QFocus On June 2022

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June 2022

COSTA BLANCA south

Serving the community since 1993

DRIVING Mobile Phone Mounts - the dos and don'ts

FIESTAS Where to see the Hogueras Fiestas

BUY A RUIN And a village too...

PUZZLES Crossword, Sudoku, Wordsearch and more...

QFocus Magazine June 2022

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YOUR ASTRONOMICAL TELESCOPE - YOUR QUESTIONS - THE LAST PART I seem to have opened a little bag of worms when I started answering questions. Last month I answered the main ones I'd had, then I got some more, so here are the rest.

Next month I'm putting this subject to bed and I'm going to describe what our astronomy group actually gets up to, you might be surprised!

Q. Why do the stars twinkle?

A. This is a surprisingly good question. The shimmering of a star is caused by our atmosphere, sometimes movements in the air can make the light bend a fraction before it gets to us on the ground.

We call it atmospheric refraction because it sounds posher! There's a separate thing when looking at stars etc that astronomers call 'seeing', and that's another phenomena.

Q. What is 'Seeing' when looking at the sky?

A. Simple once you know, it’s how steady or stable the air is, any turbulence in the air will spoil a view of what you're looking at. Common problems with poor seeing are observing clouds on Jupiter and sand storms on Mars, they're indistinct at the best of times, poor seeing makes it much worse.

A common mistake beginners make is to take their telescope or binoculars on to roof terrace, the heat of the building makes the air shimmer which limits what you can see.

Q. What is dark matter?

A. The most honest answer to this is, Blessed if I know. There are lots of ideas and experiments that sometimes make it to the papers, no one is at all sure yet, but hopefully we'll know in a few years.

Q. So why do we know that dark matter exists?

A. The short answer is gravity, just as gravity makes the Moon orbit the Earth, and Earth orbit the Sun, everything else in the

universe is pulled by gravity. The problem is that there isn't enough solid matter to give anywhere near enough gravity to make things behave as they do.

There has to be something else at work, something we can't see, so we call it dark matter. It's rather amazing when you think about it, all the things about the universe we don't understand.

Q. How many stars are there?

A. Oh dear, the numbers are rather big, so big that they don't really fit in our experience of things. Our galaxy, a huge whirlpool of stars has around 300 billion stars, I can just about cope with that, the problem is the number of galaxies that exist. The current estimate is 2 trillion galaxies, so multiply that by our 300 billion stars, you work it out, I'm not going to fill these articles with all the zeros in that number for the next few months!

The best answer I've ever heard was from Carl Sagan, when asked how many stars there were, he said 'plenty'.

Right, that really is enough questions, if you are interested come and join our group, we're a sociable lot, and only slightly barmy!

Charles Oates,

up.

Vega Baja Astronomy Gro

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

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How wonderful that people can travel again Let’s hope this carries on and we don’t have a return to the restrictions and paperwork.

Hopefully there will be a lot more appreciation and realisation of what we had before Covid-19.

I am delighted to inform you that we are working with a very successful travel insurance provider and we at Jennifer Cunningham Insurance can give you a no obligation quotation if you are a resident in Spain, with single trip and annual cover to meet your needs.

Single Trip Travel Insurance is for up to 180 Days, (31 days maximum for over 65s), available up to age 79 and there are discounts for Couples & Families.

Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance has a choice of 17, 32, 45, 90 Days, with 3 Levels of Cover up to age 79, and discounts for Couples & Families.

With three levels of cover to choose from – Silver, Gold and Platinum, with varying levels of sums insured depending upon your travel needs, you have the choice to fit the insurance to your travel requirements.

Our standard travel insurance also includes cancellation, medical and repatriation, personal accident, baggage and personal effects, money, cards and documents.

There are additional cover options, the most popular of which are: - Covid-19 – This optional extension is useful if you wish to be covered for Covid-19 before and whilst on a trip.

- Winter Sports – if you are participating in winter sports whilst on holiday.

- Pre-Existing medical Conditions.

Europesure do not cover all pre-existing medical conditions, however, there are many conditions that are covered. It is not necessary to complete a medical questionnaire. Contact us and we can provide more information.

My advice to you is to go nowhere without insurance and to find out more, and have everything explained to you fully, contact one of the offices.

