Female Focus - June 2020

April 2020

June 2020

E

E FR

Dep. Legal A-917-1993

Also Widely Read By Men

Female Fe male Focus Publications serving the English speaking community throughout the Costa Blanca since 1993

Inside this issue:-

Legal - Walk Your Way Well with Niamh O'Sheehan Finance - Recipes - Health & Beauty - Your Horoscopes Your Local Community News - Stage Diary by Benny Davis Club & Charity News - Properties - Local Business Classified Adverts - Puzzles brought to you by....

Spot the Logo....... and so much more.....

WHITE LINES 'THIS IS YOUR IBIZA FIX RIGHT HERE'

Female Focus Magazine June 2020

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Lockdown learning: Protecting your children’s eyes

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ARENTS who are trying to adjust to the new norm of juggling home schooling with their own work commitments and keeping locked down children entertained, should bear in mind the impact that increased screen time has on their children’s eye health.

Figures show that internet use has increased by 60% during the COVID-19 crisis. With 66% of Spanish children aged 10-15 having their own phone and nine out of ten using a computer and surfing the internet, it is not surprising that the amount of screen time youngsters are consuming has increased significantly in recent weeks while confined to their homes - one study shows some children are spending as much as six hours a day on devices.

Optometrist Louise Stone from Specsavers Ópticas in Jávea and Calpe says: 'Being cooped up indoors, it’s understandable that children might find themselves spending much of their day online for home schooling, playing computer games, watching TV and listening to music'.

'While it’s important that they keep occupied, if there are not enough breaks from screens, or if the sound volume goes unchecked, it could be damaging to their hearing and sight.'

Specsavers Ópticas has the following advice to help protect children’s senses during lockdown: 'Eyes are not designed to be fixated on a single object for a long period of time so can often become strained when we focus on screens, especially if they are a smaller laptop, tablet or smart device.

While eye strain is uncomfortable, it is not usually serious, and tends to ease once you rest your eyes. Symptoms to look out for include eye discomfort, headaches, sore or tired eyes, difficulty focusing, dry eyes, blurred or double vision, and increased sensitivity to light.'

To combat these common eye concerns, Louise advises parents to encourage their children to have regular breaks and follow the 20:6:20 rule, getting them to look up from their screen every 20 minutes at something 6 meters away for at least 20 seconds, as this helps relax the eye muscles.

Also make the most of your allowed outdoor time. Research shows that taking a screen break and going for a short walk allows eyes to rest and for our mind to regroup.

Specsavers Ópticas stores have reopened to provide the full breadth of optical services to their customers. Ahead of the reopening, Specsavers Ópticas has introduced a series of hygiene and personal protection measures to ensure a safe and reassuring experience.

Customers are being asked to request an appointment in advance by phone or online at www.specsavers.es to help with social distancing and hygiene measures.

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Female Focus Magazine June 2020

Claim Settlements On listening to Bay Radio last week, when a guest speaker was in full flood about the effect of the virus on the world’s economy, insurance claims were mentioned as being extraordinarily high. I was extremely cross when the speaker declared “you know what insurance companies are like - when they have to pay out on claims, they try their hardest to refuse the claim�.

The remark was obviously based upon pure ignorance, as the amount of settled claims my company processes can be quite astounding. Liberty Seguros have the reputation of being one of the best regarding their claims and of course, due to the excellent policies, much more is covered to make a claim on. Additionally I have a dedicated Claims Administrator, who will help you through the whole process and is prepared to go the extra mile for my clients.

However, there are a number of reasons why a claim could be declined. The first one being fraud. Some claims are turned down due to poor or lack of maintenance. Some people are convinced insurance gives them a life-long guarantee. Then of course, some clients are under insured, and they think they are covered but they have decided to keep the insurance costs down and not taken the cover they require, for example, accidental damage. Then there are the consortium claims, which recently have cost millions. Having an experienced administrator assisting on clients claims is especially helpful in a foreign country, where of course, many rules are different. The assessors are very experienced, knowledgeable and totally independent, and are always very thorough with their reports and I know that they have a tremendous respect for Liberty Seguros, which is a professional, bona fide insurance company.

So no, the comment made does not apply to my company or the companies I work alongside with. If you require help or information regarding a claim, please contact my Claims Administration and if you wish to ensure you have the correct cover for your particular requirements, contact one of my consultants on 966 461 690 or www.jennifercunningham.net.

Female Focus Magazine June 2020

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At the time of writing we are about to move into Phase 2 which is being thought of as too late by some and too early by others. Holiday makers are possibly going to be allowed to visit Spain from July, again too late for some and too early for others. Everyone has their own opinion and circumstances are different for us all, so please, let's just have respect for each other right now.

Once you are happy to go out please support your local businesses as much as possible as it has been especially hard for them. As things are constantly changing I would advise you contact a business for an appointment or to check their opening times before going to visit them.

Also if you have a medical appointment don't assume it is canceled and if you have been silently suffering then visit your doctor, more health centres and hospitals are returning to 'normal'.

Mostly do what you are happy and comfortable doing and stay safe.

Congratulations to Daniel Lewis from Quesada who won the combined competition last month, by spotting the logo on page 42. This month if you find the Curry on Cooking logo (not on this page, front page or the recipe page) you are in with a chance of winning a selection of curry kits which will be posted out to your house. Simply email editor@femalefocusonline.com with your name, address, phone number and the page you found the logo on. See inside for full competition details. Good luck. esley Pick up your next issue on 7 July

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Deadlines: Editorial & Advertising - 12 noon - 22 June.

Female Focus covering from Alicante North and the QF Focus Magazine covering the Alicante South region.

To discuss your advertising needs with your local representative contact:-

GandĂ­a to JĂĄvea Roddy 688 815 405 or 96 575 6833 roddy@femalefocusonline.com

Finestrat to Moraira Alan 689 358 232 alan@femalefocusonline.com

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!

Like and Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/FemaleFocus/ Office: Mon to Fri. 10am - 2pm Tel. 657 501 055 editor@femalefocusonline.com advertising@femalefocusonline.com classifieds@femalefocusonline.com www.femalefocusonline.com Female Focus is proud to have been voted the third most popular magazine worldwide in the independent Expat Survey Consumer Awards

Female Focus Publications are supporters of www.aldeasinfantiles.es

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Female Focus Magazine June 2020

Three useful tips on driving safely in Spain Driving in Spain is straight forward and this month Sun Lawyers want to pass on some useful tips on driving in Spain.

Hopefully the advice will help stop you getting a fine as well as avoid any accidents!

Use a valid driving licence The basic law is that EU driving licences do not require an international permit, whilst non-EU licence holders need one.

In other words, if you come on holiday from an EU country, you can drive in Spain using your home country's driving licence (if it has not expired).

For non-EU countries, you get an international permit back home, and then in Spain, you must have your home country's licence along with the international driving licence.

If you become a Spanish resident, then you will have to swap your home EU country licence for a Spanish licence if you: • Drive using a European Union driving licence.

• If you got your Spanish residency on or before Jan 19th, 2013.

• If you obtained Spanish residency after Jan 19th, 2013 you have up to two years from the day you became a resident.

Also, if you have any or even all four of the following: • A driving licence which never expires.

• A driving licence with a validity of 15 years or more on date of issue for Group 1 (AM, A1, A2, A, B, BE).

• A driving licence with a validity of 5 years or more on date of issue for Group 2 (BTP, C1, C1E, C, CE D1, D1E, D, DE).

• A driving licence which has already expired or is close to its expiry date.

Driving while talking on the phone You can’t drive and talk or text on the phone!

The law is strict, even headphones and the small blue tooth system earplugs are banned.

Official figures prove that distracted motorists stand a greater chance of getting into an accident.

If you're caught using a phone, then a 200€ fine will be heading your way, and you will have to pay on the spot if you don’t have a Spanish driving licence. If you have a Spanish driving licence, you get will also get a threepoint deduction into the bargain!

Not driving on the right side If you are from the UK, you hopefully know you have to drive on the right side of the road and overtake getting into the left lane.

But a big cause of accidents is how driving approach a roundabout and which lane there are in.

Follow the logic of keeping on the outer lane and taking whichever exit towards your destination from that outer lane.

If you are approaching the roundabout in the left lane, then get into the right one as soon as you can to exit.

If you are driving on the left lane and try to cut the right lane to exit and get hit by a car, it will be your fault.

The outer lane is the one to exit, not the inner one, but many motorists just can't seem or don't want to grasp this simple concept.

There are no nationalities on the road Remember, it really does not matter where you are from, as you just must take care when you are driving in Spain.

A car accident is a car accident, and nationality is irrelevant.

· Article supplied by Sun Lawyers - see their advert below for contact details for your nearest office.

