QFocus On magazine May 2022

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may 2022

COSTA BLANCA south

Serving the community since 1993

2 DAY SHOW The Homes, Garden & Lifestyle Show

DRIVING Are Dash Cams legal in Spain?

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International Parade Family Fun Day & More!

PUZZLES Crossword, Sudoku, Wordsearch and more...

QFocus Magazine May 2022

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YOUR ASTRONOMICAL TELESCOPE - YOUR QUESTIONS.

The biggest problem someone like me faces when explaining something like a telescope, is that we forget to explain some of the basics. We blithely rattle on about things technical, forgetting that a newcomer doesn't always understand. All this was made clear to me by some of the questions I've had over the last few months, so now I'll try and clear up a few things.

Q. Just what is magnification?

A. Simply put, it's how many times bigger something appears through a telescope. 25x (times) magnification used on the Moon means it looks 25x closer.

Q. So why can't I make it magnify a thousand times?

A. What you are actually magnifying is the light that comes through the main lens (or mirror) of your telescope. As you magnify it the brightness goes down. Too much magnification, of say Jupiter, makes it look so dim that you can't see any detail. Naturally, there's more to this, but that is the most important bit.

Q. Can I use my telescope to look at detail on the Sun? That's really bright!

A. Your telescope can magnify heat as well as light, if you point it at the Sun, you could burn your eye from your head. OK... I'm trying to frighten you from trying this, there are methods and equipment to view the Sun, but you should join our group and learn how to do it safely.

Q. Why do people use a red light torch when they go out to observe?

A. I'll leave aside some of the comedic answers to this one! When you go outside on a dark night, it takes a while for your eyes to adapt to the dark. When they have, you'll be able to see far more stars in the sky than before. One quick blast from an ordinary torch will set your vision back to how it was, but our eyes aren't sensitive to red light in the same way as white light. I just stick an old red balloon over an ordinary torch, it gets ribald comments from my mates, but works just fine.

Q. Is it true that a telescope is looking back in time?

A. Yes it is, but not in a Doctor Who way.

Light from things in space takes so long to reach us that you are always seeing things as they were in the past. For the Moon it's only 1.25 seconds, for some of the planets it's hours, right up to the galaxies where you are looking back billions of years.

Q. Did men really land on the moon?

A. Huge groan from me, and my mates. It's the question we are all sick and tired of answering. Yes they did, definitely, without any shred of doubt whatsoever. When I was at college I was privileged to have an hour with the class working with a tiny piece of moon rock. Proving it was from the moon was not difficult for students.

And if you don't accept that, don't you think the Russians, etc would have said something by now? Anyway, the remains of the landers can be seen from the Lunar orbiting satellites.

Q. Are there any little green men out there?

A. Blessed if I know. I hope so, and it's quite possible. But, to quote the late great Carl Sagan, "extraordinary claims need extraordinary evidence", so I'll wait until I'm shaking hands / tentacles with an alien before I'm sure.

Next month I'm going to talk about our astronomy group, and what we do, enjoy your observing.

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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QF���� Maga���e Ma� 2022

One area of our lives that we can control and do our best to protect both ourselves and our loved ones, is insurance.

Unfortunately, I still hear of people who refuse to insure themselves, their families and everything they own, which of course, is very unwise.

I have already said these words – if in doubt, speak to one of my consultants, who will be able to help you ensure your policies are correct with the coverage you need. One example, are you confident that all of the seats in your vehicle are covered? Do not assume that all your seats automatically have cover.

Is your house policy adequately insured – is the size and area correct, do you have enough contents cover, remembering that the Kitchen is covered under contents? Have you made any changes or improvements to your home and have you updated your policy to include these?

I can think of nothing worse than being told by an assessor that someone's home is under insured and they do not have enough coverage on their policy for the repairs and replacements required.

