Merry Christmas
Halting sight loss from glaucoma
A man who thought he had his glaucoma under control has praised Specsavers Ópticas in La Zenia after the optometrist’s quick-thinking actions saved him from potentially losing his sight in both eyes.
Douglas Addison, who had a family history of glaucoma and was first diagnosed with it 10 years ago, noticed he was losing his peripheral vision last year- a common sign that the glaucoma is permanently damaging sight.
He booked an eye test at Specsavers Ópticas and the optometrist found that his eye pressure was extremely high. They urgently referred Mr Addison to hospital where they confirmed his diagnosis and performed a surgical procedure to stop the glaucoma getting worse.
Unfortunately, he lost 75% of the vision in his right eye. But Mr Addison remains very grateful to the team at Specsavers Ópticas in La Zenia for the referral, and the surgical team who stopped him losing vision in both eyes. Mr Addison wants to tell his story to raise awareness of the importance of regular eye tests, not simply to see if you need glasses, but to check the health of your eyes and protect your vision.
‘I would say to anyone who hasn't had their eyes tested before, or hasn’t had their eyes tested for a while, please do it. It is very, very important. Vision loss can happen to anyone, so don’t take your sight for granted.
‘I’d also like to say a big thank you to the team at Specsavers Ópticas in La Zenia. If their optometrist hadn’t sent me to A&E, I would be blind. While I did lose sight in one eye, I can lead a full life and am so grateful that with the operation and treatment my vision won’t get worse.’
Glaucoma is often referred to as the silent thief of sight as in most cases it doesn’t display any symptoms. One of the best ways to detect glaucoma is during a routine eye test, which includes visual health checks. Specsavers Ópticas recommends everyone should have an eye test every two years, unless they are experiencing any problems or advised by an optometrist.
To book an appointment at your nearest store visit www.specsavers.es.
www.femalefocusonline.com
I'm finding it hard to believe that we have been in our new house for almost one year, but I still have numerous unpacked boxes to find homes for. I'm hoping that during the Christmas and New Year's break that I might actually find time and space to eventually get round to this job, along with all the other things I would like done in the house.
England's participation in the World Cup got off to a flying start... let's hope it continues to the end and they follow in the footsteps of our Lionesses earlier this year. Above all, let's hope that it is a trouble free World Cup as there has been much controversy surrounding it.
As yet another comes to an end, I would like to wish you all a very Happy, very Healthy and Wealthy New Year and once again a huge thanks to all our advertisers and contributors for their continued support throughout the year and long may it continue.
Michelle
QFocus Magazine covering the Alicante South region and Focus On Magazine covering the Alicante North region.
Until next time.... Discuss your advertising with your local representative:-
QFocus Office: Mon to Fri. 10am - 2pm Tel. 657 501 055
Pick up your next issue on 2 Jan Deadline for advertising & editorial - 15 Dec
Sales Manager Michelle 663 178 228 michelle@femalefocusonline.com Female
Financial
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(Note: The above is what new investors would receive and investors of over 5 years would receive 1.2% p.a. More than published rates above)
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Advice and guidance on Spanish Inheritance Tax & Income Tax
Minimum Investment £20,000 / €25,000
Investments are portable should you return to the UK
SUDOKU
5 WAYS TO USE A RETROSPECTIVE LICENCE /CERTIFICATE OF ANTIQUITY IN REVERSE RELEVANCE ORDER
5. A retrospective licence / certificate of antiquity is the main document required by the taxing department to upgrade the SUMA / council tax.
4. In the process of marketing an illegally extended property it provides legal security to the agents / potential purchasers that the alterations done to a property cannot be fined, acting as a regularisation instrument.
3. It is the document required to upgrade the officinal maps (Catastro) with any extension / alteration carried out on a property without a licence.
2. It is the document required to include in the escritura (title deeds), any extension carried out without a proper licence and if done with a proper licence it simplifies the new built registration process.
1. It makes extensions or alterations carried out on a property completely unobjectionable for any Spanish authority. Once issued, the local or regional authorities cannot issue fines or demolition orders against extensions carried out without a proper licence.
Not all property owners that have carried out building work without a licence are entitled to obtain a retrospective licence, they have to have the following conditions:
•In Murcia area, building work already carried out must be a minimum of 4 years old.
