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23rd October - 19th November 2017 Deposito Legal A-685-2016
Inside this issue:-
Local Business News Your Local Entertainment Scene The Vega Baja Astronomy Group A View From the Top Book Review by Ivor Kindle Your Horoscopes Keith Nicol's Forthcoming Events Club & Charity News & Events Win 100â‚Ź 'Spot the Logo' Puzzles, Recipes and much more...
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QF Focus Magazine
What is Radio Astronomy? The recent public viewing evening of Saturn that was held by our group was hugely successful. Two hours of “look through here and twiddle the focus there” brought a lot of oohs and wows, and a lot of questions about astronomy. Sometimes we even knew the right answers! One question I get asked a lot when people are looking through my 'scope, is “what is a radio telescope?” It's a good question. How can you see anything through what looks like a blooming great satellite TV dish? OK then, I'll do my best to answer, and I'll keep it straightforward, but I refuse to dumb it down. We are used to hearing sounds, vibrations in the air that our ears can receive. We are used to seeing things. Light reflected from things enters our eyes to give us a picture. Crudely put, light is also vibrations, not of the air but as part of the electromagnetic spectrum. “Blimey, I don't know what that is.” is the usual reply I get to that. You are wrong, you do know a bit about it. Radio waves, microwaves, light etc are all part of it. Remember tuning a traditional radio set? Turning the dial to get different programs on different frequencies? Visible light is one frequency in the electromagnetic band, and radio waves are another. Back in the 1930s a clever chap called Carl Janski must have been thinking something similar. He reasoned that if a star emits visible light, it probably emits radiation in lots of other frequencies. He was correct, and he built the first radio telescope. Nowadays we “look” at stars, galaxies etc in virtually every part of the spectrum, radio, x-ray, infra red, gamma rays, each method showing us something different about our target. It's about this point in an explanation that I hear mutterings “but, what can I actually see”. You don't. A radio telescope puts its output into various things. A loudspeaker, a graph, a wiggly line on paper, but mostly into numbers. As anyone who has used a computer knows, numbers can be turned into pictures, and that is how we can see through a radio telescope. The best thing is what we can learn from all this. Looking into space with a radio telescope shows a huge number of things that our eyes will never see, but that will have to wait for next month. I'll continue with this and talk about Jodrel Bank, huge dishes, radio galaxies, and a discovery called LGM1, that means little green men 1! 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
Our planned weekend came to an abrupt halt due to the collapse of Monarch Airlines. I purposely did not book flights with Ryanair because of the amount of cancellations they are enforcing and at the time of booking thought Monarch was a safer option …how wrong can a person be. I personally find it a disgrace that they were still taking bookings the day before the collapse knowing full well that refunds were highly unlikely. And of course all the other airlines find it totally acceptable to bump up their prices to take advantage of a very sorry situation. My little angel was absolutely devastated as she had waited so long to see her idols “Little Mix” in concert, so we are now having a weekend in Valencia to try to make it up to her. I have been told it is a very beautiful city with lots of places of interest to visit so I will report my findings next month. As my other half is always snowed under with work and as a result our own home is the last on the agenda for any home improvements, I have taken it on my own back to arrange for some painting and decorating to be done. The end result is amazing and I would personally highly recommend this company to anyone looking for work to be done – quick, clean and very professional. The only problem now is that it has set me off wanting a new bathroom, new kitchen, outside area renovated…the list goes on. But I realise I will have to be very patient with these further works. The QF logo was stolen last month - or rather we forgot to put the logo in the last edition - sorry to those of you who looked in vain. To make up for it, we are doubling the prize money so, see if you can spot the logo in this issue for a chance to win 100€, see alongside for details of how to enter. Good luck!
Michelle
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 20th November Advertising deadline is 6th November Editorial deadline is three days prior to advertising 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
Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital offers cancer treatment with intraoperative radiation therapy in the operating room Thanks to one step, in early breast cancer, in a single surgical procedure the removal, irradiation and reconstruction of the affected breast are performed. The hospital is a pioneer in being equipped with a Mobetron in Spain, the mobile electron accelerator in the operating room. Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital presents cancer treatment with intraoperative radiation therapy (IOR) in the operating room that eliminates or reduces the external irradiation session. The treatment of patients suffering from early breast cancer, namely one step therapy, enables in a single surgical procedure the tumour removal, irradiation and oncoplastic breast reconstruction, eliminating the need for external radiation therapy sessions. Dr. Rosa María Cañón, Head of the Radiation Oncology Unit of the Oncology Platform of Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, explains that “the irradiation procedure in the operating room lasts for about 30 minutes, which avoids about 25 to 30 external irradiation sessions in the conventional treatments.” IOR is a high precision technique where a single and a high fraction of radiotherapy is administered during a surgical procedure, on the tumour bed, with the advantage of having a direct view of the bed where radiation has to be provided, avoiding unnecessary irradiation of surrounding healthy tissues. IOR has been used in the treatment of various malignant tumours, such as gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, gynaecological cancer, retroperitoneal sarcomas and limb cancer, usually in programmes that use external irradiation, to increase local control of the disease. Although it has special application in the treatment and cure of breast cancer, provided it is prescribed by the specialist. According to Dr. Cañon, “the main drawback until now for its development was that the patient had to be moved from the
operating room to the treatment bunker, and this issue has been resolved with the development of small electron accelerators that are placed in the operating room, avoiding the risk involved in such transfer, shorten procedure time and increases the patient’s quality of life.” IOR with Mobetron treats a wide variety of tumours with the aid of a multidisciplinary team. Mobetron (unique in Spain) is a mobile electron accelerator, placed in the operating room, and its technology, according to Dr. Cañon, enables us to administer treatment to different tissues, thicknesses and volumetric cavities, that is to say, to a wide variety of tumours and locations, not just to breast cancer patients. The treatment is carried out thanks to the collaboration with the other departments involved (surgeons, anaesthesiologists, gynaecologists, pathologists, medical oncologists, etc.) who work together in a multidisciplinary programme. It provides a huge benefit in the quality of life for the treatment of breast cancer patients, as it reduces or eliminates subsequent external irradiation days, diminishes side effects and, in the case of one step, enables the immediate breast reconstruction. IOR treatment is integrated into the current multidisciplinary cancer treatment programmes, which aim to increase the success rate of curing patients. Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja. Partida de la Loma s/n, 03184, Torrevieja. Telephone: 96 692 5733. See main advert on page 13.
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QF Focus Magazine On retiring and moving to Spain in 2014, he started putting more time into his instrument and began attending jam sessions run by Tony O'Brien, which later led to playing gigs with him in the "Bandjaxed" band. John met Duncan Phillips at a jam session, and that's where the seeds were sewn to form a new band. They just had to add a third member.
