QF Focus September 2020 by Female Focus Publications

SEPTEMBER 2020

Professional Services VB17 is out now. Pick up your copy or view it online:

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Your Horoscopes - Your Local Community News Puzzles - DP Entertainment - Recipes - Legal Astronomy - A View From The Top Finance - Health & Beauty - Violet King Local Business Reviews - Club & Charity News - Prize Compe��ons Classiﬁed Adverts And So Much More...

JOE SWA STACEY S SH & ON NAVI OLOMON G BLENDED ATING A FAMILY

QF FOCUS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2020

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ll the world is experiencing a very frightening time, due to this dreadful virus that is circulating everywhere. Until a good vaccine has been developed, we are going to have to live with it and I understand that there are a number of people who are very fearful and not leaving their homes to go anywhere.

To do this for such a long time could create problems with their health. All I can advise is doing what many other people are, going out locally and being extremely careful where they go and carrying out all the rules that the government is asking us to do. In the end, however, it is everybody’s responsibility to protect themselves and others. Obviously there is a lot of sadness, despair, and fear surrounding this virus, but we are having to learn to live with it. The need to feel secure in your own home is vital and again I can only suggest that washing hands and using gel, is the only thing you can do to protect yourself. Of course, as an insurance lady, I have to suggest that one way you can ensure your overall security is by having the correct insurances in place. Please try not to be blackmailed by the banks, as you will discover later when trying to claim, you will have no help and your insurance cover is very limited. There are many Spanish companies which are excellent, but they do not offer the special Expat policies that my company does. If you go to see or telephone one of my staff, everything will be properly explained to you in detail, with all your questions answered. Many of the Spanish companies just use the one word… That “everything” is covered. This is impossible and what does it mean? Because the verbal word alone means nothing. Then of course, if your policy is written in Spanish and you do not understand it, then how do you know what is actually covered? Can you afford to take this risk?

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Please call one of my consultants to help with any questions you may have, visit the website www.jennifercunningham.net or email info@jennifercunningham.net

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The Autumn Night Sky

QF Focus Magazine September 2020

ello everyone, here we go again with your monthly dose of simple astronomy. It's been quite an eventful summer for people interested in space, Comet Neowise in July, the first manned mission of the privately funded Dragon spacecraft and a couple of new missions heading to Mars. It's also a first for the Arab Emirates with their brilliant Hope mission to Mars, not just because it's a very clever piece of machinery, but also because of the efforts they are making to involve schools and universities in so much of the mission. OK, now for the practical stuff. It should be dark enough by 9.30pm to go outside with your chair and binoculars. Find a place looking due south on a night with a clear sky. If you're looking sometime around the 21st, 22nd or 23rd of September you'll see the Moon to your right, well worth a look before it sets, and you'll see two bright points in front of you, Jupiter on the right and Saturn on the left. Incidentally, you are looking almost toward the centre of our galaxy, it's hidden from us by lots of gas and dust, I'll be talking about that next month. What you can see depends on your binoculars, you won't see the rings with normal binoculars, but if you concentrate, you should notice that Saturn is brownish to look at, and also that it isn't round. Not round? It's true that most planets are round, but not Saturn, it looks a bit squashed, fatter at the equator than the poles. This is because it is made up of gasses, Hydrogen and Helium, mostly with a soupĂ§on of others for good measure. Now then, Saturn is huge, vastly bigger than the Earth, and it also spins very quickly, a day only last 10 and a bit hours. These things working together are what makes Saturn bulge in the middle. Simple once you know. If you are lucky, you might also see the moon Titan. As its name suggests, it's a big moon, about 50% bigger than ours, but it's so far away that you really will need some luck to spot it. Those of you with a small telescope will be wanting to see the rings. All I can say is give it a try, we usually recommend

a decent telescope with a good aperture (big lens or mirror) to see the rings. The first time anyone sees these rings for themselves is always a seminal moment, a photograph no matter how good is not the same. Hopefully, the Coronavirus threat will be dealt with soon and our group can organise an observing night for people the see the rings for themselves. One last fact, the rings are often pictured nearly open to us, this isn't always the case, the rings open and close over about 15 years, a ring plane crossing to give its proper name, and they are closing up at the moment. In 2 or 3 years they will be edge on, and it will look as though they have vanished. So, if you get a chance to see them soon, make the most of it. I'm running out of space again (pun unintended) so I'll close with a few words about our group. Some of my friends are getting really into astrophotography, so I'll include a couple of their pictures The moon and galaxy by Ron Giddy. It's quite amazing what can be done nowadays with quite ordinary equipment...... and a lot of patience.

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

OateGrsoup Charljaes tro As nomy Vega Ba

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August has been a manic month for me with lots of deadlines to meet and by now you will all have been able to pick up the latest Focus on Professional Services guide with a new look, format and size that has been very successful and well received by everyone. It is such a positive statement in these hard times and very reassuring that companies are continuing to support and appreciate all our publications. As September is now upon us, one of the big questions on most parents' minds is, are the kids going to be returning to school as planned? This remains to be seen but all the schools have put safety measures in place for their return so we can only hope it does happen, for the sanity of both the kids and the parents!! It is so important that social interaction starts to happen again for the future of the world, my own opinion is, it is a more valuable lesson that needs to be taught than the core subjects learnt at school. Keep supporting your local businesses, stay safe and stay healthy, 'til next time... Congratulations to Susan McCarthy from Guardamar who won last month's competition after spotting the Curry On Cooking logo on page 24. This month if you find the Curry on Cooking logo (not on this page, front page or the recipe page) you are in with a chance of winning a selection of curry kits which will be posted out to your house. Simply email editor@femalefocusonline.com with your name, address, phone number and the page you found the logo on. See inside for full competition details. Good luck. helle

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Jermaine Jenas on life after pro football, the joy of fatherhood and tackling racism

By Gabrielle Fagan, PA Retiring from sport was a tough transition, but as Jermaine Jenas tells Gabrielle Fagan, his life, health and confidence have bloomed. Jermaine Jenas seems effortlessly self-assured during his regular TV appearances as a football commentator and pundit.

