QF Focus - January 2019

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Deposito Legal A-685-2016

January 2019

Inside this issue:Your Local Entertainment Scene The Vega Baja Astronomy Group A View From the Top - Book Review by Ivor Kindle Finance - Health & Beauty - Your Horoscopes Violet King - Keith Nicol's Forthcoming Events Club & Charity News - Local Business Reviews Win 50â‚Ź 'Spot the Logo' brought to you by....

Classified Adverts Puzzles, Recipes and so much more...

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QF Focus Magazine

Your New Telescope After 3 months of writing about cosmology and the universe, culminating with black holes, it's time to get down to more practical matters. Last month I finished with a comment that many people get telescopes but don't progress very far with them. That often happens at this time of year when a telescope is a gift. Setting one up for the first time can be daunting, lots of adjustments, swivels and angles to be precisely set and on many modern 'scopes', electronics to cope with as well.

When you overcome that first barrier of setting it up, you want to take it outside and see something, sods law says it will be cloudy for a week and your enthusiasm is starting to wane. You finally get outside on a clear night and maybe look at the full moon only to see a disappointing washed out disc, no-one told you that the full moon is the worst time to observe. Next time you go out, you wonder what to look at, not really sure where to point the thing, you've forgotten what all those gadgets are for and after a while you're cold and disillusioned. The thing gets put away and forgotten about.

Well, that's the sort of story our members hear quite often so we've decided to help. If you find yourself in the situation above, or just want to be helped to understand your new toy, email us and bring your scope to one of our meetings, held on the second Wednesday of each month. We will be holding some 'starting observing' evenings which will cover what to look at when you start and how to actually enjoy yourself. Once again, please email the group if you want to take part.

For those who want to make a start on their own, pick something easy to find and great to look at in the night sky. Start out with no more than 3 things to find in one evening. Read up on them first so that you understand what you are seeing. For example, start

with the moon, not when it's full but when it's a crescent to halfway. The shadows help you see the detail. Pick a spot to concentrate on and find the names of the craters. Number two has to be a planet, Mars is easy to find at the moment. Take your time, have a chair if you can so you will be comfortable, and really look. As you get used to looking you will begin to make out more detail. Astronomy isn't a quick glance and tick it off, it's not called observing for nothing.

A great third choice would be a star cluster. The Pleiades are easy to find in the winter. Your first look will transform the Seven Sisters to a vast family. There are so many stars that they will fill the eyepiece, a wondrous sight.

One last bit of advice, don't get carried away with magnification.

Too much is a very bad idea, the image shakes, and is dull and blurry. Use 50 to 100x for most things.

Anyone is welcome at our monthly meetings, they are informal, just chats, tea around a table, and what we have found out that month. For details email vegabaja.astronomygroup@gmail.com or look for us on Facebook ‘Vega Baja Astronomy Group’.

s es Oate Charl p ou Gr ja Astronomy Vega Ba

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

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QF Focus Magazine

Already into January and the celebrations for the Christmas period are now a distant memory.

Santa has been and gone, the Three Kings made their presence known and we welcomed in another year. Once again I overindulged in all the things that I probably shouldn't have. So now starts the resolutions, although I've yet to come up with anything different. One thing for certain is that I am determined to manage my time better and not continue to be a lastminute.com person that I have got into the bad habit of being (well I am going to try at least).

The next few months holds a great deal of uncertainty with the pending Brexit but whatever will be will be and there's not a great deal any of us can do except get on with it. I just hope the eventual outcome turns positive for us all.

From everyone at Female Focus Publications our best wishes to our readers, advertisers and contributors for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2019.

Congratulations to Joan Butler from Torrevieja who won last month's 50â‚Ź competition after spotting the logo on page 15. See if you can spot the logo in this issue for a chance to win 50â‚Ź, see inside for details of how to enter. Good luck!

Michelle

Front cover photo taken by Ken Taylor. See advert on this page, telephone:- 633 479 031 email: ken@kentaylor.photography Photography website:- www.kentaylor.photography Female Focus covering the Alicante North region and the QF Focus Magazine covering the Alicante South region.

Discuss your advertising with your local representative:-

La Marina, Catral & Dolores Merf 634 349 521 merf@femalefocusonline.com

Torrevieja & Orihuela Costa Yesica 699 830 438 yesica@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 5 February All other areas - Sales Manager Deadline for advertising & Michelle 663 178 228 editorial - 21 January michelle@femalefocusonline.com

QF Focus Magazine

Huntington's Disease Do you have Huntington's Disease or care for someone with this illness? If so, we would like to hear from you. We are the Huntington's Disease Association Costa Blanca- an independent, local charity offering friendship and support to people living in Spain suffering from, or caring for someone, with Huntington's Disease.

~ We offer opportunities for friendship and support for all those affected in the Costa Blanca area. Although presently we are based in Almoradi, we maintain contact with people living in the wider community. Currently we meet every Friday afternoon from 2 til 4 pm at O'Briens Bar in El Raso, Guardamar, for a drink and a chat. ~ We provide information and access to advice about what is available to improve the quality of life for those affected, for example, equipment and aids to improve daily living. We have established links with other support groups, voluntary organisations and care agencies so that our Liaison Worker can share information about what is available and help you complete application forms. ~ Through our successful monthly fund raising events we are able to award one off grants for equipment that may not be available through the Spanish care system - or financial support in an emergency situation for a limited period. For example we recently part funded an emergency six week support package for a couple, where the carer had suffered a debilitating injury. This ensured both could stay at home rather than the sufferer of Huntington's Disease going into a care home.

We would welcome contact with anyone affected by Huntington's Disease. We have a dedicated telephone number - see below. You can visit our website on: www.hda.org.es or visit our FaceBook page – facebook.com/pg/HDACB. All enquiries to our President Marion Smith: 634 905 249.

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QF Focus Magazine

Happy New Year To You All And Happy Birthday To Blacktower – 33 Years Old This Month.

26th November 2018 - Quarterly update published by THE PRUDENTIAL There is no change to net Expected Growth Rates (EGR) applied to your International Prudence Bond daily as follows: PruFund Growth (Sterling) Fund 3.8% p.a.

• Investment in € euro or £ sterling (minimum £20,000 PruFund Cautious (Sterling) Fund 3.1% p.a. or €25,000).

• 1.5% allocation bonus for investments over £150,000 PruFund Growth (Euro) Fund 2.9% p.a. (immediately worth £152,250).

PruFund Cautious (Euro) Fund 2.4% p.a.

David Diggle C.A.T., DipFA of Blacktower Financial Below is a summary of benefits of our most popular Management (International) Limited.

Spanish Tax Compliant investment product for Telephone: 615 607 278 / 96 505 8212.

Spanish resident ex-pats produced by The Prudential Email: dave.diggle@blacktowerfm.com International.

Website: www.theblacktowergroup.com Location: Costa Blanca Key benefits: • Mechanism employed by the Pru to smooth returns.

The Blacktower Group has been established from Excellent for inexperienced investors. the UK for 33 years offering sound, independent • Avoidance of inheritance tax liabilities between advice. spouses if written as a joint policy.

• If your Spanish Will contains the UK law of The above information was correct at the time of succession clause then your UK resident heirs will preparation and does not constitute investment advice only pay Inheritance tax per UK rules on the passing and you should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity. of this bond. In most cases this will be Nil. • Option to give a regular monthly or quarterly Blacktower Financial Management Ltd is authorised withdrawal of 5% p.a. penalty free. and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct • All income tax deduction and reporting and Modelo Authority and is registered with both the DGS and 720 asset reporting is done for you in Spain by the CNMV. Blacktower Financial Management (Int) Prudential International (based in Ireland).

Ltd is licensed in Gibraltar by the Financial Services • Portable, should you move back to UK or most other Commission (FSC) and is registered with both the countries.

DGS and CNMV in Spain.

QF Focus Magazine

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1614 Steakhouse - Algorfa Steve and Karen opened this exciting new Steakhouse Grill on the 1st of December offering a new concept in dining. Already it is becoming a huge success and very popular with diners, employing a first-class team that fully compliments their ideas. The team of chefs, Vanessa and Paul strive to make the food the best it can be, topped off by Louise, front of house, attending to all your needs to make your dining experience a pleasurable one.

To Steve and Karen’s knowledge, 1614 was the time when the first vestry was erected in Algorfa village - the old clock on the wall denotes that date, hence the reason they decided on the restaurant's new name.

1614 use only the best and freshest ingredients that are in season and locally sourced, with all their beef being dry aged for a minimum of 28 days to ensure maximum flavour and tenderness.

The menu offers a large selection of meat, burgers and fish dishes to choose from, with vegetarian options and daily specials also available as well as mouthwatering home-made desserts.

A Sunday Lunch menu is available offering the true traditional flavours of a Sunday – reserving your table is highly recommended to avoid disappointment.

All special events for private parties are catered for with bespoke menus developed to accommodate your needs, please call for more information.

1614 also offers you an exclusive service of a free pick up and drop off service for a minimum of 4 people. It is necessary to pre-book this so please mention it when reserving your table.

1614 is situated on Calle Constitucion 3, Algorfa Village. For more information call 865 667 390 or 744 618 046, email 1614steakhouse@gmail.com or find us on Facebook 1614 Steakhouse & Grill.