Female Focus Magazine June 2020

Easy Crossword

Across 1 Use jointly or in common (5) 5 Compelling immediate action (6) 8 Arthurian magician (6) 9 Relating to cattle (6) 10 Cosmic cataclysm in which God destroys the ruling powers of evil (10) 11 Skilful or adept in action (6) 13 Football player assigned to protect the net (10) 18 Association of criminals (4) 19 Measure the depth of something (5) 20 Mild yellow Dutch cheese (4) 21 Not involved or complicated (10) 25 Exceptional creative ability (6) 26 Someone who risks losses for the possibility of considerable gains (10) 28 Overland journey by hunters (6) 29 Exaggerate to an excessive degree (6) 30 Great Britain's longest river (6) 31 Point directly opposite the zenith (5) Down 1 Moved forward by leaps and bounds (6) 2 Fine, silky hair, used to make garments (6) 3 Go on board (6) 4 Cut back the growth, as with bushes and trees (4) 5 Impossible to endure (10) 6 Political unit in power (10) 7 Something considered choice to eat (5) 12 Make worse or less effective (6) 14 Authoritative person who divines the future (6) 15 Recognised as lawful (10) 16 Particular look on someone's face (10) 17 Temporary inactivity (5)

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Answers to puzzles in the classified pages

22 British naval hero (6) 23 Be present at (6) 24 Cricket throw pitched directly under the bat (6) 25 Breathes noisily, as if exhausted (5) 27 Garden of Adam and Eve (4)

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Female Focus Magazine June 2020

Time for something completely different?

Why not spend 5 minutes answering the questions below. If you answer “no” to any of them, or you are genuinely unsure of the answer, then you will undoubtedly benefit from speaking with Logic. v Are you regularly updated on what is happening with your investments, especially during this uncertain time? v Do you understand each of the underlying investments you hold and, importantly, why you hold them? v Do you have at least 2 face to face meetings a year with your financial adviser? v Is the individual advising you properly qualified by examination? (You can check this online). v Does the company you work with have the necessary regulatory licences? v Do you find it easy to get hold of your adviser and/or their company? v Have you ever thought about getting a second opinion on new or existing investments?

What we offer: P Family business, which provides a personal service and builds long-standing relationships.

P Diploma qualified advisers by examination with the CII (Chartered Insurance Institute).

P Fully regulated business, holding all the necessary licences to provide advice in Europe.

P Access to the whole market; we are not tied to any individual company.

P The most competitive charging structure in the market.

P No commission. We work on a fee only basis so you know exactly how much you are paying at all times.

P Face to face meetings, initially and ongoing with regular reviews. (Although we can also work via secure video calls,

if that is more appropriate)

P Over 45 years combined industry experience, including positions at director level for some of the world’s largest

financial institutions; MetLife, Halifax and Zurich.

We are so confident in our bespoke offering that we offer a free consultation with absolutely no obligation. We tailor our advice according to your needs and maintain regular contact every year.

For investment specific questions, or for an informal chat on your financial position, why not get in touch?

“We like to do things differently at Logic” · Logic Financial Consultants are fully regulated independent financial advisers, covering the Costa Blanca, Murcia and Canary Islands. We can travel to you, or you can visit our office at Calle Andres Lambert No 24, 1B, Jávea.

Tel: 965 020 444. Email: info@logicfc.com Web: www.logicfinancialconsultants.com

Female Focus Magazine June 2020

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HELP Marina Alta Information and Medical Equipment Office Reopens.

We are so pleased to let people know that our office is open again in La Xara and people who need to return their equipment can do so now.

Should you require Electric Beds, Hoists, Wheelchairs, Walkers, Comodes, Shower Chairs, Zimmers, Crutches and many other items to help you through difficult medical moments let us know incase we have what you need.

We are open Mon - Fri from 10am to 2pm. Our telephone number is 96 642 7044. The office has desk dividers to keep you at a safe distance. We ask that you call first if possible to advise that you are coming. Thank you and Stay Safe.

Our Office Manager, Donna and her team will be pleased to assist you with the loan equipment.

Our Hospital Desk will hopefully be manned again by the last week of June for interpreting and information.

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Jávea U3A charity donation goes to good causes

Money donated by Jávea U3A to its charity of the year, Make A Smile, is being well spent in the current lockdown.

The charity has expressed its thanks to the association for its interim donation of over €2,000 and outlined how the money is being used to help under-privileged children in its care.

Make A Smile representative Gemma has written to Jávea U3A Treasurer Sally Rush to point out where the money has gone so far.

Gemma explained: “During the lockdown, the children are having to complete their schoolwork from home, which has been proving quite difficult in some cases due to lack of material. Therefore, the majority of the money has been spent on school supplies such as stationery, laptops, printers etc.

For the home in Polop, we have spent €219 on a laptop and €245.93 on school supplies. This particular order included a printer, replacement ink cartridges as well as notebooks and pens.

For Vergel, as they have more children in the home, we spent €608.80 on general school supplies, replacement inks for their printers etc.

Finally, for Alfaz €219 was spent on a laptop, €193.06 on school supplies and €299 on a TV. The overall total spent so far is €1784.79.”

U3A members are continuing to contribute to the charity and the rest of their donations will be presented at the end of the current executive committee’s term in February.

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Female Focus Magazine June 2020

Altea Golf Club has Re-opened Again!

Like so many businesses, the Spanish golf industry has been badly hit by the Coronavirus pandemic.

Golf on the Costas is very reliant on golf tourism and on ex-pats who live here part-time and love to play golf. Both groups are largely absent at the moment and there is no clear indication when they will return.

However, there is good news! Golf is an outdoor sport and is one of the few sports where social distancing is possible. As a result, and to the delight of golfers, it is one of the few sports allowed under phase 1 restrictions and, since 11th May, golf clubs have been slowly re-opening.

Of course, all clubs must comply with an agreed safety protocol and @alteagolf we are no exception For example, we test the temperature of everyone on arrival, clean all buggies between rounds and made changes so that no-one touches the flag. Two people are forbidden in buggies unless they co-habit but golfers who are “on the ball” put two bags on one buggy and one walks!

It is great to be back in the fresh air again amongst beautiful surroundings and there are some great deals on offer. Why not come and join us in the great outdoors or visit our spacious Jacaranda Restaurant terrace?

Steve Moores. Vice-President, Altea Club de Golf. · Sierra de Altea Golf s/n, 03599, Altea La Vella.

Tel: 966 848 046, info@alteaclubdegolf.com, www.alteaclubdegolf.com. Facebook: @altea-golf.

SUPPORT OUR COMMUNIT Y SPEND LOCAL SHOP LOCAL SUPPORT LOCAL

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Female Focus Magazine June 2020

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QUICK

CROSSWORD By the PA puzzles team Across Down 1. Constant (9) 2. Attempt (3) 8. Sever (3) 3. Moat (5) 9. Indicative (11) 4. Esteem (6) 11. Certificate (7) 5. Gossip (7) 12. Quit (5) 6. Applause (11) 13. Share (6) 7. Expiation (9) 15. Smooth-mannered (6) 10. Climber (11) 17. Standard 11. In effect (9) measures (5) 14. Not clear (7) 18. Distress (7) 16. Harm (6) 20. Of schooling (11) 19. Hurl (5) 22. Untruth (3) 21. Curve (3) 23. Crisis (9) See classified pages for answers 2. NOTITIA

3. ORDURE

A Opulent B Badly behaved C Lofty

A List or register B Religious poster C Personal opinion

A Colouring on a heraldic shield B Excrement C A follower of Origin

ANSWER: A

ANSWER: C

BY PA PUZZLES TEAM

1. MAGNILOQUENT

ANSWER: B

The word may sound familiar, but do you know what it means?

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Walk Your Way Well

Female Focus Magazine June 2020

by Niamh O'Sheehan

Are we returning to normality? Will things ever be how they were before? Well, who wants to be normal anyway? There are so many questions about the way we have approached our lives before lock-down and how we propose tackling a better way of life after lockdown. It seems now is the time to finally remove our heads from the sand and start thinking independently about what we can do to save ourselves.

However, sometimes thinking about things on a grand scale can be over-whelming. And so I prefer to look at things in bite size chunks. Chunks that I can comfortably chew on! Both proven research and speculation are leading us to believe that we, the human race, are causing a LOT OF BOTHER when it comes to the welfare and survival of our glorious planet. The prospect of what we might be handing down to our future generations is bleaker than ever. So, why oh why aren’t we waking up and smelling the proverbial coffee? We’ve had a rocky start to 2020 but let’s not have a defeatist attitude. Let’s make up for the first part of this tremulous year by making the remainder simply tremendous. And how can we do that? Well, we need to start right here at home and look within to find ways of becoming a better version of ourselves!

A couple of easy changes that you can make on a personal/family level will lead to your improved lifestyle and, en masse, will lead to a better world.

