MAY 2025 32 YEARS SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1993
We are InterVision Expert Opticians and Audiologists, here to provide you with the most professional eye and hearing healthcare checks with competitive prices for everyone!
Let us guide you through your journey when you visit our stores for a FREE eye or hearing test. When you enter our store you are greeted with a friendly welcome and can peruse our great selection of frames with colours, shapes, styles and prices to suit everyone.
Our frame prices are from €29 with designer branded frames from €129 including Karl Lagerfeld, Fila, Calvin Klein, Converse. We have a wide choice of lenses and lens treatments available to suit all needs. We have Multi-Anti-Reflection coating for discomfort glare from artificial lighting or oncoming headlights when night driving, Blue X treatment for protection and comfort when using the VDU screen, photochromatic lenses for people who want just one pair of glasses, polarized lenses for the clearest vision in sunglasses without any glare, and the best varifocal lenses available from Pentax, Rodenstock and Hoya using the most up to date digital technology to give easy adaptation and clearer vision across the lens.
Our comprehensive eye examination will not only give you the prescription for new glasses, but we will make a thorough check of the health of your eyes. We take a digital retinal photograph and check this for any related health problems. We take your eye pressure and check for any signs of glaucoma, we examine the front and back of your eyes with our high powered magnifiers for eye problems such as cataract, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Should it be necessary to refer to the eye specialist we will give a referral letter in Spanish to take to the GP.
Contact lenses are available for those not wanting to wear glasses, or wish to have the occasional break from glasses. Contact us for more information on your vision needs and prices.
Our newly established hearing test offers a comprehensive ear health check with technology such as Video Otoscopy, and while we are assessing the ear canal and eardrum health, you can observe the process on the VDU screen. We make Tympanometry screening for ear pathologies and ear canal blockages, Audiometry screening for hearing loss, and Logoaudiometry to explore your audio understanding of simple daily words. We have the most advanced digital hearing aids, from €1500 per pair, with rechargeable options available. During the initial visit we can discuss your requirements and expectations and we can work together to give you the best hearing at the price you can afford.
We will take care of your ear health for the following years, also making any adjustments necessary to the hearing aids if the hearing needs change.
Francisco
M. Jurado Alonso, Director Intervisión Expert Torrevieja, La Zenia y Guardamar. Expertos en Visión y Audición.
Why Private Health Insurance Is More Important Than Ever for UK Nationals in Spain
Since Brexit, life has changed in countless ways for UK nationals living in or planning a move to Spain. One of the most critical areas where these changes are deeply felt is healthcare. Public access is not automatic or an entitlement for everyone so Private Healthcare is not a luxury- it’s a necessity.
Healthcare and Visa Requirements Go Hand-in-Hand
For UK nationals applying for residency in Spain, whether it's a Non-Lucrative Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, TIE, or Residencia, proof of private health cover is a mandatory requirement. If you don’t qualify for the Spanish national health system through employment, a registered S1 form, or permanent residency, you must have a private policy in place. This is where ASSSA Health Insurance comes in. Fully accepted for visa applications, ASSSA provides the legal certification needed and ensures you're compliant with Spanish immigration rules.
Why Choose ASSSA?
Unlike many other insurers, ASSSA offers comprehensive coverage designed with expats in mind. That means:
• Access to private hospitals and clinics
• Shorter waiting times for appointments, diagnostics, and treatments
• A broader choice of specialists
• English-speaking doctors, eliminating the need for an interpreter
Plus, with ASSSA, you won’t face any surprise bills if you're using your policy correctly—an essential peace of mind when navigating healthcare in a foreign country.
No Co-Payments, No Surprises
One of the biggest pitfalls people face is being tempted by low-cost policies. These often come with limited coverage, co-payments, or hidden conditions that may not meet visa
requirements. ASSSA, however, offers no co-payments and a contractual guarantee that your policy cannot be cancelled due to age, illness, or high usage.
And unlike many providers, your joining age is fixed, meaning you won’t face rising premiums simply because you get older.
Beat the Waiting Lists
Spain’s National Health Service, while excellent, is currently under strain. Long waiting lists for even basic diagnostics are unfortunately becoming the norm. For anyone experiencing acute pain or needing quick answers, private health care can make a world of difference.
