QF Focus February 2020

Deposito Legal A-685-2016

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E FR

February 2020

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

Inside this issue:Five Minutes With... Richard Armitage - Your Horoscopes Wellbeing Fitness Confidence - Your Local Community News, DP Entertainment - Recipes - Legal - Astronomy A View From the Top - Book Review by Ivor Kindle Finance - Health & Beauty - Violet King - Local Business Reviews Keith Nicol's Forthcoming Events - Club & Charity News Classified Adverts - Puzzles brought to you by....

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

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RECOMMENDED GARAGES

urther to my previous article last month, of why Jennifer Cunningham Insurances is special, I felt it was important to provide some more information. Our special Expat car policies with Liberty Seguros have further benefits, one of which is Recommended Garages.

To be a recommended garage for Liberty Seguros is a thorough and rigorous process, to ensure that the services offered are of the highest standard.

What does this mean for the policy holder? If your car claim is opened by our Claims Administrator, you will be offered a choice of Liberty Seguros Recommended Garages in your area, in the first instance. These particular garages are far more beneficial for you, as you will be given preferential treatment and any work done will be guaranteed for two years.

These garages can provide replacement vehicles, subject to availability and this can be arranged directly with the garage and your repairs booked to coincide with this availability.

The garage will initially self-assess the repairs required, which will speed up the process of the works. However, for larger damages, an assessor will be required, as is normally the case, and this will be arranged by the garage, directly with Liberty Seguros. Your vehicle will be valeted at the end of the process and you have the option of a free general

check-up. As a Liberty customer, any private repairs can be arranged at a special discount.

Obviously the garage for your repairs will always be your choice. But with all these benefits, why would you choose anywhere else?

There are so many advantages of dealing with a specialist insurance company, for example rather than a bank and of course, at Jennifer Cunningham Insurances, I offer the services of a specialist Claims Administrator to make the process as smooth, easy and stress free as possible.

Liberty Seguros Expat policies and Terms and Conditions are in various languages, including English, which also makes life much easier for you and are tailored for the Expat requirements and expectations. Expat policies are not just for car insurance, but for most of the insurance policies we provide. l For further information or a quotation, please contact one of my offices or visit the website www.jennifercunningham.net.

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QF Focus Magazine

February is commonly known as the month of love and as 2020 is a leap year, traditions suggest women can propose to their partners. After doing a little research on this matter, I discovered that should your sweetheart decline your proposal, you should be showered with gifts. A law that was apparently passed in 1288 by Queen Margaret of Scotland stated that any man refusing a Leap Year proposal should be issued with a fine which could be anything from 1 pound to a silk gown.

So it seems to me ladies that we have a win, win situation ....marry me or pay the price! Good luck to all those on this mission.

Throughout February, local villages, towns and schools take part in Carnival, with Torrevieja leading the way with a full month of fiestas, parades and activities for the whole family.

When I first moved to Spain and my son was in junior school, I remember him telling me he had to go to into school with his name written on his forehead ....of course I told him not to be silly.

When arriving at school and seeing all the other children with their names on their heads, I felt very guilty for not believing him. It was my first experience of Carnival! I quickly went off to borrow an eyeliner from my friend.....

Congratulations to John Kirkwood from Quesada who won last month's competition after spotting the Curry On Cooking logo on page 17. This month if you find the Maximo Beauty logo (not on their advert page, this page or the front cover) you are in with a chance of winning a mini facial and wash & blow dry.

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.

Michelle

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

Discuss your advertising with your local representative:-

Orihuela Costa All other areas - Sales Manager Arron 697 943 655 Michelle 663 178 228 arron@femalefocusonline.com michelle@femalefocusonline.com

QF Focus Magazine Office Tel: 657 501 055.

Please send editorial to editor@femalefocusonline.com Advert content to advertising@femalefocusonline.com Pick up your next issue on 3 March Deadline for advertising & editorial - 17 February Female Focus Publications are supporters of www.aldeasinfantiles.es

QF Focus Magazine

Keep it

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SIMPLE or keep it BOLD!

alentine's day is a special day for loved ones, and what better way to spice it up with some fancy makeup looks!

For a simple but effective look all you will need is: An eye primer, a brown eyeshadow, a highlight and a bold red lip.

First prime your eye lids with an eye primer, pack on some brown eyeshadow in the outer corner up in to the crease and with a small blending brush blend in circular motion until you get to the inner corner, leaving out the eyelid.

After blending get your highlighter and an oval flat shadow brush and pack that on the eyelid, also I recommend to put it on your brow bone but that’s entirely optional.

Add the red lip and you’re good to go!

For a more sexy bold look all you need is:

An eye primer, a dark burgundy eyeshadow a red eyeshadow, a highlighter and lashes!

First prime your eye lids with an eye primer, blend the dark burgundy colour all over leaving out the centre of your eyelid, pack red on in the centre or your eyelid. (Optional, get a glitter eyeliner and place a line following the crease in the centre on top of the red).

Add highlighter in the inner corner and brow bone, place your lashes on your lash line... for this look, lips can be your choice, I would go with a nude or a bold red.

Happy Valentine's and remember, gift vouchers are available for all you special ladies. l For more information please contact: Mobile: 610 865 040.

Instagram: @maisiemakeupx. Facebook: Professional Makeup

by Maisie Garrett. Email: maisieegarrett@gmail.com.

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I still have a UK Mortgage to pay, so I will benefit – but will you?

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here is no point in me throwing in my 2 penn'orth on Brexit as by the time you read this, Big Ben should have bonged and the United Kingdom will be in the transitional phase as far as our relationship with Europe is concerned. My genuine hope is that there will be no long lorry queues at our ports containing foods and medicines destined for our outlets in a timely fashion.

However, here at Blacktower Wealth Management our business is concerned with our clients’ finances with the vast majority of our clients being British. So, if you are British it's possible that you too are holding large deposits of Sterling in a British bank accounts, earning very little interest that could be described as “negligible”.

So you may be too indifferent or even not disappointed to learn that momentum towards an UK interest cut is growing after a third member of the Bank of England's nine-member monetary policy committee signalled that the British economy could require support from lower borrowing costs within months. He said he would “vote for a cut in rates later this month from 0.75% – if key barometers of economic strength fail to reveal a bounce straight after the December [2019] general election.”

That would surely mean a cut of 0.25% to 0.5%, therefore, whatever savers are earning in interest on their bank accounts they can slash it by 0.25% p.a.

But not all is lost for savers!

You can contact me and I will be able to point you in the right direction (if appropriate) of investments that pay a fixed daily return (equivalent of around 3.5% and 2.7% per annum), or other investments that give the potential for increased returns but with less certainty. Pleasingly, it has been a good end to the year for our stock markets, mostly due to the agreement to the signing of phase 1 of the trade deal between China and the USA, and to a

lesser extent certainty on Brexit with the landslide Conservative win. Light is at the end of the tunnel, it would appear.

Blacktower Financial Wealth Management is an independent advisory firm and is NOT tied to any 3rd Party product providers.

We would only recommend an appropriate product for you and your family’s circumstances.

David Diggle C.A.T., DipFA of Blacktower Financial Management (International) Limited. Tel: 615 607 278 / 965 058 212. Email: dave.diggle@blacktowerfm.com. Website: www.theblacktowergroup.com. Location: Costa Blanca.

The Blacktower Group (formed Jan 1986 UK) has been offering sound, independent advice for 34 years.

The above information was correct at the time of preparation and does not constitute investment advice and you should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity.

Blacktower Financial Management Ltd is authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority and is registered with both the DGS and CNMV. Blacktower Financial Management (Int) Ltd is licensed in Gibraltar by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and is registered with both the DGS and CNMV in Spain. See advert below for more information.

QF Focus Magazine

MURDER IN QUESADA A murder will take place at The Club in Quesada on Friday 27 March. If you’ve never been to a Murder Mystery evening before, now is your chance to enjoy a different type of entertainment.

This is a fundraising event for Age Concern so not only will you have a lot of laughter and fun but you will be helping raise money for this prestigious charity.

The scene is set and all the mayhem is acted out by members of Stagestruck Amateur Dramatic Group, who are renowned for giving rib splitting performances.

You can become a Miss Marple or Hercule Poirot for a few hours pitting your wits as to Who Dunnit! The murderer’s fate is in your hands.

The whole evening includes a delicious buffet.

Tickets are just 12€ per person and can be obtained from The Club, Age Concern’s Day Centre or their two shops.

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Quirónsalud Torrevieja, the Best private Hospital in the Province of Alicante and the Community of Valencia, according to the Index of Hospital Excellence Quirónsalud Valencia is among the Top 5 best hospitals in the Community of Valencia

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ospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja has been named the best hospital in the province of Alicante and has risen from fourth to third place of private Hospitals in the Community of Valencia, in the fifth edition of the 2019 Índice de Excelencia Hospitalaria (IEH, or Index of Hospital Excellence), which is published every year by the Instituto Coordenadas de Gobernanza y Economía Aplicada [Governance and Applied Economics Coordinates Institute]; it places Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, part of Grupo Quirónsalud, the best Hospital in Spain.

