QFocus August 2021 magazine

Dep. Legal A-685-2016

E FR E

August 2021

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

TRAVEL INSURANCE MADE SIMPLE

STOP MOSQUITO BITES! OUT OF SIGHT SPAIN

Two British Heroes

Also inside this issue:-

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

QFocus Magazine August 2021

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THE REAL CONSTELATIONS OF THE ZODIAC

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ow do you upset a group of astronomers? Simple, just call them astrologers by mistake. Not that we've anything against astrology as entertainment, but we do have a firm belief about which is scientifically valid. So why do I raise that thorny issue, it's because the constellations of the Zodiac are amongst the most interesting in the sky.

I'll start at the beginning, just what are these constellations, and what makes them different? They are the star groups along the line of the ecliptic across our sky. And just what is the ecliptic? It's the path that the Sun, Moon and planets take across our sky.

The constellation Libra is a good place to start, you can find it in the southwest after sunset, and in another month or so, it will be below our horizon, so August is a good time to look. If you get your binoculars out, looking a little way above the horizon you'll see a star that's brighter than those around it, you've found Beta Librae, a star that also has the wonderful name Zubeneschamali.

This looks just like any other star until you learn a bit about it. Light takes nearly 150 years to get to us, and it's a big star. Astronomers call this a type b8, it spins over 100 times faster than our Sun, and it shines over 130 times brighter. It is doing something else too. Most people know that stars fuse, or burn hydrogen to shine, but in some stars, the process evolves, Beta Librae is now burning helium, and the core of the star is changing too. All the natural elements originate in stars, some stars go on to produce iron, carbon, and everything else, it's why we are all made of star stuff, and when you look at Beta Librae, you are seeing an example of where everything comes from.

Have a look at a picture of the constellation, then using your binoculars, try to find the other stars of Libra. It's not the easiest or most distinctive constellation to learn, but it's worth the effort. You'll find a variable star, one that changes brightness over a few days and another giant star. There's also a spherical star cluster tucked away, but you'll need a small telescope to find that.

One last little puzzle is the colour of the star Beta Librae, what colour is it to you? Some people see it as green, others don't, and no one is sure why that is.

Next month I'll have some more about the zodiac, and the results of our smartphone photo up competition, I'm enjoying looking at your pictures.

Vega Baja Astronomy Gro

Charles Oates,

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

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QF���� Maga���e A�g��� 2021

TRAVEL INSURANCE nfortunately, due to Brexit, the travel insurance company, whom I have worked extremely well with in excess of 20 years is unable to continue to offer travel insurance to the Expats.

At first, this did not worry me as there was no travel allowed.

However, it seems as though this is changing and people are hoping to be able to have holidays and visit loved ones this summer.

It was therefore necessary to me to discover if there was a company who offered similar cover at reasonable realistic prices.

Fortunately I discovered one of my members of staff had experience with an alternative travel insurance provider, which provides the policies and covers that the Expats are used to. I am so pleased to be able to offer this service to my clients again.

We are in the process of contacting all our travel insurance clients, by email with a follow up call explaining the new policies and issuing quotes.

We can now provide travel insurance for both annual and short trip policies with a choice of three levels of cover and there is an additional option for Covid 19 protection. The policies are underwritten by Lloyds of Belgium, so of course, the company is fully authorised and regulated within the EU. After such a long time of not being able to offer travel insurance because there was no need for it due to the restrictions, I am now full of hope that our long wait is drawing to a close, although I am still feeling apprehensive.

To be able to hug a loved one after such a long time will be such joy. A word that is rather under-used at the moment.

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

QF���� Maga���e A�g��� 2021

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The streets have certainly become a lot busier in the last few weeks, a much needed upturn of events for all the businesses on the Costa Blanca. Although nowhere near like it should be at this time of year, it is a still a positive and definitely going in the right direction.

Let's hope it continues without any negative effects.

Although I am yet to make it to the beach this year, I have heard that they are rammed and parking has become an impossibility. I might hold off until September when things are a bit quieter and cooler.

My little angel turns sweet sixteen in a few weeks, it is really scary, where has the time gone, it seems like only yesterday when I was carrying her in my arms. She has now completed compulsory education and has opted to stay on at school to do 2 years further education and therefore giving more options for her future. I think that was more appealing to her than the thought of entering the big wide world and having to work for a living - not quite ready to make that big step!

Stay safe, hydrated and creamed up in this scorching weather.

Until next time... helle

Mic

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

Discuss your advertising with your local representative:-

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CROSSWORD Across 1 Keep under restraint (6) 5 Sudden (6) 8 Recurring at intervals (8) 9 Spike (4) 10 Sarcastic doubter of sincerity and merit (5) 11 Calculate (6) 13 Bashful (3) 14 Filled pastry crust (3) 15 Exclamation of surprise (3) 16 Mixed up dose is bogus (6) 18 Tinseltown trophy (5) 21 Uncontrolled (4) 22 One on the payroll (8) 23 Put in (6) 24 Shoe reinforcement (6)

Down 2 Very hard mineral (5) 3 Competence (7) 4 Au naturel (4) 5 Shuffled cue cards are bewitched (8) 6 Memento of a saint (5) 7 Small flute (7) 12 Adversary (8) 13 Pad (7) 15 Kind of beach breeze (7) 17 Immoderate (5) 19 Sports complex (5) 20 Small blemish

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QFocus Magazine August 2021

QFocus Magazine August 2021

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Focus on risk graded investment portfolios

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

There are no penalties for withdrawal at anytime, so it is completely flexible and indeed, we can set up a fixed regular monthly withdrawal of an amount of your choosing. For example, supposing you invested £100,000 in the “Balanced” portfolio, you could elect to take 5% per annum and looking at the returns shown in the table you could fairly well expect your capital to remain at £100,000.