I am often informed that insurance companies are very good until you have to claim. This of course, can be true but that is not always the fault of the insurer other than when it is sold on price only. Take very great care when offered a cheap home insurance – make sure you know exactly what you are paying for and again I offer an extra service to you all – my consultants will be happy to explain your policies and coverage.

If in our opinion, you are under insured but you choose to stay that way, that of course is your choice but not necessarily a very wise decision and with my staff there to help and advise you, there is no excuse for not being insured correctly.

For further information or a quote, please contact one of my offices, call 966 461 690, email info@jennifercunningham.net or visit the website www.jennifercunningham.net.

QF���� Maga���e Ma� 2022

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Now that we are a bit more settled into our new house, we are beginning to do work on making it our own. This started with the installation of a bath and re-tiling the walls.

Ironic that a lot of work my other half does is removing a bath for a walk in shower, we wanted the reverse. How long before it is finished is anyone's guess as our own house is always bottom of the list but at least it is a start.

With all the sandy rain that we have experienced of late it has been a bit of a challenge to get our pool back to the crystal clear water it should be but thanks to my trusted brother in law and his patience with me we finally got there. Still a bit too cold for me to even put my toes into but hopefully won't be too much longer.

The Spring /Summer issue of Focus on Professional Services will be coming out soon so please get in touch with me if you want your company featured in this issue, and make sure you pick up your copy when it hits the streets.

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 1 June

Deadline for advertising & editorial - 16 May

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

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

Female Focus Publications are supporters of www.aldeasinfantiles.es

QFocus Magazine May 2022

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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 May 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

6 Free from bias (4) 7 Bondage (7) 8 8th US President (3,5) 9 Exultation (4) 10 Auctions (5) 11 Testimonial (7) 13 Temporary possession (7) 15 Construct (5) 17 Positions (4) 19 Boreal (8) 20 School day came out of order (7) 21 Stable staples (4) Down 1 Computerized fact file (8) 2 Uncertain (13) 3 Flag (6) 4 Vicinity (13) 5 Yorkshireman (4) 7 Ride the waves (4) 11 Plaything (3)

12 Assorted letters relate to permit (8) 14 Curved outward (6) 16 Zane or Lady Jane (4) 18 Egg-shaped (4)

See back pages for answers

QFocus Magazine May 2022

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A weekend of swing and craft in Ciudad Quesada This year Rojales Town Hall wanted something different to celebrate Europe Day, so they got in touch with craft association Amata to organise a real craft fair. Amata came up with some original ideas to enliven the fair, the result is an Arts and Crafts Fair with more than a touch of swing, to be held in the weekend of 6, 7 and 8 May (the 9th is Europe Day).

On the Saturday morning Montgó Music will play folk, jazz and soul music and in the afternoon there is drumming procession (Batukada), a Tortilla Gigante (gigantic Spanish omelette) and the fair closes with a concert by rock group Rubber Duck. On Sunday several couples of The Nest Swing dance school will give demonstrations of Lindy Hop, Jazz, and St. Louis Shag y Blues and will teach anybody who wants to join in the fun.

Of course there will be the usual high quality stands chosen

by Amata, with the people at the stand selling only what they make themselves. In this fair there's nothing imported or from factories, just thirty stalls with ceramics, soap, wooden and soft toys, puppets, turned and carved wood, leather belts, shoes and bags. Some stalls sell jewellery in a great variety of materials: silver, macramé, glass, wood, leather and even sea shells. You can watch several artisans and a painter at work or have a go at turning a cup or small bowl on the potter's wheel. If you can't find what you are looking for, the artisans can make it for you to order.

Opening hours are on Friday 6 May from 6pm until 11pm, on Saturday and Sunday the fair opens from 11am until 10pm or later. For more information you can ring 639 979 678, even in English!

This is the second time Amata has organised a fair in Ciudad Quesada, photos of the first market can be found at http://www.amata.es/Rojales-2019.html. If you cannot visit this fair, you can find many artisans of Amata in their virtual craft village www.puebloartesano.es.

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QFocus Magazine May 2022

QFocus Magazine May 2022

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

- Latest Electricity Bill.