But, he reveals, that inner confidence has been hard won, and during his days playing for England he struggled with low selfesteem – despite apparently having the sporting world at his feet. It might seem unexpected from somebody so clearly talented, handsome and outwardly “living my dream”, but Jenas admits there were times he secretly battled with ‘imposter syndrome’ – which he believes affects many top players. The former midfielder, who retired after struggling to recover from a knee injury in 2014, was playing alongside a “golden generation” – Wayne Rooney, David Beckham, Michael Owen, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Paul Scholes. But he describes the set-up under thenmanager Sven-Göran Eriksson as an exclusive “boy’s club”, which he felt had a detrimental effect on peripheral members of the squad, like himself. “I was playing for England, and it was nothing to do with my ability or my deserving of the position I was in, but I just didn’t feel part of that environment,” says Jenas, who opened up about his experience in new British Army podcast, The Locker (episode two). It was quite a clique – it was a bit like an England Boys’ Club – and there were times when I felt on the fringes. It wouldn’t seem to matter how well I was playing or training because we had some of the best players in the world, and whether they were playing well or not, they were always picked. There were moments when I battled imposter syndrome. I felt there’s nothing I can do to break through into this team. It eventually grinds you down and confidence can be fragile, no matter how much you’ve achieved. The manager seemed set in his ways with: ‘They’re world-class players, they start and that’s it’.” Jenas, who has three daughters (two with wife Ellie and one from a previous relationship), says “the mental health” side of football wasn’t spoken of as it is today, which he hails as a “game-changer” in all sports. “While my time playing and being in the England team were some of the best days of my life, I wish there had been more focus on talking about problems,” says the Nottingham-born 37-year-old, who now lives in Hertfordshire. “Instead, anything mental was regarded as a weakness, like a physical injury, which would mean you might not be picked. Instead, the best way to deal with something like imposter syndrome or anything else is to admit you have an issue. Communication is everything and that’s so improved in sport nowadays.”

Here, Jenas opens up about coping with leaving the sport, family life, and dealing with racism… How did you cope with retiring from the game? “I regard making that transition from playing into the life I’m in now as my biggest achievement. It was very hard initially, particularly because my career was cut short by injury when I was 31. I get lots of top footballers calling me to ask for advice on coping with retirement. One minute you’re in this life where, when you’re playing well, there’s euphoria and living like a rock star, people chasing you for autographs and instantly giving you a table in top restaurants as soon as you say your name – and then it’s like you fall off the edge of a cliff. Your identity and those privileges just vanish.” How do you enjoy your TV career? “TV was my saviour after retirement. It’s allowed me to stay connected to the sport I love but channel my aspirations, ambition, drive and passion into a new career, and the best thing is I’m learning all the time. I’ve got to admit, though, to shaking like mad with nerves on my first appearance on Match Of The Day. I was sweating and fidgeting and my heart was going crazy. It was a big moment and I felt I was a mess, but I got through it.” What does Ellie mean to you? “Meeting her massively changed my life. Often you hear that when footballers’ careers finish and the money dries up, their marriages can fail as well, but Ellie’s been incredible. I was playing for England but having loads of injuries when I met her, and her support has been above and beyond what most people would give. She’s the main reason I am what I am now.” What does fatherhood mean to you? “It was literally a game-changer for me. You can live in a bubble as a professional footballer, where your whole life, outlook and mood – on and off the pitch – seem to depend on how you play, but as soon as I had my first daughter, something really relaxed in me. When a little child runs to you for a hug when you get home, doesn’t care how you played, they just want you, you realise that as much as you still give your sport 100%, maybe don’t put it as high as life and death. When I retired, my wife and three amazing daughters [Sancha, 12, Geneva, 7, and Olivia, 4] were a huge part of getting me out of the dark and into a place where I am now feeling content and fulfilled.” Do you support the Black Lives Matter campaign? “My mum’s white and my dad’s black. I

QF Focus Magazine September 2020

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appreciate both sides of my heritage and I understand the suppression black people have been under for years, so I support it 100%. I remember seeing my dad, a semiprofessional player in the mid-Eighties, experience racial abuse from the crowd, but then the crowds weren’t so big at that level and you could at least see where it was coming from. I think we live in a world now which is almost more dangerous, because you’ve got people that are doing it in the dark to an extent, people living in the shadows on social media, creating fake accounts and just saying whatever they want to say to people. It’s great that people are finally actually recognising it and talking about it.” Did you experience racism in your playing career? “Every now and then, particularly when I played in Eastern Europe, there was a level of racism. If I was playing on a team say with four black players and they got the ball, they got a ‘monkey’ chant, while as a mixed-race man, if I got the ball [the chanting] wouldn’t be as intense, but I still would get it and that didn’t mean it didn’t hurt. “The lack of black managers, the lack of black coaches, the lack of black representation when you’ve got so many black players in the League is odd. Racism has always been there. My fear is people just adapt and find a way around it, like they always have done. It’s important we keep pushing the conversation, challenging people and forcing the change, rather than sitting and waiting and posting the odd thing on Instagram and just thinking, ‘OK, I’ve done my bit’.” How do you look after your health and wellbeing? “Daily training when you’re a professional player is intense and I’ve gone from having to hobble to the bathroom, wincing with the pain until my muscles woke up every morning, to now feeling really fit and totally without pain, which is great. The weird thing is though, when I stopped playing, I missed feeling that physical exhaustion and putting my body through its paces, so I’ve replaced that by gym training, golf and boxing. Keeping busy and focused is vital for me and that physical routine, along with my career in television and my family life, is a brilliant blend for me.” The British Army’s new podcast The Locker can be found on all major podcast directories, including Spotify, iTunes and Google Podcasts, with new episodes every fortnight. To find out more, head to apply. army.mod.uk/thelocker

QF FOCUS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2020

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Focus on Portfolios

his month we are going to focus on the performance trend of a risk based portfolio and its returns and losses over a period of time.

