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Female Focus Now in our 25th year!
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Female Focus
Ask the Optician – Dry Eyes in the Winter Months Mike Stone, Store Director, Specsavers Opticas Calpe
January’s cold winds, wet weather and central heating can all play havoc with your eyes, leaving them feeling dry, gritty and bloodshot. Symptoms can lead to longer term problems if left unchecked, therefore this month, the team from Specsavers wanted to explain dry eye and offer a few hints to help prevent eye soreness over the coldest months of the year. What is dry eye? The term “dry eye” is used when we don’t produce enough tears or our tears evaporate too quickly. People with dry eyes often have plenty of water in their tears but not enough oil. Dry eyes can be caused by heating and air conditioning, windy and cold conditions and certain medications. How can it be avoided or reduced? Don’t get dehydrated - Cut back on the coffee and drink more water, use eye drops and sprays to add extra lubrication. Wash your hands before touching your eyes to prevent cross infection from the viruses in coughs and sneezes which can inflame your conjunctiva – the clear membrane covering the whites of your eyes, leaving them feeling irritated. Reduce the setting on your central heating, avoid car heaters, especially at face level, and sit away from direct heat such as gas or electric heaters. Keep the sunglasses handy – As the sun is low in the sky at this time of year and can be uncomfortably bright for drivers, sunglasses reduce this and protect against UV radiation. Winter is a great time to get your eyes tested as poor light conditions can make you susceptible to eyestrain. Specsavers Opticas stores in Calpe and Jávea, are currently offering free advanced eye tests. Visit www.specsavers.es to find your nearest store and book an appointment.
Female Focus
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The Costa Blanca Anglican Chaplaincy have formed their own choir from their congregations across the region, known as the 'Chaplaincy Singers'.
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They performed their first series of concerts in December as part of the Church's Christmas celebrations. The concert was a suite of music written by Graham Kendrick called 'The Gift – Make Way For Christmas'. The music celebrates the joy of Christmas and shares the good news of the Christmas message. The concert was performed in four venues across the Costa Blanca (Denia, Javea, Calpe and Albir). Under the direction of Philip Ashley the singers were enthusiastically received by all who came to hear them. There were twenty two members of the group for these performances, most of whom wish to continue singing as part of the Chaplaincy Singers. For the future the group aims to sing music with a religious theme, both classical church pieces, such as Panis Angelicus ranging through to popular music such as Sister Act! Everyone is welcome to join the singers, who rehearse on a Monday morning from 11am - 1pm at the Ermita San Josep, in La Fustera (on the CV-745). Their first rehearsal of the new year will be 22 January. For more information please contact Philip on 96 558 1483 or by email at philip@philipashley.com.
Jan
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od els Stockists of quality British and Spanish furniture & complete upholstery service
See article on page 5 SOFAS - CHAIRS - CORNER SUITES - SOFA BEDS - COFFEE TABLES OCCASIONAL PIECES - FIRESIDE CHAIRS - RECLINER CHAIRS - POWER RISE RECLINER CHAIRS
Tel: 96 646 9371 / 699 836 251 · www.harrisfurnishings.com jayne@harrisfurnishings.com · sofamedico@yahoo.co.uk www.facebook.com/harrisfurnishings.sofamedico Find us in Pedreguer on the Poligono Ind. Les Galgues, (site of the Sunday market) Calle de la Marroquineria No1, Pedreguer, 03750. *Free delivery between Altea & Oliva. Open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday. 10am to 1pm Sunday. Ample Parking.
Now in our 25th year!
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Well we made it through Christmas with a 3 year old in charge! If I see another My Little Pony or pony accessory..... actually it would have been better if I had seen a few more before I stood on them in my bare feet! Even the dogs heaved a sigh of relief that they would no longer be tripped over, trodden on or throttled with love hugs - although they were enjoying the extra food she was dropping them under the table. I know we are lucky to have our granddaughter living in the same town but sometimes..... Now we have to look forward to it all over again for the Three Kings, as it is the busiest time of the year for our darling daughter, so we are grandparenting once more. No more ponies, but complete destruction of lounge 'take two'.... After what we can all agree has been an interesting past year, I can only hope that this one will be filled with sensible decisions by those in power and generally more tolerance in the world. It seems people are getting to be more selfish at a time when, more now than ever before, the world needs to start working together. This year Female Focus Publications is celebrating its 25th year. We are going to be celebrating in more ways than one and all will become apparent as the year progresses. All that is left to say is happy, healthy and prosperous 2018 to you all. Lesley
Female Focus
To discuss your advertising needs with your local Female Focus representative contact:-
Gandía to Jávea Roddy 688 815 405 or 96 575 6833 roddy@female-focus.com
Benitachell to Campello Alan 689 358 232 alan@female-focus.com
Alicante South Michelle 663 178 228
michelle@female-focus.com
Congratulations to Mrs Marge Wright from Orihuela Costa who won the 50€ competition, by spotting the logo on page 6 of the December issue. For your chance to win 50€ this month, see inside for details of how to enter. Pick up your next issue on the first Thursday of the month - 1 February Deadlines: Editorial - 12 noon 18 January Advertising 12 noon, 22 January Office: Mon to Fri. 10am - 2pm Tel. 96 587 5421 editor@female-focus.com - advertising@female-focus.com classifieds@female-focus.com - www.femalefocusonline.com Member of
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Female Focus Publications are available from over 1000 distribution points throughout the Costa Blanca, making us the largest Free English language magazine publishers by far!
Female Focus
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The Harris Furnishings JANUARY SALE is now on!
For the first time since moving to their enormous showroom on the Pedreguer Industrial Estate, Harris Furnishings are having a New Year Blowout Sale. This is the perfect time to treat yourself and your home to a sofa design that will give you pleasure every day. Whether it’s a modern suite or a Chesterfield style that you prefer, during their UP TO 50% OFF SALE you will be able to give in to temptation without feeling guilty. They stock quality British and Spanish armchairs, recliners, sofa beds, swivel chairs, riser chairs, coffee tables, scatter cushions and much, much more. So if you want to be sitting pretty from the start of the new year, come and visit them now! Harris Furnishings can be contacted on 96 646 9371 or see their advert on page 3.
Keep up to date with forthcoming events
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We’ve got the numbers!
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Female Focus
Spring clean your finances in 2018 A new year brings hope, happiness, health and wealth. Many people set new goals and resolutions. So to support you, these are what expats should be doing in order to focus on the wealth part in order to maintain and support your lifestyle into the future.
by Steve Iball
deVere Spain
When you agree to focus on your financial wealth, the sort of questions you should ask are: - Do I understand my investments and savings? - Am I exposed to unnecessary risk? - Are my investments giving more return than basic inflation (3%+)? - Is my financial adviser regulated in Spain where the ombudsman is available in the event of a dispute? - Does my IFA have procedures in place to handle compliance, checks and have a formal sign-off process to prevent inappropriate fund selections? - Do I see my IFA on a quarterly basis, or are their checks just over the phone? - Is my IFA experienced with at least 10 years track record? At deVere, we believe that protecting and enhancing your wealth is our first priority. It’s why we meet face-to-face regularly, have an independent compliance team, are regulated (not just registered) in Spain, and have significant experience. As your personal IFA, all my recommendations are checked and signed-off to ensure the funds we select are right for you. All you need to do is pick up the phone and we can arrange to meet. One final thing, don’t forget that your Modelo 720 – where you declare overseas assets – is required to be submitted by 30 March. Don’t be caught out with a nasty fine thinking it doesn’t apply to you. I’m afraid it does. For more information and to make an appointment, contact me, Steve Iball, on 610 822 484 or email steve.iball@devere-spain.es.
U3A Vall del Pop The U3A is all about enjoyment and learning, and this is particularly evident in the U3A Vall del Pop, whose members hold their General Meeting on the first Thursday of each month at the Centre Polivalent in Murla, and have a diverse range of groups for the interest of the members. These are some of our forthcoming events. 4 January – General Meeting. Speaker Tobias Laube – Reflexology. 26 January – Trip to Benidorm Palace. Overnight stay at the Palm Beach hotel and show. Cost 72€. 1 February – General Meeting. Speaker Philip Ashley – Music Speaks Louder than Words. 1 March – Annual General Meeting. 19 / 20 March – Las Fallas de Valencia. Overnight stay at the beach front Neptuno hotel. 5 April – General Meeting. Speaker Helen Siddal-Butchers – Psychotherapist & Counsellor. 3 May – General Meeting. Speaker Mike Rendell – The Golden Age of Piracy. 15 to 18 May – Trip to Girona Flower Festival. Visit our website, http://u3avalldelpop.com, for further details of what’s going on and of our groups.
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FF - Your community magazine
HELP of Denia and Marina Alta Pictured left is Sally Lillie, winner of the Female Focus TV raffled in December. Sally is very pro-active within HELP and volunteers in the charity shop in La Xara as well as being part of the hospital visiting team and is a receptionist on the HELP desk in the hospital. On the right of the picture is Caroline Drewett - Mansell who is also a volunteer in the office in La Xara. Caroline joined us this year and is a great asset to helping many people with medical equipment and problems they may have. Without our great team and the generosity of the public who visit our charity shops, fund raising events, and make private donations, we couldn't help the amount of people we do or assist in buying items much needed by medical centres, Shelters for women, children and the Franciscan Brothers. We have recently bought medical equipment including 3 ECG monitors for 5 medical centres in Tormos, Rafol, Benimeli, Sagra and Sanet spending over 10,000â‚Ź. This equipment will help many people and nationalities. We have also purchased new examination beds for Ondara, Vergel and Pedreguer.
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Female Focus
January Sales are here again!
by Ana Gay
Your Local Community Magazine
So, who looks forward to grabbing a bargain in the January sales? A lot of us do, but unfortunately some of us are either unhappy with our purchase or perhaps there is a fault with it. All retail sales are regulated by Law 7 of 1996. “Rebajas” must be genuine reductions of current first grade stock, and can only be offered during the official Winter and Summer sale times. “Promociones” are special offers of goods which can take place at any time of the year and may be subject to particular conditions, or limited to particular models of goods, and can include “special purchases” of stock bought in for the sales. “Saldos” are clearances of goods which may be “seconds”, or ends of ranges. Retailers can alter the conditions on which they sell goods during a sale. They may insist on payment in cash for sale goods and not accept credit cards. Or they may change their policy on accepting returns so that they will only take back defective goods rather than allow you to return goods for any reason. Always ask before parting with your money, especially if you are about to make a considered purchase such as furniture or large electrical appliances. Whenever you return goods and the retailer agrees to take them back, the retailer is only obliged to refund the price you actually paid. Sale goods have the same legal guarantee as for non-sale goods. Brand new items must be guaranteed for 2 years and must be fit for their purpose in normal use. You must report any defect within two months of the fault occurring and the guarantee must cover parts and labour. If the fault occurs after 6 months it is your responsibility to show that the item was defective. If the retailer is unwilling to consider your complaint you have the right to ask for an official complaint form or “Hoja de Reclamacion” which all shops are obliged to have available. Whether you are a retailer or an avid shopper, we at Link Point Legal wish you a prosperous sale time and happy bargain hunting. Please contact Ana Gay at Link Point Legal on 96 626 0500 or email anagay@linkpointlegal.com for any further information.
Female Focus
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My name is Steve Woods and I am a solicitor specialising in claims for asbestos related diseases and I thought I would look at a number of questions that often arise and that make people worried about the possibility of making a claim. My message is, if in doubt ask! I NEVER MADE A CLAIM BEFORE. I understand that making a claim can seem daunting and this is why I always visit my clients and meet them face to face. I can explain the process and I find this reassures them. I come to Spain regularly and so personal visits are not a problem. I CANNOT REMEMBER WHERE I WORKED, OR THE COMPANY I WORKED FOR NO LONGER EXISTS. It is not unusual for companies that traded in the 1960s, for example, to have long since stopped trading. With investigations I can trace insurers who provided cover for these companies and they are obliged to deal with the claims. Even if you are hazy about the exact name of a company or your period of employment with them, I can obtain your work history from HM Revenue & Customs and this provides confirmation of who you worked for all those years ago. I HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH AN ASBESTOS CONDITION BUT I DID NOT WORK WITH ASBESTOS. It is surprising how often, when you start talking about a persons work history, what they remember. Often, it turns out that even if a person did not actually work with asbestos, they worked alongside people who did and therefore came into contact with dust. Another possibility, and a particularly sad one in my experience, is a wife who comes into contact with asbestos from her husband’s work clothes. MY BREATHING PROBLEMS ARE NOT TOO BAD. A lot of people I meet are dismissive of their breathing problems and underestimate how they affect their daily lives. Some people I have seen do not realise there is a time limit for bringing claims and so it is important that investigations are started as soon as possible. Claims for breathing problems caused by exposure to asbestos can be complex but the quicker the claim is started the quicker these issues can be dealt with. So, if you are concerned about your particular situation or have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch. I am happy to talk to you free of charge.
We’ve got the numbers!
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Female Focus
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Are you unhappy with your life? What we think about turns out to be how our life ends up. We BECOME what we think! Any day we wish we can choose to change it all. Any day we wish, we can open a book that will open our mind to new knowledge. Any day we wish, we can start a new activity. Any day we wish, we can start seeing things differently and feeling differently about things going on around us, and we can make changes. We can do it immediately, today, or next week, or next month, or next year. The choice is up to us. Each day is an opening to new things. On the other hand we can also choose to do nothing! We can put off doing things rather than perform, and if the idea of having to change ourselves makes us uncomfortable, we can remain as we are‌ The choices are ours to make. Once we become adult we create our circumstances by our choices. We are where we are today because of choices we have made ...if you follow that line of thinking through then, we are going to end up where we end up, because of future choices we make! We have both the ability and the responsibility to make better choices beginning today. People only contact me when they are fed up with what life has dealt them, and in EVERY case, not one person has realised that they are in control of their own lives. They give this power over to someone else, they really believe that their happiness depends on how other people treat them, and they put up with it to the damage of their own happiness and self contentment, without trying to resolve differences or set things straight in a balanced way. Whatever our differences are, however, we can all start by believing that somewhere, somehow, there is an answer that will sort our lives out. WE have to find it and WE have to apply it to see the difference. we are talking about achieving happiness here, and that CAN be achieved by handling things differently‌..starting today. Until the next time!
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i Violet K
Female Focus
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A big thank you from Chorus! by Sam Kelly, Managing Partner, Chorus Financial. As we start a new year in here in Spain, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all our regular readers and clients for the ongoing support and positivity you've shown towards Chorus Financial over the past year. When myself and Senior Partner, Tracy Storer, sat down at the beginning of 2016 and decided that we wanted to make it our mission to change how financial services were conducted here in Spain, we knew we were facing a serious challenge. For many years financial advisors have been abusing the trust of expats here, working in a very loose regulatory environment, and often favouring their own pockets over their client's financial needs. At Chorus we decided that rather than running the usual adverts, telling you about our various services, we would dedicate our marketing space to educating the community on how to navigate the World of financial advice safely and securely. This decision has made us incredibly popular with our clients and the community in general, but not so popular with other financial advisory firms! My promise to you all in 2018, is that our mission is not over, and we will continue as before to provide what we hope is helpful and educational content, rather than simply advertising. It makes us so proud to know how many people we have helped over the years. We truly believe in the importance of prudent financial planning and high-quality investment management, and in many ways, it is often even more important for those living overseas to seek quality advice. Whether it's through a Chorus advisor, or an advisor from another firm, our main priorities are that the advice given is appropriate, fees charged are fair and transparent and any investment recommendations are of the highest quality available anywhere in the World. There should be no compromise in terms of what you should expect from a financial advisor, just because you live overseas. Finally, I am very excited to announce that due to the overwhelming success of the November events, The Finance Tour will be returning to Spain in May 2018, with local venues to be announced nearer the time – well worth keeping an eye out for that! We really look forward to seeing more of you during 2018, and if you ever have questions or need advice regarding pensions, investment management or generic financial planning, please don't hesitate to contact Chorus for a free consultation. Chorus Financial is a trading style of Tourbillon Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Commission (Gibraltar), Licence Number FSC1118B and registered with the UK FCA as an EEA Authorised firm, reference 539348.