ASSSA clients benefit from faster access to medical care, including emergency services and ambulance transport to their network of partner hospitals.
Personalised Support When You Need It Most
Understanding what your policy covers—and how to use it—is just as important as having one. That’s why Jennifer Cunningham Insurance has a dedicated ASSSA administrator on hand to help. Whether it’s processing authorisation requests, answering questions, or liaising with ASSSA directly on your behalf, we’re here to take the stress out of the process.
Final Thought: Don’t Just Buy on Price
When it comes to health insurance, cheaper doesn’t always mean better. With something as important as your health, the right coverage and reliable support are worth every penny.
Get in touch today for a no-obligation quote or more information: Email: info@jennifercunningham.net
Visit: www.jennifercunningham.net
Make the smart move - protect your health and your future in Spain.
We in
We have definitely seen an increase in activity on the Costa Blanca with many visitors here for the Easter break. With many towns holding processions celebrating this fiesta, it is a nice cultural event to witness. April has been and gone, bringing some pretty heavy April showers, hopefully we have now seen the end of the unpredictable weather we have been experiencing and start to move rapidly into the summer.
Every year we experience flamingos flying in a v above our house and we recently seen their return which is always a sure sign of the spring time upon us. It is a lovely sight to see, however the mess they leave on their flight path isn't quite as pleasant and our dogs are not too impressed with the noise they make. The best time to see this is during the sunrise and sunset.
During May we are embracing the vibrant spirit of spring with a series of cultural celebrations - one of the standout events is the Torrevieja May Fair, scheduled from the 14th until 18th of May, at the Antonio Soria Park. This Andalusian-style fair features 15 beautifully decorated booths offering traditional food, music, and dance, providing a festive atmosphere for both locals and visitors.
I've got a pretty busy month ahead as we approach the deadline and production of the popular Focus on Professional Services magazine.... give me a call if you want your business to be included in this prestigious publication. Until next time ….
Michelle
QFocus On 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
Pick up your next issue on 3 June Deadline for advertising & editorial - 19 May
Please send editorial to editor@femalefocusonline.com Advert content to advertising@femalefocusonline.com
WHY DO PLANETS SPIN?
And everything in space spins too.
The fact that the Earth spins, the Sun spins and we and every other planet spin around the Sun is something that most of us just take for granted, but, like everything else in our universe, there's a reason for it. There is a technical expression for this, but I'll leave that for later because I don't want to stop you reading and you don't need a technical term to understand why this happens.
Let's go back in time, around 5 billion years ago gravity had already pulled together lots of molecules of mostly hydrogen gas into a vast sphere where the heat and pressure made those join, or fuse together and create our star, the Sun, that's hydrogen fusion. There is a massive cloud of other stuff around the Sun, bits of rock and dust, then over time small bits are drawn together by gravity to become bigger bits and the bigger bits have a little more gravity so they pull more and more bits together until one day you've got some planets. This is a massive over simplification of the process, but in essence it's correct.
Now then. What about the spinning? In what I've just described everything is already spinning. Picture the time before all the Sun and planets, just lots of atoms, dust et all in one place and moving about, now imagine two bits of space dust or maybe two pebbles floating together and hitting each other. The chances are that they won't hit dead on but will clip each other. This clipping make each of the two bits spin in much the same way as a footballer can make a ball swerve around other players into the goal. What both the footballer and the rocks are doing is imparting angular momentum.
Once there are lots of bits of rock spinning, they pass near other debris and the gravitational kick they give starts them spinning too. If you're thinking that some would spin one way and some the other way you'd be correct but there are always more going one way than the other and over an immense time whatever direction most are going in wins the battle. Yes, the direction of spin in the solar system is the result of pure chance decided a very long time ago.
It's probably obvious that the larger or more massive something is, the more angular momentum it can pass on to other things near it, so the Sun's spin will have a vast effect on anything nearby, like the planets which is why they all orbit in the same direction. If you like a bit of simple maths, there's a formula for this, L= mvr. L is the angular momentum, m=mass v=velocity and r=the radius. I don't normally mention maths, but this bit is so beautiful because it works with a speck of dust or our whole solar system, and the rest of the known universe.