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

QFocus Magazine June 2022

QFocus Magazine June 2022

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There are a lots of events happening this month where many venues on the Costa Blanca will be celebrating, starting with the Queen's Jubilee, Royal Ascot with Ladies' Day and of course Father's Day. If you are wanting to partake in any of these make sure you reserve a table as they are bound to be sold out very quickly.

We have booked to see Madness in concert in Murcia at the end of the month which I am really looking forward to. This was originally booked for 2020 but was obviously cancelled due to the pandemic.

We saw them back in 2002 in the UK and had an absolute blast of a time, although as the years have passed, I don't think I will have quite the same energy or stamina for jumping and dancing as I did back then. I will certainly give it my best shot though.

I've then got a few friends arriving from the UK for the Rojales Fiestas at the beginning of July and will need the same stamina and energy to keep up with them for the weekend. The Geordie girls certainly know how to party and I'll probably be flagging after the 1st night, but it's not very often I see them so I will have to struggle on!!

It's so nice that normality has returned and the things we took for granted are now able to happen again….I do hope I'm not tempting fate with that comment. Until next time.

Michelle

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

Discuss your advertising with your local representative:-

Sales Manager Michelle 663 178 228 michelle@femalefocusonline.com

QFocus Office: Mon to Fri. 10am - 2pm Tel. 657 501 055 Pick up your next issue on 5 July

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QFocus Magazine June 2022 www.femalefocusonline.com Page 6 Last month the gremlins stole the year end dates from the figures so have another look and see just how good they are.

FORTUNE FAVOURS THE BRAVE

The below gives the performance of one of my most favoured investments over a 7 year period and additionally the last 3 months. It is a daily traded portfolio so it is not like another investment that we provide with a stated regular return, albeit it lower.

Starting with the year ended 2015, choose your most appropriate risk profile - you will notice the trend of 3 years of positive returns then one year of negative returns. This trend continues from the year 2019 but it's important to note the returns of the year following where they were negative. Accordingly, if you study this table hard enough, you may come to the conclusion that we are now probably in the trough, and the peak (good) returns are just around the corner so this is a good time to invest. To further evidence this pattern of thought, the last month (March 2022) delivered positive returns 2.41% for the High Growth Portfolio, 2.28% for the Adventurous Portfolio, 1.58% for the Balanced Portfolio and 0.68% for the Cautious Portfolio.

Each portfolio contains around 20 funds invested in various sectors and geographic areas.

I'm certainly hoping better times are around the corner as I am invested in the above portfolio and have been since around 2013, however, I take regular monthly fixed income (of my choosing) from the investment so that my cash flows are consistent, therefore,

as long as the trends continue i.e. 3 positive years and one negative year, I'm quids in and I don't worry about a thing. Call or email me if you would like to join me on this journey.

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

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

See advert below left for more information

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QFocus Magazine June 2022

SUDOKU

Here are two Sudoku puzzles of different skill levels for you to try. It is not a maths game at all - it is a pure logic game.

F i l l i n t h e g r i d s o t h a t e v e r y 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.

CROSSWORD

Across

5 Herbal Italian bread (8) 7 Agitate (4) 8 Offensive (13) 9 Possessed (5) 11 Direct hit is source of pride (6) 13 World's largest economy (1,1,1) 14 Fiddle (6) 15 Invest defensively (5) 17 Unpredictable (13) 20 Price paid (4) 21 Wine and soda water (8) Down 1 Leave-taking (8) 2 Finely honed (5) 3 Largest Balearic island (7) 4 Submissive (8) 6 Globe (3) 7 The Red or the Med (3) 10 Super-intense (5-3)

12 Tiny tree chopped up for ever (8) 13 Disrobe (7) 16 Like a brainiac (5) 18 Favourite (3) 19 Type of beer (3)

See back pages for answers

QFocus Magazine June 2022

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Where to see the

Hogueras fiestA

June is a special time to be on the Costa Blanca. There’s a beach party like no other when you jump over the bonfires on the eve of San Juan. Plus there is the spectacular Hogueras fiesta with giant satirical statues, music, dancing, flower offerings and more.

On the eve of San Juan, June 23, family and friends head to the beach to light bonfires and have a party. At midnight, it is traditional to jump over the bonfires to cleanse body and soul, and to bring good luck.