1. Reduce your meat consumption - Eat bean not beings!

2. Reduce your carbon footprint - Walk your way into a healthier world!

3. Reduce your plastic waste - Make a solution - Not Pollution!

Focusing on the WALKING side of things as I usually tend to do, we might be of the opinion that there are currently too many restrictions to allow us to cover any notable mileage to make a difference to our well-being. But, even for people in zones where they can only adventure 1km from their front door for a maximum of one hour per day there is hope. If you study your local street map in advance I bet you can easily manage to negotiate a 5km route that is MORE than the recommended daily dose of exercise. This alone will increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat and boost your positivity and emotional well-being. The laundry will always wait for you and Netflix isn’t going anywhere in a hurry. You won’t miss out on a thing by adding exercise to your daily ritual. You are so very worth the effort and your body and your mind should be pampered to help them perform to their optimum.

With a clear mind you will be able to focus and calmly process all the world events that we are bombarded with daily. You can learn to prioritise more easily and find coping mechanisms to handle the stresses that Covid19 and life decides to hurl at us.

So, today, why not WALK to the local charity shop and UPCYCLE yourself some new active gear. Treat yourself to a healthy VEGETARIAN breakfast and a “cafe con leche de soja”. Could you have imagined how simple it is to feel better about yourself, treat yourself kindly and give respect to your neighbours and planet. Start your journey today and always try to “Walk Your Way Well”.

Female Focus Magazine June 2020

As we gradually move out of the coronavirus lockdown stage there is much debate, and dare I say it, worry, about a 2nd wave, about whether re-infections can occur, or about our increased vulnerability to other illnesses such as the common flu. And as with many things COVID-19 related, no-one yet knows the answers for sure, and increasingly medical opinions are becoming disparate and politicised.

On the positive side, though, it is accepted that an improvement in one's general health will strengthen the body's natural defences in the war against infections, viruses, pollution, poor diet, obesity, heart disease, cancer etc.

Increasing

your chances

The Antioxidant saga: why we need vitamins C and E. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can strengthen your body's natural defences. Antioxidants are molecules that help the immune system, by protecting our cells from harmful molecules called 'free radicals' which are the molecular by-products of turning food into energy, and which have the potential to damage your cells and genetic material.

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The good news is that antioxidants work to protect cells from such damage, and they play a critical role in maintaining your body’s immune system and heart function, working against chronic disease, helping against ageing, and in keeping you healthy overall.

Vitamin E acts very similar to Vitamin C, as a lipid antioxidant can protect the polyunsaturated membrane lipids against free radical attack.

Foods that are Rich in Antioxidants Vitamin C is primarily found in fruits and vegetables, and here in Spain we are blessed in this regard.

Some of the best sources are citrus fruits and juices such as orange and grapefruit, bell peppers, dark leafy greens, kiwi, broccoli, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, watermelons, or mangoes, and any of these foods can meet your vitamin C daily requirement, which is 75-90mg for adults, and under normal circumstances that might be enough, HOWEVER, in these critical times such as after a winter or an illness or during a seasonal flu (CORONA) epidemic can be boosted 10 times, in order to give the proper boost to the immune

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system.

Some of the best sources of Vitamin E are found in the following foods: vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables, avocados and butternut squash.

Fundamental are Sleep, Exercise, Sun and a Positive Mental Attitude All of which we covered in last month's issue. For example, just a 20 minute walk in the morning and again in the evening is all your body needs, any more than this is absolutely fine, but it is those two 20 minute outings that are essential and give the greatest benefit.

If you did not get a copy of last month's issue, then you can read it online at www.femalefocusonline. com Just select last month's issue (May 2020) and you can read the article there on page 18.

Article supplied by Dr Ignacio Poole who as well as being an International Master in Cosmetic Surgery, is a Family GP. Please call beforehand for an appointment time. ¡ Clinica El Arenal, Av Arenal 2, Jåvea. Telephone 865 525 304, Mon-Fri 10.30am - 1.30pm.

Email: clinicaarenal@gmail.com

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Female Focus Magazine June 2020

Mimis Kru – a safe salon Mimis Kru are officially open for appointments only!

Mimis Kru has now become a safe place for clients and staff in this current pandemic situation. The team have secured all areas and taken extra measures in keeping the salon safe from Covid 19.

Below is a list of the actions that a hairdressing salon should follow: ·If you have a cold or cough or are feeling unwell, please stay home! We can change your appointment to another day. ·Please wear your mask. ·Hand sanitizer will be at front desk as you enter Mimis Kru Salon, or we can supply you with gloves. ·If you decide to bring a jacket please keep it with you at all time. ·All staff will be wearing gloves and aprons! These will be changed and refreshed with each client, chairs and working areas will be sanitized after each client! ·The salon floor is washed with bleached twice a day. ·Please remember to keep your social distancing with other staff and clients. ·Mimis Kru will be using disposable cutting/ colouring gowns which will be disposed of after each service. ·All towels have been hot washed and will be placed into washing straight after each service! ·Mimis Kru's tools are all disinfected after each client with alcohol/ bleach and barbicide.

Mimis Kru will only be operating half the team so please be patient, as we are following government rules! Now we are happy to say some of the team have returned and we are most fortunate to have a large salon with four treatment rooms. Two of these rooms are now used as VIP rooms for the most vulnerable.

Our VIP room is very empty with limited items of furniture, which are easy to keep all disinfected & bleached. Here a client will receive 1 to 1 with their hairdresser, making the whole experience more relaxed.

The salon can only offer water from a paper cup, or a small bottled water. I’m afraid all other refreshments are unavailable.

The team have also taken that extra step further and have all attended the Barbicide course in Covid 19.

Find more information on the course here: https://barbicide.com/barbicide-infection-control-best-practices/

There are 2 courses, the first was about general cleanliness and disinfecting and gave an update on best current methods of good salon hygiene. The second was specific course about safety sterilizing and good practice linked to Covid 19.

Mimis Kru would like to say “Thank you for your support and understanding in this difficult time! Take care and we look forward to seeing you all soon.” · Mimis Kru, Local 12, Edificio Caribe, Av del Pla 129, Jávea.

Tel 96 579 3584. www.mimiskruhairandbeauty.com Facebook Mimiskru. See advert on the Horoscopes page.

Female Focus Magazine June 2020

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WATER VAPOUR THERAPY for PROSTATE conditions The prostate is approximately the size of a walnut and weighs about 10-12 grams. It has five lobes, anterior, posterior, medial and two lateral lobes. The medial and lateral lobes are the most prominent.

There are three main conditions that can affect the prostate which are prostatitis, prostatic cancer, and lastly benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) which is common in older men.

BPH is when the prostate gland becomes enlarged putting pressure on the urethra. This causes urination to be restricted or entirely blocked which can cause serious kidney and bladder infections.

One of the safe and effective treatments for BPH is Water Vapour Therapy (Steam).

A camera is inserted through the urethra showing the area of the prostate to be treated.

Water vapour is then injected at two or three points on each lobe at 1cm intervals killing enough of the prostate tissue for it to retract relieving the symptoms.

This procedure is non-invasive and takes approximately 20 minutes. The risk of complications is extremely low causing no damage to the nerves that control continence and erection.

Please do not hesitate to contact your health provider and discuss with them if this treatment is suitable for you.

· Clinica Britannia, Ejércitos Españoles 16, 1st Floor, Calpe.

Tel 965 837 553 or 607 255 755 24 hours a day - 365 days a year.

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U3A Vall Del Pop – 57 [Different Costumes] Not Out With the end of lock-down starting on 11th May Jo & Pete Cleary brought their innings, of 57 different costumes and different songs, to an end on the 10th with a final performance as ‘themselves’.

Every day since 15th March, Jo & Pete put on their make-up and costume and performed a different song to keep their friends and acquaintances entertained – we looked forward to their lunchtime presentations, whatever are we going to do from now on!

This was an incredible achievement which involved lots of planning each day. Firstly - what new costume, from whatever party props they had at home, or scissors/ needle/ cotton could make up, cardboard cut-out noses, floor mops became hair – their imagination was incredible. Then the song to accompany the costume which must have been practiced as each day they were word/ tune/ note perfect. Finally setting up the cameras to ensure every move was transmitted to their Facebook and You Tube audiences.

Never a day missed, a truly wonderful achievement – and so much pleasure given to so many by two incredibly generous souls giving of their time and their imagination.

I doubt there is a Guinness Book of Records for continuous home-based costumed performances whilst in lockdown, but Jo & Pete have certainly got the Vall de Pop Record of Achievement for 2020.

For those of you who have missed their performances you can see them all on their Facebook at ‘Clearys en España’ or on You Tube at ‘Crazy Clearys’.

Thank you both, from the bottom of our hearts, for what you have achieved by your unselfish efforts to raise the spirits and smiles of those in lock-down.

Pete & Jo are relatively new [18 months] in Vall del Pop but are already active members of Jalón Valley Help and the Vall del Pop U3A, so when you see them out and about give them a wave and a loud ‘thank you’.

