Go Home to Spain in Benijofar expands on their services
Due to ongoing requests from clients, Go Home to Spain has now embarked on offering a key holding and property care service, where they promise to look after your home like it is their own.
The key holding service is just 200€ per year and includes all of the following:
Secure key holding
Monthly property checks
Airing and inspection
Leak and security checks
WhatsApp updates
Cleaning prices are from 60€ for a small property and from 90€ for houses / villas
Before and after stays
Full interior clean
Ready for your arrival
Go Home to Spain also offer extra services which you can request quotations including:
Gardening services – general tidy & upkeep, plant care, waste removal
Airport transfers – from Alicante airport straight to your property, simple, reliable and stress-free
Car rental – trusted local car hire arranged for your stay –no hassle, ready when you arrive
Call outs – Meet and greet – Shopping service
For more information or to discuss your requirements call or WhatsApp +34 662 050 153. www.gohometospain.es
Car Insurance Made
Simple for Expats in Spain
Finding the right car insurance in Spain can feel complicated, especially when dealing with different systems, languages and requirements. At Jennifer Cunningham Insurance, we make the process simple, offering clear and reliable cover designed for expats living in Spain.
We work with Generali Seguros, one of Spain’s most established insurers, to provide comprehensive policies with flexible options and competitive pricing.
What’s Included?
Our motor insurance policies are designed to give you confidence on the road, with benefits such as:
• Any Driver Cover – Drivers aged 25 and over with a minimum of two years driving experience
• Full Breakdown Assistance – Including home start
• Replacement Vehicle – Up to 45 days for fire or theft, and 35 days following an accident
• Windscreen Cover – No excess to pay
• Extended Breakdown Support – Replacement vehicle provided if your car is off the road for more than 7 days
Our bilingual team is always on hand to assist with renewals, policy queries and claims support, providing a personal service you can rely on.
If the Unexpected Happens
If you are involved in an accident, complete and sign an accident report form with the other party at the scene to help speed up the claims process. It is also important to stay safe on the road. Do not
forget to carry your V16 beacon, an essential device for signalling your vehicle in the event of a breakdown or emergency.
Total Loss Protection
Should your vehicle be declared a total loss, you can expect strong levels of compensation:
• Up to 100% of the original vehicle value, depending on age
• For vehicles over four years old, market value plus 30%, with no excess deducted
Flexible Options for Expats
We offer solutions to suit a range of circumstances, including:
• Temporary cover for visiting drivers using a family member’s car
• Short term policies while re registering a vehicle from the EU, USA or Canada
Specialist Cover Available
We can also arrange tailored policies for:
• Classic cars, including agreed valuations and European cover
• Motorcycles, with flexible cover options Wherever you are driving in Spain, you can do so with confidence knowing you are properly protected.
Jennifer Cunningham Insurance Since 1992 Email: info@jennifercunningham.net Web: www.jennifercunningham.net
Finally we have the sun shining upon us again and the change over from winter to summer clothes has been completed. Although I may need to invest in a few new items of clothing as colours quite often fade in the sun.
Easter weekend was spent working on our outdoor space at home to finally get things close to finished. We still have quite a bit of work to do and it feels like it will never end but good progress is being made so I can't really complain, although golf seems to be getting in the way of things during May – maybe that's the reason things were being done... trying to stay in my good books!!!
The popular Sevillanas May Fair is being held from Thursday 7th to Sunday 10th May at Antonio Soria Park in Torrevieja and is sure to be a packed weekend as always.
The following weekend there is Romeria de San Isidro in Rojales where the public take the journey to the recorral to enjoy the festivities.
Issue 28 of our popular six monthly Professional Services Vega Baja is going to be out at the end of May so if you would like your business to be included get in touch now to find out more.
Until next time ….
Michelle
QFocus On Magazine covering the Alicante South region and Focus On Magazine covering the Alicante North region.
QFocus Office: Mon to Fri. 10am - 2pm Tel. 657 501 055
Pick up your next issue on 2 June Deadline for advertising & editorial - 18 May.
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.
HOLA: HELLO / HI
¡BUENOS DÍAS!: GOOD MORNING!
¡BUENAS TARDES!: GOOD AFTERNOON!
¡BUENAS NOCHES!: GOOD EVENING / GOOD NIGHT!