Many towns also celebrate the Hogueras de San Juan fiesta, which is similar to the fallas fiesta in that giant colourful statues are built in the streets to be admired for a few days before being burnt on La Nit de la Cremà. This takes place on the night of June 24, the actual day of San Juan (John the Baptist).

The best city to see the hogueras is in Alicante itself. Other towns celebrate the fiesta on a smaller scale such as Calpe, Benidorm, Jávea, Torrevieja, Guardamar del Segura, San Juan de Alicante and San Vicente del Raspeig.

In Alicante city, more than 200 statues or monuments are planted on or around June 20. They will then be burnt, in turn, on June 24.

The festivities include mascletàs - impressive loud firecrackers - in the Plaza de los Luceros at 2pm each day, flower offerings to the Virgen del Remedio, bands playing and dancing.

The Hogueras de San Juan has its origin in the tradition of burning unwanted objects during the summer solstice. Now, elaborate statues are constructed by skilled artisans at great expense. This year the cost of materials to build the hogueras has shot up 200% with the price of wood doubling while the price of varnishes and paints has gone up 60%.

Article by Sarah Farrell - www.sarahswritestuff.com

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QFocus Magazine June 2022

QFocus Magazine June 2022

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The Ultimate Easy Guide to Building Licences in Spain

In the UK, licences are pretty straightforward and easy, allowing the building of minor extensions or other buildings with a simple and basic process. However, that doesn’t happen in Spain and all building work needs one of the following three types of licences.

Major Building Work Licence Required whenever there is: ·Extensions either attached or detached, such as garages, work sheds, etc. ·Any building work that implies building a roof with over 1.5mts height. ·Any structural building work inside or outside the property, such as putting new beams, structural repairs, knocking down loadbearing walls. ·Any internal change of layouts, such as making rooms, kitchens or toilets bigger or smaller, subdividing rooms etc. ·Pools - Even small or fibreglass ones.

Major building work licences always need to be signed off by a qualified architect and the paperwork required is usually vast. The process can be long and bumpy. Town halls take months to issue the licence and they also require that the builder is qualified and registered.

Minor Building Work Licences Minor building work licences are those needed to do any building work that doesn’t imply structure, doesn’t increase the build size of the property or doesn’t involve a roof, for example, tiling, repairing, cladding, plumbing, electricity etc. They are generally easy and cheap to obtain.

Retrospective Licence/Certificate of Antiquity This is can be obtained whenever the property has been extended, altered or had a pool built without a proper building licence (prior to building).

article supplied by Martinez de la Casa Architects To be able to obtain a Retrospective Licence / Certificate of Antiquity, the building work needs to meet two conditions: A. It has never been challenged by any Spanish Authority B. It has been built with over certain years, depending on each region: ·Alicante: The extension or pool needs to have been completed before August of 2010. ·Murcia: The extension or pool needs to be over four years old. ·Almeria: The extension or pool needs to be over six years old.

By having a Retrospective Licence/ Antiquity Certificate, building work already done becomes unobjectionable for the authorities. ·Vendors use it to avoid putting off potential buyers, due to the existence of undeclared or unlicensed building work. ·The Certificate of Antiquity is also the document needed at the Notary to update the Title Deeds (Escritura) with any alterations introduced 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 licences, amongst other services. 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).

For all enquiries, or to arrange an appointment, please call 665 810 411 or visit www.martinezdelacasa.com to see over +200 testimonials on our services.

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Robot service at the bars in Alicante

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Diners at restaurants along the emblematic Explanada and the Rambla in Alicante city centre are being served by robots. Bella, the robot waiter, can perfectly carry plates to the table and greet clients in 20 languages.

She is just one of the models developed by Elche start-up Bumerania and its founder Isidro Fernandéz. “When you go to a factory, a good part of the workers are robots. They are automated. But the social robot has not been developed yet,” said the engineer.

He had the idea of building a social robot but it wasn’t until the pandemic that he was able to work on the project. His robot waiter is the biggest success so far but Sr Fernandéz has other models such as Temi, who can help at hotel checkins and show guests to their rooms. Other robots can be used as hotel cleaners.

