QF Focus 18th December - 28th January 2018

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18th December - 28th January 2018

Deposito Legal A-685-2016

Inside this issue:Christmas Greetings Pages Your Local Entertainment Scene The Vega Baja Astronomy Group A View From the Top Book Review by Ivor Kindle Your Horoscopes Keith Nicol's Forthcoming Events Club & Charity News & Events 'On This Day' Win 50â‚Ź 'Spot the Logo' Puzzles, Recipes and much more...

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QF Focus Magazine

Radio astronomy (again) This will be my third and last article about radio astronomy.

I've been trying to get across the importance of these instruments in learning about our universe and our place in it.

First I want to write a few words about why we still haven't found any aliens to talk to. There are several possible reasons, maybe we are alone in the universe, very unlikely, the place is just so big.

Perhaps no one wants to talk to us, humans are still very primitive and sometimes rather nasty. It's also possible that our prospective aliens don't use radio to talk to each other.

Humans only discovered radio about 130 years ago, out of the millions of years we've been evolving, who knows what we will discover in the next few hundred years. Whatever the reason for not chatting to E.T. it isn't important to most of us, we'll just keep on evolving.

Last month I mentioned radio galaxies, these are some of the most studied stellar phenomena, and hugely complicated to describe, with terms like synchrotron emission. So, keeping it simple, some galaxies, around 10% of them are brighter at radio frequencies than they are in visible light. 'So what' you might say, well in learning why this happens, we have discovered many new things about what makes the universe work. We have developed new instruments to make our discoveries, which have led to new technologies which we all use in our lives.

The future of radio astronomy will see less huge dishes, and a lot more small ones, all connected together in what is called a large array.

It used to be near impossible to connect several telescopes together, making all the signals match was too difficult. Overcoming this problem has meant that lots of dishes sometimes hundreds of miles apart can work together and allow us to see further into space (and time) than ever before. The current record distance is about 13.5 billion light years away, and our goal is to see about 14.5 billion light years. The beginning of space and time itself. Move over Doctor Who! Next month we'll have a complete change of theme and look at the incredible contribution of women in astronomy.

To enjoy more about astronomy, join the Vega Baja astronomy group, email vegabaja.astronomygroup@gmail.com.

Charles Oates.

For more information on the group and meetings please visit: https://sites.google.com/site/vegabajaastronomy/.

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QF Focus Magazine

For the past couple of years I have been promising myself a new Christmas tree but I never seemed to get around to buying one. However this year I stumbled across a supermarket selling real trees so in my infinite wisdom I decided to treat us. As the tree already had the netting on it, it wasn't until we got it home that we actually realised the sheer size of it – it has literally taken over the lounge and blocked the doorway to my office. I do love it though and will definitely do it again next year, it certainly makes the house feel so much more Christmassy.

I have also finally got around to purchasing new wardrobe doors after many years of wanting them, the only problem now is how long I will have to wait to have them installed. Somehow I don't think it will be this side of Christmas but they have been left in an awkward place in the hallway so hopefully my other half will get fed up of them being there and act quickly to get them done.

I would like to finish with a huge thank you to all our advertisers and readers for their continued support this year. It makes my job so pleasurable when I am stopped in the street congratulating us on such great magazines, without you all it just wouldn't be possible.

So have a fantastic Christmas and a very prosperous New Year, and good luck to everyone on the El Gordo.

Congratulations to Rebecca Hall from Santa Pola who won last month's 50€ competition after spotting the logo on page 22. See if you can spot the logo in this issue for a chance to win 50€, see alongside for details of how to enter. Good luck!

Michelle

Front cover photo by Ken Taylor, telephone:- 633 479 031 email: ken@kentaylor.photography Photography website:- www.kentaylor.photography See advert on this page.

QF Focus Magazine

Office Tel: 96 587 5421 Please send editorial to editor@qffocus.com Advert content to advertising@qffocus.com Pick up your next issue on 29th January Advertising deadline is 15thJanuary Editorial deadline is three days prior to advertising To discuss all your advertising needs please contact Michelle on 663 178 228 or email michelle@qffocus.com

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QF Focus Magazine

On the build up to Christmas here are a few of the fun ideas available online and on apps for mobile phones, for children to keep in touch with Father Christmas.

ReRoute Santa - http://www.reroutesanta.com/ Oh, the panic in a small child’s heart when they aren’t sure how Santa will find them if they won’t be at home on Christmas. ReRoute Santa lets you tell Santa your name, where you live, and where you’ll be for Christmas. His reindeer GPS works everywhere, and you’ll be sure to get a visit from him.

Google’s Santa Tracker - https://santatracker.google.com/village.html There are tons of fun games built as an interactive advent calendar at Google’s Santa’s Village.

Every day you come back, new content is available for your kids to play while they wait for Santa. Then, on Christmas Eve, you can check back in all night long to track Santa as he leaves the North Pole and heads across the globe.

Portable North Pole - https://www.portablenorthpole.com/en/home Log on without the kids and enter all the information you want Santa to know — name, age, city, and behaviours they’ve been working on (there are a lot of options). The video is ready about 1 minute later, with Santa talking directly to your child. Even if they don’t believe anymore, they’ll still find this pretty magical.

interaction with Santa before Christmas.

Santa Calls You A fun way to get a chance to talk to Santa is with the Santa Calls You app, which is just a good old-fashioned telephone call from Santa. The calls are all pre-recorded, so you can’t talk directly to him, but it’s still a fun way to treat your kids to an unexpected

As I said these are just a few of the many choices out there, some free, some you have to purchase, but all magical and great for the children or grandchildren at this time of year.

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QF Focus Magazine

Hi All.

Well, for the last music review of 2017 I'd like to feature solo guitarist / vocalist Tim Taylor.

Tim started showing interest as a 5 year old, when his father (who thought TV would be a distraction to his children's education) exchanged the family TV for a piano.

At the time, Tim's older brother was learning music at school.

Watching his brother play simple tunes on the piano, Tim emulated him, playing the same songs by ear.

Growing up in the 1960s, Tim always listened to the top twenty chart show on a Sunday evening, and top of the pops on Thursdays.

A few years later, the piano was replaced with a double manual organ. Tim continued to play along with the chart hits of that time.

When Tim was 15, his brother joined the forces, and befriended a fellow serviceman who was an accomplished guitar player.

At weekends they would come to Tim's family home and jam together on guitar and organ, along with Tim observing everything that was going on.

Years later, Tim and a colleague at work (who taught Tim harmony vocals) put a band together and began playing semi professionally in the Northern pubs and clubs.

From the cash earned from this venture, Tim began a 3 year course in classical guitar and music theory.