There is no guarantee of this but I have been an investor of the growth portfolio for around 8 years and this is my strategy. Each month I know exactly what I am receiving and sometimes my capital is at a level less than I invested, other times slightly more but its not something I am overly concerned about because I know the approximate average performance of the growth strategy that will maintain my capital despite my taking a fixed monthly withdrawal. This particular investment is held in Jersey, where I am pleased to say that service levels and general client care are still regarded as important, unlike many faceless corporations these days.

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

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/ dave.diggle@seagatewealth.es.

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ke Five tips to tae art care of your hr in summe

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QFocus Magazine August 2021

ailure to comply with cardiovascular treatments increases by 20% during the summer and can cause the patient to suffer heart and cerebrovascular problems, a case of angina, infarction, heart failure and stroke. All this without forgetting the increased risk of kidney failure.

According to Dr. Luís González, specialist of the Integral Caution with heat. The main causes of Cardiology Unit of Quirónsalud Alicante, “A few precautions need mortality during heat waves are related to be taken in order to enjoy a few days of rest without setbacks; to cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and as a poor diet with a lot of fats and salt, together with other factors respiratory diseases. That is why it is not appropriate for us to such as tobacco abuse, alcohol and decreased exercise on a regular spend a lot of time exposed to the sun during the hottest hours of the day. basis, cause a lack of control of blood pressure”.

In summer, the blood pressure values are lower than in the winter Watch out for alcohol. Experts advise to maintain a healthy and months, this is because in the heat there is a vasodilation to favour balanced diet in summer just like the rest of the year. Excessive the loss of body temperature and as a result you have a lower intake of alcoholic beverages can lead to heart rhythm disorders blood pressure. Therefore, if a hypertensive person is exposed too and a certain degree of contractionary insufficiency. much to the sun in summer and does not hydrate properly, they Caution with the chosen holiday destination. Cardiac patients can suffer severe hypotension that in severe cases causes loss of can choose the holiday destination they prefer, although it is consciousness and fainting. preferable to avoid countries with extreme temperatures and According to Dr. González, “One of the medications used for the countries with height above 2,000 metres, because if the heart is treatment of high blood pressure are diuretics and if you add the damaged it will have to work more. high temperatures of the environment, you lose more fluids, which As for the means of transport, we can travel in any form, but is why it is vitally important that you drink more fluids than usual.” always considering that long journeys by plane increase the risk What is most advised for this type of person during the heat is to of deep vein thrombosis in the veins of the legs when we remain drink plenty of water, eat fresh fruit and wear light clothing to help immobile for a long time. with the replacement of liquids that are lost with sweat and thus Rest is important in summer. The first objective of the holidays is to avoid dehydration or in more serious cases heat stroke. rest, but it is common that we end up doing the opposite by sleeping Five tips to take care of your heart in summer fewer hours, something that is not beneficial for our cardiovascular The holidays are the perfect time to do everything we can't do the health. Lack of sleep increases the levels of stress hormones in the rest of the year, but our cardiovascular health does not have to blood, which increases blood pressure and heart rate. suffer. However, it is advisable to take some precautions so that Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja. Partida de la Loma, s/n, forgetting the routine of the rest of the year does not take its toll.

03184 Torrevieja. Tel: 966 921 313, email: Carry on with medication. Breaking our routine can make us info.torrevieja@quironsalud.es. www.quironsalud.es. forget to take our medication, we always associate it with concrete actions such as breakfast, dinner, etc.

See our main advert on page 5.

QFocus Magazine August 2021

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Habitation Licenses Registration Tax

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urrently the submission (registration receipt) of having applied for a Habitation Licence (not the licence itself), is required to sign for a property sale at any Notary within Alicante. The document, also called Habitation Licence or Habitation Cedule, is achieved by submitting a dossier with the compilation of the Title Deeds, water and electricity bills, annual Townhall tax, and NIE, one or more certificates by an Architect and sometimes complete plans of the property.

Requirements and the amount of Registration Tax necessary for the certificate vary greatly between the different municipalities. Here is a list of the most common Townhall registration taxes in the area: - Rojales: 50€, plus the planning department now asks for updated floor plans of the property.

- Orihuela: From 102 - 111€ (depending on build size) - San Miguel de Salinas: 100€ - Daya Nueva: 50€ - Torrevieja: 17.50€

- San Isidro: 50€ - San Fulgencio: 50€ - Formentera del Segura: 60€ - Jacarilla: 30€.

- Bigastro: 25€

Registration Tax is paid to the Townhall before having the licence issued. Note that Registration taxes are not applicable to IVA. Martinez de la Casa Architects offers the Habitation Licence registered document you need to sell at the Notary within 7-10 working days, services priced from 118€ (IVA included), depending on the Townhall, requirements and registration tax which is not included.