Temi is also the perfect companion for older people and is used in retirement homes in Barcelona and Alicante. These robots are capable of holding a conversation and monitoring the residents’ needs.

One of Bumerania’s most unusual robots is Ares, an electronic dog with 12 cameras. Ares can cope with all types of terrain - for instance, it can climb stairs - and is possible to be used for security purposes.

The robots can cost 6,000€ upwards but it is possible to rent them by the month.

Article by Sarah Farrell - www.sarahswritestuff.com

QFocus Magazine June 2022

QFocus Magazine June 2022

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Crescendo Choir and Chivenor Military Ladies Choir Charity Concert Raises Almost 4700€ Crescendo International Choir performed a well-received concert with Chivenor Military Ladies Choir at Salt Church, Los Montesinos on Saturday 7 May, raising 4680€ for four charities. Chivenor Military Ladies Choir sang 10 songs including Home Thoughts from Abroad. This original song was performed by this choir at the Royal Albert Hall in London. It was also performed in the movie Military Wives. Crescendo Choir performed nine works, including Fix You and Viva la Vida, both by Coldplay. The two choirs sang two pieces of music together: I Can Only Imagine and You Raise Me Up. About 350 people attended the concert and gave an extended standing ovation to both choirs when it ended.

Shortly before the concert began, the Royal British Legion, led by David Last, performed on the terrace outside Salt Church.

Crescendo Choir will be giving another free concert soon. It will be held on Saturday, 4 June at 18:00 at La Siesta Evangelical Church at Urb. La Chaparral in Torrevieja.

If you are interested in joining Crescendo, please visit the Crescendo website at www.crescendo-choir.com. The choir is especially seeking men to join.

The choir includes sopranos, altos, tenors and basses. The group sings a wide variety of songs ranging from musicals to spirituals, from pop to classical, in English and Spanish. Choir rehearsals take place at Rincon de Miguel Restaurant in Los Montesinos on Mondays between 17:45 to 20:00. All singers are welcome!

Crescendo lives up to its name of International because it has many nationalities among its expat members along with a Spanish Musical Director, Irene Oliva, and Spanish pianist Cristian Martinez. Chivenor Military Ladies Choir is made up of female military personnel, wives, partners, mothers and daughters of military personnel serving or retired. Many ladies who performed at the Royal Albert Hall in 2011 are still members of the choir.

QFocus Magazine June 2022

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Recipes by Pushpa from the Spice Hut Mixed beans, nuts and spinach spicy stew

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A little oil 1 large onion chopped 1 tspn of chopped garlic 1 small cup of green beans, trimmed and halved 1 cup of kidney beans and 1 cup of white beans, both cooked.

1 tin of chopped tomatoes 1 cup of broth/ stock 3 cups of spinach shredded Small handful of chopped walnuts Small handful of chopped Brazil nuts 1 cup of feta cheese, crumbled Salt, pepper and chilli flakes as required 1 tbspn of cooking cream and 1 of corn flour A cup of Water Heat the oil, sauté the onions, add the garlic and cook for 3 minutes.

Add the tomatoes, broth/stock and water and bring to boil. Add all the beans and salt, black pepper and chilli as required.

1 tbspn of corn flour and 4 tbspn of water, mix well into a slurry.

Add the slurry to the mix as a thickener. Cook for a further few minutes, then add the spinach. Toast all the nuts in a dry pan for a few minutes.

Ladle the stew, drizzle a little cream, top with toasted nuts and crumbled feta. Serve with bread.

Add spices as required and enjoy!

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

Spot the odd one out

A

B

C

D

E

F

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QFocus Magazine June 2022

QFocus Magazine June 2022

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BUY A RUIN and a village too

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F

AR AWAY FROM TARMAC, EXHAUST FUMES AND THE STRESS OF CITY LIFE, there is an alternative lifestyle to be had in more than 3,000 deserted villages in Galicia, Castilla y León, Aragón, and Asturias. Although many cannot be sold due to the lack of basic paperwork, hundreds are on the market, seeking a second chance in the shape of a new owner.

In the second half of the 20th century, there was strong emigration from rural life to the city. Spaniards emigrated to seek better living conditions; to get a job and have better healthcare. Nothing new here – it happens the world over, hundreds of villages in rural area gradually depopulating. There are many towns which yesterday were part of history but today are abandoned and in ruins. They deserve an opportunity to be saved.

