QF Focus July 2020

July 2020

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E FR

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

Also inside this issue:-

Your Horoscopes - Your Local Community News Puzzles - DP Entertainment - Recipes - Legal Astronomy - A View From the Top - Finance Health & Beauty - Violet King - Local Business Reviews - Club & Charity News - Prize Competitions Classified Adverts and so much more...

QF Focus Magazine July 2020

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We have moved

have been extremely busy during lockdown, as it became necessary, due to the new distancing laws, to relocate some offices. I had already moved one of the offices in the Jávea Port, to the Arenal (near Michaels Bed Shop). Two offices in the south had to be moved and the Benijófar office has had to temporarily move due to major works being carried out. However, even though there has been a vast amount of organisation and energy involved, we have always been there for you, with the staff working from home.

I am very excited to have found the last office in Murcia, in the location I was seeking, the Square in Los Alcazares, in what used to be the Tourist Information office. It is a very unique building. This means in less than two weeks, we would have all returned back to offices and the new normal.

Spending vast amounts of time in your home recently, you have had plenty of time to check your insurance policies. The first obvious check is to be able to read it in English. If it is with a Spanish company or bank, they do not offer a Comprehensive Expat Policy, making it a good idea to seek a quote from my company.

Liberty Seguros have very recently updated their policies, with optional increases in cover for home insurance.

Having discovered, from a huge fire in Jávea, that the garden cover was good but not adequate enough, reconstruction cover is now offered upto 20% of the re-build sum insured of the property, including the planting of new trees. Cover for garden furniture can also be increased from the standard 3,000€ to an enhanced first loss of 12,000€ per claim, per year. There are more improvements, making the home insurance a Fully Comprehensive policy.

Unlike the UK, yearly increases are small and as a company, we do not auto renew. With a renewal office based in Els Poblets, all our clients are contacted every year by email and telephone. No doubt there are many that think I am mad to offer this very expensive service. But I disagree, as I prefer a personal service, with the opportunity to talk to our clients.

And that is why I think Liberty Seguros is the very best you can buy. · Please contact one of my consultants for a quotation, or visit our website www.jennifercunningham.net

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More Binocular Astronomy

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QF Focus Magazine July 2020

f I've got my timing right you should be reading this in July, and as we've passed midsummer the sky is getting dark a little bit earlier, time for some more observing.

Through the spring this year I've tried to guide readers through the night sky with binoculars, but I avoided the two biggest planets in the solar system because they only appeared in the sky just before dawn when most of us are asleep. Now we're moving towards the autumn, the sky has moved along and Jupiter and Saturn are visible at night.

If you look in the south east after 11pm, you'll see two very bright points of light, so bright you won't mix them up with stars. The slightly dimmer one on the left is Saturn, and the brighter one on the right is Jupiter, a wonderful sight they make so close together in the blackness of space. This month I want to talk you through observing Jupiter, next month and possibly the one after it will be Saturn, there is a lot to say about that planet.

I'm starting with Jupiter because it's so important, our largest planet has an immensely strong gravity field that has swept up a lot of the rocks in the solar system, and that has helped keep Earth safe.

OK, now what to do, get your binoculars, and make yourself comfortable, a chair or garden recliner is ideal, binoculars can feel heavy when you hold them for a long time. Try to position yourself so your elbows are supported, relaxing will allow you to concentrate on what you are seeing. Some binoculars have a mount for a tripod, if you can use this it will really allow you to relax.

The first thing you will have noticed are 4 little points of light around the planet (unless one is hiding behind it) these are the Galilean moons named after Galileo who was the first to see them. They are called, Io, Europa, Callisto and Ganymede. If you look at them for a while, their relative positions will change as they orbit Jupiter, try and work out which is moving the fastest, this will be Europa the closest moon, the slowest will be Ganymede, the furthest away. There are many more moons around Jupiter, but you won't see these so don't worry about them.

If it’s a very clear night and your binoculars are more powerful than most, you might get a glimpse of some markings on the surface, you are seeing the clouds above the most powerful storms ever seen, Jupiter is a violent place.

If you also have a small telescope, even one of the simple / cheap ones, Jupiter is well worth pointing it at. 50 to 75 times magnification will let you see some detail in the storms and you can look for a small reddish area, the great red spot, a major storm that has been going on for decades.

I've run out of space again, and have so much to tell you. In the coming months, as well as Saturn I want to introduce you to some of the things done by my fellow club members, you wouldn't believe the pictures they take. Then I have to try and explain a change in something called the Hubble constant (without boring you) Lord help me!

¡ To find out more about observing and astronomy, email us at vegabaja.astronomygroup@gmail.com.

Oates Charljaes Astronomy Group Vega Ba

QF Focus Magazine July 2020

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For the last couple of weekends we have ventured down to the local beach, in fact we have been more times this summer than over the last 2 years. Lockdown has taught us a valuable lesson that you have to find time for yourself, family and friends, otherwise life becomes all work and no play.

On our first jaunt to the beach there was no problem with parking as it was still pretty deserted. However as the weeks have gone by, it is clear that we have now a lot more visitors to our area as the streets have become more active, the restaurants a lot busier and parking a bit of a nightmare.

This is exactly what our area has needed for the future of our local businesses, however we all live in hope that with this doesn’t come a 2nd wave of the pandemic.

The new look of the high street in Quesada is now looking pretty impressive, and for what has seemed like a bit of a ghost town for some months now, it will soon return to being the vibrant, popular location it always has been. At the time of writing this the bridge in Rojales also doesn't look too far from completion. For all these improvements have been a huge inconvenience to all concerned, we should reap the rewards in the years to come with a more modern, appealing environment for locals and visitors to enjoy.

Congratulations to Fay Tennant from Guardamar del Segura who won last month's combined competition after spotting the Curry On Cooking logo on page 25. This month if you find the Curry on Cooking logo (not on this page, front page or the recipe page) you are in with a chance of winning a selection of curry kits which will be posted out to your house.

Simply email editor@femalefocusonline.com with your name, address, phone number and the page you found the logo on. See inside for full competition details. Good luck. helle

Mic

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

Discuss your advertising with your local representative:-

QF Focus Magazine Office: Mon to Fri. 10am - 2pm Tel. 657 501 055

Sales Manager Michelle 663 178 228 michelle@femalefocusonline.com

Pick up your next issue on 4 August Deadline for advertising & editorial - 20 July

Please send editorial to editor@femalefocusonline.com Advert content to advertising@femalefocusonline.com

Like and Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/FemaleFocus/ Female Focus is proud to have been voted the third most popular magazine worldwide in the independent Expat Survey Consumer Awards

Female Focus Publications are supporters of www.aldeasinfantiles.es

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WORD SPIRAL

QF Focus Magazine July 2020

Page 5 Starting from 1, fill in the grid in a clockwise direction with four-letter words. The last letter of each word becomes the first letter of the next word.

If you have correctly filled in the grid there should be a seven-letter key word reading across from 8.

&

WORDSPIRAL 1 - CLUES

BY PA PZZLES TEAM

&

1. Snooker rods 2. Practice boxing 3. Gemstone 4. Scream 5. Touch down 6.

Deceased 7. Info 8. Ammunition, in short 9. Lubricates 10. Black marketer 11. Undergarment 12. Mountain lake 13. Religious sisters 14. Go by sea 15.

Ear part 16. Every Key word clue: Small fish

WORDSPIRAL 2 - CLUES 1. Plate 2. Camel's protuberance 3. Opposite of push 4. Burden 5. Stupid 6. Furniture wood 7. Lock openers 8. Starchy food 9. Betting chances 10.

Fizzy water 11. Assist in a crime 12. Ballet skirt 13. Employs 14. Heroic narrative 15. Fever 16. Sea eagle Key word clue: Country

Answers to puzzles in the classified pages

QF Focus Magazine July 2020

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CAN I HELP YOU?

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INFO AT JULY 2020 - fixed rate return funds

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Growth (Sterling) Fund Cautious (Sterling) Fund Growth (Euro) Fund Cautious (Euro) Fund

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p.a. p.a. p.a. p.a.