As the Northern club scene years later started to diminish, the band was reduced to a duo.

Tim and his musical partner continued to work together, right up until the night before Tim was leaving to start a new life in Spain.

Within a short time of arriving here, Tim joined a shadows tribute act as rhythm guitarist.

This continued until the other band members retired, then Tim decided to continue as a solo performer.

He does that to this day. Although several times a year he gets together with Nilo and his band, playing keyboards with them.

As a solo artiste Tim Taylor performs songs from The Beatles, Neil Diamond, Eric Clapton, Dire Straits, Pink Floyd, Deep Purple and many more.

If you haven't already heard Tim Taylor performing, he is playing at the Leprechaun Irish Bar Christmas party on the 24 December.

Tim is a very versatile artiste and chooses songs to suit his audience.

I'd like to wish you all a very Merry Xmas and Happy New. See you in 2018.

Bye for now, D.P.

QF Focus Magazine

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Did you know?

Events throughout the years December 1 1955 Rosa Parks is arrested for refusing to move to the back of a bus and give her seat to a white passenger in Montgomery, Alabama.

1982 "Thriller", 6th studio album by Michael Jackson is released.

1988 Benazir Bhutto named 1st female Prime Minister of a Muslim country (Pakistan).

December 2 1804 Napoleon Bonaparte is crowned Emperor of France in Paris.

1927 1st Model A Ford sold, for $385.

1976 Fidel Castro becomes President of Cuba.

1982 1st permanent artificial heart successfully implanted in retired dentist Barney Clark; lived 112 days with Jarvic-7 heart.

December 3 1586 Sir Thomas Herriot introduces potatoes to England.

1967 1st human heart transplant performed by Dr Christian Barnard in South Africa.

December 4 1791 Britain's Observer, oldest Sunday newspaper in the world, first published.

December 5 1945 Flight 19 the "Lost Squadron" of 5 torpedo bombers and 14 airmen is lost east of Florida in the supposed Bermuda Triangle.

December 6 1865 13th Amendment of the United States Constitution is ratified, abolishing slavery.

1877 1st recording made of the human voice made by Thomas Edison reciting "Mary had a little lamb".

1921 Anglo-Irish Treaty signed; Ireland receives dominion status; partition creates Northern Ireland.

December 7 1941 Imperial Japanese Navy with 353 planes attack US fleet at Pearl Harbor Naval Base, Hawaii, killing 2,403 people.

1988 PLO delegation lead by Yasir Arafat proclaims the State of Palestine, recognising the existence of the State of Israel for the first time.

December 8 1941 US & Britain declare war on Japan, US enters WW II. December 9 1868 The first traffic lights are installed outside the Palace of Westminster in London.

December 10 1799 Metric system adopted in France, first country to do so.

December 11 1620 103 Mayflower pilgrims land at Plymouth Rock.

1936 Edward VIII announces in a radio broadcast that he is abdicating the British throne to marry Wallis Simpson.

December 13 1577 Sir Francis Drake sets sail from England on a circumnavigation of the world.

2003 Former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein is captured.

December 14 1911 Norwegian Roald Amundsen's expedition is the 1st to each the South Pole.

December 15 1612 German Astronomer Simon Marius is 1st to observe Andromeda galaxy through a telescope.

1970 Soviet spacecraft Venera 7 successfully land on Venus. It is the first successful soft landing on another planet.

December 16 1689 English Parliament passes Bill of Rights establishing limits on crown powers and requirement for regular elections.

QF Focus Magazine December 17 1903 The Wright Brothers make first sustained motorised aircraft flight piloted by Orville Wright at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

1986 Mrs Davina Thompson makes medical history by having the 1st heart, lung & liver transplant at Papworth Hospital in Cambridge, England.

1989 The Simpsons debuts - America's longest-running sitcom.

December 18 1892 Tchaikovsky's ballet "Nutcracker Suite" premieres.

1957 World's 1st full scale nuclear power plant begins to generate electricity, in Pennsylvania.

December 19 1783 William Pitt the Younger becomes the youngest ever British Prime Minister at age 24.

1932 British Broadcasting Corp begins transmitting overseas.

1984 Chinese Premier Zhao Ziyang and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher sign the Sino-British Joint Declaration to transfer Hong Kong back to China in 1997.

December 20 1812 "Grimm's Fairy Tales" is published.

1957 Elvis Presley given draft notice to join US Army for National Service.

December 21 1620 Mayflower Pilgrims arrive in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

1898 French Scientists Pierre and Marie Curie discover radium.

1937 "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs", premieres at the Carthay Circle Theatre.

1988 Lockerbie disaster: Pan Am Flight 103 destroyed mid air by a terrorist bomb killing all 258 on board over Scotland.

December 22 1989 Berlin's Brandenburg Gate re-opens after nearly 30 years, effectively ending the division of East and West Germany.

December 23 1688 King James II, the last Roman Catholic British monarch flees to France from William of Orange.

Page 9 December 24 1980 Witnesses report the first of several sightings of unexplained lights near RAF Woodbridge an incident called "Britain's Roswell".

December 25 1066 Duke William of Normandy (William the Conqueror) crowned King of England.

1914 Legendary "Christmas Truce" takes place on the battlefields of WWI between British and German troops. Instead of fighting, soldiers exchange gifts and play football.

2004 9.3 magnitude earthquake creates a tsunami causing devastation in Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Maldives and edges of the Indian Ocean, killing 230,000 people.

December 26 1973 Horror film "The Exorcist" premieres.

December 27 1945 International Monetary Fund formally established by 29 member countries.

December 28 1065 Westminster Abbey in London consecrated.

1612 First observation of Neptune - Galileo observes and records a "fixed star" without realising it is a planet.

December 29 1170 Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury is assassinated inside Canterbury Cathedral by followers of King Henry II. December 30 1460 Wars of the Roses: Battle of Wakefield (Northern England), Duke of York killed and his forces soundly defeated by forces for King Henry VI. 1924 Astronomer Edwin Hubble formally announces existence of other galactic systems at meeting of the American Astronomical Society.

December 31 1744 English astronomer James Bradley announces discovery of Earth's nutation motion (wobble).

