QF Focus May 2018

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Deposito Legal A-685-2016

May 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 Win 50â‚Ź 'Spot the Logo' brought to you by....

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

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QF Focus Magazine

The Night Sky In May May is one of my favourite months for amateur astronomy, the nights are mild and we get quite a lot of clear skies, there's also a lot to see.

Let's start with a big event, it's not important astronomically, but it's one of the prettiest sights you can see. Mark your calendar for 17 May, and go outside just after the Sun has set. Look West and you will see a crescent Moon and Venus almost side by side. Venus will be very bright, impossible to miss and Luna is right by her side like a cupped hand guiding her to the horizon.

This May is great for looking at another planet, Jupiter. I've covered observing Jupiter before in these pages so I won't go through that again, suffice to say that anyone with binoculars can look for the moons, and a telescope will let you see the massive clouds that shroud this world. You can find Jupiter in the South in the constellation Libra, it's so bright you won't miss it.

Moving East from Jupiter, the next constellation is Ophiuchus, home of several star clusters similar to those we looked at last month.

Going East again and just above the horizon you will see one of my favourite constellations, Cygnus ...the swan. At this time of year it looks like an elongated crucifix in the sky, set on its side. The star that marks the head, the one on your right is called Albireo. Look at it with a telescope and you'll see it is a beautiful pair of stars, each a different colour. One is a reddish yellow, and the other is a bright red. You'll be looking at them against a background of the Milky Way, so they make quite a contrast.

At the tail of the swan is a very bright star, Deneb a class A2 super-giant. That means just what it sounds like, it's blooming big and blooming hot.

Anyone who likes to observe the Moon will enjoy the end of May, the 25th onward will be ideal, it will have risen a decent time, and it will be around 2/3 full so lots of nice shadows to help us see the detail. Why not find the crater Aristarchus, it's not too hard to find and the name will keep you smiling!

A last little treat for the month, there will be a particularly good pass of the International Space Station on 20 May. It begins at 22.51 going from the South West to the South East, just above the horizon, and lasts about 6 minutes. You can't miss it, if it's bright, moves quickly and isn't a jet, it's the ISS. Happy observing, see you next month. Charles Oates. Vega Baja Astronomy Group. Email vegabaja.astronomygroup@gmail.com.

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

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QF Focus Magazine

I am sure that all who attended the Homes, Gardens and Lifestyle Show in Altea will agree it was well worth the trip with so much to do including a great selection of exhibitors, interesting talks and demos and of course the chance of winning so many prizes including 250€ courtesy of Female Focus Publications in celebration of 25 years of publishing the Female Focus magazine. The lucky winner of the Female Focus competition was Chris Bailey from Albir. For the complete winners list please contact Gina via the Homes, Gardens and Lifestyle Facebook or website.

I think the time has come to do the winter to summer wardrobe swop - I do hope I’m not tempting fate. It does feel as though it has been an awfully long winter this year, but no doubt we will all be complaining about being too hot in the very near future.

With the change of weather and the feel that summer is definitely on its way, it has encouraged me to get our annual holiday booked.

I would normally have it all sorted way before now but the plus side is that it will come around quicker. And in the meantime I am hoping to have a weekend away to Mojacar, one of our favourite destinations to get away from it all.

It is your last chance to be included in the popular Professional Services Vega Baja Spring / Summer issue, book your space now before it's too late.

Congratulations to Denise Anderson from Albatera who won last month's 50€ competition after spotting the logo on page 45. See if you can spot the logo in this issue for a chance to win 50€, see inside for details of how to enter. Good luck!

Michelle

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

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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 5 June Advertising deadline is 21 May Editorial deadline is three days prior to advertising

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To discuss all your advertising needs please contact Michelle on 663 178 228 or email michelle@qffocus.com

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QF Focus Magazine

House of Furniture

celebrates its 1st anniversary Situated between Rojales and Benijรณfar this large new and used furniture store has everything you would expect in home furnishing.

Peter and Jade opened the store one year ago and are proud that their family run business is going from strength to strength. There are many new products available from beds, mattresses, mattress toppers, sofas and cushions all at affordable prices and a selection of garden furniture arriving imminently. The range of quality used furniture covers bedroom furniture, dining tables and coffee tables.

House clearances and the purchase of your old furniture is always of interest to House of Furniture with top prices paid. A delivery service as well as a man and van hire is available and they will even pick up your IKEA products and bring to your home to save you the trouble.

With stock changing regularly and frequent special offers it is a good idea to pop in to take a look at the varied choice and if you don't see your requirements Peter and Jade will do their utmost to source it for you.

For more information you can call them on 604 199 265 or 688 883 097 or check out their Facebook page. See their main advert on page 40.

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QF Focus Magazine

Avoiding Inheritance Tax in Spain between Spouses and their Children Most of us British ex-pats will fall under the UK Inheritance tax thresholds and not have to pay UK Inheritance tax on our Estate. As we are all aware in the UK there is no Inheritance tax spouse to spouse which is why Ken Dodd married his very long term partner two days before he died.

However if you are a Spanish resident (or deemed to be one) then there is Inheritance taxes between spouses. In Spain it is known as Succession Tax (ISD) and is payable by the beneficiary and not the Estate (as in the UK).

Granted, spouses and children (natural or adopted, not stepchildren) get a €100,000 allowance so, simply (and I mean simply because in reality it gets very complicated), if you have joint assets sited in Spain worth over €200,000 then there will be Inheritance tax to pay by the surviving spouse of a married couple. But anything over could be subject to ISD and not only does the tax need to be paid by the surviving spouse, but there will be the huge inconvenience of half of the joint assets being frozen until the tax is assessed and paid.

The ISD rates for a spouse and /or child in the Valencian region run from 7.65% to 34% depending on the amount over €100,000 being inherited, but remember there is a 50% discount on the calculated amount of ISD (as current rules stand).

Please note if you are not married, even if you have been partners for many years, under the current rules in the Valencia region of Spain you are entitled to NO allowances and NO discount, ISD tax can go as high as 80% for the remaining partner.

So what can you do......

You can contact your local Blacktower Financial Adviser i.e. me, and depending on your financial situation I would be likely to recommend: · A Spanish tax compliant investment bond written as a joint life assured bond between both spouses/partners. When a spouse/ partner dies first, the bond continues as if nothing has happened, there is no taxable event, nothing gets frozen and there are no

liabilities to the Tax department. It continues in the survivors name, tax free. · Once you have both died, if your children (natural or adopted) are resident in the UK and you have a UK law of succession clause in your Spanish Will, they can inherit the proceeds of the bond tax free (certain exceptions can apply).

For other benefits of bonds, please see page 9 of the online issue of the QF Focus in February. The 3.8% per annum return concerning the Prudential Bond still stands today. https://issuu.com/femalefocuspublications7/docs/qf_focus_feb18 These, (and/or other products) should only be purchased from regulated and experienced advisers such as those at Blacktower, because they have the expertise to assess the right product for you and your family’s circumstances. For this reason they cannot be bought off the shelf directly from product providers. The minimum bond size is £20,000 or €25,000.

David Diggle C.A.T., DipFA Telephone: 615 607 278 / 965 058 212.

Email: dave.diggle@blacktowerfm.com.

Website: www.blacktowerfm.com. Location: Costa Blanca.

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 both the DGS and CNMV. Blacktower Financial Management (Int) Ltd is licensed in Gibraltar by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and is registered with both the DGS and CNMV in Spain.

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QF Focus Magazine

Never jump into project expenses without being sure a licence will be issued Here are 5 common reasons for the Council to reject a licence which, if the work is already done, can only be resolved using a simple Certificate of Antiquity/Retrospective Licence.

1: Building work on plots that have already used there maximum build area.

All plots have a maximum area which you are allowed to build on. This is known as maximum built area allowed. If the property has already reached the maximum s i z e allowed, no major licence will be issued.

2: Plot under the minimum required size.

No building work is allowed if the plot is under the minimum square metres required to build in the area.

Some plots, although being legal, are under the minimum required size for building. This being the case no licence will be issued.

Any existing shed, exterior built cupboard, semi-opened kitchen

and other covered buildings or works such as a carport or pools will need a retrospective licence in order to become unobjectable in the future.

3: Extensions violating the minimum required distance to the plot’s boundaries.

Permanent carports, or any kind of roofed buildings that are violating the minimum required distance to the plot’s boundaries is a reason to decline a license. National planning laws for detached properties require a minimum distance between a window and a neighbour’s boundary of 2 metres. Regional and local laws may allow between 3 to even 5 metres or more. There are many variables depending on different factors. A Certificate of Antiquity is the only document that can avoid previous works being objected to by the planning department at the Town Hall.

4: Closing in small existing gaps in the property: patios, existing terraces, porches.