Of course there are what seems like exceptions. For example whilst all the planets orbit same way and most spin in the same direction there are two oddities. Venus spins on its axis the opposite direction to all the rest and nobody is certain why, but there are some interesting ideas. Lastly Neptune moon Triton is the only large moon in the solar system that orbits backwards, a retrograde orbit as we call it.
Next month I'll talk a bit more about that.
● To find out more about observing and astronomy why not join our group, email us at vegabaja.astronomygroup@gmail.com to find out more.
Charles Oates, Vega Baja Astronomy Group.
SUDOKU
Here are two Sudoku puzzles of different skill levels for you to try. It is not a math game at all - it is a pure logic game. Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3 x 3 grid contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repeats, which means that no number is repeated in any row, column or box.
CROSSWORD
Across
7 Job applicant (11)
8 No longer surprised by anything (4,2,2)
9 Chair (4)
10 Strike lightly (3)
11 Emoticons disturb financial specialist (9)
15 Essentials (4,5)
16 Become firm (3)
18 Tots up (4)
20 India's teardrop (3,5)
22 Very late (4,7)
Down
1 Congo capital (8)
2 Wall supports (5)
3 Group of three (4)
4 Small compensation (8)
5 Pair mews too discordantly (7)
6 "The Wolf Man" actor --- Lugosi (4)
12 Albatross killer (8)
13 Dotted, like some eggs (8)
14 Hiring (7)
17 Rubs down (5)
19 Gravlax garnish (4)
21 Bumped off (4)
See back pages for answers
Stagger Inn located in Rojales, celebrates its 10th year Anniversary.
Patrick, Lesley and family have now been the proud owners of Stagger Inn (formally The Bridge) for over 10 years and have recently marked the occasion with a celebratory party.
Needless to say there was lots of fun and laughter, great music and fantastic food on the night, followed by a few sore heads the following morning!!!
Patrick and Lesley would like to personally thank everyone that joined in with the celebrations and helped make the night one to remember !!!
A special shout out goes to all their team members who always work so hard, their dedication and commitment is always appreciated and of course their loyal customers.... thanks for your continuous support, without your custom none of this would be possible.
Stagger Inn is a very popular venue with all nationalities whether being for the fantastic home-made food, their extensive choice of drinks or to watch the world go by on their large outdoor terrace. There is always a warm welcome by the friendly staff who have not only bonded strongly together as a team but also with the customers both old and new at this well established Original Scottish Venue. Bring all this together and it is no surprise Stagger Inn has the fantastic reputation they deserve for good value, great food and fabulous entertainment making it a great all round venue.
A general knowledge quiz is held every Monday and a music quiz every Thursday both start at 7pm with booking essential. Sunday Lunch is served from 1pm – 6pm – you do need to reserve your table in advance as it is usually a sell out !!!
For bookings or to enquire about future events or private parties call 966 185 237.
You can also discuss your property purchase, sale or rental enquiries with Lesley at Bridge Estates on the same number as above.
ACTS community Theatre: Don’t miss ACTS next production. Tickets are selling fast, no wonder, the play, an extremely funny farce offers a fun night out. The plot revolves around eccentric actors, three women all ex wives of the same philandering husband. See what his escapades do to their genteel life when a dangerous mafia boss seeks revenge for his mother’s’ deflowering by their past spouse! Performing at Cardinal Beluga Theatre San Fulgencio. Ticket Outlets For 8/9/10th May. Majik Mobiles, Benijofar, 688 705 525. The Post Room, Benijofar 966 712 382. The Treasure Chest, Quesada 966 718 100. Oasis Bar, San Luis 965 270 506. Debra Charity Shop, La Marina 616 076 072. Cards & More, La Marina 966 790 954. The Card Place, Benimar 966 713 266. The Post Box Doña Pepa 966 717 156. Or reserve Tel 631 940 295 or email actstheatre@icloud.com.
auditorium on Saturday 17th. You can find information and full details at www.costablancasingers.com. You are invited to attend any of these wonderful events and join the fun-loving crowds. You will be entertained with many new songs and be encouraged to join in. You're in for a treat. Would you like to book the Costa Blanca Singers for your up-and-coming events? You can do this via submitting your request on the website or WhatsApp your message to 641 992 164. Thank you all for the wonderful support that you give. It means so much.
