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Deposito Legal A-685-2016
October 2019
Inside this issue:Your Local Community News, DP Entertainment - Recipes - Legal 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
Here at Siesta Group we appreciate how important it is to supply quality garden furniture and accessories so you, our customers, can relax and enjoy the Spanish climate to its fullest. Siesta Group was founded over 15 years ago and continues to expand and grow providing everything you may need for your garden or terrace area. Our latest store opened its doors in April in Partida El Planet 159, 03590 Altea and has already proven to be a popular choice with locals. In store you will find a comprehensive range of furniture available in many different sizes, styles and materials and in particular we have an extensive range of beautiful Rattan Garden furniture consisting of Armchairs, Sofas, Corner Suites, Dining sets, Sunloungers etc. Our rattan is strong, durable, stylish and contemporary in design, making it suitable for all terrace and garden areas and as we import direct from the manufacturers and hold large quantities of stock, delivery can usually be made within a couple of days. To complete the service we are also authorised stockists of the famous Broil King brand offering BBQs and accessories so we are confident we have everything to make your summer living enjoyable and comfortable. Our success is down to our consistent service and quality, giving our clients exactly what they want ie good quality furniture and a service to match. Our sales team are always on hand to offer advice to ensure you make the right choice for you, and our distribution team are dedicated to delivering your furniture to your door, assembling it and putting in place. In fact we are confident we offer the complete package. All of our products can be viewed online at www.siestagroup.shop and in all of our five stores based at Gata De Gorgos, Altea, Los Montesinos, Cabo Roig and San Javier. See our back page advert for more information.
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QF Focus Magazine
Fun in the sun with live music and a BBQ On a sunny Sunday in early September friends and family came together for a BBQ cooked by Joey and Jim, Chefs from T.J's restaurant in Benijófar to raise funds for the Huntington's Disease Association Costa Blanca. After enjoying the delicious food people danced to live music played by Barry Young. Towards the end of the evening some guests joined in for Karaoke. The generosity of all those attending, and in particular Joey, Jim and Barry for providing their time free of charge, and all volunteers helping on the day, was warmly welcomed by the President. She said that ticket sales and the raffle raised a magnificent 523€. She went on to say that without this support we would not be able to provide the much needed support for people with Huntington's Disease and their carers. The enthusiastic and continuing support of local people was greatly appreciated. The next Huntington's Disease Association event is a hot and cold buffet/ dance on 9 November at the Pines Restaurant in Benijófar. Tickets, in advance, are 20€ per person. For further details contact: margaret.tozer@hda.org.es.
marion.smith@hda.org.es
or
QF Focus Magazine
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There is only one thing on everyone's mind at the moment and that is the sheer devastation our area suffered through the recent Gota Fria. My heart goes out to all the families that have lost their loved ones, homes and belongings through this disaster, but the response and generosity from the public has been phenomenal and overwhelming. It goes to show that we really do pull together as a community when times are hard. It is going to take a very long time to recover from this but the continued support and help that people are giving will hopefully speed up the process of the aftermath. Emergency services have been fantastic with many volunteering their time and expertise, working tirelessly throughout the night to prevent further catastrophes. This has affected everyone, directly or not, and is a period of time that will go down in history and will be a very sad memory for many. Congratulations to Ger de Beus from Rojales who won last month's 50â‚Ź competition after spotting the logo on page 23. See if you can spot the logo in this issue for a chance to win 50â‚Ź, see inside for details of how to enter. Good luck!
Michelle
The front cover photo was sent in by R. W. Barnes from his recent walk along the Caminito del Rey, located in the mountain region above the Costa Del Sol. It took him just over two hours to walk the most dangerous path in Spain, but two days to recover! Female Focus covering the Alicante North region and the QF Focus Magazine covering the Alicante South region. Discuss your advertising with your local representative:-
La Marina, Catral & Dolores All other areas - Sales Manager Merf 634 349 521 Michelle 663 178 228 merf@femalefocusonline.com michelle@femalefocusonline.com
QF Focus Magazine Office Tel: 657 501 055. Please send editorial to editor@femalefocusonline.com Advert content to advertising@femalefocusonline.com Pick up your next issue on 5 November Deadline for advertising & editorial - 18 October Like and Follow us on Facebook - Costa Blanca Focus
https://www.facebook.com/FemaleFocus/
QF Focus Magazine
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October has sneaked up on us and that can only mean one thing, Halloween! Some people love it, others cringe at the thought of scary face paints and dressing up. Do I go spooky this year? Cute? As Halloween gets closer you don't need to shudder at the thought of a headband with pointed, fluffy ears. It's not necessary to be filled with dread. I'm going to give you some great tips on how to look dark, mysterious and sultry, yet elegant and classy. Vampy lips can be achieved without the fangs! They scream glamour and really make a statement. Line your lips using a black lipliner or kohl pencil, fill in the ends of your lips. Apply a bright red lipstick in the centre. Blend everything together with a lip brush. Make sure you blend where the black and red meet, also blending with the lip line. Add more red if needed. You can also add a little clear gloss. If you want those lips to really stand out, why not add concealer on the outer edge? Bold Cherry red lips and intense eyes are not only for the brave, but if you prefer you can team this with a darker natural eye shadow and vice versa. A pop of colour can work really well giving a futuristic look so don't be shy! Why not try a gold and black smokey look? On a clean base, apply some black liner in the outer corner and towards the crease. Use an eyeshadow brush to soften it out. The black will create depth. Apply some of the black to the lower lash line and gently smudge. If you really want to make an entrance, I'd always recommend a set of strip lashes. Whatever look you are going for, wear it with confidence, always make sure you are comfortable with your makeup. There are so many different options and choices you can choose what best suits you. Happy Halloween! For more information please contact: Mobile: 610 865 040. Instagram: @maisiemakeupx. Facebook: Professional Makeup by Maisie Garrett. Email: maisieegarrett@gmail.com.
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QF Focus Magazine
27th August 2019 – Annual Returns Update Due to uncertainty in World markets there has been a small decrease to NET Expected Growth Rates (EGR) applied to your fund daily, provided by a brand extremely well known to British expats, as follows: PruFund Growth (Sterling) Fund 3.5% p.a. PruFund Cautious (Sterling) Fund 2.7% p.a. PruFund Growth (Euro) Fund 2.6% p.a. PruFund Cautious (Euro) Fund 1.9% p.a. Below is a summary of key benefits our most popular Spanish Tax Compliant investment product for Spanish resident ex-pats: • Mechanism employed by the Provider smooths returns. Excellent for inexperienced investors and historically vastly better than bank interest returns. • Option to give a regular monthly or quarterly withdrawal of 5% p.a. penalty free, giving peace of mind for the regularity of a set income. • Avoidance of Spanish inheritance tax liabilities between spouses if written as a joint policy.
• If your Spanish will contains the UK law of succession clause then your UK resident heirs will only pay Inheritance tax per UK rules on the passing of this bond. In most cases this will be Nil. • All income tax deduction and reporting and Modelo 720 asset reporting is done for you in Spain by the Prudential International (based in Ireland). • Portable, should you move back to UK or most other countries. • Investment in € euro or £ sterling (minimum £20,000 or €25,000) • 1.5% allocation bonus for investments over £150,000 (immediately worth £152,250). 0.5% allocation bonus for investments over £75,000.
David Diggle C.A.T., DipFA of Blacktower Financial Management (International) Limited. Tel: 615 607 278 / 965 058 212 Email: dave.diggle@blacktowerfm.com. Website: www.theblacktowergroup.com Location: Costa Blanca The 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.
QF Focus Magazine
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QF Focus Magazine
Checklist: the most common paperwork pack to sell a property The most common paperwork pack to sell a property in Spain is - Latest Water Bill. - Latest Electricity Bill. - Latest council tax (SUMA bill). - EPC Energy Performance Certificate. Required in all cases except for detached properties of under 50 square metres. - Habitation Licence. Currently, the submission (registration receipt) of having applied for a Habitation License (not the license itself), is required to sign for a property sale at any Notary within Alicante. Requirements and the amount of Registration Tax necessary for the certificate vary greatly between the different municipalities. -Certificate of Antiquity / Retrospective Licence. This is required whenever the property has been extended, altered or had a pool built without a proper building licence. By having a Retrospective Licence / Antiquity Certificate, building works become non objectionable and vendors use it to avoid putting off potential buyers, due to the existence of undeclared or unlicensed building work. The Antiquity Certificate is also the document needed at the Notary to update the Title Deeds (Escritura) with any alterations made to the property. Martinez de la Casa Architects is one of the most prominent and respectable practices in the area, providing all types of Certificates and Licenses, amongst other services. Offering super discounts for groups (call your neighbour) or if you require 2 or more different documents done at the same time. Also if your Solicitor or Estate Agent is studying your case, ask them to contact us to provide your property's selling pack, we will make the whole process easier, faster and substantially cheaper for you. We are the Number 1 company in EPC Certificates (121€ inc IVA) and Number 1 for Antiquity Certificates (pools 229€ inc IVA, extensions 326€ inc IVA) and Habitation Licences (from 118€ inc IVA, Town Hall tax not included, depending on each municipality. Please contact us for an accurate quote). For all enquiries or to arrange an appointment please call 665 810 411 or visit www.martinezdelacasa.com to see over 150 testimonials on our services.