(note: 1.2% p.a. more than published rates above for clients invested over 5 years !) curb activities. Defined Contribution (“DC”) pensions are still no Other Investments: We advise upon Spanish Compliant and Non- problem, but only if WE recommend the transfer, not you.

Compliant Portfolio Bonds and we are very excited Blacktower Financial Wealth Management is an independent about a new product that we have at our disposal advisory firm and is NOT tied to any 3rd Party product that is more flexible and cheaper to run than any providers. We would only recommend an appropriate product portfolio bonds previously. We will advise upon for you and your family's circumstances. the investments to be placed within the portfolio David Diggle C.A.T., DipFA of Blacktower Financial dependent on your risk attitude, experience and Management (International) Limited. Tel: 615 607 278 / requirements. Typically it will be a multi asset fund 965 058 212. Email: dave.diggle@blacktowerfm.com. or several funds, and one we currently use has 1347 Website: www.theblacktowergroup.com. underlying assets i.e. it is extremely well diversified Location: Costa Blanca.

The Blacktower Group (formed Jan 1986 UK) has been across many sectors and many currencies.

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If you have a portfolio such as SEB Spanish and does not constitute investment advice and you should seek Portfolio Bond that you don't think your current advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial adviser is managing particularly diligently, financial planning activity. then give me a call about your bond and I will tell you Blacktower Financial Management Ltd is authorised and immediately if I can help and improve your situation. regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority and is registered with both the DGS and CNMV. Blacktower You have nothing to lose!

Financial Management (Int) Ltd is licensed in Gibraltar by the Pensions We are still managing to transfer Defined Benefit (“DB”) Financial Services Commission (FSC) and is registered with pensions but regulatory pressures are doing their best to both the DGS and CNMV in Spain. See advert below.

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As Seen On TV

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QF Focus Magazine July 2020

The Spice Sisters’ Bread and Butter Pudding

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read and butter pudding is a British classic thought to have originated in 17th century. A humble pudding traditionally found on school menus made from stale bread, butter, milk and eggs. India’s version; shahi tukra is the complete opposite to the frugality of the British pud: shahi turka is a deeply indulgent and decadent bread pudding made with full fat milk, ghee fried bread, saffron, cardamom, topped off with slivered almonds, pistachio and a sprinkling of rose petals! In this recipe we’ve gone for a mixture of the two with a bit of a twist! The eggs and milk have been replaced with a cinnamon infused custard.

Ingredients Add the cinnamon and whisk with a fork until it's all blended in.

• 10-12 slices white bread, Taste and add more cinnamon if required. buttered with crusts removed Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 4, 180ºC or 160ºC in a fan oven.

• 75g sultanas Butter an ovenproof dish or a 24 inch lose bottom lose cake tin.

• 75g brown sugar Cut the buttered bread into triangles. Arrange a layer buttered side up in the dish/ cake tin. Scatter a handful of sultanas with For the custard a tablespoon of the sugar, repeat. The final layer should have no • 35g custard powder sultanas on top (as they tend to burn).

• 1 pint / 568ml milk Pour the custard over the bread and set aside for 5 minutes.

• 1 tablespoons sugar Just before baking sprinkle with a little Demerara sugar.

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon powder Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the custard has set and the top is golden.

Prep 20 mins - Cook Time 35-45 mins Serve hot or cold with cream or ice cream.

Method To make the custard - In a bowl put the custard powder with 2 LOOKING FOR A GIFT with a difference or to learn tablespoons of milk taken from the pint of milk, and 1 tablespoon a new skill? The Spice Sisters are offering virtual cook of sugar. Mix into a smooth paste along lessons. Please email us for more information: Heat the remaining milk to nearly boiling, pour onto the custard keepcalm@curryoncooking.com. mixing well.

· Recipe supplied by The Spices Sisters from Curry On

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

QF Focus Magazine July 2020

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How to spot illegal building works like a professional architect in 5 steps Spanish building licences are quite famously difficult and tortuous to obtain and in most cases a bit of a nightmare. Here are 5 common tricky situations that can only be solved using a Retrospective Licence and that we surveyors quickly spot off the bat:

1 Garages or building work carried out attached to the boundaries (even permanent carports etc) cannot obtain a licence (generally speaking). The minimum distance from an open window to the neighbour's boundary is 2 metres in Spain, but generally detached villas must stay away from the boundary by a minimum 3 metres, although this may vary and can even be much more.

2 Glazed in terraces or closed in porches are built without a proper licence in 95% of cases. Spanish properties traditionally tend to have many open (patios) or semi-open spaces (porches) to create breezes or shaded areas. These semi-open spaces are very frequently closed in by using glazing or brick work. The Spanish laws regard these enclosures as extensions of the built floor area of the property and therefore they are subject to a 'Major Licence' for their construction.

Licences to close these spaces in are generally not issued.

3 Most pools are not declared in the title deeds. Many of them don't have a licence either. The small percentage that have a licence generally don't have the architect’s certificate signing off the building of the pool. If you are selling your property you can use a Certificate of Antiquity or Retrospective Licence for pools, to give peace of mind to the purchasers and also use it to upgrade the title deeds to include the pool at the time of selling.

4 Any exterior cupboard, semi open kitchen or other covered building work must have a proper 'Major Licence' when it has an interior height over 1,50 metres.

5 Under-builds with living accommodation are not allowed by law and like the previous examples can be added to the title deeds using a Retrospective Licence.

In all these scenarios the document needed is a Certificate of Antiquity, also known as a Retrospective Licence, to guard against

possible sanctions, and it is highly recommended to avoid putting off potential buyers due to the existence of illegal extensions in or on the property. It will also be needed in order to update the property’s description in Title Deeds & Land Registry.

The condition in order to obtain a Retrospective Licence is that the building work done is 4 years old in Murcia Area, 6 years old in Almeria area and built before August 2010 in Alicante area.

If you are purchasing a property in this area remember to always give your solicitor an exact description of the property highlighting the building works above and ask them to guarantee what you are buying is exactly what is registered at the land registry.

Only proper Spanish architects are competent to issue retrospective licences so if your solicitors are studying your case, ask them to contact Martinez de la Casa Architects to provide the Antiquity Certificate and we will make the whole process easier, faster and cheaper with our fixed published prices and guaranteed deadlines.

The cost of a Certificate of Antiquity / Retrospective Licence for pools is 190€ +IVA (229€) and extensions or complete properties 270€ +IVA (326€). Discounts available if you require your Energy Performance Certificate (121€ IVA Inc) or Habitation Licence (from 118€ Registration tax not included), done at the same time.

Martinez de la Casa Architects can guarantee all services within stated deadlines and a fixed price. With over 10,000 clients in South East Spain, we are considered one of the most prominent and respectable architecture practices, providing all types of certificates and licences, amongst other services. · For all enquiries or to arrange an appointment please call 665 810 411 or visit www.martinezdelacasa.com to see an impressive list of over 200 client's testimonials.

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QF Focus Magazine July 2020

3% RETENTION AT THE SALE OF A PROPERTY AND CAPITAL GAINS TAX

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he 3% retention of the sale price is the amount that is retained by the Spanish Tax Office when a non-resident sells a property in Spain. This is an estimated amount calculated by the Tax Authority and it is used to pay the Spanish Capital Gains Tax (CGT).

This retention is a payment made by the buyer of the property on behalf of the seller, as probably the non-resident will leave Spain after the sale and the Spanish Tax Office ensures that the 3% retention is paid.

The payment of this 3% retention is made using the Tax form "Modelo 211" and it has to be paid within the first month from the date of purchase.

However, sellers have the possibility to claim back this retention, if it is shown that they have had a loss from the purchase to sale. The formula to know if you are entitled to claim this retention back is simple: 1. Sale price minus costs incurred (Agent Commissions, Legal & Architect’s fees or Plusvalía Tax).

2. True purchase price plus costs incurred (VAT, Purchase tax, Notary & Land Registry fees and legal fees).

1 – 2 = loss/profit If you had a loss, congratulations! You will be able to claim back up to the full 3% withheld and this claim must be presented within the next 3 months from the deadline of the mentioned Modelo 211 (or 4 months from the sale date) through the non-resident tax form 210.