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Female Focus
SAMM (Sailing Association Mar Menor) Christmas Dinner Dance For the second year in succession the SAMM Christmas Dinner Dance was held at the Triana Hotel in San Pedro del Pinatar. It was again “black tie” so the men, as well as the ladies, could dress up in their finery.
Service is our strength and the proof is in the delivery
Some 53 members enjoyed a fabulous meal with multiple starters, a choice of three mains and a delicious, if very sweet, desert accompanied by copious bottles of wine.
Mail Boxes Etc – New Service Centre Opens in Jávea. Carole and Colin invite you to start your shipping journey with Mailboxes. We recently opened our new service centre in Jávea (Avenida de Paris 33, El Arenal). Our core business is (obviously) mail boxes, ensuring you have a secure and easily accessible mail box which overcomes the shortcomings of the Spanish Mail Service, especially if you live in an apartment. In addition, we specialise in packing and shipping – well anything really. Furthermore, we offer an in-house design and print service for things such as business cards, flyers, personal photos, etc. We’ll be writing more in the next Female Focus so we’d like to just say, Happy New Year and invite you to pop in to see how we can help you, whether it be personal or business!
Music was provided by the talented singer and DJ Francis whose excellent repertoire had the first people up on the floor between the starter and main course. During the evening the draw was made of the “100 Club” which saw 10 lucky winners receive their 35€ prize whilst another 350€ was donated to SAMM funds. All thanks must go to Jill Chorley and her team on the Social Committee for organising yet another great event. The Spring 2018 Series is scheduled to commence on March 11th. The SAMM Race Program is open to all boat owners and sailors, including non-SAMM members, of any Nationality, sex or age. You need no previous racing experience as many of our competitors did not sail until they came to Spain. For more information contact Terry Chapman tcandpa@yahoo.co.uk.
FF
Female Focus
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Your Community Magazine
To what extent does hearing loss affect balance? It may be hard to understand how, but your balance is seriously impacted by your hearing. It all begins deep inside the ear, where a complex system operates to help you keep track of your environment. One chamber of your ear, and what lies within, is especially important: your inner ear. The inner ear is home to a series of tubes, which are filled with different fluids. When too much or too little fluid exists, there can be numerous problems with hearing and these problems might well include balance disorders, as well as tinnitus, hearing loss, or difficulty picking up specific sounds. Hearing loss is a serious and specific condition that can affect a great part of a person’s life both on a psychological and physiological level especially if it affects one’s balance as well. Studies by the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the National Institute of Aging found that hearing loss significantly increases the risk of falls for older people. This has far reaching implications when it comes to preventing falls and helping our older generations to continue to live independent lives. How is balance controlled? A balance disorder may occur in different situations and may have various causes. The condition is often manifested by a feeling of dizziness, floating, unsteadiness, blurred vision, disorientation, confusion, faintness or vertigo and even panic or fear. These may happen regardless of the position of the body – lying or standing up. Hearing loss by itself does not cause balance disorders, but problems with the inner ear responsible for the hearing and vestibular system may. This means that hearing loss can occur together with balance impairment symptoms to indicate an underlying condition. Common such symptoms, besides vertigo and dizziness, are nausea, diarrhea, fluctuating heart rate and blood pressure, depression or anxiety. Balance control thus relies on the cooperation of multiple organs, and the ears play an active part in this system. Hence problems with the inner ear along with other causes may contribute to a balance disorder. When it comes to hearing loss, the earlier you get help, the better. Especially when you are experiencing balance problems, which can be deeply unsettling for the patient, and even debilitating to their life. A hearing specialist can help diagnose problems, and if necessary give you a referral to the correct doctor to assist you. Richard Sykes of Premier Hearing Services is our resident expert audiologist on the Costa Blanca. Richard works out of clinics in Denia, Jávea, Alfaz del Pi, El Albir, Benijofar and Bolnuevo, and offers an entirely FREE HEARING TEST. Should a problem be identified, Richard will be able to give you a rundown of the best options for your particular situation. Call Richard on 659 644 106 for professional and personal advice.
Your Healthy Magazine!
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Female Focus
Neuromuscular Therapy (N.M.T.) /Physical Therapy Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) / Physical Therapy is aimed at balancing the central nervous system with the musculoskeletal Article supplied by system to correct any disorders brought about as a result of any Kevin Thornton, Telephone 96 676 5686 imbalances between the two.
NMT / Physical Therapy improves the function of joints and muscles, and speeds healing by facilitating the release of endorphins. This form of therapy is generally chosen if the patient is suffering from long-term chronic pain or specific medical conditions. Neuromuscular Therapy has a ‘whole’ approach towards healing where emphasis is on stimulating the body to heal itself. Various techniques are used to stimulate soft-tissue repair in the affected areas. What to expect During a typical session of Neuromuscular / Physical Therapy, after filling out your consultation form, where all relevant information is given about the history of the problem, the therapist will then examine the patient and his or her medical history in an attempt to accurately assess all the factors that are creating and prolonging their pain. Once the problem areas have been identified, alternating levels of concentrated pressure are applied on the areas of muscle spasm with the fingers, knuckles or elbow. How does treatment work? The following six physiological factors are addressed which can intensify pain patterns. They are: Trigger points - trigger points are highly irritable points in the nervous system. Nerve entrapment/compression - when a nerve gets pressed constantly between the surrounding structures, it can lead to pain. Posture - Postural distortions result in underdevelopment of the supporting muscles and thereby lead to their weakening. Nutrition - Lack of adequate nutrition to the cells leads to an overall weakening of the entire system. Ischemia - In a condition such as Ischemia, the cells and tissues get a reduced blood supply and as a result are under-nourished. Stress - High loads of stress can adversely affect the functioning of the nervous and musculoskeletal system. Just some of the many conditions treated by Neuromuscular / Physical Therapy: Recurring back /neck pain - Sciatica (radiating pain into the lower limbs) Joint pain - Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) - Rotator cuff dysfunction - Carpal tunnel syndrome - Headaches / Migraines - Chronic neck pain - Jaw pain (Temporomandibular joint dysfunction - TMJ). This article is for information purposes ONLY and should not be used as a diagnostic tool. Always consult with your medical adviser or G.P. on all medical matters. Should you require any further information, have any other question that you may want answered or would prefer a one to one FREE consultation then please contact Kevin on 96 676 5686 or 605 306 129 or email him on sitam66@yahoo.co.uk.
Female Focus
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HELP ladies knit for the Red Cross The ladies of HELP Murcia Mar Menor have been busy over the last few months knitting squares in their spare time to make up these wonderful, warm and colourful blankets, which on Wednesday 7 December were donated to the Red Cross in San Pedro del Pinatar. Annie Heatherington, whose idea it was to start knitting to help people in need in the Murcia Region, handed over all the items so far finished to the President of the Red Cross Mar Menor North, who together with Vice President and Food Coordinator were delighted to receive them on behalf of those who are in need of some warmth in the Murcia Region now that the cold weather has arrived. Pictured are Tricia Brister, Annie Heatherington, and Barbara Scott who together with Pam Clough, Jane Kerr, Betty O’Neil and Christine Baillie of HELP and many more friends of HELP have not only knitted these blankets, both full size and baby size but have also knitted baby clothes and have donated all the wool used. Annie stated that this is going to be an ongoing project and she is hoping to get more people involved. If anyone wants to help or would like patterns they can be had at the HELP Outlet or the HELP Office in Los Alcazares.
The HELP Outlet and HELP weekly Car Boot sale have also been collecting baby clothing over the past few months which has been donated to the Red Cross. Many thanks for the donations you the public make which enables us at HELP to help the needy in the Murcia Region. For more information call us at 96 857 0059.
Your Community Magazine!
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Your Beautiful Magazine!
An amazing 192€ was raised for Huntington’s Disease Association, Costa Blanca The idea of a Christmas themed competition, consisting of 50 questions, including 2 “tie breakers that could not be looked up on the internet” was circulated around the area, generating some extra cash this Christmas for local charity Huntington’s Disease Association. Winner Pat Farrow was absolutely delighted to receive such a lovely hamper for winning the competition, admitting that she is not normally any good at quizzes. The Huntington’s Disease Association would like to thank all those for taking part and wish everyone a healthy and prosperous 2018. The next fundraising event will be a Fun Quiz and Pie Supper to be held on 17 January at Bar Catorce, in Benijófar. Tables of up to 6 can be booked by telephoning 634 905 249, or by emailing marion.smith@hda.org.es.
You are born with about 100,000 scalp hair follicles to start with, but it varies with natural hair colour. Blondes have an average of 150,000 hairs, the average redhead has 90,000. Those with black or brown hair average 110,000 to 100,000 hairs.
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www.femalefocusonline.com
What Are Essential Oils? If you have ever enjoyed the scent of a rose, you’ve experienced the aromatic qualities of essential oils. These naturally occurring, volatile aromatic compounds are found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers, and other parts of plants. Essential oils provide plants with protection against environmental threats and play a role in plant pollination. In addition to their intrinsic benefits to plants and being beautifully fragrant to people, essential oils have long been used for food preparation, beauty treatment, and health-care practices.
How Do I Use Essential Oils? Essential oils are used for a very wide range of emotional and physical wellness applications. They can be used a single oil at a time or in complex blends in one of three methods: 1 Aromatic Certain essential oils, when diffused, can be very stimulating, while others can be calming and soothing. Diffusing essential oils can also cleanse and purify the air of unwanted odours. 2 Topical Essential oils are easily absorbed by the skin and can be safely applied topically. 3 Internal Certain essential oils have a rich culinary history and can be used as dietary supplements for targeted wellness. Essential oils are both exciting and promising when it comes to taking care of your own and your family’s health. Whether you’re applying essential oils topically, enjoying the aromatic benefits through diffusing, or taking essential oils internally, the positive effects of essential oils are boundless. That’s why you’ll want to ensure that the essential oils you are using are capable of delivering on their promise. You’ll want to make sure that you are choosing essential oils for their potency and their purity. If you would like to learn more about the essential oils please contact us and we will answer any questions you have. For more information please see the advert below or visit www.sannedoterra.com.
FF - Your community magazine
Female Focus
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England 1, Germany 1, Asociacion Amigos Europeos de Javea 2 Long distance repatriation services for individuals is a complex matter. Needing to ´get back home´ when you have a severe medical condition or in an emergency can certainly be a worrying experience. Sometimes you might be able to fly by ordinary plane, sometimes an air-ambulance might be required, but should the doctors state that flying is out of the question, then repatriation by road is the only method. Four months ago we wrote about an English lady who successfully underwent an emergency road repatriation to the UK. In this issue we can tell you about a German lady suffering with a serious heart compliant who recently needed road repatriation to Germany. Fast and reliable repatriation, where the care given to the patient throughout the journey needs to be bespoke and tailored to ensure that all of their medical needs are met, yet whilst aiming to get them home as quickly as possible, is quite a tall order. Luckily in our area there is one such Ambulance Service capable of fulfilling such a task - The Asociacion Amigos Europeos de Javea (AAEdJ). Having been initially treated for her heart condition in a private hospital in Denia, the German lady (who has asked to remain anonymous) could only continue further treatment back in her native country. Initially she purchased a plane ticket for the journey, but her doctors then advised that her increasingly serious condition meant that flying would be impossible, and so the AAEdJ were brought into the picture. With two drivers (Miguel Angel and Juan Bautista) and a doctor and a nurse and of course the lady patient onboard, the 23 hour road journey was completed successfully without incident, delivering her safely to the designated hospital in Dusseldorf. Laure Bolufer, who is the AAEdJ’s Registration Manager, is able to update Female Focus about the patient’s progress. “I have spoken with her, and she is doing fine but she is going to need about 2 months treatment in the hospital in Dusseldorf. If her treatment goes well, she is hoping to return to her home in Spain at some stage.” The AAEdJ fleet of ambulances don’t just do repatriations, they are fully equipped to supply a full emergency service, and are akin to mobile intensive care units, and their staff are fully trained. The Asociacion covers the majority of the Costa Blanca, whatever locality you are in, including the inland areas. Joining costs just €50 for a whole year for the whole family, and to do so please call Laure on 96 579 6099 from 9am to 1pm, Monday to Friday. She will work with you to pinpoint exactly where your house is on the map, and establish the fastest routes to it, and this and other information will be stored in their system. The Head Office of AAEdJ is located at Avenida Juan Carlos 1, No 69, 03730, Jávea. (24hr emergency telephone number 96 579 6099.) Email: amigos_europeos@yahoo.es. The telephone number for Laure Bolufer the Registration Manager is 96 579 6099 from 9am to 1pm, Monday to Friday. The photos show Juan Bautista and Miguel Angel in front of the Rheinturn building in Dusseldorf
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Female Focus
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Explaining CBD and its many medical benefits By Miriam Albertini
In future editions I am going to explore many medical conditions that I help people control. Even when prescribed medication from their doctor, it is amazing how many people are suffering on a daily basis. My name is Miriam Albertini, a Dutch national and registered nurse. During my career in Holland I specialised in treating geriatric patients, and the conditions that so often go with age. e.g. arthritis, dementia, chronic pain, diabetes, high blood pressure, depression and more! When I came to live in Spain and suffering from chronic knee pain myself, I looked for a viable, natural alternative to prescription medication, which so often has unwanted and unexpected side effects. I researched CBD and have been using it successfully ever since. It peaked my interest to help people here and have a career as well. CBD is short for Cannabidoil and is the non-psycho active compound of cannabis. CBD has great medical benefits and is one of the better-known compounds of the plant, the other being THC which is often used recreationally to get a “high”! Specifically, CBD reduces inflammation and helps the immune system kick start and repair itself, particularly useful after having chemo or radiotherapy, when the rest of the body and immune system can be affected as much as the cancer site. Very often people become ill after chemo, because they can’t eat, or get an infection as a result of a compromised immune system. How CBD works in your body we will cover next time. Suffice to say Cannabis has had a bad name since the 1930s when large, profit hungry drug companies began a slur campaign to prevent its use. In fact, before then, 60% of all medicine contained some Cannabis. Queen Victoria used it for menstrual pain! Now there is a world-wide movement to bring it into mainstream medicine. In Israel, CBD is routinely used in medicine, with stunning success. It is now legal in most of Europe, across many states in the US and became legal in the UK in 2017 on prescription by GPs for certain conditions. I don’t have room this time to write more, except to say come and see me for a free, private, no obligation, consultation at my dispensary in Denia, telephone 692 320 121. If you or someone you love has chronic pain, suffers from any kind of inflammation or auto immune condition, what have you got to lose? Next time we focus on arthritis, blood pressure and diabetes, and I will explain more.