- Latest council tax (SUMA bill).

- EPC Energy Performance Certificate.

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

- Habitation Licence.

Currently, the submission (registration receipt) of having applied for a Habitation License (not the license itself), is required to sign for a property sale at any Notary within Alicante.

Requirements and the amount of Registration Tax necessary for the certificate vary greatly between the different municipalities.

-Certificate of Antiquity / Retrospective Licence.

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

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

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

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

Also if your Solicitor or Estate Agent is studying your case, ask

article supplied by Martinez de la Casa Architects

them to contact us to provide your property's selling pack, we will make the whole process easier, faster and substantially cheaper for you.

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

Please contact us for an accurate quote).

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

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KNOW THE BENEFITS OF ALOE VERA

QF���� Maga���e Ma� 2022

Aloe vera grows freely on the Costa Blanca or you can buy plants for indoors and outside. The gel produced by its branches have amazing cosmetic properties. It is also a natural treatment for bumps, wounds and sores.

Aloe vera is used a lot in traditional medicine. It calms skin which has been mildly burned and after radiotherapy treatment. It can be used as a balm for bruises and bumps for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic qualities as well as helping with cuts and wounds.

As well as using aloe vera gel directly from the plant, it is found in oil, gel, soap, shampoo and face masks.

Indeed many cosmetic products contain aloe vera.

No wonder it is one of the most searched skincare ingredients on Google.

Here are a few benefits of aloe vera: ● Aloe vera is excellent for moisturising your skin. Apply the gel to dry or irritated skin. ● Aloe vera’s astringent properties are great for closing pores. It regulates the production of grease and dries pimples. ● The calming properties of aloe vera are marvellous for soothing sunburn. You can keep the gel or cream in the fridge for a more cooling effect. ● It is great for the hair as well as the skin. It is a lovely natural conditioner to keep hair soft and frizz-free as well as treating split ends.

It is easy to keep an aloe vera plant indoors so you always have some of the soothing gel to hand. You can keep it in the shade or in a sunny spot, and you only have to water it when the soil becomes dry. To extract the gel, just cut one of the branches and open it lengthwise. You can use the gel directly on your skin.

Article by Sarah Farrell - www.sarahswritestuff.com

QFocus Magazine May 2022

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Crescendo Choir Raises 350€ for Food Bank, Plans Concert with Chivenor Military Ladies Choir

Crescendo International Choir raised 352€ for the Benijófar Food Bank after giving a standing-room only concert at the Iglesia Santiago Apóstol in Benijófar Saturday night, April 9. This was the first time Crescendo has given a concert since the pandemic arrived in Spain in 2020. Judging from the size of the crowd and the money raised for a local charity, it was a big success.

The choir performed a variety of music in both English and Spanish. Some of the best known songs the choir performed included Viva la Vida by British rock band Coldplay, Thank you for the Music by the Swedish pop group ABBA and You Raise Me Up, composed by a Norwegian-Irish duo called Secret Garden. One of the best known Spanish songs performed was Si Tu Me Dices Ven by the Mexican musician Alfredo Gil, founder of the band Trio Los Panchos.

Crescendo International Choir’s next performance will be at Salt Church in Los Montesinos on Saturday May 7 at 6 pm. The choir will be giving a concert with the Chivenor Military Ladies Choir. Concert tickets previously sold for the 2021 cancelled concert are valid for this concert.

Tickets can still be purchased from Mags by calling 688 707 050, by contacting a choir member or by coming to Rincón de Miguel Restaurant in Los Montesinos on a Monday night between 17:30 and 20:00. This restaurant is where Crescendo Choir rehearses from 17:45 to 20:15 on Mondays.

If interested in joining Crescendo or attending the May concert, please see the Crescendo website at http://www.crescendo-choir.com/index.html for details. 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, Spanish, Dutch, and Latin.