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QF Focus Magazine
RESIDENCIA TIME IS TICKING! Sun Lawyers are the people to go to if you are looking to become a Spanish resident, especially with Brexit looming even quicker around the corner. The retiring British Ambassador to Spain, Simon Manley, said that his final wish was for every Brit living in the country to make sure that they are fully legal by getting a residencia in time. Sun Lawyers could not agree more, and we know exactly what to do for you, and don´t forget that UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has pledged to get Britain out of the EU at the end of October, deal or no deal, and that means time is running out! It all may seem a bit daunting, but here at Sun Lawyers, we've lost count of how times we've gone through this process down the decades, and it is straight-forward. Sun Lawyers will do virtually all the work for you to give you peace of mind, and make sure that you have all the correct documents to enjoy your time in Spain. Forget the bar talk and rumours, because it is all very simple, and you should apply for a Spanish residency card if: - You’re spending more than 90 days in Spain. - You want to be legal in Spain. - You want to have healthcare in Spain. Let's examine those three points in more detail. You're staying in Spain for over 90 days It's all down to the law, and clearly states that if you spend more than 90 days in Spain per year, then you must apply for a Spanish residency card, which in effect is a stay permit. If you are from the UK, the Brexit issue is clouding the waters, but essentially you have to get yourself covered with a residencia, pure and simple, and we at Sun Lawyers can get that sorted for you and your partner and family. The proposed UK-EU withdrawal agreement allows residencias to continue, but they will then be swapped over to a different card, which the Spanish government said earlier this year would be a straight-forward process.
That looks like being the case as well in a no-deal Brexit scenario according to Madrid, but you have to get a residencia right now, and time is ticking by quickly. You want to be legal in Spain This is a simple matter of “peace of mind”, as doing everything according to Spanish rules can only bring benefits, and Sun Lawyers have the expertise to tell you what's what! As an example, as a British or any EU person that is permanently resident in Spain, once you have obtained your Spanish residency card, you then legally have to switch your EU/British licence for a Spanish driving licence. Yes, EU driving licences are valid in Spain (as long as they have not expired), but if you are a permanent resident, you need to stay within the law and swap over to a Spanish document, rather than going through all kinds of hassles, some of which could cost you time and money. That's just one example over being legal, and we at Sun Lawyers have the checklist that you need to make sure that you will be fine for many years to come. You want to use the Spanish healthcare system Essentially there are are two main categories here: Limited and temporary healthcare in Spain. This must be done through the EHIC health card, but this does not include ongoing treatments. Permanent all-inclusive healthcare in Spain. One essential requirement to qualify is to have a Spanish residencia, in order to get a SIP card, which will give you that vital healthcare access. Sun Lawyers will sort that out for you, once you have got that residencia, and there are countless people that we have helped on that score, with many years of experience on how to do it. Ready to act? It is common for Sun Lawyers to see people postponing important decisions, like the need to apply for Spanish residency or sorting out the taxes or buying a home with a reputable lawyer. Don't plough on without the right advice and experts behind you and get in touch with the English-speaking Sun Lawyers team to apply for your Spanish residency, which is imperative that you get right now!
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QF Focus Magazine
Ibex Insurance & Road Safety Association N332 host Driving in Spain seminar Ibex Insurance are hosting a talk by serving Traffic Police officers and their award winning N332 team on all aspects of driving in Spain. It will be a chance for drivers, and perhaps their passengers, to listen to an informative and entertaining presentation in English by serving Traffic Police officers and ask questions on all aspects of driving in Spain to get clarification from the real experts. The reputation of the N332 team goes before them as their mammoth following of 135,000 people on Facebook testifies. Subjects such as ‘how to use a roundabout’ always provoke a lively debate amongst people who learnt to drive in other countries. Other topics that might arise are driving foreign plated cars in Spain, when you need to change to a Spanish licence, when an ITV check is necessary. Maybe even use (or lack of use) of indicators! This information will help you to stay safe on the roads and to avoid falling foul of the long arm of the law. Ibex Insurance is the number 1 expatriate insurance broker in Spain and our experienced staff from the office in Ciudad Quesada will be on hand to answer any queries you may have on car insurance. The presentation will take place at the Centro Cultural Quesada in Calle El Pino, Ciudad Quesada on 16 October from 11am to 1pm. This is sure to be a popular event so to reserve your place please email quesada@ibexinsure.com or call 96 671 9951.
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QF Focus Magazine
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome has a higher rate of incidence among women between forty and sixty years old.
• It often occurs as pain, numbness and tingling in the palm of the hand and fingers. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most common diseases among workers who perform tasks related to manual efforts and repetitive movements of the arm and affects 3% of the population, mainly women in their 40s and 60s. “This Neuropathy”, says Dr. Vicente Carratalá, head of the Hand and Arm Unit of Quirónsalud Valencia Hospital, “occurs when the median nerve that extends from the forearm to the hand is squeezed or compressed as it travels through the wrist. This disorder is very common in people who carry out activities that need flexion and repetitive extension of the wrist mainly in household chores, work on assembly lines, carpenters, painters or prolonged use of the computer mouse. According to Dr. Luís Sánchez Navas, the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include “the feeling of pain, tingling and numbness in the palm of the hand and in the thumb, index and middle fingers, which frequently worsens at night, and may wake up the patient feeling the need to take the hand out from the sheets and shake it, seeking relief. With the worsening of the compression of the Median Nerve these symptoms become more intense and a feeling of clumsiness and lack of strength when performing pincer gestures begins to appear due to an atrophy of the muscles dependent on this nerve.” One of the peculiar features of this disease is the delay in its diagnosis, as Dr. Sánchez Navas explains, “Patients tend to assume their symptoms, the electromyographic test usually takes a long time to be performed, and the results do not always match well with the intensity of clinical symptoms. As a result of this, patients go to the specialist when the condition is already severe, obtaining slower and less satisfactory surgical results, as the nerve must recover from severe and prolonged compression.” One of the most significant advances in the treatment of this neuropathy has been the approach using minimally invasive techniques, including
endoscopic techniques, being able to release the nerve throughout its path through the wrist by making just a one centimetre incision with a minimum involvement of the soft tissues, which leads to less discomfort in the postoperative period, with minimal pain and almost immediate mobility. As Dr. Vicente Carratalá explains, “this new technique represents a great advance in the surgery of this type of disease as opposed to traditional surgery, where the procedure required a longer incision in the palm of the hand with greater involvement of the soft tissues and longer recovery time due to the pain caused by this approach.” Benchmarks in the treatment of hand and arm injuries The Hand and Arm Units of Quirónsalud Alicante and Valencia, have experts in minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of joint injuries such as arthroscopy, both wrist and hand, including rhizarthrosis or arthrosis of the base of the thumb, elbow and shoulder, which allows an optimal and precise treatment of ligament and tendon injuries that may appear. They are also specialists in regenerative therapies such as the eco-guided infiltration of platelet growth factors in tendon and muscle injuries. Arthroscopy is a technique for the treatment of joint injuries with the aid of a camera and minimal incisions. This offers the great advantage of being able to explore the joint in its entirety, without depending on the limited field obtained with conventional open surgery, working with magnification and having state-of-the-art materials and implants, through which the lesion can be treated very precisely without the need for aggressive surgery or large incisions. This is highly beneficial for the subsequent recovery of the patient. Also, the fact that working together in a coordinated manner with traumatologists, rehabilitators and physiotherapists, regardless of the injury requiring surgery or otherwise, provides a significant advantage in the early recovery of injuries.
Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja. Tel: 96 692 1313. www.quironsalud.es. See main advert on page 13.
