPRICORN You have been watching everyone making changes to their homes and now feel it is your turn. For some of you this will mean some decorating or new furniture and for others moving home completely.

AQUARIUS At last things are starting to pick up pace which is great for everyone. If you are feeling a little nervous about it all then talking to someone will help you realise that everyone is feeling the same to some degree. Together you will see this through, the worst is hopefully over now.

PISCES Joint finances are at the fore with everyone needing to take their share of responsibility on keeping everything on track. Looking to the future will give you all something to look forward to after these tough times.

BY PA PUZZLES TEAM



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

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

WORDSPIRAL 1 - CLUES

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

1. Mum’s sister 2. Dense layer of grass 3. To skin 4. Sharp tug 5. Pavement edge 6. Be on fire 7. Part of speech 8. Standard 9. Is obliged to 10. Rip 11.

Go up 12. Finishes 13. Insult deliberately 14. Musical group 15. Unable to hear 16. Person from Finland.

Key word clue: Religious term.

WORDSPIRAL 2 - CLUES 1. Precious metal 2. Prima donna 3. Soon 4. Christmas 5. Lacking fat 6. One more than eight 7. Heroic 8. Barrel 9. Be aware of 10. Broad 11. Paradise 12. Arrests 13. Lazy, untidy person 14. Red meat 15. Give food to 16. Herb type.

Key word clue: Girl’s name.

Answers to puzzles in the classified pages

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G

QFocus Magazine April 2021

Fancy having blonde hair?

oogle "blonde hair" and no two photos will look the same. Blonde comes in dozens of shades, from strawberry blonde and vanilla, caramel blonde to buttercream blonde and many, many other shades that don't sound quite as delicious (but still look gorgeous).

It's not just a light-to-dark spectrum, either: Blonde hair can veer towards white, yellow, red, brown, orange and rose gold tones, and manages to look completely different every time. It's easily the most versatile hair colour (if you can even call it a single colour), because it lends itself beautifully to so many different tones and textures.

But how do we keep our blonde hair looking healthy and full of shine at all times?

Well that's all down to: 1. The quality of the colouring products used on your hair by your stylist.

2. How you treat your hair at home and the products you use.

We always explain to our clients the importance of having an in-salon treatment after any Highlighting/ Balayage/ Colouring service because, yes, your hair will always feel perfect after we have styled it on the day but when it is washed you will feel that it might return back to how it felt before coming to the salon.

WHY? Because the hair hasn't been treated after the colour service to permanently seal and close down the hair cuticles, locking the hair colour in and making sure it's in good condition.

At Máximo Beauty we have just received a brand new treatment for after your colour called Blondifier!

This treatment has its own range of after care products to use at home so you can prolong the results.

Check them out!

Shampoo Enriched with Açai berry extract containing polyphenols. The professional formula gently cleanses the hair fibres while emphasising multidimensional shine of blonde hair. Provides nourishment and helps to smooth damaged hair.

Mask Enriched with Açai berry extract containing polyphenols. The treatment replenishes, smooths and nourishes the hair fibres, enhancing the multidimensional shine and radiance of the blonde hair.

Leave in Resurfacing balm Enriched with Açai berry extract containing polyphenols. The lightweight leave in conditioner helps to enhance the multidimensional radiance of blonde hair. Hair is instantly shiny, soft and easy to detangle. ● Please don't hesitate to visit us at the salon or contact us on 965 724 671 to book your appointments! See our advert below for more details.

QFocus Magazine April 2021

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Page 20

RECIPES by Pushpa from the Spice Hut Vegetarian feast curry

1 tbsp oil, 1 tspn of garlic paste, 1 tspn of ginger paste, 1 onion, diced, small cup of celery sliced, 1 apple, chopped, cup of green beans, cup of cauliflower florets, 1 potato, cubed, cup of chick peas, handful of sultanas, 1 pint of stock, 1 tspn of garam masala, 1 tspn of chilli powder, salt, 1/2 tin of tomato puree Heat the oil and fry the garlic and ginger paste, celery, onion and apple for a few minutes before adding the garam masala powder and salt and gently cooking for a few minutes longer.

Add all the other ingredients along with the stock and simmer until nice and thick.

Please check for flavour and add accordingly.

Serve with rice and enjoy. ●

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

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AS SEEN ON TV

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QF���� Maga���e A���� 2021

Turmeric Golden Latte Spice Mix

H

aldi has been touted as a wonder drug and in recent years gained popularity in the west; this is owed to research highlighting the therapeutic and healing properties of turmeric. A member of the ginger family; turmeric has been harvested for more than 5,000 years and plays an important role in food, medicine and beauty products in the east.

A healthy alternative to coffee, haldi doodh, golden or turmeric milk is an Indian drink, found in almost every trendy high street coffee bar! This golden beverage is easy to make at home and for half the price!

Ingredients Spice Mix

Once mixed, the spice mix can be stored in an airtight jar for up to three months.

• 5 tbsp ground turmeric • 3 tsp ground ginger • 2 tsp ground cinnamon • 1 tsp ground cardamom • 1 tsp ground black pepper

Method - Latte Spice Mix In a bowl add the turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom and ground black pepper. Mix really well and transfer to a glass jar with an airtight lid.