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QF Focus Magazine

Emergencies related to food allergies rise at Christmas A high rate of Celiac disease in children means menus need to be adapted to contain gluten-free foods Although allergic reactions to food tend to not be serious, they make up for up to 50% of cases treated in A&E, says the Spanish Allergology and Clinical Immunology Society (SEAIC). At Christmas the illness is not more dominant, but there are more cases that go undiagnosed. “We shouldn’t let our guard down at this time of year.” warns Carolina Perez Iglesias, a specialist in nutrition at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja. She reminds that allergic reactions tend to increase over Christmas due to the types of highly allergenic food that we traditionally eat at this time of year, and also because for many children it’s the first time they try these foods. It’s also typical to eat out with family and friends, and seven out of ten serious allergic reactions happen while eating out according to the SEAIC. In most patients the effects of an allergic reaction occur 30 minutes after the food intake, and the symptoms can vary from itching to an anaphylactic shock, which can be deadly. The seriousness varies depending on the amount of allergenic food ingested, the sensitivity of the person, and external factors like asthma, physical exercise or having taken painkillers or alcohol. “The only proven treatment is to completely remove the food that produces the allergic reaction from your diet.” adds Iglesias. In case of serious reactions, she recommends having a first aid kit with an adrenaline auto-injector, oral corticoids, and an oral antihistamine at hand.

Dangerous foods Doctor Sergio Negre, specialist in paediatric gastroenterology at Hospital Quirónsalud Valencia, says that at Christmas the foods that tend to cause the most allergic reactions are nuts, fruits that are less common at other

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Page 11 QF Focus Magazine times of year, shellfish, and seafood in general. “In children the dominance of allergies in order of frequency is cow milk, eggs, fish, pulses, fruits, and nuts. We have to be especially careful with traditional Christmas puddings and cakes that contain ingredients such as toffee, traces of nuts, or marzipan.” warns Doctor Negre.

In general, meat doesn’t tend to cause allergic reactions; however more precautions have to be taken when it comes to fish and especially seafood. Nuts such as almonds, peanuts, walnuts, pistachios, sunflower seeds, and hazelnuts, also tend to produce allergic reactions. If a member of your family has any allergic reactions to foods, you should be careful when shopping and always read the labels.

Celiac Disease A common food disorder which also affects a large number of children is celiac disease. With good preparation you can put together excellent, healthy meals so that nobody feels left out and children can enjoy Christmas traditions.

Over the Christmas period our meals tend to contain soups, which for people with a celiac condition mustn't contain flours or croutons.

The main problem are starters that consist of a toast base, canapé, or bread sticks. Although there are many certified gluten-free foods nowadays, you can also opt for recipes that don’t contain gluten. Many sweet recipes are suitable for people with a celiac condition or can be adapted, such as cakes made with special flours, or with a fruit base instead of flour (mango with blueberries, etc.), which are light and fresh options that most children enjoy, recommends Carolina Pérez Iglesias.

When eating out, it’s a good idea to contact the host and make sure the menu is safe. “It’s essential to label everything, avoid different foods coming into contact, keep your cutlery away from other foods, and wash your hands before eating. Depending on the age of the child, move the dangerous foods at safe distance so that they can’t be reached by accident.” advises Doctor Negre.

About Quirónsalud Quirónsalud is the most important hospital group in Spain, and the third largest in Europe. It can be found in 13 autonomous communities in Spain, has state-of-the-art technology and offers over 6,500 beds in more than 100 healthcare centres, such as Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Hospital Universitario Quirónsalud Madrid, Hospital Universitario Dexeus, Ruber, Centro Médico Teknon, Hospital La Luz, Policlínica de Guipúzcoa, Hospital Quirónsalud Valencia, etc., as well as a huge team of highly qualified professionals of international prestige.

We promote teaching (seven of our centres are university hospitals) and medical and scientific research (we run the FJD [Spanish acronym, Jiménez Díaz Foundation] Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria [Healthcare Research Institute], the only private research centre licensed by the Secretaría de Estado de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación [Ministry for Research, Development and Innovation]).

Likewise, our healthcare service is organised in units and cross-cutting networks that allow for the optimisation of accumulated experience at difference centres, and the clinical application of our research. Currently, Quirónsalud is developing many research projects across Spain, and many of its healthcare centres carry out cutting edge work in this field, as pioneers in different specialisations such as radiology, cardiology, endocrinology, gynaecology, neurology, oncology and sports medicine, among others.

Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja. Tel: 96 692 5779. www.quironsalud.es. See main advert on page 13 for more information.

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QF Focus Magazine

Cruising group enjoys lunch Twenty two members of the SAMM Cruising and Independent Group enjoyed a social side to their activities recently with a lunch get together, at Asador Los Naranjos in Pilar de la Horadada organised by group co-ordinator Heather Bell. Good food and good company, enlivened by the odd beer and glass of wine.

What, you may ask, is The Cruising and Independent Group?

It’s a section within SAMM, the Sailing Association Mar Menor, comprising the owners of larger yachts and power boats who offer opportunities to other SAMM members to get out onto the water as their crew and those SAMM members who are not in one of the various boat share groups.

The larger boats vary in size from 10 to 12 metres and are moored in various marinas along the Costa Calida. In addition to regular day sails in their local vicinity, group boats also often go on longer trips along the Spanish coast or to the Balearic Islands, either singly or in company with other boats in the group as each owner’s time permits.

Non sailors are welcome as crew and are encouraged to help manage the boat and take the helm to enhance their experience but, if they just want to chill out as passengers that’s OK too.

Everybody can also enjoy the many activities organised by the SAMM social committee throughout the year, Christmas and Valentine’s Day dinner dances, the three day Spring Bash at a local hotel, walks and bike rides followed by a menu del dia are just a few.

The Cruising Group lunch is held twice a year and full details of this and the other groups within SAMM can be found on their website www.sailingmarmenor.com.

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QF Focus Magazine

Quesada Bowls Club Report Our Winter League Programme is well under way and already two of our teams, the Swallows in the first division and the Swans in the third division of the Southern League, are challenging for the top spot.

Our Winter League squad have achieved some very good results recently and are now lying in second position, 8 points behind the league leaders.

At the end of November Quesada was host to the Spanish National Team squad, which was training for forthcoming international events overseas. At the end of their training session Quesada club was invited to put out three teams against the squad, and it is pleasing to say that we won two of the three games.

During this training weekend, one of our players was invited to join the players and it is great news to say that Terry Morgan has been invited to join the Spanish Squad and will be travelling to Cyprus in March to play the singles in the Four Nations Tournament.

We are also pleased to report that another of our players, Carol Broomfield will also be crossing the globe in March when she returns to Warilla in Australia to play in the World Indoor singles championships.

Our club championships are still progressing and these will go on through the winter, with the semis and finals taking place in February and March 2018.

Our Saturday morning ‘Chicken Drive’ is open to visitors. Players wishing to take part should report at 9.45am for a 10am start.

For more information about our club please contact our membership secretary Joe Riley on 96 572 5787 or email joediriley@gmail.com. New bowlers are welcome and introductory coaching is available.