Most glass or bricked enclosed terraces and porches will not be allowed to be glazed in or transformed into interior spaces.

Spanish properties traditionally tend to have patios and courtyards, along with semi-opened spaces like porches and partially covered terraces to provide shelter from the sun and to maximise the outdoor lifestyle. These semi-opened spaces are easily closed-in, but the bureaucracy is not as easy. These works, however small you might consider them, are adding to the registered square metres of the property and often permissions are declined. A Certificate of Antiquity is the only document that can make these existing works accepted by the planning department at the Town Hall.

QF Focus Magazine

....continued from previous page 5: Underbuilds are not allowed to be used for living accommodations.

Underbuilds with living accommodations are hardly ever done with the correct licences and again a Certificate of Antiquity/ Retrospective Licence is the only document that can prevent prosecution for any interior alterations which have been carried out on the property or alterations that don’t meet the planning standards.

Martinez de la Casa Architects always recommend to their clients to enquire in the Town Hall if the licence will be given before starting expensive projects, employing architects, etc.

In case the building work has already been completed (applicable for all cases above) the document needed is a Certificate of Antiquity also known as a Retrospective Licence, and can be obtained only in cases where the building work has already been completed for over 4 years, before 20th August 2014 (Alicante area).

Once issued, this document acts as licence, protecting the owner against possible sanctions from the Town Hall. It is highly recommended to avoid putting off potential buyers due to the existence of illegal extensions in the property. It will also be needed on completion of the sale in order to update the property’s description in Title Deeds & Land Registry.

Only properly qualified and registered Spanish Architects are permitted to issue Retrospective Licences, so if your solicitors are studying your case, ask them to contact Martinez de la Casa Architects to provide the Antiquity Certificate and we will make the whole process easier, faster and cheaper with our fixed published prices and guaranteed deadlines.

The cost of an Antiquity Certificate/Retrospective Licence for pools is 190€ +IVA and extensions or complete properties only

Page 9 270€ +IVA. Discounts are available if you also require an Energy Performance Certificate (121€ IVA Inc.), Habitation Licence (from 118€ IVA included, Registration Tax not included) or any other of our services, done at the same time.

If you want to have your Retrospective Licence/Antiquity Certificate for your extension or pool now, in accordance with present laws and protect against possible future changes in the laws that may affect you, Martinez de la Casa Architects will arrange an appointment and guarantee the delivery of the Certificate of Antiquity within 10 working days after our survey.

For all enquiries, or to arrange an appointment if you want to have your pool or extension certificate now and protect yourself against future law changes that may affect you, please call 665 810 411 or visit www.martinezdelacasa.com to see an impressive list of nearly 200 clients’ testimonials.

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QF Focus Magazine

Quirónsalud Torrevieja sets up a new generation sequencer that allows us to know the behaviour of the tumour in patients resistant to conventional chemotherapy New technology based on the reading of genes is performed with a simple biopsy and results are obtained in two weeks.

Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital sets up a new generation sequencer continuing in line with work on personalised treatments for the fight against cancer.`Next Generation Sequencing´, allows us to know the behaviour of the tumour from DNA and RNA in patients who are resistant to conventional chemotherapy. “We will be able to observe if there are genetic alterations of the DNA in all tumours. At present, 20% of the patients tested have a mutated DNA, treatable according to that mutation. As new drugs are introduced for different mutations, these figures shall grow,” says Dr. Antonio Brugarolas, Director of Oncology Platform at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, he also explains their aim is not only to detect mutations that are treatable for providing appropriate treatment, but also to know how the cell reacts to these mutations.

“We can see how the cell adapts and predict the most appropriate chemotherapy treatment for each tumour.”

The new technique is performed through a biopsy on the patient, and results are obtained within two weeks. It also enables us to choose treatments based on costs, effects, administration method and patient preferences. There are more expensive and more cheaper drugs, there are oral or intravenous treatments, some induce hair loss and others do not. That is to say, you can customise the selection of drugs, from those which are sensitive, discarding those which are less effective. Dr. Brugarolas, says that this technique has to develop further, as there are still difficulties, as sometimes the tumour cannot be accessed directly without surgery, in others because the selected cells are dead. About 600 genes are analysed with a single test and we can predict which are the best drugs to fight this type of cancer. The prediction based on

the study of the genes, provides better response rate than the one obtained with the conventional use of chemotherapy. The doctor also explains that “through RNA analysis, a patient's response to chemotherapy treatment can be predicted by 70%.”

A high resolution multidisciplinary team The Oncology Platform of Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital is comprised of a multidisciplinary team of over 30 top-level specialists and cutting-edge technological equipment such as PETCT, intraoperative radiation therapy (Mobetron), Personalised Drug Therapy, Genetic Counselling or the White Room to administer vaccines against cancer, which has transformed it into an international benchmark for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, and attracts patients from throughout Spain and Europe.

Among other techniques, the so-called HIPEC, comprises the administration of chemotherapy into the abdomen with hyperthermia during surgery. This technique is being carried out for more than 15 years by the Oncology Platform at the Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, and it has recently been adopted by most of the major hospitals in Spain. After many years of studies and advances, it has been shown to be effective in 30% of patients suffering from peritoneal carcinomatosis. It is currently accepted by the scientific community as the best alternative to incurable peritoneal metastases of ovarian cancer or colon cancer.

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

What makes us happy?

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

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

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

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

It seems that situations like this can apply to everyone that feels that happiness is some elusive thing that they have to keep looking for. Let’s stop for a moment and get real!

In the UK I once spoke at length to an elderly lady who was a survivor of the Titanic, also a couple who were in a German concentration camp, and at one time I had a lot of contact with a man on death row in Florida…they all amazed me with their wonderful positive attitude, and they were happy! …... because they were DETERMINED to be so, from the inside out!

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

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

Take care, until the next time!

Violet King

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QF Focus Magazine

FLATPAXABIA looking to expand..... interested?

The FLATPAXABIA story started with an idea back in the Spring of 2007 - we watched my sister Kate furnish her apartment in Jรกvea with IKEA furniture. Although she was very pleased with the end result, she seriously questioned whether she would have shopped at IKEA if she had known the time it would take from beginning to end! The driving, the shopping, the queues, the tills, the loading, the driving back, the unloading, the unpacking, the assembling, the clearing away of packaging, not to mention having to take back or change something!

Our first shopping trip was in May 2007 and 11 years later we are a busy business still passionate about what we do - meeting delightful clients every year. Our family business has been a wonderful journey of hard work and enthusiasm - exclusively shopping at IKEA - we have learnt so much over the years to enhance our service.

We thank everyone we have worked with - all the local support - all the clients without a combination of all of this our business would not be as successful as it is today and the journey would not have been so much fun!

In the last months - we decided this would be the perfect time to sell and start slowing down but as we started the preparation to sell, we became excited all over again about the business we have and decided that actually we are not ready to sell - we just need some help to take the next step the exciting road to expansion.

We are now actively looking for a "franchisee" to take over our southern area between Alicante and San Javier roughly! If anyone is interested please contact us on 96 579 4090 or email info@flatpaxabia.com.

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QF Focus Magazine

Home made Almond Nut Butter Peanut butter has until recently been seen very much as an all American food, but nut butters have become trendier and are no longer considered the domain of the middle classes or the Americans!

Walk into to any large British supermarket; you’ll be greeted by an array of nut and seed butters from the obvious peanut to the more obscure pumpkin or sunflower butter.

To make homemade nut butter is so easy and much healthier than the commercially produced products with added trans fats and sugar.

Nut butters are great for a quick snack or a pick me up. We love it on toast with banana or a dollop on our morning porridge.

To make basic nut /seed butter only one ingredient is really needed; the nut or seed! The rest are add on ingredients, such as salt, honey, dates etc; all down to personal preference.

The trick is to roast the nuts beforehand, this ensures a nuttier and creamier butter. Roasting the nuts also aids digestion and absorption. Resist the urge to add water or oil as the nuts will eventually release their own natural oils.

Ingredients 500g unsalted almonds with the skin on or nuts /seeds of your choice.

1 teaspoon salt, optional.

1 teaspoon cinnamon, optional.

Honey to taste, optional.

Method - Heat oven to 190ºC/170ºC fan/gas 5.

- Spread the almonds on a baking tray.

Roast the nuts for 10-12 minutes.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

- Once cool – roughly chop the nuts.

- Tip the nuts into a food processer / blender.

- Add the optional ingredients and blend for 12-15 minutes or until the mixture begins to look completely smooth and creamy. Some food processors /blenders might take longer.

- Mix well, taste adjust /add salt /dates etc.

- Store in a glass jar, it will keep up to three weeks in a fridge.

The Spice Sisters; Veena Josh and Nilam Wright are available for talks, cookery demonstrations and Indian cookery workshops.