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QF Focus Magazine
Upside Down Plum and Almond Cake This is a lovely caramelised, moist, gooey cake to have with a scoop of ice cream as a dessert or with a nice cuppa coffee. A great way to use up the glut of plums at this time of year. Upside down cake reminds us of school dinners and cookery classes. We’ve added a twist on the old skool pud by using plums and ground almonds; using brown sugar as the topping and in the cake gives a really deep, dark caramelised flavour and appearance. Ingredients Upside Down Topping 50g dark brown sugar 30g melted butter 10 halved plums
For the Cake Batter 100g dark brown sugar 100g butter 3 medium eggs 100g SR flour
1 pinch of salt 1 tsp milk ½ tsp vanilla essence 20g ground almonds
Serves: 10-12 Recipe Preheat oven 180C, 350F, Gas mark 4. Butter a large 20cm loose bottomed cake tin. Sprinkle the brown sugar in the tin, add the melted butter. Mix really well and spread evenly on the bottom of the cake tin. Pack in the plums face down in the tin. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl; cream the sugar and the butter until it becomes creamy. Add one egg at a time and mix into the mixture. Add the ground almonds, milk and vanilla essence. Sieve the flour, baking powder and salt into the bowl and fold in gently. Pour the batter into the cake tin over the plums, using a wooden spoon spread evenly. Place the cake tin on a baking sheet. Bake for about 45 mins or until the cake is cooked. Check if cooked by inserting a toothpick in the centre of the cake – if it comes out clean the cake is cooked. Once cooked leave to cool for 5 minutes. Place a large serving plate over the tin and in one swift move (using oven gloves) lift and flip the cake on to the plate, remove the cake tin. Serve and enjoy! Great with ice-cream, custard or fresh cream. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook 'Curry On Cooking' and purchase our currylicious kits from www.curryoncooking.com.
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QF Focus Magazine
Indian Head Massage
A relaxing massage for the shoulders, neck, scalp and face to reduce stress and tension. Also helps to relieve headaches and sinus pain. Treatment, Effects and Benefits jaw · Stimulates or soothes the nerve endings depending on the movement applied · Lymphatic circulation is increased which Indian head massage is based on a traditional system of medicine assists the removal of waste products from the area. known as Ayurveda. It is a treatment that is applied using the hands to the upper body, shoulders, upper arms, neck and head. Psychological benefits of Indian Head Massage Traditionally used by Indian women who believed the massage Alleviation of stress, anxiety, lethargy and mild depression. promoted health and shiny hair growth. The massage has been Greater creativity, clarity of thought and concentration. practised in India since Hinduism began, and was once the A sense of well-being. mainstay of Indian life. The family tradition of massage plays an Increased self-worth and self-esteem. important role in Indian life and Indian head massage is known as Effects can relieve stress. Improve the blood circulation. Relieve champissage in India. The massage part of Ayurveda (the science tiredness. Induce relaxation. Balance the mind, body and spirit. of life) an ancient form of medical treatment which is nearly 4000 Promote energy and stimulate the sensory nerve endings. years old. It is a complete healing system, possibly the oldest in the world, which teaches a truly holistic approach, concentrating on See my advert below for more information and contact details. achieving a balance of mind, body and spirit to promote physical, emotional and spiritual health and well-being. The therapeutic effects of Indian Head Massage last long after the treatment is over. The short and long term benefits are individual, varied and cumulative and include the following; Relief from pain and stiffness in the muscles of the face, scalp, neck, upper back and shoulders · Increased mobility of the joints in the neck and shoulder area ·Relief from tension headaches, eye strain, nasal congestion, jaw ache and hangovers ·Increased energy levels · More restful refreshing sleep · Deeper, calmer breathing · Strengthened immune system · Improved skin condition and colour · Strong, healthy, shiny hair. Effects: Increases circulation · Increased efficiency in waste products · Encourages hair growth · Skin tone and elasticity is improved slightly · Maintains muscle tone · Relieves fatigue and toxin build up within the muscles · Eases tension in the
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QF Focus Magazine
Is Attitude Everything? It is good to realise that the circumstances we are in at the moment are largely based on decisions that we have made in the past, and those situations may be difficult to change. Possible, but we may not want to put the effort into making changes, so we end up having to paying the price! However, we are totally in control of our attitude towards what is going on in our lives on a daily basis, and that can improve things right away! Whatever is going on, changing our attitude will make things better and enable us to bring things to a conclusion, so it’s worth considering the difference it can make. Dorset Campbell Ross is an amazing public speaker who uses “Attitude is Everything” as his theme title, and after listening to talks he made years ago in the U.K. and meeting up with him, I learnt that we can bring massive changes in our lives starting from today. Check him out on line and see what a difference our attitude to everything will make if we apply it in the right way. Saying “No” to things we don’t agree with, or don’t want to do, is sometimes the hardest thing to do, but if we don’t cause offence it is easy... just smile when we say it, and it makes a difference! The results we get when we do that is really good. Tone of voice, facial expression, and giving people the best of our attitude will help us to stay strong and make us so much happier. It also proves that we are coping with all kinds of circumstances going on in our lives, and that we are in control! Yes, attitude is everything! Remember that we are all entitled to have an opinion about things and we are all different, which is why there are so many conflicts in life, but the way we handle those situations are definitely what gives us the results... and that’s what can be good or bad. Worth a try! Until the next time
Violet King
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QF Focus Magazine
Autumn / Winter 2019-2020 Hairstyle Trends If you’re feeling that itch to change your hair then you won’t be wrong to take your inspiration from the autumn/ winter 2019-2020 hairstyle trends, hot off the runways of New York, London, Milan, and Paris. We love keeping up to date at Máximo Beauty with all the new hair trends, cuts and colours, being able to recreate these amazing styles in the salon and keeping our clients on point with nothing but the best and latest fashion trends. We have seen some amazing hair trends on the runways that have been able to inspire us in the salon and therefore we would love to share a few of our favourites with you. Chocolate Brown Rich and warm, chocolate brown hair is one of the most perfect autumn/ winter 2019-2020 hair colour trends. This deep brown shade holds a bit of softness and is super flattering to almost all skin tones. Red Hair This season we saw both natural red and deeper dyed red hair, proving that the colour is having a real comeback. Beautiful deep coppers and dark reds are a super trend at the moment and the shine that they give the hair will make you stand out. Low Ponytail The low-hanging ponytail might be the most classic of the autumn 2019 hairstyles, since it has also been on our trend list in many of the prior seasons. The secret to a super elegant low ponytail is to hide the hair tie with a twist of a strand of hair and gelling the sides to keep it looking sleek. Twisted Buns A twisted bun is a great little hairdo to learn to achieve, because it looks like it took so much time and effort but it’s actually super easy to create. At a busy fashion show with dozens of models, that’s exactly the kind of look that the hair stylists prefer, so the twisted bun came to be one of the autumn/ winter 2019-2020 hairstyles. For more information or an appointment please contact us Máximo Beauty telephone: 96 572 4671 or visit the salon at Plaza de la Constitución Nº2, Benijófar. Email: maximobeauty@gmail.com. Facebook: Maximo Beauty.
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Hi All. As I write this the Southern Costa Blanca has had the most horrendous Gota Fria since 1917. Untold damage has been done on a scale never witnessed before. Our hopes and prayers go out to all that have suffered the brunt of the storm. This month I will make a change in the music review, and feature one of the many Jam Sessions that have grown in popularity over the past few years. For those amongst us who are unfamiliar with the term, a Jam Session is a get together of different musicians (and vocalists), playing various instruments. There is a resident "House Band" present, who normally start and finish the Session, and in between accompany both the regular and visiting participants. The Session I am featuring this month is held every Sunday afternoon at Reflections Bar / Restaurant, Calle Aviles, just off the San Luis roundabout. Firstly, allow me to introduce you the house band. Frank Jones - Keyboards. Frank is originally from Halifax in Yorkshire, and has lived in Spain for 14 years. He has been a professional musician for most of his working life, performing on cruise ships, and has played Butlins and Pontins holiday camps. For the last couple of years prior to moving to Spain, Frank worked for Roland Pianos as Manager of the concession
QF Focus Magazine in Allders department store, selling digital pianos and keyboards. Ian Hutchings - Lead Guitar. Ian has lived in Spain for 11 years, and originally hails from Wigan in the UK. He was employed in the Civil Service, then in musical instrument retail. He has been a semi professional musician for most of his life, having performed in rock bands, dance bands, duos, and has also experience of the orchestra pit. Peter Gunn - Bass Guitar. Peter, originally from London, arrived in Spain 15 years ago. He has played bass since 14 years of age. Over the years he has played in all of the clubs in the East End of London. He has also performed in many Air Force bases, up and down the UK. Peter was a founding member of P.D.Q. Band in 2004, and has been performing in Spain ever since. Jez Wood - Drummer Jez relocated to Spain 16 years ago from Winchester in the U.K. He is the son of the late Tommy Wood - a well renowned Trumpet player from the Big Band Era. With this musical background Jez began playing drums at a very early age. He has a wealth of experience behind him, having played with top bands in the UK. Since living in Spain he has played with various bands including P.D.Q. This Sunday afternoon Jam Session House Band are known as "The Mirror Men". The credit for the ongoing success of the session is due to Andy Alton (Admin), who sees to it that all visiting musicians / singers get a chance to perform, often with the backing of the Mirror Men. Andy also posts all the pictures that he takes, and the feedback he receives, on Reflections Facebook page. As mentioned earlier, every week, an array of talented musicians perform many different styles of music, including Rock to Pop, Blues to Country. Everyone is welcome, amateurs to professionals.. men, women even youngsters. It's a very entertaining afternoon. If you haven't already been there why not visit. I guarantee - a good time is had, by all. Bye for now, D.P.