•In Almeria area, the building work needs to be over 6 years old.
•In Alicante area, the building work needs to have been completed before the 20th August 2014 (over 11 years approximately).
Once confirmed, Martinez de la Casa Architects will arrange an appointment to survey the pool/extension requiring only your NIE and current Title Deeds.
The Retrosective / Certificate of Antiquity is stamped by the Official College of Architects or Notarised, and delivered within 10 working days (guaranteed).
The price of a Pool Retrospective Licence (Certificate of Antiquity) is 190€ + IVA (229€ IVA Inc) and for Extensions 270€ + IVA (326€ IVA Inc, all extensions in the property included).
Martinez de la Casa Architects is the Number 1 company for Architectural Certification Southern Spain, including Energy Performance Certificates (121€ inc IVA) and Number 1 Company for Habitation/Occupation Licences (prices depending on each Town Hall).
For all enquiries or to arrange an appointment please call 665 810 411 (English) or visit www.martinezdelacasa.com to see an impressive list of over 200 testimonials by different clients.
WORD SEARCH
Find all the Spanish words from the word list in the puzzle grid. Words may be found going forwards, backwards, up, down or diagonally. Answers can be found in the back of the magazine. Good Luck.
ACEBO - HOLLY
ADORNOS - DECORATIONS
ANGEL - ANGEL
ÁRBOL - TREE
BELEN - NATIVITY SCENE
CABALGATA - PARADE OF THE THREE KINGS
CAMPANADAS - CHIMES
FELIZ NAVIDAD - HAPPY CHRISTMAS
FLOR DE PASCUAPOINSETTIA
GUIRNALDA - WREATH
LUCES - LIGHTS
MUÉRDAGO - MISTLETOE
NAVIDAD - CHRISTMAS
NIEVE - SNOW
NOCHEBUENA - CHRISTMAS EVE
NOCHEVIEJA - NEW YEAR'S EVE
PAPÁ NOEL - FATHER CHRISTMAS
PAVO - TURKEY
POSTALES - CARDS
REGALOS - PRESENTS
RENOS - REINDEER
REYES MAGOS - WISE MEN / THREE KINGS TURRÓN - TURRON UVAS - GRAPES
VILLANCICO - CAROL
See back pages for answers
SHOOTING STARS
When my wife saw the title of this little article, she said it might be more entertaining if it was about a politician and a certain TV show, but I think I'll stick to more important things.
There are lots of names for shooting stars, there's also falling stars, fireballs, and the ones astronomers use, meteors and meteorites. The difference between these last two is simple, meteors burn up in the atmosphere and meteorites reach the ground. The size of them can be anything from a vast rock that devastates where it hits, just like the silly Holywood films, to what makes up 99.999 percent of them, tiny grains of rock.
I think most people who have looked up at the night sky will have seen a meteor at some time, a bright streak of light flashing across the sky, they're really pretty and always worth an oooh when you see one. It's quite easy to understand why people in historic times had so many myths for them, souls falling to Earth etc. The real explanation, a bit of dust burning up with friction as it speeds through the air, seems quite mundane. What is less well known is that most meteors come in showers, and when and where these showers will occur is largely predictable. I'm, going to digress for a moment with a personal gripe, the term shower is the correct one, but it's very misleading. I'm sure it makes you think of lots of flashing streaks across the sky, perhaps one every few seconds, in reality it means a dozen or two per hour. So, how can we predict when these showers will happen? It all starts with comets, those beautiful huge balls of gas rock and dust that fly around the Sun from the outer solar system with pretty tails lit by the sun. These comets leave trails of dust in space and as the Earth goes around the Sun, once every year of course, we know when we will pass through an area of dust left by those comets, and we get our shooting stars.
Names are given to the different meteor showers according to which star constellation they seem to appear from, so there are the Taurids, which appear where Taurus is in the sky, the Orionids from the area of Orion and so on. There are quite a few of them.
The next good shower to look out for is the Quadrantids, this goes from the end of December for a couple of weeks and should peak January third and fourth. Look at the sky just past where the handle of the Plough constellation ends. You'll also need a clear very dark sky, so good luck with that. If you are successful, you'll never forget the experience, it's one of mother nature's greatest gifts to us all, but one that so few people have ever seen.