Hi All. This month I'd like to feature a recently formed band called "Two plus One". I was curious about the name, and reached the conclusion (rightly, or wrongly) that it may have been chosen due to the trio consisting of two Irishmen and a Scot!
It was in March of this year that Duncan was introduced to Jim Dempsey by David John Williams, (Costa Blanca's brilliant "Rod Stewart" tribute artiste). Jim was on holiday here, at the time, but moved permanently in June of this year. Once Jim was settled in, this affable trio wasted no time and began rehearsing together. Jim Dempsey hails from Trim in County Meath in Ireland, and has played the button key accordion for more years than he can remember. He played for many years with "Risky Whiskey" before joining "Folk That" band. Duncan Phillips moved to Spain in 2000 from Inverness in the Scottish Highlands. His early years in the music business were as a drummer. In the early 1980s, Duncan switched to keyboards. He has spent many years entertaining in Torrevieja and surrounding area and is widely known as a solo keyboard player / vocalist. In recent years he has alternated between keyboards and bass guitar.
The line up consists of : John Powderly - lead and backing vocals / rhythm guitar. Jim Dempsey - button key accordion. Duncan Phillips - lead & backing vocals / bass guitar. John Powderly was born in Hackney, London, of Irish parents. When John was 4 years of age his family returned to live in Ireland. He grew up near Swords, County Dublin, before moving to Leixlip, County Kildare 10 years later. John began playing the guitar at 15 years of age, and jammed with various bands over the years.
"Two plus One" are a fun trio that play Country/ Irish, with a wide range of "middle of the road" music. They played their first gig at Alfie's Bar, Lomos de Cabo Roig recently to a packed house. The evening was so successful that they have been re-booked to perform at this great friendly venue on Saturday 28th October. "Two plus One" perform 100% live music. Why not check out this fun band later this month. If you like Country /Irish and middle of the road music.... you won't be disappointed. w, D.P.
Bye for no
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QF Focus Magazine
Laurel’s for Lunch Laurel’s Restaurant & Bar in Quesada have launched their new lunchtime service, now opening Tuesday to Friday lunchtimes, from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, in addition to their existing evening and Sunday Lunch opening times. Their beautiful rooftop sunshine terrace with the comfy sofa seating area will be open for drinks (with a full bar service on offer including cava, prosecco, cocktails, mocktails and milkshakes), and with tables laid up outside for lunching, affording stunning views over the Vega Baja and across to the mountains of Orihuela and Callosa. Alternatively you can choose to sit inside to eat in the elegant dining room, plus relax with drinks in the cosy lounge bar area. The lunch options on the new menu offer great value, with Lighter Bites priced at 7.50€ - these include the Lunch Burger, a Clubhouse Sandwich, and a Tortilla Wrap (this month it’s BBQ Pulled Pork), all served with a salad garnish and chips. The lunchtime Set Menu offers 3 courses for just 13.50€, and that includes a glass of wine, small beer, or a soft drink. Or if you have a smaller appetite or are tight on time, you have the flexibility to choose just 1 course (9.50€) or 2 courses (11.50€) from the set menu. With arguably the best terrace in Quesada, this is sure to quickly become a local favourite for friends, family and social groups to get together, and for business’ employees in the town to enjoy at lunchtimes, for some chill out time, and seriously good food. In another new addition to Laurel’s, their ever popular Live Music Nights are now on THURSDAYS and SATURDAYS. A full listing of the artists singing can be found on their website at www.laurels.es, announced on their Facebook page each week:www.facebook.com/laurelsrestaurantquesada. Booking well ahead for these nights is advisable to be sure of a table. Everyone is welcome to go along, whether dining or not – dancing is encouraged, but not compulsory. Laurel’s is situated along Calle Los Arcos, a short distance on from Quesada Bowling, with plenty of roadside parking available. The restaurant, bar/lounge, and terrace area occupies the whole of the top floor of the building, with access via stairs and a lift. Their monthly changing evening 3 course Set Menu, plus A La Carte and traditional Sunday Lunch menus, along with the new Lunchtime menus, can all be found on their webpage, and their Facebook page has regular updates on menus and forthcoming events. Telephone enquiries and bookings can be made on 96 507 7444, or email info@laurels.es. Julia, Martin and the team look forward to welcoming you.
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QF Focus Magazine
Have you received a notification with an extra charge of 60€ from SUMA (property rates)? What does it mean? If you have received a bill from your local town hall / Regional Government of 60€, it means that the Spanish taxing body (catastro) has detected extension/s or a pool added to your property. It is nothing but an analysis fee to update your property's rates as a result of the macro plan carried out throughout Spain to detect non declared buildings, extensions and pools. The Catastral office (dependent of the tax body) has been conducting this research through technological formulas unprecedented in Spain thanks to aerial surveillance, satellite, and other flying devices across Spain. It is an attempt to recuperate their 80 million Euro investment by back taxing (Catastral department can go back 4 years if they detect non declared extensions or pools) and through increase of council taxes. All this is an attempt to stop tax fraud on non-declared extensions, pools or even whole properties and doesn't necessarily make the extensions or pools legal as it only affects the Council tax. Please bear in mind that Spanish public bodies don't share information, so it has nothing to do with the legal aspect of the building works done, it is just affecting taxing so far. As a result of this massive investigation and clamp down Martinez de la Casa Architects have seen a huge escalation in requests for Retrospective Licences / Certificates of Antiquity, in order to make the building works unobjectionable to the Town Hall planning department, preventing a fine or action against properties owners who have built extensions or pools without the proper licence. If you have added an extension or pool and are concerned about this recent proactivity of the Spanish Authorities and wish to protect yourself from potential fines from the Town Halls planning department, Martinez de la Casa Architects offer Antiquity Certificates / Retrospective Licences stamped by the Official College of Architects or Notarised and delivered within a very strict 7-10 days deadline after the survey, requiring only your NIE and current Title Deeds to complete the certificate. This document can also be used to upgrade your property's Title Deeds with any extension or pool added to the property. Conditions needed in order to obtain Retrospective Licences / Antiquity Certificates for extensions or pools are: ALICANTE AREA: The extension or pool needs to be over 4 years old, before the 20th August of 2014 (a minimum of 7 years since built). ALMERIA AREA: The extension or pool needs to be over 6 years old (except for natural parks and protected areas). MURCIA AREA: The extension or pool needs to be over 4 years old (except for natural parks and protected areas). The price of a Pool Antiquity Certificate or Retrospective Licence is 190€+IVA and for extensions plus pool, or for the complete property, at 270€+IVA. Only one certificate is needed to cover all the extensions and pool of the same property. Only Martinez de la Casa Architects can guarantee all services within a stated deadline and a fixed price. With over 5,000 clients in Southeast Spain we are considered one of the most prominent and respectable architecture practises, providing all types of Certificates: Energy Performance Certificates - 121€ inc. IVA, Habitation Certificates from 118€ (price depending on each town hall), Structural reports - 544€ inc. IVA, Surveys from 84,5€ inc. IVA, and licenses, amongst other services. Discounts are offered for existing Martinez de la Casa clients, for groups or if you require your property's EPC, Habitation or Retrospective Licence done at the same time. For all enquiries or to arrange an appointment please call on 665 810 411 or visit www.martinezdelacasa.com to see an impressive list of over 200 testimonials.