Join us in November for a hands on Indian cookery course at the fabulous Akinon Resort including accommodation, meals and free spa treatment. For more information please visit https://www.facebook.com/events/890075587836186/?ti=cl.

For more information on our range of curry kits email; keepcalm@curryoncooking.com, or visit https://www.facebook.com/Curryoncooking/ or www.curryoncooking.com.

We offer free shipping in Spain when you buy 3 or more kits.

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QF Focus Magazine

Don’t let the vultures move your pension overseas!

By Sam Kelly, Managing Partner, Chorus Financial.

I woke up with a fire in my belly this morning, so decided to write a different article this month than I had originally planned.

I spent a little time on social media last night before bed and was barraged by adverts from various questionable operations trying to convince me to ‘Move My Pension Overseas’ citing various tax benefits (which do not always exist) and even using Brexit as a fear-mongering tactic, implying somehow people could lose access to their pensions as a result.

Let’s cover off the main points here. Firstly, the majority of companies who run this kind of campaign aren’t even financial advisory companies, they are data gathering companies with generic names that include words like ‘Expat’, ‘Services’, ‘Pension Review’ and ‘Experts’ in the title. They gather data with these often-false headlines then may sell your personal details to the highest bidder, or agree a split of the eye-watering hidden fees that so many overseas financial advisors subject their unwitting clients to.

Once they have your data you may soon receive a call which will attempt to sell you the benefits of moving your pension to a QROPS. Various promises may be made, from a higher Pension Commencement Lump Sum, to some mysterious tax benefits which are rarely fully explained. Firstly, the Pension Commencement Lump Sum is a fairly arbitrary offer here in Spain, because contrary to what a lot of these companies imply, it is fully taxable as a Spanish resident. Also, with flexible access now in force, you can take as little or as much from your pension at any time, meaning initial withdrawals are not restricted to this ‘Lump Sum’.

Secondly, there are often no tangible income tax benefits to moving your pension overseas – these pensions are taxed exactly the same as UK based pensions for Spanish residents. There are some very specific circumstances where a QROPS could provide tax benefits to your beneficiaries, and Chorus do have clients in QROPS for this exact reason, but this is a very specific area of financial planning, and certainly QROPS isn’t the default option for the vast majority.

I highly recommend exploring your pension options under The Pension Freedoms Act. Chorus have so many clients benefiting from increased flexibility, a bigger pot to pass to their loved ones, and other benefits. Since regulatory changes over the last 18 months or so, our default recommendation is to move your pension to a UK based, FCA regulated pension, rather than an overseas scheme.

Many firms advertising here in Spain do not have the required licenses or regulation to offer a UK based solution for a pension transfer, or indeed to manage the investments in a UK based pension on an ongoing basis. They will recommend a QROPs because it is the only solution they can offer, rather than being the right solution for you.

If you are exploring your pension options, you need truly independent advice. You also need the option to keep your transfer within the UK, avoid hidden fees, and have your pension funds managed by trusted UK based, FCA regulated companies like The Prudential, Rathbones, HSBC & Investec.

If you are considering a transfer and would like to explore your options or maybe just get a second opinion please call me direct on 664 398 702 or email me on s.kelly@chorusfinancial.es.

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QF Focus Magazine

Book Review by Ivor Kindle

Book Title: The Queen's Man Author: Rory Clements Publisher: Hodder and Stroughton As a fan of historical fiction I search the markets and charity shops for good books to read. I certainly struck lucky with this find.

The date is 1582 and the master spy Sir Francis Walsingham has been training John Shakespeare in the dark arts of intelligence gathering. The story is based around the plot to remove Elizabeth 1st from the throne of England and return England to the Catholic faith. In Sheffield castle Mary Queen of Scots is held restrained in private apartments. All around the country plots and schemes run riot...John Shakespeare is assigned to seek out foreign agents and rogue priests who are determined to unseat Elizabeth. Characters a plenty, this book has an engaging fast paced story line and is one of a series of six titles featuring Intelligencer John Shakespeare. An excellent and interesting read...enjoy

...keep reading Ivor Kindle.

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w

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.

It's All Going to Pot.

&

A friend of mine, who is also a fine musician, always quotes the above title..."It's all going to pot" when something in his particular field of interest seems to be going wrong. My understanding is that it is a title of a Willy Nelson song that he sings when he plays at the occasional Jam session. Well with my friend's permission I have stolen his favourite "ism" to write the following piece about the mess that Great Britain appears to be in.

I must say that my reflections are based on my "View" and that my "View" is one that is seen from my presence living here in Spain. That said, I do visit GB and can justifiably claim experience through living the first 40 odd years of my life in Great Britain.

QF Focus Magazine I was born and bred a London boy ...right in the middle is where I spent my formative years, formative years when it was safe to walk the streets without fear of guns and knives. I admit that no large city will be entirely risk free, but what has happened to London to put it above New York for a couple of months (Feb and March 2018) in the Homicide league? February in London saw 15 murders whilst New York saw 14 and March in London saw 22 murders whilst New York saw 21. As I write 2018 to date has seen 46 murders on the streets of London and of these murders, 31 were fatal stabbings. It would seem that the streets of London are no longer paved with Gold ...rather they are plagued with guns ...knives ...and drug gangs. Innocent children seem to be dying at the hands of gangs that research now says "are embedded in the culture of Britain's towns and cities". In 2017 Surrey police held a knife amnesty ...this amnesty resulted in "one weapon being handed in every three hours" ...such is the danger of the arms held on Britain’s estates and conurbations.

How has Great Britain come to this state of affairs? Police numbers down overall by about 20,000 officers ...ambulances unable to assist the injured on our streets because they cannot discharge their patients into the already overcrowded Accident and Emergency departments, that themselves are underfunded and understaffed.

Libraries and Youth Services being starved of cash, forcing closure and placing already vulnerable people out on to streets that are now unsafe. Business rates now so high that local high streets are now full of Charity shops and betting shops ...betting shops where you can lose hundreds of pounds to as yet, unregulated machines.

This terrible state of affairs is driven by the most inept bunch of second rate Politicians that, in my opinion, Britain has ever seen.

Farage has the gall to throw dead fish into the river Thames in protest at the Common Fisheries Policy of the European Union ...this despite his attendance record as a member of this committee, showing that he turned up once in thirty something meetings of the said committee ...did he still take his salary as a Member of the European Parliament? ...you bet he did!

QF Focus Magazine Next I move on to the shambles of the "Nerve Agent " attack in Salisbury ...Of course it was the Russians ...why? ...because Boris Johnson said so ...you know the former London Mayor who spent a fortune of Taxpayers' money on a water cannon that was illegal to use on London's streets. Next he turned his imagination on trying to build a bridge over the River Thames that would be covered by trees and plants ...it would also be barred to ordinary London people and as an aside would shield the downstream view of St Paul's Cathedral. Next he has turned his genius to the plight of the British /Iranian held in an Iranian jail ...with the result that she will be lucky if she is released any time soon. Finally, and to compound his utter incompetence, he appears to be trying to start World War III with the Russians.

Across the benches in the House of Commons we have a weak a bunch of opposition MPs as can be dreamed of ...In my youth I was a member of the Radical Left ...I used to attend meetings where all in attendance were in agreement with everyone else ...all rational thought was ignored in the warm glow of left wing fellowship. In time I grew up and sought real time experience to rationalise and modify my beliefs ...Mr Corbyn I suggest, is still in the stage of development I was in during my early to late teens.

It's all about politics without responsibility. Grow up the lot of you ...Britain deserves clear upbeat direction not the sorry shambles as a country she finds herself in.

Iron Men and Glen Hoddle.

On a lighter note I was amazed to see the Australian cricket establishment fall apart at the seams as a result of the on field antics of the Australian cricket team.

Iron men Aussies were all over our televisions blubbing their apologies at being caught cheating.

I wonder if someone of good heart would have blown the whistle had

Page 17 they got away with their ball tampering. Surely the essence of all sport is that you must be able to lose ...it's about fair competition.

That said, did I love the sight of Iron Men Aussies crying? ...Of course I did ...but only for a moment ...on reflection I feel sorry for them.

Heard my not so favourite soccer commentator "Glen Diamond formation Hoddle" droning on about this and that during a recent Champions League football match and my attention turned to a brilliant comment I heard ...apparently someone was asked "What would you do if you were on a desert island with Glen Hoddle and a tin of creamed rice?" ...The reply was "I would eat Glen Hoddle and talk to the tin of creamed rice." My sentiment exactly.

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QF Focus Magazine

A Costa Blanca Couple find free pet care when they travel TrustedHousesitters members Denise and Eric live in Orba in Spain. Denise has a day spa and beauty business and also creates her own organic beauty produces which she sells via aromantis.com. Eric is a theatre Company Stage Manager returning to the UK a few times every year to do panto and install shows on cruise ships. That’s why they needed to find a sitter as there was no one to look after their cats locally.