FF - Your community magazine
Female Focus
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New Year 2018 First of all my staff and I would like to wish all our patients and readers a very happy and healthy New Year. We should also like to reflect upon the successes we had in 2017, and thank all of our patients for their visits and the happy successful cosmetic face lifts, eye adjustments and other procedures we made during the year.
Information supplied by Dr. I. Poole, Clinica El Arenal. Av. Arenal 2, JĂĄvea. Tel: 96 579 2418 Mon to Fri 10.30am - 1.30pm email: clinicaarenal@gmail.com
The cost of these cosmetic adjustments does not have to be as expensive as in other areas or countries when done cleverly or sensibly, so for 2018 we will continue to offer very affordable fees that make this type of minor surgery possible with the following: - Free initial consultation and advice - Complete pre-op and aftercare included - Free general health check with any contracted procedure, ECG, breathing test and blood test when required - No need for general anaesthesia, hospitalisation or overnight stay Many of our patients have recommended their friends who live here all the time, and as a reminder about what procedures are on offer, here are the details of four of our most popular procedures: Eye lid adjustments (Blepharoplasty) - this reduces the excess skin in both the upper and lower eye lids with or without the removal of the fatty pads that sometimes accumulate on them. This returns the appearance of the eyes to a more youthful, happy and alert look. Face mini lift - this procedure is applied to the medium and lower part of the face and neck by lifting the area of the cheeks and facial skin upwards to produce a firmer look to the face and remove sagging jowls. With this procedure we can normally achieve some 15 to 20 years of rejuvenation of the face. Bat wings or sagging upper arm, loose skin to the under arm. This procedure involves reducing the excess skin between the arm pit and elbow and returning the area to a more firm appearance. Mole and wart and skin pre-cancer removal - this is a simple and quick, minor operation and usually involves just one or two stitches. In some cases, for example when involving the face, it may require some special grafting to avoid pulling or unwanted scars. And, of course, all other minor surgery cases such as correction of torn ear lobes, ‘dumbo ears’, hair implants for both men and women, lifting of eye brows, removal of tumours, as well as family practice are available.
Dr. I. Poole and staff.
Female Focus
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The importance of a dental exam after Christmas Especially after Christmas, when we over indulge in a few festive treats a dental check up is essential. Throughout the party season we will be increasing our intake of sugar, whether it is through alcohol or sweet foods, so it is vital we take extra special care of our teeth and gums. Visiting your dentist regularly and keeping on top of your oral hygiene is the only way to keep up your oral health and general well-being. During this examination your dentist will provide tips on caring for your teeth and to detect any problems early, when they’re most treatable. Checking your teeth for tooth decay is just one part of a thorough dental examination. During your check up appointment, your dentist will evaluate the health of your gums and examine your mouth for any indications of oral cancer, diabetes or vitamin deficiencies and it is an opportunity for you to discuss the colour and shape of your teeth. We will pay special attention to plaque and tartar. This is because plaque and tartar can build up in a very short time if good oral hygiene is not practised between visits. Food, coffee, red wine and tobacco can also stain teeth making them look dirty and yellow. If not removed, soft plaque can harden on the teeth and irritate the gum tissue. If not treated, plaque can lead to gum disease and tooth loss. Once your examination has been performed, we’ll tell you about the health of your teeth and gums and then make any additional recommendations. So, make it your New Year’s resolution to have a thorough dental check-up and smile again with confidence.
For further information telephone 96 579 3810 or visit www.zensmilespa.es or www.spajavea.es. Teeth enamel is the hardest part of our body, even harder than our bones! Tongue and tooth prints are unique to every individual, much like our fingerprints.
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FF - Your Beautiful Magazine
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Female Focus
Vanity or Flexibility reasons? Weight loss or Sociability reasons? Strength or Health reasons? Why do people really join a Health Club? At CLUB F!T we have been investigating into the reasons why we have such a wide and diverse membership. And we would like to share some findings with you.... CLUB F!T is not a ‘muscle’ gym. We don’t have rows and rows of free weights or mirrors on every wall where ‘body-pumping beautiful young things’ can admire themselves from every angle. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with that if that’s the sort of gym that you are after, but politely may we suggest that you go elsewhere. CLUB F!T is about keeping it real. Real people, with real reasons, who really wish to improve themselves but who also know that they really need some professional guidance. By professional guidance, it might be that they are needing to: Recover after an illness. Our member Richard (83) would be a good example of this, Richard suffered from ME and Shingles, and gained a lot of weight as a result of being sedentary. “Now after 3 months of regular sessions my body is more flexible and my muscle tone is returning, and my weight has gone down 13 kilos - I almost feel young again”. Increase their Flexibility. Joints and muscles have a way of quitting on us when they’re not used very often. People may find that touching their toes is not quite as easy as it once was, or they may feel like they’re going to wrench a muscle with any sudden movement. Our member Bruce (69) would be a good example of someone who although active all his life, needed to strengthen muscles in his upper body. “I have never encountered such a gym. The possibilities are endless and the rewards are fantastic. From a couch potato to a world class athlete, anyone can benefit from this fantastic club”. Improve their Fitness and Stamina. The benefits of exercise are well documented. Our member Mark (56) says “I have lost 5kg since starting 2 months ago and my blood pressure has improved to 115/75. My fitness and my stamina have improved dramatically. There are so many classes to choose from. At CLUB F!T you will get fit, stay fit, and most importantly you will have fun and keep coming back”. Get rid of pain and have improved health. “My goal is to stay physically independent, to strengthen my muscles and to get rid of the pain” says our member Ria (71). She continues “Due to the focused training under guidance, I have achieved this goal. Moreover it’s great fun to participate at the various classes with happy people”. Tone up and lose weight. “I wanted to get fit and tone up and I also wanted to work on my knees which have been operated on due to damage through playing rugby. And very pleasingly, I have already lost some weight, begun to tone up, and my knees are not as weak as they used to be and I manage to do a lot more than I used to.” says our member Ashley (29). Socialise. Working out solo can be a drag. As nice as home gyms are, without scenery or a fellow gym goer to chat to, it can all be a bit dull. It’s nice to spend time with those that have similar interests and even to get a little chat going. It can also lead to a little healthy competition. “I was a real couch potato. Since I started training at CLUB F!T my back pain has reduced. The single most important thing?.... For the first time in my life I really enjoy physical activity. Caution - CLUB F!T is highly addictive! Couch potatoes turn into Fitaholics!” says our member Gisela (61). All of the above are real people, who have really said these words above and who can, for their own unique reason, really vouch for CLUB F!T. This New Year 2018, come and meet us at CLUB F!T and discuss with us what you would like to achieve. We don’t bite, we are human, and we are good at listening. We have many, many members who have taken the first step, just as you are about to do, so you can be certain that you will be in safe hands. CLUB F!T is very easy to find, located 5 minutes away from the LIDL store in Jávea, at Centro Comercial Monver, at Calle Roma No 3. Tel: 865 664 888 and 602 211 051. www.club-fit.eu.
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Female Focus
Bunions or HAV?
Bunions
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The Bunion or Hallux Valgus is a deformity of the foot caused by a deviation of the first toe towards the middle axis of the foot and a deviation of the first metatarsal towards the outer edge of the foot accompanied by irregular bone growth in the first metatarsal head and articular incongruity of the metatarsophalangeal joint. This causes pain due to inflammation of the soft tissues of the area from constant friction against footwear and from the structural and mechanical alteration due to the bone deviation. When is it recommended to operate on bunions? It is recommended to operate on bunions when they are painful, when osteoarthritis appears or the structural deformity affects walking correctly which in turn affects other levels of the locomotor system. It is also advisable to perform surgery in cases in which as a result of the bunion, the toes are deforming like when the second toe appears hammer-like. When a patient wishes to undergo an operation a professional should study each case individually, taking into account the age, health status, lifestyle ... etc. At Portalet Clinic, we will explain in detail and alleviate any worries without compromise. What type of technique is carried out at Clinica Podológica Portalet? We perform minimum incision surgery. As its name suggests, it is done using minimal skin incisions, usually 2 to 4mm. Through these millimetric incisions we can reach the soft tissues and bone, without causing injury to the adjacent tissues. Advantages of Minimal Incision Surgery: - Immediate recovery as the procedure is minimal. - The patient walks away with a post-surgical shoe without crutches or help. - After just 48 hours the patient can continue life as normal. - Almost painless. - No fixing bolts or needles used. One of the drawbacks of open surgery is the use of fixing materials, with Minimal Incision Surgery fixations are not necessary as the soft tissues themselves, which we have respected, the joint capsule and a light dressing are responsible for this. - Local anesthetic, only affecting the foot, so the dose used is less. - No hemostasia (restriction of blood flow). As the size of the incision is so small, there is little bleeding so there is no need for a tourniquet, thus avoiding all risks of cutting blood flow. - Less risk of infection. The small size of the incisions also decreases the risk of infection. - Barely visible scaring. CLÍNICA PODOLÓGICA PORTALET Experts in foot surgery - Bunions - Hammertoes - Calcaneal Spur - Helomas (Corn) Etc. Other treatments available at our centre:- Removal of corns and calluses - Ingrown toenails - Removal of warts and fungi - Computerised study of the foot and footsteps - Made to measure orthopedic soles - Treatment for Diabetic Foot. C / Portalet 9, 1st floor G, entrance through the Serrella building in front of Mercadona, Calpe (centre). Telephone: 96 583 5245, email: info@calpepodologos.es or visit: www.calpepodologos.es.
Suffering with Bunions? (or other feet problems)
Before
After
Before
After
KEYHOLE FOOT SURGERY The Effective Solution
This non-invasive approach is fast, effective and costs less than you might think. Call us and we’ll get you back on your feet in no time.
We also diagnose and treat: Bunions / Hallux Valgus, Claw / Hammer Toes, Taylor’s Bunion, Heel Spur, Metatarsalgia (ball of the foot pain) and Neuroma or Morton’s Toe
Lara Virginia Yáñez Carra www.calpepodologos.es
CLINICA PORTALET
Calle Portalet 9, 1st Floor, Door G • Calpe Tel: 96 583 5245 Email: info@calpepodologos.es
FF - Supporting local businesses
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Female Focus
The NEW YEAR starts here! 2018 is now upon us and exciting times are ahead again for the HOMES GARDENS & LIFESTYLE SHOW Team. We are gearing up to deliver another tip - top event in style as this year sees the 9th edition of the Show being staged in our new venue – the 5* location that is the Villa Gadea Hotel in Altea. Directly located on the N332 and just off the AP7 motorway this stunning venue is easy to find, there is plenty of FREE parking and with FREE entry to this Spring Show it’s a must for everyone to come along to visit and enjoy the SHOW! Save the dates and step into Spring in style by enjoying the GM Promotions winning Show formula of fun, features, freebies, prizes and give always galore! The HOMES GARDENS & LIFESTYLE SHOW is your passport to everything you need to know for the what, where, how and who can help/advise you here on the Costa Blanca with inspiration and information at these two fun and entertaining days. Our local experts in their fields will be covering the A – Z of everything that is homes, gardens, lifestyle, leisure, fiscal, financial, as well as health, beauty and wellbeing subjects, along with products and services so you can see, taste, touch, try and buy……. Look out for the new style workshops being presented for 2018, and not to mention the morning talks, presentations and professional afternoon cooking demonstrations…….. We have all the ingredients waiting to be mixed together to cook up the perfect Show that is The One and Only…….. HOMES GARDENS & LIFESTYLE SHOW on 20 & 21 April 2018 from 10am to 5pm at the Villa Gadea Hotel in Altea, Costa Blanca North. See www.gmpromotions.es or Facebook: Homes Gardens and Lifestyle Show for regular updates and Show news. IN BUSINESS? Kick start your 2018 by promoting your business at the Homes Gardens & Lifestyle Show and exhibit /showcase your products or services to thousands of potential customers. Contact GM Promotions for more information and stand availability: gina@gmpromotions.es, telephone 695 399 841 or via www.gmpromotions.es or Facebook Homes Gardens and Lifestyle Show. January Up-Date - IS IT YOUR TIME TO SHINE in 2018? Promotional opportunities available! There is still space at the Show for two talented top chefs to participate with a live cooking demo. One position is left for a restaurant within our Tapa Trail to promote your restaurant for the coming season. Our feature concept Pet Idol is looking for a sponsor, as is our Show Caricaturist. Contact Gina Marks for more information about these. The GM Promotions team would like to wish you all a happy, healthy and successful 2018!
Female Focus
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FITSTEPS Dance Fitness programme Have you heard about FITSTEPS Dance Fitness programme created by Strictly dancers Ian Waite and Natalie Lowe and Olympian Swimmer Mark Foster, that not only gets you fit but trains you to dance like a Strictly dancer? We are lucky enough to have right here on our Costa Blanca doorstep, our very own, highly qualified FITSTEPS instructor, Marina Pawley, who was trained by Ian Waite and awarded two Golds (the two highest accolades for FITSTEPS). They represent excellence and she received one for FITSTEPS (the high impact dance fitness training) and one for FITSTEPS FAB (a lower intensity version, ideal for older people and beginners). At the beginning of December, Marina took a group of her FITSTEPS ladies from Spain to the FITSTEPS Christmas party in Birmingham. They had masterclasses with Ian and Natalie, learned Slow Waltz with them and had a beautiful Christmas dinner where the Strictly celebrities performed three beautiful show dances. “It was incredible to watch Ian and Natalie dance the Waltz, the Rumba and the American Smooth”, the ladies mentioned. “We could recognise the steps as we know them from our classes! We were so happy that our terrific instructor Marina became a finalist of the Best FITSTEPS instructor competition. We absolutely adore our classes where we can learn the steps of Cha Cha Cha, Salsa, Tango, Quick Step, Jive and other dances.” This elegant dance programme is so effective because the posture becomes better as you are holding a frame, the whole body is working creating beautiful lines and it is possible to lose weight (up to 700 calories a class). So now you also have a chance to dance with Marina and learn Ballroom and Latin Strictly dances. You don’t even need a partner as the classes work as a solo. Please, check our Facebook page FITSTEPS Costa Blanca and call 615 472 127. Keeeeep dancing and become our Strictly Super Stars!