Crescendo International Choir: Do you like to sing? Every Monday evening Crescendo International Choir rehearses and we welcome new members. No previous experience required. We rehearse at Rincon de Miguel restaurant in Los Montesinos between 17:30 to 19:45 every Monday. For more details, see crescendo-choir.com. You can also follow the group on Facebook at Crescendo Choir. If you have other questions, email info@crescendo-choir.com.
Andante International Choir is the only choir in the Costa Blanca community devoted to sacred choral works and classical pieces. They meet in Los Montesinos at Calle San Antonio, 4 on Thursday nights from 7.15pm until 9pm. All are welcome to join them. They especially need tenors and basses. For more information contact Andante International Choir member Sue Lewey at suelewey@gmail.com. Also see the Facebook page, Andante International Choir (Spain).
The Costa Blanca Singers continue to entertain for the public at several local venues. This month you can see them at Oasis bar and restaurant San Luis on Saturday 10th, at the La Marina International Fiesta on Sunday 11th and in El Raso for the annual fiesta at the outdoor
Melody Makers Singing Group Quesada is an international, mixed singing group who sing a variety of music genres, from the 60s to modern day. We give lots of performances throughout the year and raise lots of money for local charities along the way. If you like to sing, want to have lots of fun doing it, make new friends and help good causes too, then why not come along to Lakeview Bar and Restaurant, 16 Calle Toledo, Quesada, 03170. We rehearse every Tuesday 2-4pm, you will be made very welcome, there’s no audition and your first week is free, so what have you to lose? We look forward to seeing you soon. If you would like us to perform at one of your events, please get in touch with our chairperson, Shirley on WhatsApp 608 958 757, also check out our Facebook page, Melody Makers Singing Group Quesada.
Rojales Pantomime Group: Auditions for Red Riding Hood and The 3 Little Pigs have been embraced with much enthusiasm. Who wants to be the Big Bad Wolf? Or sweet Red Riding Hood who needs a hero to save her and her feisty old Granny from being served up as lunch. The script promises to deliver twists and turns in this age old fairy tale along with some hilarious scenarios and characters who all work towards a happy ending. In late March, we were very pleased to be able to hand over our third donation of €1000 to the Union Music School in San Fulgencio, which will be put to good use in helping the school to develop the skills, abilities and the passion for music of their pupils. The Stagestruck Players are a Murder Mystery Group who perform comedy scripts in local bars in and around Ciudad Quesada. The script is changed each month to accommodate our regular followers and we perform twice monthly. We recently teamed up with the Debra Charity shop in La Marina to raise funds for the Butterfly Children in addition to our chosen charity, the Torrevieja Alzheimer´s Association. If you are looking for something to do that's fun and different, email Leigh at leigh.humphries58@gmail.com and ask to be added to the Stagestruck Player's Mailing list to receive information regarding dates and venues of upcoming events.
The team at Studio32 are very excited as May has arrived and this is the month that Sister Act hits the stage at Cardinal Belluga Theatre. It has taken nearly a year to bring this show to the stage on The Costa Blanca and five months of rehearsals. First opening in California in 2006 and then in 2009 at The London Palladium, we are delighted to present such a sensational production. Some outlets have already run out of tickets although there are still some available online. Visit www.studiothirtytwo.org to secure yours. Show dates are Wednesday 28th to Saturday 31st May. Arrive early to be warmly welcomed by the Front of House team. We all look forward to sharing the excitement and entertaining you.
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
Founded by Benny Davis in 2007
WORD SEARCH
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.