Ingredients Golden Latte Milk • 350 ml milk • 1 tsp spice mix • 1 tsp agave syrup / honey or sweetener (optional)

Method - Golden Latte Milk In a small bowl add one tablespoon of the milk with a teaspoon of the turmeric latte mix; using a fork whisk to combine. Add the rest of the milk and mix well.

In a saucepan heat the milk gently until steaming, add sweetener, pour in to a mug and enjoy!

LOOKING FOR A GIFT with a difference or to learn a new skill? The Spice Sisters have a fantastic three-month curry subscription. Great ‘I miss you’ gift for family and friends. Visit: www.curryocooking.com Or if you fancy a cook along Indian cookery lesson for you and your family and friends get in touch - keepcalm@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.

SUDOKU

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

It is not a maths game at all - it is a pure logic game.

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

Answers to puzzles in the classified pages

P��� 22

QF���� M������� A���� 2021 Health & Beauty SUFFERING FROM HAIR LOSS, Alopecia, male pattern baldness, scars? I have helped thousands of people regain their confidence.

Non surgical, permanent hair loss solution. Book a 100% free no obligation consultation.

C a l l ( 0 0 3 4 ) 6 2 8 1 0 1 7 11 o r visit www.scalpmastery.com SLIM AND TONE. At our new one stop Slimming, Toning and Vitamin Supplements Studio, we can offer you the Exante diet plan and the Shapemaster toning beds.

Call 675 619 568

Services NEED A SURVEY? Call Advantage Building Building Services if you are buying a property, or have structural problems with a property you already own. Subsidence cases investigated, insurance claims mediated and processed. Call 653 733 066 or email mrmpaddon@hotmail.com or find further information at www.surveyorscostablanca.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. Telephone: 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. Call 966 718 738 or 671 260 204. Visit the website: www.simplydoors.es.

Services

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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

Property Sales & Rentals GLAZE N SAVE convert your single glazed windows and doors to double glazed units without changing the frames. Very cost effective and a clean process. This is not secondary glazing. For more information call Gary on 662 455 960 or 96 671 2832 email gary@glazensave.es.

Web: www.glazensave.es.

SPANISH INSURANCE: for all your insurance needs in English.

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

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

Call 96 671 2832 or 662 455 960 for a free no obligation quote or email s_sconstruction@yahoo.co.uk TRANSLATOR AND INTERPRETER English/Spanish. All legal, medical and business matters. Covering the Costa Blanca. Contact: 658 957 404 or ejbtranslations@gmail.com.

www.femalefocusonline.com for more adverts

FREE PROPERTY ADVERTS To get your free 3 month property for sale advert send your advert content (up to 40 words) to classifieds@femalefocusonline.com - Please include your name, NIE or passport number and address, this is not for publishing but we must have these details on file. And remember you can also send a photo to go with your advert that will be published with your wording on the website.

(Wording only in the Female & QFocus Magazines.)

3 BED VILLA WANTED. I want to buy an independent villa in Ciudad Quesada, Rojales, Benijofar area, with 3 bedrooms, to reform. Please call 655 85 96 70.

www.facebook.com/FemaleFocus/ Follow & Like Us! @FemaleFocusPublica�ons Personal

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

There are meetings in Torrevieja. Phone 634 349 961.

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P��� 23

E FULL PAG from

QF���� M������� A���� 2021

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

ONLY

60

€

+ IVA per month

Have you booked your space yet?

Next issue end of April 2021, sold on a first come first served basis. Call Michelle to make your reservations on 663 178 228.

Pets Beautiful Beethoven gets a little stressed in the kennel environment and would love a home to call his own with a garden. Good with female dogs and loves long walks. He is a 3 year old Mastin who deserves a new start.

Please call 711 075 305 or send us an email k9clubinfo@gmail.com or Facebook ‘K9Club.Es’ Smudge is an amazing cat, used to children and dogs. He came from a very loving home, and is very laid back. Smudge is about 5 years old.

Call: 645 469 253 visit www.petsinspain.com or email info@petsinspain.com You’re invited to come and meet the Easy Horse Care Centre rescued horses, ponies and donkeys Call 652 021 980 or email rescue@easyhorsecare.net.

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

Very easy

Medium

Easy

Hard

WORD SPIRAL 1 SOLUTIONS 1. Aunt 2. Turf 3. Flay 4. Yank 5. Kerb 6. Burn 7. Noun 8. Norm 9. Must 10. Tear 11. Rise 12. Ends 13. Snub 14. Band 15. Deaf 16. Finn. Key word solution: NUNNERY. WORD SPIRAL 2 SOLUTIONS 1. Gold 2. Diva 3. Anon 4. Noel 5. Lean 6. Nine 7. Epic 8. Cask 9. Know 10. Wide 11. Eden 12. Nabs 13. Slob 14. Beef 15. Feed 16. Dill. Key word solution: COLLEEN. QUICK CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS Across: 6 Matinee; 7 Minor; 9 Rinse; 10 Cushion; 12 Wooden spoon; 14 Part company; 18 Cavalry; 19 Empty; 21 Screw; 22 Quieten.

Down: 1 Rapid; 2 Fiasco; 3 Pet; 4 Bishop; 5 Solomon; 8 Turnips; 11 Adjourn; 13 Balance; 15 Travel; 16 Number; 17 Strew; 20 Cut. 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.