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QF Focus Magazine
our ARIES Chose a goal you can achieve this month and go for it. Not only will it bring you great satisfaction, the results will be fantastic and it will give you the motivation to move onto the next one. Hopefully more people will come on board making it easier and more enjoyable. TAURUS You can't help feeling a bit of jealousy creeping in even though you know that you shouldn't be feeling that way. Not doing something about it and trying to ignore it will just make it worse. GEMINI Although you want to know the truth about something, it does not mean to say that it will make things better or change anything if you do. Think it over carefully before you start asking too many questions. CANCER Don't just go along with the flow if it doesn't feel right. Trust your feelings and don't let others make you change your mind without a very good reason. You will be glad you did in the end. LEO As much as you don't want to take orders from anyone, you have to from authoritative figures. Learn when to fight your battles and when to leave it be. This way everyone will have a better time. VIRGO Your logic and practical way will get you through a setback that you did not see coming. Move forward and don't let it hold you back. Don't waste your time, use it wisely and you will soon be back on track.
oroscope LIBRA You hear some unexpected news about someone close but can't believe you have been wrong about them for so long. You are feeling very indecisive at the moment so it is not the best time to deal with anything major. Take your time to decide what to do. SCORPIO Keeping people guessing may feel fun to you but it really is not fair to them. You know how you feel, so tell them before they get fed up of waiting, as then it will be you who misses out. Confidence is the key word this month, you are full of it. SAGITTARIUS It is time to get back some of the control you seem to have lost recently and you are more than ready to take it on. Get back in the driver's seat and get tackling those tricky issues once again. CAPRICORN New doors are opening for you, all you need to do is decide wether to walk through them or not. Don't get overwhelmed by it all, think it through. AQUARIUS You need to improve the impression you give off to people as you can come across totally differently to how you hope they see you. Your nervousness in certain situations is the problem, deal with that and you will see the difference. PISCES Don't rely on anyone this month, if you want something done you will just have to do it yourself. Fortunately you are seeing the good in everything and everyone and nothing is going to wind you up. Giving some time to a good cause will uplift you more than you imagine.
Avda. De Las Naciones 1A, Local 30, Ciudad Quesada
www.spanishlifeproperties.es www.partexchange-spain.com
966 719 689 or 650 132 078
Email enquiries@spanishlifeproperties.es
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Book Review by Ivor Kindle
Title: The Weirdstone of Brisingamen and The Moon of Gomrath Author: Alan Garner Publisher: Collins
These two books are a blast from my particular past. Alan Garner is held by many to be an equal to Tolkein as far as children's book are concerned. I first found Garner's books as a eight year old boy who searched the shelves of Churchill Gardens library in Pimlico looking for something more exciting than Tin Tin and Enid Blyton. Garner did not disappoint, in fact he opened up to me a new more adult based style of children's writing. For the first time in my life the carefree nature of children's books was replaced by fantasy writing. These two books form a prequel and sequel and are just the sort of books for a parent to read to their offspring in an effort to open up the excitement of fantasy and soft magic stories. Go on give them a go ...encourage your children to explore with their reading.
...Keep reading, Ivor Kindle.
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A View From
The Top
Welcome to my monthly column “A view from the top”. Hopefully you will find my rambling readable (maybe even enjoyable). You may agree or you may disagree with my views, I care not. These are my views long held and forged over a life time of work, travel and experience. Now that’s over let’s have a look at what is really winding me up.
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Luna's Tale. Some weeks ago my lovely Spanish neighbour Marie-Carmen was chatting to ‘er-indoors about the stray (unwanted) cat that had turned up in our neighbourhood. The essence of the conversation was that Marie-Carmen had been feeding the cat for a couple of weeks and that the cat was not only looking better in that it was no longer a bag of bones ...now it was starting to wash itself, a sure sign that the cat was starting to get stronger. As the cat got used to Marie-Carmen it would wait either under her car or outside her front gate for Marie to return from work or shopping etc. As neighbours we also took notice of the story that was starting to unfold in front of us. The reason for the conversation was that Marie-Carmen was due to go on her family holidays and she had asked ‘er-indoors if she would take over feeding duties whilst she was away. Unfortunately ‘er-indoors was also away so I was elected as the cat feeder for the week or so that the holidays were to be taken. During the week leading up to the holiday period the cat suddenly went missing. One day, two days passed and
QF Focus Magazine I thought, oh well the cat has done what cats do, namely found another person to feed and water it. On the following Sunday my son and his partner Shelley came to visit and as they made entry to the house I heard Shelley say..."Oh you poor thing"...they entered the house and stated that the cat had returned and was under a car outside in the street but was in a terrible state and could hardly walk. After some attempts to persuade the cat to come out from under the car, Shelley went to the local vet and they loaned her a cat carrying cage. She returned back to the house and after more coaxing the cat was nabbed and taken to the vet where on examination and x-rays it was revealed that she ...for that’s what sex she was, had been shot three times with some sort of pellet gun and the three bullets/ pellets were still deep in her body. One of her back legs had been broken and she had taken a blow to the head (a kick seems likely) that had damaged some of her teeth. As she had been starved, she was very weak and barely alive, and due to her terrible condition the vet said that nothing could be done until the cat had regained some strength and her anemia had been treated. A couple of weeks have passed and Luna ...for that is her name, has had some treatment...but as I write it is proving difficult to find a vet skilled enough to actually treat all her wounds due to the severity and complicated nature of them. However, that said, Shelley and my youngest son will not give up on her and have sought a second opinion in the hope of finding a solution to Luna's injuries. Now I know that the story is shocking ...I know that some of the people reading this will say "it’s only a cat" etc..etc. My main reason for telling the story thus far is that I now know that close by to where I live there is someone who has absolutely no regard for defenceless animals. I have two dogs ...what if the *?!#!* takes a dislike to them. I live near a children’s nursery ...what if the *?!#!* moves on from animals to defenceless children, and after that
QF Focus Magazine where does someone who would beat and kick and shoot a tiny kitten go for his or her kicks. As the story was relayed locally other people have made it known that they know of people in the vicinity that have had animals shot and animals poisoned. The police have been made aware of the incident ...however I doubt much will happen ..not because they are not willing to act, it’s more the fact the I doubt someone who acts is such a cowardly fashion actually boasts about it. Let’s hope that Luna can make a recovery of sorts and that the *?!#!* who tortured her, because that’s what has gone on here, gets what’s coming to them ...what do they call it "Karma". A Real Gota Fria. I have lived here on a permanent basis for nearly 20 years, and in all that time I have heard the expression "Gota Fria", literally Cold Drop, many times when people have been talking about the expected weather that could be on its way to the local and surrounding area. The one thing that I have never experienced however is the real thing. I have witnessed several really bad storms complete with torrential rainfall and accompanying thunder and lightning, but I have never experienced anything like the weather in this South Eastern area of Spain that we experienced over the Thursday, Friday and early Saturday of 12, 13 and 14 September. As I type this piece it is Saturday lunchtime on 14 September and things seem to have calmed down. However, as I watch footage on social media outlets and the internet, it is all too apparent that the people who live near the banks of the River Segura and in lower lying areas are suffering the absolute worst of the consequences of a real Gota Fria. Life and limb are certainly at risk as is the absolute devastation of losing your home and all your worldly goods. I know that the clean up will go on for some time, as will the construction and re-construction of homes and buildings, but the damage to the real time lives of people will take a lot longer to get back to normality. In all the chaos it must be said that the emergency services have been working nonstop round the clock to keep people safe, and in many sad cases to rescue people in real danger of a risk to life.