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QF Focus Magazine
Bistro Vivaldi is a stylish cosy little restaurant situated in the heart of Rojales. Dutch owner Simone opened the doors in November 2013 and since then the restaurant accumulated many regular customers of all nationalities. They offer a monthly changing 3 course menu for 10.95€ and an extensive a la carte menu which also contains a 3 course choice menu for only 13.95€. Some examples of the menu are home made chicken or tomato soup, salad with tomato and mozzarella and stir fried mushrooms in a creamy garlic sauce. Or why not try the succulent rumpsteak, home made beef stew or a mouth-watering pork tenderloin. They also serve various fish dishes, such as home made fish cakes, tuna steak or prawns. Bistro Vivaldi is open 7 days a week from 5.30pm until 11pm (kitchen open until 10pm) On Tuesday and Thursday they are open all day from 10.30am. Besides the a la carte menu you can also choose from various sandwiches, baguettes, omelettes, and a wide range of snacks or just a coffee with a nice piece of Dutch apple pie. They also cater for groups, meetings, birthday or family parties etc. Please contact the restaurant for more information.
4th anniversary celebration On 1st November Bistro Vivaldi is celebrating their 4th anniversary with a great tapas night. There will be cava on arrival and Juanjo (the melody singer) is performing during the evening. So don't forget to wear your dancing shoes. For this evening booking is essential.
Find Bistro Vivaldi just off the main street in Rojales, behind the medical centre on Calle Misionero Venancio Ortiz Nº22 in Rojales. Tel. 691 940 100. Find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/bistrovivaldirojales.
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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. Public Safety. I have lived here in this lovely part of Spain for the best part of 18 years and over that time I have witnessed many changes... some good, some not so good. The good stuff in general speaks for itself. The climate... the healthy living conditions... the Spanish health service... the cost of living (if you are sensible), and the general good will of the Spanish people to us non Spanish citizens. The area has changed and is changing on a daily, weekly and yearly basis. The growth in new house building as Spain recovers from the financial crisis has been remarkable. New houses are popping up on almost every bit of empty land. The designs are different, being of a more square architectural style ...not my personal cup of tea but that's modernity for you. My concern is not that the local area is growing, or that the style of houses is not to my taste. No, my concern is that while the population of the area grows due to the influx of more permanent residents, the infrastructure in terms of services for the standing population and visitors seems to remain
QF Focus Magazine the same, and if not exactly the same, then the rate of growth does not match the population expansion. When we first arrived we heard stories of crime and robberies and were advised that "taking simple precautions" would enable our life here in Spain to be lived in a normal safe and secure environment. Grills on the windows ...watch your wallet or purse in the markets etc, was the sensible advice of the day. Thus far our life has been crime free due to our being as sensible as we could be and not taking any risks with both the house and our personal well being. What has started to worry me however is the apparent rise in crimes against the actual person. Only today (20.09.17) while writing this I have learned of two attacks against individuals who were doing nothing more than walking towards their homes after taking a walk to get some air. In both cases the people concerned were physically attacked and robbed in the street by seemingly young men who were not afraid to be violent. My feelings are that formally the crime around this area of Spain was of the non violent nature ...pickpockets and the like. Although I do feel that all crime has an element of violence attached as in "against the person" it was more a personal violation without the actual physical aggression. Quesada for example used to be "tight" in vehicle terms to get in and out of ...all roads did not lead to the open road. Now with road building expanding in line with house building, Quesada is easier to, for want of a better term, "make a quick getaway from" should you have been involved in a criminal event. My question must therefore be "What are the local services doing about the safety of their local populations?" Have you noticed a commensurate increase in local policing in line with the expansion of the local areas? Have the local town halls made representations to the overseeing authorities to request extra funding in line with population growth? If these questions have not been asked, then the local town halls are failing in their duty to the people who live within there boundaries. It is not rocket science ...if you encourage house building and therefore the population growth that goes with new houses, then you have to expand commensurate services to
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QF Focus Magazine the expanding population. A presence is needed to reassure people that it is safe to walk the streets without being in fear of violence. Police are needed on our streets to deter the criminal element and the vile thugs ...acting after the event rarely gets results. Citizens need to be protected and confident that the streets are safe to walk upon. Ed's Notes: Remember to sign onto the padron (and renew it every 2 or 5 years) which helps your local town provide sufficient services for the actual number of people living in the area. A different song for England. After a number of months the Proms on the BBC have finally come to an end. This fabulous music festival finished the 2017 Proms with the traditional "Last Night". I absolutely love the "last Night" and during my working career as an Engineer had the chance on a number of occasions of actually working on the "sound transmission" to radio of the "Last Night". The Royal Albert Hall has the most wonderful sound acoustics and that alone makes attendance at the event something to enjoy. Whilst watching via the television once again the old question of a National Anthem for England came into my thoughts. Wales has "Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau"...(Ancient land of my Fathers)...Scotland has "Flower of Scotland" but us English have the dirge that is "God save the Queen" (my opinion). A 2006 survey conducted by the BBC suggested that 55% of us English would rather have "Land of Hope and Glory", Edward Elgar's masterpiece of musical pomp as our National Anthem. The other contender in this debate is always William Blake's "Jerusalem" which is another stirring piece of musical genius. Using my credentials as a Journalistic Democrat I took the simple question "What would you pick as Englands new National Anthem if the choice was either of the above?" to the
Page 11 home of Democracy - My Local! After much ado about practically nothing Land of Hope and Glory won by a short head ....that by the way would be my choice, what do you think? Masterchef. Watched the latest final of "Celebrity Masterchef" and have to say that for me I think that the show has run its course. I admire the skill level shown by the chefs, however the show seems to be suffering from a rich man, poor man level of cuisine. Pretention has crept in with good old Greg the grocer declaring "you have nailed this dish to perfection" bearing in mind that the dish in question had ingredients that were out of the cost reach of normal people. Not for Masterchef the delights of 'Pie and Mash' or the wonderment of good 'Liver and Bacon' followed by 'Spotty Dick and Custard'. No, Masterchef is not of the real World. My Mum, God bless her, cooked wholesome affordable food at a reasonable cost for a family of five ...it was gravy not Jous ...it was custard not Creme Anglais, and the fish, when we could afford it, was poached or fried without a waterbath in sight. Oh well bring on the gruel...