Demonstrators often march to the Spanish capital calling for better access to infrastructure and services in Spain’s dwindling towns and villages. It’s a demand for an urgent solution to Spain’s problem of depopulation a ‘revolt against an empty Spain.’ They demand a plan to help them live in dwindling villages and in declining provincial towns.

Politicians have no real answer. It is a simple case of demographics.

In Spain, 48% of municipalities have a population density of less than 12.5 inhabitants per square kilometre, a figure the European Union considers to be exceptionally low. Between 2011 and 2017, approximately 62% of towns lost inhabitants, according to government data, and even cities with a population between 20,000 and 50,000 have also been in decline.

Today in Spain, even 26 provincial capitals are losing inhabitants. And if these capitals are declining, imagine what is happening in towns and villages. The haemorrhaging cannot be stopped, equally the revolt of an empty Spain won’t be silenced. Where does this lead?

In order to sell ruins or indeed whole villages, specialist estate agencies exist. One such agent has 110 villages on its books already to sell.

The average price for a village lies somewhere between 200,000€ and 450,000€. Restoration of old houses is not excessively expensive; the walls are normally sound and make restoration so much easier. In some cases, grants are available from regional government and the European Union.

Abandoned villages are getting this second chance because, after years of languishing in forgotten enclaves, these empty villages are back in demand. Although 70% of purchases come from abroad, tending to be British, Belgian, and French, an increasing number of Spaniards are buying into a holiday home or rural life. Buyers want to set up a tourism business or simply live in the countryside. There are also investors interested in hamlets to renovate and sell on.

The purchase of an abandoned village has shown itself to be more than just a short-term trend. That is why there are an increasing number of owners, who had previously forgotten their inheritance, are now sorting out their paperwork in order to put an abandoned home or hamlet on the market.

Selling these hamlets is not easy. Agents have to ensure they have the ‘right to sell.’ And that means lots of paperwork. The more property owners, or more likely their heirs, more paperwork is necessary. First, they have to locate the owners – some are dead, others have moved on. Then they have to reach an agreement.

The Agent's job involves visiting the public notary, the land registry, and local councils in search of necessary paperwork. In short, the most difficult part of an entire transaction is making the village legally sellable in the first place. Local councils offer a good deal of support. They are keen to see these villages injected with new life and help by providing details of the basic infrastructure and property boundaries.

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.

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QFocus Magazine June 2022

QFocus Magazine June 2022

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Valencia - a major player in the silk trade

The international silk route covers many exotic destinations, among them Constantinople Samarkand, Damascus and Beijing, but a city every bit as important to the ancient silk trade once lay much closer to home, in Valencia.

Valencian silk manufacture began in Moorish times (around the 10th century), but the most remarkable growth experienced in the industry came with the arrival of Genoese craftsmen to Spain in the early 18th century, whose advanced technology allowed the existing silk weavers to achieve an artisan specialisation in high quality silk fabrics. From the 15th to the 19th century, silk represented the most powerful industry in the city of Valencia.

Part of that trades’ legacy is the Merchants Market, also known as the Silk Exchange, and the College of High Silk Art - Silk Museum which still exists today.

In the 18th century, Valencia became the main Spanish silk centre. This was the golden century of Valencian silk. At that time, twenty-five thousand people were engaged in the silk industry in the city, which had more than four thousand looms. The town of Caircaixent was home to many silk weavers. The culture of silkworms (Bombyx mori) began in China about 5000 years ago. The ancient Chinese were the first to discover that the cocoons of a caterpillar could be unwound and the filaments woven into some of the most beautiful fabrics in the world. Silk was so highly prized that the lustrous fabrics were reserved exclusively for the royalty of China. The local weavers trade came to an abrupt end when the mulberry bushes that feed the silkworms developed a disease in the late 18th century. Thus, from the early 19th century, the production and trade in silk declined.

However, the area’s proud silk production traditions are remembered today, through some of the local festivals, such as the Fallas, where costumes represent a unique manifestation of the beauty of silk fabrics.

It is possible to visit the Silk Museum and to see textile collections and working 18th century looms. The Museum houses the largest European archive of the silk trade and an interesting shop selling silk products. The other must-see on the route is the Silk Exchange.