Quesada Bows Club is sponsored by Spanish Life Properties

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QF Focus Magazine

A Royal Occasion At the November meeting of the scrabble club, members were challenged to finding a word related to the royal wedding announcement. Only four words were even closely related to the Royals, but it was voted that the word "Yes" was most appropriate. I suppose this is an important word when one goes down on their knees to ask their loved one!! So Eileen was the one to win a bottle of wine.

The highest score (of 380) for the afternoon, was made by Karen.

The next Scrabble afternoon will be at Cafe Almoradi (opposite the Health Centre) a week earlier than advertised - on Tuesday 19th December, starting at 3:30pm. This will be a Christmas special.

If you can rearrange the following letters:- SHCUDES to reveal a "royal" word, then you would enjoy playing at our scrabble club.

For further details please contact Christine on 694 437 698.

Christmas carol "Silent Night" composed by Franz Xaver Gruber was first sung at St Nicholas parish church in Oberndorf, Austria on December 24, 1818.

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QF Focus Magazine

Book Review by Ivor Kindle

For my book review this month I have decided that I would offer three books for toddlers. It's Christmas and a gift of a book to a young person is an excellent choice of present. Reading gives children a opportunity to sit and contemplate ...Reading can stimulate imagination and play ...and reading can also provoke curiosity and discussion.

My three books for children at Christmas are: 1. Bedtime with Ted by Sophy Henn.

2. Bee & Me by Alison Jay. 3. Can I join your club by John Kelly.

Best wishes to all you avid readers out there...

...keep reading Ivor Kindle.

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w

A View From The Top

Hi all ...it's that time of year again ...time to enjoy the family ...time to enjoy the food and perhaps most of all time to enjoy the meaning and peaceful intent of Christmas.

As in past years I have decided to tickle your interest with my 12 Wonders of Christmas 2017.

1.

I had to Wonder at the shear affront of Prime Minister May when she used British tax payers money from her seemingly own magic money tree to bribe the Democratic Unionist Party to keep her weak position as Prime Minister intact...

2. I really did have to Wonder at how the American people could have been so stupid to elect the cretin that is Donald Trump as P.O.T.U.S. 3. With the above in mind is it really any Wonder that when asked to list the things that terrify ordinary British citizens the most, politicians come out at Nº1 closely followed by heights and spiders.

QF Focus Magazine 4. Living close to Quesada over several years, I have to both Wonder and Marvel at the total lack of urban planning in and around the Quesada environs. This lack of forethought, specifically in terms of traffic management, is an environmental nightmare.

5. As I have been on my travels recently and I really, really do have to Wonder at how a fully loaded Airbus A320 gets into the air. I bet I am not alone with that Wonder. Oh I understand the physics of powered flight ...it’s the actuality that scares me.

6. On my Autumn travels I sat in a sun warmed bay window of the Ferry Boat Inn on Hayling Island enjoying a pint of English real ale while I overlooked the beauty of Langstone Harbour. As I supped and watched I Wondered at the beauty of the views of Hayling and Langstone Harbour.

7. Now safely back home in Spain ...I Wonder at the difference in quality and price of a simple cup of coffee.

Lovely cafe con leche here 1.20€ - in almost every coffee shop in Britain ...cup of mud proporting to be coffee ...at least £3.

8. With the approach of Brexit ...I Wonder what Nigel Farage (as in Garage) will spend his expected £150,000 golden EU handshake on when he finally ceases to be an M.E.P. Incidently Britain will be asked to fund this nonsense.

9. Now people who know me, know of my love for animals and my love for dogs ...Now I do Wonder why people go to the trouble of picking up their dogs poo and then throwing the little blue or black bags into the undergrowth. If you go to the trouble to pick it up then go to the trouble of taking it home and disposing of it.

10. On the animal front I take my hat off in admiration for all the animal charity people who do such wonderful and caring work in

QF Focus Magazine and around the local Costa Blanca area. These people work hard and with very little thanks. I Wonder at the depth of compassion of these people ...woof woof and meow meow to them all. Neigh neigh as well.

11. Now Wonder number 11 is a real bloody Wonder ...and the Wonder is that I am writing number 11 just after returning home from Torrevieja hospital after having my life saved by the very same hospital. I write this at home seven days after I wrote Wonder number 10. In between I have suffered a heart attack and have survived. More in the January View.

12. Now if that was a shock ...imagine how I feel. Anyway, that said I would like to wish all the readers of my monthly column, regulars and otherwise a very, very happy Christmas and a glorious New Year. Let’s hope that the World and its leaders behave in a civilised manner over the next year and that the poor and dissafected of the World along with Mother Nature are not abused and exploited by people who should know better. Keep well ...keep healthy and always be kind to others.

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Merry Christmas

Anglican Chaplaincy of St Peter & St Paul, Torrevieja In addition to the normal Services (see Footnote) the following special Services are planned over the Advent and Christmas 2017 period: LA SIESTA Sun 24 Dec 17, 11:30pm - Midnight Mass – Holy Eucharist.

LOS BALCONES Mon 25 Dec 17, 10:30am - Christmas Day - Holy Eucharist.

CAMPOVERDE Wed 20 Dec 17, 6pm - Community Carol Service - at the ‘Rusty Nail’.

Sun 24 Dec 17, 11:30pm - Midnight Mass – Holy Eucharist.

Sun 31 Dec 17, 6pm - Service of Nine Lessons and Carols.

Sun 7 Jan 18, 6pm - Christingle Service.

LA MARINA (SAN FULGENCIO) Mon 25 Dec 17, 10am - Christmas Day - Holy Eucharist.

LAGO JARDIN Sun 24 Dec 17, 6pm - Christmas Eve - Holy Eucharist.

CRISTO RESUCITADO (LA REGIA) Thu 21 Dec 17, 11am - Holy Eucharist LA MANGA Sun 24 Dec 17, 6pm - Christmas Eve – Holy Eucharist (St Teresa’s, Las Lomas Village).

CALASPARRA Mon 25 Dec 17, 11am - Christmas Day - Holy Eucharist.

FOOTNOTE For more information on the workings of the Chaplaincy and other planned activities and events – please view the website: http://www.c-of-e-torrevieja.com/wp/.

The specific location of the various Churches together with their normal Services can be found here: http://www.c-of-e-torrevieja.com/wp/where-we-are/.

Also follow them on Facebook too: https://www.facebook.com/anglicantorrevieja/.

The Anglican Chaplaincy extends a very warm and friendly welcome to all denominations who live in or are visiting their area and their Church Centres.