ARDILLA (LA) - SQUIRREL
BURRO (EL) - DONKEY
CABALLO (EL) - HORSE
CABRA (LA) - GOAT
CERDO (EL) - PIG
COBAYA (LA) - GUINEA PIG
CONEJO (EL) - RABBIT
GALLINA (LA) - HEN
GALLO (EL) - COCKEREL
GATO (EL) - CAT
HAMSTER (EL) - HAMSTER
LORO (EL) - PARROT
MARIPOSA (LA) - BUTTERFLY
OVEJA (EL) - SHEEP
PÁJARO (EL) - BIRD
PATO (EL) - DUCK
PERRO (EL) - DOG
PEZ (EL) - FISH
POLLO (EL) - CHICKEN
RATA (LA) - RAT
RATÓN (EL) - MOUSE TORO (EL) - BULL
TORTUGA (LA) - TURTLE
See back pages for answers
VACA (LA) - COW
Bliss Hair & Beauty Salon, La Finca, Algorfa
The extensive team of professionals at Bliss Hair and Beauty make this a very popular award winning salon. Located at La Finca Golf Commercial Centre, the large salon offers everything you would expect from an established business and more. Bliss are always up to date with the latest trends and treatments and use only top quality products.
The hairdressing stylists are at the top of their game with advanced techniques in cutting, styling and specialists in colouring and Marco is a qualified barber offering modern and classic cuts, luxury hot towel shaves and beard trims.
There are 4 beauticians, each specialising in their own field, offering a variety of treatments. So whether you want to treat yourself to a relaxing facial, massage, waxing, lash extensions, nail treatments, micro-needling or laser hair removal, you are at the right place at Bliss Hair and Beauty. Above the salon there is a large spacious room that houses Pilates classes every Tuesday and Thursday at 12pm. These classes are suitable for all levels and aim to improve your core strength, flexibility, balance and body awareness. To reserve your place please contact the salon.
With a reputation for expert and professional treatments in a warm, welcoming and friendly salon, it is easy to see why after a first visit, so many customers turn into regular clients.
It really is a case of Bliss by name, Bliss by nature.
For a free consultation on hair, nails or beauty then pop into the salon and speak to one of the friendly staff or call 96 672 9436 or 616 579 139.
Crescendo International Choir Plans Three Spring Concerts
Crescendo International Choir is planning three concerts this spring. The first concert will take place Friday, May 9, at 19:30 at the Fundacion Frax in Alfas del Pi. “I am very grateful the organization of the International Choir Festival of l’Alfàs del Pi has counted again on Crescendo to participate in this event,” said Irene Oliva, Crescendo Choir’s Music Director. “We will be sharing the stage with the same choirs we sang with in 2018. This time we will be raising funds for the victims of DANA flooding in Valencia. Crescendo once again has the opportunity to contribute to society through music.”
The second event, a beautiful mix of well-loved pop and film classic songs, will take place at 18:00 on Monday, May 12 at La Siesta Church, Calle Granados, 21, Urb. El Chaparral, in Torrevieja. Doors open at 17:30 and tea and coffee will be available after the concert.
Thirdly, on Saturday night, May 31, a concert with three different choirs and a band is planned. The groups participating include Crescendo International Choir, Melody Makers Singing Group, the Enthusiasticals Choir and the Costa Blanca International Concert Band. This is the first time all four groups will perform together, entertaining attendees with music from the 1960s and popular musicals, along with modern day music. Funds raised for this special event will be donated to local charities. This very special event will take place at Salt Church, Calle Daya Nueva, 12, Los Montesinos. It begins at 18:30 and is expected to end around 21:30. Tickets are 10 euros and will be available at the door. To purchase tickets in advance, contact members of any of the participating groups or stop by the Card Place in Punta Prima/Benimar or at Bargain Books in San Miguel de Salinas.
If you are interested in getting involved in Crescendo choir, come check out one of our weekly rehearsals. They take place at Rincon de Miguel in Los Montesinos and are held Monday evenings from 17:30 to 19:45. All singers are welcome. For more details about the choir, see crescendo-choir.com. You can also follow the group on Facebook at Crescendo Choir. If you have questions, email info@crescendo-choir.com. The choir would be delighted to welcome new singers. Our current choir includes people from England, Scotland, Wales, the US, the Netherlands, Germany, and Scandinavia, among other nationalities. Our music director and pianist are both accomplished Spanish musicians.
THE AIRCREW ASSOCIATION COSTA BLANCA
The association, formed in 1988, exists to foster comradeship amongst those who, having been awarded an official flying badge, have qualified to operate military aircraft and are serving or have served, as military aircrew in the armed forces of the United Kingdom or those nations which are allies of the United Kingdom or the Commonwealth.