Crescendo lives up to its name of International because it has many nationalities among its members, including English, Dutch, German, Scandinavian and American. It has a Spanish Musical Director, Irene Oliva, and a Spanish pianist, Cristian Martinez. Although we are many nationalities, English is the main language spoken.

Crescendo Choir Musical Director Irene Oliva and pianist Cristian Martinez

By Nancy Klein, choir member and choir publicist.

Spot the odd one out

A

B

C

D

E

F

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Crossing the line - where East meets West

QFocus Magazine May 2022

The Greenwich Meridian separates East from West in the way that the Equator separates North from South. Inextricably linked with Greenwich Mean Time, it also sits at the centre of our international system of time zones. Its path is determined by the location of a historic telescope, the Airy Transit Circle, housed at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich. Lines of latitude and longitude form the grid system used on globes, maps and charts. Latitude being a measure of how far North or South somewhere is from the Equator; while longitude is a measure of how far East or West any given point lies from the Prime Meridian. The science dates back to 1492 when Columbus first crossed the Atlantic.

Such is the Meridian's fame that each year, hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the world make their way to the Observatory to stand astride the Line, but we can do it right here on the Costa Blanca!

Its position is marked in hundreds of other places. On its path from pole to pole, the Meridian passes through England, France, Spain, Algeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, Togo, Ghana and Antarctica. I discovered it driving through the rice fields between Jávea and Pego and thought it was an exciting local feature many remain unaware of.

The Costa Blanca region is ‘home’ to many passing points, a selection of which are listed below; - Albocàsser on the North side of CV-129 (Calle de San Juan).WGS84 lat 40.358660 - Vall d'Alba on the South side of CV-159 WGS84 lat 40.162600, and is marked by an Obelisk.

- La Pobla Tornesa on the East side of the CV-15 (Villafames - Castellón Road) WGS84 lat 40.11580.

- El Verger, CV-700 (Carretera de Cocentaina Denia) WGS84 lat 38.853451.

- San Joan, Almazora, CV-1640 (Passeig Maritim) WGS84 lat 39.936100.

If you have a GPS in your car you will be able to insert the latitude and it will guide you to the point where East meets West. A different way to explore the area.

By Rhona Wells - rhonawells@hotmail.com

QFocus Magazine May 2022

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Recipes by Pushpa from the Spice Hut

Chicken massalam (chicken in a rich almond sauce) - 600g diced chicken - 2 large onions sliced, boiled until translucent and then blended. (onion sauce) - 1 small onion, finely diced - 3 tspn ginger paste - 3 tspn garlic paste - few cardamom, cloves, bay leaves - salt as required - sugar as required - 1 tspn chilli powder - 1 tspn turmeric - small handful of almond flakes - 4 tbspn of almond powder - 300 ml cooking cream - 200 ml water - small cup of oil Heat the oil, add the diced onions, fry until soft and golden brown.

Add ginger, garlic and the whole spices and fry slowly.

Add the chicken and mix well and cook well.

Add onion sauce, cream, water, salt, sugar, dried spices and finally add the almond powder.

Cook on a medium heat, to a thick and rich sauce.

Check for flavour, salt, sugar, chilli, etc.

Garnish with almond flakes.

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

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QFocus Magazine May 2022

QF���� Maga���e Ma� 2022

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Reminiscences of a Nearly Somebody, a collection of self-deprecatory biographical essays by author Peter Morrell, will be published on 21 April 2022 by i2i Publishing of Manchester.

Peter Morrell was born just before D Day. After school and university, where he read French, he qualified first as a solicitor in Peterborough, then as a barrister, based in London. He practised as a barrister until 1992, when he was appointed a Circuit Judge, trying criminal and civil cases in London and the East Midlands.

Peter retired from the Circuit Bench in 2009, but continued to preside over Mental Health Tribunals until 2014. ordained a deacon of the Church of England and a year later, priest. He currently ministers in the Watersmete Benefice in Northamptonshire, UK, and in the Costa Blanca Chaplaincy.