The rest of the ranking of healthcare centres in Valencia saw some variations compared to the previous edition, in particular, Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja rose from the fourth to the third spot. The Community of Valencia Top 5 is completed by Hospital Quirónsalud Valencia, which joined the best five in the ranking this year.

The 2019 IEH named, once again and for the fifth year in a row, the Fundación Jiménez Díaz as the best hospital in Spain. Its leadership for the past five years consolidates the recognition it is given by the representative sample of professionals consulted.

The goal of this initiative is to reward excellence, innovation and social wellbeing in hospitals and reinforce healthcare as one of the basic pillars of the Wellbeing State.

The Index analyses public and private hospitals, and measures their excellence based on the results and perceptions of 2,000 professionals working at the centres or in their area.

The results transcend the total number of services offered at the centres, to focus on quality and rating of the same.

Hospital excellence entails the sum of quality of care, hospital service, wellbeing and patient satisfaction, innovative capacity, personalised attention, and resource efficiency.

The objective of this initiative is to reward excellence, innovation and social wellbeing in hospitals.

This award consolidates Quirónsalud not only as the largest, but also as the private healthcare group with the best quality in Spain, having obtained the label of “excellent”.

The good rating of Quirónsalud hospitals brings with it a new incentive to improve the care and treatment our professionals provide their patients within a concept of person to person healthcare.

l Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja. Tel: 96 692 1313. www.quironsalud.es. See main advert on page 13.

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New Year, new-build?

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re you planning to buy an off-plan home in 2020? You’ll have lots of choice thanks to the surge in new developments along the Spanish Costas. While there are obvious benefits to buying a brand-new Spanish property, purchasing one requires careful research and appropriate legal protection. Here are 6 key things to consider…

1) Payment will be in stages so plan carefully. Off-plan buyers will first pay a reservation deposit, typically €5,000€6,000 (+ VAT), which reserves their chosen unit. Next, a sales contract will need to be signed, usually within 30 days of reserving the property and requiring the buyer to pay a deposit worth between 10% and 30% of the purchase value.

After that, the amount and frequency of stage payments due until completion will vary depending on the development.

High value properties, such as custom-built villas, usually require several stage payments.

2) When purchasing off-plan, all stage payments made by the buyer should by law be protected by a bank guarantee from the developer. This way, your money is safeguarded in the event of the developer going bankrupt or breaching the contract. Bank guarantees, which will be verified by your lawyer, should not be issued for a property that does not have the necessary planning permits.

3) Your off-plan contract should include a specified completion date with a 30 or 60-day rider, stating the property must be finished and delivered with all relevant paperwork in place, including Final Works Certificate and Certificate of Habitation. Your lawyer will check these things, as well as do thorough due diligence on the land ownership status and building/ planning permits of your chosen development, not forgetting the financial credibility of the developer.

4) Think about exchange rate movement. From start to finish, an off-plan purchase typically takes between 1

& 2 years. The exchange rate is constantly changing and over longer periods there is the possibility of it fluctuating significantly. This could affect the cost of your stage payments and final balance, which will be fixed in € but not in £. For peace of mind, consider forward purchasing all or some of your required €s through a currency specialist.

5) Spanish banks can provide mortgages for off-plan purchases but only once the property is completed and fully registered. Therefore, buyers must cover deposits and stage payments themselves. Buyers can get an approval in principle before completion or even signing an off-plan contract, but you should be prepared to update your application nearer the scheduled date of completion. Be aware that a mortgage will be based on the bank’s valuation at the point of completion, which may be different to the original purchase price that was agreed when the off-plan contract was signed.

6) On taking possession of your new property, make the developer aware of any faults or defects immediately – a process known as snagging. Examples could be windows or cupboards that don’t close properly, cracks in the new plaster, poorly fitted lights, problems with the plumbing or even mistakes with the interior layout. The developer should agree to rectify any issues within an agreed timeframe. l Sun Lawyers is experienced with helping foreign buyers

complete off-plan purchases successfully, providing all the necessary legal protection throughout the entire process right through to post-completion.

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Habitation Licenses Registration Tax

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urrently the submission (registration receipt) of having applied for a Habitation Licence (not the licence itself), is required to sign for a property sale at any Notary within Alicante. The document, also called Habitation Licence or Habitation Cedule, is achieved by submitting a dossier with the compilation of the Title Deeds, water and electricity bills, annual Townhall tax, and NIE, one or more certificates by an Architect and sometimes complete plans of the property.

Requirements and the amount of Registration Tax necessary for the certificate vary greatly between the different municipalities. Here is a list of the most common Townhall registration taxes in the area: - Rojales: 50€ plus, plus the planning department now asks for updated floor plans of the property.

- Orihuela: From 102 - 111€ (depending on build size) - San Isidro: 50€ - San Miguel de Salinas: 100€ - San Fulgencio: 50€ - Daya Nueva: 50€ - Formentera del Segura: 60€ - Rojales: 50€ - Jacarilla: 30€.

- Torrevieja: 17.50€ - Bigastro: 25€ Registration Tax is paid to the Townhall before having the licence issued. Note that Registration taxes are not applicable to IVA. Martinez de la Casa Architects offers the Habitation Licence registered document you need to sell at the Notary within 7-10 working days, services priced from 118 (IVA included), depending on the Townhall, requirements and registration tax which is not included.

Please contact us for an accurate quote.

If your Solicitor is studying your case, ask them to contact us to provide your property's Occupation Licence and we will make the whole process easier, faster and cheaper for you.

Martinez de la Casa Architects also offers superb discounts for groups (+2) or if you require your property's Energy Performance Certificate, Habitation Licence or Antiquity Certificate / Retrospective Licences (for pools and extensions, used to guard against sanctions in cases without licence and needed to update description in your property's title deeds) done at the same time. l Martinez de la Casa Architects is one of the most prominent and respectable practises in the area, providing all types of Certificates and Licences, amongst other services. We are the Number 1 company in EPC Certificates (121€ inc IVA), Habitation Certificates (from 168€ IVA and Registration in Townhall included) and Number 1 for Antiquity Certificates/Retrospective Licences for pools (190€+IVA) and extensions (270€ +IVA).

For all enquiries or to arrange an appointment please call 665 810 411 or visit www.martinezdelacasa.com to see an impressive list of over 150 testimonials by different clients.

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Practical Amateur Astronomy

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Using binoculars - Part 3

efore I move on to some more wonders to find in the sky, I want to go back to Orion, and the big red star in the top left hand corner called Betelgeuse that I first mentioned a few months ago.

It's been in the astronomy news recently because it's acting oddly. It's been known for quite a while that this variable star is worth watching. It's normal for this red supergiant star to change brightness, but at the moment its behaviour is more extreme and erratic than ever seen before. So what? you might say, well it's special because Betelgeuse is a contender to become a Supernova, an exploding star, a vast cataclysmic event that will dwarf anything witnessed by humans for a very long time. Imagine a star so big that its edge would reach out nearly to Jupiter exploding. It would shine in our sky in the daytime. It's something all astronomers long to see.

Oh yes, in case you're wondering if that would present any danger to us, absolutely not, any such ideas are uninformed nonsense.

Will it actually happen soon? Truthfully, we don't know, probably not but there is a chance.

Right, on we go with some observing and we'll start with a planet. If you look low down near the horizon in the west after sunset, you'll notice a very bright object, that's Venus. Have a look through your binoculars and you'll see it as a disc, something a star can never do.

Venus is the nearest planet to Earth and would be an appalling place to visit although billions of years ago it was quite pleasant. It's also a very pretty sight to see.

Our next target is another constellation a famous one, Cassiopeia. Starting from Venus look a bit further to your right and up a bit, you should be looking north west now. You're looking for an M or W shape that is on its side a little bit like this ÎŁ. Cassiopeia is a great constellation to find because we can use it as a signpost to other things in the sky. You will also notice that as we go through the year the shape will move around from its side to normal way up, a mark of the seasons passing.

Last item for this month and the first time we'll use Cassiopeia as a signpost, you'll also need a dark very clear sky for this one. As I said earlier this constellation looks like a letter W standing on its end. Start from the centre star and imagine a line from here through next star down, following this line a little way should bring you to a fuzzy patch in the sky. Have a look through your binoculars at this fuzzy patch and you’ll be looking at the Galaxy Andromeda. It's made up of hundreds of thousands of stars, almost a brother to our own milky way.

I'm nearly out of room here, but a Supernova, a planet, a constellation and another galaxy are probably enough to keep you going, enjoy yourself.

And I nearly forgot to say, a special welcome to all the new members of the group who've joined us recently.

Oates Charljaes Astronomy Group Vega Ba

l To find out more about astronomy, come to one of our monthly meetings email us at vegabaja.astronomygroup@gmail.com.

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Five minutes with... Richard Armitage

QF Focus Magazine

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he makers of Safe are back with a new Netflix thriller in The Stranger.

Lead actor Richard Armitage tells Gemma Dunn more.

How would you react if your whole world was turned on its head in an instant?