Please contact us for an accurate quote.

If your Solicitor is studying your case, ask them to contact us to provide your property's Occupation Licence and we will make the whole process easier, faster and cheaper for you.

Martinez de la Casa Architects also offers superb discounts for groups (+2) or if you require your property's Energy Performance Certificate, Habitation Licence or Antiquity Certificate / Retrospective Licences (for pools and extensions, used to guard against sanctions in cases without licence and needed to update description in your property's title deeds) done at the same time. ● Martinez de la Casa Architects is one of the most prominent and respectable practises in the area, providing all types of Certificates and Licences, amongst other services. We are the Number 1 company in EPC Certificates (121€ inc IVA), Habitation Certificates (from 168€ +IVA and Registration in Townhall included) and Number 1 for Antiquity Certificates/Retrospective Licences for pools (190€+IVA) and extensions (270€ +IVA).

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 by different clients.

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QFocus Magazine August 2021

SPANGLES’ FIRST PERFORMANCE IN 18 MONTHS

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fter eighteen long months of online coaching and safely-distanced, masked rehearsals, Spangles performed in public for the first time at La Torre Golf Resort in Roldan, Murcia.

“It was the best feeling ever to stand together and make music for an audience again. We have so missed not having public performances and it was thrilling to be back in public.” said Valerie Lynch, Musical Director.

The resort holds a market every Wednesday and Friday evening during July and August, which is attended by approximately 750 people. Spangles sang in a beautiful setting, which allowed them to safely-distance and sing in the open air to an audience of more than 50 people.

Spangles is a founder member of the Spanish Association of Barbershop Singers (SABS) and their concert was attended by board members of the Association.

“It’s an absolute pleasure to be back performing again, after such a long time” said Chorus Manager, Lyn Baines.

“We have had such positive feedback from the audience too: strong, resonant and beautiful sound, and Spanish audience members sang with us when we sang their favourite Spanish songs.”

Spangles is hoping for more open-air, public performances while the good weather lasts, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with Lyn Baines if you’d like to book them.

Spangles is a ladies’ a cappella chorus, singing in four part harmony. They rehearse every Thursday.

If you’d like to book the chorus for an event or you are thinking about joining them, you can find out more on their website: www.spangleschorus.com or email them on info@spangleschorus.com Photographer: Gary Beaudin

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

See page 4 for deadline dates and contact information

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A View From The Top

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elcome to my monthly column “A view from the top”. Hopefully you will find my rambling readable (maybe even enjoyable). You may agree or you may disagree with my views, I care not.

These are my views long held and forged over a life time of work, travel and experience. Now that’s over let’s have a look at what is really winding me up.

Mauled by a Moggie.

Many unforeseen and funny things seem to land in my lap. The latest in my seemingly funny peculiar rather than funny Ha Ha events occurred a few weeks ago, and was for me at least rather painful. Are you sitting quietly? Good, then I will begin. The evening was going as normal, it was a Wednesday as I recall and I was just about to water our small pot based garden. We live in a nice terrace house that has a front porch area and a rear courtyard style garden area. The rear area is enclosed by the walls of our neighbours and therefore is nice and secure with the walls being fairly high. At this time of year we erect our 3x2 metre swimming pool, as it is nice to have somewhere to cool down during the long hot summer days and nights of our adopted home from home.

The previous evening I had been awoken from my sleep by what I thought was the sound of a cat meowing (spelling - whoever write's the word Meow). The Meow seemed to be coming from outside the bedroom window, after a while I thought no more of it and went back to sleep. In the morning I let Fonzie our Irish Terrier out into the courtyard and watched as he went straight to a small pile of poo that was at the base of one of our flower pots. In truth it (the poo) was more of a splat than a pile, anyway I cleaned up the splat with a bleach and soap solution and in truth simply thought no more of it. Back to the Wednesday evening, as stated I decided to water the plants and went to get the watering can from our Conservatory that adjoins the courtyard. As I went to open the patio doors to gain access to the Courtyard Fonzie went absolutely bananas. Do dogs go bananas? Well, he did and used his peak of banana excitement to tear all around the house. ‘Something not right here’ says er indoors, to which I duly concur. Fonzie is locked barking and generally ‘bananaring’ around in a spare bedroom. We, myself and er indoors, enter the courtyard in a quiet safari hunter style. Our immediate search turns up nothing, until I peak round the wall of an outside storage area and spot a cat crouched down in a corner. It (the cat) was hiding behind a set of small ladders.

On being disturbed the cat makes a run for it, wherever ‘it’ is? It leaps around the four high walls and un cat like it cannot bound high enough to escape. Then it somehow gets itself under a corner of our swimming pool and for a moment things quieten down. Er indoors sets off to go and knock on our Spanish neighbour MarieCarmen's door and asks to borrow her cat carrying transporter box.