● To find out more about observing and astronomy why not join our group, email us at vegabaja.astronomygroup@gmail.com to find out more.
Charles Oates, Vega Baja Astronomy Group.In Spain, more than 2.000.000 people over 65 live alone
For most of us, the season to be jolly has arrived. A time to spend with friends and family. A time to enjoy good food, good company and good conversation.
For many, however it is the season of loneliness, solitude and despair. For many, they used to live in urbanisations that were flourishing communities. Now the homes around them have become holiday homes, that are seldom visited. Now they live in ghost towns rarely seeing anyone. Now many of the elderly dread the coming season.
So, this season please take a walk around your area and look for people that maybe alone. Look for people that would appreciate a chat or a cuppa. Spend a short time listening to their stories. I personally have been amazed by the adventures of some people. A short amount of your time could be the best present some people will receive this season.
I believe retirement communities are a fantastic solution. They offer you a caring, protected location. Most of the facilities here in Spain are not becoming quiet urbanisations. In fact, most are becoming full, and homes are getting harder to find. Retirement communities offer you a home where you can enjoy your independence with the support and a thriving community. If you are a social butterfly, there are always people around. If not, then the staff are always there for you.
Stephen is the Marketing Manager at the Colina Club in Calpe. Why not give him a call; arrange a tour; where he can answer any questions and explain the benefits of living at the Colina Club. There's no obligation, of course, and certainly no pressure. But together you may figure out the perfect situation for your next stage of life. So call him today on 96 583 5226 or email at Stephen@ColinaClub.com.
Nolo's Gastro Bar in Rojales
Situated in Rojales, Nolo's Gastro Bar has now been open since June 2022 and is continuing to go from strength to strength.
Melissa and Hendrik took over the restaurant from Melissa's mother Simone, which for 8 years was formerly known as Vivaldi's. In keeping with a true family run venue, the name Nolo's was devised from a combination of their children's names.
The whole restaurant has had a complete overhaul with the renovations being fresh and modern and the concept of the restaurant has also changed to now offer meals from tapas, fries with a large variety of toppings and an extensive burger menu, all of which is freshly prepared and made on the premises.
A 3 course set menu is also now available for just 15.95€. Takeaway and a delivery service is available where you can order through Glovo which is proving very popular and keeping them extremely busy.
Melissa and Hendrik couldn’t have asked for a better start to their relatively new venture and hope to continue like this for many years to come.
They would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy Christmas and a happy healthy new year.
See their advert below for more information and contact details.
How to get half-price holidays for pensioners
If you are a pensioner and registered on the padron, you can enjoy half-price holidays, thanks to the Comunidad Valenciana’s Bono Viaje travel scheme. The scheme covers 50% of eligible costs up to a maximum of 400€ for holidays between two and four nights, and 60% up to a maximum of 600€ for stays of five or more nights.
Applications can be made from December 20 and successful applicants will get a bonus code for holidays taken between January 17 and May 31, 2023, or September 19 to December 23, 2023.
The Valencia government has set aside 15 million euros to offer discounts to more than 120,000 seniors living in the Comunidad Valenciana, which includes Alicante and the Costa Blanca. It aims to generate between 400,000 and 500,000 overnight stays for people to rediscover the quality and variety of holiday breaks available in Spain.
The promotional codes will be assigned from January 10 and the reservation has to be made within 10 working days of receiving the code. For more information and to register for a subsidised holiday, to go https://bonoviajecv22.gva.es/
● Article by Sarah Farrell - www.sarahswritestuff.com
Visit Alicante city at Christmas
Christmas is a great time to visit Alicante city with its sparkling lights, festive market and traditional nativity scenes or belenes.
The city has a long tradition of building these nativity scenes showing different aspects of the birth and life of Jesus. Even to this day, setting up Christmas cribs in public places and family homes continues.
Indeed, for the artists from the Alicante Nativity Scene Association, Christmas begins in February when they start to create the traditional nativity scenes which transform the streets and squares into places filled with festive charm.