“We liked the whole concept of TrustedHousesitters and the website was so professional and easy to use. We thought we may have a couple of applicants, but we had 24! And it was marvellous, people from all over the world contacted us. The hardest thing was choosing a sitter,” Eric told us.

“We have two cats and had a rescue kitten (which was quite a handful) and all the sitters have coped really well with the cats, falling in love with them."

He added, “One couple who contacted us to sit couldn’t do our dates, but were house sitting in the next village. They were so charming that we met up with them and had dinner.”

Eric told us about his house sitters, “Our first sitters were wonderful, the house was immaculate when we got home, with the garden swept and tidy. The other great thing is that you can always ask for advice, we had really speedy response from the TrustedHousesitters Membership Support Team when we had some questions.”

TrustedHousesitters.com launched in 2010 and today is a global community of pet lovers who help each other travel. The website connects thousands of home and pet owners with care-orientated sitters to look after their home and pets for free, in exchange for a place to stay. TrustedHousesitters.com is available in more than 130 countries and costs €89 annually for members to list their homes or to register as sitters. The site offers unlimited free house sits or unlimited free pet sitting from verified caring animal lovers and has more five-star reviews than any travel or pet company on TrustPilot.

Female Focus readers can enjoy a 20% discount if they join TrustedHousesitters and use the code PETFOCUS at the checkout at trustedhousesitters.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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No one likes to be overcharged, so why overcharge your laptop, phone or tablet battery?

It is a common misconception that all laptops, phones or tablets be plugged into a main electrical supply permanently. Whilst this may be a convenient thing to do, or just plain lack of knowledge, it will cost you in the long run. Similar to phones, laptops were at one time an asset used purely for business purposes whilst on the move. This of course has moved on as more and more people of all ages have become more adept to using computers whether that be a smartphone, tablet, laptop or tower.

Laptops, most commonly known as Netbooks (smaller than your average laptop) or Notebooks, tablets and smartphones contain batteries to enable a user to be mobile. Without baffling one with the physics of the make-up of a cell, generally a battery contains many cells forming one power circuit within the device. When a battery is placed on charge the cells get charged to full potential until the device reaches capacity. At this point the battery cannot take any further charge, in fact it does the opposite effect and starts to destroy the cells thus lowering the life of the battery. A laptop battery for instance that would last maybe 10 years would require replacement within 2-3 years.

So, what is the answer? Plain and simple, if you have a Netbook or Notebook that is static within an office or home environment, charge it to full capacity and then remove the battery (most will work on mains without the battery being present). The battery can be put away for that occasion when you need to use it and don’t have access to a main supply. Unfortunately for the newer laptops the cell battery is contained inside and not accessible and requires expert knowledge to replace it. So, what is the answer to this? Well in this case, the laptop, tablet or smartphone should only be placed on charge when the power is running low (near to empty) and then taken off charge when 100%!

You will have more happy years with your batteries if you follow this simple rule. Happy computing!

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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Pets and CBD Oil

When we move to Spain we often bring along our four legged friends or find new ones to adopt (or they adopt us!). But, did you know that CBD oil can also help your pets. Just like us our cats and dogs also have an Endo Cannabinoid System. Because of this they can also benefit from the effects of CBD (Cannabidoil) meaning that your cat or dog won’t get ‘high’ from CBD but will get the relaxation effects from the CBD.

For example, CBD has been seen to reduce stress and anxiety in humans including situations including panic attacks, problems with public speaking, anxiety disorders and Post Traumatic Stress Disorders. The same has been seen in dogs and cats, for example noise phobias (remember all the times fireworks go off in Spain) especially in smaller more anxious dog breeds.

Another area where benefits have been seen is in the treatment of seizures and epilepsy. Unfortunately many drugs used to treat these problems in dogs can be extremely harmful to your dog’s liver and other organs, whereas CBD offers the potential benefits without harming organs.

A key problem found in many pets in both young and old age, like us, is joint pain, arthritis, inflammation etc. Where great results have been seen with humans, the same has been seen in dogs and cats, especially the larger breeds eg. German Shepherds, Retrievers, Great Danes. The use of CBD has given these pets a new lease of life and a massive reduction in pain and stiffness has been seen.

Finding the Right Oil Just like us, our pets deserve and need high quality CBD oil. Please follow these following guidelines when selecting the CBD oil to ensure the highest quality product; 1. Organic is best – make sure that the oil is grown organically. If not the oil can contain pesticides.

2. Don’t decide on price alone – The higher the quality of oil, the higher the price. Given the amount of drops in a bottle and the processes the oil goes through for a high quality product don’t go for ‘cheapest is best’.

3. Lab analysis is vital – Every bottle of CBD oil should contain a batch code relating to a lab report for that batch. The lab report will confirm the CBD percentage and even more importantly the THC percentage (this needs to be less than 0.2% to comply with current European legislation, any product with higher than 0.2% THC is illegal and could be confiscated).

4. Tincture is best – Using the CBD oil is best as control and changing dosage is a lot easier than pet ‘treats’. Having said this, it is often easier to get your pet to take a ’treat’ than a drop.

At Genius Hemp we are pleased to announce the launch of a pet treat product specifically designed for dogs and cats to give the best results. Please check out our Facebook page ‘Genius Hemp and CBD’, call 622 233 091 or email info@geniushemp.eu for further information and where you can purchase the range of oils, creams and now pet treats all containing CBD. Genius Hemp ‘Promoting the health, not the high’.

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Light at the End of the Tunnel The long drawn out negations on Brexit continue. The good news for expats is: 1. Health cover for retired residents is very likely to continue in a similar method to current SI cover.

2. Increases in UK old age pension will continue for expats living in EEA (European Economic Area) countries without change.

by Steve Iball, Area Manager deVere Spain

ACTION: Ensure you are a resident and on the Padron before Brexit date.

Potential cost issue on transfer of UK pensions to Overseas trusts i.e. QROPS (Qualified Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme) are very likely to be subjected to a 25% tax charge on transfer.

This will be in line with all other countries, outside the EEA, easy money for expats.

ACTION: If you hold frozen pensions in the UK (personal or company), you need to take advice to establish if you are able transfer it and if that is the correct advice. deVere is by far the largest advice providers on UK pensions across the world and we give this important advice without charge.

Saving and investments in UK or Spanish banks pay less interest than inflation. In real terms, your capital, if held this way, is eroding in the long term. All interest is taxable in Spain – even ISAs – year on year at anywhere between 19% and 26%.

ACTION Review Savings Over £25,000.

By doing this you can 1. Get informed on a legal method of not paying tax if there is no withdrawal.

2. Avoid having to declare overseas assets on you Spanish Modelo 720.

3. Enjoy returns above the rate of inflation maintaining the currency so as not having to exchange into Euros.

4. Take a monthly income if required.

So, in short what’s been happening at deVere. Well we’ve won yet another award with our CEO Nigel Green winning CEO of the year from CEO Today. We’ve strengthened our technical team with Darren Jones – one of the most respected IFAs in the sector having recently joined us.

Our VAULT card goes from strength to strength and our crypto currency product is growing steadily and positively - take a look at the app in either the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

And finally we’d like to thank everyone who stopped at our stand and attended our presentation at the recent Homes and Gardens show in Altea. It was a great opportunity to answer your questions and confirmed to me that there’s no such thing as too much advice, in fact it's still surprising how little some people know, who have so much to gain!

For more information, contact me on 610 822 484 or email steve.iball@devere-spain.com.

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Health benefits of Reiki Tricia Lee is a qualified Holistic Therapist, Psychic Medium and Reiki Teacher who is based in Quesada and with 20 years' experience.

Reiki is a Japanese word meaning “universal life force energy�. The healing system dates approximately 2,500 years and can be tracked back to Tibetan Buddist Monks. It was rediscovered by Dr. Usui in the 19th century.

Over the recent years, Reiki has become a very popular natural healing system. I have found during my years of giving Reiki, that the one common thing that my clients tell me, is that they feel such deep peace and relaxation after a session. This then brings about the body’s own ability to begin the process of inner healing.

The therapist can channel energy from the universe via simple touch and this then activates the natural healing processes of the patient and can also help to restore not only physical wellbeing but also on an emotional level.

This complimentary therapy can also be used with other medical or therapeutic techniques.

When you receive Reiki you lie fully clothed on a treatment couch, whilst the practitioner places their hands very gently on various part of the clients body.

There are huge benefits to be gained form the Reiki healing system: Smoothes digestion, improves sleep, reduces anxiety, relieves headaches and migraines, releases tension and stress, helps with pain management, relieves depression, re-balances the body on a physical, mental and emotional level and aids relaxation.