My thinking was that I will just nab the offending cat, put it into the box and get it out of the house to a place of safety. Little did I think that it was me that would eventually need a place of safety. After

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a few minutes er indoors returns with the cat box. Armed with an old towel, off we go on a cat hunt. I go one way, er indoors goes another and the cat now obviously terrified darts away from us. It darts between us, it darts every which way until eventually I corner the beast and manage to throw the towel over it. In I go Tarzan like and manage to grab the cat who is wriggling and squirming in the towel. I am trying to be careful but have not really got hold of him/ her securely, nevertheless in the cat box the cat must go. Just as I think I have got it held, it manages to twist itself so that it is all legs so to speak, and in an instant it has bitten into my right hand and locked its jaws. It has used its other front paw to insert its claw deep into my arm, whilst one of its back legs is busy shredding the bottom of my right arm.

I n c i d e n t a l l y, it is the same arm that it has locked its jaws into my hand.

After what seemed like a lifetime, between us we managed to free my limbs from the cat’s deadly embrace and finally after a titanic struggle, into the cat box still partially wrapped in a towel, goes the offending moggie. Now I take medication that keeps my blood nice and thin and yes you can guess, my arms looked like I have been to a Dracula blood fest. Er indoors takes the cat box out of the house and with the neighbours help the cat is released onto an open garden area. Meanwhile I am in our bathroom washing the blood off and trying to make sure my wounds are nice and clean. After much dabbing with Iodine solution and rubbing with antibiotic cream, although I am sore at least hopefully I am biologically clean. The following morning it is a local holiday so off I trot to the local emergency Salud. I explain as best I can in Spanish what has happened, Gato Salvaje (wild cat) Mordido (bitten) etc etc. I eventually see a doctor who has a look and prescribes antibiotic cream...

Over the course of the day my arm and then my hand start to ache and become painful. It’s now late on Thursday evening and my hand is the size or a small football. After a night of really bad pain and absolutely no sleep, I am awake and go to my local medical centre first thing to seek attention. I go into the centre and ask the receptionist can I see the Doctor. Sorry says she, we are only doing telephone consultations, what is the problem? I hold up my hand and with a look of alarm the receptionist says, ‘Go over there, sit down and wait for the Doctor to see you’. The Doctor calls me in and I explain what has happened to me and receive several painful injections in my rear, a first shot of a course of Tetanus, also painful, and two large boxes of tablets from the chemist. Two weeks later I am now once again able to use the fingers of my right hand and can once again hold a beer glass (hooray).

I have made a written complaint to the local Mayor and have the Police on the case so to speak. The issue is that I know where the feral cat came from. There is a house near us that just let the cats breed, mostly the poor things die as they are not subject to care. However, some do survive, and some do get out of the home environment. I doubt they have any vet care and I also doubt they have any inoculations against cats / animal disease, hence I was infected. I had to be treated because others do not bother about animal welfare. In truth I could simply let my Irish Terrier out into the courtyard and the problem would have been over in an instant, however that is not what animal people do. If you have animals you are obligated to look after them, this obligation is for the span of the animal’s life, and it must mean making sure the animals in question are cared for and have access to a vet and inoculations and treatment. Simply, if you cannot look after an animal, you should not have an animal. Keep well everyone and as Mrs Slocome would say, ’Watch out for my pussy’.

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QFocus Magazine August 2021 Page 11 you alone. Lavender plants are particularly effective as a mosquito repellent because they contain up to 25% linalool, which mozzies hate. Mint, basil and lemon balm are also effective at keeping mozzies at bay. Plus, all these plants smell delicious and can be used in cooking.

Turn on a fan Considering they're flying hat is it about insects, they're not actually very some people good at it. Their average flight that mosquitoes speed is 1-1.5mph (slower take one look at them and than a butterfly). Turning on a think ‘dinner’? Some of fan will cool you down while us are covered in mozzie dispersing chemicals and body bites each summer, while odours which mozzies sniff out to find bodies to feed on. The fan’s others are left well alone. speed will also put off mosquitoes because they’re weak fliers.

Thankfully there are a few Avon calling things you can do to stop Many people swear by Avon’s Skin So Soft to repel mosquitoes. mosquito bites.

It also smells lovely and is great for your skin. Mercandona’s Citronela body spray is said to be very effective too.

Essential oils Citronella oil and oil of lemon eucalyptus are great for keeping Wear light-coloured clothing mozzies away. Citronella candles do work - but the amount of Studies show mosquitoes see dark objects better than light ones. citronella they give out is minimal. Oils are better. However lemon This is a great excuse to wear white or other light colours to show eucalyptus oil is even more off your tan and avoid mosquito bites. effective than citronella and Eat Marmite or B12 supplements can work for up to a few Like many people, mosquitoes hate Marmite. Apparently the hours. Look out for sprays little pests detest vitamin B12, so spread Marmite or Vegemite on with at least 30% oil. your toast and you won't smell too fresh as far as mozzies are Start your own herb concerned. Some people say it's a myth but it's worth trying if it garden keeps you off the mosquitoes' radar.

Grow lavender, mint, basil If all else fails, buy the mosquito repellent plug-ins for a good and lemon balm in your night’s sleep. garden or terrace if you want mosquitoes to leave Article by Sarah Farrell - www.sarahswritestuff.com

How to stop mosquito bites

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Page 14 www.femalefocusonline.com Lyrical Mixed Voice Choir: COSTA BLANCA SOUTH Rehearsals will be continuing every Wednesday from 10:30 to 12:30 at La Zenia Church.

