QF Focus June 2018

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EE Deposito Legal A-685-2016

June 2018

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 brought to you by....

Win 50â‚Ź 'Spot the Logo' Classified Adverts Puzzles, Recipes and so much more...

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QF Focus Magazine

Planet spotting in June June this year is an unusually good month for planet spotters, it's possible to see 6 planets plus the moon in one night. For the pedantic among us I suppose I should say 7 and include the Earth!

The planets all pass along an imaginary line through space called the ecliptic. I shouldn't really call it a line, strictly speaking it's a plane, I'll try and explain that.

Imagine yourself far out in space looking at the solar system from above so the sun is at the centre, and all the planets are going around it. The planets orbit the sun in the same direction, as though they are laid out on a disc.

The ecliptic is also where all the constellations that make up the Zodiac can be found, from our point of view, the planets pass through the Zodiac as the months go by.

The first planet to look for is Jupiter, it's the easiest to spot, big and orange in the south in the constellation of Libra, use binoculars to see some of Jupiter's moons.

To see the next planet, you'll need to go out just after sunset, and look in the west. That big very bright thing is Venus, it's been a magnificent sight recently. Venus is what's called an inferior planet, meaning it orbit is inside earth's orbit, it also shows phases just like the moon does. Looking at it late June through a telescope you'll see it's about ž full.

Next let's look for Saturn, everyone's favourite planet. It won't be visible until after about 10.30pm at night, and to see it well wait

until 11.30pm or later. It's in Sagittarius, low down in the south to south east.

Again, it's very bright, and the rings are still beautiful to see. Not everyone realises that the rings aren't always visible. From our point of view the rings open and close over a few years, by 2025 they will be edge on to us, so make the most of any chance you have to look at them. Our group will organise a viewing evening in the autumn.

Next is Mars, not a brilliant sight at the moment. Wait until around 1am and look low down in the south east in Capricorn. Still very red and quite obvious when you find it.

Now on to the tricky ones, and only possible for those who have a decent telescope. Neptune and Uranus both become observable around 3am in Aries and Aquarius. I'm not going to go on about these two, anyone with enough experience to stay awake and find them won't need my help.

Lastly, if anyone reading this has a 10 inch or bigger telescope, have a look for Pluto. Although no longer classed as a major planet it's still there and quite a feat to see it. I never have.

That's it for this month, if any of you manage to see some of the planets, we'd like to hear from you. Our email is vegabaja.astronomygroup@gmail.com.

Charles Oates

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

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QF Focus Magazine

It has been a pretty hectic month both professionally and socially. We have been very busy producing the Spring / Summer Professionals magazine which you may well have already picked your copy up by now, as well as the usual monthly deadlines. On the plus side I am very pleased to welcome on board Lou who will be covering the area south of Torrevieja to San Javier.

On the social front at the beginning of May we had a whole weekend of celebrating a friend's big birthday, with another big birthday in Benidorm towards the end of the month. More recently we had another friend's birthday but this was celebrated in a more refined manner! I have discovered that the older I get the longer it takes me to recover from the over indulgence of celebrations!

It's not long until we are off to Mojacar for a weekend break and I am really looking forward to that. We have been before but usually out of season so I'm expecting it to be a lot busier, I just hope the weather is good for us.

The fiesta season is almost upon us yet again with Rojales Fiestas at the end of June. On past occasions I haven't bothered to attend but this year I have no choice in the matter - one of my best friends from the UK has booked to come over for that weekend to celebrate her 50th birthday along with 14 of her friends. So accept my apologies way in advance if you happen to bump into a rowdy bunch of Geordie lassses over that weekend......

Congratulations to Angela Fitzpatrick from Torrevieja who won last month's 50â‚Ź competition after spotting the logo on page 21.

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 of Olivia, daughter of Diamond Flores owners taken by Ken Taylor. See advert on this page, telephone:- 633 479 031 email: ken@kentaylor.photography Photography website:- www.kentaylor.photography

QF Focus Magazine Office Tel: 96 587 5421

Please send editorial to editor@qffocus.com Advert content to advertising@qffocus.com Pick up your next issue on 3 July Deadline for advertising and editorial - 15 June Female Focus covering the Alicante North region and the QF Focus Magazine covering the Alicante South region.

To discuss your advertising needs with your local representative contact:-

Gran Alacant to Torrevieja Michelle 663 178 228

michelle@femalefocusonline.com

Los Balcones to San Javier Lou 643 451 966 lou@femalefocusonline.com

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QF Focus Magazine

Age Concern Celebrates In Style On Saturday 19 May Age Concern Costa Blanca Sur celebrated their 20th anniversary. In 1998 the charity began in a small house in Los Balcones and since then has flourished becoming a household name here in Spain, as it is in the UK, for offering welfare services, help and support to the over 50s.

COMMUNIT Y NEWS & EVENTS

Marking this momentous occasion a Gala Ball was held at the Masa Hotel, Torrevieja where 122 guests, made up from volunteers past and present, beneficiaries, members, guests from Romana and supporters. Notable guests included Elizabeth Bell, Vice Consul, Carmen Morate, Councillor for Charities, Carlos Gonzales, Councillor for Foreign Residents, Israel Munoz, Secretary to the Mayor. Jose Manuel Dolon, Mayor of Torrevieja who gave a heartwarming speech and presented a boat made of salt to Maureen Payne, President, of 10 years standing, of Age Concern. Special recognition was paid to Wilma Aitkenhead, Manager of the Torrevieja Charity shop. Wilma is a founder member and has given 20 years of service to the charity.

All guests at this red carpet occasion had their photograph taken on arrival by renowned local photographer Ken Taylor and then welcomed with a glass of cava before sitting down to a three course meal with wine. Everyone who attended was given an Age Concern monogrammed pen as a memento of this extra special event. The evening entertainment began at 9.30pm with the fantastic Bella Luna providing all the music to dance to, and dance we did.

Age Concern continues its good work with the aid of so many willing volunteers who ensure people continue enjoying their life in Spain safe in the knowledge that when they need help, help is readily available and just a phone call away.

If you could spare a few hours a week and feel you could help as a volunteer please telephone 96 678 6887.

RBL Torrevieja Branch Bowls Team A coach load of Torrevieja Branch British Legion bowlers the Legionnaires recently played Benitachell bowls team at Benitachell.

A great days bowling with lovely company with both teams agreeing to make it an annual event. The Legionnaires try to arrange a friendly once a month and are willing to travel anywhere for a game. If your club would be interested in playing us please get in touch with Allan on trbl3456@gmail.com.

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QF Focus Magazine

1% offer until 15th July 2018 “Wow David, that IS good.

Somehow I had a feeling that the other investment wasn't performing well. I'm so pleased I found you in that magazine – I'd never read it before and your advert caught my attention, so here we are!

Big Thanks David” Mr PB, Gran Alacant The above is a genuine email I received from a client recently after sending him his valuation. This particular client invested with another local financial adviser firm in September 2014 and somehow not only had they ignored him, but they also managed to lose him £1,758 in all that time (to 5th April 2018).

He has a SEB Spanish Portfolio Bond, is a balanced investor, and was extremely unhappy and wary about talking to a new adviser firm, however, he knew he wasn't being cared for by his existing firm. His bond penalty period ends September 2019, hence, we spoke and he talked about cashing it in now as he has had enough.

I took over the bond management at the end of March, applied my accounting skills and financial adviser skills, arranged to sell his existing investments, constructed a new portfolio and had it in place by 11th April. In 34 days we have made him 5.17% which has put him in profit again for the first time since his investment in September 2014. He is pleased, as you can see by his email.

So here's my offer to you; if you have a bond that is not performing or you have an adviser firm that is not being attentive then give me a call. I normally charge a 2% take on fee but until 15th July 2018 I will charge you just 1%, however, it costs nothing to give me a ring and talk through your unhappy situation and we can take it from there. Once I know you, you will be privy to contact a few of my clients who are more than happy to give a testimonial, including the client quoted above. Also remember that Blacktower Financial Management have been around for 32 years, and if I get hit by the proverbial bus, there is a huge team ready to take care of your needs.

David Diggle C.A.T., DipFA. Tel: 615 607 278 /Costa Blanca office: 96 505 8212, email: dave.diggle@blacktowerfm.com, website: www.blacktowerfm.com, Location: Costa Blanca, Spain.

The Blacktower Group has been established from the UK for 32 years and offers sound, independent advice.

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

Blacktower Financial Management Ltd is authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority and is registered with the DGS. Blacktower Financial Management (Int) Ltd is licensed in Gibraltar by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and is registered with the DGS in Spain.

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QF Focus Magazine

KCI Hair and Beauty Academy Launched KCI Hair and Beauty are the largest suppliers of Professional Hair and Beauty brands on the Costa Blanca and are excited to announce the opening of their Hair and Beauty Academy in Guardamar, Spain.

They have been in business for 7 years and distribute famous British brands to Hair and Beauty salons in the Alicante area, but also sell to distributors throughout Spain.

The owner of KCI, Caroline Biggs already offered short Guild accredited nail and beauty courses but decided to start the KCI Hair and Beauty academy after receiving phone calls asking if she could teach students who had done some training here in Spain, but weren´t confident cutting hair.