For further information on U3A Vall del Pop check our website www.u3avalldelpop.com

PLASTIC KILLS WILDLIFE

Thousands of animals and birds die needlessly each year. Let's all try and make changes.

Female Focus Magazine June 2020

Female Focus Magazine June 2020

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It's time to get yourself back to Hospital

T

hroughout the coronavirus crisis and the lockdown, patients with heart attacks, strokes, and even appendicitis have seemingly vanished from our hospitals.

Specialist surgeons such as cardiovascular or trauma surgeons have been stumped. With many hospitals being repurposed to accommodate covid-19 patients, and with many of the beds occupied by victims of the coronavirus, where had all the other patients gone? Even those left almost speechless by crushing chest pain weren’t coming to the A&E. Variations on that question have puzzled clinicians not only in Spain, but across the UK, the US, and China. Many doctors were noticing that the pandemic was producing a silent sub-epidemic of people who needed care at hospitals but dare not come in because of fear to seek critical help. They include people with inflamed appendixes, infected gall bladders, bowel obstructions and, more ominously, chest pains and stroke symptoms.

The obvious concern is that of "late presentation". With an illness such as appendicitis, what happens when a patient presents late with appendicitis is that the doctors can’t operate on them safely.

Some doctors worry that over time the illness and mortality from unaddressed health problems may rival the death toll from covid-19.

Hospitals have safety measures to protect from infection Given the recently much reduced figures of new infections and deaths caused by covid-19, most regions of Spain are mid-way through the de-escalation plan. At the time of writing, confinement measures are progressively being relaxed, and it is even planned that Spain will lift the two-week coronavirus quarantine for overseas arrivals from July 1.

Yes, patients will still be wary, but you can be reassured that hospitals have numerous safety measures and protocols to protect from infection, and the emphasis now is to make sure that preventable deaths don't happen.

For example, during this period at home, mild stroke patients may have suffered enduring symptoms such as numbness, loss of

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES Contact them for their transition opening times and appointments

sensation or weakness on one side of the body.

These symptoms of small strokes can be transient, but they also can be warnings of larger strokes to come.

So if you, or anyone you know has developed any symptoms of disease before or during the lockdown, the time is now to overcome any fears and get prompt treatment that may save your or their lives, or avoid long-term complications.

Many elective surgeries are available again, and all those people with routine appointments should be calling and getting back to see their specialists. Don't delay, now is the time to get yourself back to hospital or to your specialist.

This article is provided by Asociacion Amigos Europeos de Javea, a private emergency service available 24/7 for all 365 days of the year covering almost all of Costa Blanca North. Our ambulances are akin to Mobile Intensive Care Units, and can mean the difference between life and death. Membership is just â‚Ź55 for a whole year for a whole family. Please see our advert below for details.

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As Seen On TV

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Female Focus Magazine June 2020

Masoor Dal Kebabs - Red Lentil Kebabs

Rich in protein these nutty and earthy lentil kebabs are super easy to make. We’ve used carrot and cabbage but other ingredients can be used such as sweet potatoes. They are great on their own, with a green salad as a snack, or served with a yogurt dip, or hummus with Indian flatbreads or pitta bread. The lentil kebabs can be deep fried but they are just as tasty shallow fried lightly or oven baked.

Prep 20 mins pepper, salt and the chilli flakes and mix well. Cook for plus soak 1 hour two minutes before adding the Cook Time 25-35 mins Ingredients carrots and cabbage. Cook on a Method 200g red split lentils medium heat for 6-7 minutes or Wash the lentils, place in a until cooked.

1 inch of ginger 1 handful fresh coriander, bowl, cover with water and Add to the lentil dough and leave to soak for 1 hour. The mix really well. Let the mixture chopped 1 slice of bread for breadcrumbs lentils will soak up the water, slightly cool before handling. swell and soften. ½ teaspoon salt Apply a little oil to the hands Drain the lentils and add to (this makes it easier to handle to Serve with yogurt dip or tomato 1 tablespoon oil a food processor, along with mixture). Make small/ medium chutney.

1 teaspoon cumin seeds the ginger, coriander and balls to form kebab like shapes 1 teaspoon garam masala LOOKING FOR LOCKDOWN 1 teaspoon chilli flakes or fresh breadcrumbs. Blend all the or flatten into patties/ burgers.

GIFT with a difference or to ingredients to form a dough In a pan heat 4 tablespoons chillies, chopped like consistency. of oil and cook the kebabs learn a new skill?

1 teaspoon black pepper In a pan heat the oil to a medium on a medium heat turning The Spice Sisters are offering 1 small onion, grated heat; add the cumin seeds, wait occasionally for 5 minutes until virtual cook along lessons.

1 carrot, grated email for more until the seeds begin to crackle, they are golden on both sides Please 100g cabbage, grated information on before adding the onions and and until cooked. Place on a Salt to taste cook for 3 minutes. kitchen towel to absorb any keepcalm@curryoncooking.com.

Oil for frying Add the garam masala, black excess oil. www.curryoncooking.com

· Recipe supplied by The Spices Sisters from Curry On

Cooking. Don’t forget to like them on Facebook 'Curry On Cooking'. You can purchase their currylicious kits from www.curryoncooking.com.

Female Focus Magazine June 2020

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our ARIES Do not count on any friendships made now lasting for a long time, although even though they are temporary, they will be very beneficial to all concerned. Be careful not to cut corners on any DIY projects you may undertake as you will regret it in the long run.

TAURUS You are starting to get warning signals about someone you were putting a lot of trust in. Take head of those thoughts, trust your instincts and hold back a bit until you are sure that you are really sure of their intentions.

GEMINI Do not let what has happened in the past spoil the future. Let any negative thoughts stay where they belong and not follow you around spoiling your decisions. Staying calm this month will be a challenge as the smallest of things will try your patience.

CANCER Don't give yourself unrealistic deadlines on what really are unimportant things as it will only make you feel unnecessarily pressured. If you have been thinking of a career change, now maybe a good time.

LEO Look to the past for ideas of how to move forward, what to avoid and what works in your favour.

Unfortunately a reunion will have to be put on hold for the foreseeable future, but just on hold so don't be too disappointed.

VIRGO Even though there are obstacles being put in your way, you are capable of getting through them if you put your mind to it. You are the only thing that is stopping you getting to where you really want to be.

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oroscope LIBRA If you can't control something make sure the way you react to it is well thought out. The answer to a problem that has been puzzling you for a long time suddenly becomes clear. Your finances are looking better once more - this doesn't mean splash out, just that there is less to worry about.

SCORPIO All your plans have been turned upside down, so now is the time to start again. Maybe some of the ideas can be kept as they were, but others could be improved. Look on the bright side, the end result may be better than you originally hoped.

SAGITTARIUS Being oversensitive makes you prone to seeing everything as a criticism rather than as a suggestion on how things could be improved. Changing your outlook can really improve things for you.

CAPRICORN Paying it forward could not be more important right now. You have had your share of help in the past so now is the time to help others. However small the gesture it will really be appreciated.

AQUARIUS Don't waste your energy on problems that have no solution, move on and concentrate on using your skills on ways to improve things. After being in a rut for a while you can see things starting to move forward at last.

PISCES There is no getting away with taking a back seat at the moment as it is all hands to the deck in order to kick start things again. Your skills will come to the fore and will be noticed. Enjoy this time of rebirth and improve on everything you can along the way.

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Female Focus Magazine June 2020

Female Focus Magazine June 2020

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Page 22

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By PA puzzles team

Across 7. Bad-tempered one to act as assessor (5) 8. It varies with the weather - it's done with air, in a way (7) 9. Entails outstanding alteration (7) 10. Taking off from a snowcap in Greenland (5) 12. I'm getting the appointment - it's a job not welcomed in school (10) 15. Theatrical extension suitable for a production of H.M.S. Pinafore? (5-5) 18. Nocturnal prowler involved in horrible murder (5) 19. A farm animal club produced by the founder? (3-4) 21. See 5 Down 22. Complete description of a rough diamond (5) (answers in the cl assified pages) Down 1. Conifers to decline before anything else (5,2,3) 2. Find something wrong with a geological feature (5) 3. One who foretells the future, we hear, dried up (4) 4. A beating that leaves marks on the skin (6) 5&21Ac. Manoeuvres that are definitely off-putting (8,7) 6. Will's P.S. (7) 11. Sandy crazy for biscuits (6-4) 13. Transport system designed by a man with a one-track mind? (8) 14. Distorted look from a stern-faced pilot (7) 16. One who produces notes using a whole range of keys (6) 17. The girl to show charisma (5) 20. One may decide on a certain size for this (4)

Spot the 12 differences (answers in the classified pages)

Passing it on .... Community Project for Jávea/Sri Lanka Can you help? I am being contacted daily by families in Jávea and surrounding areas desperately in need of summer clothes for kids and indeed adults, many are currently without income right now. So trying to be creative I have started a ‘Community Pass it On Project’ Make a donation to Spread some Sunshine (SSS) so we can feed hungry kids in care. Just 5€ feeds a child a basic diet for 1 month. (rice, lentils, milk powder). For each euro SSS receives, an item of clothing goes to a local family in need. Items are passed to Caritas for distribution or direct to families in need.