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QF Focus Magazine
our
ARIES An acquaintance surprises you by going out of their way to help. Before now you have not really noticed them but this has made you think that your first impression of them may have been wrong. TAURUS Someone close to you has been trying to get you to take more care of yourself for some time now. They are not being nasty or mean, they are just looking out for you and trying to help. Listen to them, it is good advice. GEMINI A shared idea is coming together and as you are all chipping in ideas and expenses it really is becoming more of a reality than just a pipe dream. Don't let it fizzle away, make it happen and it will really be something you will never regret. CANCER Home life is not going as well as it should. From the outside everything seems fine but don't be fooled. Find out what is going on and sort it out before it becomes a major problem. LEO Don't miss an opportunity to widen your circle of friends and acquaintances as, even if you don't feel you need any more people in your life right now, you will be glad you did as it will turn out to be a blessing for the future. VIRGO An almost unnoticeable change will bring about a major improvement in your life. When you look back it will amaze you just how insignificant it seemed. Think of what else you could do.
oroscope
LIBRA Things are quietening down and at last you will have more time to spend with loved ones. Putting some long overdue order back into things will make everything run smoothly again and will make everyone much happier. SCORPIO Deal with that niggling health issue before it becomes more serious. Prevention is better than cure so make sure that once dealt with you don't put yourself in the same position again. SAGITTARIUS Don't over think things too much otherwise you will start jumping to all kinds of wild conclusions which won't help at all. Let things sort themselves out whilst getting on with the important things to hand. CAPRICORN Although planning is good fun, there is nothing better than actually carrying out those plans. Stop putting things off and go for it even if it needs some tweaking along the way. AQUARIUS Even though an up coming event isn't your kind of thing you will surprise yourself how much you enjoy just being in the company of friends. If will make you rethink the amount of invites you turn down. PISCES A favour you did a long time ago will be returned even though you didn't expect it, and in a way you would never have imagined. Although that is not why you help others it does feel good to know how much you are appreciated.
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QF Focus Magazine
Quesada Bowls Club Report sponsored by Spanish Life Properties
Once again we are delighted to learn that our sponsors, Spanish Life will be continuing to support us for another three years and their logo will be prominent on our club shirts. Already we are pleased to report that more trophies have come to the club following the South Alicante Knock Out competitions and the Valencian Championships. In the South Alicante finals Carol Broomfield was successful in taking the Ladies singles championship and collected a massive trophy, too big to put on the shelf - top photo. Carol then went on with partner Peta Rhodes to take the Ladies Pairs championship - middle photo. In the Valencian Championships after a busy two weeks, Quesada Club Captain Peta Rhodes (bottom photo) took the ladies singles final in an exciting match against San Miguel’s Mary Dyer. Our mixed triples team of Deidre Leeming, John Smyth and Jason Prokopowycz reached the semi finals, but lost out to the eventual runner’s up from Vistabella. Our league programme commenced on 11th October with the Winter League fixture against Vistabella. This year we entered three teams into each of the Levante Lawn Bowls South Alicante and Southern Leagues which means a very busy time for our club committee and Captains and Selectors. In 2014 Quesada played host to Scottish Commonwealth Games team and it is good news to be asked this time to host the Scottish Commonwealth Games Para Team in preparation for the Commonwealth Games in Australia in April 2018. They will be visiting the club in February 2018. 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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QF Focus Magazine
It’s not all racing at SAMM As well as racing, SAMM members also enjoy many social activities, most prominent amongst them is pleasure sailing. As a prime example, on Thursday 21st September Balaton Group members had a most enjoyable outing, to Thomas Maestre, organised by Bob Lagden and Sandie Clarke. Meeting on the CTD jetty at 10am in perfect weather, they found that the Malta outboard on their dinghy would not start, so launched the SAMM Whaly support boat and had some fun loading everybody in, plus the cabin seat cushions for their 6 metre Araez Arabel 20 “Lavanter”, that had been cleaned by Carol Sibson. They took two of their three boats presently on the water, Lavanter, crewed by Bob Miles, Robert Hudson, Carol Sibson, Willy Ross and Rona Agnew plus “Sirocco”, a 6 metre Sailfish 18, crewed by Julian Pering, Bob Lagden, Steve and Catherine Rocks. Sirocco had a 10 minute start whilst Lavanter’s crew secured the Whaly and figured out the jigsaw puzzle of the seat covers. In a 10 knot NNE breeze both boats made good time beating across the Mar Menor, arriving together in under an hour and a half and needing only one short tack to gain the entrance to the Marina at Thomas Maestre, the wind conveniently dropping to about 8 knots to make mooring easier. With perfect timing Balaton members Mike and Kate Egar followed them in on a Deltania Group boat out of Los Urrutias. They were joined by Heather Bell, Jo Pering, Jan Penning and Sandie Clarke, who arrived by car, and all enjoyed a good meal at the Club Nautico Restaurant, the majority choosing one of the various paellas but the sardines and mussels looked good too! The trip back was equally enjoyable, running before the steady breeze, and again they crossed the Mar Menor in under an hour and a half, a good time having been had by all. For more information on the Balaton Group go to http://www.balatonsailinggroup.com or www.sailingmarmenor.com.
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Book Review by Ivor Kindle Book Title: Treason Author: James Jackson Publisher: Zaffre A gripping tale of murder set in the city of Liverpool. A serial killer is on the loose and the killers targets are members of the Liverpool police force. Jacobean England in the early 1600s. James the first is on the throne and Catholics are hounded and persecuted across the land. Robert Cecil, the King's first minister is the person who leads the protestant drive to defeat the catholic religion in England. On the horizon and plotting a spectacular defence of the catholic religion are the members of the "Gunpowder Plot" November 5th and all that. Robert Catesby, being the principal plotter along with Guy (Guido) Fawkes. This book is so well written, full of intrigue and full of the desperation of the time. Treason ranks alongside the best books I have ever read. Jackson is a master story teller. All England knows the story of the "Gunpowder Plot" ...now via this book you have the chance to fully understand the detail. A must read title.
...keep reading Ivor Kindle.
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5 ways to make your home cosier Would you love to make your house warm and cosy in a way that will also have benefits in the summer? Covering those cold ceramic tiles or marble floor is one of the best ways to make your heating more effective and efficient. Here are 5 ways to achieve this. RUGS – Most of us will already have rugs in our lounges as a finishing touch but a rug can be so much more. If you can feel cold air under your sofa, then it makes sense to have a bigger rug that can go underneath and stop that draft. This also applies equally for bedrooms too. CARPETS – You probably thought you would never want fitted carpet in Spain but after a winter or two, you realise how cold the nights are. Add top quality underlay to good quality carpet and you’ve got a room that is warm and cosy and provides support for your joints all year round. Carpet also traps dust and pet hair which can then be hoovered away, quickly and easily and is therefore highly recommended for allergy sufferers.
in a matching colour and you have a large area rug.