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The above are the results of a real daily traded fund which is open to daily market movements – up and down. Normally, the more adventurous the risk, the bigger the rises and falls – but not always in the long term as you can see. This has been a difficult year, however, we are at a lowish point and now is the time to get into the stock market to hopefully achieve some gains as showed in 2017 and 2018. In history, previous market falls are followed by several better years, however, there are no guarantees – that's investing for you! What we can do is make sure you are in the right assets so that it minimises the chances of losses and enables you to access your money without any trouble at any time. Call me if you are interested!

How is your current Financial Advisor?

If you have a portfolio such as SEB Spanish Portfolio Bond that you don't think your current financial adviser is managing particularly diligently, then give me a call about your bond and I will tell you immediately if I can help and improve your situation. You have nothing to lose! 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 Blacktower Group (formed Jan 1986 UK) has been offering sound, independent advice for 34 years. 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 (Int) Ltd is licensed in Gibraltar by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and is registered with both the DGS and CNMV in Spain.

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QF Focus Magazine September 2020

SUDOKU Here are four Sudoku puzzles of different skill levels for you to try. It is not a maths game at all - it is a pure logic game. Fill in the grid so that every r o w, e v e r y c o l u m n a n d e v e r y 3 x 3 grid contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repeats, which means that no number is repeated in any row, column or box.

Answers to puzzles in the classified pages

QF Focus Magazine September 2020

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The Ultimate Easy Guide to Building Licences in Spain

In the UK, licences are pretty straightforward and easy, allowing the building of minor extensions or other buildings with a simple and basic process. However, that doesn’t happen in Spain and all building work needs one of the following three types of licences. Major Building Work Licence Required whenever there is: ·Extensions either attached or detached, such as garages, work sheds, etc. ·Any building work that implies building a roof with over 1.5mts height. ·Any structural building work inside or outside the property, such as putting new beams, structural repairs, knocking down loadbearing walls. ·Any internal change of layouts, such as making rooms, kitchens or toilets bigger or smaller, subdividing rooms etc. ·Pools - Even small or fibreglass ones. Major building work licences always need to be signed off by a qualified architect and the paperwork required is usually vast. The process can be long and bumpy. Town halls take months to issue the licence and they also require that the builder is qualified and registered.

Minor Building Work Licences Minor building work licences are those needed to do any building work that doesn’t imply structure, doesn’t increase the build size of the property or doesn’t involve a roof, for example, tiling, repairing, cladding, plumbing, electricity etc. They are generally easy and cheap to obtain. Retrospective Licence/Certificate of Antiquity This is can be obtained whenever the property has been extended, altered or had a pool built without a proper building licence (prior to building).

To be able to obtain a Retrospective Licence / Certificate of Antiquity, the building work needs to meet two conditions: A. It has never been challenged by any Spanish Authority B. It has been built with over certain years, depending on each region: ·Alicante: The extension or pool needs to have been completed before August of 2010 (minimum aprox 9 years). ·Murcia: The extension or pool needs to be over four years old. ·Almeria: The extension or pool needs to be over six years old. By having a Retrospective Licence/ Antiquity Certificate, building work already done becomes unobjectionable for the authorities. ·Vendors use it to avoid putting off potential buyers, due to the existence of undeclared or unlicensed building work. ·The Certificate of Antiquity is also the document needed at the Notary to update the Title Deeds (Escritura) with any alterations introduced 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 licences, amongst other services. 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).

For all enquiries, or to arrange an appointment, please call 665 810 411 or visit www.martinezdelacasa.com to see over +200 testimonials on our services.

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QF Focus Magazine September 2020

Joe Swash and Stacey Solomon on navigating a blended family By Prudence Wade, PA

rudence Wade finds out about the ups and downs of step families, and why the key to success is communication.

The traditional idea of a family unit being two parents, two children, and a dog, is increasingly outdated – and we’ve become much more used to blended families. Take singer and presenter Stacey Solomon, and her partner, fellow presenter and actor Joe Swash, who have four boys between them, all under one roof: Harry, 13, from Swash’s previous relationship, Zach, 12, and Leighton, 8, from Solomon’s previous relationships, and together they have one-year-old Rex. Admittedly, blending two families together is not always the easiest thing to do. London-born Swash, 38, refers to it as a “long process” with its “ups and downs”, but says “it’s well worth it in the end”. Both Solomon and Swash note it can be a constant effort to keep things running smoothly and everyone happy. “Even sometimes, when you think you’ve got the balance right, something will happen and you’ll have to start again from zero,” says Solomon, 30, with a groan. Swash agrees it’s a “continuous” process, saying, “We still have issues and problems we have to deal with.” And they aren’t alone. So what is the key bit of advice they’d give to anyone in a similar situation? “The best thing we’ve learnt over the years is communication,” says Dagenham-born Solomon. “Trying to be as open and honest as possible with the kids.” She also recommends celebrating the other parents involved, from your previous relationship(s). “It’s very difficult sometimes to do that, and there are lots of different circumstances which determine whether you can or can’t physically do that,” she acknowledges. “No break-up is nice and there are reasons why you broke up with that person, but I think trying to remain as positive, uplifting and happy about that person is the best thing we could’ve done for the kids.” “At the end of the day, it’s for the kids,” continues Swash. “It’s not for us – we’re adults, we’ve had our parents, we’ve had our childhood. It’s our job now to give them the best childhood they could possibly imagine.” The couple have been together since 2016, and even with the parental struggles of coordinating everyone’s different schedules, combined with parenting in a pandemic, Swash says: “We wouldn’t change it for the world – we might even add to it in a few years’ time. We love having a house full of kids and the thing is, when we get old, they’ve got to look after us – so we’re winning! “We’ll never be lonely old people,” he says happily. Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash are in partnership with Pampers (pampers.co.uk).