That's exactly what happens to Adam Price, a happily married father of two, whose charmed existence is rocked to the core after a shock revelation.

Neftflix's The Stranger reunites the team behind hit series Safe, having been adapted by Danny Brocklehurst from the novel

by Harlan Coben. Richard Armitage, 48, takes the lead in the psychological thriller.

What else can The Hobbit actor tell us about the show?

INTRODUCE US TO YOUR CHARACTER AND YOUR ROLE WITHIN THE STORY I play a character called Adam Price who's a successful lawyer, family man, a dad and a husband.

They are a pretty aspirational family and their existence is happy. They are heavily scheduled with their lives and I feel like sometimes they Richard Armitage as Adam Price - PA Photo/Netflix pass like ships in the night but it's a good life, they function well and it's a very modern family. The household is balanced, and mum and dad take equal roles, they drive nice cars, have a beautiful house and then The Stranger sidles up to Adam at the football club and drops a bombshell on him.

WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THE DRAMA? Everything was a surprise as the journey that this character goes on is full of trap-doors and dead-ends. He's completely blind to the situation. Also, the big reveal happens in one of the first scenes of the show and you think, 'Where do you PA/PA Wire/PA Images go from here?' He receives this damning information and confronts his wife in the first 10 minutes. That interested me because it's usually the other way around, you get to the end and he finds out what's happened.

WERE YOU FAMILIAR WITH HARLAN AND DANNY'S WORK AS WELL? Yes, I watched Safe, which Danny and Harlan wrote together, which I loved. I was aware of Harlan's work because I'm based in New York and Harlan is such a prolific writer both in the UK and America. The thing that I really like about Harlan's work is that it's always about a man or a woman who feels like you in an extraordinary and escalating situation. There were elements of Gone Girl in our story and I thought, 'Oh this is really thrilling,

QF Focus Magazine this is an ordinary life that under the surface has become extraordinary'.

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HOW DID YOU PREPARE FOR THE ROLE? I pored through the book a number of times to extract as much detail as I could and then started to build a family photo album of their lives. Because the story happens in the first 10 minutes, I had to build their life before the bombshell hit. The album was their lives and their achievements, the birth of their kids, the holidays they went on. Alongside this I usually create a sound track, so I've got a visual and an audible account of their lives. I built the background of the characters through that and I wrote a biography of how Adam and Corrine met.

That found its way into a speech at the end of the story, so it was all connected to real events that I'd created and drawn on my own experiences to put in there.

WHAT'S ADAM'S REACTION TO HIS ENCOUNTER WITH THE STRANGER? Photo from The Stranger. Pictured: Richard Armitage as Adam Price It was probably one of the most challenging scenes I've had Photo credit PA Photo/Netflix because of its extraordinarily obscure flavour. If somebody happened to her. Initially you think it's going to be a big expose on comes up to you that you don't know and starts to tell you personal what his wife has done, the lie that she's told etc. but it's not about things about your life which are absurd, how do you react to it? that at all. It's about finding out where she's gone and why. I hope What he doesn't know and doesn't show are the most interesting that the audience are sitting on the edge of their seats trying to find parts of the scene, and yet I had to receive what she was telling me. Corinne as much as Adam is.

So, it's almost like being in a vacuum and he has to hear what she's saying and believe it but at the same time keep her at arm's length. AND FINALLY, WORKING WITH NETFLIX, DID YOU FEEL We played with loads of different versions of the scene where he A SENSE OF CREATIVE FREEDOM? was very angry or completely mystified. He receives what she's I do feel like certain networks have always had their brand identity, telling him but it's not until later on at home when he starts to and actually it's a much more open field with Netflix; you never hear that thing of, 'We can't really do that because it's not a Netflix confront his wife that it's really sinking in. thing' - anything goes really, which feels much more fertile. It's WHAT DO YOU HOPE THE AUDIENCE WILL TAKE AWAY just letting the content speak for it and being prepared to take on FROM THE SHOW? something unexpected.

I hope they come with Adam on this detective journey because he's trying to get to the bottom of not what happened but what's The Stranger launched on Netflix on Thursday, January 30.

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QF Focus Magazine

Swedish Full Body M a s s a g e

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wedish massage, also called the classic massage, is a full body massage, which has great benefits and is a great treatment for both him and her. A Swedish massage is a great way to treat yourself, your partner or a friend and with Valentine's Day around the corner, what a great treat to give someone.

The physical and mental benefits of a Swedish massage are a great complete massage experience. Some benefits include:

PAIN - if you are suffering from pain like sciatica, muscle tension, back

or neck pain, just tell me and the method of the massage will help reduce your pain.

BLOOD FLOW - Swedish massage uses long stoking movements in the direction of the heart, opening blood vessels to increase blood flow. This will allow oxygen to get to those painful muscles, plus helping to remove toxins.

STRESS - Swedish massage is a great stress beater, you will be completely relaxed having your massage. I will make you feel relaxed in my treatment room with soft music and sweet smells of the oils. A great way to take away the stress of the day.

HELPS WITH THE IMMUNE SYSTEM - by reducing your stress levels this helps with cortisol levels, allowing you to feel more energetic.

Come and enjoy this great treatment, once you have your massage, I am sure you will be back for more.

Half Price February Offer During the month of February you can enjoy a Swedish massage for half price.

See advert alongside for information on more treatments available and for contact details.

QF Focus Magazine

Steam Pod 3.0 - the ultimate hair styler

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In last month’s article we chose to speak once again about one of our most requested services of the past year which is our famous hair extensions and how they can help to transform your hair in so many different ways. This meant that we couldn’t start off our first month’s article wishing you all a happy new year!

We do hope you enjoyed Christmas with your family and friends, and we would like to also thank you all for being so supportive towards Maximo Beauty in the past year.

As it is a new year, this means that new exciting things will be happening in the salon such as new products, new training courses, new treatments, new hair trends, new ideas for the salon and clients…etc and we cannot wait.

For those who don’t know, Maximo Beauty is an on-growing salon and is constantly keeping up on new hair & beauty trends by training, learning and being passionate about their work.

What’s new this month?

Well… it’s time for you to discover the brand new Steam Pod 3.0! Steam Pod is the ultimate hair styler made by Lóreal to create anything from curly waves to super straight shiny hair.

At Máximo Beauty we have been using these fantastic steam stylers from the start of December and all our clients have left to say after is WOW! Steam Pod 3.0 is leading the professional revolution of hot tools as it is a 78% less damaging than regular straighteners, x2 faster, x4 smoother and x2 longer lasting results.

Many clients have already purchased their own steam pod for home use as they have been shocked by the results of this revolutionary styling tool and how much less damage they will be causing to their hair in the future. If you would like more information about this or fancy trying them out for yourself don’t hesitate to contact the salon to book an appointment with one of the stylists. l For more information or an appointment please contact us Máximo Beauty -

telephone: 96 572 4671 or visit the salon at Plaza de la Constitución Nº2, Benijófar.

Email: maximobeauty@gmail.com. Facebook: Maximo Beauty.

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Hi All. Here's hoping that most of you missed the worst of the damage from Storm Gloria that has ravaged many parts of the Costa Blanca. So soon after the recent Gota Fria!

This month I would like to feature Solo performer, Vocalist Jo Jo (Fielding Eaton).

Jo Jo hails from Weston Super Mare in the UK, and has lived here in Spain for the past 5 years.

Her introduction to the entertainment industry began when she attended Primary School. It was at that time, Jo Jo joined a Dance School, and for the next 10 years performed in many stage shows and musical performances.

This ultimately led to Jo Jo joining an operatic society, which is where her love of musicals began. She decided from that point on that singing was to be her life, she wanted nothing else.

After leaving Secondary School, Jo Jo went on to College, and completed (with a merit), a course for the B. Tech National Diploma in Performing Arts. Following on from that she secured a position with the Holiday Parks entertainment programme as a resident vocalist.

QF Focus Magazine Some years later Jo Jo went to Fuertaventura with "First Choice" holidays, and worked with them until an unfortunate accident injury prevented her from continuing performing with the show team.

What followed was a 10 year break from the entertainment business, where this talented lady got (what some would say), a "proper" job. There wasn't a time during this long period, that Jo Jo didn't miss her passion for performing.

As already mentioned, it was 5 years ago that she decided that there was "more to life", took the plunge - and moved to Spain, although it was only 21/2 years ago that Jo Jo began singing on the local circuit here.

It began with a charity event, from which she was offered her first paid solo gig.

Nervousness was in abundance initially, especially after such a long time away from a microphone and an audience.

But this stage fear soon passed, and this versatile artiste is now out working 2, 3 and sometimes 4 venues each week offering a repertoire from the 1950s to modern day songs, suitable for birthday parties, weddings, bars, restaurants etc.

Once a month she can be seen on the main stage at La Zenia Boulevard.

Recently Jo Jo has started organising variety nights, so that the public can get to see more than one performer, giving her the opportunity to meet other acts that work on the local circuit simultaneously. For one such show Jo Jo has teamed up with Rob Roberts to bring you "A Night at the Musicals", which is currently being booked by venues along the Costa Blanca.