Caroline was a teacher in the U.K. for a well known colour company, and also taught Level 2, 3 and 4 with Salon Management in a Hairdressing college in the U.K. She also trained with the Vidal Sassoon group and worked in London, Hong Kong, Bermuda and the U.S.A and through this has gained a wealth of knowledge and felt that she could pass her experience on to her students.

All courses have been accredited by the Beauty Guild U.K. which enables you to work in Europe and the U.K. too. They will be teaching in small groups so that she can give each student individual attention.

Caroline travels back to the U.K once a year to update her training and offers advanced cutting and colouring courses for professional hairstylists too.

If you would like further information please call Caroline Biggs on 96 672 5710.

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QF Focus Magazine

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

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

- Orihuela: From 102 - 111€ (depending on build size) - San Miguel de Salinas: 100€ - Daya Nueva: 50€ - Rojales: 50€ - Torrevieja: 17.50€ - San Isidro: 50€ - San Fulgencio: 50€ - Formentera del Segura: 60€ - Jacarilla: 30€.

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

Please contact us for an accurate quote.

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

Martinez de la Casa Architects also offers superb discounts for groups (+2) or if you require your property's Energy Performance Certificate, Habitation Licence or Antiquity Certificate / Retrospective Licences (for pools and extensions, used to guard against sanctions in cases without licence and needed to update description in your property's title deeds) done at the same time.

Martinez de la Casa Architects is one of the most prominent and respectable practises in the area, providing all types of Certificates and Licences, amongst other services. We are the Number 1 company in EPC Certificates (121€ inc IVA), Habitation Certificates (from 168€ IVA and Registration in Townhall included) and Number 1 for Antiquity Certificates/Retrospective Licences for pools (190€+IVA) and extensions (270€ +IVA). For all enquiries or to arrange an appointment please call 665 810 411 or visit www.martinezdelacasa.com to see an impressive list of over 150 testimonials by different clients.

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QF Focus Magazine

Quirónsalud Valencia Hospital welcomes the renowned ENT specialist, Manuel Bernal Sprekelsen to its medical team The specialist is a worldwide pioneer in endoscopic surgery of the nose and sinuses as well as for the treatment of cancer of the larynx.

Dr. Manuel Bernal Sprekelsen, professor of otolaryngology at the Medical University of Valencia, has spent most of his professional career as the head of department at Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, from where he has moved to provide his services at Quirónsalud Valencia Hospital in order to offer minimally invasive endoscopic techniques to its patients for the treatment of nose and sinus diseases, a domain where he is one of the pioneers at the global level.

The endoscopic surgery of the nose and sinuses deals with acute or chronic illnesses where the drainage of the sinuses is blocked, retaining the mucus or pus and not responding to medical treatment.

“Here the affected sinuses are re-permeabilised through the nostrils without the need for external incisions (on the face) which leave scars. One of the chronic sinusitis that produces most discomfort involves the formation of polypous tissue that obstructs nasal breathing, and one treated in this surgery,” explains Dr. Bernal.

This type of surgery is also the most suitable for dealing with turbinates and obstruction of tear ducts through the nose using cold-light endoscopes that help to illuminate the nostrils to view all the surgical manoeuvres.

Transoral microsurgery to fight cancer of the larynx Also, Dr. Manuel Bernal is one of the renowned pioneers for the treatment of laryngeal cancer using transoral microsurgery with carbon laser, which combines the accuracy and clotting ability of carbon laser with the microscopic control and provides very good oncological and functional results. Its results in early laryngeal tumours are fully comparable to those of external partial surgery, with local control equal to, or higher than, that achieved by radiation therapy. Hence, transoral microsurgery with laser is currently opted as the first-choice treatment for early laryngeal cancer as it offers more than 90% survival rate at 5 years, as well as the preservation of larynx.

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

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QF Focus Magazine

How does your insurance company value your car after a total loss?

God forbid this should happen to you but if your vehicle is treated as a total loss (also known as a ‘write-off’) it is because the cost for the repair is higher than 75% of the actual cash value of the vehicle or it has sustained so much damage making it unsafe and not roadworthy.

We really hope you won’t ever be involved in this situation, but it is best to be aware of some important aspects and to be really clued up.

For example, Liberty Seguros recommends contracting third-party with theft, fire and total loss, because in cases where the client has third-party coverage only and it is their fault, you will have no right to compensation.

However, in the event that the loss is due to the fault of another person, you would be entitled to compensation for total loss, even if you have only contracted third party cover.

Most insurance companies compensate the total loss with the sale value of the vehicle but bear in mind that after three years of your car’s life, depending on the car, it may have depreciated by up to 50% or more, so your compensation won’t be that good!

On the other hand, choosing the right insurer can make a big difference. In the case of Liberty Seguros, within the first two years after buying your new vehicle, you will be compensated with the value of your car as if it was new. And from that point on: · If the vehicle is up to three years old: you will be compensated with 80% of the value of your car when it was new. · If the vehicle is up to four years old: you will be compensated with 70% of the value of your car when it was new. · If the vehicle is more than four years old: you will be compensated with the Cash Value, plus 30%.

What’s more, in case of total loss, Liberty Seguros does not deduct any type of excess.

Although no one wants to lose their car due to an accident, it’s always better to think about what different insurance companies can offer you, especially if you have just bought a new car!

Just think, you will feel more content knowing that your car will still be worth the price you paid for it for up to two years after you bought it.

Apart from all these advantages, Liberty Seguros has an extensive network of over 300 brokers and agents that are dedicated to providing unbiased, friendly and expert advice. Speaking your own language too, these brokers are available to discuss your needs, face-to-face, which is the best cover to suit you.

With insurance, not only for car and home, but also life, pet, business, commercial, leisure, public liability and personal injury, today Liberty Seguros is considered by far, the expat’s number one choice in Spain. To find out more or to receive a no obligation quote, visit www.libertyexpatriates.es or to find out the location of your nearest broker, simply call 91 342 25 49.

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QF Focus Magazine

Are you half of a whole?

That may seem a stupid question to ask, but I have come to the conclusion that the reason a lot of people have problems is because they feel their reason for living, or their self respect comes only from someone else. If there is no one else in your life, then how can you be happy? Is that the kind of situation you find yourself in?

We are all unique and special, separate, individuals, with a choice‌ whether to have someone else in our lives or not as adults. The WHOLE person starts with you ...you are never just a HALF. If everyone I talk to realised that, there would be many fewer problems brought about by not feeling complete without someone else in their lives.

The best way to deal with this if this applies to you, is just to get to know yourself better. That may sound ridiculous, but the biggest problems always start within us, because we allow ourselves to think we can blame others for the way we behave. Not so.

We need to try to look at things differently and realise that unless we like ourselves nothing much is going to go right in life. Whatever is on the outside is a false picture, just embellished with all sorts of artificial things. What is going on in the INSIDE is the truth. We can ignore it, or even deny it ...same results. Not knowing ourselves or even realising that it is necessary to know ourselves, causes many problems.

Start the changing of this situation by asking yourself if you like the person you are. If not, why not? Be honest!

Family and friends are wonderful gifts and I always appreciate that without exception, but at the end of the day, the person I need to know better than anyone else is ME, because I am responsible for the way I think, act and respond to others in my life, and that makes a massive difference.

You are not half of a whole, you are the complete thing. You are YOU! Appreciate that.

Take care, until the next time!

Violet King

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QF Focus Magazine

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Communsi Event

The Oldies Gran Alacant Walking Football Club

The Oldies Gran Alacant Walking Football Club was formed last August and after 37 weekly sessions played their first away game at Rojales on 22 May.

Our motley crew (as you can see in the picture) in their first ‘competitive’ match put up a spirited performance going down 8-3 to Rojales on their Astro pitch.

We were only 5-3 down early in the third quarter but defensive frailties cost us three further goals. Mike with two and John (I think) were our scorers.

A very fair referee, who let no one get away with running except luckily our players!

No injuries reported (including heatstroke or sunburn) and we all enjoyed the hospitality of the hosts in the bar after the game.

Looking now for volunteers for our next match against San Fulgencio on their astro turf pitch.

We cannot play these teams at home as we do not have an astro turf pitch here on Gran Alacant.

Our sponsored shirts looked good at the Rojales game, thanks to Gran Alacant Properties, GA Homefinders, Gran Alacant Advertiser magazine, Hispania, and La Paletta Restaurant. If you would like any further information, please email Barry: laneinspain@hotmail.com.

The San Jose Obrero Orphanage Sponsored Walk The walk takes place on Saturday 23 June 2018 at 10.30 am from the Kiosko at Cabo Cervera and goes along the sea front towards La Mata. The children at the Orphanage are in need of clothes for the summer and all proceeds from the walk will go towards this.

To find the Kiosko at Cabo Cervera. Get to Hotel Masa and go down the winding hill. You'll see to the right the Torrevieja Playa Hotel. Take the second turning right so that you go past this hotel's entrance and then first left. The Kiosko is on the right.

The walk will go along the seafront towards La Mata and back, approximately 3 km. Clubs and Associations are more than welcome to attend. If people want to bring their dogs they must be on a lead, have water available for them and the owners to provide pooper scoopers.