QF Focus

QF Focus

Happy New Year

Velvetones Harmony Choir Following a very successful concert in November the choir are busy entertaining in different venues with their Christmas programme.

They would like to wish everyone a very happy Christmas and health and happiness for 2018. Singing is good for your health and happiness, so why not pop along to El Paraiso, Torrevieja in the New Year and hear what they have to offer.

Check their website for further details. www.velvetonesharmonytorreivieja.com.

Merry Christmas to all of our readers from all of our advertisers Please remember to try and shop locally and support the local businesses in your area.

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Merry Christmas

HELP Vega Baja Christmas Appeal In addition to the remarkable donations that the charity makes throughout the year to support people in need, this year the committee of HELP Vega Baja have decided to take it one step further and launched a Christmas Appeal.

The charity is appealing for people to join them to make Christmas a little better for those who do not have the resources to buy fresh food or any “treats” for Christmas by helping to fill the charity shopping trolley with food to be distributed for the holiday season.

Not happy to stop there, they are also looking to collect gifts for the elderly who may be alone throughout the festivities.

President of the charity, Michele Masson said “by working closely with social services we are aware that there are many families in the area who struggle, particularly this time of the year and with the support of the community we would like to do something to show that they are not forgotten. If everyone, for example, bought just one item for the trolley it could make such a huge difference and a small gift included on your list for an elderly person would help them see that people are thinking of them.

In the brief time since we have launched this appeal we have already received tremendous support from local businesses who have agreed to act as drop off points for the appeal. These are in addition to our offices in San Miguel, Torrevieja and La Marina, where people can also leave gifts, non-perishable food etc.

We hope that more businesses will join in and support our Christmas Appeal. If anyone would like to help or is looking for their nearest drop off point, simply call our San Miguel Centre on 96 672 3733”.

More information can be found on the HELP Vega Baja Facebook page and website at www.helpvegabaja.com.

QF Focus

QF Focus

Happy New Year

Rojales Pantomime group It’s getting very near to Panto time.

Once the presents have been opened and the Christmas tree has been taken down, the Three Kings have been and gone, the season will be behind us, almost, but before it vanishes in a puff of smoke join The Rojales Pantomime group who continue the festive fun as they present their 2018 Pantomime Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves.

This new version of Ali Baba has all the fun of a traditional pantomime, a hissable villain, a couple of knockabout comics, a pair of dishy lovers, a slightly dim witted Prince, a larger that life Dame and a camel called Charlie.

Meet the wicked Bombastardo and his two incompetent henchmen, Mustapha Pea and Mustapha Dribble as they pursue our intrepid heros Ali Baba and his trusted friend Margarina who have stumbled on the secret of a magic cave deep in the woods.

This brand new version of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves is packed with comedy, adventure, romance and audience participation. The perfect treat for all the family.

Choreography is in the hands of Paris Brumitt from Essence Dance and Fitness, making up the chorus.

The Panto will be performed at Escuela de Musica y Cultura in Los Montesinos. Thursday 11 and Friday 12 January starting 7.30pm with a Matinee Saturday 13 at 2.30pm.

Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased from various outlets.

Adults 7€. Children 5€. Proceeds go to local charities.

For more information or to reserve tickets telephone Christine on 678 212 034 or email shimserv@gmail.com.

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Merry Christmas

Christmas Fiestas 2017 - Benijófar

Thursday 21 December 20.30h Prize giving of the different contests celebrated during the holidays. ‘Salón de Plenos’ of the Town Hall of Benijófar.

Saturday 23 December 17.00h Children’s Cinema “Capitan Calzoncillos” at the Auditorium of the Casa de Cultura.

Sunday 24 December 12.00h Mass.

24.00h Midnight Mass.

Monday 25 December 12.00h Christmas Mass.

Friday 29 December 20.00h Christmas Music Concert at the Auditorium of the Casa de Cultura.

Saturday 30 December IV Football Tournament Ginés Meléndez. Friendly Football tournament from 9.15 to 20.30h on the football field of the Benijófar Municipal Sports Centre.

Sunday 31 December 12.00h Mass.

19.00h New Year Eve’s Mass.

24.00h New Year’s Eve celebration with the seeing in of the New Year in the Plaza de la Constitucion with the traditional lucky grapes.

Monday 1 January 12.00h Holy Mass of the New Year’s Day. 17.00h Exit with the Child Jesus to visit the sick people.

Friday 5 January 16.00h Collection of gifts in the Church.

18.30h Kings Parade. Departure at Plaza Miguel Ortega, crossing Avda. Federico Garcia Lorca reaching the Church.

18.30h Mass 19.30h The three Wise Men from the East will arrive at the Santiago Apóstol Church to give gifts to the children of Benijófar.

Saturday 6 January 12.00h The Day of the Kings Mass.

QF Focus

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QF Focus Magazine

our

oroscope

ARIES Don't make any decisions over the festive period as they may be swayed by the festive mood you are in. Wait until after the New Year and then you will be in a position to put your mind to things much more seriously.

TAURUS You have the solution to every problem at the moment, even how to fit everyone round the table for Christmas dinner. Enjoy this time of family and friends whether they are with you physically or via the amazing communication channels we now have.

GEMINI Your friends and family want to show you just how special you are to them.

Let them and enjoy the attention, you deserve it. Enjoy the holidays and recharge for a great start to 2018.

CANCER Someone comes to the rescue at the last minute which gets you back on track with everything falling into place for the perfect celebration.

LEO Your social life is hectic but you are enjoying taking the back seat more, enjoying the events rather than running them. People still ask your advice, it's just nice not to have to do all the organising as well for once.

VIRGO It's all about home and family, including those who may not have been as close recently. That doesn't mean you have to have them all round, but a card or a call would be good for everyone.

LIBRA Although you really want to pack up and go away for the holidays you know that other commitments need you at home. Don't worry as someone has thought it through and made sure you get the space and time to relax.

SCORPIO Don't overspend, it is about being together and enjoying each other, not who can give the biggest and best present. A smaller, more thoughtful present will be appreciated much more.

SAGITTARIUS Romance is in the air around the holidays and someone really goes out of their way to let you know just how important you are to them. This may mean a new relationship or moving to the next level in an existing one. Embrace it.

CAPRICORN You wanted to make sure that everything was sorted early but again you seem to be last-minute.com. Stop, is it really that important. Relax and enjoy the time rather than stressing about everything.

AQUARIUS It is just one party after another. Just when you think you have a quiet night in another invitation comes in. You will have time to rest in the new year, go and enjoy yourself now.