Page 21 Let’s hope that a return to normality comes soon and that people get the help and assistance that they will need into the future. What must happen is that offers of help from central and local government must be honoured and not be allowed to fade as time moves on. People will need to know that the lives of themselves and their families can be assured of a positive future. The work also of the many animal rescue organisations must also be commented upon. Many tales have been told of people working all night during the storms attempting to rescue terrified and abandoned dogs, cats and as I witnessed myself, two men aiding a bedraggled donkey out of the mud and water that had threatened to take the donkey's life. Donations will be required both in the immediate aftermath of the storms and in the near, and long term future. Clothes, blankets and foodstuff as well as items of furniture will be needed as people rebuild their, in some cases, shattered lives. Assistance both in prayers and more worldly items can help ...let’s not forget what the area has been through. Keep well and keep safe. See you all next month... hopefully under better circumstances.
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Forthcoming Events By Keith Nicol All information is correct at time of going to press but we advise you check for any changes which are beyond our control. It's that special time of year when it's OK to dress up outrageously away from the golf course, dance in the streets, get out your broomstick, burn effigies in the back garden and let off a few fireworks. Yes, Halloween is at the end of the month, followed by a public holiday on 1 November for All Saints Day, so it's all a bit of good fun. There are two public holidays in October, the 9th and 12th plus All Saint's Day on 1 November, giving you zero excuses for not going out and enjoying yourself at Halloween. Being also half term in the UK and Ireland, many families will be in the region enjoying the Halloween season. Torrevieja's main streets are expected to come alive with Flash – Mob Dancing from about 9pm on Halloween Night, as the King of Pop, Michael Jackson leads the dancing through the streets with a host of local dancers, all in their zombie attire, performing Thriller and other great seasonal tunes. A fun night in the town centre. Other town Halls have organised their own Zombie Nights for the youngsters in their towns too. I have to start by saying that although events in Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa and Pilar de la Horadada are all going ahead as planed, the largest Gota Fria to hit the region has turned life around for many in the Vega Baja region, with local towns and cities such as Orihuela, Dolores, Almoradi, Redovan, Catral and others under water for many days, and as such, many planned events will have to be postponed or cancelled. Please check local newspapers and websites for updates. Pilar de la Horadada celebrate their patron saint, the Virgen del Pilar with dozens of activities planned throughout the month and into November. More information is available in English from: http://www.visitpilardelahoradada.com. If you're a music fan, and in particular Jazz and Blues, you won't want to miss the 39th Edition of the Cartagena Jazz Festival which starts on 1 November, with more details to be found here, next month. All the information is available on the website www.jazzcartagena.es. Every Saturday at 12:30pm you can enjoy free concerts in the Plaza del Icue, while on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night there are other free concerts around the city. There a couple of interesting and varied events happening at Torrevieja's International Auditorium in October. One of note is most certainly their mini-Jazz Festival. For the second time the auditorium includes the 'Torrevieja Suena a Jazz - Torrevieja Sounds like Jazz' cycle. The first session will be on Friday 18 October, at 9pm with 'Till Brönner Duo' + Jam Session with Just Friends Quintet. Till Brönner is one of the best known European jazz artists and has become an indispensable member of the international circuit. Brönner is a trumpet player, singer, songwriter, arranger and photographer. He will form a duo with Dieter Ilg is something like the great 'bassword' of German jazz. No other bass player knows how to think about the categories and possibilities of his instrument, making it available for all conceivable contexts. The following night on Saturday 19 October, at 9pm features the Big Band Cotijazz. The Band was created in 2011 under the International Jazz Festival of Las Torres de Cotillas (Murcia). Composed of excellent musicians from the Southeast of Spain,
QF Focus Magazine it is directed regularly by the renowned saxophonist and director Ramón Cardo. The current project of the Cotijazz Big Band combines a tribute to the big band of Woody Herman, and especially one of his arrangers Bill Colman, in a first act, and a tribute to the great voices of the history of the Big Band, in the second half. This session has a price of 10€. Sunday 20 October 8pm features the Delvon Lamaar Organ Trio. With a contagious mix of soul, jazz and rhythm & blues, Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio is one of the reference bands in this style. Its intense grooves, its exuberant sounds and some fresh and vibrant improvisations, denote an undeniable chemistry between the band's components. This Seattle trio, with Lamarr on the Hammond B-3 organ, Jimmy James on guitar and Michael Duffy on drums, evokes an instrumental sound with a virtuous and pioneering sensibility on the first album, 'Close But No Cigar', published last year. Work that appeared highlighted in the main jazz lists of the USA of the same year. Admission is 20€. The following Thursday 24, from 8pm to 9.30pm Ute Lemper will perform with his 'Rendezvous with Marlene'. This show is based on a three-hour telephone conversation between Marlene Dietrich, and Ute in Paris, in 1988, thirty years ago. Ute tells us the story of Marlene, while singing her fabulous songs, corresponding to all the chapters of her life, from the years of cabaret in Berlin to her magnificent collaborations with Burt Bacharach. This session has an admission price of 20€. However, you can attend all four concerts for the fabulous price of just 30€. The following discounts will apply: 100 Friends of the Auditorium tickets (20% discount) and 50 pensioners tickets (50% discount). Discounts not cumulative. https://auditoriotorrevieja.com. For a complete change of scene, we go from Jazz to Opera, on Wednesday 23 October with La Traviata. La Traviata is an opera in three acts, by Giuseppe Verdi, presented by OPERA 2001. Prices: 35€, 25€ and 20€. Discounts: 100 tickets for Friends of the Auditorium (20% discount) and 50 retired tickets (50% discount). Discounts not cumulative. On 26 & 27 October, Expo Torrevieja VI, Spain's largest International Lifestyle and Home Living show, takes place in the impressive foyer of Torrevieja's International Auditorium, beside QuironSalud Hospital. With over 70 stalls offering the very best in products and services to enhance your quality of life here on the Costas, it's a great opportunity to find out more about what's on offer from local suppliers and services, under one roof. And yes: it is all under cover, so inclement weather is not an issue. The Auditorium has parking for more than 500 cars. Admission and parking are free. The doors are open from 10am until 3pm both days. Expo Torrevieja VI also features Torrevieja's Clubs and Associations Weekend. It's an opportunity to find out more about what's happening at dozens of the region's local clubs and societies. Any club or association, hobby group etc, that would like to attend, may do so for free. Just contact: keith@expotorrevieja.com, for more information. More info at: www.ExpoTorrevieja.com. Get out there and enjoy something a little bit different this holiday season as Christmas and the New Year will soon be upon us. Don't forget it's Halloween on 31 October. Boo...
QF Focus Magazine
A breakthrough in the world of hearing aids by Emily Downes The new technology of the Oticon ‘Opn S’ hearing aids has arrived in Spain. They are designed to help you break free of restrictions and join the conversation, even in difficult listening environments. Studies prove that Oticon ‘Opn S’ users can experience speech understanding at the same level as people with normal hearing in noisy environments. These new hearing aids exceed the limits of what has ever previously been possible. So how is his new generation of hearing aids able to give even better speech understanding in noisy environments? Well, previously, most hearing aids coped with noisy environments by focusing on one speaker – typically the one in front of you. Now, the technology in the ‘Opn S’ gives you access to the relevant sounds around you, and puts you in charge of which sounds you want to focus on. And now here’s the science bit! The Oticon Opn S introduces the OpenSound Optimiser, a new technology that analyses sound at 56,000 times per second to allow access to up to 30% more speech details with a more natural sound and increased comfort. The result of this life-changing technology is that you will understand speech even better, with less effort. This lets you join in and keep up with conversations – even in challenging listening environments like a family dinner, or when visiting a restaurant. For more information on how you can take advantage of this groundbreaking technology get in touch with Chris Elcocks at The Hearing Clinic and open up your world of hearing. Chris offers a FREE Hearing Consultation, and works at clinics in Denia, Jávea, Alfaz del Pi, El Albir, Benijófar and Bolnuevo. Free home visits are also possible. Tel 659 644 106. www.thehearingclinic.es.
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Recipes by Pushpa from the Spice Hut Stir-Fried Sweet Corn Little oil for frying Sweet corn kernels, 1 large tin drained 1 tspn Ginger paste 1 tspn Garlic paste 1 tspn Cumin seeds 1 tspn Mustard seeds 2 chopped Green chillies 1/2 tspn Turmeric Salt to taste 1/2 tspn Black pepper Lemon juice as required Fresh coriander Heat the oil, heat the mustard seeds until they crackle, then add the cumin seeds, then add ginger and garlic paste, turmeric, lemon juice, green chillies, salt and black pepper fry a little. Add the drained sweet corn and cook on a low flame until dry and cooked. Garnish with coriander and serve with fresh salad and raita. Enjoy.
The Spice Hut Quesada. Tel. 96 673 1063 or visit www.spicehutspain.com.