The Llotja de la Seda (Silk Exchange), a late Valencian Gothic style civil building built between 1482 and 1548. UNESCO nominated it as a World Heritage Site in 1996 as "the site is of outstanding universal value as it is a wholly exceptional example of a secular building in late Gothic style, which also illustrates the power and wealth of one of the great Mediterranean mercantile cities”. Its hall of columns, where dealers once haggled together is an amazing architectural sight.

Find all the Spanish words from the word list in the puzzle grid. Words may be found going forwards, backwards, up, down or diagonally. Answers can be found in the back of the magazine. Good Luck.

PLACE

WORD SEARCH

ABAJO - DOWN AHÍ - THERE ALLÁ - OVER THERE ALLÍ - OVER THERE AQUÍ - HERE ALREDEDOR - AROUND ARRIBA - UP ATRÁS - BEHIND CERCA - CLOSE

DEBAJO - UNDER DELANTE - IN FRONT OF DENTRO - INSIDE DETRÁS - BEHIND ENCIMA - ABOVE ENFRENTE - OPPOSITE FUERA - OUT / OUTSIDE JUNTO - TOGETHER LEJOS - FAR LUGAR - PLACE

The city’s other museums reflect the importance of silk items in the National Ceramics Museum, housed in a splendid example of Spanish Baroque architecture. The L’Íber Museum of Lead Soldiers, in Malferit Palace, has a room devoted to the silk route.

The Cathedral Museum displays religious garments made of silk, and exceptional paintings in the Museum of Fine Arts depict figures in luxurious silks, underlining the value of the silk industry to Valencian history. The city also has Europe’s largest archives relating to silk, and important collections of 18th century silk textiles and looms.

It is still possible to walk the local silk route, either independently or as part of a guided tour. The guided tour takes approximately two hours and is available in English and Spanish. Booking is available on Valencia’s tourism website.

By Rhona Wells - rhonawells@hotmail.com

F.A.B. (Friends after Bereavement) We are a relaxed and friendly mixed group who meet once a week at the Laguna Hotel in Quesada at 3pm for a chat and coffee. The aim of the group is to support those who have lost someone close and help make new friends. We also enjoy meals / lunches out and day trips etc.

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

Think Blue.....

Let's make 2022 the year to make a difference

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Spot the 13 differences (answers in the classified pages)

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QFocus Magazine June 2022

CLASSIC AFTERNOON TEA RAISES A MAGNIFICENT 504€ FOR AMS

A total of 53 people enjoyed a beautiful Classic Afternoon Tea at the Pines Restaurant in Benijofar on 12th April.

The event was organised by Sandra Doolan to raise much needed funds for the newly formed Association of Movers and Shakers.

Sandra is a good friend of Marion Smith, President of the Association, whose husband David suffers from Huntington’s Disease.

Paul Harris, local guitarist and singer entertained the diners with a mixture of contemporary songs and “golden oldies”, which everyone enjoyed.

The Association supports people and their families with Ataxia; Huntington’s; Motor Neurone Disease; Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s and fundraising events are held on a regular basis to help fund the work of the Association to improve the quality of life for sufferers, their carers, and their families.

The Movers and Shakers Club is held every Friday from 1 – 3 pm at O’Briens Bar in El Raso, Guardamar del Segura. Members meet up for a drink and a chat on a full range of topics and to exchange ideas and information.

For more information, contact Marion Smith, Tel: 711008250, or visit: www.amscb.org.es or Facebook @Movers and Shakers The Association is looking to recruit new volunteers. Details are available on their website.

QFocus Magazine June 2022

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COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

Note from Benny: Just as things seemed to be getting back to normal, two items of negative news flowed through my desk. Covid reared its ugly head again by forcing the Javea Players to cancel several performances and the singing group. Valley Voices have been forced to close down owing to internal problems. But the good news is that Rojales Pantomime Group, who had casting problems earlier this year, now have a full cast in rehearsals for their next production. Always a silver lining somewhere.

Actors Community Theatre Society: Following the recent success of their production, ‘Murdered to Death’, ACTS are pleased to announce their Autumn production will be: ‘Sex Please We’re Sixty’, a hilarious play by Michael & Susan Parker and in keeping with the group’s philosophy in these troubled times of: keep ‘em laughing. Details will be released later, but new members are always very welcome and can contact via: actstheatre@icloud.com.