Three novels written by Peter and all set in a fictional East Northamptonshire village called Pepynbridge were published between 2015 and 2016, and a collection of sermons preached by Peter in 2017.

In Reminiscences of a Nearly Somebody, the opening essay, Wander-vogel, recounts a walk Peter took alone, aged 18, along the Rhine and Neckar valleys and through the Black Forest in April and May 1963.

Hustings describes Peter's brief political career, culminating in the General Election of February 1974, when he stood as a Conservative in the then strongly Labour and mining constituency of Ilkeston, in Derbyshire, UK. Peter's experiences as an author are the subject of Scribbling, with tips for aspiring writers, struggling to have their work published.

Robed, which discloses Peter's institutional journey to appointment as an Assistant Recorder and subsequent swearing-in as a Circuit Judge, says more about the Establishment than it does about the author.

Finally, Collared charts Peter's voyage from pew to altar, and includes entertaining anecdotes, both before and after he was ordained.

Reminiscences of a Nearly Somebody, will join Peter's previously published books, The Rector of Pepynbridge, The Islamist of Pepynbridge, The Honourable Member for Pepynbridge, From The Pulpit, Home and Abroad and will be available from Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.es from 21 April 2022.

Also, at a Book Launch in I´Albarda Garden, Carrer del Baix

Vinalopo, 8 Urb, Muntanya de La Sella, 03750 Pedreguer on 2 June 2022, between 11:00 and 13:00, at which representatives of the Press will be welcome.

Peter spends several weeks every year at his holiday home in Alcalali, which he and his wife, Mary, have owned since 1997. In the UK, Mary and Peter live in Northamptonshire. They have two grown-up daughters and a granddaughter.

Contact Peter Morrell on (00) 44 (0)7860 573 597 or email petermorrell@sulehay.co.uk or i2i Publishing on (00) 44 (0)7957 557510

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QFocus Magazine May 2022

It’s the return of the SuperCASAfragalistic Homes, Gardens & Lifestyle Show! And we are ready to WELCOME YOU at the VILLA GADEA HOTEL, ALTEA on Friday 6 & Saturday 7 May from 10.00 to 17.00.

The Costa’s Nº 1 Lifestyle Event - Two fantastic days packed with Information, INSPIRATION, Attractions, FUN, Entertainment AND Features at the Villa Gadea Hotel Altea, located directly on the N332. FRIDAY 6 & SATURDAY 7 May 10.00 – 17.00. TWO days to see, try, taste, touch and buy for on-trend solutions, fresh ideas, fun and feature attractions with 80+ exhibiting stands to browse…

We are so happy to be back and offering FREE Entry, FREE Parking, the FREE taster Tapa Trail, FREE Advice / Consultations, PLUS FREE Prizes and much, much more! Enjoy our Show atmosphere in the garden area with the daily cooking demos, listen to LADY JAZZ singing LIVE. Refreshments also available in this area all day.

Our internal Salon Palmeral is where you can turn your house into a home with fresh ideas, breathe in some inspiration and find on-trend solutions for your home, garden and lifestyle.

Working on your WELLBEING? Visit the Salon Mediterraneo, our dedicated zone for your WELLNESS this year.

In Salon Palmeral meet our sponsors of the VIP BAR area 5 Real Estate and enjoy sampling a White Sangria or a Cava on Stand Nº 14. There are fantastic EXHIBITOR SHOW DISCOUNTS on offer throughout the Show and there is a chance to win a nights accommodation at the hotel on stand Nº1 along with our SUPER RAFFLE for some lovely hampers, each one with a different theme; a gin hamper, a pampering wellbeing hamper full of vouchers and products, a spa hamper with spa session for 2 at the VG hotel, a home and garden products hamper and lots more goodies besides, with proceeds going to two charities, the Albir Food Bank and Project 4 All. On the way to the WELLBEING ZONE in Salon Mediterraneo you can browse the Show’s ever popular ART GALLERY where local artists showcase their talents to our 2022 theme ‘Life in Colour’ many of the artworks are for sale, you can browse without obligation and vote for your favourite! The entry fee and sale commissions are being donated to the Guardian Angels charity supporting single parents.