PA Photo/Handout

QF Focus Magazine September 2020

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WHAT IS PLASMA SKIN TIGHTENING? P

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The Science Bit! The plasma device creates a tiny plasma flash which leaps from the tip of the device to the skin in a micro sized point. This superficial point targets the skin in its immediate vicinity; reducing excess skin and tightening. A series of tiny brown spots are strategically placed to attain the desired result. The skin around the spot tightens instantly, pulling the cells closer together. Areas That Can Be Treated Plasma skin tightening is able to treat a number of imperfections without any actual cutting of the skin: * Eyelids - upper/lower * Crows feet * Forehead lines * Lines/fine wrinkles around the mouth * Sunspots/age spots (Check with Dr first) * Diminishes stretch marks * Tightening loose stomach skin * Mini face lift * Lip flip How Long Does It Last? As plasma skin tightening is more than a simple tightening treatment, the effects should last as long as they would with invasive surgery. Like all surgical and cosmetic procedures, the effects of plasma skin tightening are not entirely permanent as it does not stop any further ageing. The results of the treatment can take up to 12 weeks to be noticeable, although some people see a difference straight away. For some, an additional treatment may be required at 12 weeks for maximum results. Prolonged sun exposure, alcohol consumption and smoking can prevent results from lasting as long as they can!

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AS SEEN ON TV

QF FOCUS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2020

Indian Granola

his granola is strangely addictive – there’s something deeply satisfying to starting the day with a bowl of crunchy homemade granola, it’s also great to munch on for a tasty snack. We’ve given this granola recipe a Spice Sister makeover with an Indian twist by adding turmeric, cinnamon and ginger. Add the fruit after baking, at the end as it is likely to burn. For really crunchy granola make sure the oats are completely coated before baking. Ingredients 2 tbsp vegetable oil 125ml maple syrup 1tsp vanilla extract 1tsp ground turmeric 1tsp ground cinnamon ½ tsp ground ginger 300g jumbo rolled oats 50g sunflower seeds 35g sesame seeds 50g pumpkin seeds 100g flaked chopped almonds 100g mixed dried fruit/ berries Method Heat the oven to 150ºC/fan 130ºC/gas 2. Line a large baking tray.

In a large bowl mix the oil, maple syrup and vanilla, add the turmeric, cinnamon and ginger, whisk with a fork until blended. Add the oats, sunflower, pumpkin, sesame seeds and almonds and mix well until all the oats are coated. Tip the mixture onto the baking tray, spreading evenly. Bake for 10 minutes, take out of the oven and stir thoroughly; cook for another 10-15 minutes or until golden and crisp. Mix in the dried fruit, leave to cool at room temperature. The granola can be stored in an airtight container for up to a month.

Don't forget your curry fix – quicker than ordering a takeaway and a lot cheaper too! www.curryoncooking.com LOOKING FOR A GIFT with a difference or to learn a new skill? The Spice Sisters are offering virtual cook along lessons. Please email us for more information: keepcalm@curryoncooking.com · Recipe supplied by The Spices Sisters from Curry On Cooking. Don’t forget to like them on Facebook 'Curry On Cooking'. You can purchase their currylicious kits from www.curryoncooking.com.

Happy Children

e recently met a lovely, selfless lady who works tirelessly to help children and families in need. She runs a charity based in Benijofar called Happy Children. The shop is rammed full with items donated, but at the moment, probably due to this wretched virus, she lacks customers. She actually gives away clothing and other items, such as bedding and kitchenware to needy families. They simply have to turn up and ask and she gives them a black bin bag to fill with things they need. As well as funds raised by selling to the general public, she subsidises the upkeep of the shop from her pension. Sunley’s Bar hold a quiz every Wednesday and all the proceeds are donated to charities. We chose Happy Children as our beneficiary this month and we were delighted to hand over 200€ this week which we are sure will be put to good use, but what they also need is people to go and visit and buy some of the lovely stuff in the shop, so please, go and spend a few Euros to support this great cause. Calle Corazón de Jesús, 2, 03178 Benijófar,

QF Focus Magazine September 2020

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The Wolves of the Radfan by David Brown. Review by Fiona Hulme

This is a gripping and hair-raising account of British Army active service in the Aden Conflict in the 60s, seen through the eyes of Bomber Brown. The book starts immediately with enemy engagement, and the feelings of terror and fear felt by rookie soldiers on their first sortie are portrayed with ruthless detail. We learn more about Bomber, his determination to protect himself and his comrades, and his ability to engage at all levels. Three Section were Northern Irish lads, tough, unruly and dismissive of anyone not up to the job. Several Corporals had not lasted more than a few weeks trying to gain their respect, and this Section became known as The Damned. Bomber became their Acting Corporal, and quickly earned their grudging regard as he threw himself into his first leadership role. We discover more about tactics, weaponry, and the sheer gruesomeness of combat as many skirmishes are described almost minute by minute. Suspense and anticipation build as we discover if ambush plans will succeed or if, inevitably, quick thinking and adaptation must take over. Bomber's youthful experiences in this Conflict will shape his adult life. ISBN 978-1-5289284-5-8, available through Amazon.co.uk and on Kindle. David Brown served almost 40 years in the British Army. He is now retired and living on the Costa Blanca , and is working on his second book set in Northern Ireland, titled Hard Rain. WIN a copy of The Wolves of the Radfan by sending your name, telephone number and address to editor@femalefocusonline.com with the subject - WOLVES. The lucky winner will be annonced in next month's magazine

How to create your own seaside-themed garden

By Hannah Stephenson, PA

Enthused by a day out at the beach? Experts offer tips to help give your garden a seaside feel. Award-winning garden designer Joe Perkins, who lives close to the sea in Brighton, and Lynette Talbot, chairperson of Sidmouth In Bloom, offer their tips on how you can recreate beach vibes in your outdoor space… Set the scene with sandy soil or gravel “Ideally, you’d need sandy soil or a gravel footpath. Gravel gardens can make it look like a beach,” says Chelsea Gold medallist Perkins, whose 2020 Facebook show garden Growing The Future will be displayed at next year’s show. “You could do worse than put down four or five inches of gravel, and many seaside plants would be happy growing in it. If you have poor drainage or heavy soil, build up a gravel layer, adding sand or soil to add nutrients. You want free-draining soil, which you can build up like a rockery or cliff face.” says Talbot.