The best belenes can be seen in:
● Fundación Mediterráneo ● Plaza del Ayuntamiento
● C. C. Gran Vía shopping centre ● Plaza de la Montañeta Belenes from Alicante and different parts of the world are exhibited in the Museo de Belenes in Alicante city centre. The traditional of creating these Christmas cribs dates back to 1223 when St Francis of Assisi depicted the birth of Jesus using characters and live animals in a grotto in the Italian town of Greccio.
While in Alicante, visit the indoor market to pick up a superb selection of food for Christmas including the traditional turrón sweet produced in nearby Jijona.
Spectacular belenes are also on display in Valencia's Plaza del Ayuntamiento and in the cathedral. The traditional outdoor market by the Central Market is another a great place for picking up festival supplies including turron, chestnuts and sugared almonds.
●
Article by Sarah Farrell - www.sarahswritestuff.comFESTIVE SEASON
DATES FOR SPANGLES
The lead up to Christmas is always a busy time for Spangles and this year is no exception. They’ve chosen The Grinch as their 2022 theme, which should prove popular with the youngsters and adults alike. “We wanted to have a bit of fun with a new song and The Grinch fits the bill nicely” said Chorus Manager, Lyn Baines. “Everyone loves the idea and you’ll see us singing in various locations, sporting our Grinch t-shirts and Grinch earrings (made by new chorus member, Kate Purdom).”
If you’d like to catch a performance, here’s a list of when and where they will be singing this year:
1 December - 20.00 - Christmas Lights Switch On - Spanglish, Balsicas
4 December - 11.30 & 13.30 - Pink Ladies Christmas Fun Run - La Zenia Boulevard
8 December - 11.00 - Christmas at Unica Garden CentroSan Javier
14 December - 18.00 - Christmas at Zarco’s Cocktail BarAvda Rio Nalón, Los Alcázares
15 December - from 14.00 - Rio Nalón Christmas Sing!Tipsy Thistle, Boochies & Le Petit Bistrot
So, why not pop along and get in the festive mood at these events?
Spangles is a ladies’ a cappella chorus, singing in four part harmony. They rehearse every Thursday, from 10.30am to 1pm at Centro Municipal Las Claras, Calle Helena, Los Narejos, Los Alcázares and visitors are always welcome.
If you’d like to book the chorus for an event or you are thinking about joining them, you can find out more on their website: www.spangleschorus.com or email them info@spangleschorus.com.
Crescendo International Choir Has Several Concerts Planned
Crescendo International Choir has several concerts planned, including two with the Royal British Legion.
One will be held Friday, December 9 at Cardinal Belluga Theatre in San Fulgencio at 1930 while on Friday December 16, both groups will perform Christmas music together in the evening at the main plaza in Torrevieja.
In addition, Crescendo International Choir plans three free concerts of its own, mixing a variety of popular songs like The Rose, made famous by Bette Midler, and Hallelujah by Leon Cohen with Christmas songs like Jingle Bell Rock and White Christmas. The first concert will take place at Salt Church in Los Montesinos on Saturday, November 26 at 1800. Crescendo concerts are also planned for Saturday, December 10 in Benijofar’s Catholic Church at 2000 as well as Saturday December 17 at 1800 at La Siesta Church in Torrevieja.
If interested in joining Crescendo, see the Crescendo website at crescendo-choir.com. The choir would be delighted to have more male singers, especially basses. The choir includes sopranos, altos, tenors and basses. The group sings a variety of songs ranging from musicals to spirituals, from pop to classical, in English and Spanish. Rehearsals take place at Rincon de Miguel Restaurant in Los Montesinos Mondays between 17:45 to 20:00. All singers are welcome!
Spot
Recipes by Pushpa from the Spice Hut
Leftover Turkey tikka masala
600 gm of leftover turkey pieces
Little oil
1 onion, diced
1 tspn red chilli flakes
1 tspn of garlic paste
1 tspn of ginger paste
1 tspn of turmeric powder
1 tspn sugar
3 tbsp of desiccated coconut
150 gm cooking cream
A tin of tomatoes pureed
Little water if required
Gently fry the onions in the oil, add garlic, ginger, turmeric, sugar, salt and chillies and gently cook until the onions are soft.
Add the tomato puree and cook further for a minute, then add the turkey, add the cream and coconut, gently cook on low heat, you can add a little water if required. Cook until coconut is soft and sauce is thick.