FF - Your Magazine
Female Focus
Page 26
www.femalefocusonline.com
Journalist and broadcaster Jack Troughton plays ‘Johnny Foreigner’ and casts an eye over Spain and focuses on stories that serve as a gentle reminder he remains an Englishman abroad. At the time of writing this the stockings have been hung over the fireplace and cross-fingers, sometime between Christmas Eve and the visit of the Three Kings (don’t you just love an extended festive period) someone will pack ‘em full of goodies. Christmas is here, peace on earth and goodwill to all men. A good old ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen’ and a time to reread the classic Dickens ‘A Christmas Carol’ or rerun ‘Scrooge’ if it’s easier to take in a musical. Spain sometimes suffers a bad reputation for excessive bureaucracy; however, as an ever optimistic follower of Christmastide and a keen fan of Father Christmas, Santa Claus, and Papa Noel – so many names for a Number One guy – in the Troughton family, we always hope that in December that red tape is something wrapped around mysterious parcels. Sadly, the deep midwinter of 2017 is more likely to mean a serious BIG CHILL. Unless there is a miracle, those same stockings on the mantelpiece are more likely just to contain a tangerine and a handful of nuts (kids, you may have to seek parental advice at this point!). There now follows a festive message that does not feature HM Queen Elizabeth and a cute Christmas tree background. It does have an ‘elf’ warning and a Grinch...in this case, the Spanish authorities; forgive me, because it is also a rather personal winter’s tale. The Costa Blanca has been home for 13 years – and 2017 is the 13th Christmas celebration. However, there’s the rub. Something has gone awry this year. The family parcel from New Zealand, gifts for four adults and a dog (he likes venison chews) has yet to touchdown on the Costa. But it has arrived in Spain. Oh yes, it is on Spanish soil; in the capital and at the airport. It is in the icy mitts of the authorities. The warning was a letter, featuring the word ‘Correos’ as a letterhead, so the first port of call was the local post office, hoping to pick up the seasonal pressies – the form had ‘tick boxes’ so ‘gift’ was an easy one to agree with. Contents and value were hard to describe; it should be written on the outside in a declaration – and the cliff edge
came when a helpful member of staff explained the parcel was in Madrid and the Grinch required information. No one, it seems, messes with the authorities and words like ‘tax’ and ‘duty’ were bandied about. A ‘phone call to NZ took place – apparently the Spanish government hates surprises – and a list of values, contents and even makes and labels was drawn up and entered onto a special website...even though it should be on the parcel (can’t guarantee this, it remains unseen, but the New Zealand post office insists on the paperwork). There was one difficulty in trying to comply. The website did not accept an entry for NZ dollars (it does now, possibly the only victory in this mess) and so notes were added: Christmas gifts for said adults and a dog and the real currency. A form duly arrived. A ransom demand: pay €194.08 for goodies worth, in Spain’s eyes, more than €420. In fact the shirt, dress, t-shirts, chocolates (exported from Europe) and bits and pieces are valued at about €200. Using fingers and toes, this means Spain wants to charge, give or take, 100% in various taxes for something that contains personal gifts. When a similar parcel arrived 12 months ago – at the doorstep – our host government wanted in the region of €38 in duty. Naturally, there has been more correspondence, even an apology for not having a NZ dollar key. The necessary to ensure delivery has even been reduced to €134.52. But it is still a very sizeable hit; the value of the contents has not changed....still about €200. The situation has baffled friends who have lived here for centuries; accountants and solicitors seem unable to explain a very basic question ‘why?’ Hopefully there will be update for Female Focus ahead of Christmas 2018; perhaps in time for the next issue. The stockings are still on the mantelpiece. The presents are still in Madrid. As the legendary ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ appears over the horizon, your humble correspondent can’t help but name two reindeer through gritted teeth....Donner and Blitzen! Happy New Year...hope you all enjoyed a good one.
Female Focus
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Fruit scone This is such an easy and quick recipe to whip up for an afternoon tea, for unexpected guests and just because you fancy a winter treat! Who could resist a crumbly fruity scone with lashing of jam and cream? How do you eat yours - jam then cream or cream then jam? The Devonshire way is to split the scone in half with clotted cream and jam on top while the Cornish have jam first followed by cream. Ingredients 225g self raising flour (plus extra for rolling) 50g butter 25g mixed fruit/sultanas 25g sugar 150ml whole milk (plus extra for brushing) A pinch of salt Time: 15 mins prep, 10-15 mins cook time. Makes/Serves: 8-10 Recipe • Preheat the oven to 220°C (fan 200°C/425°F/Gas 7). Grease a large baking tray. • In a large mixing bowl sift the flour with the salt. • Rub in the butter until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. • Add the sugar and dried fruit mix well. • Slowly stir in the milk, mix until it comes together into a sticky dough. • Turn onto a floured board; gently roll or pat out until about 1cm thick. Dip a pastry cutter into dry flour cut into 8-10 pieces. • Place on the baking tray, brush the tops with a little milk. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until golden and well risen. • Cool for a couple of minutes on a wire rack before serving. Tips: Best served warm. If made ahead reheat in a low oven for 5 minutes. Serve with jam, whipped fresh double or clotted cream, or just plain butter.
New dates for Curry On Cooking Indian Cookery Courses 15 - 20 February 2018 and 12 - 17 April 2018 Relax, unwind, feed and nurture your mind, body and soul in beautiful and tranquil surroundings of AKINON RESORT in La Nucia with CURRY ON COOKING’s Spice Sisters. The retreat offers an excellent introduction to the colourful and inspiring cuisine of India. Learn about Indian spices and their healing properties; master staples such as bread, cheese, yogurt, ghee and curry making in a modern teaching kitchen. Plus experience the gifts of nature this beautiful resort has to offer paired with yoga, mindfulness, relaxing spa treatments and delicious food. For further information please email: keepcalm@curryoncooking.com or info@akinonresort.com. Watch, Like and Share: Girls On Film:Check out our recipe for Durban street food Bunny Chow https://youtu.be/l9r_cg4ySTE (No animals were harmed in the making of this video!) and for handy hints and masterclasses https://www.youtube.com/curryoncooking. Recipe supplied by The Spice Sisters - www.curryoncooking.com.
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Female Focus
oroscope
ARIES If you work hard this year you will see great improvements in your career and your personal life and through these changes you will finish the year as a much better, smarter and stronger person. You will be recognised as the leader you are and people will see that you can make the right decision when under pressure. This will bring rewards so you can start making plans for bigger and better things for your future. Plan carefully and this will start having a snowball effect through the whole year. Widen your group of colleagues and acquaintances but narrow your inner circle, both at work and in your social life. Get to know these closer friends and colleagues better and you will all benefit. TAURUS If you carry on doing the same thing over and over you will get the same result. Something needs to change in order for you to get where you want to go. Have a good look at where you are, what you have and who you have surrounded yourself with. Keep the people and things that are good for you, help you and support you and rid yourself of negative people and possessions. You are going to have a steady year without the highs and lows of recent years. Things will be running more smoothly mainly because you are more in control of things, rather than things controlling you. At work be smarter, make sure you only deal with the people who count, don’t waste time on those who really don’t care about your or their futures. GEMINI 2018 is going to be a very social year for you with so many opportunities to meet new people and try new things. Some will involve more risks than you are used to but this brings out a side of you that everyone, including you likes. The middle of the year will see major changes in your work life. It won’t come as a surprise as you will have been building up to it from the start of the year. For some this is a climb up the ladder and for others it will be the start to winding down. Whichever these are exciting times. In your personal life you will start the year finding everything a lit bit annoying, but very soon things will get back to normal and you will be bringing out the best in everyone around you. CANCER This year is your year to shine. Everyone is there to help you, you just have to see the signs and make the most of their support. Don’t feel like you are using them as you will also pass this on by giving support to all those who deserve it. The results will mean everyone benefits and improves. Money will be an issue for someone very close and although your first thought is to bail them out, maybe advising and helping them to get themselves out of the situation is the best cause of action. They may not thank you at first but will appreciate it later on. It will also prove their commitment to your relationship is something special. LEO You overcame some battles and sticky situations in 2017 and this coming year will see that the things you achieved will only be strengthened as time passes, making this a great year for you. There will be ups and downs but you are now more equipped than ever to work through these times. Slow down a little, you have been going so fast recently that you are missing opportunities. Let things come to you more rather than chasing everything and you will see improvements in all aspects of your life, without so much effort on your part. VIRGO Work matters are at the forefront this year although don’t worry, it won’t be as hard as it sounds as this is your forte. Changes are being made and with these will come some issues with money but this will soon improve as things come into play. You are a great judge of what will and will not work so don’t let others change your plans. Don’t ignore them though, they may have some good ideas to add. Your family will be great support during this time so let them take some of the strain and you will all end the year in a better place.
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FF - For The Community
Find out what the stars have in store for you for 2018 LIBRA 2018 will be a great year for business plans, whether they are starting a new business or expanding an existing one. A partner may cause problems but they are nothing you cannot deal with and were done naïvely rather than intentionally. You are approached with business offers which you need to give some serious thought to. Ask advice from someone you trust but who is not so close they will be biased due to the circumstances. Your personal relationships are important and you will be making some big decisions about your future. For some this will mean wedding bells and celebrations are in the pipeline. For others it may mean moving on from someone who is not on the same path as you are. SCORPIO From the very start of the year you will be on a mission and you are not going to let anything stop you reaching your goal. As long as you are thoughtful towards others whilst achieving this, you will get their full support. You are practical enough to know that things can not be done too quickly and patient enough to see things through to the end. Why not bring someone along on this journey, sharing the experience will make it all the more special and will give you the support you need when things get tough. It will also create a friendship which will last a lifetime, something not many people are lucky enough to find. SAGITTARIUS Nothing can stop you this year. You know exactly where you want to be by the end of the year and you have a plan to get you there. Make sure you are not so fixed on this idea that you miss opportunities along the way which could actually make things better. Also don’t be so blinkered that you lose those who are important to you by not including them in this, after all this is done to make things better for them as well. Make sure they know this or they may see it as just a selfish mission on your part. CAPRICORN Life will make much more sense this year. Things will be so much clearer making it easier for you to make decisions. You will be more organised and more energised and this will allow you to refocus and achieve more than you thought was possible. You will make progress as never before and reach goals you felt were beyond you. This will mean your ultimate goals will change again as you push yourself harder and further. New opportunities will being new connections which will only add to the possibilities. AQUARIUS Although you are seen as a bit of a joker sometimes, people know how seriously you take the important things life throws at you. You have been a rock for so many and are always the person they turn to when they need advice or support. This year you will need those skills more than ever as you are confronted by some life changing moments. You will be the calm one to help organising and making sure everything runs smoothly. At work you will see people come and go but you are happy where you are and know you have their respect. In your personal life things will be especially harmonious as those close to you thrive on your calming influence. You are a great support to each other and soon smooth out any bad patches that inevitably come along. PISCES Intuition has always played a big part in your decision making and your sensitivity to situations will be significant in the choices you make this year. You have dreams, as we all do, but yours are not just pipe dreams, they are possible, and even more so this year as someone sees your potential. Don’t make changes lightly, your plans are good. Make sure any adjustments are made for the better and not just so someone else can say they had a part in it. Alternatively don’t ignore good ideas just so you can keep strictly to your plan. Although home life can be challenging at times you really would not want it any other way, you really do have each other’s back. This has the potential to be a great year in all aspects of your life. Don’t mess it up.
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Female Focus
The Teulada – Moraira Lions Present “The Desperados” in Concert The Teulada – Moraira Lions are once again proud to present the best tribute to the Eagles here in Spain. The “Desperados” will be performing in Espai la Senieta, Moraira, on Sunday 28 January starting at 7.30pm. The Desperados are a fabulous tribute to the legendary Eagles and the last time they performed in Moraira the show was a sell out with a long waiting list. The band will be performing all the Eagles classics such as Tequila Sunrise, One of these Nights, Lyin’ Eyes, Witchy Woman, Desperado and of course the evergreen “Hotel California” plus many, many more. So shake off those post-holiday blues and book your tickets for a great show in a lovely theatre priced at only 15€. There will be a complimentary bar available and we will be holding a raffle. All proceeds will go to the Teulada – Moraira Lions Charities. For tickets and information please call 96 649 1917 or email colinlilley1424@gmail.com. For information on all our events please call 96 649 9954 / 618 017 201 or email peter_john1@hotmail.com.
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Female Focus
FF - Your Healthy Magazine
MABS Cancer Support Fundacion MABS has changed status and is now a FUNDACION, our CIF number has also changed to G54982681. It has taken over three and half years to obtain the certificate from Madrid, who now control the Fundacion. We are now national and cover the whole of Spain including the Balearic Islands. The trustees of the Fundacion are: Jacqui Phillips MBE. - President, 686 305 006. Thelma Dunn - Secretary and Beverley Thompson - Treasurer. MABS Cancer Support Fundación’s commitment in Spain can be summed up in this short sentence: “To care, comfort and counsel people affected by cancer.” Cancer, in all its forms, is estimated to affect one of us every minute, every day. Cancer cares not for who you are, what you do, what you think or where you are from. Cancer cares not that it affects a close family member or relative, or a friend, or of course ourselves. As a Cancer Support Fundación, MABS is available to anyone of any nationality who needs help as a result of: - being diagnosed with cancer. - bereavement due to cancer. - affected by a spouse or partner having cancer. - no respite from spouse or partner with cancer. We are here to help and we are ever only a phone call away. Please visit www.mabscancerfoundation.com for information on your closest contact.
Keep up to date with forthcoming events
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House and Home
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Female Focus
Arts Society Marina Alta
Presentation: Thursday 1 February at Salones Canor, Teulada. Art Treasures of Madrid by Harry Fletcher. The Chairman and Committee are pleased to confirm that the first AGM of the Arts Society Marina Alta will be held at the Salones Canor, Teulada on Thursday 1 February. Registration of members starting at 9.45am, the AGM starts at 10.15am, followed by our first presentation at 11am. The Society is on the move! It is a victim of it’s own success! And the restrictions to access of our original venue by the proposed development of the promenade between the town and the Parador Hotel. The move is to Salones Canor, Cami d’Assagador de Canor, Teulada, which we hope will bring equal success in our second year. We believe it will be of greater benefit to our members to have a larger area for our presentations, better disabled access and more than adequate onsite parking. Our first presentation in 2018 will be Art Treasures of Madrid presented by Harry Fletcher, who will be making a return visit but with a different subject. Harry has been involved with Art & Design education in the U.K. at both secondary and university level for many years as tutor and examiner. He is also noted as a portrait painter and has some success as a practicing artist in his own right, having been shortlisted for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition in London. Harry’s excellent illustrations, combined with his in-depth knowledge of the treasures held in the private homes and museums of Madrid, will allow us to walk in the ‘barrios’ with Sorolla, Velazquez, Goya, El Greco and many others. Madrid is a unique City of Arts by any standards and we will see the best of the best with Harry. As is our usual practice, drinks will be available after the presentation to enable members, guests and visitors to mix socially. The new venue for 2018: Salones Canor, Cami d’Assagador de Canor, Teulada. Doors open for visitors 10.45am for 11am start. Visitors are welcome by prior arrangement at secretary@marinaaltaarts.com.
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House and Home
Carbon Monoxide Alarm! - Five Steps to Safety 1. Buy and fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm today. An audible alarm can be bought widely at DIY and hardware stores. This is the most important thing that you can do to protect your family from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. The use of “Black Spot” carbon monoxide patches is not recommended, as although they can detect CO, they will not protect you if you are poisoned while you are sleeping. 2. Ensure all your appliances are serviced at least once a year. All fuel burning appliances should be serviced annually by an engineer qualified to do so. If you are a tenant in rented accommodation with gas appliances check that they have been checked within the last 12 months. 3. Don’t block ventilation to your appliances. Make sure that there is plenty of ventilation to rooms which contain appliances or which contain open fires or solid fuel burners. Ensure that vents and flues are not blocked. 4. Make sure your chimneys are swept and kept clear of debris. Make sure that chimneys are swept at least once a year by a qualified Chimney Sweep. A Chimney Sweep can also check your chimney does not leak with a smoke test. Chimneys can become blocked, for example with birds’ nests if they are not used in the summer. 5. If in doubt call for expert advice or emergency help. In an emergency, or if your CO Alarm goes off, open doors and windows for ventilation and ensure everyone leaves the house. You should seek medical advice and ensure all appliances are serviced and checked. Do not use them again until you are told it is safe to do so. Do not become a victim of the silent killer. Awareness of carbon monoxide poisoning can help save lives. A Carbon Monoxide Alarm is an essential for every home, in addition to annual servicing of boilers and other appliances. An audible Carbon Monoxide Alarm is the key to saving lives.