Add seaside accessories “Create a small area with some shingle and put some posts on the side, with a rope link between them or some firemen’s buckets or tyres or rings which could be painted red to resemble lifebuoys, or get some glass fishermen’s jars. You might be able to get hold of some crayfish or lobster baskets, which give an area a nice seaside feel,” Talbot advises. “Thick ropes, which you often see tying a boat to a mooring, are a great accessory. You can get a garden-sized boat and plant that up, putting it on a small shingle bed, with alpine grit over the top to finish.” Display beach finds carefully Perkins says you have to be careful when putting shells or driftwood you’ve found on beach-combing walks on display at random points in the garden. “Instead of dotting things around, make a display cabinet of perhaps a series of shells, which makes sense of them being there.” Create a beach-inspired social spot For me, being on the beach is about getting together in the evening and relaxed social gatherings, so I would think about fire pits, deck chairs and that sort of low-slung seating you can really relax into. Fire pits are great, whether you choose gas or wood fire,” Perkins observes. “Hammocks and outdoor bean bags could also be added to create that beach feel,” he suggests.

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elcome to my monthly column “A view from the top”. Hopefully you will find my rambling readable (maybe even enjoyable). You may agree or you may disagree with my views, I care not. These are my views long held and forged over a life time of work, travel and experience. Now that’s over let’s have a look at what is really winding me up.

Morality I am sitting here at my laptop having just watched the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson in a television broadcast ramble on in his usual style ...erm ..ah ..waves arms about ...looks behind himself etc etc. Normally I do not take much notice of anything he (Johnson) says. How does it go "Fool me once shame on you.. Fool me twice shame on me". However, what did catch my attention was when he started spouting off about "morality". He was referring to the matter of getting schoolchildren in England back into school. Dictionary definition - "morality - principles concerning the distinction between good and bad or right or wrong behaviour". Well Dear Reader, I sat for a while ruminating on what I had just heard Boris de Piffle Johnson say ...was he really telling me (and you) that where principles and morality were concerned that he, Spaffer Johnson, was someone who should be consulted on and trusted to impart the principles and meaning of morality to the English public. I refer to the English in my piece simply due to the fact that Prime Minister of the UK he may be ...but his influence over its constituent parts is so weak, as to not mean a thing. We all know, do we not, that the United Kingdom as a political idea is to quote a poker phrase "A busted flush". With the word "morality" and its simple definition in mind the phrase much loved by the political classes "I will not take lessons from you etc" came into my mind. It's what the pompous members say to equally pompous members when trying to sound smart ...however, let’s have a look at the morality historical database of one Boris de Piffle Johnson …Prime Minister of the UK. Yes, that Boris who has been sacked for lying when he was a journalist, the Boris who conspired to have another journalist beaten-up, fibbed to the Queen about the matter of proroguing Parliament, said on several occasions that there would be no customs checks in Northern Ireland when quite clearly there will be customs checks. Remind me who was in charge when elderly people were sent from hospital into care homes, as part of the "ring fencing of such care homes" during the peak of the coronavirus first wave, without being tested to see if they (the elderly) actually had the virus or not, with the tragic consequences of thousands of elderly deaths. Think about the morality of being in charge as PM, but not actually having the desire to bother to turn up at the Cobra meetings that were being held to seek to plot a course through the chaos that a World Pandemic would reek on the United Kingdom. All the praise and the kudos ...all the grandstanding ...the salary ...without not being morally strong enough to actually take on the responsibility of being Prime Minister...I want the title ...I want the

QF Focus Magazine September 2020 attention ...however I don't actually want to do the work. The 2019 General Election was won with the "get Brexit done" slogan at the front of the political messaging. The Red Wall (so called) was tricked into believing that a vote for Boris was a vote to level up society... This clarion cry however has seen to be the clarion call of a Government built upon loyalty to a Prime Minister who simply cannot tell the difference between truth and fiction ...or should I say prefers to use three word slogans rather than good honest open debate in the cause of Governance. Think if you will about the amount of political effort that goes into persuading people to support the inequality that they are actually on the wrong side of. So much for a fair more level society under Boris Johnson. That Dear Reader was where I had intended to finish my thinking on the current Government and its leadership ...I haven't mentioned Dominic Cummings ...'do as I say not as I do' adviser and unelected leader of the UK when another crisis of Governance hits the headlines ...Britain’s young people ...our next generation, have been well and truly levelled up by a second hand fire salesman masquerading as the "Secretary of State for Education". He Gavin Williamson even had the neck to say that "we don't want kids to be over graded and not be able to cope". That from a politician straight out of the "Failing Grayling" academy of dimwitted political aspiration. OK, OK, I will stop and maybe go back to writing about my dog Fonzie ...or about ants, or even go back to writing about sparrows for those of you with good memory power who can remember back that far.

The balloon has gone up In an effort to add a little levity (yes I know) into your morning coffee as you read my diatribe, I thought you would be interested in my latest Sunday morning effort at starting the day with a calmness that I think Sunday deserves. From the front terrace of the "View Towers" where I have my Sunday morning cup of Rosie, I have a view that is obstructed, but only slightly, of the far mountains that run around the Catral / Dolores area of the Vega Baja. At about 7.30am ish at this time of year (middle of August), if I watch the mountains I can see in the distance the rising of a Globo Aerostatico ...hot air balloon to you and me. The balloon, as I understand it, is a commercial enterprise that provides views over the Vega Baja during the time of very clement weather that is our summer. My view of the balloon as it rises, has the balloon against a backdrop of the spectacular mountains that enclose the Vega Baja. This morning’s flight seemed to rise much quicker than the normal, in that it did not seem to hover or float as much... perhaps the wind speed or thermals were better than normal and meant that the balloon could rise quicker. Anyway forty minutes or so of watching was enjoyed before the balloon disappeared past my view vista... Would I actually go for a flight in a Globo Aerostatico? Not on your nellie ...wonderful to watch and calming as it is to my soul, I will leave the enjoyment or otherwise, to braver people than me. That said, it does look so calming and almost mystical as it floats high in the bright morning sky over the glory that is Spain’s Vega Baja.