Jo Jo is now very established on the local music circuit.

Bookings are continually coming in, with St. Valentine's night, Halloween and New Year's Eve (this coming year and next) already confirmed.

For more information on this great entertainer check out: Bye for now, D.P. www.facebook.com/jojofemalevocalist.

QF Focus Magazine

Besan ki Barfi - Chickpea Fudge

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his vegan chickpea fudge showcases the earthy nutty flavour of besan flour; the barfi has an almost peanut butter taste. Gram flour is sautéed on a low heat combined with sugar syrup to make this mouth watering treat. The trick is to ensure the flour is fully cooked until it turns a golden colour and imparts a lovely nutty aroma.

Ingredients 200g gram flour 100ml coconut oil

100g sugar 150ml water 14 blanched almonds

Makes: 14-16 Recipe Line an 8inch x 5inch (12x21cm) loaf tin.

In a heavy bottomed saucepan heat the oil until medium hot. Take of the heat and tip in the gram flour and mix until the flour is fully coated with the oil.

Place the pan on a low to medium heat; stir the mixture for about 25 minutes. Keep moving the mixture otherwise it will catch and burn. The flour will go through several stages once the oil begins to ooze out of the mixture and turn a golden colour, remove from the heat and set aside.

In another saucepan boil the sugar and water for 8 minutes.

Gradually add the syrup to the besan mixture – mix well until lump free. Pour the mixture into the greased tin, spread out and stud the blanched almonds on top. Leave to set for 40 minutes.

Once cool cut into squares and serve. Can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

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. l

QF Focus Magazine

Page 18

THE UNEXPECTED JOY OF LOOKING LIKE A MESS AT THE GYM

WELLBEING Fitness Confidence By Abi Jackson, PA

A

s This Girl Can tackles 'unrealistic' images among fitness influencers, Abi Jackson ponders the power of not giving a hoot how you look.

There's no denying perfectlyfitting, welldesigned gym kit can make you feel amazing.

But I Abi Jackson, PA recently discovered an even bigger fitnesswear buzz, one that took me by surprise.

Basically, I discovered the joy of looking like an absolute mess at the gym. I know, who knew?!

Laundry logistics are to thank. Packing my gym bag one day, I realised all the 'good' kit was in the wash, so I had two options: A - skip my workout, or B - rummage through the darkest depths of my drawers and make do with whatever I could find that was vaguely suitable.

There was a time when it would almost certainly have been option A. I was hideously self-conscious at the best of times - there's no way I'd throw fuel on my

body-hating fire by not at least attempting to mask my 'flaws' with a semi-decent outfit.

But times have changed. I ended up at the gym in a heavily-bobbled, baggy old T-shirt and tatty bottoms that probably had once resembled leggings, but whose 'stretchy' prime had long passed.

Halfway through my workout, I caught sight of myself in one of the floor-to-ceiling mirrors (yes, those same mirrors that used to induce a severe bout of shame and self-scrutiny). This time though, my eyes quickly darted back to my reflection and lingered there for a moment. A glorious, fuzzy, soul-soaring moment.

Alongside the anti-fashion outfit, my greasy, unbrushed hair was shoved scraggily into a hairband, there wasn't a scrap of makeup on my face - and I didn't care in the slightest. Which made me feel... powerful.

Realising how much had changed felt like a deep, meaningful victory - and I can't deny, it was a total thrill.

It might sound completely unremarkable to some people - and in an ideal world, it would be completely unremarkable for all of us.

But the reality is, poor body-image and low self-esteem, whatever you want to call it, is a huge, widespread issue that can have an immense hold over us. Like so many women, I'd spent large chunks of my life worrying way too much about what I look like, convinced I wasn't good enough and that the world was judging me for it.

Although I've always been sporty and active, for a long time, any joy I felt in moving my body was always accompanied - and often totally eclipsed - by a nagging sense of shame, ranging from a distracting discomfort on good days, to spiralling selfloathing on bad ones.

And like a lot of people, I'd fallen for that insane lie we're so frequently sold - that exercise is just something women do to lose weight or 'improve' their appearance.

Aerobics classes went hand-in-hand with being on a diet. And fit, active people looked a certain way. Slim and toned (but not too muscular, ladies). Things are thankfully starting to shift on that front, but there's still work to be done.

A new survey by Sport England looking at attitudes around social media fitness influencers, found 63% of women who see

QF Focus Magazine slim, toned bodies on social media say this has a negative impact on them, and 24% who follow fitness influencers say they make them feel bad about themselves.

The figures were released with the launch of the latest This Girl Can ad. Now in its fifth year, the campaign - which famously features 'real women' (of various ages, ability levels and demographics, plucked from leisure centres and communities up and down the country) - has been a huge success, inspiring millions of women to get active (2.8 million in its first year alone).

But as Lisa O'Keefe, director of insight at Sport England, points out, although it's getting smaller, there is still a gender gap when it comes to participation in sports and exercise, and 40% of women are still not getting the recommended 150-minutes of activity per week.

Tackling 'unrelatable' images on social media and encouraging more diversity and realness is a key theme for This Girl Can this year. "We're trying to change the stereotype that sport is just for the young, fit and talented. To do that, we have to change the images we see on social media. We are urging everybody to think about how they can provide more diverse images," said O'Keefe.

Now don't get me wrong, I have nothing against stylish gym kit or wanting to look decent. And if investing in super-gorgeous

kit gives you the boost you need to get through the door, that can only be a good thing. But realising I was finally free of those insane body-conscious shackles and worrying what other people might think of my appearance (largely self-imposed, I know), gave me a sweeter joy than any bum-sculpting leggings and matching crop top ever could.

There wasn't a magic switch though. This was the result of years of experience and slow, patient change. Forging new habits and shifting focus. But the biggest key to it all was disconnecting with that spiritlimiting notion that exercise was a means to a skinnier end.

While in my 20s, I'd only ever venture into a gym because I hated my thighs or belly (and surprise, surprise, never really enjoyed it), in my 30s I was there to heal - quite literally, from spinal surgery. It's so easy to take your health and mobility for granted, but when they are taken away from you, everything changes. After my surgery, it took weeks of very basic physio before I was even able to get into the gym and step up my rehab. At first, my goal was to restore the pelvic floor function and balance I'd lost pre-surgery due to nerve damage, so I could get back to doing things like dressing myself without difficulty, and strengthen my legs so I could go for long walks.

There was a big question mark over whether I'd get back to my big loves: dancing and

Page 19 cycling.

But I did. It took a lot of Sport patience, and England slow, steady PA commitment - but with the help of an amazing rehab trainer, and a massive wedge of optimism, I got there. The gym became my lifeline. My happy place. And I fell totally in love with keeping myself strong.

Of course, as lots of people discover, once you've cracked this, you realise the biggest benefits of exercise are the mental ones too - that feel-good factor and calm that spreads through every part of your being. Exercise really can make you feel good, inside and out.

This shouldn't be something we have to discover after a health scare or major life event though. We should be encouraging this gift from day one - not setting each other up to battle insecurities until something clicks.

So buy those fancy leggings and crop tops if you want. Or go to the gym looking like a mess - and revel in claiming your space for the joy of it.

Honestly, it really is quite a buzz.

QF Focus Magazine

Page 20

Forthcoming Events

By Keith Nicol All information is correct at time of going to press but we advise you to check for any changes which are beyond our control.

I

t's hard to believe that it's February already, and with it, that most romantic month of the year and the start of getting back into the groove after all the festive spirit. February also brings Carnival fun with a pinch of Rio to the area along with Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday - pancake day, call it what you will, along with the Chinese New Year, Ash Wednesday, St. Valentine's Day: so lots of love, roses and chocolates throughout the month.

To top it all off, 2020 is also a leap year and as tradition would have it, an opportunity for the ladies to pop the question, should your partner have been dragging their feet.

Torrevieja's Carnival celebrations will start in earnest on Saturday 8 February, with the fun and colourful National Drag Queen event, changing location and now taking place in the fabulous International Auditorium beside QuironSalud Hospital: https://auditoriotorrevieja.com.

It's one of the most colourful and humorous events held in the city.

Forget about the days of Danny LaRue and enjoy the show.

Torrevieja's Carnival Contest Parade starts from Plaza María Asunción, just outside of Mullins Irish Pub, and continues along Calle Ramón Gallud, past the Virgin del Carmen Cultural Centre, with the main focus of the parade being just in front of the Town Hall Square and finishing at Calle Patricio Pérez street.

There is both a Sunday afternoon parade, the competition itself, on 21 February, starting around 4pm while the main event, the evening parade happens the following Saturday evening 28 February, following the same route, from about 9pm, although experience would tell me to take the start time as a guideline. Wrap up; bring your camera and enjoy the fun while wondering how all the dancers can not freeze wearing such few clothes.

During the winter the The Rojales Craft Market at the Cuevas del Rodeo in Rojales is open on the 1st Sunday of each month in the morning from 11am to 2pm. It's is 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. Also on the 1st Sunday of each month is the Ace Cafe Classic Car event, on the street outside La Torre Hotel in Los Montesinos from 11am to 1pm. Admission is free.