Their repertoire features classical through to Note from Benny: Things are looking up. Easing of well-loved show numbers, so covid restrictions have given a ray of light to our amdram why not pop along and join board-treaders. Smiles all round, including those cash them? New singers are always welcome. An ability to read music starved charities who have also suffered from the lack of and to be able to hold your own tune in 4-part harmony are distinct advantages. For more up-to-date information, please contact Trent entertainment programmes revenue. Good luck all.

Harris: (Chairman) on 650 764 127, or Philip Mitchell: (Musical Actors Community Theatre Society: Director) 620 804 534.

They are back! The production of Rojales Pantomime ‘Ladies Day’ will be staged Group: The Group in San Fulgencio at the end of are excited at the October. But before that, ACTS prospect of rehearsing will be presenting a reading of the their next pantomime ‘Vagina Monologues’ at Lakeview production, ‘Treasure in Quesada at 20:00, on Friday Island’, which they 17 September. Tickets at only hope will be entertaining audiences early next year. Some 5€, call Susie: 602 753 273.

A pre-show meal can be ordered with members, however, have left the Group so they are urgently recruiting new members for varied roles, acting, singing, Lakeview by phoning: 722 891 977. or just helping out. Bored after lockdown? Join them for an interesting and fun change in your lifestyle. Contact: Campoverde Theatre douglasmcclone@yahoo.co.uk for further details.

Group: The Group unfortunately are not Studio 32: Their next show yet able to rehearse, as ‘South Pacific’ will be their Council owned staged at the Cardinal Beluga venue is still not open Theatre, San Fulgencio from and may remain closed 24 to 27 November. They also for some time due to have a new rehearsal venue, a problem with the Lakeview Bar and Restaurant, building. Meanwhile, Zoom meetings are still in progress as all are keen to get into Quesada. Summer break end the acting singing mode once again. Further information will be of June and recommence first week in September. New members needed either as cast published as soon as it is available. members, backstage crew, technicians, or front of house. No Cantabile Ladies previous experience necessary as coaching will be given. Contact: Choir: Unfortunately, studiothirtytwo@icloud.com or, 602 617 848. Ticket enquiries the Choir still do not call: 607 424 299 (Previously purchased tickets are still valid). know when rehearsals will commence.

If you would like to be part of this band of Hopefully, more charitable entertainers, please email encouraging news next editor@femalefocusonline.com. month. New members in all parts, are always Deadline for copy is the 15th of the month prior welcome especially sopranos, the only requirement is the ability to publication. to sing in tune in this friendly, three-part female choir. Contact: Full details of all Stage Diary entertainment valbeange@gmail.com. Phone: 966 795 816. Mobile: 648 034 232. groups are available online at Rehearsals usually take place in La Siesta Church, Torrevieja, Fridays 14:45 - 17:00 from September to May. www.femalefocusonline.com QFocus Magazine August 2021

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QFocus Magazine August 2021

ACTS needs you Charity Animal Art Competition

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re you an active fun loving person who is looking to join a group of like minded people? Then look no further!

We are a drama group based in Rojales though our membership is spread across the Southern Costa Blanca.

Behind the scenes we hold numerous social activities for everyone to join in.

Prior to COVID we were staging 2 well known plays every year drawing in enthusiastic audiences. Like lots of organisations we have been struggling during the pandemic not only financially but sadly some of our treasured members have had to leave us in the last 18 months for various reasons.

So as we start to emerge from the restrictions we need more members to get this show back on the road.

If you have stage experience then look no further! However, you don’t need to be an actor or a director as there are plenty of other activities, behind the scenes, Front of House, constructing and erecting scenery, props and costumes. There is something for everyone.

If you would like to join us, please contact on our Facebook Page “ACTS Actors Community Theatre” or on 602 683 925.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU!

Finca La Castellana in San Miguel de Salinas, are organising a Charity Animal Art Competition to raise money for the animals.

There are 3 categories; Children 0-10 5€ entry Children 10-16 5€ entry Adults 10€ entry There are trophies and great prizes to win, like a Tablet Alcatel 1T 7" sponsored by Euronics Blue Lagoon, a Nomination Bracelet sponsored by La Ponderosa and many more.

You can draw, paint, make a sculpture, write a poem or something different of your pet, or your family's / neighbour's pet, not from internet, to join in. Entries must be handed in by 4/10/2021 with the winners being announced on 10/10/2021.

I hope you can help us to make the competition a great success, so we raise a lot of money for the animals at Finca La Castellana.

Finca la Castellana is looking after 300 animals, and due to the Corona virus crisis, we have not able to organise the monthly fund raising dog walks, ladies lunches with tombola, fleamarkets etc.

At the same time more and more animals have been taken in by the Finca this year for all different reasons, with the monthly costs of just food between 3,000/3,500 a month.

Finca la Castellana is a non-profit charity, so all money raised will go to the animals.

For an entry form for the competition and more information about Finca la Castellana please visit our facebook page Finca la Castellana or our website http://www.fincalacastellana.org/

QFocus Magazine August 2021

How to set goals and achieve them.

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www.femalefocusonline.com Page 16 How will you know that things have improved?

Part 2

or the first 35 years of my life, I did not make any New Year's resolutions. I found it unnecessary and quite ridiculous. Everyone around me made fun of the New Year's resolutions.