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QF Focus Magazine

Checklist: the most common paperwork pack to sell a property The most common paperwork pack to sell a property in Spain is - Latest Water Bill.

- Latest Electricity Bill.

- Latest council tax (SUMA bill).

- EPC Energy Performance Certificate.

Required in all cases except for detached properties of under 50 square metres.

- Habitation Licence.

Currently, the submission (registration receipt) of having applied for a Habitation License (not the license itself), is required to sign for a property sale at any Notary within Alicante. Requirements and the amount of Registration Tax necessary for the certificate vary greatly between the different municipalities.

-Certificate of Antiquity / Retrospective Licence.

This is required whenever the property has been extended, altered or had a pool built without a proper building licence. By having a Retrospective Licence / Antiquity Certificate, building works become un-objectable and vendors use it to avoid putting off potential buyers, due to the existence of undeclared or unlicensed building work.

The Antiquity Certificate is also the document needed at the Notary to update the Title Deeds (Escritura) with any alterations made to the property.

Martinez de la Casa Architects is one of the most prominent and respectable practices in the area, providing all types of Certificates and Licenses, amongst other services.

Offering super discounts for groups (call your neighbour) or if you require 2 or more different documents done at the same time. Also if your Solicitor or Estate Agent is studying your case, ask them to contact us to provide your property's selling pack, we will make the whole process easier, faster and substantially cheaper for you.

We are the Number 1 company in EPC Certificates (121€ inc IVA) and Number 1 for Antiquity Certificates (pools 229€ inc IVA, extensions 326€ inc IVA) and Habitation Licences (from 118€ inc IVA, Town Hall tax not included, depending on each municipality.

Please contact us for an accurate quote).

For all enquiries or to arrange an appointment please call 665 810 411 or visit www.martinezdelacasa.com to see over 150 testimonials on our services.

QF Focus Magazine My name is Steve Woods and I am a solicitor specialising in claims for asbestos related diseases and I thought I would look at a number of questions that often arise and that make people worried about the possibility of making a claim. My message is, if in doubt ask!

I NEVER MADE A CLAIM BEFORE. I understand that making a claim can seem daunting and this is why I always visit my clients and meet them face to face. I can explain the process and I find this reassures them. I come to Spain regularly and so personal visits are not a problem.

I CANNOT REMEMBER WHERE I WORKED, OR THE COMPANY I WORKED FOR NO LONGER EXISTS. It is not unusual for companies that traded in the 1960s, for example, to have long since stopped trading. With investigations I can trace insurers who provided cover for these companies and they are obliged to deal with the claims. Even if you are hazy about the exact name of a company or your period of employment with them, I can obtain your work history from HM Revenue & Customs and this provides confirmation of who you worked for all those years ago.

I HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH AN ASBESTOS CONDITION BUT I DID NOT WORK WITH ASBESTOS. It is surprising how often, when you start talking about a persons work history, what they remember. Often, it turns out that even if a person did not actually work with asbestos, they worked alongside people who did and therefore came into contact with dust. Another possibility, and a particularly sad one in my experience, is a wife who comes into contact with asbestos from her husband’s work clothes.

MY BREATHING PROBLEMS ARE NOT TOO BAD. A lot of people I meet are dismissive of their breathing problems and underestimate how they affect their daily lives. Some people I have seen do not realise there is a time limit for bringing claims and so it is important that investigations are started as soon as possible.

Claims for breathing problems caused by exposure to asbestos can be complex but the quicker the claim is started the quicker these issues can be dealt with. So, if you are concerned about your particular situation or have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch. I am happy to talk to you free of charge.

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A View From The Top

Welcome 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.

&

What a start to a new year.

Been sitting here thinking about what I would carry on about in the first QF Focus magazine of the new year ...2019 as you are all aware is a crucial year in the history of what us British currently refer to as the United Kingdom. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland along with England all politically aligned within the brotherly love fest that is intended to promote good will and peace to all men (and women) who reside within the boundaries of the land of milk and honey where the streets are paved with gold and everyone starts the day with a hearty "good morning". In this far off place the only thing that is guaranteed to cause an upset is the ignorance that comes from putting the milk into the tea cup before the tea has been poured ...this infraction of the norm however can be easily be cured by a simple lesson in "how to make and pour the perfect cuppa"...Now that I have got that off my chest so to speak, what on earth could I write about that would interest you my Dear Reader.

QF Focus Magazine Well I suppose that I could mention the complete and utter balls up that is the mishandled and shambolic attempt by a now "dead in the water" Prime Minister to create a favourable deal with the European Union that would facilitate Britain leaving the EU. Do you remember when we the British people were told - They (the Germans) will come running to sell us their posh cars! Do you remember when the then Secretary of State for exiting the EU said "This will be the easiest deal in history" ...Several Secretaries of State later we had the penultimate incumbent stating "I never realised how busy the port of Dover got with imported goods" ...and to this the falsehoods of the XXX millions of pounds each week going to the NHS ...the nonsense about millions of Turks waiting to pour into Britain and, my favourite, that they - the EU are about to take our electric kettles and toasters away! That last pearl came from Mr Hanner an MEP (oh yes he takes their money) who now finds himself with a bill of several hundred thousand pounds for spending EU money in inappropriate ways. As if this total shambles could not get any worse the Government finds itself held in contempt by its own House of Commons ...the ruling party called for the Prime minister to face a vote of NO Confidence ...a vote at which a third of her MPs voted against her and the majority who voted for her were nearly all, to a man and woman, in the pay of the Government as extras over and above the salary they draw as an MP. As I type news has been released that Brits visiting the EU after Brexit will require a visa ...so if Brits need a visa you can be sure that Europeans will also need a visa to visit Britain ...where does that leave us people who live in Europe and were not allowed to vote I wonder. Will we get caught "piggy in the middle" and have to pay to visit the land of our birth. Enough of this I suppose ...I like everyone else will just have to wait and see. But I do not think this will end well. continued

Cathy's Curiosity Corner Cathy would like to apologise to her clients for any time that the store may have been closed in the past, or in the event of any future closures.

This has been due to 2018 being a very tough year for her with family bereavement and illnesses which at times has meant she has had to rush back to Ireland. Unfortunately the situation continues at present as Cathy has a terminally ill sister who needs a lot of care, love and attention.

She would like us to pass on her sincere thanks for your understanding, patience and compassion.

QF Focus Magazine Racism and Tribalism.

Interested in the incident at Stamford Bridge where Rahim Sterling the Manchester City footballer said that he was subjected to racist abuse ...this abuse it was alleged came from a small section of the crowd and occurred as he, Sterling, attempted to pick the ball up and return it to play. Now my interest is not in whether Strling was abused ...I think it is obvious that abuse was directed at him ...this is clear from the TV cameras ...no, my interest is in whether abuse in itself is a racist act. One of the people who shouted at Sterling is on record as saying " I called him (Sterling) a Manc xxxx ...incidently the person concerned was at pains to say he did not racially abuse Sterling and that he was ashamed about his behaviour ...it was that he got caught up in the moment at a football match where tension and excitement can run hand in hand, was his rational for his behaviour. As an individual I understand that emotions can and do run high at football matches ...I myself have been on both the receiving and giving end of emotional outbursts at sporting events and thus I just wonder at the psychology of abuse and racism. Is it a racist act if people of differing races argue using industrial language that does not mention race or colour?

Can one individual tell another individual of a different race or colour to "Do One" as it were without being accused of being a racist? As I was thinking about where I could do some research etc on this theme another incident in the realm of what is and what is not abuse etc came into play. This incident concerned football fans singing songs that contained anti semitic themes ...Put simply can you be accused of being anti something if the something you are commenting on or singing about is repeated on a regular basis by the very group of people you were aiming your song at. In this case the song was aimed at supporters of Tottenham Hotspurs (Spurs) who on a regular basis seem to relish the opportunity to sing anti semitic songs about themselves ...if they open the door so to speak can anyone just walk through it. Heavy stuff for the first View of this year I admit...but I find it interesting, although also baffling.

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Age Concern was filled with pride Age Concern was delighted to become the very first recipient of the People’s Champion Award at the Pride of Spain award ceremony organised by Costa Blanca People newspaper at the end of last year. The award was in recognition of 20 years continuous service helping and supporting the over 50s on the Southern Costa Blanca.

President, Maureen Payne, graciously accepted this prestigious award on behalf of Age Concern and all the hundreds of volunteers, past and present, who give their time freely, week in and week out.

The Casa Cultura, in Benijofar, was full of extremely worthy nominees and winners from various charities, fundraisers and local businesses considered to be the best of the best, but everyone involved in their own charitable work knows just how much hard work it takes to raise vital funds to enable them to care for people or animals.

Age Concern goes from strength to strength into their 21st year endeavouring to give constant care to those who need it most. To find out more about all the services Age Concern offer why not pop into their Day Centre, Calle Paganini, La Siesta on Monday - Friday from 10am - 1.30pm, have a coffee and chat to our volunteers.

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QF Focus Magazine

Can you love yourself?

Many people, who are on their own are hoping to be successful in seeking out love, but almost always they tend to look outward rather than inward. As strange as it may seem though, falling in love with yourself can be just as wonderful an experience as falling in love with someone else! While the idea of falling in love with ourselves may be perceived as conceited or selfish, choosing to fall in love with who you are is a very important emotion to achieve.