¿CÓMO ESTÁS?: HOW ARE YOU? (INFORMAL)
ENCANTADO: PLEASED TO MEET YOU
BIENVENIDO: WELCOME
¿QUÉ PASA?: WHAT'S UP?
¿CÓMO VA TODO?: HOW IS EVERYTHING?
ADIÓS: GOODBYE
HASTA LUEGO: SEE YOU LATER
HASTA PRONTO: SEE YOU SOON
HASTA MAÑANA: SEE YOU TOMORROW
NOS VEMOS: SEE YOU
¡QUÉ GUSTO VERTE! - GLAD TO SEE YOU
TANTO TIEMPO SIN VERTE - LONG TIME NO SEEING YOU QUE TENGA UN BUEN DÍA - HAVE A
GOOD DAY ¿QUÉ TAL? - HOW ARE YOU?
See back pages for answers
Spot the 13 differences
(answers in the back pages)
Association of Movers and Shakers
Supporting people with Ataxia; Huntington’s; Motor Neurone; Multiple Sclerosis; and Parkinson’s
VOLUNTEER SECRETARY NEEDED
We are looking for a volunteer to act as Secretary, taking and transcribing the minutes of the monthly meetings of the committee and at the Annual General Meeting. Our charity provides friendship and support to people affected by a neurological disease and as a full member of our team you would be working closely with the President. There are also opportunities to participate in the other activities of the Association if you wished.
Quiz Night - Friday June 12th at Silverstones Bistro Bar, Montebello, Algorfa. Tickets 15€ including meal and quiz entry. Supper served at 19:00, quiz starts at 20:00. Tables of 6 recommended. To book your table contact Marion.
Contact: marion.smith@amscb.org.es or tel:711 008 250. Website: www.amscb.org.es.
“Help for Today, Hope for Tomorrow” Charity No: G42536219.
ACTS Community Theatre: Next production “Drinking habits“. The group are polishing their parts enthusiastically to give a fun experience. This play is about naughty nuns with naughty habits. Mother superior has no idea of the devilish goings on. Certainly some prayers are answered as deceit, disguise and confusion reign. Secrets unravel love interests flourish. Such goings on, fast moving comical and entertaining. Don’t miss it. It is a blessing! Dates 14th to 16th May, Benijofar Cultural Centre, start 7.30pm prompt. Tickets 12 euros from - Post Box in Doña Pepa, Big FM in Quesada, Card Place in Benimar. Reservations Tel 711 090 400. Andante International Choir Love Choral Music? Join Andante! Andante is a friendly international ensemble performing beloved classical and sacred choral works. We are looking for passionate new singers to join us on Tuesdays, 11:00 – 13:00 at the Casa del Mar, Guardamar. Contact: singandante.25@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Andante International Choir (Spain).
International Fiesta in La Marina urbanizacion. This annual event, hosted by San Fulgencio Ayuntamiento brings together many nationalities from the local community and beyond. Once again there will be a variety of performances highlighting the talent and diversity in the area, bringing together these many nationalities. The Costa Blanca Singers will perform from 4.30. All times and details of the afternoon can be found on The SF Ayuntamiento Facebook page. You can also find updates and information of CBS at www.costablancasingers.com
The Costa Blanca Singers are delighted to announce that their next performance will be on Sunday 10th May at The
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.
What a way to kick off the Spring year! Let’s Rock brought the house down at their recent concert. A huge thank you to the lady line-dancing troupe for making the night extra special with their guest performance. The choir is now back in rehearsals for our big summer concerts coming up in late June. Details of forthcoming shows can be found on the choir’s Facebook page LET’S ROCK - ROCK CHOIR. https://www.facebook.com/ groups/611344271790245/ Interested in joining?...we only have the best! One of our regularly audience members said after the concert ‘your choir just keeps on getting better and better’. For more info, contact Sarah the choir’s Musical Director on WhatsApp 650 054 467 or singinggroup@outlook.com.
COSTA BLANCA SOUTH
Founded by Benny Davis in 2007
Melody Makers Singing Group Quesada is an international, mixed singing group who sing a variety of music genres. 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 THE CLUB QUESADA, C. TOLEDO 24, 03170, QUESADA. We rehearse every THURSDAY 1.303.30pm, you will be made very welcome, there’s no audition, so what have you to lose? We look forward to seeing you soon. Please get in touch via our email MMspain2025@outlook.com or contact our chairperson, Shirley on WhatsApp 608 958 757, you can also check out our Facebook page, Melody Makers Singing Group Quesada.