We were joking about quitting bad habits, losing weight ...etc.

Today, it's been 5 years since I started to work with goals and I have to say that I will continue to do that, because it really changed my life in the desired direction. You just need to know how to do it.

Principles and recommendations for setting goals: Your State (mental and physical) will affect what goals you come up with. Therefore, try to get into a good state in which you feel comfortable and strong. Sometimes it's at a certain hour, sometimes it's after running. Sometimes it's useful to remind yourself your previous success, to remember what you did, what you already achieved. Create a pleasant atmosphere: play your favourite music, prepare space (clean your desk). Set aside time for that – it can be one or two hours.

At the beginning it is not important to know how you will achieve the goal! Don't limit yourself with this! Get rid of the idea of whether it is real or not!

Many people are stuck at the beginning because they do not know "How" to achieve something. And it's normal, we don't want to make mistakes. We try to gather all the information so that we are well prepared for the project and it is precisely this perfectionism that can hold us back. Can I have all the information to make a decision? When will you be fully prepared for life? How long should we wait to be ready for a wedding, for a child, for starting a business, for a new hobby, for exercising?

You don't have to see the whole stairway, just take the first step.

It's more important to know your "why". If your "why" is strong and clear enough, you will find your "how".

The clarity is the power. Goals are more attractive when they are clearly set because we can visualise them.

You can inspire yourself with these and similar questions: What would you do if you knew you couldn't fail?

What would you like to create in your life?

Imagine a life in which you are happy and full of passion - What would your life look like? What would be different in your: habits, relationships, family life, work, health, hobbies…?

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

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Page 17

5 Benefits of Olaplex Treatment That You Should Know!

W

e all are constantly searching for more ways to take better care of our hair. Whether it’s using hair products with less harsh chemicals to follow a multistep hair routine every week, we have tried it all. All these efforts can help you in growing new hair or making it stronger and healthier.

But what about hair that has already been damaged?

This is where Olaplex is now your hair's best friend.

What Is Olaplex Treatment?

Olaplex is a single ingredient treatment (bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate, to be specific) that repairs and rebuilds the disulfide bonds present in our hair strands. When the bonds inside your hair strands are better aligned, it will result in stronger and healthier looking hair that is more resistant to breakage or damage. This treatment is effective on all hair types to deliver the best results.

The Olaplex Treatment is a multi-step treatment process with a total of 8 products that can be used at home or a salon. The most important products in the treatment are Olaplex No.1 and No.2 which we have at Absolute.

No.3 is the most recommended to be used at home to repair and strengthen your hair.

Benefits of Olaplex Treatment Now that you know what this treatment is, let us discuss why you should consider it. Here are five benefits of Olaplex: 1. Protect your hair from any colour damage Getting an Olaplex treatment will protect your hair from the harsh

Spot the 10 differences (answers in the classified pages)

QFocus Magazine August 2021 damages from hair colours, dyes and bleaches. Did you experiment with hair colouring during the lockdown and are now frustrated with the poor condition of your hair? We highly recommend that you get Olaplex treatment!

2. Make your hair stronger by repairing the bonds from inside Olaplex repairs the dusulfide bonds in your hair and effectively treats the damage. By having this treatment done you can boost and strengthen the bonds that will result in stronger and healthier hair. This will make your hair less prone to breakage or hair fall.

3. Gives your hair extra shine and smoothness from within Another important Olaplex benefit is that your hair will feel softer, smoother, and shinier after the treatment. As all the broken bonds are reconnected and rebuilt, the hair strands will appear smoother and radiate a new and healthy shine. This makes Olaplex treatment the best solution for dry and dull hair.

4. Repair split ends and reduce the frizziness in your hair The treatment is also capable of taming and restoring damaged hair and split ends. With its bond-building technology, the treatment can link broken bonds in the hair and reduce split ends. Along with that, the products used for the treatment reduce frizz in your hair. A life saver, huh?!

5. Reverses any damage caused by heat and sun exposure Apart from chemical damage, Olaplex can also successfully reverse excessive heat damage, caused by hair styling tools and/ or UV rays from the sun. Some products of the treatment, such as No.6 and No.7 help you shield your hair from heat damage. So, these can come handy to bring that beautiful look of yours.

At Absolute we care about your hair so if you require any more information on our Olaplex services contact Samantha at Absolute.

For the month of August - salon service standalone treatment 40€ ● For a salon appointment or more information please call Absolute Hair, Nails & Beauty on 966 731 336.

Page 18

QF���� Maga���e A�g��� 2021

TWO BRITISH HEROES Path, street and bust.

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THE GEORGE ORWELL ROUTE IS A RECREATED PATH THROUGH THE CIVIL WAR. Famed English author George Orwell headed to Spain during the Spanish Civil War in order to join the fight for democracy, mainly out of idealism. Today, his path through Aragon is remembered by a trail of recreated fortifications.

Orwell joined the fighting in the Spanish Civil War in 1936, despite the reasoned advice of fellow author, Henry Miller. Despite being a volunteer, Orwell wanted to head to the front line, but it was not to be. Instead, he was sent with his regiment to Aragon, where fighting was light. He didn’t see much action there, but he did encounter a great deal of hardship among soldiers, including hunger and terrible living conditions. While his initial visit was uneventful, he would return to Aragon later only to be shot in the neck. He survived and his ordeal would be described in his book ‘Homage to Catalonia’.