It’s important to be the sort of person you want to be, first, before you can appreciate yourself fully. If you can think of someone you admire - you can be like them! Not WHO they are, but the sort of person they are.

When you fall in love with yourself, you can't help but experience a wonderful sense of discovery. You start to appreciate yourself more and you become more attentive to your own needs and desires. Things start to fall into place and you begin to understand what you are looking for in a partner.

Choosing to fall in love with yourself is a very personal process that takes time. There is no express way that you can just make this happen, but there is the strength of your intention which aids success. Whether you are taking the time to do the activities you like, treating yourself with respect, taking notice of all your previously hidden qualities and accomplishments, the way you handle things is up to you. You could of course just start to value yourself with plenty of rest and self-care.

When you eventually fall in love with yourself, you begin to appreciate your unique outlook on life, and respect yourself more. This will be noticed! In loving yourself, you are acknowledging that you are special and deserving of love. Best of all, you are giving yourself one of the greatest gifts you have to give another. You are giving yourself the gift of your love ‌.and THEN you can give it to others!

Until the next time ‌.take care!

Violet King

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QF Focus Magazine

Book Review by Ivor Kindle

Book title: The Chosen One Author: Sam Bourne Publisher: Harper

Recently elected President of the United States Stephen Baker finds himself and his administration being undermined by a series of revelations about his past life.

In an effort to maintain his fledgling Presidency the President asks his Special Adviser Maggie Costello to go undercover and seek out the who, what and where of the attempt to bring him down.

This is a fast paced page turning thriller ...a good easy read with which to start the new year. ...Keep reading, Ivor Kindle.

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QF Focus Magazine

our ARIES After all the festivities you are finding it hard to get back into a routine. You have so many ideas for this coming year but just need to get organised otherwise you will end up with lots of unrealistic and unfinished projects.

TAURUS Last year was a shaky year, but with hindsight you can see were the problems came from and so are now able to ensure this year runs more smoothly. Be prepared.

GEMINI You know what you want from this year and where you want to be by the end of it. Only you can make this happen - you owe it to yourself so don't let yourself down.

CANCER Do you really want to change everything and upset the stability you have in your life right now for a whim.

Think things through - the long term consequences of your actions and the reactions of others.

LEO Make sure you have a goal to work for or you are going to get stuck straight back into that rut. Book a holiday or spa day - something that you can look forward to. It could be something more practical - as long as you have a goal.

VIRGO Make a list of what you want to achieve by the end of the year. This will keep you on track and give you something to work for. It shouldn't be a list of just jobs but also visits, treats and even motivational goals.

oroscope LIBRA Although you are setting off the year at a gallop give others time to get organised as they might not be as prepared as you are. Some may even need your help or advice as to how to make things run more smoothly for themselves and everyone.

SCORPIO Money concerns are not a good way to start off the year so make plans now to ensure the rest of the year runs smoothly. If necessary get everyone together so that you are all moving forward together with the same direction. You don't need to make huge changes, but a few little tweaks will make a huge difference.

SAGITTARIUS Trusting your instincts has been a good motto recently and has stopped you from being caught out on more than one occasion. Trusting other people has proved more difficult but you need to start trying.

CAPRICORN Managing your time more efficiently needs to be the goal this year. It will take time to adjust and to learn to delegate but this will help reduce your stress levels.

AQUARIUS Keeping growing this year and moving towards your ultimate goal. Someone looks like they are going to be enjoying the ride alongside you.

PISCES Your mind is set on how this year is going to pan out and nothing is going to stop you - well apart from you yourself. Concentrate and don't let yourself stray too far from the end plan.

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QF Focus Magazine

WASPI …..’Women Against State Pension Inequality’ … International Group

Correct as of November 2018 Waspi is a Campaign Group that represents 3.8million 1950’s born British women at home and overseas who have been negatively impacted by the lack of notification by successive Governments of the increases to their State Pension Age (SPA).

This group of women has had up to 6 years added to their State Pension Age (SPA) with little or no notice so have been left with inadequate time to make financial and work preparations for such a life impacting change. Waspi International specifically campaigns to ensure the 1,000s of 1950s born women living overseas do not get ‘forgotten’ when any future solution to this grave injustice is discussed and agreed with the UK Government.

The reality of living with this change for 1950s women in the UK and Overseas For thousands of 1950s women retirement plans have been shattered, savings gone, and with ageism still rife in the workplace, a great many of these women are now in dire straits financially. Just as in the UK, 1950s British women living overseas who had planned and saved for their retirement are now living on dwindling limited savings until they reach State Pension Age. They tell stories of the shock and worry they have experienced: ‘I am just surviving. I was widowed four years ago, then at 60 found myself with no state pension, no widow’s pension, and no income. I can only just survive and am reduced to do menial cleaning jobs’. 1950s women who live overseas have no access to working age benefits, job seekers benefits or disability benefits.

Irreversible decisions have been made in the expectation of receiving the State Pension at 60. For the women who have moved overseas they now find that they have no health cover (this is particularly true in the EU where the existing reciprocal Health Cover deal has always meant that State Pensioners would receive free health cover).

The vast majority of 1950s born women have worked and contributed to society since leaving school, many of them at the age of 15.

They have been the bedrock of society often managing a full time job, bringing up a family and at times caring for and helping elderly relatives. They want to enjoy the retirement they have worked for and looked forward to. ‘I have been robbed. I’ve been left vulnerable at a time in my life when I thought I had worked hard and long enough to qualify for the tiny cushion of a pension’.

Hardship, Poverty and an Infringement of 1950's Human Rights George Osborne, the then Chancellor of the Exchequer in 2011 when the most recent additional extension to pension age was made, boasted that speeding up women’s pension age was such a huge saving to the Treasury that it dwarfed almost anything else. The travesty of this situation is that the government do not seem to care. They have completely turned a blind eye to the reality of the plight of 1950s born women. However, a large number of UK MPs across all political parties support the Waspi campaign. Many trades unions also recognise that wrong has been done. There have been 8 debates in Parliament, along with protests, TV and Press exposure; however, to date, our voices have gone unheard with those in Government who have the power to change this appalling situation.

United Nations Recognition After his visit to the UK in November 2018, Philip Alston, the UN’s Special Rapporteur showed the number of pensioners living in poverty in the UK had risen by 300,000 to 16% in the four years to 2016/17. Mr Alston said: ‘As was made clear to me in a number of submissions and through powerful testimony, a group of women born in the 1950s have been particularly impacted by an abrupt and poorly phased in change in the State Pension Age from 60 to 66.

The impact of the changes to pensionable age is such as to severely penalise those who happen to be on the cusp of retirement and who had well-founded expectations of entering the next phase of their lives, rather than being plunged back into a workforce for which many of them were ill-prepared and to which they could not reasonably have expected to adjust with no notice’.

Summary: On Tuesday 6 November 2018 a landmark was reached when retirement age for men and women was equalised at 65, (moving to 66 by 2020). However, the fact that men and women are now equal in the age they retire makes little or no difference to the problems that women born in the 1950s face as they approach retirement.

On 22 November 2018 a further debate on this issue took place at Westminster Hall in London. Scottish National Party MP Patricia Gibson spoke of the ‘weight of despair, the burning sense of injustice and the genuine bewilderment felt by women who, by sheer bad luck, were born in the 1950s and therefore became fair game to be robbed, mugged and made victims of theft of the most cruel and callous kind’.

Waspi will continue to campaign to achieve fair transitional State Pension arrangements for all British women born in the 1950s affected by the changes to State Pension Law (1995/2011 Acts).

This translates into a ‘bridging pension’ to provide an income until women reach their new State Pension age – not means tested – and compensation for financial losses for those women who have already reached their State Pension Age. The Waspi Campaign is not asking for the State Pension Age to revert back to 60.

Waspi International is run by ‘volunteers’ and is administered in France. We have ladies from over 30 countries in our Group and would like to encourage all 1950s born ladies living in Spain to join our active campaigning at our Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/Francewaspi.

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QF Focus Magazine

Masala Chai – Indian Tea Masala chai is flavoured tea and Indians love their tea – milky, spicy and sweet! It is warming and comforting; a hug in a mug!

I remember as a five year old visiting India; sitting with my cousins outside on the veranda early in the morning nursing little glasses of warm, thick, milky tea the colour of rich caramel with the smell wafting around us.

Spices used vary from household to household, in terms of tea some will only use loose leaf while others prefer tea bags but both work well, as long as the tea is boiled for long enough to impart the taste.

Ingredients

TIP: Works well with most teas; decaffeinated, green and white.

4 mugs of water 2 teaspoons fennel seeds 5 cardamom pods (split) ½ teaspoon ground ginger 1 cinnamon stick 2 teabags/ black tea leaves 1 mug of cold milk 2-3 teaspoons sugar optional

The Spice Sisters run Indian cookery classes in Spain and UK. Please get in touch for further information.

Time: 10 minutes Makes/Serves 4 Recipe In a milk pan, add the water, tea/ tea bags, fennel, cardamom ginger and cinnamon stick.

Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.

Add the cold milk and bring back to the boil.

Sieve and serve. Sweeten to taste.