You can also taste your way around the Show! Follow our taster TAPA TRAIL as you browse the 80+ stands, be sure to stop at the participating businesses to collect your stamps and then enjoy the FREE taster tapas on offer from the corresponding stand and restaurant next door! Get stamped in all areas! In the outside/Garden area - is Protectapet, Nº 41, get your FREE taster tapa from the Brew Rock, Nº 42. In Salon Palmeral get stamped by the trail sponsors AVALON on Nº 9 then meet Restaurant BB80 on Nº 10 for the FREE tapa. In Salon Mediterraneo look for Sarita Indian Restaurant on Nº 85, get stamped and enjoy their FREE Tapa for you! Once you have completed the Tapa Trail, fill in the reverse side of the card then hand the card in on exiting the Show to be entered into the FREE Prize draw to win a meal for two!

A full program of interesting and informative WELLBEING talks and demos are on offer both days to entertain you! Throughout the Friday and Saturday, there is a packed programme of at least 16 talks and you can learn about everything from managing the menopause to smashing your limited beliefs and there is a jewellery making workshop too! See the schedule, so you don't miss out on anything.

And be sure to say hello to our fabulous FOUR top class local chefs, Abi Satari, Delia Solstad, Christobal Buffa and Carlos Raymakers as they drop in alfresco style to tantalise your taste buds and share their food passions with you! Sit back, enjoy, and sample the dishes after the demonstrations.

Whatever you are looking for be it beds to BBQs, Jazz to Jacuzzis, home furnishings to fragrances, health and healing, lifestyle improvements, fiscal, financial, insurance cover to currency exchange, enjoy shopping, browsing, learning and finding out what’s on offer in our area. We have a tapestry of local businesses waiting to meet you! Do come along and help us support our local businesses and communities.

Find the Villa Gadea Hotel on the N332, Altea and just off the AP7 motorway (Exit 64, head for Altea). All that is left to say is we look forward to welcoming you on Friday 6 & Saturday 7 May. Website: www.gmpromotions.es, FB Homes Gardens and Lifestyle Show. Tel: 695 399 84.

QFocus Magazine May 2022

www.femalefocusonline.com Page 18 Spangles Ladies Harmony Chorus travelled to Valencia city last week to join two choruses from San Antonio, Texas, for a concert in the magnificent Iglesia San Esteban.

The group travelled by train from Murcia and Alicante, proud to wear their new ‘walking out’ uniforms, kindly sponsored by A1 Mortgages UK, Paul’s Places in the Sun and Insurance Agents from Los Alcázares.

“We are so lucky to have such wonderful sponsors and many people have remarked on how smart our new uniforms are” said Chorus Manager, Lyn Baines. “After over two years of restrictions, this trip to Valencia was a much-needed boost and the new uniform just topped it off.”

With several new Spangles members, the trip was great for everyone to get to know each other. Travelling together, staying at the same hotel as the other choruses, dining and enjoying some singing with them. Members were able to see quite a bit of the city and, for some, enjoy a true paella Valenciana!

The concert at the Iglesia San Esteban was an experience every Spangle will remember and cherish. The setting was spectacular, with a standing ovation after their performance which included Spanish songs and then joined the Texan choruses, Friends in Harmony and the Harmony Belles, for two songs, one was “Let There Be Peace on Earth” which was very apt in these turbulent times.

“It was an honour and privilege to be a part of this experience in such a beautiful setting” said Spangles Musical Director, Valerie Lynch, “I was so proud of every member as we received our standing ovation”.

Spangles is a ladies’ a cappella chorus, singing in four part harmony. They rehearse every Thursday, from 10.00am to 1.00pm at Centro Municipal Las Claras, Calle Helena, Los Narejos, Los Alcázares and visitors are always welcome. 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 info@spangleschorus.com

SPANGLES ON TOUR

Spangles Chorus rehearsing

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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QFocus Magazine May 2022

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

SEARCH of the magazine. Good Luck.