Keep well ...Keep safe.

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QF Focus Magazine September 2020

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Attitude is everything….

he more time I spend with people, the more I realise the importance of our attitude in life. Attitude is everything and more important than anything else. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than success, than what other people think, say or do. It is more important than appearance, gifts, or skills. It can make or break us if we have the wrong attitude…it makes friends and enemies, and what else is there? The remarkable thing is that we have a choice to make every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We don’t have to wait for the opportunity to make changes, we can do it with what is left of today, or decide to start tomorrow! Remember we cannot change our past. If I earned money for every time I say that I would be a millionaire! The only thing we can do is play on the one string that we have to alter our future and that is ..... our attitude. Don’t fall into the trap of being pulled down by criticism, and neither be built up by flattery …both things are just other people’s opinions. So many people allow themselves to be damaged by what others say. Remember it is not what THEY do to you by saying those things….it is what you ALLOW! Take charge, change your attitude, and see the results you will get….you will love the difference! This whole routine however, is not for everyone. Show me someone who doesn’t care about being happy and I will show you how it won’t matter to that person how they handle things. They are not interested in results, they relinquish all the control they have in their lives to others, and they just drift along from day to day waiting for other things to make them happy. However hard it may be to make changes, remember that we all start at the bottom when we are learning things….in fact the only job where you start at the top, is digging a hole!!!! …remember that! Do we want to spend our lives digging holes? Until the next time, take care!

Violet King

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QF Focus Magazine September 2020

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RECIPES by Pushpa from the Spice Hut

Vegetarian and soya mince spicy chilli 2 tspn of oil, Small cup of mince soya 1 large chopped onion A can of chopped tomatoes 3 tbs of tomato puree A can of kidney beans and the liquid 1/2 green pepper, chopped 1/2 red pepper, chopped 1 green chilli, finely chopped 1 tspn of garlic paste 1/2 tspn of mustard seeds 1/2 tspn of cumin seeds 1/2 tspn of chilli powder 1/2 tspn of cinnamon powder Salt and pepper as required Lemon juice A fresh tomato, chopped Spring onion to garnish Heat the oil, add the mustard seeds and cook until they pop, add the cumin seeds, the chopped onions and both the peppers and stir fry until a little soft. Add the kidney beans with the liquid, soya mince, tinned chopped tomatoes, fresh tomatoes, tomato puree, chilli powder, garlic paste, fresh chilli, cinnamon, salt, pepper and lemon juice. Slowly bring to boil and then simmer until nice and thick. Check for taste and add to your individual taste. Garnish with spring onion and serve with rice.

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

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Brand new service at Máximo Beauty!

QF Focus Magazine September 2020

At Máximo Hair & Beauty salon we are always keeping on top of the best trends! Ever wished you had fuller thicker brows? Do you suffer from patchy brows? Are you not yet ready to try microblading? If your answer was yes to any of the above questions then Brow Henna could just be the thing for you! Great, right? Well maybe you are wondering what’s the difference between traditional tinting and Brow Henna? What is Brow Henna? Henna, which originates from the Middle East and South Asia, is a dye that is prepared from the Lawsonia Inermis plant. It is a form of temporary staining that can last up to 5 weeks on hair and up to 2 weeks on skin depending on your skin type. Compared to traditional tinting, Henna is able to stain the skin which covers up any patchiness found throughout your brows. How Long Does The Brow Henna Process Take? If you ever had your eyebrows traditionally tinted the process time is about an extra 10 minutes, a little longer depending on how long you would like the effect to last (around 30 minutes in total). The longer the henna is left on the longer the effect will last on the skin. Who Is Henna Best For? Brow Henna is best for clients who suffer from patchiness or would like a fuller looking brow. It lasts a bit longer than traditional eyebrow tint. How Soon Will You See Results With Henna? You want to avoid getting your eyebrows wet for 24 hours after getting the procedure done. After getting your eyebrows stained with Brow Henna the colour will last up to 6 weeks depending on your hair growth cycle. Keep in mind, that the Henna can last up to 2 weeks on your skin. That all depends if you have dry or oily skin. Oily skin creates a tougher barrier for the Brow Henna to penetrate which can lead to adhering issues with the henna. Please make sure you try to avoid using exfoliates or oil-based products on or around your eyebrow area for optimal effect and longevity. How Safe Is Henna? With any type of dying process, there is a risk of a chemical reaction. If you ever had an allergic reaction to dye or PPD (which is used to dye the Henna tint different colours) then this process is not for you. Make sure you have the tint test that is required 24 / 48h before. · 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.

Spot the 10 differences (answers in the classified pages)

QF F�� Maga��e Se��e��e� 2020

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Book Review by Ivor Kindle Title: The Atlantis Blueprint Author: Colin Wilson and Rand Flem-Ath Publisher: Delta

hat do you know about the theory of the lost civilization of Atlantis? What do you know about how long us humans have roamed planet Earth? And interestingly did you know that according to this book the North Pole has had at least three diﬀerent locations? This book is a fascinating read into the Earth, its geology and its geological / seismic activity, coupled with some speculation about just how long humans have populated the planet. The question posed is "Does the planet really have an untold past history?" This is such an interesting read ...it's all there. Megalithic markers around the globe...the explanation about the "Golden Section" coupled with some remarkable insight into past civilizations... Worth the time to read, very thought provoking.

Keep reading, Ivor Kindle.