From the date of presentation of the claim, and after presenting all the documents to the Spanish Tax Office (proof of the claim, purchase and sale deeds, invoices), you should allow at least from 4 months to a year to receive the refund, since the Spanish Authorities will check the paperwork and check if your annual non-resident taxes are up to date, before approving any refund.

Note that if you have sold a property in the last 4 years, you can still

claim the 3% retention made on the sale of your property if you have not yet claimed it. However, the Spanish Tax Office will apply a fine for late submission.

Conversely, if you had a gain, it means that you will be able to claim part of this retention, or on the contrary, you may still have to pay an amount as CGT. The extra CGT will also need to be paid within the next 4 months from the sale date, and it is taxed on 19% of the gain minus the 3% already retained.

You can reduce the amount of the CGT you have to pay if you made any refurbishment and/or any extension to the property by providing the deeds, official invoices, Notary & Land registry fees, Taxes, building plans or costs of Construction materials.

Let's see an example: Example: You made a gain, but you can claim back part of the 3% retention: Peter & Linda bought a property for 100,000€ and the costs involved were: Purchase tax of 10,000€, Land & Registry fees of 500€ = Total of 110,500€.

They sold the property for 125,000€ and they paid Agent Commission of 3,000€ and Plusvalía Tax of 200€ = Total of 121,800€.

They made a profit of 11,300€ and hence, as a result, have a CGT of 2,147€ to pay (19% of the profit).

As the 3% retention was 3,750€ (the 3% of sale price) then, they can claim back the difference of 1,603€.

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

QF Focus Magazine July 2020

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Never overlook the power of a facial treatment if you truly want to get amazing skin!

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Having facials on a regular basis & maintaining a good skin care routine has numerous benefits; *Rehydrates, rejuvenates, cleanses, exfoliates, detoxifies and tightens the skin *Treats acne, blackheads, whiteheads and unclogs pores *Prevents signs of ageing and eliminates eye bags, dark circles and pigmentation *Boosts the absorption abilities of the skin, gives a more even skin tone and leaves skin soft and glowing *You get expert care!

Facials cleanse, exfoliate and nourish the skin, promoting a clear, well-hydrated complexion and can help skin look younger.

A facial works best when part of an ongoing program of care; ideally recommended monthly, as that is how long it takes the skin to regenerate!

Things you can do at home in-between facial treatments; *Be consistent with your skin care routine day and night *Never squeeze blackheads/pimples; this can cause damage and scarring to your skin *Exfoliate and use a face mask that suits your skin type once a week *Stay hydrated; drink 2 litres of water a day to maintain beautiful skin *Do not sleep with make-up on; it can age your skin up to 7 times faster *Stay out of the sun; still wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher everyday For the month of July there are some special offers available with Sarah at Absolute….20% discount off the BB Glow treatment and the anti ageing facial is just 35€ (normally 70€).

The anti ageing facial is a combination facial to get the best from your skin. It incorporates cleanse, mild exfoliation, microdermabrasion, the Ice Wand (LED, EMS & mesotherapy), serums, rehydrating hyaluronic mask and moisturise to finish which takes approximately 50 minutes.

Call Absolute Hair & Beauty, Pueblo Bravo in Quesada on 966 731 336 to book your appointment for facials or any other of the many treatments available in the salon.

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QF Focus Magazine July 2020

Local couple join Marvel Superhero at home challenge in aid of Ataxia awareness A local couple Brian & Sue, have joined together with family in the UK to take part in the Marvel Superhero at home challenge which started on 15 June and ends 15 July.

Their team, Team BESTS, are tackling a ‘triathlon’ looking to raise awareness of the very rare and often unheard about neurological condition, Ataxia which very few people know about.

Ataxia predominantly effects mobility, co-ordination and speech.

People with ataxia are often wrongly perceived to be drunk because of their strange gait, lack of mobility and slurred speech.

It is a life limiting degenerative condition where, from diagnosis, the only certainty is that it will get worse.

It is ageless effecting adults and children alike, in Spain there are only around 8000 people with Ataxia, whilst in the UK around 10000.

There is no effective treatment, medicine or cure for Ataxia which can for some people often mean a lack of hope.

The team, including 1 year old granddaughter, are swimming, cycling and walking largely at home aiming to SMASH the suggested 20km target distance determined to complete an equivalent distance of 2 marathons between them (over 80km!).

They are also hoping to raise funds for Ataxia along the way and amazingly have already exceeded their initial sponsorship target.

Brian, who has had this condition for almost 40 years and is now reliant upon a walker to get around, explains that despite the problems caused, he considers himself fortunate when compared with many others and looks upon his ataxia as a personal challenge to overcome.

He knows from first- hand experience how people with Ataxia often suffer from people’s misconceptions and judgements which is very hard to take. This can be embarrassing, hurtful and upsetting both for the sufferer as well as those with them.

Brian says ‘understanding that money is tight for many people just now, this is more about raising awareness and understanding than money although donations are gratefully received. If we can inform just a few people then we will have achieved what we set out to do’.

To find out more, follow their progress and/or to donate please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/brian-davis5

QF Focus Magazine July 2020

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The Hairy Bikers Eat to Beat Type 2 Diabetes – our review By Ella Walker, PA. Photos: Andrew Hayes-Watkins/PA Here’s our verdict on The Hairy Bikers’ new cookbook.

Si King and Dave Myers – aka The Hairy Bikers – are back with a new collection of recipes, that draws in part on their own weight loss journeys – over the last 10 years they’ve lost six stone between them.

That and their desire (as chefs and passionate eaters) for food that tastes good, but doesn’t come at a catastrophic health cost.

The book: The Hairy Bikers Eat to Beat Type 2 Diabetes by Si King and Dave Myers Who will love it? Anyone with Type 2 diabetes, or at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, and those looking to eat well, but stay trim.

What is it trying to get us cooking? Healthy, uncomplicated meals for those with Type 2 dietary requirements – but anyone can eat these dishes. They’ve covered all the basics, be it soups (like their courgette, mint and lemon offering) and salads (from tabbouleh to smoked trout with celeriac fries) and heartier dinners (think lamb dhansak and fish crumble), as well as desserts (the coconut and carrot macaroons sound intriguing).

How easy is it to use? Very. Recipe lists can be a tad long, but they are designed to be entirely balanced, so it’s worth sticking to them. But once you’ve assembled your ingredients, the steps that’ll get you from raw items, to dinner on the table, are very straightforward.

The best recipe is… the chicken tray bake with fennel, peas and new potatoes – it just sounds like the kind of thing you can bung in the oven in the evening and everyone will be happy. It’s that, or the instant banana ice cream (recipe below).

The recipe we’re most likely to post on Instagram is… the beef stir fry, the sauce is super glossy, and the colours of the pak choi, spring onions and carrots just pop.

The dish we’re least likely to try is… the avocado on toast. There seem to be a lot more ingredients than you’d expect. Digging out vinegar, za’atar and sesame seeds seems a bit of a faff when you can just mash an avo and stick it on toast.

Overall rating: 7/10 – the recipes provide healthy versions of solid family staples that should still leave you sated, rather than unsatisfied and feeling hollow.

How to make the Hairy Bikers’ instant banana ice cream…

Ingredients: (Serves 4–6) 4 very ripe bananas Juice of ½ lime Grated zest of ½ lime, plus extra to garnish ½ tsp cinnamon, plus extra to garnish (optional) A few drops of vanilla extract Calorie-free to taste

sweetener,

100ml yoghurt or reduced-fat creme fraiche Method: 1. Peel the bananas and cut them into fairly small chunks. Toss the chunks in the lime juice and arrange them on a baking tray. Put them in the freezer and leave them until they’re completely solid all the way through – this will take at least two hours, but leave them overnight if possible.

2. Put the frozen bananas in a food processor with the lime zest, cinnamon, vanilla extract, sweetener and the yoghurt or crème fraiche. Blend until the mixture is beautifully thick, smooth and creamy, then serve sprinkled with some extra lime zest and cinnamon if you like.

The Hairy Bikers Eat to Beat Type 2 Diabetes by Si King and Dave Myers is published by Seven Dials, priced £12.99.