PISCES You are really in the holiday spirit and have everything to make it just perfect. Don't worry if others don't seem as interested as you would like them to be, they know you have everything under control and that they can keep out of your way and enjoy it all.

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QF Focus Magazine

Recipes by Pushpa from the Spice Hut Creamy Coconut Turkey Curry Ideal for leftovers 1 kg turkey, diced 200 ml coconut milk 4 tbspn dessicated coconut 2 tbspn almond powder 4 tbspn cooking cream 1 diced onion 2 tspn of ginger paste 2 tspn garlic paste 1 tspn curry powder 2 fresh finely chopped chillies 2 tbspn oil Salt as to taste Juice of one lemon Small cup of water Heat the oil then fry the onions until golden brown, add garlic and ginger paste, salt, curry powder, chillies and mix well. Add the turkey pieces and stir fry for few seconds, add the coconut milk, dessicated coconut, almond powder, cooking cream and water.

Cook on a low heat until cooked and creamy then add the lemon juice and stir well.

Check for salt, heat (chilli) and check if the dessicated coconut has softened and cooked. Also if it is too thick add a little more water and cook it further. Always make it to suit your taste ...enjoy.

Merry Xmas from Spice Hut. The Spice Hut Quesada. Tel. 96 673 1063 or visit www.spicehutspain.com.

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QF Focus Magazine

The SuperCASAfragalistic Homes Gardens & Lifestyle Show is BACK and BIGGER for 2018!

It’s the biggest event on the Costas for all your Homes, Gardens, Lifestyle and Leisure time needs and we will be SPRINGING into action for the 9th edition at our stunning new venue for the Spring season 2018 at the 5* Villa Gadea Hotel in Altea, on the N332 and just off the AP 7 motorway on Friday 20 & Saturday 21 April 10am – 5pm.

Jam packed with information, inspiration, products, services, fun and feature concepts, your favourites are back, such as the Tapa Trail, Crack the Safe and Pet Idol 2018!

NEW for next year we are introducing a new gardening competition, Baskets in Bloom, a ‘Health Check’, brand new stylish cooking demonstrations, some wine tasting, new style workshops, and our brand new Super Raffle with some amazing prizes to be won ……and as always lots, lots more!

This Show keeps GROWING year on year! As GM Promotions keep planting the seeds and adding to the mix to make each show more informative, creative and fun. We are delighted to announce this Show will be FREE Entry! Put the dates in your diary and watch over the next few months as we keep you updated in the Female Focus Magazine as we get ready to BLOOM into action next Spring.

BOOK YOUR STAND NOW! Be part of it and showcase your business, products and services to thousands of visitors as we provide the inspiration, information, fun, feature concepts, cooking demos, talks/ presentations and NEW for 2018……. Interactive Workshops! This is the perfect platform to promote your products and services in style! If your business is related to anything homes, gardens, lifestyle and the leisure industry, or fiscal and financial and even health and beauty then this is the Show for you. We provide the fun and feel good factor ensuring our visitors have a truly great Show experience.

We are pulling out all the stops to create another super Show in our new stunning location.

QF Focus Magazine

Page 27 S e e w w w. g m p r o m o t i o n s . e s , F B : G M P r o m o t i o n s , F B : H o m e s G a r d e n s a n d L i f e s t y l e S h o w, t e l e p h o n e : 6 9 5 3 9 9 8 4 1 o r e m a i l gina@gmpromotions.es for the floor plans and prices.

NEW for 2018 – Hands up if you are a keen gardener!

Put your blooms pride of place in the Homes Gardens & Lifestyle Show’s miniature gardening competition!

You can enter your green fingered feature into our Baskets in Bloom competition.

Show off your green fingered talents by entering your creation at the Homes Gardens & Lifestyle Show - styles acceptable are feature mini gardens, hanging baskets, flower and plant arrangements in containers no bigger than 60 x 60 centimetres.

Entries to be delivered to the hotel Thursday 19 April, the judging will take place on Friday at the Show, and the winners announced and prizes awarded on Saturday 21 April at 4.30pm in the outdoor/garden area. For an application form email gina@gmpromotions.es.

It was soooo popular and cute it’s back - PET IDOL 2018. Is yours the Purrrfect Pet? With the Ahhhhh Factor for our Pet Photo Competition ‘Pet Idol 2018’?

This one is for all of the animal lovers out there and it’s time for our furry friends to shine! We would love to receive your cutest, funniest pictures of your pets to show in our Pet Photo Gallery at the HG & L Show in Salon Mediterraneo, stand area No 68.

Have you got the cutest cat, for our Cat Category, or a delightful dog, for the Dog Category or another furry or feathered friend for the General Animal Category? Email your animal photos to office@gmpromotions.es with your name, the pets name and age and we will display them at the Show, for everyone to be able to say Ahhhh!! The visiting public will be voting for our Pet Idol Star 2018! Could your Purrrfect Pet be our first prize winner!?

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NOTICEBOARD

QF Focus Magazine

The Association Of Retired Police Officers (known as ARPO). Retired police officers from any national or international force are very welcome to join our group. We meet every 2nd Wednesday at Sacko’s Bar, El Limonar at 10:30 We are a social and self help group and look forward to meeting new members and their partners. For information and forthcoming events, www.arpo.org.co.uk.

Torrevieja Christian Fellowship is a lively English speaking church located at Avenida de las Cortes Valencianas 68,Torrevieja 03183. Residents and holiday makers are welcome to attend our services every Sunday at 10:30 with communion and “kids church”. Wednesday Fellowship meetings (Bible Study) starting at 18:00. For further information see our website www.tcf-spain.org or tel: 96 670 0391.

Crime Watch Spain (Vecinos Colaborando) Reg. VG – 08261/2002 advise the community citizens about security matters and help them to report any incidents in their communities to the authorities to try to keep out any intruders. For more information please email: colaborando.crimewatch@skynetlink.com.

F.A.B. or Friends After Bereavement meet on a Saturday at the La Laguna hotel, Quesada at 13:45. We are a friendly group who meet up, chat, and spend days out together helping people to re-start their lives after the death of a partner. We are not in the least morbid, just a cheerful bunch who support each other through difficult times.

Royal British Legion, Gran Alacant & La Marina Branch meets on the first Monday of the month at 18:00 at La Taberna - next to the Monte Mar Bowls Club & Restaurant, Plaza Mayor (Masa Square), Gran Alacant. New members are always welcome, and remember, You do NOT have to be Ex-Services to join us. Further details and/or directions from Robin 96 669 5423 or Brian 639 917 971. Email: granalacant.secretary@gmail.com.

We are Torrevieja Maritime Association and our aim is to “Stimulate and maintain interest in maritime activities in the Torrevieja area among people of all nationalities”.