Email; keepcalm@curryoncooking.com https://www.facebook.com/Curryoncooking/ www.curryoncooking.com Curry on Cooking kits can be purchased online and include:

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QF Focus Magazine

The reconstruction of the breast through stem cells allows surgeons to reconstruct the burned skin in patients with radiotherapy, and recovery of the tissue The head of Plastic Surgery Quirónsalud Torrevieja has conducted an investigation that standardises the technique in two surgeries without hospital admission.

The research work led by Dr. Mario Márquez, head of the Plastic Surgery Service of the Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital has managed to protocolise breast reconstruction techniques with fat grafts and implants, and what is more important, calculate the correct formula for fat volume necessary in patients who have lost their breast after undergoing radiation therapy to overcome breast cancer, something that was calculated by eyesight until now.

This technique uses stem cells extracted from the patient's own fat to rebuild and regenerate the tissue burned by radiotherapy, with the implant being placed during an outpatient surgery visit, meaning the patient does not have to be admitted to hospital, and so can continue their normal life, explains Márquez.

Currently the patient who has suffered breast cancer and receives radiation therapy should replace the radiated area with healthy tissue. If this is not done, the burn of the radiotherapy will cause painful wounds and contractures in the mastectomy that will force the removal of a prosthesis. This type of intervention, explains Dr. Mario Márquez, "requires the making of flaps on the back or abdomen that require several days of admission, costly surgeries, painful and prolonged post operations, in addition to very serious complications that can lead to complete loss of the flap and permanent sequelae."

Against these conventional techniques, Dr. Márquez advocates the use of the patient's own fat for reconstruction after breast cancer surgery due to the high presence of stem cells in adipose tissue that help the patient's early recovery. "Thanks to this new technique," says the plastic surgeon, "the intervention is performed with a minimal sequel through a liposuction where there is excess of the patient's fat. The process is relatively simple".

The patient goes to the consultation and a study is made to determine the amount of fat she needs to regenerate the tissue affected by radiotherapy, which is calculated based on a mathematical factor (0.635) that multiplied by the area radiated from the breast, resulting in the exact volume of fat that the patient needs. Then, half of that lipograft is performed in a first outpatient surgical procedure, and the patient goes home. Stem cells take about three months to do their job, which is removing the cells that make up the burned tissue and replacing them with a healthy ones.

Then, the second intervention is performed, in which the other half of the necessary fat is injected, and a special breast prosthesis is also placed, which grows in size little by little, injecting a special substance, so that the skin adapts and gets stretched enough to recover the usual form of the chest.

"It's as if the patient had never undergone radiotherapy."

Patients with breast cancer who have been treated with radiation therapy and who have to undergo breast reconstruction are usually operated on by means of so-called flaps, which consist of the extraction of tissue and muscle from the patient's back to place it in the radiated area of the breast, or through microsurgery, in which tissue is extracted from the abdomen with the same purpose.

Both interventions are complex, long, have sequelae such as scars and require prolonged sick leave. "With this technique, the patient goes home after being operated on, and we rebuild all the affected tissue. It is as if she had never been subjected to radiotherapy", explains Dr. Márquez.

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

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New Year, New resolutions - Why not try Yoga?

Work out fads come and go, but virtually no other exercise programme is as enduring as Yoga. It’s been around for more than 5,000 years. Yoga does more than burn calories and tones muscles. It’s a total mind-body workout that combines strengthening and stretching postures with deep breathing and meditation or relaxation. The word yoga means ‘to yok’, to join, practicing yoga unites body, mind and breath creating harmony in your being.

There are many benefits to practicing yoga, here are just a few of them: All round fitness, weight loss, stress relief, finding inner peace, improved immunity, living with greater awareness, better relationships, decrease in back pain and aches, better balance, relief from pain, increased circulation, better posture, better intuition, better bone health, boost immunity, increased energy, improved sleep .....the list is endless.

Beyoutiful Yoga studio is situated in the lovely village of San Miguel de Salinas. It’s a bright and spacious studio with ample street parking. It offers a varied timetable with over 10 classes per week for all levels, from beginners to the more experienced yogi, private classes are also available. The studio is fully equipped with mats, blocks, straps and bolsters, so all you need to bring is yourself!

Lou, the owner and main teacher at Beyoutiful, has been giving yoga classes to all different ages for several years.

Lou offers a friendly approach to yoga, remembering that we are all human and we all have postural habits.

At the moment, Lou teaches 2 types of yoga. There are Hatha yoga classes, which is a well-known active practice, where the body is worked in all its different ranges of motion.

The class finishes with a final relaxation known in the yoga world as ‘Shavasana’. There are also Yin yoga classes, this is a passive practice, where the postures (mostly seated) are held from 2 - 5 minutes to stress the deeper connective tissues of the body. Yin yoga mobilises and strengthens our joints, ligaments, deep fascia networks and even our bones. It also invites us to slow down and let go of long held physical and emotional tension.

Yoga invites you to know the real you mentally and physically, building strength, space, balance, flexibility and clarity. Opening yourself up to new horizons and embracing the idea of letting go.

A quote that Lou likes “Yoga isn’t about touching your toes, it’s what you learn on the way down”.

“The Beyoutiful studio is clean, bright and welcoming.

Louise is very professional and approachable, always mindful of different capabilities and helps you work to your own limits.”

Jill, Los Balcónes.

“I have been practicing yoga for nearly four years now and am so glad to have found Louise at Beyoutiful Yoga in San Miguel. Her classes are calm, precise, with excellent adjustment and challenging. You can practice at any level here as Louise will always give the class in multiple levels to suit all abilities. Louise has a truly caring soul which comes through in her closing thoughts. Look forward to seeing you on the mat.” Paul.

For further information contact Lou via WhatsApp or call 625 432 159

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QF Focus Magazine Remembering that momentous event Melissa recalls just how nervous she was, and how she could feel herself shaking like a leaf throughout the performance.

Despite that she loved every moment of it.

Hi All. Firstly, let me wish you a very happy and prosperous New Year.

Last year was a strange one for many of the musicians and singers here on the South Costa Blanca. I don't need to go into details, as many of you already know the obstacles that venues were suddenly faced with in 2018. From having to fit sound reducers in their premises, to being stopped completely from putting on entertainment for their customers. Fingers crossed that this coming year will be more positive, for venues and entertainers alike.

Well, I'm going to start the year off featuring a young, very talented performer, Melissa Fanning.

Melissa hails from the UK, but when she was 12 years of age, along with her family, she moved to Crete. Not long after relocating to this lovely island it became apparent that she truly had a gift for singing.

Melissa had a strong desire to establish herself on the local music scene here, so she decided to move away from musical theatre, and instead concentrate on more mainstream music. Her repertoire ranges from hits of the 1960s to modern day.

Melissa's first official gig was a charity event for Sunshine F.M. local radio at the tender age of 17, and she hasn't looked back.

Now firmly established as an entertainer on the local music circuit, Melissa enjoys singing a wide range of covers that include ballads as well as up beat numbers to get any party started.

The artistes she favours include Adele, Queen, Sam Smith, Megan Trainor, The Beatles, Ed Sheeran and Alicia Keys, just to name a few.

As well as creating a lively atmosphere at venues, Melissa also caters for weddings and private parties.

Although Melissa was very shy by nature, she pushed herself to sing at "open mike" nights whenever she could, and over a short period of time - her confidence soon grew.

More recently she has joined Big F.M. as their newest and youngest radio host. Fondly known as M.J., she presents The Big Sunday Lunch between midday to 3pm.

However, it was when she moved to Spain a couple of years later, that her journey to becoming a performer really began.

If you haven't already heard this young dynamic performer - check out the local press for her upcoming engagements.

Melissa joined a youth choir and, following some vocal coaching, she performed her first solo - "Don't Cry for me Argentina" to a packed church.

Or alternatively, more information can be found on her Facebook page - MelissaJadeSpain. r now, D.P.

Bye fo

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QF Focus Magazine

Success with permanent Weight Loss - now in Torrevieja with Slim4Life.es - Exante Diet

Is this the year YOU LOSE WEIGHT? We wish to thank our hundreds of clients – who joined us last year – who have transformed their lives with permanent weight loss.

Slim4Life.es are now entering into our second successful year in Spain, with our authorised Exante distributorship and our unique Exante Meal Replacement products - the UK’s leading Weight Reduction /Slimming programme. Exante products were voted Nº1 on ITV in the UK. Slim4Life.es also includes Personal Weight Loss Coaching – which is the secret to successful weight loss.

How can we help you in 2019? If you have been thinking of losing weight – join us now – do not wait any longer.

We have the proven method to lose weight in the healthiest and most permanent way. With our support and guidance, YOU can be the BEST YOU in 2019.

It’s so easy!

1. Decide which Exante diet plan is right for you.

2. Choose from our huge range of shakes, bars, meals, desserts and snacks.

3. Book your free consultation OR join the New Year, New YOU challenge.

Why SLIM4LIFE? It works, it's convenient and it transforms lives!

It is less expensive than other “diets” – this is a lifestyle change, not just another diet.

Does your busy lifestyle leave you short on time? Simply throw an Exante bar, shake or snack into your bag for a delicious and nutritious meal on-the-go.

Our Weight Loss Coaching programme is the “winning factor” – it is not easy to lose weight without support, accountability and reprogramming of the mind.