Check for flavours, you can add extra chillies, sugar, salt etc to your taste. Serve with rice. Enjoy your Christmas.
F.A.B. (Friends after Bereavement)
We are a relaxed and friendly mixed group who meet once a week at the Laguna Hotel in Quesada at 3pm for a chat and coffee. The aim of the group is to support those who have lost someone close and help make new friends. We also enjoy meals / lunches out and day trips etc. For more information call Joan on 634 336 103 or Steve on 623 220 052 or just come along for a chat one Saturday.
The Costa Blanca Singers are delighted that so many enthusiastic singers continue to join this evergrowing fun group. Your experience or lack of it is equally welcome as musical direction and tuition is given to all by their amazing, talented and inspirational choir master. You are invited to sing with them at The Social Centre, La Marina urbanizacion (behind the medical centre).They meet every Wednesday at the new time of 13.30. Arrive early to register/check in. Whether you come alone or with a friend, you will be warmly received. All nationalities are welcome. They sing in English. Additional information: 624 144 703 janetford@btinternet.com or 641 992 164.
The Rojales Pantomime Group: It’s Panto Time....oh yes it is! The Rojales Pantomime Group would like to thank everyone who bought tickets to come and see their fantastically funny pantomime – Treasure Island – performed in San Fulgencio. All the cast hope you have enjoyed watching and joining in but, if you were unlucky to miss it, there’s always next year.... oh yes there is!
If you would like to be part of this band of charitable entertainers, please email editor@femalefocusonline.com. Deadline for copy is the 15th of the month prior to publication. Full details of all Stage Diary entertainment groups are available online at www.femalefocusonline.com
Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre.
You might remember that some years ago, we released "FAITH, Diary of a heroic horse", a children's book written by co-founder Sue Weeding telling the inspiring story of two very special ponies... Well, Sue has also written a lovely story about our dear little Taffeta, the first miniature horse we rescued in 2008. "TAFFETA, Diary of a Super Model" tells the journey of a true beauty that used to win all the rosettes in the pony shows in England. But one day, a man bought her and moved her away from her mother to a new home in hot and dusty Spain. When her new owner fell ill, so did Taffeta... These books would make ideal stocking fillers for horse loving children.
Order now our 2023 fundraising calendar!
13 beautiful photos of our rescued horses, ponies and donkeys captured by our volunteer photographer, Elaine Warnock. Each calendar month you'll meet a new rescued equine and learn their incredible survival story. And because everyone who work on the calendar project volunteer their time, almost every cent raised from sales goes straight to horses in need. Our greeting cards are a lovely way to directly support our animal welfare work while sending your loved ones a meaningful message. We have some new designs this year, kindly donated by international artists. Please visit our website for more information and where you will find our online shop: https://www.easyhorsecare.net/.
Thank you and a Merry Christmas.
Voting rights and procedures for UK expatriates for the Spanish 2023 elections
In order for you to exercise your right to vote in the local elections you must visit your local town hall between the 1st December and the 15th January 2023 and enrol on the Electoral census of Foreign Nationals Resident in Spain. The requirements are that you are over 18 years of age on polling day, must have resided in Spain legally and uninterruptedly for at least 3 years prior to enrolling on the Electoral census, be legally registered on the padron and have not had your right to vote removed. The official government document regarding this can be found at: https://boe.es/boe/dias/2022/11/16/pdfs/BOE-A-2022-18872.pdf
A few ideas of how you can help us help our horses this Christmas
Top sailing race starts in Alicante
Article by Sarah Farrell www.sarahswritestuff.comOne of the toughest and longest sailing races in the world, The Ocean Race, starts in Alicante marina on Sunday January 15, 2023.
This demanding race is one of world’s first climate positive sport events and The Ocean Race aims to slash its emissions by up to 75%. All participants in this edition of the roundthe-world sailing race are working together to make the event climate positive.
“Sport has the power to inspire and accelerate action and nowhere is this more important than in the race against climate change,” said Meegan Jones, Sustainability Advisor for The Ocean Race.