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Success with permanent Weight Loss – with Slim4Life.es – Exante Join Now For Our 28 Day Autumn Challenge Slim4Life.es, the Weight Loss Company in Alicante who has been transforming hundreds of ladies and gentlemen in the past two and a half years, is delighted to announce they are now available in San Javier, Murcia and surrounding areas. San Luis, Quesdada, Torrevieja South and Los Montesinos, Villa Martin, La Zenia and Daya Neuva, were the first venues and are all operating successfully with hundreds of delighted slimmers. Slim4Life includes Personal Weight Loss Coaching – which is the secret to successful weight loss. It’s so easy! 1. Decide which Slim4Life diet plan is right for you. 2. Choose from our huge range of shakes, bars, meals, desserts & snacks. We have a unique programme consisting of Exante, SlimnSave, Diet Coffee and SlimPasta....so no boring “only shake” diet. 3. Book your free consultation to join the Autumn 28 Day Challenge. Start Your Transformation Try our 28 day AUTUMN CHALLENGE to help guide you through the first 4 weeks of changing the way you eat with Slim4Life-Exante. Feel healthy and watch the pounds fall off. There Is A Secret To Our Success: One of our recent successful clients, Amanda Lownds, has lost 75 pounds as you can see from these before and after photos. Amanda started her Slim4Life journey after trying every diet, exercise plan and trying to “eating healthy”, over the years. None of these methods offered quick weight loss to keep her motivated, but more important, it was the always regaining the lost weight afterwards that Amanda found so depressing. 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, Amanda was able to change her thinking and each week the scale went down... until Amanda reached her correct BMI and goal weight. After years of the unhappiness of being overweight, Amanda now says “I can’t believe this was so easy, so absolutely pleasant and the weekly consultations were exactly what I needed. This journey that I dreaded doing, with Shirley as my Weight Loss Coach, was such a pleasure, fun and the best thing I have done in years. I have turned my life around and now I too want to help other people with their weight problems”. Amanda has recently completed her training and is now ready to help our Murcia clients. Our Slim4Life transformations here in Torrevieja have been awesome. These clients have now found the secret to losing and maintaining their weight. Let us help you too. Phone today for your free consultation:- 675 619 568. Or for more information email Slim4life.es@gmail.com.
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Helen's Story “I felt calmer, more at ease, and ready to make my own decisions after confiding in the Samaritans.” Helen used Samaritans’ text service to help her through problems she was having with her partner. Nowhere else to turn “I have contacted Samaritans by text a number of times. It was mainly around the time I was having problems with my (now ex) partner. I needed someone to talk to, in confidence, without anyone knowing. I was feeling really low, upset, angry and worried about my relationship, and didn’t know where else to turn. I heard about the texting service through a friend. As I have a hearing impairment, phone calls can be very difficult for me and I am more at ease when texting people, so it was a great option for me. Samaritans helped me by listening (well reading!) to what I said and responding by asking questions and offering support. My experience of using the text service was good, even though there were times when I had to wait a while for a response. I felt calmer, more at ease, and ready to make my own decisions after confiding in them. I think my life would be quite different if I hadn’t sought help from Samaritans. I still experience problems with depression and anxiety, but I am much better than I was when I first contacted Samaritans. The Samaritans’ text service is fantastic, particularly for people like me who have problems with anxiety as you don’t have to speak. I have recommended it to a few of my friends.” You can now use WhatsApp to contact Samaritans via CHAT or a VIDEO CALL. Send a Message to 634 325 906 to organise. We are SAMARITANS IN SPAIN – You Talk We Listen.
Phone FREEPHONE 900 525 100. Email pat@samaritansinspain.com.
Age Concern Need You Take a handful of kindness, a heaped spoonful of compassion, a nice smiley face and the ability to chat and what have you got? A volunteer at Age Concern. A few vacancies have arisen for males or females, of any age, to join our existing volunteers at our Day Centre in La Siesta and our shop at Torrevieja. Susan, our new manager at the shop, wants to increase her staffing levels especially with the run up to Christmas. This busy environment caters for an international clientele in the heart of Torrevieja. The role at our Day Centre will see you welcoming visitors, on a Wednesday or Friday morning, for their coffee mornings, assisting them whether they need to hire a mobility aid, need advice or information or just having a chat. This is an extremely relaxed and leisurely morning. If you have a few hours to spare why not phone 96 678 6887 and arrange to pop in for an informal chat and see for yourselves. Perhaps you’d like to browse the website, lots of information about our organisation on there. Just go to www.ageconcerncostablancasur.org or follow us on Facebook ‘Age Concern Costa Blanca Sur’.
Rojales arts caves The ‘Arts Encounter’ takes place at the Rojales arts caves Cuevas del Rodeo - on the first Sunday of every month from 11am until around 2pm year round. More than just artists’ stalls, the individual caves are all open to view and there are 2 different free workshops available for anyone to participate at each encounter - e.g. pottery turning, painting, leather work, using recycled materials, jewellery making etc. There is also live music on one stage from 12 noon with recorded swing music on another so folk can dance - sometimes with a free dance workshop and the gallery - Sala Mengolero - has an exhibition too. The bar is open of course, and often paella is available as well. Why not go along and enjoy a morning of ‘art’.
QUIZ NIGHTS All year round entertainment is available in the south Costa Blanca area in the form of quizzes. They appeal to residents and holiday visitors and popularity is always on the increase. They come in various forms, but still the most popular is the basic paper and question form in which people can discuss the subjects before answering. A quiz should always be fun, whether you win or not. To comply with Spanish Law, you cannot pay money to take part or receive cash prizes. So all quizzes should not charge entry and most bars give wine or food vouchers as prizes. Quizmaster Mike currently presents 5 quizzes a week plus doing several for charity as well. They are all based within a 15 minute distance from Quesada. Sunday 9pm Spanglish, Doña Pepa Monday 7.30pm The Pines, Benijofar. Wednesday 7pm Edinas Bar, near Laguna Hotel. Thursday 4pm Olive Bar, Pueblo Bravo. Thursday 8.30pm Mickys Inn, Vista Bella Golf. Some require pre booking, many do food deals but all are completely free. Contact bars direct or email Michael on foreverinmusic@aol.com for further details.
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Coll de Rates (Tarbena) In June this year we had a Danish group hire five of our Pinarello road bikes and asked for a guide to take them out. They joined in with our usual Thursday night training ride round Rebate, Torremendo and Hurchillo. Friday we took them up the climb to Hondon de las Frailes, Saturday they joined us in a local Sportif in Ibi “Tour de Juguette”, Sunday they were exhausted so passed on our Sunday ride. Monday morning we were up bright and early and I loaded the van with the bikes and drove the guys to Altea, parked up and headed for the Sierra de Bernia mountain range and cycled to Callosa d’en Sarrià then just followed the road to Guadalest which is a Cat 3 climb of 6.3km with an average of 4% and has many steep climbs and switchbacks and is impossible to get into a good rhythm. After a coffee and tostada in the village we left to retrace our route and had a fantastic fast descent all the way back to Callosa d’en Sarrià where we turned left and headed past Fonts de l’algar (Beautiful waterfalls and diving pools well worth a visit).We just followed this road up and up passing through Bolulla and Tarbena where we turned left and took the twisty road to Castell de Castells which was a brilliant undulating road with very little traffic. The speed that we were travelling at meant we soon arrived at the village of Parcent, the start of The Coll de Rates climb. This is the Costa Blanca’s most famous climb and is a Cat 2, of 6.5km with an average of 5% and 356 metres of climbing, twisting and turning all the way to the top. This climb has been used many times in la Vuelta and in the Tour of Valencia. This is the climb that everyone, from pro riders to novice cyclists, does when they are in the Costa Blanca. It is by no means the steepest or longest climb in the region, but for one reason or another the ascent from Parcent has near mystical status. After the initial drag, the real climbing begins with a long and gentle right turn before the road starts twisting and turning higher and higher up the climb, in what seems to be a constant succession of corners and hairpin bends. There is hardly a straight bit of road in the first 4km, then all of a sudden, after a beautiful left U-bend comes the hardest part of Coll de Rates. The road straightens, leaving the mountain on your right and absolutely stunning views on your left, which make you want to slow down just to enjoy them a while longer. In the distance you can see exactly where you need to go and it doesn’t look near at all. Once at the top you can have your picture taken at the various signs, viewpoint and there is also a café for you to recharge your batteries. If you haven’t done this climb before then it’s definitely one that you need to do, then you’ll just want to do it more and more. My Danish group had a ball and hope to come back next year to do the same route in reverse. 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.
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Spot the odd one out
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SUDOKU Here are two Sudoku puzzles of different skill levels for you to try. Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3 x 3 grid contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repeats, which means that no number is repeated in any row, column or box.