Huge thanks to the following organisations that have kindly donated so far: VillaMia, Merestone Construction, SimpleSites, MIBA Networking Group, Grant a Wish, Quick Save – Jávea, Costa Blanca Guides, Deep Tissue Massage, Therapies by Nicola Ingram.

My Spread some Sunshine project feeds kids in care and poor families each month in a small village on SW Coast of Sri Lanka. Like so many we could not have imagined the impact Coronavirus would have on our fund raising ..... the door of every opportunity has been closed. We cannot organise events and we are unable to sell on donated items at rastro markets or charity shops.

If you would like to find out more about our work the website is www.spreadsomesunshine.es You can donate by Paypal, GoFundMe or indeed you can join Teaming and donate just 1€ a month.

Many Thanks. Helen Davis.

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Female Focus Magazine June 2020

Upholstery and Steam Deep Clean A New Service from Class-Act

C

lass-Act are pleased to announce the addition of this muchrequested service. Having invested in new equipment, they can now deep clean your furnishings, upholstery, carpets and rugs so they look like new, cheering up your home no end!

Help International Benidorm supporting those in need

The food banks run by the BBBA have been doing an amazing job of feeding over 100 families weekly. Help International have contributed 1000â‚Ź to this recently (two amounts so far of 500â‚Ź). Help volunteers are still continuing to offer support and assistance to people in crisis during the pandemic. Particularly to people who are vulnerable and may be isolated. If you need help, support or advice please ring 607 38 704. All of our services are free.

Our Facebook page 'Help International Benidorm' is updated regularly with helpful and current information.

We also have a website www.helpbenidorm.org.

Your fabric furnishings get heavy use and can show soil and dirt quickly.

Keeping your upholstered furniture clean will prolong the life of the fabric and the furniture you love.

Your carpets and rugs are subject to more wear and tear than any other item in your home and can affect the overall appearance more than any other item.

Soil and grit walked into the home daily can quickly damage carpet and rug fibres, leading to premature wear. Regular carpet and rug cleaning by Class-Act can prolong their life, as well as freshen up the look of any room.

Call or WhatsApp Amanda or Kelvin on 633 358 985 / 682 637 729 and see their advert in Focus on Professional Services.

SPEND LOCAL SHOP LOCAL SUPPORT LOCAL

CHANGE ONE THING

Reusable straws are now readily available to buy. Not only are they are great way to cut down on plastic, they are also cleaner and safer where germs are concerned.

Make the change today.

Female Focus Magazine June 2020

Page 24

Time to check your irrigation system

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W

ell it’s officially the middle of the year in June, and I cannot believe how the year is flying on, the steady start to the year (temperature wise) has meant that most of the gardens have only just started coming into bloom during the end of May and beginning of June. I should imagine that the summer heat will have started by the time you are reading this.

Article supplied by Lee Charlesworth

&

So, it’s the time of year to check your irrigation system is running correctly and at the right times. Here is my irrigation check list.

First you need to see if you have a fully automated system with a bank of valves, or if you have a tap fed system.

1. With either of these systems check or change the battery, normally this is a 9 volt battery (the small square one). Both of these systems require a battery, the tap fed system requires it for full function and the fully automated system requires it as a back-up in case the mains power fails, as this will save all of your watering times.

2. Check the year, month, day and time. If these aren't correct then your irrigation will not function when you want it to.

3. If you know what your normal settings are for successful irrigation then you will be able to make sure that the correct running times, and or run programme, is selected.

4. BORDERS Now it is time to get into the garden. Run your system on a manual run, this allows you to turn it On and Off without disturbing any of the programme times. Purge the system to make sure that all the air has escaped, especially if you haven’t had it running all winter, then slowly and quietly walk around your garden with the system running, unless you have bad hearing (in which case you may need some help) normally the sound of gushing water from a split or broken irrigation tube is fairly obvious. If you have a problem, then a quick cut and replacement of the piece is easy. Then just check for any pools of water if the pipe has split underground.

5. Depending on how old your system is you may wish to check the nozzles that release the water, as these can become calcified, in which case you will want to change them as this can lead to a dramatic reduction in the quantity of water released from them.

6. LAWNS If you have a lawn then you will have (normally) pop up sprinklers, there are a couple of types, a small fixed variety and a turbine which is the larger ones which move. Turn on your system manually and allow the sprinklers within the zone to pop up, check the direction which they are facing (you will be amazed how much they can self-adjust and change through the year). If you need to change the direction of the small ones you can normally give them a little twist (of the part which is popped up) to re direct them.

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Female Focus Magazine June 2020

If this isn’t enough then you will have to unscrew the large collar (turn the system off first), this will release the pop-up part. Just by lifting and dropping it back in on the correct adjustment will see it where it needs to be, then screw the collar back on.

If you have a large sprinkler or turbine, you may need a special key to adjust these and or, you have to pop the top cap off and adjust the special clip inside which dictates from where and to where the sprinkler nozzles spray, you will be able to find online guides as well to help.

Plants of the month.

I have two plants of the month again, the first being Jacaranda Mimosifolia, we all know the tree that gets the great blooms of (blue / purple) flowers. It is a spectacular tree, it is often planted at the sides of roads and consequently they are pruned regularly and heavily. I prefer the shape of the tree to be natural and only prune in the normal way you would prune any other tree.

My other plant this month (although it is a little late this year) is, Acanthus Mollis, or Bear's Breeches. I love this plant as it is one of the closest things we can have in the garden here to foxglove (digitalis) or Lupins, they have large flower spikes and can look spectacular in the right place in the garden. Give it a go.

If you need any help with your irrigation systems or sourcing plants just drop us an email at info@charlesworthgardens.com or visit www.charlesworthgardens.com where you can see pictures of just some of our work and visit sister company web sites for other great services and products.

¡ For more information please give us a call on 696 283 704, email info@charlesworthgardens.com or visit www.charlesworthgardens.com, www.artificial-grass-spain.com and www.floresgardencentre.com.

Female Focus Magazine June 2020

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The Unconditional Love of an Animal "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress is judged by the way its animals are treated." Mahatma Gandhi There is nothing on this planet like the unconditional love of an animal. The positive effects animals have on most people are beyond words. They offer us moral support and a welcome soothing when life may get hard or uncomfortable.

Always at our side, their affection transcends any boundaries.

When you hold an animal, like your pet, your cat, dog, horse and many other creatures of the animal kingdom, something magical happens. It releases the same hormones that you do when you are in love. Studies show that petting and spending time with an animal inevitably decreases the levels of stress running through your body.

An innocent creature, which is not of the same species, decides to snuggle with you when you feel sad or play with you when you are in a bad mood. They do not have to do it, yet they still do. Animals know that you are unique to them and very often, you are their whole world.

It is that time of the year again. Fleas and ticks are not just an annoyance for you and your pet, they can lead to serious health problems. Make sure your pet is protected against them.

Bruno is a beautiful male Labrador mix, DOB 08.2015. 58cm. For more information on Bruno or any of our other dogs awaiting their new forever homes please call 618 754 635 or visit www.apasa.eu.

Duke is about three years old and has a calm, laid back attitude but he is a strong dog. He listens well to commands. If you would like to foster or adopt, please 'phone Akira Shelter 657 689 567 or go to www.akira-animals.com for details of Duke and others. Akira pays all expenses for foster dogs.

Meet Our Horses! Join us on Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings at APAC Rescue Horses to see the horses and join in the fun with drinks and tapas to help support and raise awareness. Everyone Welcome. For more information email apacprotectora@gmail.com, visit www.apac-cv.com or Facebook: Apac Rescue Horses.

Rio is a young podenco male. He was found outside Hotel Rio park, Christmas 2017. He is a loving and affectionate boy who desperately needs a loving forever home. To meet Rio contact us on 685 524 049. Benidorm Animal Shelter (Protectora de Animales y Plantas Benidorm)

Who else will accept you just as you are? Who else will welcome you, no matter what your circumstances? Where will you be greeted with such eagerness, the moment you step through the door?

There are many refuges with animals waiting to give you this unconditional love, can you give them some back?

Refuge centres may be subject to restrictions so please call before visiting.

Jade is a lovely tabby who is looking for a new home. Shelter open every Sunday 10am 12pm or call Luisa 648 100 629.