Everyone can feel the huge benefits of Reiki when they are struggling on different levels of physical or emotional pain.

I also run one day courses for anyone wishing to learn the wonderful healing system.

Please see my main advert for contact details.

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New larger La Marina premises …

For over nine years right move insurance has been providing a complete range of insurance policies across the whole of Spain with local offices in La Marina, La Zenia and Quesada and believe in old fashions values, like trust, respect and honour. The right insurance products, at the right price, go hand in hand with treating everyone the way they would want to be treated themselves.

Right move provides a wide variety of insurance products including: home buildings and contents, car, motorcycles, business and public liability, boat, health, pet, life and critical illness, funeral cover, travel – in fact if it needs insuring, right move can cover it. Immediate cover, pay by instalment and no form filling can all be arranged to make the process as simple as possible. Right move regularly has special offers and promotions and are currently running a cashback promotion on car, home, life and business/commercial policies {terms and conditions apply}. They also offer a discount on second cars and can offer prices for insurance on young drivers and cover for short term on cars whilst family are visiting, so it is always worth getting in touch to see what deals are available.

The team knows that having the time to arrange insurance is difficult especially if you are busy and in a foreign country and their solution is to make the whole process as simple, quick and as inexpensive as possible. Whether it is just a quote, renewal, or a second opinion right move can help.

Just one phone call, email or a chat in one of its offices will allow them to offer a range of products that provide the correct cover at a great price. At right move insurance, it’s all about people andgood customer service.

Donna Lowman, based at the Quesada office said: “Our continued success and growth lies in our ability to offer customers, new and old, consistently good service, impartial advice and good products at a price. It’s also due to the support of our clients that the business has grown and without them we are nothing, so we would like to thank them for their support.”

For more information contact the team via their Facebook page, via contact@rightmoveinsurance.com or their web site www.rightmoveinsurance.com.

email

at

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The Original Copper Heeler The Original Copper Heeler helps eliminate the pain of arthritis or relieves it to a bare minimum with no side effects that you may experience from drugs - it's just a natural cure that works, and as the Sole Agent in Spain it is now available to buy here.

The Copper Heeler was designed and developed by top orthopaedic technicians and is lightweight, ultra thin, fits in any shoe and is moulded to the shape of the foot for extra comfort.

Why Copper works? We all need to absorb certain metal elements in order to thrive and one of these is copper.

Copper is an essential trace mineral which is present in all body tissues, and along with iron helps in the formation of red blood cells.

It also helps keep the blood vessels, nerves, immune systems and bones healthy and strong. Quite simply without copper our brains, nervous and cardiovascular system could not function normally. As we get older our natural ability to absorb copper reduces and we therefore need to supplement our diets. Our bones can become brittle whereas copper helps to keep them strong and healthy- regular use of the Copper Heeler helps maintain the levels of copper our bodies need.

It makes no difference which part of the body copper comes into contact with as the benefits from the copper will be absorbed by the skin and then circulated throughout the body to relieve pain.

You should expect to feel the effects within 2 - 3 weeks however some users feel the difference almost immediately.

As well as the Copper Heeler we are also suppliers of the Magnetic Heart which is a drug free alternative to HRT. Easily attached to your underwear it is reported to relieve the symptoms of the menopause, including hot flushes and night sweats in over 70% of women.

All our products are available to buy on our online store at www.copperheeler.es where you will see many testimonials from users. We are present at several weekly markets where you can purchase our exclusive products or simply get a little advice – see our main advert below right for information.

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Recipes by Pushpa from the Spice Hut Chicken massalam (chicken in a rich almond sauce) - 600g diced chicken - 2 large onions sliced, boiled until translucent and then blended. (onion sauce) - 1 small onion, finely diced - 3 tspn ginger paste - 3 tspn garlic paste - few cardamom, cloves, bay leaves - salt as required - sugar as required - 1 tspn chilli powder - 1 tspn turmeric - small handful of almond flakes - 4 tbspn of almond powder - 300 ml cooking cream - 200 ml water - small cup of oil Heat the oil, add the diced onions, fry until soft and golden brown.

Add ginger, garlic and the whole spices and fry slowly.

Add the chicken and mix well and cook well.

Add onion sauce, cream, water, salt, sugar, dried spices and finally add the almond powder.

Cook on a medium heat, to a thick and rich sauce.

Check for flavour, salt, sugar, chilli, etc.

Garnish with almond flakes.

Enjoy

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

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Samaritans in Spain (SiS) – A special message from the Listening Team Many of you will have heard and know of the work that the Samaritans UK do in the United Kingdom, perhaps less of you reading this article will know that we have a similar organisation running in Spain –SAMARITANS IN SPAIN is a registered national charity operating under licence from Samaritans UK offering a confidential, non-judgmental emotional support service in English for those in distress.

The Spanish organisation is financed entirely by fundraising by the good people of the area, kind donations from individuals / organisations and monies generated by the charity shop at the Centro Commercial Punta Marina, Punta Prima. (Just off the Punta Prima roundabout on the N332). The charity shop is always grateful to receive good quality second hand clothing and bric-a-brac. If you have such items that you no longer need then please drop them off at the shop or the drop in centre next door. Regretfully we cannot take large items of furniture. We also always need shop volunteers.

The SiS is undergoing a rapid period of change from a small local charity (formerly Costa Blanca Samaritans) to a larger nationwide organisation which supports the whole of the English-speaking community in Spain of any nationality.

The call rate has increased four-fold in the last few years and expansion is constant. As such we are currently looking to increase our pool of volunteers who manage the charity, listen on the phones, answer emails, volunteer in the shop, help with our awareness campaign etc. We always need people from the top to the bottom of the organisation, and if you have professional experience working in fields such as financial management, HR, service delivery, income generation, we would be glad to hear from you as a potential Trustee Board Member. If you would be able to offer a few hours of your time manning the phones in our drop- in centre that would also be greatly received.

Those volunteers who answer the phones are the key to our organisation, without these there would be no services to the English community in Spain. Volunteers normally live within one hours travel of Punta Prima and have a caring, able to listen, empathic personality, nearly everybody who thinks they may be able to do it, can! A short course of training must be undertaken to ensure that you are able to offer the service that our callers need, and show the integrity and confidentiality personalities required. This normally takes about five working days and then you are assigned to a mentor for a further few weeks to ensure that you have gained the required confidence to take calls without direct supervision.

Calls taken at the centre and on the mobile duties (carried out during non-office opening hours) cover the whole range of people with problems that range from the small practical problem to those with more serious problems. All problems are treated with the same degree of importance, the range can cover marital/relationship problems, financial difficulties, anxiety, depression, anger, loneliness, homesickness, problems with employment or lack of it, bereavement, and yes occasionally suicidal of course and many, many more.

We at SAMARITANS IN SPAIN believe that everyone has the right to make fundamental decisions about their own life, including the decision to die by suicide.

Your training will teach you to deal with all calls including the possible suicidal caller with the same empathic ear, to listen and to avoid giving advice. It will leave you with the confidence and skills to deal with all types of calls that come into the call centre. All volunteers have full ongoing support by our in house volunteer support team after the training and mentoring periods are finished. At any time during the training you feel like you wish to reconsider, then this is fine, a pause or to finish completely is OK if that is your wish.

If you feel that you can give a few hours each week to help others in need either on the phones or in our Punta Marina centre, then perhaps the SAMARITANS IN SPAIN is just what you have been waiting for.

Please contact us by email spainsamsrecruits@outlook.com or call our office number 96 679 8230 to obtain an application form. We very much look forward to hearing from you.

THANK YOU ON BEHALF OF THE SAMARITANS IN SPAIN. For those people who have an urgent need of our services you can call our Helpline 24/7, 365 days a year or email us if you prefer (we try to reply within 24 hours). If you prefer a more face to face conversation call in our drop in centre for a chat and a brew at Centro Commercial PUNTA MARINA, PUNTA PRIMA, TORREVIEJA, ALICANTE. Hours of 10am to 2pm.

Calls are FREE - Freephone 900 525 100 Email: pat@samaritans.com.

More information at www.samaritansinspain.com.

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our

oroscope

ARIES Someone keeps telling you what to do and you are struggling with taking 'orders' from them. If they won't take advice on how things might work better a different way, then see it as a bonus as if things don't go well, it's not your doing.

TAURUS Stop looking for shortcuts, there are none if you are going to do this job properly. Don't give up either, you are not a quitter and will feel such a sense of achievement when it's done.

GEMINI The more you try to sort things out this month the more difficult they seem to become. Just go with the flow, if it was meant to be it will happen. Those close to you are really trying to help you even if it doesn't feel like they are.

CANCER It just seems to be one step forward and two steps back with everything at the moment. Whatever you try to do seems to take twice as long and double the energy. Fortunately someone will come and give you the support you need.