We meet on the second Wednesday of the month at Casa de Galicia in El Chaparral, Torrevieja and can be contacted at torreviejama@outlook.com or via our Facebook site, Torrevieja Maritime Association.

The Royal Naval Association, Torrevieja Branch meet on the first Wednesday of every month at Bar/Restaurante El Paraiso near Carrefour, Torrevieja at 17:00 and remember you don’t have to have served in the Royal Navy to become a member. We look forward to seeing you soon! If you would like to join the ship mates or just find out more please phone Chairman Paul Edwards on 618 644 934, Vice Chairman Danny Kay on 96 671 6274 or Secretary Margaret Forshaw on 96 692 1996.

Almoradi scrabble club. The club meets at Cafe Almoradi, Calle Major 91 on the last Tuesday of the month from 15:30.

We really want to extend our membership. If you are interested please come and join us, or for more information call 694 437 698 or email mrandcwatkins@hotmail.co.uk.

The Aircrew Association Costa Blanca. Former and serving aircrew of the UK or Allied Armed Forces are very welcome to join this convivial and friendly organisation, founded here in 1988. Details from the Secretary on: 96 640 4123.

Bettas Torrevieja RFC new rugby club, based on traditional ethics, respect, training by the Nelson Mandela Stadium on Wednesdays and Sundays 20.30-22.00 contact Javi on 603 727 179 for more information.

Catral’s writers / cultural group. If you like to write, talk or read about cultural issues you are coming to the right starting group every Wednesday in Catral, Vega Baja. Interested?

Please email J. Rivero on jrivero-santana@skynetlink.com.

Good Advertising Doesn’t Cost

Calling all groups and charities

- It Sells!

See page 4 for deadlines

Call Michelle on 663 178 228 or email michelle@qffocus.com

Send your forthcoming events and information to editor@qffocus.com.

QF Focus Magazine

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QF Focus Magazine Una cita con el médico - An appointment at the doctors Last month we looked at the N to R of Spanish words that you might use at the Doctors, this month we move on to the S to V....... Hopefully you will never need to use any of these words but may be useful one day. There are 27 Spanish words (listed in blue). Remember words can go up, down, across, diagonally and even backwards and to make it harder, some letters will have been used more than once.

SALUD - HEALTH SANGRAR - BLEED SANGRE - BLOOD SANO - HEALTHY SARPULLIDO - RASH SÍNTOMAS - SYMPTOMS TENDÓN - TENDON TEMPERATURA - TEMPERATURE TERAPÉUTICO - THERAPEUTIC TERAPIA - THERAPY TOS - COUGH TRANSFUSIÓN - TRANSFUSION TRATAMIENTO - TREATMENT TUMOR - TUMOUR ÚLCERA - ULCER ULTRASONIDO - ULTRASOUND URGENCIAS - A&E URGENTE - URGENT VACUNA - VACCINE VACUNACIÓN - VACCINATION VENA - VEIN VENDAJE - BANDAGE VENENO - POISON VERRUGA - WART VIRUS - VIRUS VITAMINAS - VITAMINS VÓMITO - VOMIT

Word Search

S

T

U V

K9 ANIMAL SHELTER K9 animal shelter is moving as our current shelter site is now for sale by the owner.

We are moving all our animals to the Pinoso/ Raspay area. We are looking for volunteers so if you have a few hours to spare and enjoy working with people or animals, then we would love to hear from you, we have something to suit all skills and tastes. If you can spare some time please telephone 600 845 420 /610 852 726 for more information.

K9 Club.

David and Princess, beautiful 18 month old corgi crosses. Intelligent, keen to please and love to play. Fully vaccinated, passports and micro chipped, ready to go separately but preferably together.

For more information please call 600 845 420. www.k9club.es.

Pets in Spain.

Larissa is a Russian blue cat and was rescued recently with her 6 kittens. The kittens are now weaned so now it’s time for Larissa to find her forever home. She is around 2 years old, has been sterilised and is a very affectionate girl. Call: 645 469 253.

Email: info@petsinspain.com.

To view more animals for adoption go to www.petsinspain.com.

Calling all charities - let us know about your forthcoming events and animals for adoption. See page 4 for contact details.

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QF Focus Magazine

&

Spot the difference -

See if you can spot all 10 differences

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

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3 x 3 grid contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repeats, which means that no number is repeated in any row, column or box.

Answers to puzzles on page 32

Page 32

Forthcoming Events

By Keith Nicol The festive season is upon us, with Christmas Cheer, The New Year 2018, Los Reyes Magos (Kings) and the fun Innocents Day - the Spanish April Fool’s day, happening at the end of the month. It’s that shopping frenzy time of year with one of the best things being, if you make a mess of your Christmas choice, you can always tell your friends and family, that their ‘Real Present’, is coming with the Kings.

In Torrevieja, the Nativity scene is open 24-hours a day, and it is especially attractive in the evening, or the dead of night, as many of the exhibits have lights and working models. Make sure to take your camera or leave space on your mobile phone, to capture the fantastic models of the Bethlehem scene plus a few local references to Torrevieja landmarks, thrown in to add a special touch.

Many local towns and cities have special Christmas markets and activities including Alicante, Elche, Guardamar, Santa Pola and the night market in Torrevieja. Starting up the Coast in Santa Pola, on Christmas Eve at 6pm, Santa Claus will take the lead of a Parade

Answers to Sudoku & Spot the Difference

Easy

Hard

QF Focus Magazine along C/ Elche and C/Glorieta. On Boxing Day at 7pm there is a Concert by the Banda Union Musical Santa Pola in the Casa de Cultura, and finishing off 2017, on New Year’s Eve, starting at 11pm, a Mobile Disco at the Castle. There are other parades on Wed 3, Thurs 4 and Fri 5 January, all starting at 7pm.

In Guardamar del Segura on Thursday 21 December at 5.30pm, Father Christmas arrives in his grotto, which is open until 26 December. At 11pm on New Year’s Eve there is a party beside the town hall with live music but the main event is on Friday 5 January at 6pm with the Three Kings Parade, the Cabalgata de Reyes Magos from the Plaça Jaume II, along Avenida País Valencià and Calle Mayor finishing at the Town Hall.

One of the largest Three Kings Parades in the area happens in Torrevieja with the Kings arriving by boat into the harbour around 5.30pm, being greeted by local dignitaries and setting up camp in Plaza Oriente, before making their way along C/ Ramon Gallud to finish at the Inmaculada Church.