Kids of all ages are invited to attend 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.

Least we forget, that most romantic day of the year, St. Valentine's is on 14 February, so girls, start dropping hints now about romantic presents, chocolates, diamonds, dinner for two and all that, to your man now, just in case he should forget. And ladies, as it’s a leap year, if he hasn't popped the question yet, why not get down on your bended knee and put the pressure on him in front of hundreds of people, to say 'yes'?

If you have an interest in Caravans, mobile homes and accessories, then you should consider a visit to the IFA Exhibition centre, located beside the airport, for their Caravanning expo. www.caravaning-alicante.es/.This takes place over two weekends, 14 to 16 and 21 to 23, the 28th edition offers the latest models from different companies and brands with the widest possible range of caravans, motor homes, mobile homes, among others, as well great prices and even special offers at the fair. A must for lovers of the world of camping and outdoor event. www.feria-alicante.com/ The strong point of the show is its variety, huge exhibition area and number of vehicles all located in the same space. You will also find mobile homes, tents, accessories and spare parts, services for camping and outdoor leisure and more. Discount entrance coupons can be downloaded from their website.

In 2020 the IFA will hold 23 events, of which one is being presented for the very first time: “ECOALICANTE”, which will take place from 29 February to 1 March, sharing dates with the fair of aesthetics and hairdressing 'JESAL EXTETIC. ECOALICANTE is dedicated to organic products and healthy lifestyle and aims to promote a healthy lifestyle, ecological and sustainable consumption, boost the consumption of such products, offer solutions for people with food intolerances, support small ecological producers and promote responsible recycling.

Performing at Torrevieja's International Auditorium on St. Valentine's Day, 14 February from 8.30pm to 11pm is the return of the outstanding FSO: Film Symphony Orchestra presenting their new tour under the baton of charismatic director, Constantino Martínez-Orts. On the programme are such classics as: Endgame Alan Silvestre, How to train your dragon - John Powell, Interstellar -Hans Zimmer, Willow - James Horner, Aladdin - Alan Meneen, Amelie - Yann Tiersen, The Good, the Ugly and the Bad - Ennio Morricone, Pirates of the Caribbean - Klaus Badelt, Back to the Future - Alan Silvestre, The Secret of the Pyramid - Bruce Broughton, The King's Speech - Alexandre Desplat, AI Artificial Intelligence - John Williams, Jurassic World - Michael Giacchino, Solo: a Star Wars Adventure - John Williams, North and South Bill Conti, Kings row (Abyss of passion) - Erich W. Korngold and many more. Tickets are priced from 30€ but are selling fast with the best choices mostly sold out.

The following week, the fabulous The Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra (OST) returns to the Auditorium of Torrevieja, on Sat 22 February, 7pm, with the fourth concert of the 2019-20 season. This concert features Schumann and Dvorak. The orchestra will cover the Piano Concerto Op. 54, by R. Schumann, and the Symphony No. 8 Op. 88, by A. Dvorak. Directed by José Francisco Sánchez.

Tickets are priced from 10€ and again, this is almost sold out.

While you are booking these tickets, get ahead of yourself and order your tickets for Sat 28 March, 7pm, the fifth concert of the 2019-20 season. The Scandinavian Composers Concert will perform pieces of Sibelius, Grieg, Nielsen, Lumbye and Gade.

Over the weekend of 7 and 8 March, the region's premier lifestyle and quality of life event, Expo Torrevieja returns with their VII edition in the foyer of the International Auditorium. Here you will discover a collection of products and services that unequivocally define “quality of life and luxury living” in the most beautiful of venues that’s available in the entire Southern Costa Blanca. A tapestry of products and services spanning the scale from the large: luxury and vintage automobiles, to those on a more modest scale: solar energy, telecommunications, contemporary fine art, fashion and design, fine wines and the most innovative in home décor and technology. At Expo Torrevieja 2020 we are dedicated to creating the best Lifestyle events for both visitors and our partners… come along and join in the fun. Entrance and parking are free. Doors open from 10am until 3pm. Www.ExpoTorrevieja.com.

QF Focus Magazine

Page 21

our

ARIES By not wanting to miss out on something you are stalling making a decision, which might make you miss out on much more. Weigh up your odds and decide before it is too late. With love in the air this month you are finding it hard to feel completely happy. Sort it out before it becomes a bigger issue.

TAURUS It is so much more fun doing things with others instead of on your own and you are really lucky to have people around you. Be careful though as it seems someone is trying to undermine your friendships.

GEMINI You appear to be flitting between one thing and another randomly, but it is far from that. Soon all will come together and the chaos will sort itself out once again.

CANCER A quick fix is not going to help this time as it is a deep wound that needs time and patience. Go slowly and all will be fine, but don't ignore it or it will fester.

LEO You are an open book when it comes to feelings and some may see it as attention seeking. Be a bit more guarded unless you are with your nearest and dearest.

VIRGO It is time to start using reason as much in your decision making as emotion. This will give you a new perspective on a lot of things you have going on at the moment and will help you find some solid answers once and for all.

oroscope

LIBRA In your constant pursuit of your goals you can become a little selfish and even a bit childish in your attitude. Temper tantrums if you don't get your own way are not a good reaction. By letting go of a past hurt, you finally free yourself to move forward in love.

SCORPIO After letting certain aspects in your life slide a little recently, it is time to get things firmly back on track.

The feeling of achievement, once you do, will give you the boost to meet a challenge you come up against without any hesitation.

SAGITTARIUS Some day dreaming never hurts and right now can actually bring some new ideas to light. Don't ignore the reality of every day stuff, even though it is a bit monotonous, it needs to be done.

CAPRICORN Although it seems you are the only one who cares at times, there really are a lot of people fighting the same fight. Maybe slowing down and connecting with them will make it easier for you all.

AQUARIUS When giving advice make sure you do not overstep the mark. Showing your true self is a bit scary, but you seem to have found someone with whom you can really let down your guard.

PISCES You are at conflict with your gut feeling which is unusual. Don't make any rash decisions or let down your guard until you are convinced one way or the other how this is going to play out. Spend some time alone weighing it all up.

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w

W

A View From The Top

elcome to my monthly column “A view from the top”. Hopefully you will find my rambling readable (maybe even enjoyable).

You may agree or you may disagree with my views, I care not. These are my views long held and forged over a life time of work, travel and experience. Now that’s over let’s have a look at what is really winding me up.

You’ve Got Junk Mail

The World is a Dangerous Place

The heading is not the title of the next James Bond film although it quite easily could be ...with the news that the most dangerous man on the planet had ordered a drone attack on a foreign military officer. Yes, the danger man in question is none other than Donald Trump the current Potus, President of the United States, and a supposed friend and ally to Britain and Nato. However, in this case he did not see fit to inform his friends that he was about to commit an act of war against a foreign Nation State ...namely Iran.

Now let me be quite clear in that I do not support Iran and its revolutionary guards, and I revile at the way Iran

&

Been busy over the past month or so sending Christmas and New Year greetings to friends and family ...like many people I have been using the wonders of the internet and electronic mail to send these greetings. Whilst working away I noticed that my junk mail file was full to bursting with several hundred junk messages. I decided to clear some of these unwanted communications and in fact spent rather a long time going through the file and clicking on each message to send it to the delete basket. Happy with my work I continued with other internet stuff ...messages etc. A week or so later, back on the internet sending a message or two I noticed that my junk mail basket was

QF Focus Magazine again starting to fill up with unwanted messages. Again I went through and cleared several pages of junk ...this time however I noted the content of some of these messages ...not by opening them, Oh no ...but by just reading the message subject matter on the junk mail site. I never really knew how lucky I was ...and this from a man who has literally never won a prize in a raffle or on a lottery site. What have I been missing ...I have missed several airline flights on both Ryanair and Easyjet ...I have missed baskets of food from several supermarkets ...Tesco and Morrisons to name two ...incidentally to the best of my ailing memory I have never been in a Morrisons supermarket, let alone entered a competition to win food from them. More good news was waiting in the form of a money lending company needing an urgent response from me in respect of a big loan that again I do not remember applying for ...next came equity release ...I am rich and just did not know it ...my favourite however is a message, in fact several messages, from The Medium Amanda ...strange that she was not aware that I send all her messages straight to the delete basket ...being a medium and all. Anyway enough of that I have to go Dear Reader ...I am off to meet Sophie ...who does not want to wait for love ...if Sophie is not available then I will throw my lot in with the Sexiest woman in Spain and the Naked Locals. Who said the internet was boring.

&

QF Focus Magazine spreads its tentacles out into the world at large ...but, hey ho, so does the United States.

Just look at the way the World is being carved up into dominant and compliant regions...

The Russian empire is being re born via Crimea ...Iran and the USA have military personnel, and in some cases military bases spread far and wide, and the Chinese are busy creating artificial islands on which they then build military runways to accommodate warplanes. All this is going on while climate change threatens the World as well. What, just what, if all the time and effort that is put into missiles and bombs, was put into taking measures to reverse or at least minimise climate change.