EDGED / BOUND CARPET - If you want good quality floor covering, but don’t want it to be fully fitted, edged carpet could be the answer for you. You can order carpet to fit any room, the edges are bound
CARPET TILES – Do you need a more practical and cheaper alternative to carpet to cover your floor? Consider carpet tiles as these can look amazing and will cover and cushion your floor, making them perfect for households with children, or if you dislike the tiles or marble floor. This is also an option if the floor is damaged or discoloured. CUSHIONED VINYL - Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms or offices, cushioned vinyl is as it sounds - cushioned, comfortable, practical and easy to clean. Available in a wide range of designs and qualities to provide extra comfort, For more advice and information on all aspects of flooring and free quotations, contact CARPET HEAVEN in Los Montesinos on 96 672 0782 or visit their shop on the high street, Avenida del Mar 33B, to look at all their samples and collections.
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QF Focus Magazine Halloween’s origins come from a Celtic festival for the dead called “Samhain”. Celts believed the ghosts of the dead roamed Earth on this holiday, so people would dress in costumes and leave “treats” out on their front doors to appease the roaming spirits. "Halloween" is short for "Hallows' Eve" or "Hallows' Evening," which was the evening before All Hallows' (sanctified or holy) Day or Hallowmas on 1st November. In an effort to convert pagans, the Christian church decided that Hallowmas or All Saints' Day (1st November) and All Souls' Day (2nd November) should assimilate sacred pagan holidays that fell on or around 31st October. The jack-o’-lantern comes from an old Irish tale about a man named Stingy Jack. According to folklore, Stingy Jack was out getting sloshed with the Devil when Jack convinced his drinking partner to turn himself into a coin to pay for the drinks without spending money. Jack then put the Devil, shaped like a coin, into his pocket, which also contained a silver cross that kept the Devil from transforming back. Jack promised to free the Devil as long as the Devil wouldn’t bother him for a year, and if he died, the Devil could never claim his soul. Jack tricked the Devil again later, getting him to pick a piece of fruit out of a tree and then carving a cross into the bark when the Devil was in the branches. This trick bought Jack another 10 years of devil-free living. When Jack finally died, God decided he wasn’t fit for heaven, but the Devil had promised never to claim his soul for hell. So Jack was sent off to roam Earth with only a burning coal for light. He put the coal into a turnip as a lantern, and Stingy Jack became “Jack of the Lantern” or “Jack o’ Lantern.” Based on this myth, the Irish carved scary faces into turnips, beets and potatoes to scare away Stingy Jack or any other spirits of the night. The word "witch" comes from the Old English wicce, meaning "wise woman." In fact, wiccan were highly respected people at one time. According to popular belief, witches held one of their two main meetings, or sabbats, on Halloween night. The owl is a popular Halloween image. In Medieval Europe, owls were thought to be witches, and to hear an owl's call meant someone was about to die.
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Olivos Restaurant Terrace Olivos Restaurant Terrace offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere serving food of the highest quality in a celebration of the Mediterranean diet. We strive to ensure that the homemade food we prepare is seasonal, fresh and locally sourced with an emphasis on the promotion of healthy methods of cooking rated equally alongside taste and appearance. Our focus is to capture the flavour and retain the nutrients in food products without adding excessive amounts of fat or salt. In many of our dishes we use natural sugars to sweeten foods and we only use (EVOO) Extra Virgin Olive Oil in the preparation and cooking of all our dishes. A delightful Sunday Menu awaits you for just 17.50â‚Ź pp and comprises of a selection of starters including 4 Different Tasting Appetisers followed by Homemade Soup of the Day served with freshly baked bread. For your main course you have a choice of Roast Sirloin of Beef with Yorkshire Pudding and a Horseradish Parcel, Pot Roast Poussin Coq au Vin, Pan Seared Sea Bass with Red Pepper Jam and Lime and Coriander Couscous, Fillet of Pork in Pancetta with Sage and Onion en Croute or Spinach and Ricotta filled Ravioli, a Rich Tomato Salsa with Rocket Parmesan Shavings. All main dishes are served with Chateau EVOO Roast Potatoes and Oli Oli EVOO Duchess Potatoes and Seasonal Vegetables. And to satisfy your sweet tooth you will be served an assorted trio of desserts.
We are currently open Tuesday to Sunday evenings serving full A la Carte and a Set Menu which changes each month making Olivos the perfect venue for all occasions. Bookings are now being taken for Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. For more information or to make a reservation call 96 639 2191 or email info@olivosrestaurant.es. Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ OlivosRestaurant.
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QF Focus Magazine
IPTV One of the home comforts that expats living in Spain cherish most is access to UK TV. One of the most common ways of receiving this service has been with a satellite dish, although in recent years this has become rather complicated with the changes in the satellites reducing the size of the footprint. This meant that the dish you had installed originally is no longer large enough to receive the signal hence the need to spend more money on a larger dish. Now with the improvement in internet services, a new option is available to all us telly addicts by way of IPTV (INTERNET PROTOCOL TELEVISION). If you have an Internet service in your home then it's very easy to use IPTV. There are several ways to receive the service, via an STB (set top box) or directly onto your smart TV. Set top boxes come in various forms, the Magbox is one, but a more versatile way is using an Android box. In theory they are computers using the same operating system as a tablet or a smart phone with the only difference being that your TV becomes the screen. The Android box connects to the +iInternet with cable or WiFi and to your TV with an HDMI cable (supplied with the box) and works via whatever apps you have downloaded. The box will give access to a wide range of films, box sets, documentaries, radio, TV channels from all over the world along with social media apps such as Facebook and Twitter. These boxes will also work anywhere there is an internet connection meaning you can take them back to the UK or even on holiday. Another way to view all your favourite TV is directly on your smart TV. Nearly all new TVs are smart TVs and many makes will allow you to download the Smartiptv app, this has a small activation cost but is a very economical way to start watching high quality TV. Visit SMS TELECOM at Calle Catedratico Marcelino Abella 4-12, call 96 672 3877 or 651 199 406. See their advert below for more information.