If you are interested in joining this popular association or would like to know more, please call the Secretary on 96 649 5228.
A MUSICAL EXTRAVANGA FOR MAYTIME
Take three amazing mixed, international choirs with over 100 singing voices and one International Concert band and it is a recipe for a fantastic one off evening of music called ‘A Musical Extravaganza’.
Saturday 31 May is a definite date for your diaries as it brings together The Melody Makers Singing Group Quesada, The Enthusiaticals Choir, Crescendo International Choir and Costa Blanca International Concert Band for the very first time on stage. The evening will showcase a variety of music genres, to suit all tastes, with a selection of songs from the 60s and musicals, right up to the modern day and everything in between. The event is also in aid of a good cause as monies raised will be in aid of local charities, there will also be a raffle on the night. This special one off event is taking place at Salt Church, Calle Daya Nueva 12, Los Montesinos. The evening starts at 6.30pm and will finish around 9.30pm.
Tickets are only €10, which is a fabulous price for such a prestigious event. Tickets are selling fast and are available now at The Card Place, Punta Prima/Benimar, Bargain Books, San Miguel, from any member of the participating groups as well as on the door on the evening of the performance.
Free Concert in aid of Children’s Cancer Charity
Sonrisas Harmony are the largest A Capella ladies chorus in the Murcia Region and quite possibly in the whole of Spain. In recent months the chorus has appeared on Spanish television several times. Founded in 2022, they now have a large following both in Spain and around the world. Each year Sonrisas Harmony has supported local charities. This year they are supporting AFACMUR, a charity that supports children and young people, 0-18 years with a diagnosis of cancer.
The Charity was established as a nonprofit association and declared a public utility in February 2008. This year is their 30th Anniversary of inception, now based at Arrixaca Hospital in Murcia city. Founded by a group of parents, having experienced every parents nightmare of being told their child has cancer. The charity offers experience, support and assistance. Collectively achieving the creation of the Paediatric Oncohernatology Unit at the hospital. Since then, they have implemented many programs aimed at improving the lives of children and adolescents on their pathway through treatment and sometimes where end of life care is needed.
In support of AFACMUR, Sonrisas Harmony in collaboration with Cultura Los Alcazares will perform at the Salon de Plenos in the Ayuntamiento Los Alcazares on May 7th at 19.00 hrs. Entrance is free, seats are limited, early arrival is advised to see this popular chorus with many new songs. Sonrisas Harmony hope that you will support them and come to this concert in aid and to raise awareness for such a worthy cause.
You can access details of ‘Cultura Los Alcazares’ from their official Facebook page where they promote events within the locality from the Concejalia de Cultura del Ayuntamiento.
Legacy Estates A Compassionate Approach to Property Sales
In a world where property sales often feel impersonal and transactional, Legacy Estates, a distinguished division of the White Doves Group, is redefining the experience with empathy, expertise, and grace. Specialising in the sensitive sale of estates following the death of a loved one - or during other emotionally charged transitions such as divorce - Legacy Estates stands out for its compassionate and deeply personal approach.
The company was born from real need. Clients of White Doves Funeral Planning, originally drawn to their end-of-life planning services, began asking for help in handling the often overwhelming task of selling a family home or inherited property after a bereavement. Recognising a gap in the market and a pressing emotional need, Legacy Estates was formed to take away the stress of selling a property while facing language barriers and unfamiliar procedures. With inheritors often being in a different country, they won’t have the time, the language, or the know-how to deal with such a complicated procedure at an already difficult time.
One of Legacy Estates’ most recent success stories illustrates their compassionate approach. Following the sudden passing of a client, whose inheritors were based in the UK, the family was overwhelmed by the unexpected loss and the daunting task of clearing out decades of personal possessions. In the midst of shock and grief, Legacy Estates stepped in. Their expert team took charge of cleaning, clearing, and preparing the property for sale, managing every intricate detail with sensitivity and professionalism. This seamless intervention not only alleviated the complexities of the situation but also ensured that the property was presented to its fullest potential, ultimately securing a significantly higher sale price than would have been possible had the property been left in its original, unprepared state.