LEO A project which was put on you is now actually growing on you. Whereas you saw it as a chore, you can now see the benefits of it all and are actually looking forward to the outcome.

VIRGO You are pushing yourself too hard and making unrealistic deadlines.

Don't feel guilty taking some time out, without the rush, the job will turn out better than you could imagine.

LIBRA You need to start organising and delegating more efficiently and not leaving everything to the last minute and then passing it over in a rush.

A friend and partner clash over your time. Sort it out before it becomes a much bigger problem.

SCORPIO Plans have hit a hitch and you think you might need to start all over again. Get a second opinion and see if you can keep going with a few tweaks.

Alternatively it's back to the drawing board.

SAGITTARIUS Money is an issue and you need to think long and hard before committing yourself to anything else. Saying no to a few things is not the end of the world. Saying yes to everything is much more dangerous, leaving long term problems.

CAPRICORN Too much pressure on someone could lead them to give up on your plan altogether and that is not good for anyone. Working as a team and sharing responsibility is the only way this will work.

AQUARIUS A memory from the past keeps coming back and you have been wondering what to do about it. A chance conversation will give you a different perspective and possibly the answer.

PISCES Giving more than you are getting back can be very tiring. You need to make sure the balance is correct or you will start to feel negative about the relationship. It doesn't mean you have to stop helping, just make sure they know when you need their support.

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

Our successful clients love the transformations that have taken place with Slim4Life.

Not only do clients receive Personal Weight Loss Coaching – which is the secret to successful permanent weight loss – but they are able to purchase the Exante high protein product range. However, our secret to success is a unique proven program which is included. A program that has been designed to ensure that once the weight is lost – unlike other diets – our clients remain Slim4Life.

Owing to the success of the first year since opening in San Luis, it is with great pleasure that Slim4Life.es – Exante Diet have three new branches – one in Quesada, one in La Marina and a new branch in Algorfa – to enable us to accept more appointments.

How it works Simply follow one of our plans that suit you or use as part of a calorie controlled diet.

What is Slim4Life Slim4Life diet plans are simple, flexible and work for you. We have a range of diet plans for you, suited for whether you are looking to drop a dress size, tone up or change your eating habits for good! Or if you have more than 4 stone to lose – try Slim4Life and never look back.

Want to lose weight?

Substitute up to 3 meals a day with our nutritious meal replacement products that give your body all the essential vitamins and minerals to support a healthy diet. Our program includes adding healthy food at the right intervals to ensure continuous maximum weight loss.

Want to tone up?

Each Exante product is high in protein, low carb and packed full of fibre, perfect for all ages, all tastes and for gym bunnies looking for a convenient post-workout snack.

Why Slim4Life?

It works, it's convenient, it’s cost effective and it transforms lives!

Our philosophy is healthy living made simple through easy-tofollow flexible meal plans and weight loss coaching.

Start Your Transformation Now Try our 28 day SPRING CHALLENGE to help guide you through the first 4 weeks of changing the way you eat with Slim4Life.

Feel healthy and watch the pounds fall off.

THERE IS A SECRET TO OUR SUCCESS: Clients are finding that the benefit of the PERSONAL WEIGHT LOSS COACHING is THE KEY TO SUCCESSFUL WEIGHT LOSS. It is an unfortunate statistic that most people who lose weight – just put it back on again.

With Slim4Life and the weekly weight loss coaching – we are proving that it is not only the Exante product range, but the change in your way of thinking.

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

We look forward to helping you with your own personal transformation before Summer 2018.

Phone or email Shirley for your free consultation – on 675 619 568 or slim4life.es@gmail.com.

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Hi All !

Well, Spring has truly Sprung.

Hard to believe that we are already at beginning of the fifth month of 2018.

From what I’ve observed locally (especially since Easter), things are certainly picking up again here on the South Costa Blanca.

Let’s keep our fingers crossed, that this upward trend continues.

This month I’d like to feature two very talented performers, who are both engaged in their solo acts, but are also coming together in their recently created “Blues Brothers” tribute show. Allow me to introduce you to Chris Packett and Rees Ruchat. Both of these artistes have been living in Spain since 2016, and are now firmly established on the local music circuit. They met each other just before Christmas 2017, and in conversation they discovered that they had similar musical interests. So, the seeds were sewn for a Blues Brothers Tribute Show.

Since settling into Spanish life a couple of years ago, Chris Packet has been entertaining both locals and visitors alike covering many styles of music with his vocals, and playing his saxophone and clarinet.

Rees Ruchat performs Swing and “Rat Pack” music in his own inimitable way. He is at ease performing both “laid back” and more up tempo songs, in his wide repertoire.

Both Chris and Rees have been working very hard over the last few months, perfecting their new show. It has been a very challenging task putting the act together, while continuing with their respective solo gigs.

The Show comprises of Chris Packett doing a 30 minute spot from his own repertoire, followed by Rees also doing a 30 minute performance. This is guaranteed to “warm up” the audience, before they join forces, and launch into their 90 minute spectacular extravaganza of the “Best of the Blues Brothers” tribute show.

They deliver songs and dance numbers from the soul and blues genre of music, covering all the classics from the film of the same name.

I strongly suggest watching the local press to see forthcoming dates from this affable duo.

Music from the greats including Wilson Picket, The Temptations and many more - too numerous to list.

A dynamic, highly charged entertaining night is a certainty... definitely not to be missed. .P.

Bye for now, D

QF Focus Magazine

Quesada Bowls Club Report

Sponsored by Spanish Life Properties

Our winter league season has now come to a close and it is exciting to report that once again the club has been successful in its league achievements. Our Swallows Southern League team has won the Division A championship for the second year in succession. The Swallows then went on to play the Benitachell Lions, a team from the North in the North v South play off and the Swallows took the title, again for the second year in succession winning 4 rinks to 1 (see photo).

Our Panthers, in the Federated Fours League won the Division A League for the second year in succession. Unfortunately, this was not played in the North this season so there was no North v South Play off.

Our Club Championships have now been decided and the results were as follows: Ladies Singles Winner: Jacqui Johnston Mens Singles Winner: Jason Prokopowycz Ladies Pairs Winners: Mel Highland & Jacqui Johnston Mens Pairs Winners: Nick Birth & Graham Phillips Mixed Pairs Winners: Caroline Smyth & John Smyth Mixed Triples Winners: Steve Fedtschyschak, June Moss & Tony Lale Mixed Fours Winners: Terry Morgan, Carol Broomfield, Peter Morgan & Jason Prokopowycz At the end of March, the Super 3 singles competition was run by the club where 32 players from local clubs took part. This competition consists of 3 bowls, 3 ends and 3 sets, and at the end of a very exhausting day and some excellent bowling, the winner was Jason Prokopowycz who beat fellow club player and organiser of the competition, Caroline Smyth. Prizes were presented by club President George Radmore (see picture below).

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.

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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 will now take a break until the autumn as 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 Cardenal 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 this work for the local community. Join now and make new friends by contacting Jill on 96 672 7282.

QF Focus Magazine Rojales Pantomime Group: Another successful pantomime ‘Alibaba and the Forty Thieves’ raised 3,000€ for local charities.

Jan Holden played an amazing baddie, ‘Bombastardo’, strongly supported by Sue Sellwood and Dawn Lovell as two of the forty thieves. The group are now in the process of deciding their next pantomime.

Always in need of new members, so if you are interested, call Sue: 699 115 563. Email. rojalespantomimesecretary@gmail.com.

Stagestruck: Tickets are selling like hot cakes with Saturday night nearly sold out. The production is an original comedy play ‘From a Jack to a King’ with plenty of East End cockney banter and songs from the 1960s.

This will be performed at the Cardenal Belluga Theatre, San Fulgencio from 17 to 19 May inclusive. Tickets 8€. Contact Jenny: 608 129 983.

Studio 32: The Company are preparing to thrill audiences with their latest musical theatre venture ‘Chicago’ a raunchy musical vaudeville set in the 1920s. The production will be performed from Wednesday 30 May to Saturday 2 June at the Cardenal Belluga Theatre, San Fulgencio. Full details on the website, www.studiothirtytwo.org.

Reserved seating tickets are on sale now and going fast - book now or you’ll miss it! Reservations by email tickets@studiothirtytwo.org.

Velvetones Harmony Choir: This growing group of Harmony singers now rehearse every Thursday from 5.15pm to 7.45pm at El Paraiso, Torrevieja. Why not go along for a coffee and listen to them rehearse? They are a friendly bunch and welcome ladies of any age!

Check out the website: www.velvetonesharmonytorrevieja.com or follow on Facebook - Velvetones Harmony Chorus. Call Mary-Anne on 96 671 4973 for further details. Photo by Kristoff.

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

QF Focus Magazine

Page 35

Altea Weekend 2018.