Start Your Transformation: Try our 28 day NEW YEAR – NEW YOU CHALLENGE to help guide you through the first 4 weeks of 2019 - changing the way you eat with Slim4Life - Feel healthy and watch the pounds fall off.

THERE IS A SECRET TO OUR SUCCESS: Clients are finding that the benefit of our personal weight loss coaching is the key to successful weight loss.

It is an unfortunate statistic that most people who lose weight – just put it back on again.

With Slim4Life and the weekly weight loss coaching – we are proving that it is not only in the food supplements you take, but in changing your way of thinking.

Our program was devised by a Nutritionist in 2008 and has been the proven way to lose weight and remain at the peak of health – but more importantly on this special programme clients will be able to maintain the weight loss.

The transformations here in Torrevieja have been awesome.

These clients have now found the secret to losing and maintaining their weight. Now let us help you to make 2019 the year you lose weight and transform your life. Phone or email Shirley for your free consultation – at 675 619 568 or slim4life.es@gmail.com.

QF Focus Magazine

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Tooth whitening – is it safe, and does it work?

Tooth bleaching has become very popular in recent years. One only has to watch TV for an evening, to see an array of dazzling white teeth. However, not everyone should expect to end up with such a smile from whitening only.

Unfortunately our teeth darken over the years, due to absorption of coloured compounds present in tea, coffee, red wine, smoking, etc. Previously, the only way of improving the colour would have involved drilling away precious tooth enamel, to make room for laboratory-made whiter crowns or veneers. Nowadays, we also have the much more conservative option of whitening, involving no drilling, injections nor enamel removal. Which would you prefer?

Although teeth feel solid, they have microscopic pores that gradually accumulate dark materials. Whitening allows specific cleaning chemicals to enter the tooth structure and break down the stain compounds. When used properly, it has proved to be safe and effective.

However, adverse effects can occur with inappropriate application, abuse, or illegal materials. Strict EU regulations exist to protect the consumer, including - the need for an initial assessment in a registered dental clinic by a qualified dentist; the whitening must be administered by a dentist or under his /her direct supervision; only certain concentrations of specific whitening products can be used and they may only be supplied by dentists.

Two main techniques exist. Rapid and gradual. Rapid or power bleaching involves the application of very concentrated materials, carefully placed on the tooth surface, for up to 60 minutes. Dramatic results can be achieved but sometimes further sessions are required, and some people experience sensitivity for a short period afterwards. Gradual whitening involves the provision of closely fitting trays placed over the teeth, with a lower concentration of whitening gel inside. It typically requires up to 15 sessions, but is done at home, either overnight or for a minimum 2 hours during the day, over several weeks. This is generally recognised as the preferred option, with little or no sensitivity.

Whilst the end result is usually very pleasing, everyone’s teeth are different, and some people are not suitable for treatment. Ask your dentist for an assessment if interested.

Should you wish to speak to our informed team with any concerns or book an appointment simply call 96 572 5940 or pop in to the clinic at C/ Los Arcos 19, Quesada.

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Recipes by Pushpa from the Spice Hut Fish pakora (Macchi pakora) 10 pieces of firm white boneless fish For the batter.

200gm of gram flour 1 tspn ginger paste 1 tspn of garlic paste 1 tspn of chilli powder 1 tspn of ajwain/ ajowan seeds Salt Little water Juice of a lemon Oil for deep frying 2 pinches of bicarbonate of soda Fresh coriander chopped 2 green chillies finely chopped Sieve the gram flour and add the ginger and garlic paste, chilli powder, ajwain seeds, lemon juice, salt, fresh coriander, green chillies and mix well.

Slowly add water mixing well to make a thick batter, thick enough so the batter coats the fish.

Add the bicarbonate of soda to the mixture just moments before frying and mix well.

Heat the oil and dip each piece of fish in the batter and deep fry until crisp and golden brown.

Serve hot with yoghurt chutney.

NB. Make sure the oil is at the right temperature by putting a drop of batter in the hot oil, if it sits then it is not ready, if it bubbles and rises within a few seconds it is ready, if it goes dark too quickly then the oil is too hot.

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

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QF Focus Magazine

Celebrations for the Orihuela Costa RBL Two significant events for the Orihuela Costa Branch of The Royal British Legion at the end of last year, the ‘big reveal’ of the total amount raised by the 2018 Poppy Appeal and the very first appearance of the RBL Concert Band at the Town Hall Carol Concert.

Local Poppy Appeal coordinator Eddie Coleman, with the assistance of nine lady members, announced that the branch had once again surpassed all expectations with their Poppy Appeal by raising the incredible sum of €49,162.80, over 4,000 more than last year, which in itself was a record amount.

Also at the Playa Flamenca Town Hall a super evening was enjoyed by all when the RBL Concert Band were out once again, under the direction of David Last, to play a selection of Christmas Carols, along with approximately a hundred people of mixed nationality.

Organised by the Councillor for Foreign Residents Sofia Alvarez, they played a dozen or so popular carols including the Spanish classic Fum, Fum Fum, although many of the traditional moves associated with the song were sadly lacking, presumably as a result of the gathered ensemble being 50 or 60 years older than the children who usually act them out.

Spain District North of the RBL has 19 Branches and all of them arrange regular and varied social events, as well providing support to our beneficiaries. Local Branches meet in Gran Alacant, Torrevieja and on the Orihuela Costa. New members are always welcome and you do not need to have an Armed Forces background to enjoy all the Branch has to offer.

Locations and details of all the Branches can be found on the website: www.britishlegion.org.uk/counties/spain-north.

For welfare support and information, please email: assistance.rbl.dns@gmail.com or call 676 451 780.

A Scrabble Christmas Sparkle

Our newest recruit, Paulene, enjoyed the friendliness and sparkle from other members of the Almoradi Scrabble club before Christmas.

Everyone donned their fancy hats or headbands and joined in with the Christmas Sparkle.

Each of these words won prizes - wonder if you can work it out?

Colder, Ha, woRm, joIner, iS, Tan, naMer, rAt, roSe. Pamela laid the seven lettered word "waiting", which was an appropriate word for a pre Christmas event. Well done Pam. We were treated to a lovely buffet made for us by Maria and Chas.

It was a great way to spend a winter's afternoon.

Sadly our next one isn't until 29 January.

If you would like to join us, we meet on the last Tuesday of the month at Cafe Almoradi, which is opposite the Health Centre.

For further details please contact Christine on 694 437 698.

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Welcome 2019!

We have been waiting for you!

The official countdown can now begin for our celebratory 10th edition of the one and only truly inspirational LIFESTYLE event here on the Costas -that is the HOMES GARDENS & LIFESTYLE SHOW. With lots of New Year sparkle and shine it will be packed full of fun, products and services to see, try, touch, taste, and buy.

Packed full of information, inspiration, fun, feature concepts, talks and demonstrations, plus our new style Art Gallery and with a more than a mouth-watering line up of cooking demonstrations! We are really cooking up this yearly awesome event for YOU to enjoy!

Put the dates in your new diary Friday 5 and Saturday 6 April to join us at the stunning 5* Villa Gadea Hotel in Altea, on the N332 and exit 64 off the AP7 motorway………….here is a taster of what’s to come!

FREE CARICATURES! For our Show visitors.

You’ll be DRAWN to this FREE fun feature attraction to celebrate our 10th edition of the Show. Our Show Caricaturist Hermes Boj, proudly being sponsored by Avalon, is on hand to draw out your fun characteristics! For a light hearted take on your facial character, and a memorable experience to take away with you, frame and keep. Avalon are also on hand to meet and greet you with a little drink and a nibble whilst you enjoy watching the caricaturist in action, whilst waiting to be drawn yourself! Make your way to Stand No. 60 in Salon Olivos for an entertaining interlude!

New for 2019 Art Competition/ Gallery ‘ON THE ROCKS’ This feature attraction is returning for our 10th edition! With a unique twist, we have implemented a theme! ON THE ROCKS! You can enjoy browsing the entries by local artists and seeing their interpretation, or take on the theme… On the Rocks! The Art Gallery will be located in the corridor outside Salon Mediterraneo - enjoy the unique artwork and vote for your favourite interpretation!

This ‘Artwork’ Competition is open to any artist to enter one piece of art work in the form of: an original painting, drawing, photograph, sculpture or arrangement Representing the theme ‘On The Rocks’ use your creative imagination and artistic talents to interpret and express the 2019 theme!

Email gina@gmpromotions.es for your entry form to be registered into the Competition to be part of the Art Gallery.

1st place prize 50€, certificate and cava 2nd place prize 25€, certificate and cava You may price your artwork for sale - Painting/ drawing/ photo (max size 32” x 26” all to be displayed on artists own easel - Sculptures/arrangement sizes to be advised on entry forms.

Next month we will be revealing more of the Show’s feature attractions, but for now………

THE SHOW’S COOKING DEMOS are nearly complete - we will be revealing our line-up of Show Chefs early in the new year, but a sneak preview for now…………get ready to be cooked for and entertained by the singing chef, the bouncing chef, the MasterChef chef, the Indian chef and the UK Chef…………..all will be revealed soon! Watch this space for our next update!