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QF Focus Magazine
Female Focus Business Directory Built to grow your business
Boost your Google ranking with the Costa Blanca’s fastest growing business directory… with live Facebook feeds. Female Focus Publications is now in its 25th year. Since 1993 we’ve been helping businesses grow by turning our readers into your customers. We’ve earned a reputation through thoughtful expansion, always focusing on what counts for our advertisers. Our online business directory expands on our core values, and specifically helps your business get noticed even more. Our business directory ensures higher search engine rankings by ensuring your dynamic content is featured on your landing page. We can even promote short term offers and sales through our directory, our newsletter, and of course the magazines. It really is the only truly integrated print/ online advertising media on the Costa Blanca. Increase Your Business The whole point of advertising and marketing is to get found by more customers. Our online business directory has been designed with this single aim in mind. It’s about your business, not ours! Boost Your Google Ranking By creating a dynamic listing with multiple ‘live’ links, not only will customers find you more easily, but so will Google. And that means better ranking, and more visits to your website. Integrated Print & Online Advertising Only Female Focus can offer you great value monthly advertising integrated with your directory entry. We’ve even gone so far as to make it possible for you to promote offers via our newsletter. Extend Your Social Media Reach Facebook, Google+ etc. are vital tools for the majority of local businesses. They help you keep in contact with your customers. We extend your reach and ‘likes’ even further by carrying a live feed of your Facebook page and Google+ links. Smartphone & Tablet Optimised Our business directory is Smartphone friendly. People who are looking for your business will find it even easier to find you, both online, and whilst on the move. Great Value Advertising We know that doing business in the Costa Blanca means watching the pennies. We’ve priced all of our advertising products to offer the best value advertising around, and that includes the business directory.
Female Focus Magazine QF Focus Magazine Focus on Professional Services (Marina Alta) Focus on Professional Services (Vega Baja).
QF Focus Magazine
Recipes by Pushpa from the Spice Hut Tandoori chicken 8 chicken legs 3 tbsp oil 1 lemon sliced in wedges 1 onion sliced into rings For marinade. 150ml yoghurt 2 tspn ginger paste 2 tspn garlic paste 1 tspn chilli powder 2 tspn tandoori masala paste or powder. 1. Mix all ingredients for the marinade and thoroughly coat the chicken legs. Leave them to marinade over night in the fridge. 2. Line a baking tray with cooking foil. Place the marinade chicken on the tray without overlapping the pieces. Drizzle the oil on top and bake in a hot oven (200ยบC, 400ยบF). 3. Cook until the chicken has cooked through, approximately 30 to 40 minutes. 4. Put the tray under the grill to brown the chicken and dry up the juices. 5. Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges and onion rings.
The Spice Hut Quesada. Tel. 96 673 1063 or visit www.spicehutspain.com.
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Answers: 1. A coin. 2. A needle. 3. Forward I am ton, backwards I am not. 4. His breath. 5. If the tide is raising water, then it is raising the ship on water, too. So water will reach still the first rung.
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QF Focus Magazine
Home Alone by Andy Ormiston
Today each of us has challenges and problems to deal with. Recently I asked a number of people, what do you consider to be the most important problem facing society? There were several interesting answers, but many of them thought loneliness as a priority problem. Nowadays this tends to be called social isolation, which also includes people with issues such as bereavement, homelessness, depression etc.
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I also attended a meeting of CARE made up of presidents and representatives of a number of charitable associations where caring for the elderly, and offering a reach out to those who live alone, is a priority. This isolation is not just a British problem, but for every nationality including the Spanish, as many of them from other parts of Spain are advised to come here, as it is better for their health. For the British it is exacerbated largely because of a lack of language. One of the most important innovations this past year in the voluntary social associations sphere has been the introduction of CARE, set up by HELP Vega Baja. This is a bi-monthly meeting held at Quirónsalud Hospital, Torrevieja for presidents and representatives of various NGOs to discuss how they can cooperate and collaborate in their work. It has already shown fruit, as there is a greater understanding of each other’s problems and how they can work together on some aspects of social problems. Probably the major problem facing society in Europe is the elderly population that has many issues – health, cash flow and loneliness among others. The CARE meeting discussed how loneliness affects people living on the Costa Blanca for a number of reasons. Every week, people die alone in their home. It affects every nationality including the Spanish. People come to Spain in their retirement years to have a better quality of life, and in general they do so with a greater social life. There are so many clubs, associations and charitable organisations that there is something for everyone. Each of those clubs can help their members who may feel isolated. The degree to which a person perceives him/herself as isolated is informed by personality. Life course changes, such as retirement and bereavement, or moving to a new environment such as living in Spain, may lead to a loss of social roles. Older adults’ perceptions of their social resources and relationships may not reflect their actual levels of connectedness. Many people are quite happy living alone and with their own company. Individuals who lack social connections or report frequent feelings of loneliness tend to suffer higher rates of morbidity and mortality. There is a world problem for many people of isolation that has an effect on individuals, families and communities. They can end up as forgotten entities that are a burden on welfare and medical services. They have a lack of communication and unable to communicate even though they may have neighbours around. In many ways it's a subject related to mental health and it costs the country's health system a lot of money. Researchers in U.K. have put a financial price on an "epidemic of loneliness" - estimating it costs £6,000 per person in health costs and pressure on local services. But the London School of Economics study of older people says for every £1 spent in preventing loneliness there are £3 of savings. Socially connected individuals may receive instrumental support from network members or co-residents (if in a residence), which may assist in active coping and ultimately reduce stress. Individuals who rarely experience loneliness and those who perceive high levels of social support tend to have more active coping strategies and greater self-esteem and sense of control, each of which can diminish the effects of stress. On the Costa Blanca we have a wealth of social clubs that offer support and friendship. Often these require a pairing up so that individuals phone each other, go out for a coffee apart from social meetings or outings.
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QF Focus Magazine Those present at the CARE meeting made observations and suggestions from their individual charities, including: a) The need for more day centres where elderly can be accommodated – this would also provide some respite care for carers. b) Age Concern have the facility to collect people to bring them along to their day centre perhaps 1 day each week. They can help with the alarm systems that they supply in conjunction with VESTA. In hardship circumstances there is financial assistance available for TeleAssistance, sometimes from charitable sources and other times from town hall social benefits. c) Cruz Roja confirmed that when they are made aware of vulnerable people via social services etc, they would visit and phone them. They also have a Tele-assistance programme for a main line phone and smartphones, as well as a Tracker device for wearing on a belt. d) Tomas Ballester pointed out the various nursing homes locally offer respite and these will be looked as possible short-term respite care. e) Michaela (British Consulate) spoke about “Alexa” a new gadget that works alongside the internet which people can speak to – to find out the weather, time, play music and much more. Michaela suggested that this might be something that charities may consider hiring out to elderly living alone. f) There is a need for discussions with town councillors at community meetings to raise awareness of the vulnerable as well as discussions with administrators. g) HELP Vega Baja suggested that perhaps local communities could become involved – perhaps have a dedicated “warden” who would agree to call upon those vulnerable within their apartment blocks for example. This charity also have Hospital visiting teams, Diabetes club, Mobility aids, Friendship Centres, a Parkinsons Group, a Bereavement Group, and a 24-hour helpline. h) The SAMARITANS have a drop-in centre at Punta Marina
Page 23 that helps by talking to people who may feel down because of loneliness. i) Especially if there are severe health issues people who do not speak the language can feel lonely and all alone, such as cancer then there are possible house visits by AEEC or AFECANCER, or Stroke Support group for those who have suffered this. j) Help at Home is another association that has experience in the field of caring for people alone requiring some sort of support. k) Churches also have a responsibility for reaching out to at least their parishioners, seeking out the lost sheep as it were, who live alone. l) Many people who live alone lose their appetite or at least their appetite to cook for one person. There are a number of ready made, oven ready meals that are useful to have on stand by. A new company Made with Love offers a good variety of food made to British tastes, delivered to the door throughout the Vega Baja at reasonable prices. Social awareness can be seen on a personal level if we look around us and see a neighbour living alone, try to make contact and offer help, maybe with shopping or taking out to do shopping as many elderly people no longer are able to drive. Perhaps this is something that could be addressed by groups such as Neighbourhood Watch. It was agreed that this is an extremely serious matter and we would continue to place it on the CARE agenda for future meetings. In addition, work will continue outside the meeting to make progress. In passing I would like to commend all the volunteers who do such wonderful work in our community. Volunteering in some capacity has its benefits such as the feel-good factor. Ed's notes: If you feel you could benefit from any of these services, or know someone who could please contact HELP Vega Baja who will be able to point you in the right direction. To find out more visit www.helpvegabaja.com.