On Saturday 7 April twelve of us left the shop at 2pm accompanied by our wives and partners and travelled in convoy along the AP7 to the Cap Negret Hotel in Altea for a cycling weekend in the hills.

When we arrived we checked in and stored our bikes away in the storage area (large room suitable for 20 bikes, kit etc shower, toilet, and washing machine) provided for cycling teams. Most of the top teams that train in and around the Calpe / Altea area now use the Cap Negret Hotel as their base. We were soon changed into our cycling kit and ready to leave the comfort of the hotel and head for a nice easy climb up to one of Spain’s most picturesque villages, Guadalest for a coffee and cake. It’s a lovely twisty road all the way up with some steep parts but nothing compared to what was to come tomorrow. At the top it was relatively quiet with many bars and restaurants already closed but we found one still open, Daniel unfortunately forgot to unclip and cycled straight into a gift shop and fell over. After he picked himself up, he emerged pushing the bike with a red face and a belt stuck to the bike - what a laugh we had. After 30 mins drinking coffee we were off again downhill all the way back to the hotel, the roads were deserted by this time and we raced each other all the way to Altea where we stopped and waited for everyone to catch up and regroup for the last 3km ride back to the hotel. We all stored our bikes in our storage room, showered and dressed, then met in the bar for a beer or two before entering the dining room for dinner with the girls.

On Sunday morning I told the guys that I had a surprise for them so they were all up bright and early for breakfast and ready to hit the road by 9.30am. We left Altea on the N332 and headed for Calpe where we picked up the coast road all the way to Moraira.

We passed through Moraira to Mercadona where we took a right turn, up past a few houses and there the surprise was - straight into a 22% climb which was relentless. It just went on and on, it is called Cumbre del Sol and has featured many times in the La

Vuelta. The total distance from bottom to top is only about 4km and 500 metres of climbing with an average grade of 10%, but it’s a sheer devil of a climb. Once we were all at the top we took the usual pics, the views were tremendous and they are starting to build lots more houses up there. We then came down the opposite side at kamikaze speed straight into El Poble Nou picking up the road to Teulada where we stopped to recover with a coffee, ready for the next challenge. We then headed for Benissa, Senija, Lliber, Xalo, Alcalali and Parcent which is the starting point for Coll de Rates, another climb made famous by La Vuelta.

We then started the next downhill stretch to Tarbena where we had coffee and a cake before passing through Bolulla and Callosa d’en Sarrià, where we turned left and made our way back to Altea.

It was lovely and quiet when we arrived back at the hotel so we stored away our bikes and went through to the pool area where we ordered 12 beers and sat and chilled in the sun for about an hour.

Lynn and the girls had caught the train outside the hotel to Benidorm for lunch and a look round, and all had a great time counting how many steps they had all taken. Maria won as she has the smallest feet so has to take 2 steps to everybody else’s one. The girls were already back and joined us in the sun for a drink. When the sun disappeared we all went to our rooms and got changed and met up in the dining room for dinner which was brilliant. Monday morning all bright eyed we had breakfast and left the hotel, all doing our own thing on the way back to Quesada. All in all, a great weekend away was had by all. Here’s looking forward to returning again in October.

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

Page 36

Forthcoming Events

By Keith Nicol Spring is definitely in the air and if you are looking to make the most of it, don’t miss out on visiting Torrevieja’s May Fair, the “Feria de Sevillanas” which makes a welcome return to its traditional time of the year and location. It will be held in the port area from 23 to 27 May. On Wednesday 23 May, the official opening ceremony, followed by fireworks and then a performance on stage, will start at 9pm, with nightly stage performances, and on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, a display of horse drawn carriages.

At the IFA Exposition centre, beside the airport, there are two very different Fairs that could be well worth a visit. For food lovers, you won’t want to miss out on ALICANTE GASTRONÓMICA 2018, from 4 to 7 May. It’s an opportunity to discover lots more about the gastronomy of the region, devour oodles of tasters, try the ham, wine, coffee and just have fun.

For lovers of classic cars and bikes, you won’t want to miss the largest classic car show in the region, ANTIC AUTO 2018, the Salón Internacional de Automóviles, Motocicletas y Recambio Antiguo y Clásico, which takes place over the weekend of 19 and 20 May. There are discounts and special offers for both shows and you can find out more at: www.feria-alicante.com.

And just in case you ladies out there need to remind your partners, husbands, children, etc, it’s Spanish Mother’s Day, Día de la Madre or Día de las Madres in Spanish, on the first Sunday in May. The same day, the Ace Cafe Classic Car gathering takes place on Sunday 6 May with a second event in Pilar de la Horadada taking place on the last Sunday of the month, 27 May, so a bumper month for classic car and bike fans.

QF Focus Magazine Tuesday 1 May is Labour day and a public holiday throughout Spain, plus it’s also the start of a week of activities in Caravaca de la Cruz and their Running of the Wine Horses. Although opening day is the first, traditionally the event starts on the same day every year, 2 May, The ‘Caballos del Vino’ is and event of International Tourist Interest and continues until Saturday 5 May 2018. There are lots of parades, processions and re-enactments aside from the main event of the actual running of the wine horses, which takes place on Wednesday 2 May at 2pm. The event features 60 horses that are dressed and paraded in spectacular embroidered cloaks.

One after the other, they take part in a timed run, up the hill to the sanctuary, with prizes not only for the fastest horse and rider but for the costume too.

Another fabulous annual event that’s well worth a coach or car trip is the XI Museum Night/ La Noche de los Museos in Cartagena.

The International Museum Day has been celebrated around the world since 1977.

This year the event takes place on the evening of 19 May, when museums across Europe open their doors for free. The city of Cartagena has prepared a wide range of culture and leisure activities, along with offering free entry to all their attractions.

You can visit all museum spaces, free of charge, from eight in the evening until two in the morning. More info from: www.nochemuseoscartagena.es.

For its fifth and last concert of the season, the Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra will perform in the fabulous International Auditorium in Torrevieja. This concert will feature a new collaboration with the choir of the Municipal Orfeón “Ricardo Lafuente”, and features a selection of Opera and Zarzuela from various composers, which will include overtures of Mozart’s famous operas, Rossini andVerdi, and several known choirs of Operas (Carmen, Nabucco ...) and Zarzuelas (El Bateo, Doña Francisquita …).

On a much more lighter note, although I could not verify if this was going to be performed in English or Spanish before we went to press, if you want a good sing-a-long and love the movie Grease, the International Auditorium is having a frivolous and fun night on Saturday 19 May from 7pm to 9pm with their Grease sing-a-long.

It’s the first time the auditorium has held such an event. The singa-long movies have the songs subtitled with karaoke bouncing balls et all, and each title has its own animation show during which the audience is taught refrains and choreography. In addition, the sessions are preceded by a photocall for the spectators to pose with the actors of the show. Before the beginning of the screening, the actors will teach the audience choruses and choreographies and explain how to use the participation kit. And during the film, the animators will accompany the spectators at key moments with the songs and dances they have taught in the initial animation.

Sing-a-long is a format that was born in the Gay Film Festival in London in 1999, although the first participation film was The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which was released in 1975.

Expect the unexpected and have fun. More information on:https://auditoriotorrevieja.com.

XV Murcia Hot Rally is just the place to be if you love motorcycles and music. The event takes place on 25, 26 and 27 May in Santiago de La Ribera Beach, San Javier, Murcia. It’s free to attend. This is one of the motorcycle world’s top concentrations in Spain and has fantastic charisma. The organisers say: “It’s highly recommended to have the three best things together: Very Good Climate: The Best Environment and Surroundings next to the beach:

[

QF Focus Magazine the best Live Music you can imagine.” More info on: facebook. com/SalaMurciaHotRally.

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

The Torrellano Miniature Steam Train. It is run by the friends of the railways association and so is normally only open on Saturdays between 4pm and 8pm with Miniature Train Rides from November to April on the 2nd Sunday of every month from 10.30am to 1.30pm and May to October 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.

Los Amigos Bodega La Marina

Samantha and Christopher Menon.

Los Amigos, locally known as Sam’s Bar, has been a supporter of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal since Sam took over the bar. Sam selected the Royal British Legion as her favoured charity and vowed to raise €5000 in 5 years.

Originally a favourite haunt of the La Marina Branch, Sam’s Bar hosted many of their functions and collected for the Poppy Appeal in the process. After La Marina Branch joined with the Gran Alacant Branch, Sam continued to collect in the Poppy Boxes and by her fifth anniversary in February, she had collected the magnificent sum of €5611, including more than €1500 in the last year alone.

To mark this superb achievement, The Gran Alacant and La Marina Branch Chairman, Robin Hargrave, obtained a Certificate from the Royal British Legion to present to Sam’s Bar/Los Amigos.