THE TAPAS TRAIL is back! And the Spring 2019 line up of participating chefs and restaurants is beyond mouth-watering! Delicious, tempting taster tapas are again being offered to you for FREE on the Tapa Trail as you follow the trail and make your way round the Show, being guided by the Tapa Trail Card……. Stop at each Tapa station to get your stamp and enjoy a FREE Tapa and find out more about our sponsoring businesses and restaurants. Watch this space as we unwrap our restaurants very soon!

THE VIP COMPETITION will also be launched right here in the Female Focus Publications. A fantastic package of prizes to be won and tickets for VIP treatment at the Show………. pick up your copy next month and enter for your chance to win………. Talking of winning, our Show Star Prize will also feature in next month’s edition!

There is still time to book your stand and join us to promote your products and services. See contact details below for stand availability.

There really is so much to see, do and enjoy …. Let us entertain you and welcome you to our 10th edition of the Homes Gardens & Lifestyle Show!

See www.gmpromotions.es or Facebook HomesGardensandLifestyleShow email gina@gmpromotions.es or call 695 399 841.

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Box colour versus Professional colour In this article I will be advising you about the differences between a box colour (local supermarket) and professional colours at a salon.

There are several major differences that you should be aware of when it comes to choosing between the two, as there are a lot of pros and cons, therefore we must be educated about these to fully understand what will be the best for you and your hair.

Box colour Box colours are a “one size, fits all” solution. The box does not care about the condition of your hair, what products or chemicals have been put on previously, the strength of the product needed for your hair or developing time that your specific hair type requires, as the “made for everyone” instructions on the back about how to apply and how long to leave on will not give you your desired hair colour.

Once your hair has been coloured and you are considering going a few shades lighter, a box colour will not be able to lighten as your hair is already tinted and a lighter tint will not lift a darker tint. The old hair colour must be ‘stripped out’ and this is something you will not be able to do at home as this can be very dangerous for you and your hair and scalp.

For a box colour to work you add a developer, found in box, into the tube of tint. Colours are normally 20 or 40 volume, the lower one is to cover grey and the higher one is to lighten. But each head of hair is different and these volumes are not always needed. By continually coating the hair shaft with the incorrect product, you will leave your hair feeling dry, permanently damaged and is the cause of breakage.

So many people end up with undesired results or damaged hair and find themselves spending a lot of money on a professional hair colourist to colour correct the hair as it is not easy.

Professional salon colours Professional hair stylists are highly trained in the laws of colour, chemistry and processing times.

For each colour that is applied we take into account the hair texture, density, porosity, previous colour and length. Even your skin tone and eye colour are important.

With all of this in mind we can personalise the correct hair colour, strength and developing time that is needed as there are many different colouring products that contain all types or ingredients.

Some free of sulphates, parabens and silicones.

A professional hair colourist has the ability to highlight/ lowlight, Balayage/ foilyage, lighten and darken your hair unlike any box colour can do. Your hair cut is personalised, and your colour should be too!

Make sure you visit a professional stylist in a professional hair salon as they will be able to help you choose the correct colouring options that will suit your hair, and most importantly give the after care advice and home care products that will help your colour continue feeling and looking like the day you left the salon.

Article supplied by 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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Journalist and broadcaster Jack Troughton plays ‘Johnny Foreigner’ and casts an eye over Spain and focuses on stories that serve as a gentle reminder he remains an Englishman abroad.

We Three Kings of Orient are In days of yore - that’s a long time ago, apparently - there really were celebrations stretching across the 12 days of Christmas; wow! Think of the panic bread buying in ye olde supermarket, endless goose, venison and boar sarnies, and...ouch!... the lack of yet to be invented ‘plink plink fizz’ for hangovers for those who take too much mead and ale on board.

In Spain, things are much more civilised and three cheers for Three Kings; a really cosy family holiday and a chance to get the glad rags on again on 6 January after a visit from one of their majesties and, at least for the youngsters, another generous dollop of loot. Traditionally it was the Kings rather than Santa who magically brought the pressies; well, we want myrrh (sorry, still a few cracker jokes hanging around)!

The night before, the evening of 5 January, across Spain there are parades great and small depending on the size of city or town. Great fun they are too and one of the first entries in the new Troughton diary every year – in Jávea two years ago, the Paw Patrol even turned up (nope, no idea either; but big news for young people of a certain age – there was Spotty the Dog but not the one from the Woodentops) ...and the real living and breathing animals on parade are much more entertaining, especially the flock of geese that survived Christmas.

So you want a resolution

How many turning the pages of QF Focus made a New Year’s resolution?

How many are still sticking with the promise to themselves? Happy New Year everyone! As always your correspondent has undertaken to get his stories in nice and early to earn Brownie points (as if that’s going to happen).

Spain, however, is obviously struggling with its resolutions across the country and has been since 2005. Smoking is the vice that everyone resolves to give up as they gulp down grapes on New Year’s Eve. Is it working? No, because the number of smokers is actually going up!

QF Focus Magazine Back in 2005, Spain introduced its first round of anti-smoking laws. People will remember how smaller restaurants and bars could actually choose whether they would allow the dreaded weed to be consumed on the premises – the rules were made even tougher in 2010 to ban smoking from all closed public places.

New figures show 34% of Spaniards between the ages of 15 and 64 smoke cigarettes every day; back in 2005 it was 32.8%. The biggest drop in tobacco consumption was measured a year after the laws got tough – falling from 30.8% to 29.6%.

It is a situation that has the department of health in a tizz. Ministers are worried the laws are not being enforced – and have refused to reject or confirm new laws will ban fags in cars and homes where minors are present.

Actually it is both the increasing numbers of young people taking up the habit and women lighting up that has the government looking at new advertising to encourage these groups to stub ‘em out.

Seasonal choc horror Feeling guilty about the Christmas chocolate feast? Thanks to consumer group Which? there is actually a reason to feel a little bit worse about the sweet-toothed habit ...and it’s nothing to do with thinking of those extra pounds and thoughts of a quick-fix diet.

Packaging around the treats can make up half of their weight and there’s a lot of it that cannot be recycled, which means Sir David Attenborough could soon be on the case.

Investigators discovered one of the worst for excess was Ferrero Rocher – no wonder the ambassadors choose not to really spoil their guests anymore.

Which? discovered as much as 42% of the total weight of the Ferrero Rocher collection tray was packaging and only 11% was recyclable – the manufacturer said the wrapping was needed to protect the muchloved product, and pointed out “local infrastructure” in the UK did not allow it to go through a recycle process.

Second and third in the league were Thornton’s Continental Selections with 29.4% of the weight just packaging and Cadbury’s Milk Tray with 22.6% - but both use mostly recyclable materials.

Most environmentally friendly was Lindt’s Lindor Mix; it has just 11.5% of its weight as packaging and the only part unable to be recycled were the individual wrappers.

Television advertising is now turning to holidays ...and then it’s the turn of the really heavily packaged chocolates season that comes along round Easter time (but hit the shelves much earlier!).

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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 at Sacko’s Bar, El Limonar at 10:30. We are a social and self help group and look forward to meeting new members and their partners. For information and forthcoming events,www.arpo.org.co.uk.

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

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

Royal British Legion - Gran Alacant & La Marina Branch meets on the 1st Monday of the month at 18:00 in LOUNGE D in the Plaza Mayor (known as Masa Square) Gran Alacant. New members are always welcome, and 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 have a bowls team who 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 meet on the first Wednesday of every month at Bar/Restaurante El Paraiso near Carrefour, Torrevieja at 15:00 and remember you don’t have to have served in the Royal Navy to become a member. We look forward to seeing you soon! If you would like to join the ship mates or just find out more please phone Chairman Paul Edwards on 618 644 934, Vice Chairman Danny Kay on 96 671 6274 or Secretary Margaret Forshaw on 96 692 1996.

Almoradi scrabble club. The club meets at Cafe Almoradi, Calle Major 91 on the last Tuesday of the month from 15:30. We really want to extend our membership. If you are interested please come and join us, or for more information call 694 437 698 or email mrandcwatkins@hotmail.co.uk.

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

Revival Torrevieja Rugby Club based on traditional ethics of rugby, family and respect, as well as a completely new set up. Out with the old and in with the new. Thur evenings touch rugby at 20.00, plus 15’s 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.

Animal Adoptions and re-homing Easy Horse Care.

You’re invited to come and meet our 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.

K9 Club.

Lola is 1 year old and is very energetic, loves to play and would be suitable with a young family or some one who wants company whilst jogging. She walks well on a lead and is very clean. Vaccinated, wormed, chipped, passported and ready to go. Please call 600 845 420 or email: k9clubinfo@gmail.com. www.k9club.es.

Pets in Spain.

Dolly is sadly in need of a new home as her owner has dementia and has had to go into a care home. She is around 8 years old and is negative for Mediterranean diseases. Dolly is small, sterilised, has microchip, vaccinations and is good with other dogs and cats.

Call: 645 469 253. Email: info@petsinspain.com.

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

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

Page 32

A happy New Year to all our board-treaders and supporters.

The Stage Diary now in its 11th year of publication is not only an important guide to what’s on in all regions but is also an on-line web introduction to potential expat’s researching community life in Spain. The diary also acts as a planning guide to assist groups avoid unnecessary clashes of production dates.