The very talented Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra welcomes you to join them in the fabulous International Auditorium for their 8th annual concert to welcome in the New Year and the Reyes Magos. It’s a fun, tongue in cheek style of concert, full of good humour and a lighter choice of music, including sing alongs and clap alongs, and a great day out for the entire family. It all happens on 6 and 7 January and with information about tickets available on their website: https://orquestasinfonicadetorrevieja.com.

QF Focus Magazine On Sunday 7 January, Classic and Exotic car, bike and scooter aficionados are all invited to show off their pride and joy, and their new Christmas Presents, at the Ace Cafe Car meeting outside the Le Torre Hotel, in Los Montesinos. Cars usually start arriving about 10.30am and head off about noon, for their Sunday lunch.

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During the winter the The Rojales Craft Market in the Cuevas del Rodeo is open on the 1st Sunday of each month in the morning from 11am to 2pm. It’s a fun place to visit if you are looking for a small gift, piece of art or decoration. Local artists put their work on display along with other craft works to browse and enjoy.

Another fun and unusual event for kids of all ages is the Torrellano Miniature Steam Train. It is run by the friends of the railways association and so is normally only open on Saturdays between 4pm and 8pm with Miniature Train Rides during February and March on the 2nd Sunday from 10.30am to 1.30pm. Every month the Friends of the Railways Association host a miniature train event at the railway museum in Torrellano. Donations of 1.50€ per visit are requested.

Exponadal, Exhibition of children’s and youth entertainment, returns to the IFA in Alicante until 31 December. It’s open 11am to 9pm and lots of discounts on tickets are available by visiting their website: http://feria-alicante.com. Activities include Circus, exhibition, inflatable attractions, crafts, bebeteca, family gymkanas, consoles, sports, storytelling, magic, face painting, puppets, mailbox of the Kings, giant Scalextric, tombola, fishing for ducks, food, gifts, games ... King’s Parade, costume parades, etc. There’s parking for 3,000 vehicles, picnic area, restaurant and cafeteria, Happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year to one and all.

We try to ensure that all information on forthcoming events is correct. We advise you to check any information as there are sometimes last minute changes or cancellations which are out of our control.

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Female Focus Directory Online Business Directory Costa Blanca

QF Focus Magazine

96 587 5421 advertising@female-focus.com business.femalefocusonline.com

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Female Focus Publications is now in its 25th year. Since 1993 we’ve been helping businesses grow by turning our readers into your customers. We’ve earned a reputation through thoughtful expansion, always focusing on what counts for our advertisers. Our online business directory expands on our core values, and specifically helps your business get noticed even more. Our business directory ensures higher search engine rankings by ensuring your dynamic content is featured on your landing page. We can even promote short term offers and sales through our directory, our newsletter, and of course the magazines. It really is the only truly integrated print/ online advertising media on the Costa Blanca.

Increase Your Business The whole point of advertising and marketing is to get found by more customers. Our online business directory has been designed with this single aim in mind. It’s about your business, not ours!

Boost Your Google Ranking By creating a dynamic listing with multiple ‘live’ links, not only will customers find you more easily, but so will Google. And that means better ranking, and more visits to your website.

Integrated Print & Online Advertising Only Female Focus can offer you great value monthly advertising integrated with your directory entry. We’ve even gone so far as to make it possible for you to promote offers via our newsletter.

Extend Your Social Media Reach Facebook, Google+ etc. are vital tools for the majority of local businesses. They help you keep in contact with your customers. We extend your reach and ‘likes’ even further by carrying a live feed of your Facebook page and Google+ links.

Smartphone & Tablet Optimised Our business directory is Smartphone friendly. People who are looking for your business will find it even easier to find you, both online, and whilst on the move.

Great Value Advertising We know that doing business in the Costa Blanca means watching the pennies. We’ve priced all of our advertising products to offer the best value advertising around, and that includes the business directory.

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QF Focus Magazine

‘Get on yer Bike’ Road Trip to Altea 2017 On Saturday 28 October 2017 twelve of us left the shop at 2pm accompanied by our wives and partners and travelled in convoy along the AP7 to the Cap Negret Hotel in Altea for a cycling weekend in the hills.

Unfortunately as we left Quesada the heavens opened and it poured rain all the way to Altea. When we arrived we checked in and squared our bikes away in the storage area provided for cycling teams, a large room suitable for 20 bikes, kit etc with shower, toilet, and washing machine. Most of the top teams that train in and around the Calpe / Altea area now use the Cap Negret Hotel as their headquarters. Due to the weather we decided just to go to the bar and spent most of the afternoon there.

Sunday morning we were all up bright and early for breakfast and ready to hit the road by 9am. We left Altea and quickly picked up the lovely twisty road to Guadalest, considering all the rain the day before it was a fantastic sunny day with only the occasional damp patch on the roads. When we reached Guadalest it was already quite busy with tourists but we found a restaurant and had a coffee and tostada and the waitress even came out with a cake with a candle on as it was Harry’s 19th birthday. After 30 mins we were off again heading down the way that we came up, only this time much faster as it was quite a climb up. We got to Callosa d’En Sarria where we just made it through the town as they were busy setting up for a ‘fiesta’ and there were people everywhere. Ten minutes after we passed the roads were closed.

We proceeded towards Fuentes del Algar on the Bolulla road which took us to Tarbena where we had another stop, this time for a coke and an ice cream. We then continued on this road heading for Coll De Rates. This was a fantastic road, steep but with magnificent views which we stopped and took pictures of.

Once we reached the top we took loads of pictures at the view point. There is also a restaurant here, which again was really busy as it was a national holiday weekend. We proceeded down the Coll de Rates at a considerable pace passing through Parcent, Alcalali and Jalon finally reaching Benissa and picking up the N332 to Calpe where we stopped and had a menu del dia and a few beers.

After lunch we picked up the N332 again and followed it all the way back to the hotel where we parked up the bikes, got changed and had a swim in the pool. We then relaxed in the sun with yet another beer. It was lovely and quiet and we were also back before Lynn and the girls who had caught the train outside the hotel to Denia for lunch and a look round. When the girls got back we all had about an hour in the sun before getting changed and meeting up in the dining room for dinner which was brilliant. Monday morning all bright eyed we had breakfast and left the hotel all doing our own thing on the way back to Quesada. All in all a great weekend away. Here’s looking forward to returning again in April.

Team “Cyclogical” meet every Tuesday and Thursday nights at 5.30pm and Sunday mornings at 8am and cover between 90 and 120kms at a moderate to fast pace, so if you fancy a challenge come along and join us. Looking to improve your fitness, riding ability and speed and also have a new group of friends to train with, then why not come along and give it a try or call Gary on 637 487 377.