Australia is burning as I type ...people are being forced to shelter from the fires ...people are being killed defending their homes and millions of animals, along with their habitat, are being lost. Is it really too much to ask the World’s leaders to stop and contemplate what, if any future there will be for the generations to come if this race to the bottom is not reversed?

The Sussexxes

Apologies for the above spelling but I think that’s how it goes. Imagine the scenario you are born at a time and place not of your choice, into a family also not of your choice, into a country not of your choice, and into a social environment where you will, for the most of us, just have to bloody well get on with it. As you grow you may or may not be hungry all the time, or you may be hungry occasionally, or you may not have to ever worry about food at all. Will you be educated? Some will, some will not. Will you be loved? Some will, some will not, and will you be cherished and kept fit, warm and well? Some will, some will not. Life is a funny old business someone once said.

I accept that it is for all people to choose the life they lead ...the problem is that some people have everything and do not want it, while the World is full of poor uneducated hungry and sick people who have absolutely no choice on how their lives will pan out until the day, probably far too young when they die. No personal comment from me just a mention of some of the differences that separate those who have, and those who most definitely have not.

CHANGE ONE THING Save on plastic waste by changing your liquid soap, shampoo and body washes to bars.

With so many amazing shampoo & soap bars on the market you will be spoilt for choice.

Page 23

QF Focus Magazine

Page 24

Book Review by Ivor Kindle Title: Written in History Author: Simon Sebag Montefiore Publisher: W&N This book gives a wonderful insight of the thinking of some of history's greatest names. Have you ever wondered how World leaders and famous people communicated before electronic messaging came along... of course the medium of communication was The Written Word... namely the letter.

This book is a collection of letters from ancient times to the present, from love letters to calls for liberation, from declarations of war to reflections on death and evil. I was fascinated to read the words of J.F.Kennedy during the Cuban missile crisis.

Imagine reading what Pliny the Younger actually thought as Pompeii was destroyed by Vesuvius in AD106.

Read for yourself the actual rational used by H. Truman as to why he authorised the use of an Atomic weapon against the Japanese to end World War II. This book is a wonderful and diverse read ...it is a great book to keep by the bedside as a read before sleep comes. Read this book you will not be disappointed.

...Keep reading, Ivor Kindle.

O

rder your tickets for a great evening of entertainment with a variety of dance produced by Sue Gibson and performed by her and some of her Suzi4fitz ladies from her fitness and dance classes. The show is compered by the fantastic Graeme Mykal who will also be performing some of his excellent magic and illusions on stage.

The ladies have been working hard rehearsing their moves and are looking forward to performing on the two nights Thursday 12 and Friday 13 March at Los Montesinos Music School Auditorium.

Show starts at 7pm and doors open from 6.30pm. Tickets are 8€ and 10€ and can be ordered by phoning 623 339 046, or by email tickets.suzi4fitz@gmail.com or via the Facebook page Suzi4fitz Show “Let's Dance”. Tickets can be collected from Las Ramblas Golf Club (ring to arrange a time) or collected on the door of the Theatre on the night.

This is the 3rd show from Suzi4fitz in Los Montesinos. Please come and support them as the proceeds are going to be donated to Social Services to hand out much needed vouchers to families who need some help at Christmas 2020. So far the group have donated 9000€ from the proceeds of their 3 shows and other charity events.

Last year the bulk of the donation was used to buy two hospital beds and 3 walking frames along with the food vouchers.

QF Focus Magazine

Dealing with difficult people

Page 25

How many do we know? How difficult are they?

How can we handle them?

Well because I didn’t have the answers to those questions I booked into a training session years ago to learn more! What a learning curve!

The tutor asked us to write down all the things about people that we didn’t like, or found it difficult to deal with…..fine! Is what these people are doing illegal? Immoral? Dangerous? Designed to do harm? No? Well she said, it's just that they are DIFFERENT then! What an eye opener! As simple as that – just different.

So the only way to handle these differences that we don’t like, is to be more tolerant? Not an easy thing to do, but POSSIBLE, and that is all that matters.

Tolerance is what makes the difference, and it guarantees better relationships in almost every case.

We are all different, so why should we think that OUR way should be the ONLY way of dealing with things in an acceptable way?

Two people can have major differences, neither of them wrong, but just causing problems because of lack of tolerance. I have heard people say that they have nothing in common with their husbands/ wives, but an example I have used with them is that perhaps we should look at a knife and fork….nothing in common, but we all know how well they can work together when used correctly. Do you think that we can start to accept that, unless the differences are of a SERIOUS nature, everyone has the right to their point of view, and everyone sees things differently – not right, not wrong, just different.

Maybe you think I am expecting perfection in relationships…NO! Nothing further from the truth, as we are about as far away from perfection today as we could be, but I think realising that we COULD live more harmoniously if we saw things differently might help!………We can always try, anyway!

Take care. Until the next time!

Violet King

Page 26

CHARLIE'S STORY

F

QF Focus Magazine

ormer star of hit show "The Only Way Is Essex" Charlie King, called Samaritans in 2011 when he was struggling with the demands of a highly stressful job, and the pressure to behave in a certain way:

“I grew up with my mum and sisters, dad wasn’t around so I didn’t really have a male role model.

I knew I wasn’t really like a typical boy. Rugby and football didn’t appeal to me, I was more interested in singing and dancing and I never really had a proper girlfriend.

My mum has a successful business, and from a young age I was thrust into a business world, I felt under pressure to do well and had to live up to high expectations.

I worked non-stop, and became obsessive about the restaurant – I wouldn’t share responsibilities, and had to be there every waking hour. I was highly stressed and struggled with anxiety.

I felt I had no purpose, I was lonely. I started to get really depressed. I had no male friends, or a girlfriend. I remember walking my dog, and my head feeling like it was going to explode.

I reached the point where I felt I couldn’t go on, like there was no point in my existence. My family didn’t know what to do or say.

This was when I first called Samaritans. Speaking to them really helped me to put my thoughts in order and gave me the reassurance I needed that everything would be OK. I called six or seven times in total.

I also sought help through my GP, and joined a gym. Doing regular exercise gave me something to focus on.

All these events made me realise I needed to become more open and let people into my life. I wish I had realised it is OK to be different, that I didn’t have to conform to a certain stereotype of how a man should be.

I also realised the importance of living your life. Work isn’t significant in the bigger picture of things.

I wish I’d talked about my problems at a much earlier stage. I realise that if I had spoken to someone I probably wouldn’t have got to the point where I was considering suicide.

If I hadn’t called Samaritans, I honestly don’t know where I’d be today. I have my life to thank them for.”

Should you identify with any of these issues and want to talk to someone in complete confidence then why not give us a call.

We are SAMARITANS IN SPAIN – You Talk We Listen.

Phone 900 525 100.

Email pat@samaritansinspain.com or send a message to 634 325 906 to organise a WhatsApp call.

l

QF Focus Magazine

Page 27

Special events in February

As well as Pancake day and Valentine’s day, this month sees many places around Spain celebrating carnival, and Moors and Christians.

On the first Friday of February, the celebrations of the Moors and Christians festivities are celebrated in the town of Bocairante in the province of Valencia in honour of Saint Blas, the patron saint of the town. This is one of the oldest and most spectacular celebrations of its kind held in Spain and has been declared of Tourist Interest. Its roots, tradition, colour and culture, and variety of clothing, music and gunpowder make the atmosphere of the parades unforgettable.

Los Carnivales. February is the start of the Spanish carnival season which offers some of the best celebrations anywhere in the world easily rivalling those of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The best are to be found in Tenerife and Cadiz where the street parties are world renowned. Colourful processions and extravagant costumes abound in many cities and usually commence on Ash Wednesday. The Cadiz carnival is arguably one of the most extravagant parties around lasting some 10 days. A huge paper-mache sardine is mourned (noisily) as it makes its way along the Cadiz streets to its final resting place! See page 20 for information on the Torrevieja Carnival.

Issue 01

Due to the fantastic success for our advertisers in the Professionals Marina Alta & Vega Baja areas Female Focus Publications are proud to announce the publication of The Professionals Marina Baja for March 2020.

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Page 28

RECIPES by Pushpa from the Spice Hut

Dry Aloo Gobi

Puris

3 tbsp oil 1/2 mustard seeds 1/2 cumin seed Small cauliflower, cut into small pieces 1 large potato, diced into small pieces Salt 3 chillies, cut in half 1 tspn garlic paste 1 tspn ginger paste Little lemon juice Fresh coriander

225g wholemeal flour 1/2 tspn Salt 3 tsbp oil Small cup of hot water Oil for deep frying

Heat the oil in a non stick frying pan, add the mustard seeds they will crackle and then pop, then add the cumins and chillies and sizzle for a few seconds. Add the cauliflower and potatoes, mix well for few minutes. Then on low heat cover and cook for a further 10 minutes, until soft. Do not add any water.

Add the salt, ginger, garlic paste and lemon. Cook further until the cauliflower and potatoes are cooked. Garnish with chopped coriander. Serve with puris.