There’s never a moment to spare in the Rojales Panto Group - the weekend of 11th and 12th April saw the group set up their very eye catching stall at the EXPO in Torrevieja. Despite it being exhausting, hectic and very busy, it was a rewarding experience for all of us. Now for the exciting news: ‘Peter Pan and The Lost Boys’ has been cast - so much enthusiasm and talent was on display which made for difficult decisions by our director, Julia Parker, to ensure we have the right person cast in the right role. Rehearsals start on 6th May and it’s going to be a fantastic start to Panto Season 2026. We always have a need for backstage and front of house crew - so if you want to get involved and join a fantastic group of people, email us on rojalespantomime123@gmail.com.
The Stagestruck Players are a Murder Mystery Group who perform in local bars to raise money for our chosen charity, the Torrevieja Alzheimer’s
Association. The Comedy scripts are all original and written by Leigh Humphries, the group’s director. The scripts are changed each month to accommodate our regular followers. After the Murder, the suspects are questioned and the audience are encouraged, with guidance by either Inspector Clouseau or Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope to solve the crime. If you are interested in finding out where and when we are performing, email Leigh at leigh.humphries58@gmail.com and asked to be added to the Stagestruck Player’s mailing list.
This is the month! Studio32 presents Dolly Parton’s musical theatre production of 9to5 and it hits Cardinal Belluga Theatre on 27th 28th 29th & 30th May. Everyone is excited and ticket sales have soared. Remaining tickets may be found online as most outlets have now sold out. Following on from the huge success of Sister Act, 9to5 promises to be equally successful. We are delighted to announce our October show ‘Now That’s What We Call Musicals’ will take bookings soon and in May 2027, Studio32 will present ‘Little Shop of Horrors’. In preparation for our next show, you are invited to attend the open evening on Tuesday 9th June when new members will be welcomed. Google Studio32 and visit Facebook for all details and frequent updates.
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
UNEXPECTED SCENARIOS REQUIRING AN ARCHITECT:
WHEN RULES GET QUIRKY
Roofing Regulations: Adding a roof changes spaces from exterior to interior, except for an open wooden pergola. Roofing requires an architectural project and licence. Change of Use: Altering room functions or adding new ones, even detached, demands architect involvement.
Height Challenges: Construction exceeding 1.5 metres mandates a major licence, necessitating a Spanish architect for the building permit. However, a below 1.5 metre dog kennel remains outside the “built area” classification.
Size and Documentation: Expanding a property’s size, even by a metre, or causing inconsistencies in bills or deeds requires an independent architect’s input.
Light and Air: Spanish rules mandate ventilation and direct light for rooms, except bathrooms. Enclosures blocking these necessitate an architect’s intervention.
Lack Permits? Spanish authorities may impose fines or demolition orders, exceeding 300€ per sqm, even for small structures. Property value and sales can suffer.
Solution: Secure a retrospective licence from a qualified Spanish architect. Unlicenced extensions gain immunity from objections, regardless of future legal changes.
Retrospective Licence Criteria:
Murcia: Extensions aged 4+ years.
Almeria: Building work aged 6+ years.
Alicante: Completed before August 2010. No retro licences for fined or ordered extensions.
Cost: Pool Retrospective Licence: 326.70€ incl. IVA Retrospective Licence for Extensions: 363€ incl. IVA (all property extensions).
Martinez de la Casa Architects excel in Building Certification, including Energy Performance Certificates (121€ inc. VAT), Habitation Licences, and Retrospective Licences.
Questions? Appointments? Call 665 810 411 (English) or explore www.martinezdelacasa.com. Over 300 testimonials showcase our commitment to enhancing your property’s compliance and value.
New rules for travelling to Spain from the UK with pets.
SUDOKU
From April 22, 2026, significant changes have come into force affecting how people travel with pets from the UK to Spain. These changes mainly impact documentation and close a loophole that many UK travellers had been using since Brexit.