YOUR HEAD BARBA - BEARD BARBILLA - CHIN BIGOTE - MOUSTACHE BOCA - MOUTH CABEZA - HEAD CARA - FACE CEJAS - EYEBROWS CORONILLA - CROWN DIENTES - TEETH FRENTE - FOREHEAD LABIOS - LIPS LENGUA - TONGUE MEJILLAS - CHEEKS NARIZ - NOSE OJOS - EYES OREJAS - EARS PÁRPADOS - EYELIDS PELO - HAIR PESTAÑAS - EYELASHES SIEN - TEMPLE

QFocus Magazine May 2022

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COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

Note from Benny: Please support your local groups. They have endured a tough time through the covid pandemic but stayed together and finally emerged ready to enthusiastically entertain everyone again. All groups in this column dedicate their monies to local charities. Also, why not join in on the scene and support them either on stage or behind the curtain for a great fun and very social hobby.

Actors Community Theatre Society: They would like to thank everyone who attended the recent production of 'Murdered to Death'. With another very successful show under their belt, preparations will soon be underway for the Autumn production, details of which will be announced shortly.

New members are always very welcome, actors or otherwise, to join this very sociable and closeknit group. Email: actstheatre@icloud.com or Facebook page: A.C.T.S Actors Community Theatre.

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

Lyrical Mixed Voice Choir: Two concerts, Saturday, 11th June at 19.30 at the Capilla de Santa Maria del Mar (the small white church) that includes music from Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables and a 'Summer Extravaganza' at La Zenia and 17th June, at La Siesta Church.

Both commence at 19.30. Tickets are 10€ and are available from choir members, La Ponderosa (La Zenia) and The Card Place (Punta Prima), with all proceeds going to Church funds. For more information contact Trent Harris (Chairman) on 650 764 127 or Philip Mitchell (Musical Director) on 865 750 127.

Rojales Pantomime Group: It's Audition Time! In May the group will be looking for various principal parts, together with chorus and smaller parts for rehearsals to commence for 'Treasure Island' to be performed in the first week in December. If you would like to join them, either on stage, backstage or front of house they would love to hear from you.

For further details email Dee at rojalespantomime@yahoo.com.

Monies raised from performances are donated to local charities.

www.femalefocusonline.com Studio 32: Studio 32 Musical Theatre Company are bringing 'Guys & Dolls' to town from the 18th to 21st of May at the Cardenal Belluga Theatre, San Fulgencio, and don’t want anybody to miss out on seeing this fantastic show. They are offering groups of 20 or more who book on the website online booking service for Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th performances, a discount of 24€ which will be refunded on the night of the performance, plus a complimentary drink on arrival and at the interval. For further information call 679 062 272 or 636 020 547. To book tickets online visit www.studiothirtytwo.org.

For further information on how to use the online booking service, email studio32shows@gmail.com”

SPECTACULAR INTERNATIONAL PARADE

March 2022 is the wettest on record in Cabo Roig and although the Saint Patrick’s day celebrations continued it was a washout without the world-famous parade.

The businesses of Cabo Roig will never be defeated so they will hold a SPECTACULAR INTERNATIONAL PARADE ON Saturday 7th May at 4pm.

All the spectacle of the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade will be there along with contributions from up to 100 different nationalities.

This will be the largest ever parade staged on the coast. For more information or to register contact paddysdayspain@gmail.com.

Spot the 13 differences (answers in the classified pages)

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QFocus Magazine May 2022

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.

New light signal V-16 with geolocation

We've had many questions regarding Dash Cams...

From July 1st you can use the flashing light V-16 instead of the warning triangles, BUT do keep in mind that from January 1st, 2026, the only device you are allowed to use will be the lights with geolocation included. These will communicate with the DGT in the event of an accident or emergency. Then, the DGT will be able to know your exact position and report immediately so that traffic is diverted if necessary and avoid other accidents.