Photography Andrew Hayes-Watkins. Available now.

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MIND BODY AND SOUL HOLISTIC THERAPY The lockdown period has been a very strange time for us all and I am pleased to say that now that we have entered our new normal, I am now back working, offering my extensive range of treatments. Many of my clients have commented that the lockdown period had caused them stress, headaches and migraines and are relieved to now be able to take the benefits that my treatments provide.

As a fully qualified Holistic Massage Therapist, Reflexologist and Reiki Master, VTCT DIP, with over 14 years' experience, I have built up a strong client base which includes other therapists, enabling me to give clients a vast range of treatments which are very relaxing, peaceful and beneficial to both your body and mind leaving you with a sense of tranquility and well being.

My treatments consist of: Holistic Swedish Massage, Reiki, Japanese Massage, Back Neck Shoulder and Face Massage, Indian Head Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Bioenergiser Detox Foot Spa, Reflexology, Thai Foot Massage and Lomi Lomi Hawaian Massage.

THE POWER OF MASSAGE Massage can help to alleviate many areas such as: Stress, Poor Circulation, Back Pain, Congestion, Muscular Tension, PMT Joint Stiffness, Eye Strain, Insomnia, Migraine, Depression, Sinusitis, and Tension Headaches.

For the month of July I am offering a 25% discount on any of my massage treatments to help get us all back to full health and wellbeing.

My treatments are available within Absolute Hair and Beauty Salon, on the Lemon Tree Road opposite the Budapest Restaurant, Pueblo Bravo, Quesada, Tel 966 731 336 and also at The Beauty Lounge, on the main street in Catral, Tel 611 266 323. For more information please visit - www.mindbodyandsoulspain.com, Facebook page - mindbodyandsoulholistictherapies or call me on 688 705 930.

Looking Forward To Meeting You Soon......Tifanie.

QF Focus Magazine July 2020

QF Focus Magazine July 2020

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The Colina Club Village, a lovely site, a calm and tranquil haven so you can feel safe.

W

hat a strange and anxious few months we have had and what else is to come? We now have new phrases slipped into our vocabulary – lock down and social distancing. It has been a more difficult time for the elderly as they have learnt they are the most vulnerable to this new normal.

Talking to our residents we asked if they were anxious?

Of course, they replied. They have seen the statistics; they have watched the news. Did they panic? No. Living through World War 2, the blitz, evacuations, and bombings had taught them so much.

As one of our residents commented, ‘The Caring Service is why we have chosen to be here’, and so they placed their confidence in the Colina Club Team.

‘The Colina Club was locked down. Only authorised professionals were allowed on site.

Oh, the battles they had with wily delivery drivers sneaking in. One enterprising fellow threw a package twenty feet over a wall to an astonished resident below. The solution? Wartime tactics, black out all the signs so they could not find the right apartment.

One Director remained outside, dedicated, risking the virus to visit multiple supermarkets every day to fill every resident's shopping list six days a week. All medications arrived to the residents as normal. They even managed an emergency run to the vets.

One manager joined the residents in isolation, his family sent away. A knock on every door, every day, for a quick chat.

Everything delivered to the apartments so we were sheltered from the outside world.

A lady who normally assists the residents made three course meals at home. These were delivered rain or shine, providing a healthy balanced meal every day, at a minimal cost.

Areas around our apartments became our gardens where we could sit and enjoy the fresh air. Conversations were carried out with neighbours at a higher volume than normal as we maintain a two-metre distance. Quizzes and crosswords were compiled and circulated. One day homemade cake provided a welcome boost as it was delivered to everyone.’

All the measures put in place have so far worked as there have been no cases of the virus among the residents or staff.

Life has changed and here at the Colina Club we are continually changing things but what will always remain is our commitment to the residents to provide them peace of mind in a caring secure location, so they can enjoy their retirement.

See our advert on the back page.

Urb. Colina del Sol 52B 03710 Calpe www.colinaclub.com Apartments Tel: 96 583 5226 Nursing & Rest Home 96 583 7310 Email: mail@colinaclub.com

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A View From The Top

QF Focus Magazine July 2020 Page 15 messages or unsolicited emails. Keep your personal details exactly that, Personal. Do not throw paperwork concerning your details or bills etc away ...either shred them or destroy them in a manner that makes the details unusable. Keep well and keep financially safe.

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

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

Identity Theft During the time spent at home self isolating from society in order to help with the fight against Coronavirus, I have been taking some time to keep up to date with other news in an attempt to keep the old grey matter ticking over. One of the things that I came across was a story about how a person had been a victim of "Identity Theft".

This theft of her identity had prevented her agreed mortgage from going ahead and in fact had also prevented her from having access from all sorts of normal credit activities. I began to wonder just what identity theft was ...I have heard the term many times but just never thought to investigate the detail of the matter. In a nutshell identity theft is ‘The fraudulent practice of using another person’s name and personal information in order to obtain credit and loans and other financial services’. Examples can be seen as: financial identity theft, drivers licence identity theft, medical identity theft and social security identity theft. The terminology used to describe the theft practices are sometimes called ...Phishing ...Smishing ...and Pharming.

Phishing is where a person is targeted via their email address in an attempt to seek personal details in order to gain financial advantage over the particular individual. These scammers are seeking the individuals full name, email address details, date of birth, current address and even the maiden name of the person’s mother. With these details a financial identity can be created.

Smishing is another method of seeking the information, only this time the attempt is made via SMS messaging.

Pharming is where scammers use internet domain spoofing ...the website seems authentic and a user will be directed to popular websites where personal details are collected for fraudulent use.

If your identity has been stolen then how would an individual actually know?

Quite simply if you notice withdrawals from your bank account that you cannot explain, or if debt collection agencies call you about debts that you have no recall about, or if unfamiliar accounts or charges appear on your credit report, then the time to take action has arrived.

Keep yourself financially safe ..do not open suspicious SMS

The New Normal I am still not sure exactly what the "New Normal" means ...I would expect however that things will never be quite the same, whatever the same actually meant to us as people.

As I type, Europe is undoing itself from the "Lock Down" and travel both local and international is gradually shaking off the lockdown shackles. On the horizon the hope is that a vaccine, or at least some palliative relief, will be found in the fight against Covid 19.

The fear however must be that unless practices in relation to the human /animal kingdom interface are managed better, then the prospect of another pandemic cannot be ruled out in the future.

For me the lasting legacy of the current pandemic can be seen in the unsatisfactory way so called World leaders dealt with the crises at their, and our doors ...simply put, the response was at best laughable. Trump and his ‘treat yourself with bleach’ ...Cummings (unelected but influential) seemingly thinking that the rules regarding everybody did not apply to him. Johnson ...well Johnson wouldn't know the truth if it bit him on his rear ...a serial liar. My hope is that these people will be subject to in depth scrutiny ...their methods and motives must be examined for the sake of clarity, truth, and in many cases I would imagine justice.

Let’s hope that whilst the virus has not gone away at least societies, and the World have learned to manage the virus in a way that keeps deaths and human suffering to a minimum.

Piers Morgan A very strange thing has happened to me during the period of lock down. Under normal conditions I would never watch a programme who has, as a main presenter Piers Morgan.

However during the lockdown I got sick and tired of watching the daily Government report with regard to the management of the Covid crisis in Britain.

My main gripe was the fact that the journalists never asked relevant salient questions of the Government. They never pushed the Government mouthpieces in respect of answers given ...never tested the voracity of the replies ...never in fact told them that they were just being economical with the truth ...lying to you and me.

In desperation I turned to watching the show ...Good Morning Britain on my catch up TV ...to my surprise Piers Morgan did everything the other journalists did not do ...he interrogated ...he quizzed and he questioned ...showing that frankly the Ministers who were sent onto the show, or were interviewed remotely, were just not up to the job. He was so effective that the Government refused to send Ministers or officials to be interviewed ...referring to their (the ministers) performance as "Trainwreck interviews".

Ask yourself ...Can it be right in a so called modern Democracy for Government to refuse to answer questions for fear of being shown to be unfit for purpose?