The most important change is that EU pet passports are no longer valid for UK residents travelling from Great Britain to Spain or any EU country. This applies even if the passport was issued in an EU country or obtained before 2026. Under the new enforcement of EU rules, pet passports are now only valid for animals owned by EU residents.
As a result, UK travellers who are not Spanish residents must now obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for every trip. This certificate must be issued by an official vet no more than 10 days before travel. It is a single-use document, meaning a new one is required each time you travel to Spain.
In addition to the AHC, the standard EU entry requirements still apply. Your pet must be microchipped with an ISOcompliant chip before receiving a rabies vaccination. The rabies vaccine must be valid, and there is a mandatory 21day waiting period after the first vaccination before travel. You may also need to show proof of ownership and confirm that the animal is not being transported for sale. A maximum of five pets per vehicle is allowed for non-commercial travel. If all requirements are met, pets can enter Spain without quarantine, but failure to comply can result in refusal of entry.
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.
To check your answers go to the back pages of this magazine.
Good luck.
Kenny Corris brings you
Aries: Mars is at home in Aries this month; squaring Jupiter in Cancer. Here action goes hand in hand with expansion, speaking louder than words ever could. Finally, despite a false alarm you are going to have your way at last!
Taurus: The New Moon is in 25 degrees of Taurus this month, heralding new and exciting beginnings. It’s a great time for financial stability, investment and taking control of your spending. Values bring a heightened sensitivity and a new you too.
Gemini: With Mercury in your sign, this month you’ll be thinking on your feet. For sure recent matters of mis-communication have resulted in you having to grit your teeth; but right now you get to have your say, and silence is not an option.
Cancer: Venus is in transit to your sign mid month. Bringing stability and emotional support, that’s been long awaited, this is set to be a good time for initiating something special. Do not think that love is on hold: it’s closer than you think!
Leo: Pluto retrogrades in 5 degrees of Aquarius and empowerment is the name of the game. You play to win, but this month brings you a focus on relationships and together something wonderful comes your way; if you let it!
Virgo: The Moon is in Libra; squaring Jupiter in Cancer. These balancing actions bring you an opportunity to see things from a distance. Take a break and you’ll see things from a new perspective. Don’t lose what you worked so hard for!
OUR OROSCOPE
Libra: Mercury is conjunct with Uranus this month. Your dreams were only shattered because you made choices and they were the right thing to do: sadly at the wrong time! Uranus is the planet of invention and loves to surprise you!
Scorpio: This month kicks off with a Full Moon in 11 degrees of Scorpio. It’s going to be a very emotional time, but also a time of transformation. You are more than you think that you are; and you can bring in changes that are long overdue now.
Sagittarius: This month heralds the Full Moon in your sign. Known as the Blue Moon: such a conjunction is rare. Don’t feel unable to use self validation and identity to see you safely through, and for sure, your reward is what you seek.
Capricorn: Venus in Gemini sees you stepping up on social matters close to your heart. Time to become more of a part of your community. You are free thinking, endearing and kind, and these skills are sorely needed in your community.
Aquarius: The Pluto retrograde is in your seventh house this month and Pluto stations in Aquarius also. This means looking back. You didn’t get where you are by anything but faith in yourself and your abilities. Look back: love what you see.
Pisces: The Sun is in Gemini towards the end of the month. Time for mental clarity as you are so fond of rewriting history. There can be no going back, but must you be so hard on yourself? You didn’t start things: now you have to say NO!
As an Astrologer, Kenny has worked 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.
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 966 495 228.
ARTEMIS II TRAVEL TIME
I suppose it's inevitable that people are making comparisons between the latest Lunar orbiting mission and the similar Apollo 8 mission of 50 years ago.
The original Apollo mission made 10 orbits of the Moon whereas the Artemis mission just looped around then returned to Earth. So the question is why did the Apollo mission take just over 6 days and the Artemis mission took much longer: 10 days.
I originally did an article on orbit types and times over 2 years ago in which I explained the Hohmann transfer orbit and how it needed the minimum Delta V to arrange. Or in plain English, the simplest way to get to the Moon is with a small boost from a circular Earth orbit so that the resultant ellipse encompasses the Lunar orbit. It's also like playing swingball, the harder you hit the ball the bigger ellipse it makes.