Actors Community Theatre Society: After all the festivities (and line learning) ACTS are now in full swing rehearsing for their next show. Props and costumes are being collected, begged and borrowed and the set is under construction. ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ will be technically challenging, but great fun so put 28, 29 and 30 March in your diary (or on your Calendar Girls calendar).

Andante Classical Choir: Andante International Classical choir’s Christmas concerts at Los Montesinos and Benijófar proved to be a tremendous success. Led by Karen Blagbrough and accompanied

by Natalya Komyak, pianist, the choir sang well known carols as well as others not so familiar.

The choir, in its second year, has grown in number creating a beautiful balance of sound but more bass and tenor voices would be welcome. Please contact kaemichelle65@gmail.com for information.

Cantabile Ladies Choir: After two very successful performances, the choir is already well into rehearsals for the next concerts in February and March which will be of a more lighthearted nature. Details to follow.

New members are always welcome the only requirement is the ability to sing in tune. Cantabile are a three-part choir. Contact: valcantabile@gmail.com or phone 96 679 5816. Rehearsals are held at La Siesta Church, Friday afternoons from 2.45pm – 5pm.

H a r m o n i s e r s Barbershop: Whatever your singing talent a warm welcome awaits you at the Harmonisers.

They are a friendly club including all nationalities and a fun-loving men’s harmony chorus singing in the Barbershop style. They meet every Friday at 10am at Casa Contenta in Rojales near Quesada, drop in and meet them, you will be more than welcome. Interested? Please contact: Mick Hume at michaelhume4814@gmail.com.

Jávea Players: This well-known Costa Blanca group will be bringing its theatre version of ‘My Fair Lady’ to the Capitol Theatre, Rojales on Saturday 13 April for one night only! I am sure you will be dazzled by the singing, staging and the costumes. It would be luverly to see you there to hum along to your favourite songs! Tickets not yet available - for more information see www.javeaplayers.com.

QF Focus Magazine New Cardinal Theatre Group: The group would like to thank all their followers who attended their performance of ‘Show Time’ and to wish everyone all the best for 2019. They will be holding their AGM this month, if you would like to join their group, contact them at 96 679 0547 and ask for Tom. Rojales Pantomime Group: ‘Camelot the Panto’ is a very funny and magical pantomime for all ages with jokes and songs and dances galore so go along and join in with the boos, aahs and oohs on 17 and 18 January at 7.30pm, and 19 at 2.30pm at Musica y Cultura, Los Montesinos. Tickets 7€ adults, 5€ children with proceeds going to local charities. Ticket outlets ring the Ticket Hotline 678 212 034.

Stagestruck: Played out to packed houses over 3 nights ‘Babes in the Wood with Robin Hood’ raising funds for local charities, exact amounts have yet to be calculated. The group would like to thank everyone for their continued support, details of the spring show to follow soon. Contact Jenny Dexter 608 129 983 for more details.

Studio 32: Their latest show ‘The Wiz’ wowed audiences with four spectacular performances, raising 3,500 euros for charity in the process.

Their next show will be the Cole Porter hit musical ‘Anything Goes’ – email tickets@studiothirtytwo.org now to pre-book tickets. If you are interested in joining Studio32 in any capacity – on stage, production crew, or wardrobe - get in touch. Full details are on their website www.studiothirtytwo.org.

Velvetones Harmony Choir: The Velvetones hosted a fantastic Christmas concert, raising 500€ for ALPE, their charity for special needs adults and children in Torrevieja. They were helped

by Pilarmonics choir plus the fabulous Ron on keyboards getting the audience into the spirit! Rehearsals recommence Thursday 10 January at 5.15pm to 7.45pm at El Paraiso, near Carrefour, Jardín Del Mar 3. Follow them on Facebook Velvetones Harmony Chorus or www.velvetonesharmonytorrevieja.com or call Mary-Anne 96 671 4973 (answerphone).

If you would like your group to be part of the Stage Diary please email benny@female-focus.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

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QF Focus Magazine

La Tierra - The Earth. See if you can find all 30 Spanish words (in blue). Remember Word Search words can go up, down, across, diagonally and even backwards and to make it harder, Answers to puzzles in the classified pages

some letters will have been used more than once.

ACANTILADO - CLIFF ARROYO - STREAM ATMÓSFERA - ATMOSPHERE BAHÍA - BAY BOSQUE - FORREST CASCADA - WATERFALL CIUDAD - CITY CONTINENTE - CONTINENT CORDILLERA - MOUNTAIN RANGE DESIERTO - DESERT ESTRELLA - STAR GOLFO - GULF HUMEDALES - WETLANDS ISLA - ISLAND LAGO - LAKE LUNA - MOON MAR - SEA MESETA - PLATEAU MONTAÑA - MOUNTAIN OCÉANO - OCEAN PAÍS - COUNTRY PLANETA - PLANET PUEBLO - TOWN RÍO - RIVER SELVA - JUNGLE SOL - SUN TIERRA - EARTH UNIVERSO - UNIVERSE VALLE - VALLEY VOLCÁN - VOLCANO

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QF Focus Magazine

Proud winners receive their trophies The SAMM Autumn Series racing finished with the races in November of last year. Of the planned 22 races, only 11 were completed, the others having had to be cancelled due mainly to adverse weather conditions.

Suzi4fitz Dance And Fitness Group Donate 4000€ To Director Of Social Services And The Mayor Of Los Montesinos

The group boats were sailed by many different members as the season progressed because not all members live permanently in Spain. A total of 28 SAMM members took part at some time during the season.

The races are scored using the “low score” and the 3 worst scores for each boat were dropped to calculate the final scores and positions.

First with just 13 points (4 firsts, 2 seconds, 2 thirds and 1 fifth) was the Balaton Arraez Arabel “Lavanter” mainly skippered by Robert Hudson but with various crew. Second with 23.5 point, the Topaz Duo sailed by Julian Singleton and third with 33 points, the Shoestring Laser 2000 “Dos” sailed by Dianne Hardwick and Brian Murray.

The results were announced and the trophies presented at the SAMM meeting in December.

Robert and Dianne collected theirs but Julian was unable to attend because he is one of those people who still have to do something called work.

The Spring 2019 Series will start sometime in March. You can find out all about SAMM and the 2019 race dates on the web site www.sailingmarmenor.com.

&

Spot the difference -

See if you can spot all 12 differences

&

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

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

Answers to puzzles in the classified pages

Local fitness and dance teacher Sue Gibson and some of her members were pleased to handover 4000€ to Los Montesinos Social Services department. The money was raised from the proceeds of tickets sales for their Dance show ´Dance Yourself Dizzy´ in April at the School of Music in the town. Also from a sponsored New Year’s Day swim and a sponsored half marathon along the coast in October.

The amount was further boosted from the proceeds of a raffle and car boot sale.

Last week the mayor and director of Social Services met Sue and her ladies to accept the donation and were extremely delighted to receive such a fantastic amount. The money is to be distributed between buying a hospital bed, which will be used for families who require nursing care in the home and to buy food vouchers for the families of the town who are desperate at this time of year. Sue would like to thank everyone who has been involved in raising this fantastic amount.

QF Focus Magazine

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Albudeite Marcha 2018 Here we are again another 6am start from the shop, on a cold, dark November morning and still damp after 3 days of heavy rain. There are 18 of us in 5 vehicles heading to the small village of Albudeite in the North of Murcia to participate in our last Marcha (Sportif) of the year.

It’s a short easy ride of only 100km with 1500 metres of climbing.

Most of the route is controlled with a timed hill climb / sprint in the middle for good measure so ideal for beginners. Once we arrive, we park up and hit the only open restaurant for coffees and tostados. We then go to the registration point where we collect our goodie bags and cycling jerseys.

Once the bikes are prepared, numbers attached we make our way to the start line for a 9am start. We follow the car for the first 2530k through Gebas, El-Berro, Mula, Pliego and then head back toward Sierra Espuña.

The car was travelling at quite a steady pace which was good for us and helped the group to thin out, once we arrived at Sierra Espuña the car took off which was the start of the timed section where we all blasted up as fast as we could. At the top we were stopped by the road marshalls and kept there until the final riders, ambulance and broom wagon arrived, we then followed the car again back to Albudeite for tapas and beer.

It wasn’t long before the prize giving started due to the cold weather and we were delighted to hear that Harry Morrow was first and Mathew Robertson was second in the Under 25 category, Alan Quearns received first prize in the 50-60 group, Graham Hope was second in the 60-70 age group and Terry O’Mahoney got the trophy for the oldest finisher. We also won the ham for the largest team.

So, after all the moans and groans about the cold, damp early start etc. and the fact that we had to follow a car for most of the race, everyone was delighted with not only the individual, but the team’s achievements overall.

Well done everyone, now we are all enjoying a well deserved rest and looking forward to our next Sportif which is in March.

Team “Cyclogical” meet every Tuesday and Thursday nights at 5.30pm and Sunday mornings at 8am and cover between 90 and 120kms at a moderate to fast pace so, if you fancy a challenge come along and join us.

Looking to improve your fitness, riding ability and speed and also have a new group of friends to train with then why not come along and give it a try or call Gary on 637 487 377.