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Think differently

W

e are all so different, there must be hundreds of answers to that question, but it really pays to think about it for a moment, and let’s think differently.

For many of us material things in our lives are soon soaked up with getting used to them, taking them for granted, and even not realising that they are “extras” in life.

Jobs that pay well can sometimes mean that we start to spend more money, buy better and bigger things, and before we know it we feel broke again!….and we are looking for a “better” job!

Even good relationships can fall foul because we can forget the value of the person we are with, we get used to having them in our lives and we can take them for granted and start looking for pastures greener.

It seems that situations like this can apply to everyone who feels that happiness is some elusive thing that they have to keep looking for.

Let's stop for a moment and get real!

“Happiness is in fact a matter which depends as much on the state of things within us, as on the state of things without and around us”……..so said Charlotte Bronte. I can state that she must have been right! I have spoken at length to an elderly lady who was a survivor of the Titanic, also a couple who were in a German concentration camp, and at one time I had a lot of contact with a man on death row in Florida…they all amazed me with their wonderful positive attitude, and they were happy!…...because they were DETERMINED to be so, from the inside out!

Our ATTITUDE towards everything is what makes a difference, and we always have two choices as far as our circumstances are concerned. We can either make changes, or accept things as they are …the choice is ours. There is no situation in a normal day that does not fit in to this choice mode, and if we accept that we can make the most amazing changes in our lives. Just seeing things differently helps, and that is down to us and how we choose to look at things.

On a normal level we have so much to be thankful for….even in what we call a deprived state, we have so much more than many people in other parts of the world, so….let’s be happy!

Take care, Until the next time!

Violet King

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QF Focus Magazine July 2020

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QF Focus Magazine July 2020

RECIPES by Pushpa from the Spice Hut

Channa (chick peas) biryani with mint /cucumber raita 1 cup of cooked chick peas 1 cup of basmati rice Water to cook rice Little oil 1 onion, chopped 1 cinamon stick Few cloves Few cardamoms Few bay leaves Few peppercorns One chopped fresh chilli or dried chilli 1 tspn of ginger paste

1 tspn of garlic paste 2 tspn tomato puree 2 tspn garam masala Salt as required Little sugar Yoghurt Fresh coriander, chopped Fresh mint, chopped Cucumber, grated Wash the rice and set aside.

Heat the oil, sizzle the dry whole spices for a minute on a medium heat, add the hot water and bring to boil, add the washed rice and boil for 2 minutes on high heat, then 2 more minutes on a medium heat, take off the heat and keep aside, covered. Fork the rice after 10 minutes to separate it.

Heat a little oil, sizzle the onions, add both pastes and garam masala, a little salt, chilli and tomato puree.

Add the cooked chick peas and stir well. Cook on a medium heat for few minutes, check for taste, add extra if required.

Toss together the rice and chick peas.

For the mint and cucumber raita, to the natural yoghurt, mix in little salt, sugar, grated cucumber, chopped mint, and coriander chopped.

Serve the chick peas biryani with mint raita.

Enjoy.

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

QF Focus Magazine July 2020

The Prettiest Manicure and Pedicure for summer!

Page 19

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S

ummer holidays might currently be on hold, but don't cancel the best season of the year just yet! We still have lots of warm beach days ahead of us as well as plenty of relaxing evenings sitting on a terrace enjoying your favourite cocktail with friends and family. Therefore, it’s time to get your hands and feet ready!

After a long winter lock down it’s finally time for us to come out of hiding to treat ourselves to a manicure/ pedicure at Máximo Beauty.

We want to help you with keeping on top of the latest nail trends, so we have some great ideas for you to look at before you visit the salon for your next beauty experience.

Checkout out our instagram and facebook page!

To get a complete idea on what shades are trending, we’ve turned to the experts. And according to three top international beauty salons, nature is in! Earth tones, flower-inspired shades, and pastels are going to be on all of our fingertips this summer.

Simple nail art designs are also a big demand and our professional nail specialists at Máximo are very talented in this type of trend!

Also, don’t forget to check out our Shellac manicure and pedicure package normally 50€ now 40€ saving you 10€ when both are booked together.

We look forward to seeing you soon! · For more information or an appointment please contact us Máximo Beauty - telephone: 96 572 4671 or visit the salon at

Plaza de la Constitución Nº2, Benijófar. Email: maximobeauty@gmail.com. Facebook: Maximo Beauty.

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QF Focus Magazine July 2020

8 swimsuit styles

set to make a splash

this summer

PA Photo/iStock

By Prudence Wade, PA

Many of our holidays might be on hold, but that doesn’t mean summer is completely cancelled. In fact, this might even be an opportunity to fully enjoy the warm weather at home.

One of the best parts of preparing for a summer holiday is buying a new swimsuit – and even if your trip to the beach has transformed into a staycation in your garden, you can still keep this ritual. Like any other year, the sunshine has brought with it a whole host of new cool trends in one-pieces and bikinis so there’s lots to choose from. And remember – even if you’re lounging in your local park in your new swimsuit right now, at some point you’ll both make it to the beach.

Meanwhile, check out this season’s hottest swimwear trends for inspiration…

PA Photo/Handout

1. One shouldered cuts It’s hard to do much with the fail-safe one-piece swimsuit, and the same styles tend to cycle in and out of fashion. One shouldered bathers are a classic cut, and this season they’ve seen a surge in popularity with a fresh spin.

This might be using interesting or different materials – woven bathing suits are particularly cool right now – or adding in retro detailing, like graphic prints or bright colours.

One shouldered styles are a winner because they’re sleek and effortlessly cool, and you know they’ll last well beyond one summer.

M&S Tummy Control Striped One Shoulder Swimsuit.

2. Highlighter colours Bright, highlighter colours have taken over the world of fashion – and the trend couldn’t be more perfect for swimwear. It doesn’t matter what style you choose, just make sure the colour is neon and eye-catching.

Not only will these hues make you stand out on the beach, but bright oranges, yellows and pinks all look especially great next to a tan.

QF Focus Magazine July 2020

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3. Sporty styles

If it’s good enough for Jennifer Lopez, it’s good enough for us. Ever since Lopez brought back her iconic green dress at the Versace SS20 show, tropical prints have taken over fashion – and swimwear hasn’t been immune to its charms.

The print can err into kitschy, so make sure the cut of your bikini or one piece is sleek and modern.

PA Photo/H

4. Tropical prints

andout

Not all bikinis are built for actual swimming, and a lot of them fly away the second you dive into the pool. That’s why we love the new trend for sportier styles, which are functional as well as being bang on trend.

These styles tend to involve long-sleeve swimsuit tops – either as a bikini or one piece – and in sporty materials like scuba. The bikini styles are multi-purpose – you can easily wear the top with a pair of high-waisted shorts and no one will have any idea you’re wearing a swimsuit.

Whether you want to actually do some swimming or prefer a bit more coverage, this trend will give more support than your average string bikini.

Luxe Palm Scuba Zip Front High Neck Long Sleeve Top, Luxe Palm Scuba Cheeky Bikini Bottom, ASOS

5. All-over ruching Swimwear has always been a place you can experiment. After all, it’s not like we have that many opportunities to don our bathing suits, which is why it makes perfect sense to go for OTT and fun styles when you do.

This is where the trend for ruching comes in, which has recently taken over Instagram. We’re not talking about subtle effects in choice areas here – but all-over ruching, with the whole bathing suit made up of gathered fabric. And particularly if you’re only modelling it in your backyard, why not choose something fun and ever so slightly silly?

ASOS DESIGN Corset Ruched Swimsuit with Puff Sleeve in White.

6. Eighties-style cuts

7. Underwired for extra support With cuts getting higher and triangles smaller, sometimes it can feel like the classic bikini is disappearing. Not to worry, because there’s also been a surge in popularity around underwired and structured styles.

This is undoubtedly welcome news for those with a fuller figure or bust, or anyone who feels more comfortable with a bit more support in their swimwear.

Panache Anya Riva Full Cup Bikini Top. Panache Anya Riva Gather Pant Bikini Bottom, Figleaves

8. Ruffled If the all-over ruching trend is a bit much for you, the trend for ruffles might be a better match. This is a feminine and romantic style, which involves ruffles along the neckline of your bikini or bathing suit that can be as minimal or maximal as you want.