Denia Cat Protection League – Aldea Felina http://www.aldeafelina.es

This is Mia, a one year old podenco cross. She is fully vaccinated, healthy, enjoys the company of other dogs and people, loves to play and enjoys exercise and games. Please call 650 304 746 or email p.e.p.a.animalcharity@gmail.com Choco is a large male born in 2015. He is a low maintenance dog, likes his walks (good on the lead) and is a laid back boy who prefers just to chill out. He loves to be fussed over. Contact apropego@gmail.com or call 654 616 043.

Tanamera is a small animal rescue, located in Valencia, Spain, privately run by volunteers who rescue, rehome and rehabilitate ex hunting dogs. For more information email: stichtingtanamera@gmail.com or find them on Facebook (Tanamera Rescue)

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Female Focus Magazine June 2020

SUDOKU Here are four Sudoku puzzles of different skill levels for you to try.

It is not a maths game at all, there is no calculating involved - it is a pure logic game.

Fill in the grid so that every r o w, e v e r y c o l u m n a n d e v e r y 3 x 3 grid contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repeats, which means that no number is repeated in any row, column or box.

Answers to puzzles in the classified pages

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Female Focus Magazine June 2020

WORD SPIRAL

Starting from 1, fill in the grid in a clockwise direction with four-letter words. The last letter of each word becomes the first letter of the next word. If you have correctly filled in the grid there should be a seven-letter key word reading across from 8.

&

WORDSPIRAL 1 - CLUES

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BY PA PZZLES TEAM

&

1. Make beer 2. Desire 3. Trilbies, say 4. Rescue 5. Simple 6. Three feet 7. Flat circular plate 8. Restaurant cook 9. Rage 10. Abominable snowman 11. Image or statue 12. Neck part 13. Repeated sound 14. Burden 15. Terrestrial mollusc 16. Sudden snatch.

Key word clue: Type of wine.

WORDSPIRAL 2 - CLUES

1. School test 2. Eight furlongs 3. Makes mistakes 4. Not hard 5. Faucets 6.

Chimney deposit 7. Streetcar 8. Intend 9. Christmas 10. Telephone connection 11. Direction 12. Amphibian 13. Consider 14. Bill of fare 15. Forearm bone 16. Unfortunately.

Key word clue: Viral disease.

Answers to puzzles in the classified pages

Spot the odd one out A

B

“To care, comfort and counsel people affected by cancer.”

C

D

Costa Blanca North: 634 311 690 Gran Alacant: 96 684 1276 La Marina: 699 894 183 Torrevieja: 602 648 486 www.mabscancerfoundation.com

HELP of Marina Alta

Medical Equipment and Information office: 96 642 7044 Denia Hospital Interpreters and Info desk: 96 642 9346 HELP Coordinators: Benitachell 664 573 360 Calpe 616 237 135 Orba 639 176 812 Jávea 634 388 446 Denia 609 336 473 Teulada/ Moraira 634 318 819 Parkinsons Support 634 301 677 HELP President 686 320 435.

E

F

SAMARITANS IN SPAIN

FREE PHONE 900 525 100

pat@samaritansinspain.com If you are a victim of domestic violence call 016 - there is a way out.

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Female Focus Magazine June 2020

Changes Afoot at Oliva U3A

T

he Oliva U3A committee and members have had to get to grips with technology very fast during this lockdown, especially as it is the time of year when the AGM is held and voting for the new committee is required.

As members are no longer in full time employment and most are retired, learning about online conferencing and online voting isn’t easy - but everyone has taken up the challenge very well and the new committee will take its place in June.

Mick Goy, the current president, will make way for Barry Purvis, who is keen to take up the reins. The Oliva U3A will also have a new Vice President and Secretary, along with five new additional members to the committee. The new committee is looking forward to supporting its 580 members and over 40 groups by providing engaging activities, trips and events for the coming year.

The past few months have demanded a change in the way members are contacted and how groups can continue to meet – and, again, online conferencing won the day. Classes such as yoga, Zumba and line dancing were able to continue in some way. Plus some groups, like Practical Photography, set up Lockdown Challenges that members could do inside their own homes or gardens. The photos are a couple of examples from the Nature & Water and the Garden Wildlife challenges.

Due to the continued social distancing rules, the annual Oliva U3A Summer Event will not be taking place this year. Although it is a missed opportunity for a large gathering, members’ health and well-being is critical - and Oliva U3A plan to make the next event even better!

For more information please visit https://u3aoliva.wildapricot.org/ Please send your updated noticeboard information before 15 June to be included in the July edition when 'normality' will hopefully have returned

THE SALVATION ARMY

English Speaking Church of Denia Worship Service. Sunday 10.30am Followed by a time of Fellowship Everyone is welcome. Come as you are!

For more information: Dieter Zimmerer +34 698609658 or Barbara Zimmerer +34 652319810 Email dieterzimmerer@hotmail.com www.centrosaron.com

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES

Contact them for their transition opening times reservations & appointments

Female Focus Magazine June 2020

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'THIS IS YOUR IBIZA FIX RIGHT HERE' Georgia Humphreys talks to the cast of new Netflix series White Lines.

MULTI-LAYERED CHARACTERS Zoe was the first role Londoner Haddock, 34, wanted to play after maternity leave.

"I just realised she had so much to learn about herself and she really didn't know who she was," explains the mother-of-two, who has starred in films such as Transformers: The Last Knight and The Inbetweeners Movie, plus BBC series The Capture.

"She's 35 years old and her life had been on pause for 20 years that was really interesting to me."

Line Of Duty and Fisherman's Friends star Danny Mays plays devoted father Marcus, who works as a part-time DJ, part-time dealer, and was Axel's best friend.

"He is probably the most tragic comedic character I've played to date; I adored playing him because he works in extremes," enthuses the Essex-born actor, 42.

"When we initially see him out in Ibiza 20 years later, he's on a downward curve in life, and gets himself into all sorts of difficult and hapless scrapes. But as the series unfolds, we reveal more and more of the pain in his heart, and all of the regret that he's carrying around with him."

PA Photo/Netflix/Chris Harris.

FLASHBACK SCENES The show takes us back to when Axel was young, and that's where Britannia star Tom Rhys Harries comes in.

"I realised maybe midway through shooting, that my character Axel who is this larger-than-life figure who just goes after whatever he wants and gets whatever he wants - is an anagram of Alex," notes the 27-year-old Welshman.

"And I spoke to Alex about this - via his translator because he doesn't speak English and I don't speak Spanish - and he was like, 'Yeah, that's not a coincidence...'"

Playing the young Marcus is Cold Feet star Cel Spellman, 24, who says he and Mays had discussions to make sure they were on the same page with the essence of the character.

"But as far as playing him, we both agreed that we wanted to have the freedom to do our own thing with it," continues Spellman.

"Where there is that 20-year gap, Marcus is very much the same

I think; Marcus is kind of stuck in time really. But, enough time has passed to find them in very different points in their life as well."

PA Photo/Netflix/Des Willie.

PA Photo/Netflix/Des Willie.

Feel like you're running out of things to binge-watch on Netflix? Don't panic.

White Lines is a new mystery thriller series, which is not only dark and funny, but also transports viewers to sunny, hedonistic Ibiza.

The 10-parter - written by Spaniard Alex Pina - sees university librarian Zoe (Laura Haddock) decide to leave her quiet life in Manchester to find out what happened to her brother, Axel, who was working as a DJ on the Balearic island when he went missing.

20 years later, his body has been found. But the police aren't touching the case anymore - and Zoe wants answers.

As she immerses herself in the world of parties and dance music, she starts to unearth lies and cover-ups, meeting plenty of suspicious people along the way.

Here, members of the all-star cast tell us everything we need to know about the show.

A DIFFERENT WORLD

Angela Griffin - known for Coronation Street, Waterloo Road and Cutting It - takes on the role of Marcus's ex-wife, the charming, sensual and ambitious Anna, who was also friends with Axel.

She now lives in London with her wealthy fiance, George, for most of the year, but goes out to Ibiza for the season.

Her business is "giving sex parties to people who have got a lot of money", says Griffin, who adds that the show "does get quite raunchy - in a very beautiful way".

"If it had been Anna who takes all her kit off and so on, it might have been a little bit different, but she is the orchestrator, the puppet-master - she organises, she's the pleasure-giver as opposed to the partaker, so that didn't worry me when I read it."

Griffin elaborates that she was drawn to the role because of how far away it is from her in real life.

"Anna is about the same age as me, she's got two children the same age as mine, but in terms of her personality, she's so different from me and that was such a massive appeal.

It did make me feel slightly uncomfortable, but that is what made me want to do it, because it becomes a challenge then."

PA Photo/Netflix/Chris Harris.

N

etflix drama White Lines - set on the White Isle - follows a woman investigating her brother's mysterious disappearance. Georgia Humphreys chats to some of the stellar cast about their flawed characters, raunchy scenes and why the show is the perfect form of escapism.