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Forthcoming Events

By Keith Nicol Welcome to 2019 and along with it, lots of New Year resolutions and thoughts of possibly enjoying life to the fullest in the New Year. February, that most romantic month of the year and the start of getting back into the groove after all the festive spirit is just around the corner with February also bringing us those fabulous Carnival rhythms and fun with a pinch of Rio to the area. Least we forget, it all ties in with Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday pancake day, call it what you will, along with the Chinese New Year, Ash Wednesday and St. Valentine’s Day: so lots of love, roses and chocolates throughout the month.

Although the number and size of the events in Torrevieja has dropped off over the past four years, the city of salt still has any number of great Fiestas throughout the year. This year’s Carnival starts in earnest on 9 February with the fun and colourful National Drag Queen event now taking place in the fabulous International Auditorium beside QuironSalud Hospital: https://auditoriotorrevieja.com.

But stepping back a little into January, Torrevieja’s International Auditorium have a few other events of interest.

On Saturday 12 January, the Ballet Of The Ice Palace Of Moscow presents Beauty and the Beast. This world famous company was founded in Moscow in 1990. It has a cast of 14 skaters and 2 singers.

This unusual show provides an entertaining combination that satisfies lovers of classical dance and ice skating. A show for the whole family.

QF Focus Magazine 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. While on the last Sunday of each month, there is another display in Pilar de la Horadada close to the Toro / Bull Roundabout, just off the N332 and AP7, almost behind Lo Monte Hotel.

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.

In February, 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 24 February, starting at 4pm while the main event, the evening parade happens the following Saturday evening, following the same route, from about 9pm.

Wrap up; bring your camera and enjoy the fun while wondering how all the dancers can not freeze wearing such few clothes.

Least we forget, that most romantic day of the year, St. Valentine’s is on 14 February, so girls, stop dropping those 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, even though it’s not 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’.

The string quartet from Torrevieja’s sinfonia orchestra perform on Saturday 26 January in the intimate salon of the Auditorium, playing the music of Mozart.

Walking Football fever is now taking off and those 50 and over who fancy kicking a ball around again, ladies included, can now take part in Walking Football.

One of the more popular spots for the sport is Los Montesinos on a Tuesday morning at 10am. It all helps us work off those festive kilos and follow those New Year’s resolutions to lose a few kilos and get fitter during 2019. There are at least another half a dozen local teams, with most of them advertising their playing times in local bar windows.

During the winter the The Rojales Craft Market at the Cuevas del Rodeo 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 piece of art or decoration. Local artists put their work on

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: http://www. caravaning-alicante.es/. Over the second and third weekends in February, the 27th 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 as great prices and even special offers at the fair. A must for lovers of the world of camping and outdoor events.

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.

Taking a peak into March, 1 March is St. David’s Day (and the night Carnival Parade) St. Patrick’s Day is on the 17 March when everyone is Irish for the day and on the 19 March it’s a public holiday for San Jose or Father’s Day. On Saturday and Sunday 9 and 10 March, the International Auditorium is also host to Expo Torrevieja V, the region’s premier International Lifestyle show.

All information is correct at the time of going to print. We advise you to check for any changes which are beyond our control.

QF Focus Magazine

Page 37

Age Concern Residential Home Volunteer Team

Every Friday, week in and week out, rain or shine our volunteers, headed

by Irene Harrison, from the Residential Home Volunteer Team division, of Age Concern accompany residents from the Residencia 3a Edad Mediterraneo Home in Rojales either walking with or pushing in wheelchairs. They stroll around Rojales and stop for a coffee and welcomed conversation.

Every year Age Concern organise an afternoon for the residents of Christmas carols and songs and Friday 7 December was that day. The residents sat in the huge courtyard and enjoyed listening to popular vocal group The Rascals. This multi-national audience sang and clapped along to songs sang in both English and Spanish.

Rosario, one of our volunteers, brought along his acoustic guitar and sang, which added to the spirit of the afternoon. Residents were treated to a non- alcoholic beverage and a selection of cakes and biscuits whilst waiting for the arrival of Papa Noel who gave every resident a Christmas card and gift, kindly donated by The Rascals. Megan, one of Age Concerns long standing volunteers acted as MC and dressed as a pantomime dame, ensuring the residents had an afternoon to remember.

For more information about all of the services available, or to find out how you could help, why not pop into the centre at Calle Paganini, La Siesta, weekdays between 10am – 1.30pm or telephone 96 678 6887.

Costa Blanca Focus

www.facebook.com/FemaleFocus/

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

There are meetings in Torrevieja. Phone 634 349 961.

JEC Costa Blanca Christmas Gala Night Jaguar Enthusiasts Club members JECCosta Blanca held their Christmas gala night with live entertainment, when they gathered together to celebrate with a dinner dance at the Parador hotel of Jávea.

The evening started with a cava reception and being welcomed by the club president Michael Brook who thanked everyone for attending, and also for everything that they had achieved together as a club in such a short time, with their club members being more than doubled since their previous Christmas party last year.

Then throughout their meal they were entertained by the duo “THE CROONERS”, half of which is made up of JEC member Paul Venables. The lovely Maria Warren, a professional singer, also wowed with her beautiful voice leaving everyone thrilled by her performance.

Sadly Mr Graham Searle from the head office of JEC England was unable to attend so Mr John Brewster made a speech on behalf of Mr Searle as his stand in. Brenda Pike and Dennis Wilson helped throughout the night including organising the raffle.

The evening continued with dancing as Paul played the sax, old time swing style, making it a wonderful and enjoyable occasion.

For more information visit https://jec.org.uk/spain-costablanca or email Michael Brook: mikebikejec@gmail.com.

The Professionals Vega Baja issue 14 NOW OUT

Get your free copy or visit www.femalefocusonline.com to visit the digital version of the magazine, where you will find ‘live’ links from the advertisers’ adverts to their web pages or Facebook links

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QF Focus Magazine

Classified Adverts

Health & Beauty SLIM4LIFE WITH EXANTE. New groups with Keely Lilley in La Marina. Call 633 957 100 for more information.

Entertainment 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. Tel. 6 7 7 2 3 3 8 7 9 FA C E B O O K : LadyJazzAnita or visit www.lady-jazz.com

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 An independent Car hire company operating from the Torrevieja area, Alicante & Murcia airports. To get a quote, look at our website: www.coysrent-a-car.com

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Services 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 (s)

Puzzle Solutions

Very easy

Medium

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TRAILER 1M by 1.1/2 M. Drop down back suitable small builder 250€ ONO Call 681 262 723.

TRIPLE EXTENSION LADDER very good condition, 75€. Call 681 262 723.

HOWSON GOLF CLUBS, full set of golf clubs, with bag and folding trolley, 40 mostly new balls, and tees. The zip on the ball bag does not work, otherwise all good condition. Please call or WhatsApp 670 412 203 (Pedreguer area).

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Page 39

Classified Adverts FOR SALE ELTEGO powered wheelchair, new May 2018 so still under 2 year guarantee. Range of 32 Km. Max. speed 6 Kms per hour.

Pictures available on request. 800€ or near offer. Please contact Barbara Pilling on 679 528 054.

WOOD BURNING STOVE Rowandale, Black Enamel, 500€.

2 years old, cost 2,400€ new.

Photos or further information email fearneheather@gmail.com (Benidoleig area), telephone 628 637 518.

Property Sales & Rentals Visit our website for more classified adverts www.femalefocusonline.com BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY HOUSE Beautiful country house, fully renovated, all mains services.

Benimarraig, Benissa, 4beds / 4baths. Underfloor heating, woodburner, pool, garage, electric gates. 285m2/5000m2. Very quiet location, no road noise. 595,000€ Email: fwandje@gmail.com Tel: 659 561 027 or visit www.fincaquisi.co.uk VILLAGE TOWNHOUSE, BENIARDA. Village Townhouse with shops and bars nearby. Open plan dining, lounge and kitchen.

Downstairs toilet. Woodburner and electric radiators. 3 bedrooms, one with terrace. Study area. Bathroom.

Roof terrace with mountain views and kitchen. Fibre broadband. 30 mins to coast. Reduced to 145,000€ or consider an exchange to smaller house or bungalow. Tel 693 246 318.

VERY PRIVATE VILLA 5 minutes walk into Orba. Our home for more than 15 years with 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms plus a family bathroom,

set in some 188m2 + is set in a large flat plot in excess of 2,500m2. Lounge of 24m2, separate media/ sitting room, kitchen diner re-modernised in May 2011, office/ study has been used as a 4th bedroom. Front covered terrace, a rear covered terrace dining area, outside kitchen plus store. Large patio surrounding the pool and children’s / cooling off pool that cascades down the rockery into the main pool. Garden areas including several types of fruit trees, palms etc. Electric gate system, full irrigation system, 2 carports and parking for a further 10 cars. The property is approached by a tarmac road that has a total of only 7 properties on the full length, all of a very high quality and value. The village has bars restaurants, supermarkets, chemist and lots of various shops. There are sea views to the Denia coast and it is surrounded by mountains and a valley making it probably the most private property in the area - totally unique. 10 minutes drive to a large shopping mall, 15/20 minutes to the coast. Selling for 395,000€. For photos and all information call David on (0034) 666 037 331 or email d.edwards.homes@gmail.com THE COSTA BLANCA’S Fastest Growing Business Directory...... If you are not on there you are losing out! business.femalefocusonline.com 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 paypal. *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.

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