Make the dough by mixing together the flour, salt and oil.

Add water slowly to make a stiff dough, knead until soft.

Divide the mixture into small balls, roll out each one into little discs of the same size.

Heat the oil in a deep pan or a fryer, add the puri one at a time.

Press it down with a slotted spoon (this helps it to puff up) and cook both sides until golden brown, drain and serve hot.

Aloo Gobi with fresh hot puris, enjoy. l The Spice Hut Quesada. Tel. 96 673 1063 or visit www.spicehutspain.com.

QF Focus Magazine

C

‘Get on yer Bike’ Cycle Fitness Training

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ycling for fitness can be one of the most beneficial and easiest ways to lose weight. The benefits of cycling to lose weight is the low impact nature of cycling and the ability to cycle more frequently, with more volume (and intensity when appropriate) than you can with running.

Swimming is also another great sport that has low impact during a weight loss period, however it is not as convenient as getting on your bike and cycling. If you have a spare bike or have your bike set up on a bike trainer during the winter it’s even more accessible and easier than driving to a pool. Any weight loss programme that involves exercise should also involve balanced nutrition, just because you are working hard at exercise doesn’t give you a licence to stuff yourself with cakes and sweets once you have finished your workout. Next time you finish a hard cycle or exercise make sure you have an apple or a banana rather than a bag of crisps. Always think about the food you are going to eat, how will it help you to get fit and get your weight down, if you think it is not going to help you reach your goals then don’t eat it!

It sounds simple but it is a hard rule to execute.

You will get faster and leaner with interval training, you can increase your body’s anaerobic capacity, power, endurance and your cycling speed with short, sharp bursts of interval training.

Hill Climbs.

Hill climbing takes it out of you at the best of times, but this hard and fast short burst of pain will help your long term power. Find yourself a short, sharp hill with approx 4-5 minutes of climbing, power up the climb as fast as you can, once you reach the top, roll down as the recovery and then repeat as often as you can.

Sprints.

After warming up for approx 20 minutes on a flat road, sprint for 20 seconds flat out followed by 20 seconds of slow gentle recovery, repeat this for approx 15 minutes or until you are exhausted. This helps to improve your endurance, strengthen the muscles, letting you ride faster.

Power Up. As little as 4 interval sessions can boost your power and ability to maintain higher intensity sessions. Ride 20 x 1 minute at peak power with 2 minutes recovery between bursts, after a few weeks you should notice an improvement in your power output.

Other Skills.

Skills such as one leg pedalling involve pedalling with one leg clipped into your pedal and one leg hanging by the side, this will help you to find out which leg is doing more work than the other. Try this for approx 3kms, alternating between legs every 50 revolutions, make sure that you are on a slight incline whilst carrying this out. High revolution spinning with one leg will focus on getting you to spin above your normal cadence and will get your heart rate above aerobic for a few seconds at a time. These types of drills will improve your efficiency and help you become better at pedalling because you will be wasting less energy.

Muscular Endurance.

To improve muscular endurance pedal at a lower cadence which will improve your strength. By using the big chain ring at the front of the bike and a small ring at the rear you are forced to pedal slower and with a more focused pedal stroke, cycle in the high gear for as long as you can.

Rest Day / Recovery Time.

Whichever type of training you decide is good for you ensure you have a rest day in between as this is just as important as training.

If you feel tired, lethargic or not looking forward to your next ride then this could be a sign that you may be over training. l Team “Cyclogical” meet every Tuesday and Thursday night 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, are 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.

QF Focus Magazine

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Animal Adoptions and re-homing

A

Spot the odd one out B

Milo is around 8 months old and needs a home as his owner returned to the UK. He is quite an independent boy but loves attention when he wants it. Milo is great with other cats, dogs and children. He is vaccinated and neutered. Call: 645 469 253. To view more animals for adoption go to www.petsinspain.com.

Email: info@petsinspain.com.

Smudge is an amazing cat being used to both children and dogs. He came from a very loving home, so loves affection and as you can see, he is very laid back.

Smudge is about 5 years old and would love to be adopted. If you would like to adopt Smudge or any of our other animals call 600 845 420. www.k9club.es.

You’re invited to come and meet the Easy Horse Care Centre rescued horses, ponies and donkeys during our open day, held on the first Sunday of each month from 1pm to 4pm.

Entry is free and children are welcome. On the day, we offer a free guided tour of our stables and fields at 2pm sharp – make sure you pop along at this time to be able to meet our horses.

Call 652 021 980 or email rescue@easyhorsecare.net.

For more information visit our website http://www.easyhorsecare.net.

C

D

E

F

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

&

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 in the classified pages

QF Focus Magazine

Crossword

Across 1 Pouch used in the shipment of mail (7) 5 Valved brass instrument (7) 9 Large Australian bird (3) 10 Falls on the Canada/US border (7) 11 Accumulate (5) 12 Pretentious (4) 14 Carried out (3) 16 Abominable snowman (4) 17 Hone (7) 18 Native American tent (6) 20 Red gemstone (4) 22 Weep (3) 23 Assist (3) 25 Exchanged for money (4) 28 Instance of misfortune (6) 30 Person who exercises control over workers (7) 32 Disease of the skin (4) 33 Posed for artistic purposes (3) 34 Russian ruler (4) 39 Ice house (5) 40 Capital of Kenya (7) 41 Gall (3) 42 Rainy season (7) 43 Attentive (7) Down 1 Adornment that hangs from a piece of jewellery (7) 2 Less than the correct or full amount (5) 3 Slope or hillside in Scotland (4) 4 Cogwheel (4) 5 Widely cultivated vegetable (6) 6 US state between Nevada and Colorado (4) 7 Flat highland (7) 8 Bear witness (7) 13 Make of vacuum flask (7) 14 Free from liquid (3) 15 Counting system based on tens (7) 17 Of wine, dry (3) 19 Consciousness of one's own identity (3) 21 Constricting snake (3)

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Answers to puzzles in the classified pages

24 Strident noise (3) 25 Arena for sports (7) 26 Wool grease (7) 27 Caress gently (3) 29 Incomplete (7)

31 Dried grape (6) 35 Parody (5) 36 Vagrant, tramp (4) 37 Emblem symbolising enduring life (4) 38 Thread of metal (4)

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Actors Community Theatre Society: The ACTS company was delighted to receive a plaque from the Mayor of Benijófar in recognition of the donations the group has given to support families in need locally. Profits from the next production ‘Ladies’ Day’ will again be shared locally. The dates of this production have had to be rearranged, and now you will be able to visit the York races on 23, 24 and 25 April. Tickets will be available soon. Further information from icvallender@gmail.com.

Cantabile Ladies Choir: Cantabile’s next concert is to be held on Friday 21 February at 7.30 p.m. at La Siesta Church.

A collection will be taken in aid of Tracey’s Baby House in Mozambique.

New members are always welcome, the only requirement is the ability to sing in tune in this friendly, three-part female choir. Contact: valbeange@gmail.com. Phone: 96 679 5816. Rehearsals: La Siesta Church, Torrevieja, Fridays 14:45 - 17:00 from September to May. Crescendo International Choir: The Choir will be giving a concert Saturday 8 February at 6pm at Salt Church in Los Montesinos. The concert, which will feature a variety of popular English and Spanish tunes, is a fundraiser to pay for a new floor for Salt Church. There will be a €5 entry donation. All our welcome. For details, see www.crescendo-choir.com.

Harmoniser’s Barbershop: Whatever your singing talent, a warm welcome awaits you at Harmoniser’s. They are a friendly club including all nationalities and a fun-loving harmony chorus singing in the Barbershop style. They meet every Thursday, 10.00 at Casa Contenta Rojales, near Quesada. Drop in and say hello, you will be more than welcome. Interested?

Please contact Mick Hume at michaelhume4814@gmail.com.

Lyrical Mixed Voice Choir: This highly successful, recently formed harmony group’s next concert will take place in La Zenia on Sunday 26 April. Entitled ‘A Grand Night for Music’ it is certain to be sold out very quickly! Apply now for tickets at www.lyrical.es.

QF Focus Magazine Rojales Pantomime Group: Are very sad that they could not perform their pantomime Treasure Island to entertain all you lovely people owing to circumstances beyond their control.

They have decided to keep the same pantomime for next year which they hope to perform in January 2021. If anyone would like to join this group of merry thespians, and have some fun, you will be very welcome. Contact shimserv@gmail.com for further information. The show will go on…. Oh yes it will.

Stagestruck Theatre Group: The Group have handed out donations to various local charities from their Christmas Panto ticket sales. Torrevieja Alzheimer ’s Association received the largest amount 3,000€ as they are the groups main charity.

Another 1,000€ was given to the San Fulgencio Alzeimer’s group. Stagestruck are very grateful to everyone who supports them, who in turn can provide much needed funds for these very important associations in the community. The Next Production will be ‘The Haunting Of Hogsbottom Manor’ a musical Comedy, to be performed in May. Dates to be confirmed.