The first leg is a 1,900 nautical mile sprint from Alicante to Cape Verde, the first time the race has stopped in the African archipelago. Leg 2 will start on Wednesday January 25 and the fleets will cross the equator and head south to reach Cape Town. Next up is a record-breaking stage, the longest in the event's 50-year history, a one-month, 12,750-nautical-mile marathon to Itajaí, Brazil.
From Itajaí, the teams head to Newport, Aarhus and The Hague before the grand finale in Genova, which includes an in-port race on Saturday July 1.
The race, formerly known as the Whitbread round the world race, follows in the footsteps of British adventurer Sir Francis Chichester, who was the first person to sail around the world single-handed by the clipper route, and Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, who was the first person to sail single-handed and non-stop around the world. This led to talk of a round-the-world race.
You can visit The Ocean Race Museum in Alicante marina throughout the year to find out about the race’s history, competitors and routes as well as learn about marine ecosystems and try out hands-on simulators to get a feel of what it is like to compete in this prestigious race.
our oroscope
ARIES
Plans are in place in your head to make the end of the year better than ever before. Just don’t try to achieve something which is not possible otherwise you will just be disappointed. At the same time don’t settle for less than you can and make it memorable.
TAURUS
Although work is taking up a lot of your time, don’t let family and friends feel you are not giving them the time they deserve. Your communication skills will be put to the test as you try to ensure there are no misunderstandings.
GEMINI
Things will not be all plain sailing this month and without the help of relatives and friends you could find yourself completely out of your depth. Everything will be fine and no one will know how close it came.
CANCER
Celebrating is the one thing on your mind this month and you want everyone along for the ride. It doesn’t have to be to the extreme to have fun, in fact just the opposite.
LEO
Cooperating and a good plan will make the festivities more enjoyable for everyone. You don’t have to be involved in everything - pick wisely and you will really have a great holiday season.
VIRGO
Family time will bring everything into perspective and will make you appreciate what it is all about. Looking ahead to the next year and making a plan will give you such peace of mind.
LIBRA
Cooperation and harmony are the two things that have been lacking and you are intent on making things happen once and for all. Make sure everyone knows how you feel and the holidays will run more smoothly.
SCORPIO
Respect has been slipping and you are not prepared to continue into the new year like this. By talking it out and making a plan together things should improve. Better that than ultimatums.
SAGITTARIUS
Once you have a plan stick to it, last minute changes will just ruin things for everyone. Focus needs to be on the family first, as you all need some special time this month. Enjoy yourselves and make some happy memories together.
CAPRICORN
Conflicts need to be dealt with straight away - remind people it is the season of good will. Remember, mountains of presents are not the way to show how much you care.
AQUARIUS
Time spent with friends and family is so important for you now but work cannot be ignored. Putting a plan into place for the coming year will give everyone time to process it over the holiday period and come back firing on all cylinders.
PISCES
Relax as much as you can this month and let others pick up the slack. You need to go into the new year refreshed and full of energy so don’t over do the festivities. Everyone is excited for what 2023 has in store so make sure you keep up the momentum.
You’re invited to come and meet the Easy Horse Care Centre rescued horses, ponies and donkeys Call 652 021 980 or email rescue@easyhorsecare.net For more information visit our website http://www.easyhorsecare.net
Leo had been kept in a large cage with very little socialising. He is very noisy & bossy with other dogs, very quiet on his own. Passport & castrated, who wants a beautiful cheeky dog. Home with no children please. Call or Whatsapp K9 on 711 082 807 or k9clubinfo@gmail.com or K9 Facebook.
Galahad is a 7 year old Galgo cross. He is neutered, chipped and vaccinated. Galahad is good with other dogs and has been in a home with cats too. For more information call: 645 469 253, visit www.petsinspain.com website or email info@petsinspain.com
PUZZLE SOLUTIONS
CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS
Across: 7 Tentacle, 8 Ills, 9 Tartan, 10 Metric, 11 Send up, 13 Corner, 14 Per, 15 Nieces, 17 Oppose, 19 Odessa, 21 Karate, 23 Mayo, 24 Maryland.
Down: 1 Behave, 2 Stet, 3 Schnapps, 4 Ream, 5 Gift wrap, 6 Alpine, 12 Decision, 13 Crockery, 16 Indian, 18 Satiny, 20 Arms, 22 Rule.