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Specifically targeting problem areas of tension and muscle pain

This is a most popular relaxing massage for today’s living. Using massage to ease away the daily life stresses and strains of the day, muscle tension and pain in the neck, shoulder area and back. Massaging these areas will ease tension and the pain in your tight muscles, making you feel relaxed and up lifted. Benefits of the treatment: . Relief from tension and pain . Helps with tension headaches and back pain . Makes shoulders feel less tense . Improves blood flow and the lymph circulation . Makes you feel up lifted and more energetic . Helps with the recovery of injury in those areas . And generally makes you feel more positive Face massage I also include the face massage - I will finish your treatment with a most relaxing face massage using all the chakra points of the face opening up all the sense points, making your skin feel refreshed. Come and enjoy your treatment

For September I am oﬀering 25% OFF this treatment. For more information please visit www.mindbodyandsoulspain.com, Facebook page mindbodyandsoulholistictherapies or call me on 688 705 930.

REMEMBER

WHEN?

The following events all occurred in a year in living memory. Can you guess the year? A 1. Dudley Moore was born 2. Greta Garbo starred in Anna Karenina 3. Colonel T E Lawrence Lawrence of Arabia - died 4. Percy Shaw set up Reflecting Roadstuds Ltd to make 'Cat's Eyes' B 1. 1. Film director Alfred Hitchcock died 2. Robert De Niro starred in Raging Bull 3. The Pretenders had a UK No.1 hit with Brass In Pocket 4. Smallpox was claimed to have been eliminated as a human disease

C 1.1. Sandie Shaw had a UK No.1 hit with Puppet On A String 2. Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft starred in The Graduate 3. Former Prime Minister Clement Attlee died 4. BBC2 began regular colour broadcasting D 1. A Clockwork Orange caused controversy at the cinema. 2. George Harrison had a UK No.1 single with My Sweet Lord. 3. David Tennant was born. 4. Princess Anne was named. BBC Sportswoman Of The Year. E 1. Sean Connery starred in Thunderball 2. The Walker Brothers had a UK No.1 single with Make It Easy On Yourself 3. Train robber Ronald Biggs escaped from prison

QF F�� Maga��e Se��e��e� 2020

A: 1935 B: 1980 C: 1967 D: 1971 E: 1965

REMEMBER WHEN ANSWERS

QF F�� Maga��e Se��e��e� 2020

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our ARIES Diplomacy is the word of the month and if used to your advantage will get you far. Don't offer yourself for volunteering or other time consuming roles, you have enough on your plate at the moment without taking anything else on. TAURUS Your intuition is at its best so take note as it will lead you in the direction you should be taking with exciting results. This is the month to have that ice cream or slice of cake. GEMINI After starting the month with a stubborn head you soon realise that working together is the best way for everyone to be happy. Be mindful to your health and get any niggles dealt with immediately. CANCER A truce needs to be called after a long running problem with a loved one or colleague. If you cannot sort it out together then find a mediator, as it really has gone on too long. LEO This month is all about getting things in order, paperwork, wardrobes, life, the lot. If you still can't do it alone then find a friend who will help you sort everything out once and for all. You have been in disorder long enough. VIRGO You expect others to treat you with respect and good manners, but maybe not commenting on every little thing you see wrong will gain more respect from them. Hear all sides of the story before you jump to conclusions - your suspicions may not be correct this time.

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oroscope LIBRA It is hard when you both have different opinions but both feel you are right. If you have tried negotiating then maybe it is time to just agree to disagree. Towards the end of the month things seem to start to settle down into more of a routine. SCORPIO Trust issues mean that you that you have put up a wall which is stopping you allowing anyone through. Not everyone is the same and by pushing everyone away will leave you in a very lonely place. SAGITTARIUS Your sense of fairness means that you will be asked to sort out a dispute which you would rather not be involved in. Don't jump into something without asking an opinion as this in not your field of expertise. CAPRICORN Live a little and let your hair down, of course within reason. These past few months have been a struggle but you are starting to see a way forward to meeting your goal. AQUARIUS Keep on playing mind games and you could find yourself completely out-played. A u-turn in a project, although essential is really hard to take after all the work that has been put in. Quickly though you will see that the end result will be so much better. PISCES Volunteering may be something you need to look into to fill your spare time. The rewards you will get really will make a difference not only to your life but to so many. A friend who is suffering at the moment may get even more benefit from joining you.

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WORD SPIRAL

Page 21 Starting from 1, fill in the grid in a clockwise direction with four-letter words. The last letter of each word becomes the first letter of the next word. If you have correctly filled in the grid there should be a seven-letter key word reading across from 8.

WORDSPIRAL 1 - CLUES

QF Focus Magazine September 2020 BY PA PZZLES TEAM

1. Untidy state 2. Chair 3. Therefore 4. Condiment 5. Neckwear items 6. Ride on waves 7. Movie 8. Female servant 9. Corgis, say 10. Dimensions, bigness 11. Muslim ruler 12. Housetop 13. Young horse 14. Plant part 15. Unwanted fat 16. Cutting remark Key word clue: A game

WORDSPIRAL 2 - CLUES 1. Unable to hear 2. Disgusting 3. Weaving apparatus 4. Earth's satellite 5. Bird's home 6. Body powder 7. Moderately cold 8. Minus 9. Rebuff 10. Dandy 11. Asian language 12. Single entity 13. Small branch 14. Sport 15. Business company 16. Insect Key word clue: Chemical element

Answers to puzzles in the classified pages

Page 22 www.femalefocusonline.com Rojales Pantomime Group: Rehearsals are not possible due to closure of theatres so to keep the Pantomime Group together they are arranging monthly social activities. At a recent lunch they Note from Benny: After 12 years of publication, the Diary is still presented Joan Waddington, going strong. Despite several months of lockdown, most of our who, due to illness, is sadly no stalwart entertainers are now dusting themselves down and 'Once longer able to tread the boards, more, stepping unto the breach'. Unfortunately, a few groups have her very own Oscar for ‘Best All-Round Pantomime Performer’. gone to the wall, whilst others are taking a breather and will be They will announce when rehearsals start again, hopefully in the re-launching their talents either later this year, or during the early not-too-distant future. In the meantime, if you would like to join part of 2021. So please support your local group when and where this happy group, please email: rojalespantomime@gmail.com. you get the opportunity. Don´t forget, all groups in this column are non-profit making and donate all proceeds to local charities. Studio 32: The Company are QF Focus Magazine September 2020 COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