Harmonisers Barbers Shop: This 4-part singing group rehearse twice a week on Mondays at 10am at Goyos Restaurant and Thursdays 10am at Stevies Bar in la Marquesa. They perform for charity. You are welcome to pop along and join them. For further information, telephone Mick Hume on 696 612 864.

www.femalefocusonline.com Lyrical Mixed Voice Choir: Enjoy the choir before their summer break. On 28 May at 14.30 at Lakeview Bar & Restaurant, Quesada, free concert to support Ukrainian refugees. Book tables on 722 891 977.

11 June at 19.30 at La Zenia Church. `Summer Concert´, tickets are 10€ and available from La Ponderosa and The Card Place, Punta Prima. 17 June at 19.30 at La Siesta Church. `Summer Extravaganza´ tickets are 10€. For more information contact Trent Harris (Chairman) on 650 764 127 or Philip Mitchell (Musical Director) on 865 750 435.

Rojales Pantomime Group: Good news! New cast members have been enrolled, welcomed and parts have been cast. The Group are now starting rehearsals again to be able to entertain their audiences with the very funny pantomime, `Treasure Island´ – due to be performed the first week of December at the Cardinal Belluga Theatre. Ahoy there me hearties, they will soon be setting sail for `Treasure Island´ - Oh yes, we will! Email Dee at rojalespantomime@yahoo.com.

Studio 32: The Company are pleased to announce that their production `Guys & Dolls´ was a great success and as a result are in a position to make contributions to local charities. They are now planning their Autumn show which will be a celebration of award-winning musicals entitled ‘A Night on Broadway’. They are now looking for people who can or have the aspirations to sing, dance and act or who have experience working in the theatre backstage, in lighting, sound etc and in particular, costumes. If you are that person and would like further information on the Company please visit their website www.studiothirtytwo.org or call 679 062 272.

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

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

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

www.femalefocusonline.com

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The N-332 are a group of Spanish Traffic Police Officers who decided to create a Facebook group to inform all ex-pats and tourists about Spanish traffic laws as they think it is unfair to fine them for breaking rules they didn't know about. You can find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DrivingSpain/ and follow them to keep up to date as they only share official information.

Let's put the misconceptions about mobile phone mounts in vehicles to rest!

N332 sent us (Torrevieja Translators) an interesting TikTok from a driving instructor and a Guardia Civil officer about a topic that has caused much confusion over the past few years. The misunderstanding stems from people hearing / being told that they can not use phone mounts in vehicles if they are not DGT authorised mounts, and that mounts with suction cups are prohibited. There are stories from individuals stating that they have received fines for using unauthorised mobile phone mounts.

This leads to the question: Does the DGT have authorised phone mounts, and if so, which are they?

Firstly, we should clarify that there is no such thing as a 'DGT authorised' mobile phone mount, the reason that people have received fines has been misunderstood or lost in translation. The problem doesn't lie with the phone mounts as such, it's more a matter of where the mounts were placed and the effect it may have on the field of view of the driver.

According to article 13, section 2 of the 06/2015 traffic and road safety law: "The driver of a vehicle is obliged to maintain their own freedom of movement as well as the necessary field of vision and permanent attention to driving, to guarantee their own safety, that of the rest of the occupants of the vehicle and that of other road users." So, if an officer deems the placement of your mobile phone to be restricting your field of view or may distract your attention from the road, you could receive sanctions of up to 200€ and 6 penalty points, even if you are not operating the device when pulled over. There are many different kinds of mounts for mobile phones, that doesn't mean all of them are considered legal in Spain. While the DGT does not specify or authorise the use of any particular, which is where the confusion comes from, you should use your best judgment. While suction cup windscreen mounted holders are not prohibited, it's important to not place them in the centre of the windscreen, thus reducing your field of view. Other mounts considered dangerous are ones that attach below the rearview mirror and those that can be mounted into the steering wheel. While these can be purchased, it is argued that these will cause a distraction and lead to a shift in concentration away from the road. The recommended (but also not 'DGT authorised') kinds of mounts are those that are installed in the air-conditioning vents just below the windscreen, as they do not block the view out of the windscreen.