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Red Cross appeal for English speaking volunteers at RBL Meeting
Pedro Dominguez, the Provincial Coordinator for European residents of the Spanish Red Cross (Cruz Roja Española) in Communidad Valencia, was the guest speaker at the monthly meeting of the Orihuela Costa Branch of the Royal British Legion recently in Mil Palmeras.
Pedro was invited to attend the meeting by the Branch Welfare Officer Sandie Coates in order to highlight some of the many services that the organisation can offer to vulnerable British nationals, such as advice and support with accessing social services, help for sufferers of Alzheimer’s and dementia, and practical help for those suffering financial difficulties. Following his presentation Pedro held a short Q&A session which provoked lively discussion as well as providing lots of information to the many residents in attendance. Pedro also appealed for English speaking volunteers to work with the Red Cross so they can help their fellow nationals access the support that they may need. He explained that training is provided in English which is the language that volunteers would also operate in, so there is no need for any more than a very basic knowledge of Spanish. Anyone needing more information on available services or who might be interested in volunteering can obtain more information from Pedro by email at: pdominguez@cruzroja.es or by calling him on: 678 501 586.
Harvest combinations
Walking Football
Trying to combine letters into a harvest word proved to be very challenging for our scrabble enthusiasts.
We meet at 4pm every Tuesday in Rojales, the football is free.
Only three possibilities were laid - flax, steer and corn. "Corn" was voted as the most appropriate harvest word, which won Russ a bottle of wine. Sam had the highest round score for the second month running. She is still looking for that elusive 500.
We have a brand new football kit, we just need some players to wear it! In light of this, could I ask you to spread the word that Rojales Walking Football is fun and we are not a bad bunch.
The next meeting will be on Tuesday 31st October at Cafe Almoradi (opposite the health centre) - meeting at 15:00 for a 15:30 start. If you can rearrange the following letters into a 7 letter anagram, SCRABBLE could be the game for you. So why not join us? S L I R A B E For further information contact Christine on 694 437 698.
If you know anyone who has been before, please can you ask them to provide an email address in order that I can add them to the database. Also, anybody you know who would like to come and have a go, please bring them along. Interested? Please email Pat or Alan on rojaleswalkingfootball@gmail.com for more information.
APAC
Furia - PRE (Pure Rasa Español) Mare, she is 16+ years old and 155cm. Huge experience in Spanish Doma, excessively so and now needs a loving home with an experienced rider. Lovely nature and very forward but needs care and patience to continue her rehabilitation from an abusive background. Please email us if you can offer her a loving home - jules@apac-cv.com.
K9 Club.
Louie was found wandering the streets trying to interact with people. He appears to have been well looked after. He is well house trained, is very good on a lead and when left to roam freely within boundaries. Louie would suit a single man as he has tendencies to bond with one individual only. Not suitable for families or other animals. If you are able to give Louie a home, then please call 600 845 420. www.k9club.es.
Pets in Spain. Simba is a 2 year old Galgo, he is house trained, good with children and other dogs and very affectionate. Simba is chipped and weighs around 20kgs. Call: 645 469 253. Email: info@petsinspain.com. To view more animals for adoption go to www.petsinspain.com. Calling all 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 Una cita con el médico - An appointment at the doctors Last month we looked at the D to F of Spanish words that you might use at the Doctors, this month we move on to the G to M....... Hopefully you will never need to use any of these words but may be useful one day. There are 24 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.
Word Search
G H I K L M
GLÁNDULA - GLAND GRIPE - FLU HERIDA - WOUND / SORE HIGIENISTA - HYGIENIST HINCHADO - SWOLLEN HUESO - BONE INFECCIÓN - INFECTION INFLAMACIÓN - INFLAMMATION INMUNE - IMMUNE INOCULACIÓN - INOCULATION INTENSIVO - INTENSIVE JUSTIFICANTE MÉDICO - SICK NOTE LARINGITIS - LARYNGITIS LESIÓN - INJURY LOCIÓN - LOTION MANDÍBULA - JAW MEDICACIÓN - MEDICATION MEDICINA - MEDICINE MÉDICO - MEDIC MOCO - MUCUS MOLESTIA - DISCOMFORT MORETÓN - BRUISE MUERTE - DEATH MÚSCULO - MUSCLE
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QF Focus Magazine
&
Spot the difference -
See if you can spot all 10 differences
SUDOKU Here are two Sudoku puzzles of different skill levels for you to try. Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3 x 3 grid contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repeats, which means that no number is repeated in any row, column or box. Answers to puzzles on page 30
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QF Focus Magazine
Forthcoming Events By Keith Nicol 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 1st November for All Saints Day, so it’s all a bit of good fun. Got a taste for the good things in life, then you won’t want to miss GastroVegaBaja 2017. GastroVegaBaja is a festival in which Gastronomy and Culture unite and takes place the 28th, 29th and 30th of October in Salones Bahia Costa, La Mata, Torrevieja, in the same location as the Expo Torrevieja will take place, in November. During this event there will be tasters, workshops, cooking demonstrations, gastronomic debates and plenty of fun for the whole family. Doors are open from 11.30am to 6.30pm. 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. The 13th edition of the Volvo Ocean Race will officially leave Alicante Port on the 22nd October 2017. Details of the racing schedule at: www.alicantepuertodesalida.com.