Answers to puzzles in the classified pages
QF Focus Magazine
Word Search
Answers to puzzles in the classified pages AGUA - WATER ALGAS MARINAS - SEAWEED ALMEJA - CLAM ARENA - SAND BALLENA - WHALE BUCEAR - DIVE (to) CABALLO DE MAR - SEAHORSE CALAMAR - SQUID CANGREJO - CRAB CONCHA - SHELL CORAL - CORAL DELFIN - DOLPHIN ESTRELLA DE MAR - STARFISH FOCA - SEAL GAMBA - PRAWN LANGOSTA - LOBSTER MEDUSA - JELLYFISH MEJILLÓN - MUSSEL OCÉANO - OCEAN PEZ - FISH PULPO - OCTOPUS SIRENA - MERMAID SUBMARINO - SUBMARINE TIBURÓN - SHARK TORTUGA MARINA - TURTLE
Page 31 Oceano - Ocean. See if you can find the list of 25 Spanish words (listed in blue) relating to things you may find in the ocean (other than plastic). 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.
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The Stage Diary now in its 12th year of publication is not only an important guide to what’s on in all regions but is also an on-line web introduction to potential expat’s researching community life in Spain. The diary also acts as a planning guide to assist groups avoid unnecessary clashes of production dates. Actors Community Theatre Society. A `Bedroom Farce´ is coming! ACTS will be staging this wellknown comedy by the renowned playwright Alan Ayckbourn at the Casa Del Cultura in Benijófar on 7, 8 and 9 November. Tickets available at 8€ from various local outlets, or by telephone reservation: 699 982 726 or by email: tickets.acts@gmail.com. Don’t delay! Adante Classical Choir: The choir start rehearsals for the Christmas concerts on Thursday 3 October at 7pm at San Pedro and San Pablo Church, Calle de los Jazmines. Torrevieja. They have a feast of classical choral music to enjoy and perform in public. Anyone who enjoys this kind of music is welcome to join the group. Previous choir singing or an ability to read music is not essential but helpful. Contact kaemichelle65@gmail.com. Cantabile Ladies Choir: The choir are well into rehearsals for autumn concerts at Los Balcones Church, Friday 15 November, and at La Siesta Church Friday 22 November, featuring songs from the 17th and 18th centuries, both sacred and secular. New members always welcome for this friendly three-part harmony choir: contact valbeange@gmail.com. Phone 96 679 5816. Rehearsals at Las Siesta Church, Torrevieja, Fridays 2.15pm to 7pm from September to May. Harmonisers Barbershop:
QF Focus Magazine Stagestruck: The group are now well into rehearsals for their next production ‘Cinderella’. It’s the usual tale, with of course a Stages truck spin. The fairy G o d m o t h e r, trying to get with the times has a new wand only trouble is she’s not techno minded and has a spot of bother before the first act has even ended. Tickets are now on sale priced 10€. Call 625 883 387 for more details. Performance dates are 28, 29 and 30 November. Studio 32: This talented theatre company will be performing the musical ‘The Dracula Spectacular’ at the Cardenal Belluga Theatre, San Fulgencio. Show dates, 15, 16 and 17 November, commencing 7.30pm. Tickets now on sale. email: tickets@studiothirtytwo.org or telephone: 744 484 933. The Dayamantes Singers:
The Singers were formed 10 years ago and meet in Daya Nueva every Wednesday from 11am to 12.30pm. They are a group of men and women who enjoy singing a variety of songs from the 60s to the present time. Now commencing the autumn season with a wonderful new repertoire. Always looking for new members. If you would like to join and have a great social time, please ring Jean on 690 778 091.
If you would like your group to be part of the Stage Diary please email editor@femalefocusonline.com. Deadline for copy is the 15th of the month prior to publication.
Whatever your singing talent, a warm welcome awaits you at Harmoniser’s. They are a friendly club including all nationalities and a fun-loving harmony chorus singing in the Barbershop style. They meet every Thursday, 10am at Casa Contenta Rojales, near Quesada. Drop in and say hello, you will be more than welcome. Interested? Please contact Mick Hume at michaelhume4814@gmail.com.
Stage Diary Costa Blanca North information can be found online at www.femalefocusonline.com
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Crossword Across 1 Belonging naturally, essential (9) 9 Enthusiastic recognition (7) 10 Thoroughly unpleasant (5) 11 Inappropriate or out of place (5) 12 Pavement (7) 16 Devoutly religious (5) 18 Of value (6) 20 Income (6) 21 Follow as a result (5) 22 Cipher used by Germany during World War II (6) 24 Central part (6) 26 Garden bush (5) 27 Wealthy heiress in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice (6) 28 Detailed plan or design (6) 30 Sibling's daughter (5) 33 Matters that are kept private (7) 36 Parson (5) 37 Figure out (5) 38 Arctic deer with large antlers (7) 39 In an agitated manner (9) Down 1 Not fully developed (8) 2 Three times (6) 3 Hostelries (4) 4 Japanese dish eaten cold (5) 5 South American rodent resembling a small beaver (5) 6 Decoy, lure (4) 7 Opinion (4) 8 Grudging feeling (4) 13 Make by putting pieces together (8) 14 Leisure time away from work (7) 15 Month with 30 days (5) 16 Enjoyable (8)
NOTICEBOARD
17 Watch (7) 19 Combatant (7) 23 Lasso (5) 25 Wholly (8) 29 Exotic flower (6) 31 Emergence (5)
THE ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED POLICE OFFICERS (known as ARPO). Retired police officers from any national or international force are very welcome to join our group. We meet every 2nd Wednesday of each month at Friends Cafe Bar, Avda. del Mar 82, Los Montesinos 03187 starting at 10.30 a.m. We look forward to meeting new members and their partners. For further info. contact our web site, www.arpo.org.uk or email arpocostablancasouth@gmail.com. Crime Watch Spain (Vecinos Colaborando) Reg. VG – 08261/2002 advise the community citizens about security matters and help them to report any incidents in their communities to the authorities to try to keep out any intruders. For more information please email: colaborando.crimewatch@skynetlink.com. F.A.B. or Friends After Bereavement meet on a Saturday at the La Laguna hotel, Quesada at 13:45. We are a friendly group who meet up, chat, and spend days out together helping people to re-start their lives after the death of a partner. We are not in the least morbid, just a cheerful bunch who support each other through difficult times. Royal British Legion - Gran Alacant & La Marina Branch meets on the 1st Monday of the month at 18:00 in LOUNGE D in the Plaza Mayor (known as Masa Square) Gran Alacant. New members are always welcome, and remember that you do NOT have to be ex-services to join. Further details from email:- granalacant.secretary@rbl.community. The Royal British Legion, Torrevieja Branch have a bowls team who play at Casa Ventura on Thursdays and Saturdays, 1.30pm for a 2pm start. We would be pleased to see you there. Come along and have a game. Everything supplied. We are Torrevieja Maritime Association and our aim is to “Stimulate and maintain interest in maritime activities in the Torrevieja area among people of all nationalities”. We meet on the second Wednesday of the month at Casa de Galicia in El Chaparral, Torrevieja and can be contacted at torreviejama@outlook.com or via our Facebook site, Torrevieja Maritime Association. The Royal Naval Association, Torrevieja Branch meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 1700 (5pm) at CHE LOCO bar/restaurant, El Chaparral urbanization, Torrevieja. For more information please contact Chairman Paul Edwards on 618 644 934, Vice Chairman Danny Kay on 96 671 6274 or Secretary Margaret Forshaw on 96 692 1996. Almoradi scrabble club. The club meets at Cafe Almoradi, Calle Major 91 on the last Tuesday of the month from 15:30. We really want to extend our membership. If you are interested please come and join us, or for more information call 694 437 698 or email mrandcwatkins@hotmail.co.uk. The Aircrew Association Costa Blanca. Former and serving aircrew of the UK or Allied Armed Forces are very welcome to join this convivial and friendly organisation, founded here in 1988. Details from the Secretary on: 96 640 4123. Revival Torrevieja Rugby Club based on traditional ethics of rugby, family and respect, as well as a completely new set up. Out with the old and in with the new. Thur evenings touch rugby at 20.00, plus 15s on Mon and Wed and for more info about all the teams and training places and times contact the co-ordinator Tony on 670 972 366.
32 Acute abdominal pain (5) 33 Draw into the mouth by creating a vacuum (4) 34 Plug in the mouth of a bottle (4) 35 Island associated with Napoleon (4) 36 Singlet (4)
Animal Adoptions and re-homing Rusty is 3 years old and was found on the streets covered in ticks and feeling very sorry for himself. His blood tests revealed he has leishmaniasis and he has now had the treatment so just needs a tablet a day. Rusty is good with other dogs and is vaccinated. To view more animals for adoption go to www.petsinspain.com. Email: info@petsinspain.com.