We recommend choosing ditsy patterns or pastel colours for this look, to really lean into the romantic vibe of the ruffles.

PA Photo/Handout

PA Photo/Handou

t

Call it the Love Island effect, but swimsuit designs have recently seen a drastic change. They’ve slowly but surely been creeping up, with high-cut bottoms and bathers that sit way up on your hip bones.

You can definitely see echoes of the Eighties in this trend – back in the day, this was the preferred style of swimwear (and remember those high-cut leotards?). It might not necessarily be the most comfortable of styles, but it certainly makes a statement.

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Book Review by Ivor Kindle

Hi all... as these are difficult times and children have been home schooled due to Covid 19 closing schools, I thought I would take a trawl through the internet and seek out some information in respect of home schooling.

I offer three books that would appear to make the job of helping little Jack or Susan to keep interested in education until schools re-open.

1. Teach your Own ..by John Holt....

2. World Geography: the activity book for kids from the Wanderlust Press and 3. The Courageous Home schooling handbook by Sonia Chappell.

Hopefully these or at least something akin to these books will help to keep growing minds interested until something approaching normality means the kids can return to the classroom.

Keep reading and learning, Ivor Kindle.

QF Focus Magazine July 2020

QF Focus Magazine July 2020

Page 23

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

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

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

Answers to puzzles in the classified pages

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our ARIES It is a time for reflection at the start of the month letting you put recent events into perspective. Towards the end of the month things will start to move more and there will be a lot more spontaneity in your actions.

TAURUS Although there is no way of knowing exactly what is going to happen next, you do have some idea of how this is going to work out. If it is not looking how you planned it, then now is the time to make the changes needed for a better outcome.

GEMINI An opportunity needs checking out before you jump on board. You need to make sure you have enough control over the situation before you commit, otherwise you may find things running away from you. Don't believe everything they are telling you.

CANCER All your energy needs to be directed to the future and not just on having a good time here and now. You need to forgive and wipe the slate clean once and for all with a close friend, otherwise you will regret it later.

LEO Although you want to move things forward you need to take stock of timing. Is this really the best time for such a move? If the answer is still yes, then go for it, if you are unsure maybe it would be wiser to hold off for a little while.

VIRGO An incident from the past has held you back for too long. Let it go, forgive them once and for all, but mainly forgive yourself and let yourself move forward. You have been stalled for too long.

QF Focus Magazine July 2020

oroscope LIBRA Take some time to rethink the plan through as it has all happened so quickly. Make sure this is really what you want because it is not like you to be so spontaneous. This has to been your decision, looking to others for advice is not the answer.

SCORPIO If there is nothing you can do to change something then accept it and move on. You do not need the confrontation, especially when it will not make the slightest difference. Don't look too far into the future, or you may miss an opportunity.

SAGITTARIUS Finish what you started before you start a new project. In fact, go back and finish off anything you have left part done. You can then put all your energy into something new.

CAPRICORN Stop worrying about the unimportant things and everything that might go wrong, mistakes are the way we learn. If you don't try you won't move forward, to a happier future.

AQUARIUS There are always going to be haters, don't let them affect you and your plans. Big decisions need to be given a lot of thought if you are feeling pressured.

If things don't seem quite right then they probably aren't.

PISCES You have been blaming yourself for too long over something that was not completely your fault. Maybe it is time to find someone to help you let it go, it is not healthy carrying around unnecessary guilt. Someone from the past pops into your life, are you sure you want to reconnect with them?

QF Focus Magazine July 2020

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The Purple Parrot, Benijófar Plaza A

warm welcome awaits you from Michael and his team Kerrie and Grace at The Purple Parrot situated in the plaza in Benijófar.

Michael was formerly the manager at Redz before embarking on his own venture, which opened at the beginning of March. Although the timing was not perfect due to lockdown being forced upon us, The Purple Parrot has been thriving since the reopening and is proving a very popular venue to the local community, with its great location and humorous banter.

Food is served throughout the day including breakfast, brunch, lite lunches, an American selection and daily specials. And for those with a sweet tooth there is a good choice of homemade cakes.

An excellent Sunday Lunch is served from 1pm – 3.30pm with prices starting at just 9.95€. Booking is strongly advised due to the popularity and to avoid disappointment.

A wide selection of coffees and tea (herbal and fruity) are available as well many different beers and wines with a Happy Hour from 3pm – 5pm, Monday – Friday.

This is the perfect setting to watch the world go by on the large outdoor terrace or in the comfortable quirky interior.

Open Monday - Saturday from 8.30am – 8pm and 10am – 6pm on Sunday, you can contact them on 604 241 248 or follow us on Facebook – Purple Parrot Cafe.

They look forward to seeing you soon!

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QF Focus Magazine July 2020 Page 26 pantomime, `Treasure Island´ have been learning their parts for COSTA BLANCA SOUTH when, hopefully, rehearsals start in September. Join them and have some fun by emailing; rojalespantomime@gmail.com.

Studio 32: Studio 32 are hoping to commence rehearsing again in September for the musical production, 'South After 12 years of publication, the Diary is still going strong. Pacific'. However due to the Covid-19 Despite several months of lockdown, most of our stalwart restrictions currently in place, they have entertainers are now dusting themselves down and 'Once ruled out staging the show this year but more, stepping unto the breach'. Some are already promising have set a provisional date for March performances for July and August, whilst others commence 2021. They will keep all their regular patrons and public informed rehearsals later this year. Unfortunately, a few groups have through this column. gone to the wall, whilst others are taking a breather and will be The Dayamante Singers: The re-launching their talents during 2021. So please support your singers were formed 10 years local group when and where you get the opportunity. Don't ago and subject to current forget, all groups in this column are non-profit making and restrictions, meet in Daya donate all proceeds to local charities.

Nueva every Wednesday from Cantabile Ladies Choir: The choir has 11am to 12.30pm. They are a been rehearsing for autumn concerts group of men and women who enjoy singing a variety of songs scheduled for end of November, from the 60s to the present time and are always looking for new beginning of December. New members members. If you would like to join and have a great social time, are always welcome, the only requirement is the ability to sing in ring Jean: 690 778 091. tune in this friendly, three-part female choir. Rehearsals: La Siesta The New Cardinal Belluga Theatre Church, Torrevieja. Contact by email valbeange@gmail.com or Group: The group announced that in valcantabie@gmail.com. Phone: 966 795 816. Mob: 648 034 232. spite of having to cancel two shows Harmoniser's Barbershop: Whatever they are still in business and hope that your singing talent, a warm welcome in the near future to be able to start awaits you at Harmoniser's. They are a rehearsing a brand-new production. friendly club including all nationalities They need technical people in music/ and or sound production and a fun-loving harmony chorus and direction. Rehearsal will take place in the community centre singing in the Barbershop style. Just La Marina. If you are interested, please contact John Fagg at re-commenced Thursday rehearsals at 10am at Casa Contenta john.fagg@yahoo.co.uk or John Devine on 648 524 372.

Rojales, near Quesada. Please contact Mick Hume by email at michaelhume4814@gmail.com for further If you would like your group to be part of the Stage Diary information. please email editor@femalefocusonline.com. Deadline for Rojales Pantomime Group: The group hope copy is the 17th of the month prior to publication. Stage that everyone is well and safe after the ordeal Diary Costa Blanca North information can be found online at of the last few months. All the cast of the next www.femalefocusonline.com

CARRY ON AMDRAM

I

By Benny Davis, editor of Stage Diary have always believed that if a plane load of Brits crash landed in the desert, miles from anywhere, their survival plan would be to firstly organise a jumble sale, followed closely by forming an amateur drama and entertainment group. Proof of this can be seen worldwide, especially here on the Costas, predominantly within the Brit community areas.

Amateur theatre groups, choirs and barber shop quartets have been entertaining audiences ever since the British invasion of the 70s.