For more information and sponsor forms please contact Lyn: 676 650 210 or 96 507 7014 or email kenlyn15@hotmail.co.uk.

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QF Focus Magazine

“I just couldn’t understand why their financial advisor had recommend that fund!”

by Sam Kelly, Managing Partner – Chorus Financial

A gentleman, we’ll call him Mr Smith to protect his privacy, had a feeling all was not well with his portfolio. Around 18 months ago, Mr Smith’s advisor here in Spain had recommended he sell all the funds in his portfolio and buy a fantastic ‘exclusive’ fund his financial advisory’s company now had access to.

18 months later and despite strong markets, Mr Smith had barely seen any growth in his portfolio. So, what had happened?

Well, one of two things. Firstly, Mr Smith had been tied into an investment bond that was apparently costing him over 1% on a 10-year tie in. This is an unusually high fee to pay for such a product.

Secondly, after several weeks of emails and research, I finally found out some information about this ‘exclusive’ fund. The fund was fairly new, so very little track-record to justify a recommendation, and also cost the client an eye-watering 2.8% per annum – information that had not been disclosed to Mr Smith at any point during the recommendation. In addition to the 2 fees we now knew about, there were other associated fees within his overall advice that took his total fees way above 5%.

I wish I could say this was unusual, but sadly in Spain this lack of transparency, and over-charging, is fairly prolific. How on Earth is a client expected to make returns with charges this high? Of course, as you’ll probably guess, the vast majority of these undisclosed fees were actually going to the financial advisor as a ‘kick back’ for the recommendation – not exactly what you would call independent financial advice…

I explained to Mr Smith that Chorus clients benefit from truly independent advice, and that when we choose funds for our clients we promise to never receive any fee from the fund provider. This means that our choice is based purely on the very best, most appropriate funds for our clients. We research thousands of funds available worldwide, rather than one or two ‘in-house’ options that offer incentives to financial advisors.

In addition, if you’re considering a new investment product, for example a Spanish compliant bond, be sure to get a second opinion before you sign any paperwork! It’s very likely we’ll be able to offer you exactly the same plan for a lower fee.

The reality of truly independent advice is that it saves our clients a vast amount in fees, and every percentage you save in fees, is another percentage you’ll see in your portfolio each year.

If you are currently considering an investment, including a pension transfer or Spanish bond, or would like a second opinion on an existing investment or pension, please call me on 664 398 702 or email s.kelly@chorusfinancial.es.

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QF Focus Magazine

As many of you may already know one of our local and regular customers at Coopers Arms in DoĂąa Pepa, Quesada had no medical cover or insurance and was in need of major surgery to save his life after aggressive bowel cancer got hold of him and he suffered severe anaemia.

He was treated for the anaemia at Torrevieja hospital on his E1-11 card but this could not extend to the treatment of his cancer. He was unable to get a flight back to the U.K. and it would have been impossible to sit in a car on a long journey. The tumour perforated and therefore he had to undergo emergency surgery at Hospital Quiron. We at Coopers Arms decided to start a fund-raising campaign and organised a fun day with raffle prizes kindly donated by local businesses, tombola, auction, bouncy castle and games with live entertainment provided by a few local entertainers. This, along with donations from family, friends, huge support from the local community and a fund-raising page on Facebook has resulted in an amazing amount of money being raised and we would like to thank everyone for their continued support‌. you have all helped save a young man's life.

However, it doesn't stop there. We need to continue the fundraising for Mick's reverse surgery and treatment thereafter, so we have a jar behind the bar to collect any loose change you would like to donate, as every little helps. More events will be organised in the near future so keep an eye on our Coopers Arms Facebook page.

Once again thank you to everyone who has helped – it shows just what can be achieved when a community comes together.

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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.

Off on my travels.

Those of you who are familiar with my musings will be aware that at heart I am a home bird and, that although born in England I am more than happy and comfortable in Spain. That being said however, when an opportunity to travel and visit arises, I do on occasion relish that opportunity ...so when my eldest son messaged with the opportunity to not only visit the grandchildren, but to also visit my beloved Stamford Bridge ...the home of Chelsea F.C. then it was a no brainer. Tickets booked... off I set on my latest adventure. The first leg of my trip was the flight from Alicante to Manchester. A late night flight via Jet 2 arriving in Manchester at 11.30pm. Now I am aware that flying is not everyone's cup of tea and for some people flying at night is even more of a traumatic event ...but on a warmish still night, flying into a calm still Manchester was quite enjoyable. Of course what was more enjoyable was to be greeted at the airport by both grandkids ...one

QF Focus Magazine holding a self made banner saying "welcome Grandad" while the other slept peacefully in his father’s arms. “He wanted to come Dad”, says my son, “but he fell asleep in the car on the way here”.

The following few days were a whirl of shopping ...playing in the local park and generally enjoying the company of close family.

On day five of my visit four of us ...grandad, dad and the two ‘herberts’ set off via train for London. The 12.35 Manchester Piccadilly to London - Euston took just over two hours and due to pre-booking was surprisingly cheap. Train journeys are a nice way to travel. Sandwiches and drinks were enjoyed, as was the dot to dot colouring book complete with coloured pencils that kept the children happy and content during the train ride. On arrival in London we made our way via the underground to Fulham Broadway station using the wonder of the "Oyster" card pre-pay system to pave our way. How clever ...in my day as a London kid I just hopped on and off at will ...money did I hear you say!

We arrived at "The Bridge" at about 3pm and set about booking into our booked family room at the hotel adjacent to the actual ground ...for football historians the hotel is just past the entrance that was/ is known as the Britannia Gate entrance where, incidentally as an eight year old I queued up from 11am waiting to see my first ever game at Chelsea F.C. The turnstiles in those days opened at 1.30pm for a 3pm kick off. I survived due to the lemonade and sugar sandwiches that my mum had put into my over the shoulder knapsack.

We booked into the hotel and whilst doing so I noticed a true Chelsea legend sitting in the lobby chatting to an associate ...now imagine my thrill at arriving at a point in time where my granddaughter ‘Yvie Chelsea Taylor Aris’ (that is her name) has the opportunity to meet the true football legend that is ‘Ron Chopper Harris’. Yes you have guessed, being a lifelong Chelsea fan, and due to her surname I call my granddaughter ‘Chopper’ ...so on a bright clear sunny day in South West London at the home of football ...Chopper met Chopper. I am delighted to say no one was carried off ...no names were taken and no one has to face a

QF Focus Magazine football disciplinary charge after this clash off titans. As for the game itself ...it was a typical end of season clash ...however the one all draw did mean that Huddersfield retained their Premier League status for another season. During the pre-match kick about the giant screen at the bridge informed the crowd that the last time Chelsea had entertained Huddersfield in a league game at the Bridge was 46, yes 46 years ago and the result that day (January 1971) was 2-2. As I read the screen it suddenly occurred to me that I was in attendance also at that game ...the next thing that occurred to me was ...where did those 46 years go? As I type, I still cannot get my head around the time frame involved. After the game, that the grandkids really did enjoy, we settled back into the bar at the hotel ...had a few drinks and chatted about the game and the experience with the grandkids. They were both excited at the spectacle ...at the noise and at the excitement that is Premier League football. Next morning bright and early after breakfast at the hotel, we decamped on route for The Natural History Museum in South Kensington, determined to use the two and a half spare hours before our next train journey to visit the dinosaurs. On arrival at the museum the first thing that impresses is the outside facade of the place itself ...it is quite simply a most imposing building. The second thing that impresses is the sheer number of people wanting to enter the museum ...after a ten minute wait we finally entered to the look of sublime enjoyment on the kids’ faces. “Tyrannosaurus Rex” shouted Henry ...and again ...and again ...in fact Henry thought every collection of hanging dinosaur bones was a T Rex. Onward into the museum and to the home of the world’s largest animal ‘The Blue Whale’ ...24 metres long he /she brought a look of fascination to all who looked at it ...what a magnificent creature. The next forty

Page 17 or so minutes was spent just taking in some of the large range of exhibits that this wonderful museum has to offer. Another trip will be planned allowing more time to visit the Science Museum, and other wonderful museums that London has to offer. But for now it was time to travel back to Manchester for my son and his children, whilst a truly shattered grandad made his way to the peace and quiet of Hayling Island for a couple of days of rest and recreation before it was onward to Brighton for a couple of days for a family visit. It was then onward again and home to the delights of Spain and my typewriter.

Passport Checks.

Arriving at Manchester airport I was sent to the passport checking machine ...you know the one's that check your passport via eye recognition. On being instructed to "go to that queue" by a Border Force operative ...I mentioned to the said operative that “My passport never seems to be recognised, as indeed neither do I by the technology.” “Never mind that” was the reply... “please join the queue”. After several futile attempts to enter the country of my birth I was again instructed to “go to that operative over there for manual check in”. Success at manual check in. Now the point of this piece is that on arrival at Alicante I was also instructed to join the queue for eye recognition Passport entry... this time however the technology worked, and I was allowed into my adopted homeland ...the strange thing was that all other nationals of European Union countries were allowed to simply by pass the machines and enter with a cursory glance by the Guardia. Brexit rules, although officially Brexit has not yet been enacted? I now feel like a second class citizen ...Oh Brexiteers what have you done?