So, whether you’re currently facing the complexities of probate and selling the estate of a deceased loved one, or wish to plan ahead so that your family is not left in the lurch upon your passing, get in touch today by calling Legacy Estates at the White Doves Group on +34 960 264 176 and find out how we can help you.
Spot
The Arts and Crafts Fair returns to Ciudad Quesada (Rojales)
From the 9 -11 May, Ciudad Quesada in Rojales will once again host one of those fairs you can enjoy at a leisurely pace: colourful stalls, unique handmade pieces, live demonstrations, and a peaceful atmosphere that invites you to stroll. A small oasis of creativity, organised by Amata, the association for the promotion of arts and crafts.
About 25 stalls selling authentic crafts will be set up around Plaza Blanca (if you come with a GPS or Google Maps, search for “Calle Blanca”). As always, everything on offer is made by the artisans themselves: no resale or industrial items, just original pieces made with love and care.
Here you won’t find what you see in any shop: each object, be it a piece of jewellery, a notebook, some pottery, or a wooden toy, has a story and many hours of dedication. It’s the essence of true craftsmanship: unique pieces, made with care, designed to last and be loved.
And for those who want to see how these special pieces are created, there will also be live demonstrations throughout the weekend. These simple, one-hour activities will be spread out over Saturday and Sunday, so anyone can stop for a moment and discover the secrets of the artisan’s crafts.
The fair starts on Friday, 9 May at 6pm. Saturday and Sunday it opens from 11am until 9pm and stays open at midday.
You can see the programme at https://www.puebloartesano.es/rojales.
A fair for everyone, with a relaxed atmosphere, friendly service, and lots of art. A fair not to be missed.
the 13 differences (answers in the back pages)
Sue Rogers completed her 829 feet Sky Jump from the Stratosphere in Las Vegas on Tuesday 4 March for DEBRA, Spain raising €2,620 in sponsorship donations which she presented to Mary at the DEBRA Charity shop in La Marina. Mary thanked Sue for the donation and congratulated her on this amazing achievement.
DEBRA, Spain would like to send a BIG THANK YOU to Sue and all her supporters for raising awareness and funds for our charity. These funds will go towards ensuring our Medical Team are ready at a moment’s notice to go to anyone with EB in Spain.
From all the Butterfly Children and their families, we thank you sincerely as you truly give us wings!
Comprehensive Guide to Retrospective Licences for beginners: A Crucial Read for Unlicensed Building Work
Consequences of Unlicensed Building Work and Fines. Unlicensed building work faces fines and potential demolition orders if detected by Spanish authorities. Fines, varying based on factors like town halls and project size, can exceed 300€ per square metre. For instance, a 10 square metre shed might incur a 3,000€ fine. Unlicensed work could also lead to legal proceedings and negatively impact property value if discovered during marketing.
Obligatory Building Licences and Available Retrospective Options. Currently, all building work in Spain requires a licence, whether minor tasks like rendering or major projects such as extensions and pools. Retrospective Licences are applicable to significant work like house extensions, garages, carports, glazed areas, underbuilds, pools, workshops, and storage areas. Property owners with unauthourised work can still obtain Retrospective Licences after Brexit, provided certain conditions are met.
Conditions for Obtaining a Retrospective Licence. Requirements for a Retrospective Licence differ by region. For instance, in Murcia, the completed building work must be at least 4 years old. In Almeria, the work needs to be over 6 years old, and in Alicante, it must have been completed before August 2010. Extensions that have received fines are ineligible for Retrospective Licences.
Retrospective Licences After Brexit: Possibility and Potential Changes. While law changes can impact conditions for obtaining a Retrospective Licence, they are currently available after Brexit. Martinez de la Casa Architects will inform the public if any
future law changes affect the availability of these licences. Once issued, a Retrospective Licence shields against future legal objections, regardless of law changes.
Obtaining a Retrospective Licence: Cost and Procedure. The process of obtaining a Retrospective Licence is straightforward and can only be managed by Spanish architects.
Martinez de la Casa Architects will schedule an appointment to survey the pool or extension, requiring your NIE and current Title Deeds. The Retrospective Licence/Certificate of Antiquity is stamped by the Official College of Architects or notarised and delivered within 10 working days.