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House and Home
Female Focus
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Happy New Year to all The Christmas and New Year holidays are always a great time to reflect, but mainly to look forward to a new year, a new you, a new garden.
www.charlesworthgardens.com
Charlesworth Gardens is one of the only proper garden design and landscape companies on the Costa Blanca, we deal with any garden, any size and in any state. We can either design directly for you or in association with your architect and work with any other existing contractors you may have. Our whole ethos is to create and design a garden around you and what you need, while adding that extra special something to make sure you get something completely unique. All of our gardens are completely individual, as they match our customers and no one person is the same. Our skilled team have building skills across the board, as any good landscape company should do and as much as we use some sub- contractors, we only use the best and we only use them to make sure the projects develops at the rate they should do. Our unique way of designing allows us to be creative with design and materials to make your garden be whatever you want from an idyllic country finca style or to ultra modern clean design, we can create the look you desire.
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START YOUR DAY WITH A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP
QUALITY BEDS & BED LINEN FROM BUDGET TO LUXURY All British sizes available • Styles to suit all pockets FREE assembly, caster cups & delivery* FREE disposal of your old bed C.C. Byblos Local 8, Ctra. Calpe-Moraira, Los Pinos 1K (Coast Road) Calpe Tel: 965 836 814 Email: info@thebedcentre.com www.thebedcentre.com Opening Hours: Monday - Friday: 10am - 5pm Saturday: 10am - 1.30pm *FREE DELIVERY from GANDIA to ALICANTE
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House and Home
Planning in advance and trying to jump on things is certainly the smart option. We, as with many other contract companies, often book up quite early and before any agreement is made on work, there is the whole process of design, pricing and possibly re-designing and repricing before any of this can go ahead, so starting the process earlier rather than later is always the clever thing to do. Depending on what sort of work is required then we may have to get town hall licences and this can sometimes take a little time to get organised and in place before any work can commence. When using Charlesworth Gardens you don’t only get a unique design service, creating a garden design for you and not generic run of the mill garden, but we also supply all of our own plants via our sister company. This allows us to get great plants at great prices and it also allows us to be very flexible with your plant budget, again giving you full control over your spending. We have been building a list of specialist suppliers over 17 years, with one thing in mind, allowing us to make the best for you. We deal with every aspect of your garden and if you want to see just a small selection of the amazing projects we have completed over the past 17 years then log onto our web site www.charlesworthgardens.com. If you want to make your garden, new or old, something special and unique, a space that adds value to your house and your lives then contact Charlesworth Gardens to bring your dreams to life. For more information please give us a call on 696 283 704, email info@charlesworthgardens.com or visit www.charlesworthgardens.com and www.floresgardencentre.com.
FF House & Home
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Female Focus
SUZY’S Spectacular New Year Sale Starts 2nd January Happy 2018!
To celebrate the New Year, for one week only UP TO 50% OFF on selected items. But HURRY....come and see all the interesting and quirky things that SUZY’S has to offer.
This is your chance to MAKE YOUR HOUSE INTO A HOME AT BRILLIANT SALE PRICES ...each item individually marked. Sale ends 9th January. See advert below left for contact details.
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House and Home
What’s on trend for 2018?
I don’t know about you but I’m looking forward to 2018, definitely a case of ‘out with the old and in with the new’ and as ever at Lotus Interiors we are thinking of what is new, exciting, cool and inspiring in the world of interiors. Adios 2017 and Hola 2018 You may remember Greenery was the 2017 Pantone Colour of the Year and it’s slowly making its way into the market but the year has flown by and we already have more inspiration to ponder for the year ahead. The trend for 2018 is predicted by the experts to be bright and bold with the renaissance of navy blue, a welcome back to teal and the 2017 predicted favourite, Kale green. Surprisingly soft pink is still making a trend in 2018 and classic metallics still appear to be holding their own against the neutrals, but bold Hot Red is snapping at their heels. ‘Out with the old and in with the bold’ The bold colour trend has been pushing its way through from as early as 2012, but it’s full force is now hitting and there is no looking back. At the International Home + Housewares Show, Pantone Colour Institute executive director Leatrice Eiseman revealed what colour and design trends we can expect this year and it’s definitely bright bold colours and coordinating fabrics. Anything goes and there is something for everyone! So what are the colour trends for 2018? Navy Blue. Navy has always been a safe bet as a strong neutral and a great infusion other than a safe beige. This year Navy blues should be teamed with hot reds and vibrant yellows to make a real impact on a neutral background; not for the faint hearted but definitely a statement. Teal. I love teal, it has always been one of my favourite colours and since it has become so trendy the shade variations are infinite. It combines well with so many colours, from red, to pink, to yellow and even orange especially in our Mediterranean light. Kale. This is a beautiful healing shade of green that made its trend debut for 2017 and so it’s no surprise that this colour is springing up everywhere. What started out as a small pop is certainly making a big bang especially on the upholstery stage, so if you don’t like green (and it’s amazing how many of our clients don’t) it may be time to readdress your preconceived thoughts and explore this beautifully natural colour. Peony. Being a girly girl I love a bit of blush pink and this year Peony is the pink of choice. Those amongst us that follow feng shui, will know that this is a soft and healing colour that helps to evoke a feeling of calm and in keeping with the bolder colour trend, this year’s Peony is a stronger version of the ever popular Rose Quartz chosen as 2016’s colour of the year. Red. Oh yes at last! Definitely a favourite of my team and apparently the hotter the better! The trend for 2018 is to make feature walls stand out in bold colour with hot red being the leading favourite. Teamed with bold coordinating fabrics it works just as well in finca style villas where the feel is cosy and warm, as in modern bright villas where the look is bold and colourful. So there we have it, just a taster to some of the colour trends that we can expect for 2018. The mantra is that ‘there is something for everyone’ whether you live in a traditional style finca or a modern open plan glass structure. Here at Lotus Interiors we have fabrics to suit every budget and every personal choice and we are here to help and give advice on every aspect of interior design. So make a ‘New Year resolution’ why not give the studio a call and book a free home visit, we would love to help and inspire you. Oh and Happy New Year, let’s hope it’s a good one for all of us.
Tammi
Lotus Interiors, Ctra. Moraira 14-16, Benitachell. Call 96 649 3232. www.lotusinteriors.es.
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FF - Your charity Magazine
Charity Boutique opens in El Verger The Society for the Care of Animals in Need has just opened a brand new retail experience in El Verger. The SCAN Boutique focuses on pre-loved and some new designer clothing, handbags, accessories and jewellery. The bright, airy space provides the ideal setting for browsing the spacious new showroom and picking out a bargain. It also sells household accessories, books, DVDs, linen, bedding and much more. SCAN, an animal charity, rescues and rehabilitates abandoned cats and dogs and has rehomed over 2000 animals since 2012. Every item sold in the shop helps a vulnerable animal towards a future free of cruelty and hunger. So why not come along and discover their quality merchandise, all at remarkably attractive prices. And help give the animals the future they deserve. The Boutique is at Carrer Doctor Domenech 5, El Verger, just along from Consum supermarket and is open Monday to Friday 10am to 1pm. More details can be found on Facebook; search for Scan Charity Shop and on the website at www.scancostablanca.com/scan-shop together with information on the work they do and the animals eagerly waiting their special someone, someone to give them a new home where they can be loved and loving. Quark is a beautiful and playful kitten. Shelter open every Sunday 10am - 12pm or call Luisa 648 100 629. Aldea Felina Denia Cat Protection League. For information on other animals for adoption please visit www.aldeafelina.es.
This is Sultan. His lifelong friend at the shelter Dulce is being adopted and they were inseparable,so he will miss her dearly. Finding a home of his own would be great. Sultan is approximately 5 years old, castrated, sociable and gentle dog. Contact 605 575 883. APROP animal shelter, Pego.
Maggie May our beautiful easy older pod (about 8 years old). She is the most loving happy girlie with no hang ups at all. If you can offer this special girl the home she deserves or for more information please telephone the PEPA helpdesk on 650 304 746 or email: p.e.p.a.animalcharity@gmail.com. Bowie is a lovely dog, he so friendly and great with people, children and female dogs. He loves walks and is great on the lead. He would need to bring his cuddly duck with him though! For more information or a walk and cuddle with Bowie call 657 689 567 or email akirashelter@gmail.com. Facebook: Akira Benissa Dog Sanctuary. www.akira-animals.com.
Carlo is a very friendly dog, good with people of all ages and mixes well with other dogs. He has been castrated, vaccinated and micro chipped. Carlo has Leish but has no health problems from this condition. D.O.B approx. Jan 2009. If you can give Carlo a loving home, please contact the Animal Shelter on 600 845 420. www.k9club.es.
Depending on the breed, your dog has between 125 million to 300 million scent glands - compared to only 5 million for humans. And the part of your dog’s brain that controls smell is 40 times larger than yours - that’s true, even though the canine brain is much smaller than the human, relative to size. A human’s brain is about 1/40th of their body weight while a dog’s brain is only 1/125th. PONCHO, male, 6yrs. He is happy and eager to play and befriend both humans and dogs. He enjoys cuddles and loves his food so will be easy to train further. He is adorable. Chip, passport, vaccinated. He is leish positive. Call: 626 550 864. Find us on Facebook or visit www.scancostablanca.com.
Felipe, approx 7 years old, stallion, lovely nature - full of fun and loves a cuddle. His owner has recently died so he is desperate for a new home. Please contact us at apacprotectora@gmail.com for more informacion or check out our website www.apac-cv.com. GUAPO, male, Schnauzer Mix; DOB12.08 – 56 cm. He is a very friendly dog and therefore he could be kept together with another dog. He would fit into a family as he likes children. For more information call 618 754 635. www.apasa.eu.
Polly is a 13 week old kitten and she is now ready for a forever home: Polly is a confident kitten who loves cuddles and is very playful. Call 645 469 253. Email: info@petsinspain.com. To view more visit www.petsinspain.com.
Pet Charity Advert Spaces Sponsored by Dragon Insurance..... For ALL your Pet Insurance Needs
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FF - Your charity Magazine
Can animals be treated with homoeopathy? The short answer is Yes. Homeopathy has been found to be one of the best holistic and safest treatments for many humans, but not only humans can benefit from this therapeutic method; increasingly there are more and more veterinarians who are using homoeopathy for dogs, cats, horses, and many more species. Veterinary homeopathy is a safe, effective and powerful form of medicine, and all sorts of animals can be treated, whether they are companion animals, working animals or farm animals. Homeopathy uses the principle discovered and developed by Dr Samuel Hahnemann in Saxony during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. He discovered that homoeopathic treatment to his horse’s eye solved the inflammation, and afterwards discovered that the same methods could be applied to other animals. These days many veterinarians choose homeopathy due to the chronic and recurring nature of many ailments in animals because the idea behind using homeopathy is to strengthen the immunity of the animals and treat the disease from the root cause. According the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy, any problem that can be treated conventionally can also be solved with homeopathy, but with the added advantage of no toxic or secondary side effects. This is why we can even use homoeopathic medicines in ecological farm animals used for human consumption e.g. meat, milk, eggs. Recurrence rates are also almost minimal or negligible when homeopathy is used. Examples of diseases in animals that respond very well to homeopathy are: skin allergies, ear infections, asthma, IBD, epilepsy and many other conditions. Homeopathy can rapidly treat acute diseases like traumatic injuries, infections and poisonings as well. So how do you ‘interview’ an animal to establish its ailments? An interview in homoeopathy in animals follows exactly the same principals as with humans; the veterinarian will conduct a careful and thorough consultation with the owner/ carer. By posing questions to the owner a complete ‘history’ is taken, gaining information about the nature and frequency of the symptoms, time of occurrence, possible aggravating and ameliorating factors, about the pet’s overall demeanour and behaviour. From the answers and findings the vet will be able to recognise the particular symptoms from which the animal is suffering and be able to identify the problem. Furthermore they will do a full physical examination and if necessary will use additional diagnostic methods, to correctly diagnose the problem. On this basis they will be able to prescribe the correct homoeopathic medicine that will stimulate the organism in the healing process. Can we treat all illnesses with Homoeopathy? It all depends on the severity of the disease or pathology, and the ability of the animal to respond. Even pathologies that require surgery can be complemented with a homoeopathic treatment. Please feel free to come into the clinic if your pet is suffering from any long term or chronic illness and would like to find out how homoeopathic medicine can help your pet. Article supplied by Clinica Veterinaria El Puerto in Javea. English Spoken. Av Lepanto No 8, Local 10. Tel 96 579 3551. Emergencies 657 823 784. www.elpuerto-veterinaria.com.
Dragon Insurance · We Insure just about anything · 96 649 3762 · www.dragoninsure.com
Stage Diary by Benny Davis
Female Focus
Going Out - Page 40
This year, the Stage Diary will be celebrating its 11th year of publication. Not only is it an important guide to what's on in all regions, but is also an on-line web introduction to potential expat’s researching community life in Spain. The diary also acts as a planning guide to assist groups avoid unnecessary clashes of production dates. A c t o r s Community T h e a t r e Company: ACTS amateur dramatic group know how to have fun. They don't just produce plays, they recently had a treasure hunt which was well supported, even if some of them got lost in their own backyard. More fun promised with their October production of 'Calendar Girls' so anyone interested in auditioning or working with the group backstage or front of house please contact Tony Goddard on: newleaf2014@hotmail.co.uk. Cantabile Ladies C h o i r : Wi t h t h e Christmas concerts now over, the choir is well into rehearsals for their April programme. 'Far Away Places' is a selection of songs from around the world, sung in a variety of languages. Dates to be confirmed shortly. They always welcome new members to this friendly, hard working ladies' choir. Contact: valcantabile@gmail.com or telephone: 96 679 5816. Rehearsals are Fridays 2.45pm - 5pm at La Siesta Church, Torrevieja.
Costa Blanca Male Voice Choir: Following their very successful Christmas season, the choir will be rehearsing every Tuesday evening at 5.45pm in Bar Mediterráneo, Teulada, ready for a new programme of concerts in the spring. New members are always welcome and more details can be found on their website:http://costablancamalevoicechoir.wikidot.com/. Jávea Players: Don't miss 'Are there More of You?' in the Jávea Studio, 22 - 27 January. Acclaimed actress Alison Skilbeck depicts four women at crisis point, revealing what lies behind the brave faces of Claire, Sophia, Sara and Sam. There's anger, resignation, retaliation: it's scary and hilarious by turn as the different characters search for love and happiness, with only a SW postcode in common. Tickets 12€. Booking: www.javeaplayers.com or boxoffice@javeaplayers.com. New Cardinal Theatre Group: After a very successful year, the group are now busy preparing their 2018 production. More details next month. In the meantime, they wish to thank all those who supported them and look forward to welcoming new members, especially technical personnel for sound, lighting, and stage management. If you are interested, please contact Tom on 96 679 0547, or mobile 691 737 442. Oliva Drama and Cultural Association: ODCA's next event is 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears', a family pantomime by TLC Creative, which will take place at the Olimpia Theatre, Oliva, in early February. See the evil Queen Bee and her minions try to spoil the Teddy Bears' Picnic, and watch out for the wolf! For more information please phone: 644 889 155, email olivadramagroup@gmail.com, or see their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OlivaDrama. Phoenix Dancers: The Dancers are flying into 2018 and wish all their supporters a very Happy New Year. continued on next page
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Caprice: After a short Christmas break, Caprice are looking forward to their next concert, 'Just One of Those Things' based on the music of Gershwin and Cole Porter. This will be performed on Friday 2 March in La Senieta, Moraira in support of the local Alzheimer's charity. For more information, contact musical director Aileen; 696 514 613 or via the choir's website – www.capriceladieschoir.com.