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Book Review by Ivor Kindle Book Titles: Book 1 - Insurrection.

Book 2 - Renegade. Book 3 - Kingdom.

Author: Robyn Young. Publisher: Hodder.

I would imagine that like many people of English birth what goes on in Scotland in the main is seen as nothing to do with me. Its people and its countryside generally are not at the forefront of my thinking...however lately Scotland's politics have changed my thinking. As a way of viewing Scotland's past history I would recommend the above Trilogy of brilliant books.

Britain in the late and early 13th and 14th centuries.

Robert the Bruce 1274-1329 has achieved his ambition of being crowned King of Scotland...

Insurrection tells the story of Robert Bruce before he became King of Scotland...

He is a young and ambitious man surrounded by intrigue and plots. Book 2- Renegade Sees the Bruce on the run in Ireland hunted by a deadly assassin... The question is Who sent the assassin? Book 3 - Kingdom comes to a thrilling climax at the battle of Bannockburn in 1314. These books have it all, King Edward 1st of England (Longshanks).. William Wallace rebel leader of the Scots and a multitude of historical figures and historical events. Summer is here and this trilogy of books is the best way to idle through the coming months...what a corking read.

...keep reading Ivor Kindle.

QF Focus Magazine

Page 19 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 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. I always like to meet my clients and it is surprising how often, when you start talking about a person's 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.

A RELATIVE HAS DIED FROM AN ASBESTOS RELATED CONDITION BEFORE MAKING A CLAIM. It is not widely known that claims can be made even though the person affected has died (provided the claim is made within 3 years of death). The claim is made on behalf of the person's estate.

DIAGNOSING AN ASBESTOS RELATED CONDITION. There are a number of conditions that can be caused by exposure to asbestos, including lung cancer. The main issue is whether the breathing difficulties can be attributed to asbestos. This is the point we have to prove in all respiratory disease cases, not just asbestos related but also, for example, silicosis – medical evidence is required to prove a link.

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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Data, or no data?

That is the question….

From time to time we hear of horror stories where a client has had work carried out by another PC Repair Centre and have lost their vital information previously kept on the PC. This can be quite distressing when years of photos or information have suddenly gone! Never to be seen again! We therefore cannot stress enough the importance of backing up data, whether this be to a USB Flash drive, external hard drive or CD (very rare now!).

For this month’s article I want to cover the difference between ‘Data’ and ‘Applications’. The reason being is most clients I deal with do not know the difference(!). So here we go.

Computer data is information stored by a computer. This information may be in the form of Word or PDF documents, images, audio clips, photos, or other types of data created by the computer user. Computer data is stored in files and folders on the computer's hard disk and CAN be backed up.

An application, or application program, is a software program that runs on your computer. Web browsers, e-mail programs, word processors, Anti-virus software, games, and utilities are all applications. Other than taking an image backup, these are non-transferable to another PC or newly installed operating system i.e. Windows or MAC. They can only be re-installed from CD or directly from the internet such as re-installing a printer. An image backup is only useful if there are no issues with the existing software and transferring to the same PC in the case of a replacement Hard Disk or clone PC of the same type and specification.

If we have to re-install Windows or MacOS due to virus infection or disk failure we do ensure that user data is backed up to our central computer (NOT APPLICATIONS!). The only time we are unable to backup computer data is if the hard disk is inaccessible due to complete hard drive failure. Quesada Computers keep customer data for one month before it is removed completely. For a small monthly fee, we can store your data for as long as it is needed. If anyone is interested, please do not hesitate to speak to us.

We hope this article has cleared up any misunderstandings on this subject and please call us if you have any questions regarding this topic.

Remember, hard drives do not last forever and can fail at any point, so back it up or lose it!

Quesada Computers, Avenida De Las Naciones, Quesada, Telephone, 96 627 2416, email sales@quesadacomputers.com. Checkout our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/quesada.computers or on the web www.quesadacomputers.com.

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CBD Oil and Strokes First, we must understand that CBD (Cannabidoil) is the active part of the Hemp plant that has been seen to give therapeutic benefits, Hemp contains virtually no THC (Tetrahydracannabinol) which is the psychoactive, addictive component found on larger quantities in the Marijuana plant. The confusion comes as both Hemp and Marijuana are both members of the Cannabis plant family.

European law allows the use on industrial Hemp where the THC level is below 0.2%. So CBD oil within these parameters is legal and does not get you ‘high’. To ensure this always ask to see the relevant independent lab report related to any oil you look to buy.

Strokes affect people in many different ways and in 87% of cases have been caused by a blockage preventing blood vessels carrying oxygen from reaching the brain. This can result, for example, in any of the following: 1. Paralysis of one side of the body 2. Vision problems 3. Slurred speech 4. Poor balance 5. Loss of motor skills This is where CBD has been seen to help. Within the brain there is the Endo Cannabinoid System (ECS) which interacts with the central nervous system. In doing so the CBD oil affects the ECS receptors causing a natural anti inflammation and stress reduction effect in the majority of cases. Both of which can help in the recovery process of stroke victims.

CBD oil should help for three reasons 1. It has been seen to improve motor skills 2. It has been seen to have an anti-depressant effect and aid brain cell recovery 3. It is not habit forming or addictive

A key number in the research carried out regarding CBD and strokes is 6,630,507. This is the US Patent registered some 15 years ago on October 7th 2003. The patent states that experiments carried out on rats reduced the occurrence of a stroke by 50%. Dr David Allen (former heart surgeon) from United States of America strongly believes that stroke victims regularly taking CBD oil will see an improvement in their condition in the majority of cases. He also states that immediately following a stroke success has been seen where the victim has been given CBD oil immediately. This could possibly be due to the anti-inflammatory characteristics that have been seen.

Please note that we are not doctors and that the US patent mentioned in the above article involved experimentation on rats.

We advise people to carry out their own research and speak with their own physician.

Genius Hemp supplies high quality CBD oil produced in Switzerland with individual batch numbers and lab reports confirming the contents of the oil.

Genius Hemp - visit our Facebook page to check out our forthcoming events or call Sylvia on 622 233 091 to find out more.

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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.

QF Focus Magazine

VALENCIA is the latest Spanish city to join the increasingly bitter battle against the rise and rise of holiday rentals in key tourist destinations where the locals find themselves priced out of the market and unable to afford a place to rest their heads.

The natives are increasingly not friendly over the economic pressures; there is no place to call ‘home’ as landlords look to cash in on the easy bucks available by offering rentals to visitors.

Locals say they are unable to afford to live in their own neighbourhoods - and also those that remain in the mean streets complain they are subjected to a bombardment of noise and disturbances from visitors.

And when people get hot under the collar in Spain they take to those same streets and demonstrate to make their feelings known... and along the Mediterranean coast there appear to be an increasing series of ‘light bulb’ moments as politicians get the general idea and look to address the problem.

Naturally, it needs a balancing act rather than a wave of a magic wand; tourism is after all just a tiny bit important to the economy but town and city halls like a challenge and this one is filed under ‘regulation’, with the tried and tested formula of enacting a bylaw or two thrown in.

It does mean taking on the new world giant called technology; it is a market driven by private rentals of property, even if it is just a room with a view in a family home – talk too much about a black economy in Spain these days and it is kind of a red rag to a bull (and everyone knows how unpopular blood sports are!).

Barcelona first felt the pinch as it was targeted by a tsunami of online listings. City hall acted and apparently shut down more than 1,000 apartments and whacked Airbnb and Homeaway across the knuckles with €600,000 fines; apparently Catalonia has collected more than €4 million since 2012.

In Madrid, property owners are given the right to collectively decide right and wrong through community meetings; the local authority want owners of holiday rentals to be made to register for

a special licence if a property is let for more than 90 days a year.

In Andalusia owners must register property on a rental database; Mallorca’s Palma has gone for a total ban while other regional governments are looking to stay in charge of a growing trend.

Valencia – which has also fined rental websites – is looking to control the problem by a system of licensing; the permit to show the property is ‘legal’ will be shown on online listings.

However, the problem is not going to go away and each destination has its own problems and must adapt without risking too much harm to a goose still laying golden eggs.

Sisters beat Big Brother: a Spanish judge has ordered a supermarket to give a sacked worker her job back or pay €19,000 compensation after she was secretly filmed scoffing an ‘empanadilla’ at work.

A spy camera recorded the woman eating the pasty but the court ruled the footage breached her privacy – she was seen eating while serving customers in Cordoba, breaching strict hygiene rules. She was unaware of the hidden camera.

In January, five other women, all supermarket workers, won a similar case at the European Court of Human Rights – Spanish courts allowed covert video evidence showing the five stealing and helping colleagues and customers to do so as admissible; the judges in Strasbourg disagreed; they said under data protection laws, the five should have been informed they were under surveillance.

Again it was ruled this was a breach of their privacy...it seems some people can have their pasty and eat it.

The Rock looks for change: the tiny British territory of Gibraltar has Europe’s harshest abortion laws - with the penalty for breaching the law the risk of life imprisonment.