Take a look at the TikTok from the driving instructor and the Guardia Civil officer, who goes into more detail about the matter: https://www.tiktok.com/@educ.../video/7091360022449474822. We hope that everyone can now put the confusion to rest and rely on common sense when purchasing mobile phone mounts. Sources: https://boe.es/.../2021/12/21/pdfs/BOE-A-2021-21006.pdf https://www.boe.es/.../2015/BOE-A-2015-11722-consolidado.pdf & https://www.xatakamovil.com/.../no-existen-soportes-para...

Road Safety is a thing for everyone. Drive responsibly!

PETS IN SPAIN

QUIZ NIGHT

A quiz night in aid of the Pets In Spain animal charity will take place on Tuesday 21 June at the La Estacion gastrobar, Calle Alfredo Kraus 2, Urb La Marina.

Quizmaster Mike will be the master of ceremonies for the evening.

A free buffet will be provided by La Estacion, prizes and a raffle to raise funds for the charity. Register in advance at La Estacion, 5€ per person. Visit or call the gastrobar on 865 777 255.

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our ARIES This will be a month of challenges with a lot of changes. Children need to be reminded of the boundaries before things get out of hand. During the second half of the month you will be full of energy to get things done.

Remember that not everyone has a much enthusiasm as you do.

TAURUS Working Taurus will find this month a hectic one as workers start finishing off projects before the holiday season starts. Love is very much in the air and you are being made to feel special by that special someone in your life. Enjoy it.

GEMINI With so many social engagements this month you are having a ball. Try not to burn the candle at both ends too many nights or it will start to take its toll.

Problems in relationships need to be addressed.

CANCER If you keep putting things off you are just going to end up in a last minute panic. If you are not confident that you can do what is asked of you, ask for help, you will soon get the hang of it.

LEO Home work balance will be tested for the next couple of months which could mean that everyone feels a bit left out. Getting everyone on board will make for a stronger team and also help lighten your load.

VIRGO An art related project will give you a new direction and you will be surprised how much you enjoy it. Family will be foremost in your mind this month, maybe a visit is in order?

www.femalefocusonline.com

oroscope LIBRA Your home and family will be where your focus is this month. Spending time with loved ones is just what you need right now. Planning for a trip will give you something to look forward to after the hectic start to this year. You need some time to recharge those batteries.

SCORPIO With so many ideas you don’t know which one to focus on first. Maybe writing things down will enable you to see which direction to move in. Be careful of someone who is not all they appear to be you’ve had your suspicions but they will now show their true colours.

SAGITTARIUS In order for things to run smoothly this month you are going to have to tap into all the diplomacy you have. Egos and jealousy are making people over react at the drop of a hat.

CAPRICORN Nothing will get you down this month.

You are full of energy and enthusiasm for everything. This will rub off on those close to you and will give a very rewarding month all round.

AQUARIUS This will be a quiet month with no surprises in store as long as you don’t do anything rash. There will be lots of reasons to celebrate and socialise - go and enjoy them.

PISCES They say you make your own luck and you definitely seem to be doing that right now. Enjoy this wave of confidence, success and happiness, but also make sure you keep on top of things so that the wave lasts. Keep your eye on the ball and the success will continue.

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

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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 Beautiful Beethoven would love a home to call his own with a garden. He is good with other female dogs, and loves to go on long walks. He is a 3 year old Mastin who deserves a new start. Call K9 on 711 075 305 or k9clubinfo@gmail.com or K9 Facebook.

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

Looking for a dog, puppy, cat or kitten to adopt. Call: 645 469 253, visit our web www.petsinspain.com or email info@petsinspain.com

SUPPORT LOCAL SHOP LOCAL

CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS Across: 5 Focaccia, 7 Stir, 8 Objectionable, 9 Owned, 11 Credit, 13 U S A, 14 Violin, 15 Hedge, 17 Temperamental, 20 Cost, 21 Spritzer.

Down: 1 Farewell, 2 Acute, 3 Majorca, 4 Yielding, 6 Orb, 7 Sea, 10 White-hot, 12 Eternity, 13 Undress, 16 Smart, ANSWER TO SPOT THE ODD ONE OUT: D 18 Pet, 19 Ale.

Easy

Medium