The most asked question is... Are Dash Cameras legal in Spain?!

Answer: Dash Cams are legal unless you're using it as a "security" camera!

For the time being, you can keep using the basic light V-16, but remember that in four years these must be replaced.

The Spanish Data Protection System does not prohibit the installation of these cameras, although what the regulations do NOT allow is the capture of images for "surveillance" purposes, such as, when the vehicle is parked and it continues to record images of people travelling on public roads.

Videos or images taken for example during an accident to determine whose "at fault" can be shown to police etc but can't be published in public places nor shared.

Road Safety is a thing for everyone. Drive responsibly!

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QF���� Maga���e Ma� 2022

our ARIES It may be a good idea to try something new to keep your mind active as you are starting to get a bit bored with your life as it is at the moment.

Learning a new skill or hobby will not only bring you the enjoyment of it, but also means meeting a new group of friends.

TAURUS Family conflicts keep cropping up even though everyone knows what it will take to solve the problem once and for all. Now is the time for you all to come together and work things out in order to move forward with more harmony.

GEMINI Talking things through will help you sort out an issue you are struggling with. Your independence could cause problems with the rest of the team in the workplace so think before you act alone.

CANCER Stop trying to solve all the problems, overburdening yourself with everyone else’s issues is only going to drag you down. Now is a good time to start with some home improvements.

LEO Friendships are being tested and only the truly strong ones will survive. It has been on the cards for a long time and going forward will make things so much easier without the friction which was becoming the norm.

VIRGO Your diplomacy will be tested in the workplace as other members of the team feel they are not being heard. Working as a solid team is stronger than having underlying issues which sabotage moving forward.

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oroscope LIBRA You find yourself in a stalemate situation with someone. You need to decide how important they are to you and your future before you make your move. The most important thing is to bring harmony back into your life, with or without them.

SCORPIO Flexibility will be your winning card this month and will make you stand out above the rest. Your helpfulness will not go unnoticed and will have a massive impact on one special person.

SAGITTARIUS Challenges seems to appear from all sides this month but whatever they may be you face them with a smile and organisation to get through them all. A simmering conflict needs your attention before it explodes.

CAPRICORN Other people’s feelings need to be taken into account before you make a decision which could have dramatic consequences.

Don’t make any hasty decisions this month, think things through thoroughly.

AQUARIUS You have been so sure of the support that you have been taking it a little bit for granted.

Showing just how much it means to you will give a well earned boost to the team. It will also start the ideas flowing again.

PISCES It will be a quieter month all round and should give you lots of time to recharge the batteries and have some down time. Using this time wisely will mean that you are ready for anything when it starts getting busier.

Planning ahead is the key.

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

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QFocus Magazine May 2022

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 TRIGGER is a 5 year old large dog. He is so affectionate, good on a lead and very obedient ... would make a great companion, house trained as he has come from a loving home. He has a passport and is fully vaccinated. Call K9 on 711 075 305 or k9clubinfo@gmail.com or K9 Facebook.

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

Murphy is about 16 weeks old and has started his vaccinations. His mother is a Catalan sheepdog cross and will be medium / large when fully grown.

Call: 645 469 253, visit www.petsinspain.com or email info@petsinspain.com

SUPPORT LOCAL SHOP LOCAL

CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS Across: 6 Fair, 7 Slavery, 8 Van Buren, 9 Glee, 10 Sales, 11 Tribute, 13 Tenancy, 15 Build, 17 Loci, 19 Northern, 20 Academy, 21 Oats.

Down: 1 Database, 2 Problematical, 3 Banner, 4 Neighbourhood, 5 Tyke, 7 Surf, 11 Toy, 12 Tolerate, 14 Convex, 16 Grey, 18 Oval.

Easy

ANSWER TO SPOT THE ODD ONE OUT: A

Medium