Termination remains an emotional subject – modern thinking puts a woman’s right to choose first - but campaigners are looking for liberalisation, many fear that crossing to Spain to beat current law will be more difficult after Brexit.

Abortion is legal in Spain up to 14 weeks of pregnancy and in England, Scotland and Wales up to 24 weeks – if a mother’s life is at risk, even beyond this limit. Gibraltar women are fighting a long-standing taboo and are worried back-street terminations will only increase if nothing is done.

While the life sentence has not been imposed in recent times, those backing a change are looking to the European courts to challenge the law and the Catholic conservatism that has refused to address the issue.

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Brexit, pensions and tax returns: get advice and save money Article written by Steve Iball The countdown to BREXIT continues, we are nearly there and just awaiting the final confirmation.

The good news for expats is that Spain is continuing healthcare for residents, and inflation increases on UK pensions will continue. The bad news however, which was to be expected, is that the UK HMRC is to apply additional tax deductions of 25% on pension transfers from the UK to overseas in QROPS. As you know this already applies to countries outside the EEC. So if you have a UK private or company you need to fully understand what pensions you have, their value and your options. deVere specialises in handling advice on pensions for internationals and will provide advice at no cost to the individual. Yes, we do get paid from the trust companies if the client proceeds and we are very happy to provide any information on this to our clients. Take action today and contact us to discuss your pension situation with no obligation.

Spanish annual tax return.

This is the month when annual Spanish tax returns need to be submitted. If your investment tax is ‘paining’ you then it’s time to consider the Spanish complaint vehicles to reduce your overall taxation. Again, take action and contact us for an initial investment check, again at no cost. We just might be able to save you money for your 2018 tax and beyond.

Finally, have you checked out our two apps on your smartphone. The first one is called Vault and it’s the ability to transfer monies on the debit card payment card within 23 currencies including pound sterling and euros. It’s backed by MasterCard and you can use it just like any normal credit card.

Secondly, we have started our own crypto currency. Love or hate it there’s a good chance it’s going to become the new money. Our app allows you to take a look at it and start educating yourself.

Both apps are totally free to download and are already in use by many of our clients worldwide.

For more information, contact Michael Lewis on 637 909 435 or email michael.lewis@devere-spain.es.

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Bliss Hair & Beauty Salon La Finca, Algorfa If you are looking for a salon that provides all types of hair and beauty treatments then look no further than Bliss at La Finca, Algorfa. This established salon is proud of their award winning status and are keen to welcome to their already professional team Lynnea, a certified massage therapist. With over 10 years' experience supporting the natural health of her clients, Lynnea uses different therapies including holistic massage, hopi ear candles, natural skin care facials, Indian head massage, lymphatic drainage massage and soft stretching. All the products used are of a natural base giving your body the relaxation and pampering it deserves and Lynnea always adapts her treatments to the needs of the individual person making your treatment one to remember.

Salon owner Christine certainly sees the introduction of Lynnea as an asset to her existing team of experts and is honoured to be able to offer these unique treatments to her valued clients and looks forward to welcoming new ones.

Along with the massage therapies, other treatments available at Bliss include hair stylist and colour specialist, nail technician specialising in Acrylic and Gel nails, semi-permanent make up, lash extensions and microblading, And not forgetting the in-house barber Gareth offering modern and traditional hairstyles for the Gents.

A full bridal package of hair, nails, beauty treatments and make up is available to make your special day complete.

Bliss are always up to date with the latest trends and treatments using only top quality products from Matrix, Alphaparf, CND Shellac and Phibrows making it easy to understand how Bliss has been voted best salon, multiple times.

For a free consultation on any treatment then pop into the salon and speak to one of the friendly staff or call 96 672 9436 or 616 579 139.

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Samaritans In Spain - Low Self-esteem Self-esteem should be viewed as a high, medium or low.

When considering self-esteem it is important to note that both high and low levels can be emotionally and socially harmful for the individual. Indeed, it is thought an optimum level of self-esteem lies in the middle. Individuals operating within this range are thought to be more socially dominant within relationships.

Research has shown key differences between individuals with high and low self-esteem. For example, people with high self-esteem focus on growth and improvement, whereas people with low self-esteem focus on not making mistakes in life.

Low self-esteem has been shown to be correlated with a number of negative outcomes, such as insecurity, anger, poor self-image, non-risk taker, and depression People with low self-esteem are more troubled by failure and tend to exaggerate events as being negative.

For example, they often interpret non critical comments as critical. They are more likely to experience social anxiety and low levels of interpersonal confidence. This in turn makes social interaction with others difficult as they feel awkward, shy, conspicuous, and unable to adequately express themselves when interacting with others. Furthermore, low self-esteem individuals tend to be pessimistic towards people and groups within society.

Low Self-esteem in Teenagers Self-esteem certainly exists during adolescence (particularly for girls). Researchers have explained this decline to body image and other problems associated with puberty.

Although boys and girls report similar levels of self-esteem during childhood, a gender gap emerges by adolescence, in that adolescent boys have higher self-esteem than adolescent girls.

Girls with low self-esteem appear to be more vulnerable to perceptions of the ideal body image perpetuated in western media (through methods such as airbrushing models on magazine covers).

Also, research has also shown that low self-esteem is linked to an increased risk of teenage pregnancy.

Should you identify with any of these issues and want to talk to someone in complete confidence then why not give us a call. We are SAMARITANS IN SPAIN – You Talk We Listen. Phone 900 525 100 - email pat@samaritansinspain.com.

Also, you can consider contacting any other Qualified Councillor.

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Nothing To Lose And Your Hearing To Gain Chris Elcocks RHAD, MSHAA has been a qualified hearing aid audiologist for nearly 25 years and has helped over 2000 people, who have benefited from his professional service and guidance. Chris covers the whole of the Costa Blanca at various clinics and private appointments at home. Following is an interview of one of his patients, Mr Eddie Arliss from La Canalosa, near Elche.

Q. What was your reason for contacting Premier Hearing Services?

A. I have suffered from hearing loss for many years and found it difficult to follow a conversation, especially in background noise. My wife was constantly having to repeat things and I kept saying she was mumbling. The television was up louder than she liked it, so I decided to have it checked out.

Q. What was involved in the test?

A. Chris explained to me that he was going to carry out a thorough examination, firstly by checking the ears for wax or other possible reasons, then perform an audiometric test by presenting different tones to the ears at different levels and then measuring their response.

Other tests were also performed in order to obtain a full diagnostic result. Once completed Chris explained the results and we concluded that aids were required. He then did a demonstration to show the benefits using the latest technology and I couldn’t believe the difference, everything was much clearer, much to my wife’s pleasure.

Q. What was involved in obtaining a hearing system?

A. Chris showed me the different styles and explained the different levels of technology available, even the ones that can be rechargeable, which is great as I don’t have to worry about changing batteries every week.

Q. Was there any further treatment involved?

A. He advised me that it can take between 2 and 4 weeks to fully acclimatise to the system whilst your ears and brain get used to them. He has been very attentive if ever I have needed him, which gives me peace of mind.

Q. How have the aids affected your life?

A. I can now hear my wife a lot better and can go into those more difficult situations like a café with more confidence, knowing I will be able to hear more of what I want to hear. It’s the old cliché I should have done it sooner.

Q. How long will they last?

A. The good thing is these can be adjusted as my hearing changes and Chris will perform regular checks to keep an eye on things.

If you have a concern or question about your hearing, then contact Chris on 659 644 106 or email chris.premierhearing@outlook.com.

He has a website www.premierhearingaids.es and a Facebook page also. You have nothing to lose and your hearing to gain!

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QF Focus Magazine

our

oroscope

ARIES Money matters are looking much better and you are even managing to think about being able to afford something you never thought you could. You should be proud of yourself, you really are achieving some great things right now.

TAURUS Having reservations about something so big is normal although this time you may be being a little too cautious. Some good news will put everyone in a good mood towards the end of the month.

GEMINI A chance encounter will give you chance to make new friends who will open your eyes to ideas you have never thought of before. This will have a massive impact on the way you move forward with your life from now on.

CANCER Things are going smoothly and even though you want to relax a little you still need to keep your eye on the ball as they can unravel at any moment. You need to make some changes so you are not always waiting for the next problem.

LEO An impromptu trip this month really does you the world of good and gets the batteries recharged and the ideas flowing again. It makes you realise that you need more of these breaks to keep you 'fresh'.

VIRGO You are allowing distractions to keep you from facing the important decisions you have to make right now. Putting things off will just make things worse in the long run - but you already know that!

LIBRA Rather than being cross that someone has cancelled on you at short notice, use this time to do something you enjoy and it will really make you feel better about it. You may actually thank them for giving you this time as you get little enough time to spend on yourself.

SCORPIO The weekends are starting to take over the beginning of your week as you try to recover from them. Get into a routine now or the summer is going to end in disaster for your work / social balance.

SAGITTARIUS Don't feel guilty about spending money on having a bit of fun, firstly you can afford it, secondly you deserve it and thirdly, you need it. Listening to your instincts towards the end of the month will keep you from making a bad decision.

CAPRICORN The coming months are going to be busy ones for you, so some good planning now will help things run much more smoothly for everyone. Get a 'Plan B' in place now in case you need it.