Careline Theatre: It's party at the panto in Alcalali with a free glass of cava on the opening night of 'Robin Hood – The Panto'. Directed by Marian Carter, it will have all the traditional pantomime ingredients with Careline's trademark professional touch. Dates are 18 to 21 January at 8pm, with matinees on 20 and 21 at 3pm. Contact the Box Office on: 605 181 726 and at: carelineboxoffice@gmail.com.
Female Focus
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Phoenix Dancers: Continued from previous page 2017 raised lots of money for various charities and they hope this will continue this year. They need more singers and dancers to enable them to raise even more funds while running with two separate shows. Anyone interested please phone Phaedra; 607 29 08 90. The dancers are based in Calpe.
Studio32:
Stage Diary Continued
Rascals: Their last production, 'White Christmas' played to packed audiences every night. Bookings are now being taken for their summer show; the Broadway hit 'Chicago'. Provisional dates are Wednesday 30 May to Saturday 2 June at the Cardenal Belluga Theatre in San Fulgencio. Full details are on their website, www.studiothirtytwo.org. Reserved seating tickets are now on pre-order, priced at 10€ each. To book send an email to tickets@studiothirtytwo.org.
Their Christmas programme raised money for the children's homes and D.E.B.R.A. (Butterfly Children) mattress Appeal. They also sang for Age Concern, Reach Out Christmas lunches, a party for the students of A.L.P.E, residents of the Rojales home and for Tasha's appeal. New members are needed to carry this work for the local community. Join up and make new friends by contacting Jill on 96 672 7282. Rojales Pantomime Group: Cast and crew are putting the final touches to their pantomime, 'Alibaba and the Forty Thieves'. A dedicated team and new cast members are pulling out all the stops to stage another fun filled pantomime with the proverbial happy ending. Don't miss it at the Escuela de Musica Los Montesinos, 11, 12 and 13 January. Tickets; 7€, 5€ children. Reservations and info from Christine; 678 212 034 shimserv@gmail.com. www.rojalespantomimegroup.com. Sounds Familiar: The group's next production, a musical theatre version of, 'The Pirates of Penzance' is well underway and will be performed in March 2018. The show has been re-vamped with updated music, although the songs themselves have not been changed. For more information please contact Philip: 96 558 1483. Stagestruck: 2017 saw the group raising 2000€ for their main charity, Alzheimer's Association. The programme included two Christmas themed Murder Mysteries and two Review Nights. A summer show is planned for 2018. For more info contact: Jenny on 608 129 983.
Valley Voices: The Voices closed 2017 with two Christmas concerts, joining the Orba Spanish Choir who were celebrating their 30th Anniversary. It was standing room only in their favourite venue, Orba Church, resulting in a large donation being made to Caritas. They would like to thank all for their support, especially their new sponsor, Rob Park at Jacaranda in Jalon. A warm welcome awaits anyone wishing to join this happy band of singers, please contact Jennie: 96 648 0062 or jenniewren38@outlook.com. Velvetones Harmony Choir: After a busy festive season, the Choir will return to rehearsals on 10 January. If you would like to sing with them, why not pop along to a rehearsal session at El Paraiso Restaurant, Torrevieja on any Wednesday from 10am -12.30pm. Check their website for further details:www.velvetonesharmonytorreivieja.com.
If you would like your group to be included on a strictly regular monthly basis, please contact benny@female-focus.com for full details. Information updated on the 17th of every month for the following month.
FF Serving the community since 1993
Female Focus
Going Out - Page 42
Verbos útiles - Useful verbs - The P - Q - R of useful Spanish verbs, this is SPANISH WORD SEARCH something we had already done in our sister publication The QF Focus Magazine that proved so popular we thought we would bring it to a wider audience (with new grids), next month covering the S - V of verbs. Try and find the 20 Spanish (blue) words, remember they can go up, down, across, diagonally or even backwards and to make it harder, some letters will have been used more than once! PAGAR - to PAY PARECER - to SEEM / APPEAR PARTIR - to DIVIDE / to LEAVE PASAR - to PASS, TO SPEND (time), to HAPPEN PEDIR - to REQUEST / ASK FOR PENSAR - to THINK PERDER - to LOSE PERMITIR - to PERMIT, ALLOW PODER - to BE ABLE, CAN PONER - to PUT / PLACE PREGUNTAR - to ASK PRESENTAR - to INTRODUCE PRODUCIR - to PRODUCE QUEDAR - to STAY, REMAIN QUERER - to WANT, LOVE REALIZAR - to ACHIEVE / ACCOMPLISH RECIBIR - to RECEIVE / WELCOME / GREET RECONOCER - to RECOGNIZE RECORDAR - to REMEMBER / REMIND RESULTAR - to RESULT IN /PROVE
SUDOKU
P Q R
Here are two Sudoku puzzles of different skill levels for you to try. 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, that means that no number is repeated in any row, column or box. See classified section for Sudoku answers
Moftag Xmas Fair review The weather was perfect, the atmosphere jolly and Moftag would like to thank everyone who came along on Saturday 9 December and supported this event. We had our most successful Fair ever with the amount of 1500€ being raised! This money will be used to support our local charities next year and we are thrilled that we can once again support :- The Calpe Food Bank, The Red Cross, The Gargasindi School and Maite Boronat Centre.
Female Focus
Going Out - Page 43
Gandia Area Social Club (International) Put More Life In Your Life With The GASC!!
The club has been in existence for 30 years plus (!) but has grown in strength in every way in the last few years. We hold monthly Dinner Dances with live (high class) entertainment at the Viva España Restaurant on the N-332 in Oliva. Apart from the music nights we have monthly quiz and dinner evenings and weekly sporting activities, badminton, walking, hiking, petanque and trips away. There are always lots of good things happening to enjoy in the GASC! Below are the monthly Dinner Dances we have lined up for you in 2018.
FF - Supporting Local Charities
The First Noel F o r D e c e m b e r, the Scrabble Club enjoyed the Christmas spirit one week earlier than normal. NOEL was the key word for this month's play. The player that laid the first word with an N in it, won a prize; the second with an O in it, then using an E and lastly the L. A bonus prize went to Di who laid the word NOEL right at the beginning. Four brave members then tried their hand at playing "Super Scrabble". This is a very different game to the normal board with more tiles, more double words, triple words and even quadruple squares. Phil had the highest score for that game. Meanwhile Christine showed three other players a game using scrabble cards - altogether different and really requiring a much bigger table. Russ won through on this foursome. In the draw Russ triumphed and won himself a bottle of wine. The next meeting will be on Tuesday 30 January starting at 3.30pm at Cafe Almoradi- opposite the health centre.
Thursday 11 January - New Year Party with Greg Bannis (Greg was the lead singer with Hot Chocolate for 18 years! Thursday 15 February - St Valentines Party, Magic of the Musicals II Karen Noble. Thursday 22 March - ROD STEWART a tribute by the best David John -- TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT! Thursday 19 April - The Superb CHARLENE DEVLIN with DIVAS of POP. Thursday 24 May - THE PHIL COLLINS EXPERIENCE by Rob Lewis. Thursday 21 June - Jim McMail sings the songs and has the style of the four members of the Rat Pack & a session portraying Sir Tom Jones. Thursday 19 July - Summer BBQ at El Eden, Chill Out Lounge in Oliva with The Stoned Band, Francis leads the band with all those Stones favourites. Thursday 20 September -The Blues Brothers Benidorm. From the cult movie a fantastic show live on stage for the club Thursday 18 October - Elvis is in the House! Simon Patrick with his stunning and exciting tribute to Elvis. We have the excellent Timewarp Duo in support. Thursday 15 November - We have waited so long but at last the ultimate tribute to the late Mr George Michael by James Bermingham. With Timewarp Duo in Support. Thursday 13 December - Christmas Party The Cavern Club visits GASC. All the sounds, the songs of those many groups and singers from the hay-days of the famous Liverpool Cavern Club. Performed by The StarBeats. As ever, all are welcome. Membership is only 7€ per year but non-members are welcome, too. Please see our website: www.gandiaareasocialclub.com especially the What's On page. To book events please email: gascbookings@gmail.com. See our Facebook too!
If you would like to join us, and meet like minded people, please do.
Pawfect Christmas for APROP APROP Animal Refuge in Pego certainly had a Happy Christmas due to the generosity of the general public who purchased all 2,500 raffle tickets printed and sold at 1€ each. The winners details are: First prize: Stephen Levy (ticket number 0846). Second prize: Lisa Fox (ticket number 0066). Third Prize: Moira Levy (ticket number 0871). Fourth prize: Tahnee Wright (ticket number 0289). Photo shows from left to right: Sue Lundgren, APROP; Santa Claus (aka Nigel Webb), and 11 year old Chloe Broad who drew the winning tickets. Raffle organisers Nigel Webb and Peter Emmett would like to express their appreciation to those sponsors who made the raffle possible: SMC-SPAIN – TELITEC – CASA DEL VINO – RESTAURANT VALL DE CAVALL – RESTAURANT MASENA. For further information regarding the work of APROP please contact Sue Lundgren at suederek@live.co.uk.
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Female Focus
Free Spirits HD Dance the night away Friday 15 December was Free Spirits HD annual Christmas party at El Cid in Benidoleig. There were 100 party guests with friends and family joining club members for this special evening. Guests included some of the ladies who have been part of The Ride in Style initiative. This was set up to support the club’s chosen charity, Cancer Care Jávea. The music for the evening was from The OK Band who did a fantastic job getting everybody up dancing. Guests also enjoyed a cabaret provided by some of the club members.
Andy, Amanda, Peter and Nigel - the leaders of the pack....
Free Spirits HD Santa Run Free Spirits HD had their annual Santa Run last month when 20 Harley Davidson and 40 members took part, all dressed in Santa clothing. The day started with prizes for the best dressed bike and also the best dressed Santa, member Nigel Webb won both prizes.
Free Spirits HD in its current form was launched in January 2016 and the group and its rides are administered by a small committee. Members must own a Harley Davidson and be English speaking. At present the group is made up of over 53 members - riders and pillions – who enjoy rides throughout the year which include coffee and lunch stops, all planned by the road captain running the ride. Free Spirits HD are continuing with their Ride in Style initiative throughout 2018, so if you would like to be on a Harley Davidson or treat someone to a ride, please contact them. Free Spirits HD are always ready to welcome new members, for more information contact Barry Haylor, Director – 629 728 375 or via the website: www.freespiritshd.com or email: freespiritshd@gmail.com.
A raffle and auction took place to raise money for Cancer Care Jávea. Congratulations to Elena Ryan from Dragon Insurance who won the TV donated by Female Focus magazine, after the initial winners (Roddy and Claire of Female Focus) generously asked for it to be redrawn. The charity also raised money in their shops and with this, the total raised was €1208. This fantastic amount took the total, since August, to €2438. Free Spirits HD is committed to supporting Cancer Care Jávea up to the end of August 2018.
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FF - www.femalefocusonline.com
Lions fashion show success Calpe & Benissa Lions recently held a Fashion Show and lunch at the El Toro Restaurant in Calpe. The Lions have a Charity Shop in Calpe, and frequently receive donations of high quality new and second hand clothing. These items were presented at the Christmas Theme Fashion Show last month, and were modelled by the shop volunteers and friends. The event raised €1,030 for local community causes, and all money raised will be used to support disadvantaged people. The Lions send a big thank you to all who attended, to the lovely models and of course to the people who donated such special outfits. Find the shop at Calle Pintor Sorolla 15 in Calpe, just down from the Post Office, open 10am ‘til 1pm.
Crescendo International Choir Raises Money for Community with Christmas Concert The Crescendo International Choir performed a well-attended concert in December featuring a wide-variety of music at the Parroquia de Santiago in Benijófar. Almost 350€ was raised by attendees to the concert to support the Benijofar community. Music was sung in both Spanish and English. Spanish pieces included Amapola, El Vito, Fum, Fum, Fum, Campana Sobre Campana and Feliz Navidad. Some of the English songs were Imagine, Angels We Have Heard on High and an original song called Christmas Time is Here, with lyrics by Margot Gay and music composed by Antonio Guillen, the choir’s accompanist. In addition, the choir sang White Christmas in both English and Spanish. Crescendo Choir singers are from many European countries, such as England, Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, Finland, Denmark, among other nationalities. The choir’s conductor is Irene Oliva, a Spanish native, who also works as a music teacher. She is accompanied by Antonio (Toni) Guillen on the keyboard. He also teaches piano and music theory. The money raised by the concert was given to the Benijófar town council social services agency. A large basket of chocolate and sweet treats was also donated by the choir for Christmas hampers for needy families. Crescendo Choir gives several concerts a year, raising funds for a variety of causes. On 25 November, 2017, for example, the choir performed a well-attended concert at Campoamor Golf Hotel. A total of 2700€ was raised and donated to Pink ladies and AECC, the Spanish Association against Cancer. Crescendo Choir, made up of Soprano, Mezzo, Alto, Tenor and Bass, sings a wide variety of songs ranging from musicals to spirituals, from pop to classical and all types in between. The choir practices Fridays from 9.30am to noon at the Bar El Paraiso, Urb. Jardin del Mar (close to Carrefour), in Torrevieja. Rehearsals begin again on Friday, 12 January. For more information, see the web site www.crescendo-choir.com.
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S TY NEW I N U M COM EVENTS &
Female Focus
BIG CATS ROAR IN FOR CHRISTMAS
The Hotel La Laguna in Guardamar was the venue chosen to hold the Christmas meeting of the Jaguar Enthusiast Club on the Costa Blanca Spain. Most members only stayed one night as the party went on well into the early hours, but a number of us decided to make it a weekend at the wonderful Spa and Golf Hotel where we were well looked after by the pleasant and helpful staff. After all the members had arrived the much loved jags were safely lined up in the secure hotel car park as it was now time for their owners to prepare themselves for a night to remember. At 7pm we all met up for pre dinner drinks in the bar lounge before lining up for a photo shoot of our members all dressed in there finery, and this enabled our new (director gerente) Mike Brook to say a few words concerning the formation of the Full Jaguar enthusiasts club where he let it be known that Dennis Wilson and Brenda Pike will be working along side of him. The meal was an enjoyable affair as the conversations and banter bounced from table to table, then the night went on as members returned to the bar lounge where Brenda Pike and her husband Mike were thanked by appreciative fellow members for all of their time spent on organising this special event. If you would like to join us on future events email mikebikejec@gmail.com.
Come and Sing!
Alfaz Spiritual Foundation
Do you love singing? Would enjoy the experience of harmonising with mixed voices, the fun and sociability of rehearsing and performing?