Retirement for most meant more time to enjoy the Spanish way of life of sun, sea and partying, but the need to cling to the old style Brit entertainment began to manifest through drama groups popping up when least expected. Most missed was that odd mix of men and women cross- dressing, spouting crude innuendo jokes under the traditional umbrella of Christmas pantomime for the kiddiewinkies. A form of theatre totally mystifying to the rest of the world.

Unfortunately, the coronavirus epidemic has managed to achieve something even Adolf Hitler failed to do during WW2 - close down this great British tradition of amateur theatre. During this lockdown period, four groups have gone to the wall, some are surviving with the use of Zoom video, whilst others are simply treading water until the situation becomes clearer. Ironically, the first group to announce a new production starting this July are the oldest on the costa, established in 1976. Social lives in tatters? Yes, but the biggest losers are the local charities for whom thousands of euros have been raised by our lovely warm-hearted board-treaders and warblers. Let's hope we will be able to get back to normal

in the not too distant future so that once again we can say, 'Carry on Amdram'.

Some light-hearted memories of my work as an entertainment critic with the Costa Blanca News I remember when Pirates of Penzance, covering an Agatha Gilbert and Sullivan Society, Calpe Christie production, a dramatic moment when all murder suspects had gathered together in the drawing room and the police inspector announced he was expecting a phone call from his sergeant naming the murderer. A fiendishly clever plot to panic the guilty party into revealing himself. The phone rang, tension within the theatre at peak level, the inspector lifted the phone, forgot his next line and without hesitation, turned to the nearest actor and said, 'It's for you sir'.

Another lasting memory was when I covered a production of, 'Calendar Girls', the story of a group of middle-aged Women’s Institute members who decide to pose nude for a charity calendar.

The drama company were of a high standard and had painlessly checked all auditorium sightlines to ensure the actors were totally screened in the important places by strategic positioning of fruit and flowers. Unfortunately, they had forgotten that theatre critic and photographer Benny Davis was situated on a press only upper level balcony looking down on the scene complete with his Nikon camera with a long focal lens. As I said, one of the more enjoyable memories of my press career in Spain. Incidentally, out of respect of the charity commitments of amdram theatre, my coverage was always pro bono.

www.femalefocusonline.com Page 27 During this period she appeared on Songs of Praise, A Song for Christmas, and the B.B.C and local radio shows.

Debbie feels very privileged i All. Freedom! After a 100 days, the State of to have met in Emergency is over. I'm delighted to see that things are person, Sir David Attenborough now picking up on the local music scene here. (narrator of This month, I have great pleasure Ocean World), in featuring a truly professional Sting (narrator vocalist - Debbie H. (Deborah of Yanomamo), Houghton). Debbie moved to Spain Terry Wogan, almost 6 years ago, from her home Chris de Burgh, in East Lancashire.

Prince Edward, Debbie's introduction to performing Take That, and a few lesser known celebrities. began when she was 3 years of age Deborah also performed with the solo choir for the Pope at St. .... winning her first competition at Peter's Square, which was televised for the Berlusconi T.V. show, Pontins Holiday Camp at Prestatyn, back In 1990.

North Wales. Several years later she From the age of 14 Debbie provided backing vocals at Strawberry began singing in her local church Studios, Manchester... something she really enjoyed. Her voice choir, then performing in school is on a multitude of tracks, from 90s Dance Music to Ballads and plays and local music events.

Europop.

Debbie loved singing at every From her mid twenties, Debbie took a break from music to start opportunity. When she reached a family, and enjoy being a Mum, which she admits to being High School, everything began to "the best job in the world". She never stopped singing - but her fall into place. She was quickly recognised as the principal soloist in the prestigious St. Augustines audience were her children.

R.C. School Choir, taking part in W.W.F. (World Wildlife Fund) Here on the Costa Blanca, she has performed at many venues, and endorsed musicals written by Peter Rose and Anne Conlon. These tries to bring something new and fresh to the audience. Her strong included Africa, Yanomamo and Ocean World. Debbie went on to powerful voice, and outgoing personality is always a winner here.

Debbie H has a huge repertoire, covering songs from the 1950s perform in the USA, Italy and London. to present day. Ballads, Musicals, Dance, Rock and Pop...the list is endless. She will always play to her audience, and can easily adapt to people's musical preferences. Debbie has performed at many celebrations over the years. Weddings are always very special. next one is at the Mar Menor in August.

A B Her Debbie also now performs with her son Jude as a duo called "The Project". 17 year old Jude provides vocal and keyboard backing.

The popularity of this duo is growing by the day. They perform songs to suit any age group, and love to get people singing along and dancing.

As if Debbie wasn't busy enough, she is also a presenter on Bigfm local radio. Her show is on Tuesdays from 6pm - 9pm..... 89.9fm & 102.4fm.

She is always there to make your event extra special.

For booking enquiries, she can be contacted: C D Debbie H - Vocalist on Facebook. , D.P. QF Focus Magazine July 2020

H

Spot the odd one out

Bye for now

E

F

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QF Focus Magazine July 2020

Liberty Seguros raises over 6,000€ for the Paralympic Youth Athletics Promises Team Due to the pandemic with mandatory social distancing rules and heightened security measures, Liberty Seguros found itself in an unprecedented situation with regard to this year’s Liberty Race. For the first time ever, its flagship event took place online and delighted in achieving its objective of championing diversity and integration through sport. Raising an outstanding 6,333€ for the Paralympic Youth Athletics Promises Team, the Liberty Race was once again hailed a resounding success.

This year, the Liberty Race saw 3,000 individuals participate in the event with nearly 1,000 users of social media sharing photos across networks and the hashtag #MiCarreraLiberty experiencing an engagement of over 860,000 on Twitter and Instagram alone.

The Liberty Race advocates solidarity and unity whilst raising funds for young athletes with promising potential at sports level who have not yet benefited from the ADOP Plan. This programme is designed to assist elite sports people with disabilities in Spain to prepare for the Paralympic Games. As with previous years, funds raised through donations made by the participants of the race will go to the athletes in the Paralympic Athletics Promises Team.

Supported by Liberty Seguros, the Paralympic Athletics Promises Team comprises young males and females from all over Spain between the ages of 12 and 20 that are living with physical, visual, or intellectual challenges, such as those with learning disabilities or debilitating conditions such as cerebral palsy.

Funds raised through the Liberty Race help the athletes to enhance their level of performance through technical training and specialised plans and assist with financing their attendance at national and international competitions. Between 2012 and the present day, the Liberty Race has raised an impressive € 246,333 in total to support these young sportspeople.

Alberto Jofre, Managing Director of the Spanish Paralympic Committee, exclaimed: “This very special edition of the Liberty Race once again demonstrated Liberty Seguros' enormous commitment to Paralympic Sport. In the difficult times that we are currently living in, ensuring that this event could go ahead for another year despite the circumstances is a testament to the fact that Liberty continues to champion inclusion and supports people with disabilities to engage in sport. It is a real honour to have a sponsor like this.”

Liberty's Commitment to Paralympic Sport

Liberty Seguros champions the integration of those living with disabilities into society through values that are embodied in sport: effort, the spirit of competition, teamwork, and the desire to push on forwards. Since 2007, it has continuously collaborated with the Spanish Paralympic Committee (CPE) in favour of Paralympic Sport as means of uniting those living with challenges into the community.

Within its framework of collaboration, Liberty Seguros founded and supported 'Liberty Insurance Team of Paralympic Athletics Promises'. Since the year 2012, this programme has nurtured young promising talent to develop sporting careers. It has hosted events such as the popular Liberty Race and, since the year 2015, has formed the biggest fan club of Paralympic Sport through its #SeSalen initiative.

Photos: Above left, Alba García, a rising athlete and member of the Paralympic Youth Athletics Promises Team.

Above right, Martín Fiz, one of the 3,000 participants of the 2020 Liberty Race.