AQUARIUS You are a thinker and sometimes it can hold you back. Try not to over think things, talk things through with someone you trust and then you can move forward more quickly.

PISCES You are getting so many social invitations that you need to keep your diary on you at all times otherwise you are going to double book or worse still forget an important occasion. It's great that you have so much to look forward to as recently it has been a bit too quiet for you.

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QF Focus Magazine

Recipes by Pushpa from the Spice Hut Chicken Pistachio 500g chicken, diced 500g pistachio, unsalted Small cup of cooking cream 4 chillies, finely chopped 2 med onions, finely chopped 2 tbspn garlic paste 2 tbspn ginger paste 2 cinnamon sticks

4 green cardamoms ½ tspn white pepper 1 tbspn fennel seeds Salt 3 tbspn oil Cup of chicken stock Fresh coriander

It is a rich green, creamy curry.

Boil the pistachios until soft, drain and allow to cool. Rub them to remove skin. Grind the pistachios with the chillies and cream and reduce into a paste.

Fry the onions in the oil until golden brown then add the ginger paste, garlic paste, cinnamon, green cardamoms, salt, white pepper and fennel seeds and cook for 2 minutes on a medium heat. Add the pistachios, mix and cook for a further 2 minutes.

Add the chicken pieces, mix well and saute the chicken until sealed - roughly about 5 minutes.

Add chicken stock and cook on a low/medium heat until nice, creamy and rich - about 15 minutes.

Taste for spices and add extras if required, if it is too thick add more stock.

Garnish with fresh coriander.

Enjoy

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

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Balaton Group Launch New Boat In March 2017, Sailing Association Mar Menor's Balaton Group, who have two Sailfish 18 day boats on the Mar Menor, were contacted by a family in the UK and offered another complete with road trailer and two outboard engines for the princely sum of £300.

“Ginetta” as she was called had been languishing in a field for 7 years and looked to be in a very sorry state. However, after being inspected by the group’s leader, Julian Pering, most of the problems appeared to be cosmetic and the boat looked very sound so the decision was made to buy her.

Another group member, Mike Egar, offered to tow her to Spain but was starting his journey in just a few days so an engineer was employed to do a rush weekend job repairing the trailer, not cheap. Quite a stir was caused amongst the other ferry passengers when a gleaming, expensive Mercedes arrived towing a very scruffy looking boat.

After an overnight stop in France, Ginetta arrived safe and sound at a Balaton member’s house near Torre Pacheco in early April and some initial restoration work was started soon after, but then stopped during the heat of the summer.

The need to do routine maintenance on the groups other boats delayed the start of the remaining work until February 2018 but eventually she was completed and launched on April 6th with a bottle of the finest cava, well she had a splash but the members drank most.

The main work was done and co-ordinated by Bob Miles and he had the pleasure of skippering her first SAMM race on April 8th which she duly won.

The Balaton Group now have four 18ft boats moored on the Mar Menor and are actively seeking new members to enjoy sailing them.

For more information and contact details go to www.sailingmarmenor.com and click on the Balaton Group photo in the top row of the jigsaw.

SAMM also have a Race Program, Motor Boat Group, Cruising Group, Deltania Group and Shoestring Group. For more information on any of these, along with the Social Scene information click on the appropriate piece of the jigsaw on the front page of the website.

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Hi All! Well, I don’t want to start this month’s music review pessimistically, but unfortunately, it has become apparent that the “Music Police” have been very active recently and sadly, at least a couple of very well known venues have been stopped from putting live entertainment on for this coming season. Not good news for either the venues, or our local entertainers.

So, guys and gals - watch out for your volume levels when setting up the equipment for your gigs.

Anyway - back to business.

Last year saw the arrival of John “Wardi” Ward on the local music scene.

Wardi (as he likes to be known), is a native of Birmingham U.K., but now lives in Los Alcázares, Murcia region of Spain.

To refer to him as a veteran rocker, would be a massive understatement.

He has a most impressive musical history as a rock lead vocalist, fronting many of the U.K’s well known heavy metal and rock bands.

QF Focus Magazine His involvement in music began as a teenager, but with his dedication and commitment, he has performed as lead vocalist for some of Britain’s most established rock bands, including Trojan, Madam X, Hurricane, Shy, London, Shame and Slash to name a few.

The highlight of his career to date was being invited to sing lead vocals with “Saxon” (Oliver/Dawson) in more recent years.

In his tenure with these bands, Wardi has toured over 100 countries, appeared on 35 albums, and has performed in many stadiums and larger venues, playing to crowds of over 200,000 people.

His show is a spectacular event, his energy and enthusiasm for entertaining the public knows no bounds.

However, he is more than capable of demonstrating his versatility as an all-round entertainer, and is able to show a softer side to his personality and talent by performing Ballads and more laid back music.

In his time here in Spain, John “Wardi” Ward has built up a loyal following of supporters, and now has a solid fan base.

If you haven’t already been to his performances check out the local press for details of his up and coming appearances.

I’m confident that you will enjoy his shows, where he is no stranger to participating and interacting with his audience.

His love of singing and entertaining shines through every time.

You won’t be disappointed.

Bye for now, D.P.

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Quesada Bowls Club Report Sponsored by Spanish Life Properties

Our Spring/Summer leagues are now in full swing with some interesting results.

At the time of writing our Lancasters squad are holding top position in Division 1 of the South Alicante League which is pleasing to note, as they were promoted to this league this season.

In the Valencian Championship League our Lions are in second position in Division 1 and our Tigers are well ahead in Division 3, with some outstanding results.

At the beginning of April, we held our AGM and welcomed a new President, Sandra Heath. We also held our presentation night when the trophies were presented to the winners by the outgoing President and Captain, George Radmore and Peta Rhodes. See photos of our club singles champions, Jason Prokopowycz (top left) and Jacqui Johnston (bottom left) with George Radmore.

April also saw Quesada Bowls Club hosting the Champion of Champions competition and it is pleasing to report that our Ladies Pairs of Melanie Highand and Jacqui Johnston retained their title. This was a very well supported event with many spectators over the week, despite some very unfortunate weather conditions. (See photo right) During April Quesada was pleased to host a number of touring teams from the U.K. with very good results for Quesada. However, the games were played in a wonderful spirit and our members entertained the visitors to light refreshments in The Club, following the matches.

Several of our members took part in the Spanish Nationals at Emerald Isle Bowls Club in May including our current Ladies National Singles Champion, Jacqui Johnston, defending her title.

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

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

250€ Winner

Congratulations to Chris Bailey, seen here on the right receiving her 250€ prize from the Female Focus Publications competition held at the Homes, Gardens and Lifestyle show.

Costa Blanca Focus

www.facebook.com/FemaleFocus/

Good Advertising Doesn’t Cost - It Sells!

For more information contact your local representative - details on page 4

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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 Company: Auditions for ´Calendar Girls´ is complete and roles cast. The Company are very excited and are working towards an early October production. They will also be printing a support calendar - so watch this space for more information. If you are interested in joining ACTS for any of the above or indeed to help in any other way with this production, please contact info.acts@gmail.com.

Adante Classical Choir: After the choir’s successful end of season concerts, they are now taking a break until the autumn whilst many members return to their home countries for holidays. A new programme of choral music will begin in the autumn ready for concerts at Christmas and Easter time. New members are welcome so if you think you would like to join them, please contact: elcvdvecht@gmail.com or telephone: 96 671 6016 or mobile: 625 707 294.

Cantabile Ladies Choir: The choir are concentrating on the programme for their ´20th Anniversary Concerts´ in November. These will include the 3-part version of Vivaldi’s ‘Gloria’, ‘Ave Verum Corpus’ set to the theme tune of ´Brideshead Revisited´ and pieces by Handel, Bach, Mozart and Faure among others. New members are always welcome to join this friendly choir, who rehearse Fridays 3pm to 5pm in La Siesta Church. Contact: valcantabile@gmail.com or phone 96 679 5816 New Cardinal Theatre Group: The group are in rehearsals for their latest variety show, ´It’s Show Time´ to be performed at the Cardenal Theatre, San Fulgencio, at 7.30pm on the 19, 20 and 21 September. Tickets 7€ each, available soon. All sales will be donated to local charities. Further details next month. Contact Tom Ford: 96 679 0547.

Rascals: The group donated 1,000€ to the local mattress appeal. If you would like to join them and help those less fortunate than ourselves, why not pop along to Sackos Bar El Limonar Monday or Thursday mornings 11am to 1pm to find out more. New members are needed to carry on this work for the local community.

Join now and make new friends by contacting Jill on 96 672 7282.

Rojales Pantomime Group: The group are now in the process of deciding their next pantomime and are always in need of new members. Interested?

Call Sue: 699 115 563. Email. rojalespantomimesecretary@gmail.com.

Stagestruck: Not a Royal Wedding but a Stagestruck wedding part of the ´From a Jack to a King´ performance helped the group see sell out nights raising much needed cash for local charities. The exact amount donated has yet to be decided. A summer rest now, contact Jenny 608 129 983 for details for our Autumn production.