PARTY LIFESTYLE

When Griffin was filming in Manchester in the Nineties, she went to the Hacienda - the famous music venue in the city so the nightclub scene depicted in White Lines really resonated with her.

"I understood it, I related to it, but that is probably about the only thing that I related to, in terms of how crazy they get. I was watching it going, 'Well, I never did that, and I never did that, and thanks goodness I never did that!'"

Spellman points out how, as a Mancunian, that period of the Nineties is a "massive part of our cultural identity".

"We definitely live in a time that is a lot more tame, so to be given a pass to go and throw yourself in and let loose and run wild, it's a dream - I was chomping at the bit to lose my way a little bit and go a bit mental."

It's certainly exciting, at a time when Covid-19 has put us in lockdown, to escape to Ibiza through our TV screens.

"It's sun, sea, sand, sex, drugs, alcohol... It's that hedonistic extravaganza really, so it is going to give a lot of people something in these very difficult times, and it's a proper binge-watch, there is no doubt about that," suggests Mays. "This is your Ibiza fix right here."

"It's hugely entertaining, it's really emotional, it's high-octane drama and I think that is what we all need," echoes Haddock.

"We're all craving a little bit of that at the moment, so I'm superexcited about people watching it."

- White Lines is now available on Netflix.

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WHO AM I?

Female Focus Magazine June 2020

by PA PUZLES

1. A novelist, I was born in Hampshire in 1812. My short stories included To be Read at Dusk and The Signal-Man, but I am best remembered for my famous literary characters such as Fagin and Miss Havisham.

My pen-name for many of my works was 'Boz'.

4. A governess, I was born in India in 1831. I married in India but moved to Singapore after the death of my husband. Some years later I became governess to the children of the king of Siam. I have been portrayed on screen by Jodie Foster and Deborah Kerr.

2. An actress, I was born in Chicago in 1968. I have a daughter named Piper Maru, and two sons, Oscar and Felix I played Lady Dedlock in the BBC's 2005 production of Bleak House, and was Special Agent Dana Scully in the longrunning TV show The X-Files.

5. An actor, I was born in Blackburn in 1942. I made my motion picture debut in the 1962 film The Wild And The Willing and went on to play the popular TV character Lovejoy in the 1980s and 90s. I am best known in the US for my star role in the series Deadwood.

3. A singer, I was born in London in 1956. A bout of childhood spinal meningitis left me with a curvature of the spine and my characteristic permanent stare. I was the lead singer of the 1970s punk band the Sex Pistols.

6. A singer, I was born in Los Angeles in 1938. My hit jazz and blues albums have included At Last! & Tell Mama. My music enjoyed a revival in the 1990s when my song I Just Wanna Make Love To You re-entered the Top 10 on the UK charts.

Please call for opening info.

Answer 1: Charles Dickens. Answer 2: Gillian Anderson. Answer 3: John Lydon. Answer 4: Anna Leonowens. Answer 5: Ian McShane. Answer 6: Etta James.

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COSTA BLANCA NORTH

Note from Benny: Just as we started to see some light at the end of the tunnel, bad news. Two of our choirs have fallen victims to coronavirus and been forced to close. They hope to return some time in the future, but for now, their followers and local charitable organisations are totally bereft of their singing and fund-raising abilities. Our hearts go out to the members and families of those infected. Meanwhile, to the best of my knowledge, all our other board-treaders and warblers are planning to hopefully resume business by the autumn and remain dedicated to their individual causes. True grit within the ex-pat community. Proud of you all.

Caprice Ladies Choir: The choir send their best wishes to everyone at this difficult time. They are not wasting the lockdown and are continuing their rehearsals every week via video online in the hope that when this is all over, they can return to entertaining you all as soon as possible. Follow the choir on Facebook or via their website www.capriceladieschoir.com. Stay safe everyone.

Careline Theatre: All at Careline Theatre send you their best wishes and hope you are all safe and well. They are still hoping to stage, `Charlie and the Chocolate Factory´ in October.

Providing they are permitted to use the theatre again and sell seating at 50% plus capacity, they will be back with you for the autumn.

Costa Blanca Male Voice Choir: Because of the current lockdown restrictions the choir regret that their planned `Concert at the Cave´ in June has been cancelled. The choir will start rehearsing again as soon as restrictions are lifted.

They have a full programme of concerts planned for September onwards.

For further details see their website www.costablancamalevoicechoir.wikidot.com Jávea Players: Still in Lockdown, so unfortunately, they have postponed, `Dead Guilty´. They hope to present `Master of the Music´ at the end of July, with appropriate social distancing at the restaurant Bar Imperial and Casa de Cultura. See www.javeaplayers.com for details in due course.

They have recorded some short stories for your free entertainment: https://javeaplayers.com/jp/entertainment/ The players hope that by autumn they will be able to invite you back for another play.

Oliva Drama and Cultural Association: The Oliva Drama Group hope to be able to perform their postponed show 'Fancy That!’ later in the year and have plans for a new play. For more information about the group, please visit their new Website https://olivadrama.com, email olivadrama@hotmail.com, or see their Facebook page https://m.facebook.com/OlivaDrama.com

www.femalefocusonline.com Phoenix Dancers: The Dancers are keeping themselves busy by rehearsing at home.

Unfortunately, due to the current situation they do not know when they shall be able to perform their next show, but know that they will be ready, willing and able when given the green light.

They hope that all their followers and fans are keeping well and look forward to seeing you all again at the first possible moment.

Please phone choreographer Phaedra: 607 29 08 96 for further information.

Sounds Familiar: Sounds Familiar are looking forward to their next production `Magic of the Musicals´ to be performed on 1 October in Ondara. If you are interested in joining the group, or would like more information, please contact Philip on 96 558 1483 or philip@soundsfamiliar.es The Chaplaincy Singers: The Chaplaincy Singers are working hard on new music hoping to present a concert at La Fustera on 8 July. More information in the July edition, or call Eileen on 607 706 904 or Lyn on 692 059 257.

Valley Voices: The choir have not been able to see each other in real time to rehearse but are rehearsing at home during the Covid-19 crisis. They are using the Zoom app so can see and even hear each other, so, are still smiling and singing even had a Zoom party! They are still hoping to stage their `Sunset Serenade´ concert at El CID’s, sometime in the near future. All enquiries: valleyvoicesspain@gmail.com

If you would like your group to be part of the Stage Diary please email editor@femalefocusonline.com editor@femalefocusonline.com.. Deadline for copy is the 15th of the month prior to publication.

Stage Diary Costa Blanca South information can be found online at www.femalefocusonline.com

Calling all groups and charities send your forthcoming events and information to editor@femalefocusonline.com before the 15th of the month prior to publication.

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www.femalefocusonline.com Health & Beauty

Wanted

I BUY RECORDS LPs, EPs, SINGLES. 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s years.

Good prices paid. Tel. 962 851 809 622 750 117.

Services D A I LY R O M A N T I C E X O T I C GETAWAYS in Jávea. Tuesday & Thursday: Yoga and Coffee break. More information: baliparadisegarden.com HAIR NAILS & BEAUTY. Serenity in Moraira offer a wide range of treatments including roof top yoga.

Call Kelly on 96 503 5063.

FREE CONSULTATION - BOOK NOW, Does the weather ruin your make-up. Permanent Eyebrows & Eyeliner are the perfect solution.

Elements Beauty Spa In Denia. w w w. e l e m e n t s b e a u t y s p a . e s elementsbeautyspa@gmail.com Call: 966 424 647.

P S Y C H O T H E R A P I S T CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT Psychotherapist for the confidential treatment of anxiety and depression. Plus couples t h e r a p y. P h o n e Ta n y a o n 634 35 48 92 to arrange an appointment. Visit www.feelgoodcs.com

JENNY'S CLEANING SERVICES. Reliable, honest and legal.

H o m e , b u s i n e s s , t e n a n c y, changeovers and oven cleans.

English and Spanish spoken Covering Javea, Denia and surrounding areas.

Call now 633 624 232 www.jennyscleaningservices.com

Tuition QUALIFY AS A TEFL TEACHER With the prestigious Trinity CertTESOL qualification and join a profession with worldwide job opportunities.

Our course is accredited by Trinity College, London and is run at our centre in Gandia on a part-time basis. Attendance is on Fridays & Saturday mornings over a 10 week period in the Spring & Autumn.

No previous teaching experience necessary but your suitability for this demanding course is assessed through a written task and interview.

Trainee places limited to 10. Also open to non-native speakers with C1/ C2 level of English. Please phone or email for further information.