QF Focus Magazine July 2020

Page 29

www.femalefocusonline.com

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

By PA puzzles team

Across 1&5Dn. He hopes for a good deal when he takes a hand (4-6) 8 Failed to notice what the superintendent did (10) 9 Alas, in good health for only twenty-four hours (8) 10 See 21 Across 12 Sheep-dog almost as big as a miner (6) 14 About to feel deprivation, being negligent (6) 15 A Spaniard is a handsome fellow (6) 17 Fortress for a rook (6) 18 This could be a grand noise to 1Ac. And 5Dn. (4) 19 Cut price material comes first (8) 21&10Ac. Being beneficent on the way to passing a driving test! (5,1,4,4) 22 Water container to put below ground level (4) Down 2 Describing the stars in adaptation of radio tales (10) 3 The young woman is a plaything (4) 4 Interfere with the decoration, we hear (6) 5 See 1 Across 6 Some cuts will restyle these! (8) 7 A demigod I noticed embraces another (4) 11 Removal of doubt about the answer (10) 13 It will blow up property belonging to me (4-4) 16 Greeting the completion of Tanzanian capital (6) 17 Being a stupid person, you'll get the bird (6) 18 In bowls I'd exploit bias (4) 20 Hotheads inside fired sporadically (4)

(answers in the classified pages)

QF Focus Magazine July 2020 Health & Beauty SLIM AND TONE in comfort ...at our new one stop Slimming and Toning Salon. We can offer you the Exante diet plan and the Shapemaster toning beds. Call 675 619 568.

PURE ORGANIC CBD sells the finest quality, 100% organic, Swiss Made CBD oil online. We carry Full and Broad Spectrum CBD and CBD for pets. Visit us at www.pureorganiccbd.com!

Business Opportunities FOR SALE – HARRYS BAR, Quesada. Unique opportunity to purchase this well established popular bar /restaurant. Freehold.

Call Joanne for more information on 693 494 951.

Entertainment

LADY JAZZ performing at the Costa Blanca! Perfect for your Lounge Area, Private Party’s, Weddings, Fine Dining and Cocktail Bar!!

High quality vocals & chillout tunes. Telephone 677 233 879 FACEBOOK:LadyJazzAnita or visit www.lady-jazz.com

Services SIMPLY DOORS. Family run business our products range from external Doors, internal doors, sliding wardrobe doors, upvc windows and conservatories tel 96 671 8738 or 671 260 204. Web: www.simplydoors.es.

www.femalefocusonline.com

Page 30

NEED A SURVEY? Call Advantage Building Services if you are buying a property, or have structural problems with a property you already own. Subsidence cases investigated, insurance claims mediated and processed.

653 733 066 or email mrmpaddon@hotmail.com or find further information at www.surveyorscostablanca.com WATER FILTER SYSTEMS Whole House & Undersink Water Filter Systems. Reduce Your Plastic Waste & Have Clean Filtered Water From All Taps In Your Home While Also Protecting Appliances From Limescale Buildup. Tel: 681 315 659.

Web: www.aqualyze.es.

COYS RENT A CAR is an independent Car Hire company operating from Alicante airport, Torrevieja and the surrounding areas.

To get a quote, look at our website: www.coysrent-a-car.com

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

SPANISH INSURANCE: for all your insurance needs in English.

Home, health, travel, motor, funeral c o v e r, c o m m u n i t y, b u s i n e s s . www.spanish-insurance.net Tel: 96 673 0694. Offices in San Javier, la Zenia and Quesada.

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

Call 96 671 2832 or 662 455 960 for a free no obligation quote or email s_sconstruction@yahoo.co.uk TRANSLATOR AND INTERPRETER English/Spanish. All legal, medical and business matters. Covering the Costa Blanca. Contact: 658 957 404 or ejbtranslations@gmail.com COYS PARKING provide 6 month or 1 year contracts to park your car at Alicante airport, look at our website and click on Coys Parking www.coysrent-a-car.com

Misc Sales PREMIUM BREEZY WHEELCHAIR purchased October 2019. Due to owner’s declining health used twice. €125 (€261 new). Almoradi. Tel. 689 435 437

Property Sales & Rentals 6 ROOMED APARTMENT for sale in well run block in Gata de Gorgos. 2 baths, fully furnished, not overlooked good amenities, rail station, cinema, cafes, restaurants, and walks, on main bus route. Telephone 679 921 045.

JESUS POBRE APARTMENT. Private sale of lovely spacious apartment of 70 m2, groundfloor, 1 bed, 1 fully bath, open plan kitchen, living - dining area with log burner. Roof terrace with sea- and panoramic views. SOLD with some high quality white goods. 125.000€.

Call us for information 966 461 784.

Marina Alta edition out now...

Last chance for the Vega Baja issue 17, Call Michelle on 663 178 228

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES

Personal

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

There are meetings in Torrevieja. Phone 634 349 961.

www.facebook.com/FemaleFocus/

www.femalefocusonline.com

QF Focus Magazine July 2020

Page 31

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

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Contact Michelle 663 178 228 michelle@femalefocusonline.com

Established 1993

Hard Easy WORD SPIRAL 1 SOLUTIONS 1. Cues 2. Spar 3. Ruby 4. Yell 5. Land 6. Dead 7. Data 8. Ammo 9. Oils 10. Spiv 11. Vest 12. Tarn 13. Nuns 14. Sail 15. Lobe 16. Each Key word solution: ANCHOVY WORD SPIRAL 2 SOLUTIONS 1. Dish 2. Hump 3. Pull 4. Load 5. Daft 6. Teak 7. Keys 8. Sago 9. Odds 10. Soda 11. Abet 12. Tutu 13. Uses 14. Saga 15. Ague 16. Erne. Key word solution: SENEGAL CRYPTIC CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS Across: 1 Card; 8 Overlooked; 9 Welladay; 10 Turn; 12 Collie; 14 Remiss;15 Adonis; 17 Castle; 18 Slam; 19 Lacerate; 21 Doing a good; 22 Sink .

Down: 2 Asteroidal; 3 Doll; 4 Meddle; 5 Player; 6 Costumes; 7 Odin; 11 Resolution; 13 Land-mine; 16 Salaam; 17 Cuckoo; 18 Side; 20 Reds.

Answer to Spot the odd one out = C Pets Refuge centres may be subject to restrictions so please call before visiting.

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

ADVERTS SHOULD BE sent with correct spacing and spelling, the first three words (only) in capitals. Email addresses will not be published on the website or in the magazine unless requested or supplied as part of the main text.

FREE CLASSIFIED ADVERTS. Sell your unwanted items for FREE! Free adverts cannot be faxed, phoned or posted they must be emailed to classifieds@femalefocusonline.com. Photos can be sent with your free advert, both will be published online but text only in print. Classifieds that are supplied incorrectly, all in capitals or with missing information may well be deleted.

‘Misc sales’ are for example one-off sales of second hand items to the value of 500€ or less. Maximum twenty words per advert/ item & maximum five adverts per person*, (email & web addresses count as three words). Property rental or any type of service, business opportunities, wanted, etc are not free and will be charged at the commercial advert rate.

Free Property adverts: Property sale adverts should also be emailed to classifieds@femalefocusonline.com by the property owner. They will be published free for a 3 month period and can include Property Agent contact details (and photo to be included online only).

Commercial adverts: Minimum advert length ten words. 35 cents per word plus 21% IVA per month. Payment can be made by credit card or transfer. *Free adverts will be published in print on a space permitting basis. If you want to ensure your advert appears, normal commercial rates should be applied.

Ace is 9 weeks old and was rescued from under the bonnet of a car, curled up to the engine.

Since her rescue she has been in a foster home with other cats and dogs and is a happy, playful kitten. Call / Whatsapp: 645 469 253. To view more animals go to www.petsinspain.com.

Email: info@petsinspain.com.

Bert black Labrador, 5 years old. Sadly his owner passed away. He is an energetic, large breed and very loyal. He needs a large garden & plenty of exercise. Tel: 600 845 420 Email: k9clubinfo@gmail.com. www.k9club.es.

You’re invited to come and meet the Easy Horse Care Centre rescued horses, ponies and donkeys during our open day, held on the first Sunday of each month from 1pm to 4pm. Entry is free and children are welcome. On the day, we offer a free guided tour of our stables and fields at 2pm sharp – make sure you pop along at this time to be able to meet our horses. Call 652 021 980 or email rescue@easyhorsecare.net. For more information visit our website http://www.easyhorsecare.net.