Pablo and Pedro are real lap dogs, used to cuddling up on the sofa and are real characters. They are about 6/ 7 years old. If you would like to meet them or any of our other cats and dogs please call 600 845 420. www.k9club.es. You’re invited to come and meet the Easy Horse Care Centre rescued horses, ponies and donkeys during our open day, held on the first Sunday of each month from 1pm to 4pm. Entry is free and children are welcome. On the day, we offer a free guided tour of our stables and fields at 2pm sharp – make sure you pop along at this time to be able to meet our horses. Call 652 021 980 or email rescue@easyhorsecare.net. For more information visit our website http://www.easyhorsecare.net. Calling all clubs and charities - let us know about your forthcoming events and animals for adoption. See page 4 for contact details.
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QF Focus Magazine
Classified Adverts
Health & Beauty SLIM4LIFE WITH EXANTE. Monica Malcolm in Villa Mart SLIM4LIFE WITH EXANTE Slim4Life with Exante have, due to client demand, expanded to include San Javier Murcia, Lo Pagan, Santiago de la Ribera and surrounding areas. Join our new consultant Amanda Lownds who will help you lose weight and be Slim4life. Join our Autumn challenge to lose 1 stone in a month. Phone today...don’t wait any longer 611 335 885.
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
Business Opportunities FOR SALE – HARRYS BAR, Quesada. Unique opportunity to purchase this well-established popular bar /restaurant. Freehold. Call Joanne for more information on 693 494 951.
Services CYCLOGICAL QUESADA your one stop family run cycle shop for all your cycle sales,repairs, spares and cycle hire. Contact Gary or Lynn on 637 487 377 www.cyclogicalcostablanca.com. RIGHT MOVE INSURANCE Our approach is all about flexibility; we are passionate about making our products suit your needs and not the other way around. Cutting prices but not quality or service. www.rightmoveinsurance.com contact@rightmoveinsurance.com.
SIMPLY DOORS. Family run business our products range from external Doors, internal doors, sliding wardrobe doors, upvc windows and conservatories tel 96 671 8738 or 671 260 204. Web: www.simplydoors.es. GLAZE N SAVE convert your single glazed windows and doors to double glazed units without changing the frames. Very cost effective and a clean process. This is not secondary glazing. For more information call Gary on 662 455 960 or 96 671 2832 email gary@glazensave.es. Web: www.glazensave.es. SPANISH INSURANCE for all your insurance needs in English. Home, health, travel, motor, funeral c o v e r, c o m m u n i t y, b u s i n e s s . www.spanish-insurance.net Tel: 96 673 0694. Offices in San Javier, la Zenia and Quesada. BUILDING WORK All types of small or large building work undertaken including bathroom and kitchen refits, patios & terraces, painting, pool repairs, extensions and underbuilds, plumbing and electrics. Call 96 671 2832 or 662 455 960 for a free no obligation quote or email s_sconstruction@yahoo.co.uk TRANSLATOR AND INTERPRETER English/Spanish. All legal, medical and business matters. Covering the Costa Blanca. Contact: 658 957 404 or ejbtranslations@gmail.com.
FOR LONG LET. 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom single level apartment. Private entrance, shared gardens and pool. Free parking. Aircon, Log burning stove. UK TV and Community Wi-Fi. Fully furnished. Available 6/10/19. €495 per month plus bills. 620 144 315. FOR SALE – HARRYS BAR, Quesada. Unique opportunity to purchase this well established popular bar /restaurant. Freehold. Call Joanne for more information on 693 494 951. LARGE VILLA Denia, Large Villa in quiet location 6 kilometres from Denia - 6 Bedrooms, 2 Lounges, 2 Kitchens, Conservatory, Large Workshop, Large Pool - on flat plot only 5 minutes walk to Ondara Shopping Centre, Buses, Restaurants/ Bars. 485,000€. Telephone 617 692 046. LARGE APARTMENT, Large 6 roomed apartment, fully furnished. Gata de Gorgos. Private sale 139,000€. Tel 679 921 046, or 96 648 2285. LAND WITH STABLES for sale. Approximately 10,750 square metres near Benijofar (South Costa Blanca) suitable for construction of a single-family home. Four stables, tack room, feed room, shower area plus wood cabin previously used as living quarters. Tel: 696 290 283. TOTALLY REFORMED TOWNHOUSE in Pamis, Ondara. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, lounge, separate dining room/studio, courtyard. Fibre Optic broadband. Woodburner and electric radiators. Large mountain view roof terrace. 5 minutes from Portal de la Marina shopping centre and Junction 455 960 for a free no obligation quote or email s_sconstruction@yahoo.co.uk.
FREE PROPERTY ADVERTS To get your free 3 month property for sale advert send your advert content (up to 40 words) to classifieds@femalefocusonline.com - Please include your name, NIE or passport number and address, this is not for publishing but we must have these details on file. And remember you can also send a photo to go with your advert that will be published with your wording on the website. (Wording only in the Female Focus and QF Focus Magazines.) The advert can include your property agent contact details. Personal
Wanted
NEED A SURVEY? Call Advantage Building Services if you are buying a property, or have structural problems with a property you already own. Subsidence cases investigated, insurance claims mediated and processed. 653 733 066 or email mrmpaddon@hotmail.com or find further information at www.surveyorscostablanca.com Q U A L I T Y B L I N D S S PA I N www.qualityblindsinspain.com is a family run business, supplying and fitting made to measure blinds on the costa. Tel: 96 57 01 984 Mobile: 65 83 38 123. WATER FILTER SYSTEMS Whole House & Undersink Water Filter Systems. Reduce Your Plastic Waste & Have Clean Filtered Water From All Taps In Your Home While Also Protecting Appliances From Limescale Buildup. 681 315 659. Web: www.aqualyze.es.
AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS For families and friends of problem drinkers. There are meetings in Torrevieja. Phone 634 349 961.
www.femalefocusonline.com
Misc Sales
Property Sales & Rentals
INVESTMENT PROPERTY. Extended Town house La Marina. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen / living / dining room. BBQ, 3 terraces. Close to amenities – supermarket, cafes, doctors. Close to beach, swimming pool and airport (20 minutes). Sitting tenant available – minimum 5 years. €70,000. Tel. 96 679 6236.
QF Focus Magazine
Classified Adverts
Puzzle Solutions
Answer to Spot the odd one out = F
Very easy
Medium
All adverts must be sent with your Name and NIE or Passport Nº (not to be published). ADVERTS SHOULD BE sent with correct spacing and spelling, the first three words (only) in capitals. Email addresses will not be published on the website or in the magazine unless requested or supplied as part of the main text. FREE CLASSIFIED ADVERTS. Sell your unwanted items for FREE! Free adverts cannot be faxed, phoned or posted they must be emailed to classifieds@femalefocusonline.com. Photos can be sent with your free advert, both will be published online but text only in print. Classifieds that are supplied incorrectly, all in capitals or with missing information may well be deleted. ‘Misc sales’ are for example one-off sales of second hand items to the value of 500€ or less. Maximum twenty words per advert/ item & maximum five adverts per person*, (email & web addresses count as three words). Property rental or any type of service, business opportunities, wanted, etc are not free and will be charged at the commercial advert rate. Free Property adverts: Property sale adverts should also be emailed to classifieds@femalefocusonline.com by the property owner. They will be published free for a 3 month period and can include Property Agent contact details (and photo to be included online only). Commercial adverts: Minimum advert length ten words. 35 cents per word plus 21% IVA per month. Payment can be made by credit card or paypal. *Free adverts will be published in print on a space permitting basis. If you want to ensure your advert appears, normal commercial rates should be applied. By using this service you agree to receive the Female Focus publication newsletters to your email address unless you state otherwise.
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EVERYTHING REDUCED. Outdoor Heating Broil King Barbecues
MID-SEASON SALE.
Milan Loungers Set was 359.00€ SALE PRICE 299.00€
Loungers Artificial Trees
Sevilla Oblong 6 Seater was 699.00€ SALE PRICE 595.00€
Accessories
Murcia Cushion Box was 499.00€ SALE PRICE 425.00€
Parasols Cushions
Alcudia Corner Dining Set was 999.00€ SALE PRICE 899.00€
Murcia Canterlever (in Beige or White) was 699.00€ SALE PRICE 549.00€
Javea Bistro Set was 599.00€ SALE PRICE 399.00€
VIEW ALL OF OUR PRODUCTS AT www.siestagroup.shop. Gata de Gorgos 965 757 775 • Altea 968 432 742 • Los Montesinos 966 720 875 • Cabo Roig 966 726 891 • San Javier 968 566 260