Studio 32: The Company have just thrilled audiences with their latest musical theatre venture ´Chicago´ a raunchy musical vaudeville set in the 1920s. Full details on this group can be found on their website: www.studiothirtytwo.org or by email tickets@studiothirtytwo.org.

Velvetones Harmony Choir:

This ladies chorus meet every Thursday from 5.15pm to 7.45pm at El Paraiso Torrevieja. They are always open to new members, so why not join them for a coffee. Check them out on Facebook or www.velvetonesharmonytorrevieja.com, or call Mary-Anne on 96 671 4973. They are a very friendly bunch of ladies who sing cappella (unaccompanied) in four-part harmony. Why not pop along and enjoy this great hobby?

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

Word Search

Herramientas - Tools - It's that time of year when we start to think of all those little jobs in the house and garden so here are 26 Spanish words for tools, (listed in blue). Remember words can go up, down, across, diagonally and even backwards and to make it harder, some letters will have been used more than once.

ABRAZADERA - CLAMP/CLIP ALICATES - PLIERS AZADA - HOE BROCA - DRILL BIT CABLE DE EXTENSIÓN EXTENSION CORDS CARRETILLA - WHEELBARROW CINCEL - CHISEL CORTACÉSPED - LAWNMOWER CUCHILLO - KNIFE DESTORNILLADOR - SCREWDRIVER ESCALERA - LADDER GRAPADORA - STAPLER HACHA - AXE LIJADORA - SANDER LINTERNA - FLASHLIGHT LLAVE INGLESA - ADJUSTABLE SPANNER MARTILLO - HAMMER PALA - SHOVEL PALETA - SPADE PAPEL DE LIJA - SANDPAPER PICA - PICK PLANTILLA DE SIERRA - JIG SAW PODADOR - PRUNER RASTRILLO - RAKE SIERRA DE MADERA - WOOD SAW TALADRADORA - DRILL

Answers to puzzles in the classified pages

HELP’s Day Out at Golf Delux

The last Friday in April saw members and friends of HELP Murcia Mar Menor and friends take part in the Charity’s Annual Golf Contest at Golf Delux.

The weather was kind, sunny with just a gentle breeze and the four teams had great fun completing the 18 hole course. There was a fair amount of fishing to retrieve lost balls from the many water obstacles and also three holes in one. After the presentations everyone enjoyed a nice alfresco lunch at the complex.

Pictured are men’s winner Peter Cunliffe, women’s winner Yvonne Brannigan, winners of the wooden spoons for the highest scores Peter Croft and Barbara Fullalove.

All have vowed to return and defend titles next time.

Royal Naval Association Eats Again!

Members of the Royal Naval Association, Torrevieja Branch met for their April lunch at Dona Isabel in San Miguel, where proprietor Diego, looked after us all very well.

We are a very friendly crew and always make new members welcome with a ‘tot’. You don’t have to have served in the Royal Navy to become a member so if you like the look of our lunches and want to make new friends please come to one of our monthly meetings which are held at Bar/Restaurante El Paraiso near Carrefour in Torrevieja at 17.00 hrs on the first Wednesday of the month.

For directions and more information please call Chairman Paul Edwards on 618 644 934, Vice Chairman Danny Kay on 96 6716 274 or Secretary Margaret Forshaw on 96 692 1996. We look forward to seeing you soon.

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&

Spot the difference -

See if you can spot all 10 differences

SUDOKU

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

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

Answers to puzzles in the classified pages

QF Focus Magazine

QF Focus Magazine

Page 35

1st Marcha Sport Bike, Sierras del Segura 2018 On Saturday 21st April 2018 twelve of us left the shop at 5am travelling in 2 minibus / vans for 2 hours to take part in the first Sierra del Seguras Sportif in Elche de la Sierra

by Albacete. This was our first Sportif of the year and we were all really looking forward to it. We arrived at 7.30am and found a great parking place close to the finish where we de bused and found a bar for our tostada and coffee.

We then went to registration at 8am to collect our race number and chip, we also got a really good goody bag which consisted of a t-shirt, bottle of wine, fresh loaf, drinks bottle, gels and some energy bars. We made our way back to the vehicles got changed and prepped our bikes and attached our race numbers before heading for the start line. The race started with the usual speeches from the town mayor and all the other dignitaries and then the countdown to 9 o’clock, 5,4,3,2,1 and we were off.

We headed uphill at first right into the centre of town where we turned sharp right and went downhill for about 5km at a steady 40km - 50km per hour, this gave the fast guys a chance to get away as the pace car was going at a very good fast pace. We came to the first real climb of the day which was only about 6% but went on and on for about 4km, this sorted the pack of over 400 bikes out and everyone started to get into their own rhythm. The group quickly thinned out with the breakaway of young riders starting to make good distance from the rest of us. The Sportif went on and on and up and down through some beautiful countryside and some gorgeous little Spanish villages including Yeste, Ayna, Riopar and Arroya. It wasn’t long before we reached the first food stop where there were about 20 riders refuelling, none of us stopped, we just carried on to the halfway point where there was a Marshall directing everyone, straight on for the long ride or turn right for the short ride.

We all went straight on and soon came to one of the timed sections which was approx. 20km and included another really steep climb.

At the top of this climb there was a flag signalling the end of this timed stage and the view from here was incredible, looking down over the valley onto a beautiful reservoir with a single span bridge which we had already crossed. We continued on our route passing through the beautiful picturesque village of Letur where we climbed up and up through a forest until we came to the top. At the top there was a long straight road for approx. 3k that just seemed to go on for ever, once we got to the end there was a small climb where we saw the road ahead again going into the distance for another 3km, this was very soul destroying as we thought we would have been able to see the end by now, this road was a gradual 3% climb and after cycling 140km our legs were like lead. We soon came to a junction where the Marshalls signalled us to turn left which took us downhill all the way back into Elche De La Sierra where we crossed the finish line to the cheers of the towns people who were out in force to greet us.

It was a relief to be finished and great to see the young lads Harry and Mathew waiting for us at the finish line as they had finished approx. an hour before the rest of us. Once we were all back we made our way to the town square where we were greeted with a paella and a beer or two, after we had eaten the prize giving took place and although we did not have anyone in the top three, Graham Hope was absolutely delighted when his name was called out to go forward and collect a trophy for being the fastest in the 60-70 age group for the timed section, an excellent result for his first sportif. We also had Daniel Benson, Alistair Grey, Jack Swift and Kevin James all participating in their very first Sportif. After the trophies were handed out two teams were presented with the Team Serrano Ham including our team.

We said all our farewells to the organisers who did an excellent job of organising, marshalling and running this event, we are all looking forward to returning next year. It wasn’t long before we had all the bikes and kit loaded into the vans and were on our way back to Quesada, another excellent day out for Team Cyclogical.

Team “Cyclogical” meet every Tuesday and Thursday night at 5.30pm and Sunday mornings at 8am and cover between 90 and 120kms at a moderate to fast pace so, if you fancy a challenge, 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 It’s hard to believe that in just a month’s time, the school holidays are here and summer will be just around the corner. Starting at the end of June, there is a ‘must not miss’ event, even if you view it from a distance, as along the entire Costa Blanca coast, many towns celebrate Hogueras de San Juan: Bonfires of San Juan (Alicante). The Alicante region celebrates the coming of summer with the bonfires of San Juan. In a spectacular display of music, colour and fireworks, thousands of people throng the streets to experience this fiesta which pays tribute to fire.

To celebrate the arrival of summer, the people of Alicante would traditionally flock to the countryside on 23 June for a festive dinner: they feasted on typical products, and at midnight they would light bonfires and dance around them, set off fireworks and go swimming in the sea. This custom endured over the years, and in 1928 the fiestas of the ‘Hogueras’ were formally constituted. For several days, Alicante celebrates this great homage to fire, where the stars of the show are genuine works of ephemeral art: the bonfires and the enormous cardboard and wooden figures which go up in flames on the night of San Juan.

The queen of the fiesta, known as the “Bellea del Foc” (“Beauty of Fire”), is chosen in May from among the candidates presented by a committee in each neighbourhood. The festivities officially begin on 20 June with the “plantà” or building of enormous bonfires with their tongue-in-cheek cardboard figures, which fill the streets of Alicante with wit and good humour. That day the “barracas” or large tents are also put up to serve as a public dance floor, and where fiesta-goers can sample the typical figs and “cocas” (a kind of pastry with tuna, onions and pine nuts). Some of the highlights of the festivities include the Entry of the Bands and Committees, with their respective “beauties” and their ladies-inwaiting wearing traditional dress; the floral offering to the patron saint of the city, the Virgin of El Remedio on 21 and 22 June; and the international folklore parade, a spectacular procession featuring dance troupes from all over the world. In addition, every day at two in the afternoon from 19 to 24 June, there are firework displays in Plaza de los Luceros square. These are the ear-splitting “mascletàs”, for which ear-plugs are highly recommended due to the racket of the exploding firecrackers and rockets. And finally, at midnight on 24 June comes the “cremà” (burning), the high point of the fiestas. After a spectacular white palm tree of fireworks, the

bonfires all over the city are set alight and blaze away amid much merriment and dancing and singing, while fire-fighters shower the merrymakers with water in what is known as the “banyá”.