Despite a general agreement among many in Spain to let the civil war be buried in the past, many of the trenches and fortifications where Orwell spent time have been methodically recreated. The battlefield along what is now called the George Orwell Route looks as if had never even been touched by time, much less war. Visitors can now walk the same hilltop path that was not only visited by Orwell, but by countless soldiers who took part in this tragic war.

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Book Review by Ivor Kindle Hi Readers, A different review this month. Due to what seems to be a lack of second hand books, or maybe it's because I just have been a little off my game so to speak, I took up the kind offer from a friend who loaned me a Kindle machine. Not only did he loan me the gadget, he also loaded it with several Peter James books that I wanted to read. Now I played with the said gadget, I read the books as stated and now have returned the machine with thanks to my friend. As you may know from my ramblings in the past I have always maintained that I am a tree book person and not an ebook person.

Whilst this is still the case I have resolved to research the wibbly wobbly way with a view to having a go at the ebook world. I have even bought a new larger screen tablet on which perhaps I will engage in the world of ebooks.

So for now the world of Amazon and others like Z library will be in for scrutiny as Ivor Kindle goes in search of the wonder of ebooks.

Keep reading, Ivor Kindle.



ARCHIBALD DICKSON IS A NAME KNOWN BETTER IN ALICANTE THAN IN HIS CARDIFF HOME. He became a sailor and later a captain on international voyages. During the Spanish Civil War, Dickson captained various ships in 1938 that brought supplies to Republican Spain. As a blockade runner in 1939, he took over the SS Stanbrook owned by the shipping company France Navigation. On March 17th he received orders to set sail for Alicante to pick up a shipment of tobacco, saffron and oranges for Algeria.

However, he found close to a thousand Republican refugees who, in the face of the imminent fall of the Republic, requested to go with him to Algeria. Most of them were waiting for other ships that never came. Dickson had orders not to board anyone except for reasons of ‘force majeure’, but for humanitarian reasons he decided to allow them to board leaving the cargo behind. With about 2,500 people on board, the Stanbrook left Alicante on March 28 towards Oran as this route was believed to be clear of Francoist ships.

Due to overcrowding, the Stanbrook was on several occasions at risk of capsizing, especially

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QFocus Magazine August 2021

F.A.B

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

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

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

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

when other ships passed. The next day he managed to reach Oran.

However, the authorities there did not give them authorization to anchor, so they stayed another night on board with little food for so many people in precarious sanitary conditions. After several comings and goings, Dickson finally managed to obtain permission for landing women and children. Men had to wait almost a month.

After this episode Dickson returned to the UK. A few months later, World War II began and the Stanbook was used again as a supply ship. Just eight months after the feat at Alicante, Dickson was commissioned to bring supplies to France but on the way, near Dunkerque, a German submarine torpedoed the Stanbrook, killing all of its crew, including captain Dickson.

Years later, in 2009 a tribute was organized in Alicante. In this city, a street was named after his ship Stanbrook. The ship was the last to set sail from Republican soil carrying refugees before the final fall of the Republic. Archibald Dickson’s action has been compared to the German businessman Schindler, who saved the lives of 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust.

In Alicante, he is remembered as a hero. In 2014 a memorial bust of the captain was installed on the quayside to honour him George Orwell Route, Zaragoza, Aragon.

Map reference 41 4906 N, 0 3033 W. Archibald Dickson, Alicante. Map reference 38 2407 N, 0 2925 W. This article is an extract from ‘OUT OF SIGHT SPAIN, top 150 cool places to visit.’ by local author Harry King. 216 pages.

140 colour photos.

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

QFocus Magazine August 2021

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RECIPES by Pushpa from the Spice Hut

Chicken in black pepper and orange sauce. Rich creamy curry 1 whole chicken, skinned and cut into 8 pieces 225g fromage frais 50ml natural yoghurt 120ml orange juice 2 tspn of ginger paste 2 tspn of garlic paste 1 large onion, chopped 1 tspn of ground black pepper Salt 1 tspn coriander powder 2 tbspn of oil 2 bay leaves 1 green chilli, finely chopped Mix together yoghurt, fromage frais, orange juice, ginger, garlic, pepper, salt and coriander. Pour over the chicken and rub in gently, leave to marinade for 4 hours.

Heat the oil, add the bay leaves and chopped onions and cook until soft. Add the chicken mixture and stir for a few minutes, add the a cup of water and chopped chillies, cook on a low heat for 10 minutes or until cooked. If you like more sauce add more water and more fromage frais. Check the curry for taste and serve hot.

Enjoy. ●

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

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our ARIES You are more reactive to situations this month so keep that in mind at all times. You are likely to be accident prone this month so take care and don't rush things. If you stop and concentrate before saying or doing things the month will pass more smoothly for everyone.

TAURUS Working slowly, methodically and thoroughly will make everything run much more smoothly and will give you the outcome you were hoping for. Make sure you remove any obstacles with thought or you will make enemies along the way.

GEMINI Everything is likely to spin out of control unless you get creative and be patient.