Studio32: The Musical Theatre Company are pleased to announce that rehearsals are well underway for their summer show which will be the Rodgers and Hammerstein blockbuster musical ‘South Pacific’. The show will be on at the Cardenal Belluga Theatre, San Fulgencio from Wednesday 27 to Saturday 30 May. To book your tickets for this sensational show call Philip on 602 617 848 or email tickets@studiothirtytwo.org.

The Dayamantes Singers: The Singers were formed 10 years ago and meet in Daya Nueva every Wednesday from 11.00 until 12.30.

They are a group of men and women who enjoy singing a variety of songs from the 60s to the present time.

Always looking for new members. If you would like to join and have a great social time, ring Jean: 690 778 091.

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 North information can be found online at www.femalefocusonline.com

QF Focus Magazine

A

Reach Out Results Rocket!

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fter completing their end of year totals, it became aware to the Board at Reach Out that once more the support and help given by Reach Out to the Homeless in Torrevieja had increased by a considerable amount. Breakfasts served increased from 7818 in 2018, to 8739 at 31 December 2019. The Comedor which supplies cooked lunches five days a week, showed an increase of 866 from the 2018 total of 7613 to 8479. The 2017/2018 totals had also shown an increase similar to 2018/2019. This trend is a cause for concern at the Charity as the increase would eventually outstrip the current facilities available. Seating a maximum of 65 in the Comedor, this is quite often full to capacity especially during inclement weather. It is with the dedication and efforts of the Volunteers that the success of Reach Out is evident when results like this are achieved.

On Christmas Eve, the homeless clients enjoyed a Christmas Lunch prepared by a team of Volunteers who decorated the tables, cooked the food and then served the clients rather than have them queue as usual. The photo (above right) shows some of the team on the day.

The Board wish to thank all those who have donated, bought in our shops, provided food etc and volunteered in any way throughout the year, for their dedication and support, a special mention must go to the Staff and children at the Costa Blanca Swedish School in Orihuela Costa, where a marvellous €137 was raised by pupils during a School Bazaar day where they made cakes, buns, sweets and toys as well as offering games etc. to raise funds, not only for the school but also Reach Out. The photo (left) shows some of the students with head teacher Ingela presenting the donation to President David Young, who had prepared a special Certificate of Appreciation for the School.

Another annual Christmas event was the Quiz Night at Harrys Bar in Quesada where Joanne organises the event in aid of Reach Out, and on 19 December a full house got the grey matter working overtime and after the quiz and Raffle the sum of 374.29€ was passed to David Young for the Charity. Joanne and the patrons of Harrys Bar donate regularly during the year and David presented Joanne with a Certificate of Appreciation in thanks for their generosity.

Beetle Drive - 21 February Next event is a Beetle Drive on 21 February at Captains Bar, Punta Marina. Tickets include a finger buffet and Raffle and cost 10€ per person. Tables of four are ideal for this night of merrymaking, but everyone is welcome. If you haven’t been to a Beetle Drive you haven’t lived, so call into Captains Bar or any of our shops to get your ticket, limited numbers due to space available.

We are always in need of volunteers, drivers are currently in short supply so please call in and see if you can fit in. More information is available on our website www.reachouttorrevieja.eu.

NOTICEBOARD

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 of each month at Friends Cafe Bar, Avda. del Mar 82, Los Montesinos 03187 starting at 10.30 a.m. We look forward to meeting new members and their partners. For further info. contact our web site, www.arpo.org.uk or email arpocostablancasouth@gmail.com.

Crime Watch Spain (Vecinos Colaborando) Reg. VG – 08261/2002 advise the community 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 info 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.

LO CRISPIN & DISTRICT CULTURAL ASSOCIATION. Registered Charity No. CV-01-046603-A. We are a friendly association established in 2010 and our aim is to organise regular social events, trips and functions in order to raise funds for local Charities etc. Membership is just 5€ per person per year. We are usually at “The Lo Crispin Tavern” Friday lunchtimes, from about 12.30pm to 2.30pm. Please come to see us. For further details contact Syd at lo.crispin.rca@gmail.com or see our website: www.locrispin-dca.eu.

Royal British Legion - Gran Alacant & La Marina Branch meets on the 1st Monday of the month at 18:00 in LOUNGE D in the Plaza Mayor (known as Masa Square) Gran Alacant. Remember that you do NOT have to be ex-services to join. Further details from email:granalacant.secretary@rbl.community.

The Royal British Legion, Torrevieja Branch bowls team play at Casa Ventura on Thursdays and Saturdays, 1.30pm for a 2pm start. We would be pleased to see you there. Come along and have a game. Everything supplied.

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 meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 1700 (5pm) at CHE LOCO bar/restaurant, El Chaparral urbanization, Torrevieja. For more information please contact 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. If you are interested please come and join us, or for more information call 694 437 698 or email mrandcwatkins@hotmail.co.uk.

Salt Church, formally known as Torrevieja Christian Fellowship has relocated to Calle Daya Nueva 12, Poligono Ind.Levante 11, 03187 Los Montesinos. Sunday Celebration 10.30 am with “Kids Church”. Everyone is welcome! We look forward to meeting you.

Revival Torrevieja Rugby Club based on traditional ethics of rugby, family and respect. Thur evenings touch rugby at 20.00, plus 15s on Mon and Wed and for more info about all the teams and training places and times contact the co-ordinator Tony on 670 972 366.

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.

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QF Focus Magazine

Classified Adverts

Health & Beauty SLIM AND TONE in comfort ...at our new one stop Slimming and Toning Salon. We can offer you the Exante diet plan and the Shapemaster toning beds. Call 675 619 568.

Business Opportunities 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.

Entertainment

SPANISH INSURANCE: for all your insurance needs in English.

H o m e , h e a l t h , t r a v e l , m o t o r, f u n e r a l c o v e r , c o m m u n i t y, b u s i n e s s . Te l : 9 6 6 7 3 0 6 9 4 . www.spanish-insurance.net Offices in San Javier, la Zenia and Quesada.

BUILDING WORK All types of small or large building work undertaken including bathroom and kitchen refits, patios & terraces, painting, pool repairs, extensions and underbuilds, plumbing and electrics.

Call 96 671 2832 or 662 455 960 for a free no obligation quote or email s_sconstruction@yahoo.co.uk

LADY JAZZ performing at the Costa Blanca! Perfect for your Lounge Area, Private Parties, Weddings, Fine Dining and Cocktail Bar!! High quality vocals & chillout tunes.

Te l e p h o n e 6 7 7 2 3 3 8 7 9 FACEBOOK:LadyJazzAnita or visit www.lady-jazz.com

Services LAZE 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.

TRANSLATOR AND INTERPRETER English/Spanish. All legal, medical and business matters. Covering the Costa Blanca. Contact: 658 957 404 or ejbtranslations@gmail.com COYS RENT A CAR is an independent Car Hire company operating from Alicante airport, Torrevieja and the surrounding areas. To get a quote, look at our website: www.coysrent-a-car.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 or find further information at www.surveyorscostablanca.com SIMPLY DOORS, Family run business our products range from external Doors, internal doors, sliding wardrobe doors, upvc windows and conservatories tel 96 671 8738 or 671 260 204. Web: www.simplydoors.es.

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: 0034 681 315 659. Web: www.aqualyze.es.

Property Sales & Rentals

VB16 Out

Now

Misc Sales COYS PARKING provide 6 month or 1 year contracts to park your car at Alicante airport, look at our website and click on Coys Parking www.coysrent-a-car.com CYCLOGICAL QUESADA your one stop family run cycle shop for all your cycle sales, repairs, spares and cycle hire. Contact Gary or Lynn on 637 487 377. www.cyclogicalcostablanca.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: 65 83 38 123.

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.

www.femalefocusonline.com

Wanted

FREE PROPERTY ADVERTS To get your free 3 month property for sale advert send your advert content (up to 40 words) to classifieds@femalefocusonline.com - Please include your name, NIE or passport number and address, this is not for publishing but we must have these details on file. And remember you can also send a photo to go with your advert that will be published with your wording on the website.

(Wording only in the Female Focus and QF Focus Magazines.) The advert can include your property agent contact details.

Visit our website for more classified adverts www.femalefocusonline.com

Personal

AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS For families and friends of problem drinkers.

There are meetings in Torrevieja. Phone 634 349 961.

www.facebook.com/FemaleFocus/

QF Focus Magazine

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Classified Adverts

Puzzle Solutions

Answer to Spot the odd one out = B

Very easy

Medium

All adverts must be sent with your Name and NIE or Passport Nº (not to be 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. They 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.

By using this service you agree to receive the Female Focus publication newsletters to your email address unless you state otherwise.

Due to the fantastic success for our advertisers in the Professionals Marina Alta & Vega Baja areas Female Focus Publications are proud to announce the publication of The Professionals Marina Baja for March 2020

New Design · 18,000 Copies High Quality Paper Published twice a year · Digital Version Property · Legal & Finance · Trades Health & Beauty · House & Home Retail · Infotech · Good Food Guide Issue 01

FULL PAGE from

ONLY

60

€

+ IVA per month