Pilar de la Horadada has been celebrating their patron saint, the Virgen del Pilar for the last month and their program of events comes to an end on Saturday 21st October, with a Grand Carnival Parade from Calle Mayor to Calle San Juan, starting at 8pm. If you’re a music fan, and in particular Jazz and Blues, you won’t want to miss the 37th Edition of the Cartagena Jazz Festival. The festival features performances by jazz legends like Michael Nyman and Chick Corea, who will perform accompanied by Steve Gadd. Concerts will be held on Friday and Saturday during November at the two venues of the festival, the Auditorio El Batel and the Nuevo Teatro Circo. All the information is available on the website www.jazzcartagena.es. Every Saturday at 12.30pm you can also enjoy free concerts in the Plaza del Icue, while on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night there are other free concerts around the city. The official program will begin on Friday, 3rd November with performances by Luisa Sobral and Dee Dee Bridgewater. On Friday, 10th November, pianist Chick Corea and drummer Steve Gadd perform together. One day later, on Saturday 11th, it will be the turn of Jay Jay Johanson and José James. It has been almost 20 years since the Swedish singer and songwriter Jay Jay Johanson first came to our attention and he will present his latest album Looking Glass II. The closing night of the festival, is Saturday 25th November. There are 200 Abonos or Festival Passes available for just 55€ each which are valid for all concerts. They can be brought at the ticket office at the Nuevo Teatro Circo and the Auditorio El Batel (10am - 2pm & 5pm - 8pm Monday to Friday). For more information visit their official website: www.jazzcartagena.es/2017. The Musical Beauty and the Beast will be performed on Friday, 10th November at the Teatro Capitol de Rojales. Curtain up at 7pm and tickets are priced from 10€. Admittedly the staging will be in Spanish but that should not be a problem for the young ones and everyone will enjoy the music from the Disney film of the same name.
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QF Focus Magazine Looking slightly ahead, so you can plan a little, from Thursday 23rd November to Sunday 3rd December, it’s time again for one of Torrevieja’s most successful innovations: the Tapas Route, which is run twice a year around the city centre. It’s a fun and inexpensive way to spend an afternoon or evening, touring the centre of Torrevieja and discovering some of the hidden delights of the city. All participants can vote for their favourite Tapa, and in doing so, after you have collected 10 official stamps on the Tapas Route Card, be entered into a prize draw for a number of great prizes. A great event that many other local communities have also copied, and it is a success wherever it is held. Can’t wait to devour those Tapas? Then head on over to Almoradi to savour the flavour at their 13th edition of their Tapas Route, XIII Sendero del Tapeo from 27th to 29th October. You can enjoy a tapa and a drink for 2.50€ in one of the 17 pubs, cafes and restaurants on route.
Focus On
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Marina Alta
Vega Baja
The Costa Blanca’s largest and best guide to the best local businesses
Inc orp including... the oratin Property Services Foo Goo g dG d Legal & Finance uid e House & Home
Trades & Services Health & Beauty Infotech & Marketing
In its planning stages just before we went to press, is Torrevieja’s Clubs and Associations Day. It’s an opportunity to find out more about what’s happening at dozens of the region’s local clubs and societies. More info at: www.Torrevieja.Club. And last but not least, the II Expo Torrevieja, the Southern Costa Blanca’s premier Lifestyle and Home Living show, takes place at the fabulous Salones Bahia Costa, in La Mata, just around the corner from Torre de la Mata, in Torrevieja. With over 50 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 under one roof. And yes: it is all under cover, so inclement weather is not an issue. Admission and parking are free. The doors are open from 10am until 3pm on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th November. More info at: www.ExpoTorrevieja.com. Get out there and enjoy something a little more different as Christmas and the New Year will soon be upon us.
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.
py Pick up your co l na io ss of the Profe Baja ga Ve s ce Servi Issue 11 BOOK NOW for Issue 12
Call 965 875 421
Email advertising@female-focus.com or contact your local Female Focus representative
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NOTICEBOARD
The Association Of Retired Police Officers (known as ARPO). Retired police officers from any national or international force are very welcome to join our group. We meet every 2nd Wednesday at Sacko’s Bar, El Limonar at 10:30 We are a social and self help group and look forward to meeting new members and their partners. For information and forthcoming events, www.arpo.org.co.uk. 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 Ex-Services to join us. Further details and/or directions from Robin 96 669 5423 or Brian 639 917 971. Email: granalacant.secretary@gmail.com.
QF Focus Magazine
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, now in its 29th year. 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. Catral’s writers / cultural group. If you like to write, talk or read about cultural issues you are coming to the right starting group every Wednesday in Catral, Vega Baja. Interested? Please email J. Rivero on jrivero-santana@skynetlink.com.
Calling all groups and charities Send your forthcoming events and information to editor@qffocus.com. See page 4 for deadlines
Answers to Sudoku & Spot the Difference
Easy
Hard
QF Focus Magazine
Page 31
Unibike 2017 The Spanish Bike Show On Friday 22nd September I left a sleepy Quesada at 5.30am accompanied by our apprentice mechanic Harry Morrow and stepson Moth Robertson and headed for Alicante to catch the high speed train to Unibike in Madrid. We boarded the train and left Alicante at 7.10am and were soon sitting in comfort with issue headphones, a good video and a cup of coffee, this is the way to travel stress free. Just after 9am we arrived in Madrid station and caught a taxi direct to the Recinto Ferial Ifema (Madrid’s exhibition centre). Last year we got the underground and we seemed to take forever with 3 train changes so this year we took a taxi and got there in half an hour and also saw a bit of the city. On arrival we checked in and got our security passes took a few pictures and proceeded into the main hall. Unibike consisted of 3 large halls with all the main bike and accessory dealers from all over Spain having large displays. Having Harry with us last year was a godsend as he speaks Spanish like a machine gun. It was really beneficial for us as we now buy direct from many Spanish companies including Shimano Spain. Our first impression on entering the main hall was the amount of dealers who were there, every bike manufacturer that you can think of was represented. After a few hours looking at the new models and new accessories, we had a well deserved lunch break where we took time to review and consider the different models and companies we would like to start working with. There was a considerable amount of cycle rack suppliers supplying racks for the rear of your car, these started from 70€ up to 1000€ with some of them looking like something out of Star Wars. The makes and models of bikes were incredible from all the companies, however most of the bikes were drab colours ie; matt black, grey etc. We even saw a beautifully made wooden bike fully equipped by Shimano which retailed at 8000€. What was interesting was the amount of e-bikes now entering the market, most of the big companies are now doing electric mountain bikes, cyclecross and road bikes, I would guess that 75% of the bikes at the show were e-bikes, so this is certainly the way forward. Outside there were various stalls inviting people to try E-mountain bikes, E-road bikes, BMX, fat boys etc and an abundance of people were queueing to try these out. All in all we had an excellent day at the show, saw a lot, learnt a lot and have some lovely new models of e-bikes and hybrid bikes arriving in the next few weeks. We are looking forward to next year’s show already. Gary and Lynn are available at Cyclogical in Quesada from 9.30am until 5.30pm Monday to Friday and from 10am until 2pm on a Saturday to help and assist you with all your cycling requirements. Call 637 487 377, visit www.cyclogicalcostablanca.com, or see us on Facebook www.facebook.com/cyclogicalquesada.