Montgó Chorale welcomes new members and offers the opportunity to come along to their ‘Come and Sing’, to participate with the existing members and afterwards enjoy wine and nibbles, have a chat and find out more about them. The date - Monday 8 January; the place - the Social Centre in Teulada; the time - from 6.45pm to 8.45pm. Montgó Chorale has members from a range of nationalities and ages who come together under the baton of Musical Director Jan Dewland. They rehearse and perform a range of choral works in among other places, the beautiful church in Pedreguer and Loreto in Jávea Port. Since its founding 11 years ago, the choir has, through its many acclaimed concerts, raised considerable funds for local charities such as Caritas and the Convent Day Centre in Jávea which cares for the elderly and Alzheimer’s sufferers. Their next concert, in which of course newly recruited members would participate, will be performed on 29 April in Pedreguer Church, sharing the stage with The Hogarth Singers from London, on their first visit to Spain. The programme includes the perennial favourite, Handel’s Zadok the Priest, and the wonderfully uplifting Te Deum by the master of classical joie de vivre, Franz Joseph Haydn. They look forward to meeting you on 8 January! For any further information, and directions to the rehearsal venue, please contact Jan Dewland by email on dewlandjan@hotmail.com.
Alfaz Spiritual Foundation would like to extend a very big thank you to all that supported our Christmas fair in December, although the weather worked against us - we were still able, through the hard work of everyone involved and the people that supported this event, to raise sufficient funds to donate a cheque to the Asociación de Enfermos de Alzheimer de la Marina Baixa. The cheque was presented during our 2017 closing Carol service, when we had the great pleasure of meeting president Senora Garbiñe and her companion Noelia. They gave a short talk on the work and assistance given by the association, the main points that Senora Garbiñe wanted to express, was that the association is open to everyone. As a charity themselves they are limited by the languages their volunteers speak but they welcome all nationalities and the support is extended to all family members and carers of the Alzheimer's suffer. They presented us with gifts made by some of the attendees of the centre and were delighted when we presented them with a 500€ cheque - which they intend to put towards their current project of purchasing and adapting a mini bus so they can also provide transport. If you would like to know more about the Alzheimer's association or donate personally you can contact them via their website http://afamarinabaixa.es. Alfaz Spiritual Foundation would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy New Year, may your hearts be filled with love and light extending good will to all. We open our doors again on 11 January and all are welcome.
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FF - Now in our 25th year
Spiritual Friends Costa Blanca (north) Spiritual Friends Costa Blanca (north) (SFCB) wish all their supporters past, present and future a very happy, healthy and spiritual 2018.
COMMUNIT Y NEWS & EVENTS
Following the Christmas festivities normality will resume on 10 January when our first speaker of the New Year will be Paul Palmer giving clairvoyance. For information regarding speakers and subjects being covered at following meetings please see the website. Spiritual Friends Costa Blanca (north) were previously known as Spiritual Friends Teulada - the updated contact email is mail@spiritualfriendscostablanca.com the new website is www.spiritualfriendscostablanca.com - the phone number is unchanged 600 837 054. The group has been running for over twelve years. It was started by two ladies who found they had similar spiritual views which they discussed at a bar in Jávea. More people joined in and the group grew. After a couple of years both original founders returned to their home countries (Scotland and South Africa), but the group continued. The new organisers gave the group a name and, as the venue at that time was extremely noisy, (which made discussions and meditations very difficult), we moved on and have now been at SolPark Tennis, Moraira for many years. The group is non-religious, non profit-making, just a friendly meeting place for the spiritually minded with no commitment to attend every week. Every month we have speakers on spiritual or holistic subjects, once a month a clairvoyant is invited to come along and give some readings plus, on occasion we have a workshop or discussion among ourselves. We look forward to welcoming new faces at any meetings which would be of interest and would like to hear from anyone who may wish to come along at a future date to give a talk/ demonstration on any spiritual / holistic subject.
Festive fun for the U3A Jávea U3A members were in for a treat at their last monthly meeting of the year at the Parador hotel! The usual general meeting business was replaced by another spectacular Christmas show – the annual Extravaganza. The fun began with a performance by the Costa Blanca Male Voice Choir. It was followed by a series of sketches and musical groups by U3A members. The committee was unrecognisable in the shortened version of Hungarian Cinderella. And members Lyndsey and Gary Johnson were hilarious in their respective sketches as an aerobics instructor and ‘father of the bride’. There were then performances by the U3A Guitar Group, led by Phil Shepherd, and the Out of the Blue band, who got the audience into the Christmas spirit with some hearty carolling. Linda Coughlin and Val Dromgoole finished the show as ‘stripping cleaners’! The show was masterminded and compered by the U3A’s Events Co-ordinator Shirley King. After the finale and an appreciative round of applause from the audience, there was the usual tradition of sherry and mince pies …. consumed in vast quantities by the 300 or so members who attended. Photos: Top - Committee members, from left, Roy Brown, Eric Atkins, Karen White, Guy Marriott and U3A member Mallory Glover in Hungarian Cinderella. Bottom - The U3A Guitar Group, led by Phil Shepherd, right, entertain the audience. Photos by Sally Rush. Visit www.u3ajavea.org for more information on this group.
Cancer Care in Jávea were delighted to welcome Adela Canete to the charity shop on Tuesday 12 December. Adela is the Senior Paediatric Oncologist at La Fe Hospital in Valencia and heads up the wonderful unit that researches cancers that effect children.
Cancer Care continued their support for this research facility by donating 30,000€ (THIRTY THOUSAND EUROS) to help Adela and her team with their ongoing work to make the lives of the children, who are suffering from cancer, more liveable. Cancer Care would like to thank all their volunteers, customers and everyone who helps fund raise or chooses to donate to Cancer Care. Their support enables Cancer Care to make these wonderful donations to such worthy causes. You can find the Cancer Care Charity Shop and the Boutique at Jávea Park. Tel: 96 579 0129 or 96 579 6846. Visit www.cancercarecharitycentre.com for more information. To volunteer to help at one of the shops please email: info@cancercarecharitycentre.com.
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Female Focus
A look back at some of the main events which happened over the first six months of 2017 Jan 17 US President Barack Obama commutes WikiLeaks discloser Chelsea Manning’s prison sentence from 35 to 7 years. Jan 17 Search for missing aircraft MH370 over the Indian Ocean is called off. Jan 18 NASA and NOAA announce that 2016 was the hottest year on record, surpassing the previous record set in 2015 which itself topped a record set in 2014. Jan 20 Donald Trump is inaugurated as the 45th President of the United States of America and Mike Pence as the 48th Vice President. Jan 21 More than 2 million people protest worldwide in the ‘Women’s March’ against Donald Trump, with 500,000 marching in Washington D.C. Jan 23 Bernie Ecclestone removed as Formula One boss as Liberty Media completes $8 billion takeover. Jan 28 US President Donald Trump and Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull have a contentious phone call over deal for US to take 1,250 refugees. Jan 30 Scientists in central China reveal oldest known human ancestor 540-million-year-old Saccorhytus in a fossil. Feb 1 British MPs vote in favour of the European Union Bill, allowing the government to begin Brexit Feb 5 Heavy metal band Black Sabbath play their last concert in their home town Birmingham, England. Feb 22 Discovery of 7 Earth-sized planets orbiting star Trappist-1 announced in Journal “Nature” - raises possibility of alien life. Feb 22 US President Donald Trump overturns Obama directive on Transgender rights to use toilets. Mar 3 Mass grave of 800 children and infants confirmed at a former Catholic care home in Tuam, Ireland. Mar 8 Aboriginal DNA study by University of Adelaide shows Aboriginal population dates back 50,000 years from one migration. Mar 14 European Court of Justice rules companies can ban staff from wearing religious symbols, including headscarves. Mar 14 World’s oldest golf club Muirfield in Scotland, votes to admit women as members for 1st time in 273 years. Mar 28 Britain introduces 1st new pound coin in 30 years with secret security feature inside to stop counterfeiting. Mar 28 World’s largest dinosaur footprint at 1.7 metres found in Kimberley, Western Australia. Mar 28 US President Donald Trump signs Energy Independence executive order undoing Obama climatecontrol measures. Mar 29 Ivanka Trump assumes an unpaid position as Advisor to the President, Donald Trump.
Mar 29 UK Prime Minister Teresa May signs article 50 letter, sends to to the EU, formally triggering Brexit. Apr 4 Pink Star diamond sets world record price of $71 million for a gem at an auction in Hong Kong. Apr 18 British Prime Minister Teresa May announces she will seek a “snap” election. May 6 France bans too thin fashion models and makes labelling of digitally enhanced photos mandatory. May 7 Emmanuel Macron wins France’s presidential election defeating Marine Le Pen. May 10 Apple becomes the first company to be worth more than $800 billion. May 13 22 year old UK blogger halts spread of global ransomware cyber-attack by accidentally identifying “kill switch”. May 22 Suicide bombing at Manchester Arena, England, after Ariana Grande concert kills 22 and injures 59. May 23 UK raises terror threat level to critical following Manchester bombing. May 23 US President Donald Trump meets Pope Francis at the Vatican. May 24 UEFA Europa League won by Manchester United 2-0 against Ajax in Stockholm. May 25 Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg receives an honorary degree from Harvard University, after dropping out in 2004. May 27 In Bangalore, India, white puffy toxic foam begins spilling out of Varthur Lake onto city streets. June 2 US President Donald Trump announces the US is withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement. June 7 Earliest-ever evidence of Homo Sapiens from Jebel Irhoud, Morocco unearthed by archaeologists published in “Nature”, at 300,000 years old. June 8 British General Election results in a hung parliament, Prime Minster Theresa May and the Conservative party lose their majority. June 8 US prisoner Richard Anthony Jones freed after 17 years when his lookalike is discovered. June 12 Forbes release Top 100 highest-paid entertainers list - Sean “Diddy” Combs at No.1 with earnings of 130 million. June 14 Fire in Grenfell Tower block in London, England kills 79 and injures 37. June 19 Bexit negotiations begin between United Kingdom and the European Union in Brussels. June 24 UN states Yemen cholera epidemic reached 200,000 cases, with 1,300 deaths. Worst cholera outbreak anywhere in the world. June 27 Mark Zuckerberg announces Facebook has reached 2 billion monthly users. June 27 European Union fines Google record $2.7 billion for unfair competition practices. June 30 Germany votes to legalise same-sex marriage in a snap vote.
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FF - Now in our 25th year
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Aircrew Association Costa Blanca. Former and serving aircrew of the UK or Allied Armed Forces are very welcome to join this friendly organisation founded here in 1988. Details from the Secretary on: 96 640 4123. Alfaz Spiritual Foundation – Spiritual church in Alfaz de Pi, meets at the Forum Mare Nostrum, Camino de Pincho 02, every Thursday at 6.30pm for Divine Service. Each week there is a different medium, international and 'home grown' giving evidence that life is eternal. Following the demonstration of mediumship, there is the opportunity to receive healing. Mediums offer workshops and private readings. If interested and for more information please visit www.alfazspiritualfoundation.com. Almoradi scrabble club. We meet at Cafebar Almoradi on the last Tuesday of the month from 3pm. We really want to extend our membership. If you are interested please come and join us, or for more information call 694 437 698 or email:mrandcwatkins@hotmail.co.uk. Amigos de Benitachell Charity Shop can be found on Crta. Moraira No. 18, Benitachell. It is open Mon to Fri 10am to 1pm, Sat 10am to 12.30pm. Donated items are always welcome. They are looking for volunteers. If you can spare some time for this worthy cause please call their president Carole on 620 781 034 or pop into the shop between 10am and 1pm weekdays. Amigos de Make a Smile Charity Shop We have lots of good quality second hand clothes, handbags, small pieces of furniture, children's clothes, shoes and bedding. Find us at the bottom of the dual carriageway in Teulada on the left hand side near to the Rodafoc fire shop. We are also looking for volunteers to help us in the shop. So if you could spare a few hours a week come along and talk to the team. Avenida del Mediterráneo, 4 Teulada. Open Monday to Friday 10am to 1pm. Benimar Social Club meet at 8pm on a Tuesday evening at the Rojales Steak Bar. We enjoy quizzes, bingo with cards, coach trips, a meal every month and more. Call Bob on 96 618 4114 for more information. Benitachell Christian Fellowship. Looking for an English speaking church close to Moraira, Teulada or Benissa? Then you are welcome to visit Benitachell Christian Fellowship. Our Sunday service starts at 11am and runs for about 75 minutes. Whether you are a resident or visitor, please feel free to come along – we have a number of visiting speakers, the welcome
is warm, the music is good and parking is nearby. Call Eric on 678 980 151 or Ann on 96 647 0303 for details and directions. For further information about the Fellowship, directions and map visit www.benitachellcf.org. Bettas Torrevieja RFC new rugby club, based on traditional ethics, respect, training by the Nelson Mandela Stadium on Wednesdays and Sundays 20.30-22.00. Contact Javi on 603 727 179 for more information. Calpe Christian Fellowship. We are an English speaking church located in the Perlamar Center. Our service starts at 11am every Sunday. All are welcome. www.calpechristianfellowship.org. Tel: 670 491 286 or 605 655 982. Catral Writers Club. Every last Wednesday afternoon of the month, we meet to discuss cultural issues. If interested please contact: jrivero-santana@skynetlink.com. Chess Mates. Whether you are new to Chess or experienced come and join our friendly group of men and women for a couple of hours every Tuesday afternoon in Jalon. You will be made most welcome! Call me and I will tell you more. Rod on 96 573 4209 or 605 231 331. Costa Blanca Computer Club. The club meets every Saturday from 10am to 1pm. You can find further information and our monthly meeting programme on our web page https://sites.google.com/site/cbccnewssite. Costa Blanca Mountain Walkers. The CBMW is a group of people who get together twice a week to enjoy walking in the mountains of the Costa Blanca. Anyone is welcome to come along. Visit www.cbmwalkers.org for information on upcoming walks and guidelines. Crime Watch Spain. (Vecinos Colaborando Costa Blanca). We try to reduce crime and vandalism in our communities. We try to look after the citizens. We also teach Spanish. Email: colaborando.crimewatch@gmail.com. Jávea Computer Club. The club is open to new and existing members from 9.30am until 12.30pm Mon, Tues and Thurs of each week Whatever your computing needs, we can probably help. So why not come along and get some assistance. Membership annual subscription still just 10€ with a one-off joining fee of 10€. Further information on the Club web site: www.javeacomputerclub.org or www.facebook.com/JCCCOMPUTERCLUB/ or email javeacomputerclub@gmail.com. Jalon Valley Help events. Casa de Ánimo, Alcalalí: First Sunday of the month: Afternoon Tea 4-6pm, Tuesday Morning
NOTICEBOARD
Female Focus