Email: trinitygandia@gmail.com Tel: 96 286 7281 (Charlotte) www.appformacion.com

Entertainment LADY JAZZ performing at the Costa Blanca! Perfect for your Lounge Area, Private Party's, Weddings, Fine Dining and Cocktail Bar!! High quality vocals & chillout tunes. Tel. 677 233 879 FACEBOOK: LadyJazzAnita or visit www.lady-jazz.com

For more classified adverts visit www.femalefocusonline.com

FULLY COMP CAR INSURANCE from 279€. For all your insurance needs: house, home, business, marine, car, health. Call Insurance Altea 96 584 0753 CHILDCARE Responsible and honest lady offers childcare during the summer months, hours by arrangement. In my very central Altea flat, or at your home. Including Spanish class for children. Contact Lucia on 693 531 194.

GREASE KING COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC CLEANING Full or part kitchen cleans on a oneoff or regular basis. Prompt and reliable service throughout all of Costa Blanca North. Cleaning of: Extractors / Filter System / Canopies / Grease Ducts / Deep Kitchen clean / Domestic Oven / Patio and Exterior / Floor Polishing. Text or WhatsApp for your free quote. 634 308 714. www.greasekingspain.com.

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Female Focus Magazine June 2020

Female Focus Magazine June 2020

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www.femalefocusonline.com Services Cont.

Personal PSYCHOTHERAPIST CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT Psychotherapist for the confidential treatment of anxiety and depression. Plus couples therapy.

Phone Tanya on 634 35 48 92 to arrange an appointment.

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.

REMEMBER businesses have suffered, please try to shop and use your LOCAL businesses.

WORD SPIRAL 1 SOLUTIONS 1. Brew 2. Wish 3. Hats 4. Save 5. Easy 6. Yard 7. Disc 8. Chef 9. Fury 10. Yeti 11. Icon 12. Nape 13. Echo 14. Onus 15. Slug 16. Grab. Key word solution: CHABLIS. WORD SPIRAL 2 SOLUTIONS 1. Exam 2. Mile 3. Errs 4. Soft 5. Taps 6. Soot 7. Tram 8. Mean 9. Noel 10. Line 11. East 12. Toad 13. Deem 14. Menu 15. Ulna 16. Alas. Key word solution: MEASLES. CRYPTIC CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS See over page for more solutions Across: 7 Irate; 8 Aneroid; 9 Salient; 10 Aping; 12 Imposition; 15 Apron-stage; 18 Lemur; 19 Pig-iron; 21 Tactics; 22 Uncut.

Down: 1 First of all; 2 Fault; 3 Sere; 4 Tattoo; 5 Delaying; 6 Codicil; 11 Ginger-nuts; 13 Monorail; 14 Grimace; 16 Typist; 17 Grace; 20 Glue.

HARRIS FURNISHINGS - British furniture store offering a fabulous range of quality furniture including sofas, chairs, corner sofas, sofa beds, recliners, rise-recliners, beds, coffee tables etc. Famous brand names including Parker Knoll. Pedreguer Ind. Estate.

96 646 9371 or email sales@harrisfurnishings.com BUILDING & PLUMBING SERVICES. No job to big or small, from a re-grout to a new build. Experienced and all work guaranteed. Call Nicholas 696 949 220.

AWNINGS, BLINDS, MOSQUITO nets, Commercial & Garage doors, Shower screens & doors.

PERSITOLD provide solutions for sun protection and comfort.

Showroom in Gata de Gorgos.

Many examples at www.persitold.es 96 575 6281 / 669 859 572 or email info@persitold.es C O M P L E T E B AT H R O O M REFORMS Whole project managed by in-house team. 24 years experience. Also specialist in shower and bath screens. Many satisfied customers. Call SHOWERMAN. 96 579 2285 / 639 292 081 or email info@showermanspain.com UPHOLSTERY SERVICE Tired or broken furniture? From small repairs to complete recovers for home, garden, car or boat. Indoor & outdoor cushion covers. Pergola and parasol covers. Leather and fabric cleaning.

Pedreguer Industrial Estate.

96 646 9371 or email: sofamedico@harrisfurnishings.com.

BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION Specialised in residential property refurbishment. Kitchens/ Bathrooms, Windows /Doors, Reforms/ Extensions, Electrics/ Plumbing, Tiling/ Terraces, Roofing/ Rejas, Tosca Specialists. Over 30 years experience. All areas Gandia to Benidorm and Inland. www.sovereign-construction.com 662 097 598 or email: sovereignconstruction@gmail.com GLAZING & AWNING SPECIALISTS All kinds of glazing systems, roofing solutions and awnings, windows, arched windows, conservatories, doors and interior glass doors.

Call 96 645 7878 or email info@amasvista.com NEED A SURVEY? Call Advantage Building Services if you are buying a property, or have structural problems with a property you already own. Subsidence cases investigated, insurance claims mediated and processed.

653 733 066 or email:mrmpaddon@hotmail.com find further information at www.surveyorscostablanca.com EXCAVATION, GROUNDWORK & CONSTRUCTION Call AD Lawton for all your plant hire needs. Specialist in drainage, groundworks and septic tank systems. 648 052 911 or visit www.adlawtonconstrucciones.com Q U A L I T Y B L I N D S S PA I N www.qualityblindsinspain.com is a family run business, supplying and fitting made to measure blinds on the costa. Tel: 96 57 01 984 Mobile: 658 338 123.

WATER FILTER SYSTEMS Whole House & Undersink Water Filter Systems. Reduce Your Plastic Waste & Have Clean Filtered Water From All Taps In Your Home While Also Protecting Appliances From Limescale Buildup. Tel: 681 315 659.

Web: www.aqualyze.es.

Shop and use your LOCAL businesses & Services.

GLAZE N SAVE convert your single glazed windows and doors to double glazed units without changing the frames. Very cost effective and a clean process. This is not secondary glazing. For more information call Gary on 662 455 960 or 96 671 2832 email gary@glazensave.es. Web: www.glazensave.es.

THE INTERPRETER 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 SKIPS IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE Small, Medium, Large skips for Building, Gardening, Mixed loads.

Also earth, gravel etc available for delivery. Call Contenedores Mata on 96 579 0172 or 679 440 046.

TRANSLATOR AND INTERPRETER English/Spanish. All legal, medical and business matters. Covering the Costa Blanca. Contact: 658 957 404 or ejbtranslations@gmail.com MAN AND VAN for hire, cheap & reliable. Jalon valley & surrounding areas. 96 648 0757 (9.30-1.30) or 636 100 873.

CAR REPAIRS & SERVICING. Automat Talleres (formerly Total Car Care) will get you right back on the road. Broken down?, send your grua to us! Pol Ind La Pedrera, Benissa.

965 730 225.

Misc Sales

VARIOUS ITEMS Woodsplitters €5 pair roof racks €8 each, gas fires €25 & €20, fishing rods €3 each, sea fishing rod €10 with reel, one light €3, garden vac €16, drills €8 each, radio €3, candle asra €6 for a pair, tools - forks, pick axe, spades, shovels, hoes, rakes, lamp hammers all €4 each, pick up Moraira 627 255 461.

PAUL´S EMPORIUM IN 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'.

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Female Focus Magazine June 2020

Property Services & Sales JESUS POBRE APARTMENT. Private sale of lovely spacious apartment of 70 m2, ground floor, 1 bed, 1 fully bath, open plan kitchen, living - dining area with log burner. Roof terrace with sea- and panoramic views. SOLD with some high quality white goods. 125.000€. Call us for information 966 461 784.

For Sale – Harrys Bar, Quesada. Unique opportunity to purchase this well established popular bar /restaurant. Freehold. Call Joanne for more information on 693 494 951.

SELLING YOUR PROPERTY? List with Casitas Iberica in Jávea and we will sell your house. Our exclusive listings benefit from professional internal and external photos, plus a free Virtual Tour. No Obligation Valuations. Tel: 96 579 4408 / 686 453 801. www.casitasiberica.com ACHIEVE RENTAL INCOME from your property. For more than 35 years Aguila Rent A Villa SL has specialised in holiday rentals in Javea, Denia and surroundings. Trusted and professional. 96 647 0830 Email: mail@aguilarent.com or visit www.aguilarent.com

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES

Contact them for their transition opening times reservations & appointments

NEW DESIGN

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Established 1993

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Puzzle Solutions Easy Crossword Answer to Spot the odd one out = C

Computers

Autos And Boats

Very easy

Medium

Easy

Hard

QUICK CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS Across: 1 Steadfast; 8 Cut; 9 Symptomatic; 11 Voucher; 12 Leave; 13 Ration; 15 Urbane; 17 Units; 18 Afflict; 20 Educational; 22 Lie; 23 Emergency.

Down: 2 Try; 3 Ditch; 4 Admire; 5 Tattler; 6 Acclamation; 7 Atonement; 10 Mountaineer; 11 Virtually; 14 Obscure; 16 Damage; 19 Fling; 21 Arc. 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@femalefocusonline.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@femalefocusonline.com by the property owner (up to 40 words).

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 transfer. *Free adverts will be published in print on a space permitting basis. If you want to ensure your advert appears, normal commercial rates should be applied.

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Female Focus Magazine June 2020