The problem with just using a small engine burn or burns, is that it takes more time to get there, using a more powerful burn gets us there faster. It all depends on how much life support the spacecraft has, if there is enough for a longer duration flight you can take a slower path. The Apollo missions had life support for 3 people for 10 days so needed a faster transfer, the Artemis capsule is designed for a longer duration flight, 4 people for 21 days, hence the change in flightpath.
All this is part of the planning for longer duration flights that the later Artemis flights will make as the building of a lunar colony progresses. In many ways this first flight was the easy one, purely to test the systems and make sure the capsule works. There is still the lander to check out, by actually landing it on the Moon, and a host of other new equipment that's never been tried before. You need to be brave as well as smart to be an astronaut, testing new systems in space isn't for the faint hearted.
So what will the next mission Artemis III be doing? This one will be flying in Earth orbit and testing the lunar landers, built by either blue origin (Jeff Bezos company) or by space X, no decision has been made yet. Artemis IV is planned to actually land on the moon in early 2028, if everything works as planned. I doubt very much if everything will work, the history of spaceflight is full of problems and I don't think this time will be any different.
● To find out more about observing and astronomy why not join our group, email us at vegabaja.astronomygroup@gmail.com to find out more.
Norwegian Freemasons give €1,000 to support Food Charity in Torrevieja
Norwegian-speaking Dovre Lodge No 184 has made a €1,000 donation to the Torrevieja-based charitable organisation Asociación Alimentos Solidarios. The contribution was formally presented by the lodge’s Worshipful Master, Worshipful Brother Morten Holm Gundersen to María Ángeles, a representative of the charity.
The donation recognises the vital work Alimentos Solidarios carries out to support individuals and families facing hardship. The charity distributes food every day from its Torrevieja premises, operating with minimal administrative costs to ensure that donations directly benefit those most in need.
Alimentos Solidarios functions from facilities provided by the Torrevieja Council, which include both storage space and a fully equipped kitchen. Their food supplies come from a variety of sources, including the local food bank (funded by the Spanish Government), the supermarket chain Mercadona, local farmers, and other suppliers. Although meals are provided free of charge, the charity must still cover transportation expenses and purchase certain essential items to supplement donations. The charity offers a wide range of food products - baby food, fresh fruits and vegetables, hot meals, canned goods, and dry foods. Local professional chefs also volunteer their time to help prepare meals, ensuring both quality and variety.
Each day, Alimentos Solidarios serves more than 200 meals from its premises. Additionally, the organisation hosts an annual “Paella Day” on December 6, serving food outdoors in front of the town hall.
To receive assistance, individuals must be approved by Torrevieja Council, which assesses each applicant’s circumstances. Support is granted for one month at a time, followed by a minimum 14-day break before a new application can be considered. Recipients come from a wide range of nationalities, including Spaniards as well as residents from countries such as Russia, Ukraine, and Morocco.
Alimentos Solidarios operates on an annual budget of approximately €80,000. Of this, €50,000 is provided by the Council, while the remaining funds are raised through local donations. The charity also relies heavily on volunteers and continues to welcome new supporters.
Commenting, W. Bro. Gundersen said, “This donation by the Freemasons of Dovre Lodge No 184 continues the proud tradition of Masons in supporting local communities and those in our Society who most need our help.”
For more information on Freemasonry in the Province of Valencia or to enquire about becoming a Freemason, visit www.glpvalencia.com or email Matthew James on sec@glpvalencia.com.
The photograph shows W. Bro. Morten Holm Gundersen and Maria Ángeles from Alimentos Solidarios
Charles Oates, Vega Baja Astronomy Group.
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.
Please contact me - Maureen Powell Maureen-powell@hotmail.co.uk Tel: 0044 7912 947098
Cornerstone PentecostalEvangelical Church
Calle Escultor Ribera Girona 67, Pilar De La Horadada. Sunday Worship commences at 11am. For more information please visit our website: https://pilarchurch.com/ or email: philm.cornerstone@gmail.com
You’re invited to come and meet the Easy Horse Care Centre rescued horses, ponies and donkeys. Call 652 021 980 or email rescue@easyhorsecare.net For more information visit our website www.easyhorsecare.net
PUZZLE SOLUTIONS
AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS For families and friends of problem drinkers. There are meetings in Torrevieja. Phone 634 349 961.