Cost-wise, a Pool Retrospective Licence (Certificate of Antiquity) is 326.70€ IVA incl, and Extensions cost 363€ IVA incl, (covering all extensions on the property).
Martinez de la Casa Architects: Your Partner for Architectural Certification Martinez de la Casa Architects excels in Architectural Certification in Southern Spain, offering Energy Performance Certificates (121€ inc IVA) and Habitation/Occupation Licences (prices vary by Town Hall), alongside Retrospective Licences.
Connect With Us To learn more or set up an appointment, call 665 810 411 (English) or visit www.martinezdelacasa.com to explore our impressive list of over 300 testimonials from satisfied clients.
Kenny Corris brings you
Aries: Saturn in your sign this month is a thirty year event that should motivate you to take action in making the changes that you know have to come. Assertive Mars stands by but right now needs your permission to reorganise this vital shift.
Taurus: Neptune, in the shadow of the twelfth house, is a one off that hasn’t happened for 166 years. As a sign that can make your dreams into a reality, activation is only a step away and good fortune comes to those who seek it!
Gemini: Transformational Pluto puts the power back into your endeavours this month. New projects get the green light, and the Sun really backs you to the hilt. Things are going your way now and it’s not before time. Your patience is rewarded.
Cancer: Venus teamed with an ebullient Aries sees a passionate and romantic relationship develop and new beginnings are finally happening for you. Leo brings a touch of the extrovert into play and Mars protects you in every way possible.
Leo: Mars brings you renewed energy and focuses on the fourth house of domestic issues and family. Whether it’s some decorating at home or planning a family holiday together, look after those who are always there to love you, right now.
Virgo: Venus, Saturn and Neptune form a trine this month to enable you to take on new skills; and you will learn on your feet. A great time for seeking new employment and interviews and gaining confidence in your skills and talents.
OUR OROSCOPE
Libra: Anybody who really loved you would not treat you the way they have. This is a time for moving on, but you are not running away. Neptune turns your tears into joy by making you finally realise that you have so much to give.
Scorpio: The New Moon shines a light on all you have achieved and nothing and nobody can take your talents away from you. Choose a new path, never lose your faith in yourself and be guided. Saturn comes quickly to your rescue!
Sagittarius: Aries in the first house of self brings you success all across the board. Love, finance and goals and dreams are showing you that you’ll benefit in all ways, especially learning and studying. Be unafraid of change: the time is now!
Capricorn: Someone is being very stubborn and economical with the truth, and it’s time for you to see the bigger picture at long last. Powerful Pluto passes close to your twelfth house of secrets. Don’t dream it, be it! Stay aware!
Aquarius: Pluto in your sign heralds major change, but on a grand scale. You are driven and self motivated, but it seems as if life is passing you by. This month is all about changes and you, above all, have to succeed and move on.
Pisces. Positive actions come to you directly by your planetary leader Neptune, who you know is capable of changing reality to bring in the positive. This month the tables have to be turned around once and for all for everyone’s sake.
As an Astrologer, Kenny has worked tirelessly for over forty years to produce quality Horoscopes Worldwide. He has received a major Award for his contribution to the Astrological Arts by being voted into the Top Twenty World’s Best Astrologers by the American Federation of Certified Psychics. He is awarded five stars as a Lightworker, and Psychic Medium. For personal readings/castings please call Kenny on: 686 361 594. kennycorris@hotmail.com www.kennycorris.com. Confidential and Personal Reply Guaranteed! Online Readings: by Zoom, Skype,WhatsApp, Viber, FaceTime.
Stroke Self-help Support Group
Tuesdays 11am at The Bar, Guardamar Park (Rincon da Luna). CV920, 2.5km, Guardamar del Segura, 03140
The group will offer friendship and support to anyone who has suffered a stroke and their carers. If you think this could be for you, please come along to our group. You will be very welcome.
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 www.easyhorsecare.net
CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS
Across: 7 Interviewee, 8 Used to it, 9 Seat, 10 Pat, 11 Economist, 15 Bare bones, 16 Set, 18 Adds, 20 Sri Lanka, 22 Long overdue.