Drop-in: 10am to 1pm – a cuppa and a chat. Thursday Craft Group: from 2pm – sewing and knitting. First and Third Fridays: Art Group 2-4pm – beginners welcome. For information on any of the above call Alison on 96 648 2166. Charity Shops:10am-1pm Mon-Sat (Alcalalí 96 648 2970, Jalón 96 648 0944). Enquiries: 659 624 643 – also for loan of medical equipment eg wheelchairs, walking frames etc. No charge but a deposit is requested. Home knitters & volunteers needed. www.jalonvalleyhelp.com. Jávea International Baptist Church (JIBC), Pastor Steve Hall. Sunday Service is at 10.30am at The Church Centre, Carrer Favara 8, Jávea, (just off the Plaza de la Constitucion in the old town or “Pueblo”, where the open air market is normally held on Thursdays.) For further information please access our website: http://www.javeabaptist.es or call 96 579 5847. Make a Smile Recycle Heroes Need Your Help. Dennis and Barbara accept any household items, furniture, electrical and clothes etc for the recycle projects. They are happy to do total house clearances. The items are given a bit of TLC and sold in rastros and auctions to provide funds for the charity. They can be contacted on 660 961 585 or 96 583 6814. Marina Alta Model Railway Club. Dust off your Dapols, bring out your Bachmanns, haul out your Hornbys! The MAMRC meets regularly at its spacious Clubhouse in Teulada. We cannot make you young again, but we can remind you how it felt. All gauges for all ages. New members welcome. Call 96 647 1939 or email mamrclub@gmail.com. Neighbourhood Watch and Residents group - San Luis / La Siesta. We hold meetings at 4.30pm on the last Monday of each month at Casa Ventura in San Luis. These meetings are attended by local councillors, local police and the Director of AMICS/OARI. We are very keen to rebuild the group and to encourage more participation and look forward to seeing you. Oliva Chess Group. We meet in Oliva every Thursday morning. New members welcome whatever your standard. For further details please contact Graham on 609 970 621 or email graham.flowerdew@hotmail.com. Oliva Art Group. We meet in Oliva every Tuesday evening 6pm until 8pm. New members welcome, whatever your standard. For further information continued on facing page
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FF Helping local charities
Elcano 25, 03550 San Juan. We have people from South America, the Philippines, Spain, England, the Netherlands and more nationalities, the diversity of God. You are very welcome in our Sunday services at 5pm to join us in worship and prayer. For further information: ivanysadys@yahoo.es or call 605 556 974. Spiritual Friends is a non-religious group of spiritual minded people who meet every Wednesday afternoon at Sol Park Moraira. Meetings start at 2.30pm. Each week different spiritual or holistic subjects are discussed by invited speakers or amongst ourselves. For the full programme see the website www.spiritualfriendscostablanca.com email: mail@spiritualfriendscostablanca.com or contact Jan on 600 837 054. Tennis. Old Bats and Balls is a happy and friendly group who play every Thursday morning at the Rafol courts. All levels are welcome and subs are affordable for all. We also enjoy a sociable lunch every month after playing. If you wish to know more please telephone or email to; 605 231 331 or rodwaspe@hotmail.com. The Royal Naval Association, Torrevieja Branch meet on the first Wednesday of every month at Bar/Restaurante El Paraiso near Carrefour, Torrevieja at 5pm and remember you don’t have to have served in the Royal Navy to become a member. We look forward to seeing you soon! If you would like to join the ship mates or just find out more please phone Chairman Paul Edwards on 618 644 934, Vice Chairman Danny Kay on 96 671 6274 or Secretary Margaret Forshaw on 96 692 1996. Torrevieja Christian Fellowship is a lively English speaking church located at Avenida de las Cortes Valencianas 68,Torrevieja 03183. Residents and holiday makers are welcome to attend our services every Sunday at 10.30am with communion and “kids church”. Fellowship meetings (Bible Study) Wednesdays starting at 6pm. For further information see our website www.tcf-spain.org or call 96 670 0391. Valleys Bridge Club. Come and join us for a friendly game of Duplicate Bridge. We meet every Thursday at El Cid in Benidoleig, 1.30pm for play to commence at 2pm. New members are always most welcome and will be starting lessons for beginners on Wednesday 17th January. For further information contact either Brenda 96 640 4533 or Tina 96 558 4135. World Mysteries Discussion Group. This is a discussion group which meets up every
2nd and 4th Thursday from 6pm to 8pm at El Martillo Bar, located on the outskirts of Moraira next to the Pepe La Sal Supermarket on the Teulada-Moraira road leading into Moraira from Teulada. We discuss all types of subjects including the Egyptian Pyramids, crop circles, lost civilisations, the Sumerian tablets that have been translated by researchers to give us new insight into the ancient past, the recently discovered Bosnian Pyramids which remain a great historical mystery and the mysteries regarding ancient artefacts that were constructed with amazing precision before the invention of modern day tools. We aim to promote investigation and research in order to share information and discuss interesting unexplained topics. A speaker will discuss various topics and this is followed by a question and answer sessions where all will be invited to discuss the subject of the talk and expand on the themes. The group offers those who are interested the opportunity to learn more about fascinating findings which includes details of ancient and long lost civilisations. Who knows you may become researcher yourself and find out about things that have been lost in time! For more information email morairaworldmystery@gmail.com. Xàbia Book Circle. We meet on the first Tuesday of each month in the Centro Social, Xàbia Old Town, beside the Health Centre, at 6.30pm for a 6.45pm start, and we finish at 8.45pm. You can also follow our activities on our website www.xabiabookcircle.com. For more information please contact the Xàbia Book Circle Secretary, Nina Davies on 96 579 1782 or ninamdavies@yahoo.co.uk. Calling all groups and charities send your forthcoming events and information to editor@female-focus.com before the 18th of the month prior to publication.
NOTICEBOARD
contact Graham 609 970 621 or email graham.flowerdew@hotmail.com. PLJ Spiritual Social Centre. We meet at the Albir Cultural Social Centre (between Mercadonna and Sol Albir Estate Agents) every Wednesday evening at 6.45pm. We are a group of friendly spiritually minded people who are non profit, non political and non religious. Each week, there will be discussions and demonstrations on various topics and ideas based on Spiritual, metaphysical, and mystical themes with occasional guest speakers or mediums. For more information contact: Pauline: 602 559 062 Jan: 603 259 169 or Lyn: 663 315 532. FB:- pljspiritualsocialcentre. Email:- pljspiritualsocialcentre@gmail.com. Royal British Legion Benidorm Branch meet at 11am on the first Friday of each month at Ciudad Patricia Benidorm. They also have a monthly lunch and various social events. New and old members most welcome. Please contact secrblbenidorm@outlook.com or call James on 677 786 559 for more details. Royal British Legion Calpe Branch meet every Friday at 11.30am at Restaurant Dracula, Calpe Port (opp. Baydal Restaurant). New members always welcome. Come along and meet new friends and enjoy the monthly outings. Please contact Norman Hodgkiss, on 96 574 7410 or calpe3465.members@gmail.com. Royal British Legion, Gran Alacant & La Marina Branch meets on the first Monday of the month at 18:00 at La Taberna - next to the Monte Mar Bowls Club & Restaurant, Plaza Mayor (Masa Square), Gran Alacant. New members are always welcome, and remember, You do NOT have to be Ex-Services to join us. Further details and/ or directions from Robin 96 669 5423 or Brian 639 917 971. Email: granalacant.secretary@gmail.com. Royal British Legion Javea Branch hold their meetings at Paris 24 (Formerly L'Ancora Tennis Club) on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month (except July & August). We meet from 10.30am onwards for coffee and a chat, our meeting starts at 11.30am. We have a very good Social Programme throughout the year. We would love to see members and none members coming to our meetings and join in. We would make you feel most welcome. Pamela Dawes, Membership Sec, RBL Javea Branch, contact 96 579 0123 or 617 789 883. San Juan Evangelical ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ located at Calle Juan Sebastián
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Health & Beauty
MAN AND VAN for hire, cheap & reliable. Jalon valley & surrounding areas. 96 648 0757 (9.30-1.30) or 636 100 873.
BEAUTY ROOM TO RENT. In an established beauty salon in the heart of Moraira. Email:fr6892@gmail.com Telephone 647 145 643. FREE CONSULTATION - BOOK NOW, Does the weather ruin your make-up. Permanent Eyebrows & Eyeliner are the perfect solution. Elements Beauty Spa In Denia. www.elementsbeautyspa.es elementsbeautyspa@gmail.com Call: 966 424 647
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Misc Sales TRANSLATOR AND INTERPRETER English/Spanish. All legal, medical and business matters. Covering the Costa Blanca. Contact: 658 957 404 or ejbtranslations@gmail.com
THE INTERPRETER, for all your English/Spanish interpreting & translations. Based close to Denia Hospital & surrounding medical centres. Emergency 24 hour call out for Denia Hospital. Call 686 320 435 or email candidawright@gmail.com BOOST YOUR GOOGLE Ranking with the Costa Blanca’s fastest growing business directory… With live Facebook feeds turning our readers into your customers http:// business.femalefocusonline.com/
PA U L ´ S E M P O R I U M I N Pedreguer. Weekly changing stock. Everything priced to sell. Why pay new when you don’t need to? Find us in Pedreguer Industrial Estate. Tel 96 644 7002 or find us on Facebook at ‘Paul’s Emporium Pedreguer’.
FOLDING BICYCLE USED once full size with helmet and hanging rack, 100€. 96 648 2589.
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Misc Sales
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CAST IRON LOG burner with chimney and accessories bargain 1000€ plus new accept 375€. 96 648 2589. ELECTRIC CEMENT MIXER working order, 85€. 96 648 2589. BED SETTEE BLUE with yellow check, very good condition. H a r d l y u s e d , 11 5 € o n o . 96 648 2589. ARISTON GAS BOILER, 14 litre. 50.00€. Pego. 699 003 633. LADIES SIZE BICYCLE. 18 gears, dual suspension, Front disc brakes, excellent condition. 75€ ono. Call 634 318 717. Jávea.
Employment HAIR DRESSER WANTED. We are looking for an experienced unisex hairdresser for a busy salon in the heart of Moraira. English and Spanish languages preferred. Email:fr6892@gmail.com Telephone 647 145 643 TO DRIVE GROWTH and expansion, the Costa Blanca’s leading magazine publisher is seeking sales representatives, part or full time for the Altea - Albir - Alfaz - La Nucia region plus the Orihuela Costa area..
Are you? Focused and organised Spanish speaking (desirable) Comfortable making cold calls Well presented and professional Committed to generating new business Willing to provide excellent after-sales support A team player Do you have? Experience making sales (Not a necessity) Own transport Mobile phone Excellent local knowledge Do you want? Excellent commission Contract & Social Security Your own exclusive area Flexible working hours Think you’ve got what it takes? E-mail your CV to alan@female-focus.com - Enquiries will be treated in full confidence.
Send your one-off second hand ‘misc. sales’ items for free to be published online on www.femalefocusonline.com by the 20th or email to:- classifieds@female-focus.com All adverts must be sent with your Name and NIE or Passport Nº (not published). and they will appear in the next Female Focus magazine free of charge. (Terms & conditions apply)
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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Vega Baja
Marina Alta
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the Marina Alta &itions d Vega Baja e OUT NOW y! toda Get your copy
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All adverts must be sent with your Name and NIE or Passport Nº (not published). ADVERTS SHOULD BE sent with correct spacing and spelling, the first three words (only) in capitals. Email addresses will not be published on the website or in the magazine unless requested or supplied as part of the main text. FREE CLASSIFIED ADVERTS Sell your unwanted items for FREE! Free adverts cannot be faxed, phoned or posted they must be emailed to classifieds@female-focus.com. Photos can be sent with your free advert, both will be published online but text only in print. Classifieds that are supplied incorrectly, all in capitals or with missing information may well be deleted. ‘Misc sales’ are for example one-off sales of second hand items to the value of 500€ or less. Maximum twenty words per advert/ item & maximum five adverts per person*, (email & web addresses count as three words). Property rental or any type of service, business opportunities, wanted, etc are not free and will be charged at the commercial advert rate. Free Property adverts: Property sale adverts should also be emailed to classifieds@female-focus.com by the property owner. These adverts will be published free for a 3 month period and can include Property Agent contact details (and photo to be included online only). Commercial adverts: Minimum advert length ten words. 35 cents per word plus 21% IVA per month. Payment can be made by credit card or paypal.
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ARE YOU SUFFERING through another person drinking? Help is available Al-Anon meets every Thursday in Benidorm at 5pm. The meeting is in Calle Jardines not far from the Railway Station. Our contact number is 634 758 539. AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS For families and friends of problem drinkers. There are meetings in Torrevieja and Quesada. Phone 692 799 318.
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FREE PROPERTY ADVERTS To get your free 3 month property advert send your advert content (up to 40 words) to classifieds@female-focus. com - Please include your name, NIE or passport number and address, this is not for publishing but we must have these details on file. And remember you can also send a photo to go with your advert that will be published with your wording on the website. (Wording only in the Female Focus Magazine.) SUPERIOR BUILD LUXURY 2 storey villa - 372 x 6618. 2. minutes village, (9 restaurants). 40 minutes Alicante airport. Spectacular mountain views. - 4. bedrooms, 4 bathrooms. central heating. Designer pool. Swimup bar. Jacuzzi. Waterfall. Pizza House. 2 car garage. Summer kitchen/bar. Reduced â‚Ź335.000. Owner 639 237 835. LOVELY STATIC HOME on beautiful residential site near Albatera with pools. Large plot 2 bedrooms bathrooms extensive outside areas 2 terraces. Double glazing central heating to include all furniture fixtures and fittings. Bargain 65,000â‚Ź Tel. 96 684 9178 - 694 499 101.
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Female Focus Business Directory Built to grow your business
Boost your Google ranking with the Costa Blanca’s fastest growing business directory… with live Facebook feeds. Female Focus Publications is now in its 25th year. Since 1993 we’ve been helping businesses grow by turning our readers into your customers. We’ve earned a reputation through thoughtful expansion, always focusing on what counts for our advertisers. Our online business directory expands on our core values, and specifically helps your business get noticed even more. Our business directory ensures higher search engine rankings by ensuring your dynamic content is featured on your landing page. We can even promote short term offers and sales through our directory, our newsletter, and of course the magazines. It really is the only truly integrated print/ online advertising media on the Costa Blanca. Increase Your Business The whole point of advertising and marketing is to get found by more customers. Our online business directory has been designed with this single aim in mind. It’s about your business, not ours! Boost Your Google Ranking By creating a dynamic listing with multiple ‘live’ links, not only will customers find you more easily, but so will Google. And that means better ranking, and more visits to your website. Integrated Print & Online Advertising Only Female Focus can offer you great value monthly advertising integrated with your directory entry. We’ve even gone so far as to make it possible for you to promote offers via our newsletter. Extend Your Social Media Reach Facebook etc. are vital tools for the majority of local www.business.femalefocusonline.com businesses. They help you keep in contact with your customers. We extend your reach and ‘likes’ even further by carrying a live feed of your Facebook page and Google+ links. Smartphone & Tablet Optimised Our business directory is Smartphone friendly. People who are looking for your business will find it even easier to find you, both online, and whilst on the move. Great Value Advertising We know that doing business in the Costa Blanca means watching the pennies. We’ve priced all of our advertising products to offer the best value advertising around, and that includes the business directory. Your local Female Focus representative will be happy to spend time with you, face-to-face, to discuss your needs and recommend solutions to promoting your business online, and of course in print in one of our publications... • Female Focus • QF Focus Magazine • Focus on Professional Service (Marina Alta) • Focus on Professional Services (Vega Baja) Contact us now and drive more customers to your door. Female Focus S.L. C.I.F. B-53845459 Aptdo. de Correos 532, 03710 Calpe (ALICANTE) +34 965 875 421 advertising@female-focus.com www.femalefocusonline.com Note: prices exclude IVA
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