Make back up plans, make back ups of files and double check everything. Don't get in a panic, just take a bit more care.

CANCER You need to nurture yourself with love and kindness this month as others seem to be distracted and insensitive to your needs. Don't take it personally, they have their own lives to lead.

LEO Although it may feel as though you are struggling through treacle, things will get easier and the effort will be worth it in the long run. Leaving the past behind and looking to the future will make things fall into place much more smoothly for you.

VIRGO Over thinking will lead you to the wrong conclusion again. Think before you say anything as you are not in the right place to make decisions and it will mean you will have to backtrack later on.

QF���� Maga���e A�g��� 2021

oroscope LIBRA The effort you put in reflects on the outcome - you just wish everyone put in the same amount of effort as you do. Making a future board with where you see yourself going will help others see it too, and join you in the journey.

SCORPIO Doing a favour doesn't turn out the way you intended it too.

A misunderstanding leaves you trying to explain yourself when they are the ones who should be apologising to you. Is it worth it or is it their problem twisting your motives for trying to help.

SAGITTARIUS Someone close to you has all the knowledge you need if you would only ask them. Stop struggling through and take their help. Not only will it move you forward it will give them a sense of being.

CAPRICORN A new hobby is just what is needed to give you something totally different to rest your mind from the day to day work load. As well as learning something new it will introduce new people to your group of friends.

AQUARIUS Find a way to put the focus on the work you are most proud of. Bring in others who can compliment this with their skills and start some serious brainstorming to get things moving again. Use your leadership skills to get the best from everyone.

PISCES Your common sense will serve you well in keeping you out of situations which on the surface look OK but just don't add up. Be sceptical and double check facts rather than taking anything at face value and you will avoid any bad situations you may come across.

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QFocus Magazine August 2021

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Keeping pets safe

in the hot summer sun

I

magine wearing a fur coat in summer on the Costa Blanca. Now you know how your pets must feel. Here are a few ways you can help them keep cool during these hot months.

Plenty of shade and sunscreen Make sure your dog can get to a shady area inside and out. Under the bed is a popular spot for many pets. Check they have plenty of cool, clean, fresh water.

Use pet-safe sunscreen on sensitive places such as the tips of your dog’s ears and nose to prevent sunburn. Pets with white or light-coloured fur are more susceptible. You can ask your vet if you aren’t sure of the right pet-safe sunscreen to use.

Give your dog a brush regularly, possibly every day, to get rid of excess hair, which keeps them cooler.

Your dog will enjoy a paddling pool, playing with a water sprinkler or even a watering can to keep cool. You can also buy dog cooling mats for your dog to lay on.

Going walkies in summer Your dog still needs exercise in the summer, so go for a walk in the early morning or late evening. This reduces the risk of heatstroke and getting burnt paws.

Check the pavement before heading out with your dog. Put your hand on the ground - if it’s too hot to keep your hand there for a few seconds, it’s too hot for paws.

Dogs in cars Don’t leave your dog alone in the car on a warm day. Opening the windows won’t help your dogs either. If the temperature is 32º outside, the temperature inside your car can reach 43º within 10 minutes and 51º after 30 minutes, even with windows left open a little.

A dog can suffer from heatstroke within minutes. So please don’t take the risk.

Article by Sarah Farrell - www.sarahswritestuff.com

Pets 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

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

Beautiful 3 year old Beethoven is good with other female dogs, and loves to go on long walks. He would love a home to call his own with a garden. Call the K9 shelter on 711 075 305 or k9clubinfo@gmail.com Button had to have her eye removed but other than that is a happy, playful kitten who loves cuddles.

Call: 645 469 253 visit www.petsinspain.com or email info@petsinspain.com CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS Across: 1 Detain, 5 Abrupt, 8 Periodic, 9 Lace, 10 Cynic, 11 Reckon, 13 Coy, 14 Pie, 15 Oho, 16 Pseudo, 18 Oscar, 21 Wild, 22 Employee, 23 Insert, 24 Toecap.

Down: 2 Emery, 3 Ability, 4 Nude, 5 Accursed, 6 Relic, 7 Piccolo, 12 Opponent, 13 Cushion, 15 Onshore, 17 Undue, 19 Arena, 20 Spot.

19 Spark; 20 Tinge; 21 Strop.

Very easy

Medium

Easy

Hard

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

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

Services

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Page 23

BUILDING & PLUMBING SERVICES. No job to big or small, from a re-grout to a new build. Experienced and all work guaranteed. Call Nicholas 696 949 220.

NEED A SURVEY? Call Advantage Building Services if you are buying a property, or have structural problems with a property you already own.

Subsidence cases investigated, insurance claims mediated and processed. 653 733 066 or email mrmpaddon@hotmail.com or find further information at www.surveyorscostablanca.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

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.

TRANSLATOR AND INTERPRETER English/Spanish. All legal, medical and business matters. Covering the Costa Blanca. Contact: 658 957 404 or 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: 0034 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.

FOR ALL YOUR insurance needs in English. Home, health, travel, motor, funeral cover, community, business. www.spanish-insurance.net Tel: 96 673 0694. Offices in San Javier, la Zenia and Quesada.

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 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

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

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

Call Joanne for more information on 693 494 951.

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