During a Branch Lunch outing at Sam’s on the thirteenth of April, Robin duly presented the Certificate to Sam in the company of the Branch Members.

The Gran Alacant and La Marina Branch of the Royal British Legion meet on the first Monday of the Month at 6pm in La Taberna, next to Monte Y Mar Restaurant & Bowls Club, Plaza Mayor, (Masa Square) Gran Alacant. There is no need to be Ex Service to be a member. Further details are available by contacting: Chairman: 96 66 95 423 or Treasurer: 639 917 971.

Page 37 Just to whet your activity appetite for June, on 19 June at Torrevieja’s Eras de la Sal, Rock Against Cancer III will be taking place. Doors open at noon with the music going into the night. It’s a family day out with lots of activities and bands all planned for your entertainment. It’s all in aid of raising funds and awareness for the AECC Cancer Charity and it’s hoped that other pubs, clubs, associations and groups will organise their own event and add to the fundraising efforts. For more information, please send me an email to: Keith@KeithNicol.com, and I will put you in touch with the organisers.

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

Royal Naval Association Torrevieja Branch More than fifty members of the Royal Naval Association, Torrevieja Branch met at Restaurante Rendezvous for their March menu del dia and what an excellent lunch it was! As usual, we enjoyed plenty of friendly banter with some very quaffable wine to help it along!

This very friendly crew welcome new members at their meetings held on the first Wednesday of every month at 1700 hours in bar/ Restaurante El Paraiso near Carrefour in Torrevieja, and remember you don’t have to have served in The Royal Navy to become an associate member. For more information please contact Chairman Paul Edwards on 618 644 934, Vice Chairman Danny Kay on 96 671 6274 or Secretary Margaret Forshaw on 96 692 1996.

We look forward to meeting you soon.

Campoverde Reef Band perform for Velvetones Chorus charity birthday bash!

Lorraine’s husband Norman, June, Suzi and June are all having ‘significant’ birthdays over the next few months, so they decided to hold a boogie session for Velvetones to support their Charity ALPE (Special needs school for disadvantaged Torrevieja) and were amazed by the results!

Ticket sales and raffle supplemented by Lorraine, raised €500 for the charity!

The ladies love singing and rehearse each Thursday afternoon at Restaurante El Paraiso, behind Carrefour Torrevieja, From 5.15pm to 7.45pm ....... check out the website www.velvetonesharmonytorrevieja.com, follow us on Facebook Velvetonesharmonychorus or call Mary-Anne on 96 671 4973.

Join us for a coffee.....

Page 38

Word Search

QF Focus Magazine Mascotas - Pets Continuing on from last month's theme of 'Pets' we thought we would look at the 'M' to 'V' of pets. There are 23 Spanish words (listed in blue). Remember words can go up, down, across, diagonally and even backwards and to make it harder, some letters will have been used more than once.

Answers to puzzles in the classified pages

MACHO - MALE MASCOTA - PET MORDER - BITE PAJA - STRAW PÁJAROS - BIRDS PALOMAS - PIGEONS PASEAR - WALK PATAS - PAWS PECERA - FISH TANK PECES TROPICALES - TROPICAL FISH PEDIR - BEG PELOTA - BALL PERRO - DOG PERRERA - KENNEL PIENSO - ANIMAL FEED POTRO - FOAL RABIA - RABIES RAZA - BREED RIENDAS - REINS SERPIENTE - SNAKE SIÉNTATE - SIT TORTUGA - TORTOISE VETERINARIO - VET

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)

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

Page 39

QF Focus Magazine

&

Spot the difference -

See if you can spot all 12 differences

SUDOKU

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

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

Answers to puzzles in the classified pages

Page 40

QF Focus Magazine

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 20.30-22.00 contact Javi on 603 727 179 for more information.

Wanted

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

Entertainment LADY JAZZ performing at the Costa Blanca! Perfect for your Lounge Area, Private Party’s, Weddings, Fine Dining and Cocktail Bar!! High quality vocals & chillout tunes. Tel 677 233 879 FACEBOOK:LadyJazzAnita or visit www.lady-jazz.com

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

QF Focus Magazine

Page 41

Classified Adverts

Puzzle Solutions

Employment 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.

Animal Adoption or Re-homing

Easy Horse Care.

Very easy

Medium

Nakita is a strong-minded young and unbroken horse. She is quite a handful. She is on our adoption list, but would require a very experienced person to bring her on. Call 652 021 980 or email rescue@easyhorsecare.net.

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

K9 Club.

Frank is a magnificent boy, very affectionate and gentle, he just loves everybody.

He is fully vaccinated, vet checked and would make a wonderful companion for someone. For more information please call 600 845 420 or visit our website www.k9club.es.

Pets in Spain.

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.

Talulah is a 4 year old Shih Tzu we rescued from a puppy farm. When the vet took a look at her teeth it was discovered she had a broken jaw which has been operated on. Apart from the jaw she is in great spirits and has settled in really well in her foster home. She is good with other dogs and has started to enjoy going out for walks. Call: 645 469 253. Email:-info@petsinspain.com. To view more animals for adoption go to www.petsinspain.com.

Misc Sales REDMI SMART PHONE, Dual SIM, SD socket, 6 inch screen, Charger, cover, seen working, 50€. Tel 690 772 178 (San Fulgencio).

TALKING AUDIO BOOKS, good selection cassette tapes, 1€ each.

Good condition, 690 772 178 (San Fulgencio).

PAPER PUNCH BINDER GBC C110, 22 slots, Heavy Duty, assorted combs, 25€, 690 772 178 (San Fulgencio).

PET CAGE LARGE. Galvanised, collapsible, detachable tray, 50€. Tel. 690 772 178 (San Fulgencio).

RED ORANGE RUG - 170cm x 230cm €10. Telephone 96 679 4337 or mobile (0044) 772 231 4501 San Fulgencio.

ONE SINGLE BED and mattress in as new condition for 120€. Tel 697 149 309 (Mutxamel area).

REMOTE CONTROL BEDS 2 remote control single beds with deep foam mattresses in excellent condition, 220€ each. Telephone 697 149 309 (Mutxamel area).

HP PAVILION LAPTOP (model 15-cc505ns red) as new. This is a top of the range windows 10 laptop featuring a 7th generation intel core i7 7500 2.7 GB processor, nvidia g force graphics, plus intel graphics (switchable) 256 GB ssd drive plus 1TB drive, sdram ddr4 16GB memory, full HD anti reflective 15 inch screen, Bang and Olfson sound.

Cost new over 1,250€ will sell for 750€ O.N.O. Telephone 642 669 039 (Javea area) mbpro37@gmail.com

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QF Focus Magazine

Classified Adverts

Autos SKODA CITY GO 75CV silver 5 door 26,000km. 2013, manual, petrol.

Immaculate one owner. Denia 619 903 213 Price 5,950€.

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

Property Sales & Rentals PROPERTY FOR SALE Village house (Benirrama near Pego) living room, dining room, office/third bedroom, toilet/cloakroom, kitchen large walled garden space for pool. First floor 2 bedrooms with two bathrooms one en suite, some furniture and white goods included. More photos available. €149,000 Telephone 96 640 0055.

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.

CALPE, NEW PENTHOUSE in Calpe 98m2 with a terrace 40m2. Central, opposite the Casa de Cultura. Only 110.000€. Tel 629 991 543.

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.

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.

APARTMENT, JAVEA, 110 Sq Mt. 3 Bed 2 Bath Apartment, close to the port and walking distance to shops, restaurants, services. reduced to from 179,000€ to 169,950€, large terrace, underground parking space, communal pool and secured gated entrances. Contact 619 504 963.

VILLAGE HOUSE, BENIDOLEIG. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. 110m2 build.

Aircon. Double glazing throughout with persianas and mozzy nets. Fully renovated structure, electrics and water. Private South facing roof terrace.

Direct sale by owner. €129,000. Tel: 96 640 4472.

LUXURY REFORMED FINCA, Benimarraig, between Benissa and Calpe.

Rural not remote. All mains services. Bulk gas tank. 4Beds/ 4baths. Underfloor and central heating. Pool. Electric gates. 285M2 on 5000m2. 595,000€. Tel. 659 561 027. www.fincaquisi.co.uk COSY FRONTLINE APARTMENT in Altea! 2 bedrooms, balcony that faces the sea, linens, towels,kitchen appliances, internet, everything you need.

Have a look at www.altea-playa.com for info and photos. Available from March 2018. I rent by the week from June until September, and per month the rest of the year. No long term, sorry (max. 6 months in winter). sibykel@gmail.com 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 - 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.)

&

REDUCED LUXURY VILLA

06/18

Built 2001.

225m2/ 800m2.

West facing.

Lovely sea and hillside views.

Benissa Coast.

4 bedrooms / 3 baths. 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.

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