But the fiesta is not over yet. From 25 to 29 June there is a fireworks competition on the El Postiguet beach, and the historic centre of the town comes alive with a medieval market and a range of shows.

For something very, very different, from 8 to 10 June, the IFA Expo Centre beside the airport features the Fourth edition of OLYMPIA AMATEUR SPAIN, the most important bodybuilding and fitness event in Europe at amateur level. A weekend where the best athletes from Europe and the world will meet to achieve the desired professional card awarded by the IFBB PRO LEAGUE. The Craft Market at the Cuevas del Rodeo in Rojales is open on the 1st Sunday of each month in the morning from 11am to 2pm. It’s is a fun place to visit if you are looking for a small gift, piece of art or decoration. Local artists put their work on display along with other craft works to browse and enjoy. Also on the 1st Sunday of each month is the Ace Cafe Classic Car event, on the street outside La Torre Hotel in Los Montesinos from 11am to 1pm while Moonshiners have their Classic and Custom Rod event at the Miroil Garage in Catral on the last Sunday of the month between 11am and 1pm. Admission is free.

The Torrellano Miniature Steam Train is run by the Friends of the Railways Association. It is normally open on Saturdays between 4pm and 8pm with Miniature Train Rides during May to October on the 2nd Saturday of every month between 4.30pm and 7.30pm.

Their Train Museum is open every Saturday from 4pm to 8pm.

Donations of 1.50€ are the norm to enjoy the experience.

Last but certainly not least, is a wonderful free event in Torrevieja’s Eras de la Sal: Rock Against Cancer. The date for your diary is Saturday 16 June, with live music and activities from noon, the bands starting about 8.30pm and rocking against cancer until around 1.30am.

Everyone is invited. The goal is to raise awareness of cancer in the community, contribute to help subsidise preventive scans and help patients and their relatives.

Neil Wyatt is the owner of Monroe’s Rock Cafe bar in Torrevieja and initiator of the local street party Rock Against Cancer. This year’s event is the third time Rock Against Cancer has been held in Torrevieja.

The organisers have ambitions to make the event significantly larger than last year and they also require more good helpers and volunteers. What can you do? Voluntary unpaid work is the foundation of the party. All profits from the event goes directly to the local department of Spain’s National Cancer Society, Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer (AECC).

If you’d like to organise your own Rock Against Cancer event, and raise funds for the cause, feel free to do so. Visit Rock Against Cancer’s Facebook page and contact Neil with your ideas, or email me, Keith Nicol (keith@keithnicol.com) and we’ll get you all organised for your fundraising event.

QF Focus Magazine

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Classified Adverts

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.

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

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

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

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

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 17:00 and remember you don’t have to have served in the Royal Navy to become a member. We look forward to seeing you soon!

If you would like to join the ship mates or just find out more please phone Chairman Paul Edwards on 618 644 934, Vice Chairman Danny Kay on 96 671 6274 or Secretary Margaret Forshaw on 96 692 1996.

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

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

Bettas Torrevieja RFC new rugby club, based on traditional ethics, respect, training by the Nelson Mandela Stadium on Wednesdays and Sundays 20.3022.00 contact Javi on 603 727 179 for more information.

Puzzle Solutions

Animal Adoption or 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.

Very easy

Medium

Lunes is a lovely happy dog who loves snuggling up to people and nibbling them affectionately. He has a great deal of energy so would benefit from long walks and a large garden. He loves other dogs but will chase cats. D.O.B Jan 2010. Please call 600 845 420 or visit www.k9club.es.

Pets in Spain.

Bella is 5 years old and has always lived with people.

Unfortunately her owner has serious health problems and is not able to care for her. Bella is a very sweet dog that loves to go for walks and is a very happy, playful girl. She is sterilised, chipped, vaccinated and good with other dogs. Call: 645 469 253.

Email:-info@petsinspain.com. To view more animals for adoption go to www.petsinspain.com.

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Classified Adverts GLOBAL DISCOUNT FURNITURE Wanted – Quality used household and garden furniture.

Top prices paid. Cash Waiting.

Collection available. Call 96 671 3457 or 604 239 149 or email info@globaldiscountfurniture.com or www.globaldiscountfurniture.com

Wanted

Employment

QUALIFIED MALE CARER can help with all general house and garden work, driving, dog walking etc etc in exchange for board and lodgings for me and 2 small dogs. Please tel 643 458 041.

HOUSEKEEPER REQUIRED JAVEA General housework to high standard flexible hours work on own initiative preparation of light meals would be advantage. Reliable and trustworthy good pay and working conditions refs necessary approx 20 hours per week must have own transport. Tel 607 655 879 for further information.

SUPERVISOR REQUIRED for villa rentals Jesus Pobre and Javea area.

Must have own transport and ideally speak some Spanish. Required every Saturday from June to Sept and possibility of additional hours mid-week in July and August. Please phone Cary on 689 125 015 or email jps@lobocom.es. Cleaners also required for Saturday change overs.

INTERESTED IN CBD oil? Genius Hemp are looking for Motivated Distributors. Facebook message ‘Genius Hemp and CBD’ for more information

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

There are meetings in Torrevieja and Quesada. Phone 692 799 318.

BOOST YOUR GOOGLE Ranking with the Costa Blanca’s fastest growing business directory… With live Facebook feeds turning our readers into your customers business.femalefocusonline.com

The Costa Blanca’s largest and best guide to the best local businesses including...

Property Services Legal & Finance House & Home Trades & Services Infotech & Marketing Good Food Guide (Vega Baja edition only)

OUT NOW Marina Alta out in April Vega Baja out in May • 15,000 Copies • All Businesses Listed on the Online Business Directory • 64 Pages (Marina Alta)

Don’t Miss Out, Book Your Space Now Call 96 587 5421

Email advertising@femalefocusonline.com or contact your local Female Focus representative

Misc Sales TWO ELECTRIC BEDS For sale. Two single size remote control electric beds. Raise at top and bottom. As new condition with deep mattresses 200€ each. One as new single bed 100€. Can deliver locally (El Campello area).

Tel 697 149 309.

Services TRANSLATOR AND INTERPRETER English/Spanish. All legal, medical and business matters. Covering the Costa Blanca. Contact: 658 957 404 or ejbtranslations@gmail.com 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 mobile 662 455 960 for a free no obligation quote or email on s_sconstruction@yahoo.co.uk

Autos All adverts must be sent with your Name and NIE or Passport Nº (not 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@qffocus.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@qffocus.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.

FIAT PANDA 2004. White. New ITV. Drives well. Used daily, good little runaround. Clean for year. Only 1,250€. Call anytime for further information.

Tel 604 393 786. (Pego) SMART FOR TWO. Year 2000. Black and sliver. Very clean condition. New ITV. Only 1,500€. Drives really well. Tel. 604 393 786. (Pego)

QF Focus Magazine

Classified Adverts

Property Sales & Rentals SPACIOUS APARTMENT, JAVEA Lovely and spacious apartment for sale in Javea, walking distance from the port and the town, close to shops, doctors and amenities, 3 Double Bed, 2 Bath, Communal Pool, garage, large sunny terrace. 165.000€ ONO. 615 949 828.

BUNGALOW IN JAVEA Bungalow near Tosalet in a quiet area but close to all the necessary services. Two bedrooms - good sized, independent kitchen, bathroom (completely renovated 2 years ago) and the living room with fireplace. The naya is glazed to have more space. It is a very well built bungalow. All the windows of the house have double glazing, and mosquito nets. The Bungalow offers several terraces. There is a large community pool and several tennis courts. Distance to the beach approx.

5 min. Photos available on WhatsApp or Email. The sale is private to private. For more info please contact 688 692 229 (WhatsApp) or Email: quierovender2013@gmail.com SUPERIOR BUILD LUXURY 2 storey villa - 372 x 6618. 2. minutes village, (9 restaurants). 40 minutes Alicante airport. Spectacular mountain views.

- 4. bedrooms, 4 bathrooms. central heating. Designer pool. Swim up bar.

Jacuzzi. Waterfall. Pizza House. 2 car garage. Summer kitchen/bar. Reduced €335.000. Owner 639 237 835.

MORAIRA, 4 BEDROOM, 3 bathroom villa for sale, full gas c/h and a/c, large pool with BBQ area, large lounge. Fully fitted kitchen, double glazing, close to all amenities, €350.000 Telephone 602 445 294 for all details.

REDUCED LUXURY VILLA. Built 2001. 225m2/ 800m2. West facing. Lovely sea and hillside views. Benissa Coast. 4beds / 3baths. Spa bath. 2 sitting rooms, 2 kitchens, utility. Large naya. All upgraded. Excellent decorative order. Gas CH, Double glazing. Auto. gates leading to large driveway. Nice gardens. 9x4m pool with lights. Quiet area. Garage/ workshop/ pump room/ storage. REDUCED from €425,000 to €375,000 for private sale. Tel: 96 649 7841. Mobile: 647 008 223. Email: jeanprice.spain@gmail.com for photos.

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. 150.000€. Tel 693 246 318.

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

THE COSTA BLANCA’S Fastest Growing Business Directory...... If you are not on there you are losing out! business.femalefocusonline.com

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