Actors Community Theatre Society: 2020 has been a strange year! They were unable to reschedule performances of `Ladies Day´, which was cancelled only days away from the opening night, actors, sets, props all ready, so disappointing! But onwards and upwards, so they are now busy looking for smaller projects that they can hold whilst observing social distancing requirements. Hopefully, they will be back soon with exciting news. Cantabile Ladies Choir: At present time, the Choir do not know when rehearsals will commence. Further details next month, when hopefully arrangements can be made. New members in all parts are always welcome, especially sopranos, the only requirement is the ability to sing in tune in this friendly, three-part female choir. Contact: valbeange@gmail. com or valcantabie@gmail.com Phone: 966 795 816. Mobile: 648 034 232. Rehearsals usually take place in La Siesta Church, Torrevieja, Fridays 14:45 - 17:00 from September to May. Harmoniser’s Barbershop: Whatever your singing talent, a warm welcome awaits you at Harmoniser's. They are a friendly club that includes all nationalities and a fun loving harmony chorus, singing in the Barbershop style. Rehearsals will commence on Thursday, 17 September at 10am at Casa Contenta, Rojales, near Rojales market. Please contact Mick Hume at michaelhume4814@gmail for further information. Lyrical Mixed Voice Choir: Rehearsals will resume on Wednesday mornings in La Zenia church early October, (exact date to be confirmed), new singers are always welcome. An ability to hold your own tune in 4-part harmony and to read music a distinct advantage.

pleased to announce they will be performing the musical, `South Pacific´ at the Cardenal Belluga Theatre, San Fulgencio from Wednesday 17 to Saturday 20 March 2021, all going well with the COVID-19 restrictions. Rehearsals are scheduled to recommence this month.

The Dayamante Singers: The Singers were formed 10 years ago and subject to current restrictions, expect to re-commence rehearsals next month in Daya Nueva starting on Wednesdays 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 and are always looking for new members. If you would like to join and have a great social time, ring Jean: 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 17th of the month prior to publication. Stage Diary Costa Blanca North information can be found online at www.femalefocusonline.com

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Jolly's Bar and MacMillan Cancer Support

QF Focus Magazine September 2020

Jolly's Bar in Quesada are once again partaking in the worlds official biggest coffee morning for MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT. The event will take place on Saturday 26 September from 10am until 1pm, and they are officially on the register to support this fantastic charity. This charity and the work they do, has a massive impact on many people's lives that have been touched by cancer in one way or another and Jolly's Bar are determined that this year will be bigger and better than previous years. In 2018 they managed to raise 757.50€, 2019 brought 933.69€ and the target for 2020 is to beat all records and pass the 1000€ mark. This can only happen with the help and support of the public. In the lead up to the day there will be the ongoing sale of football cards and raffle tickets with some fantastic prizes to be won at the event. Always a fun day, with so many activities for all the family, with games to play, guess how many sweets in the jar, pick a straw to win drinks at the bar or a spot prize. Homemade and fake away cakes will be available to buy. Donations are now being gratefully received for raffle prizes, so if you would like to help these can be left at the bar.

So, put the date in your diary and come along to join us to raise money for this amazing cause!! And every single cent will be sent to MacMillan.

The Villainous Count Coronavirus

Benny Davis takes a look at true Brit pantomime on the Costa

For over twelve years the stalwart members of Rojales Pantomime Group have beavered away at producing the undeniably British tradition of Christmas pantomime. During this period, they have raised over 18,000 euros for local charities and simultaneously brought laughter and happiness to thousands of expats and their families whilst the local Spanish looked on in complete bewilderment, wondering if these strange Brits had been out in the sun for too long and lost their sanity. Not surprising when you analyse this genre of theatre. Panto is more or less based on a well-known fairy tale, fable or folk tales that involves gender-crossing dressing, thigh slapping actors in tights and combines topical and slapstick humour with loads of risqué or indecent asides, often criticised as being hardly suitable for the little kiddie-winkies. My suspicion is that the modern-day socially mesmerised media young-uns, normally have to explain these `doble entendre´ references to their accompanying adults, especially if it is their grandparents. Audiences are also encouraged to participate by booing and hissing the villains, applauding the heroes, shouting out to the actors and singing along with the chorus. Where on earth could you perform such a strange conglomeration of odd-ball characters and nonsensical script to other than a true Brit friendly audience? Hence the birth of this remarkable Group who put all their eggs into one basket to perform a truly traditional once a year only show. But now, dear readers, let’s hear your loudest hissing and booing at full volume for the new villain of the piece, enter stage left illuminated by green limes, the awful apparition of the evil Count Coronavirus. This dreaded pandemic has managed to achieve something no other misfortunes have managed to do during the Groups twelve-year history of entertainment – drop the safety curtain on their current Christmas production. The group have lost both their rehearsal premises and theatre, and as a result, have been forced to organise a series of monthly social events to keep this tight group of performers and friends together. The first occasion was a special lunch during which long serving member, Joan Waddington, was presented with the ‘Oscar´ award for the, `Best All-Round Pantomime Group Performer´. Unfortunately Joan was forced to step down as a `board-treader´ owing to ill health. Let us hope many other members will be receiving this deserving award over the coming years, when in true pantomime tradition, good will prevail over evil and Count Coronavirus will be banished forever from the Costa Kingdom. Long live the Rojales Pantomime Group. The photos show Rojales cast in all their glory and Joan Waddington.

QF Focus Magazine September 2020

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Hi All. I'm delighted this month to be featuring a great all around entertainer - Robby Martin. Robby hails from Wolverhampton in the UK and has been a lifetime "Wolves" supporter. Robby Martin started playing the guitar at 12 years of age. Growing up, he was heavily influenced by what was happening in the 1960s / early 1970s music scene, playing Blues, Pop and Rock. He went on to learn the styles and techniques of Funk, Soul, Rockerbilly and Swing. He was always in the habit of singing along to song numbers he was playing, and although never receiving vocal training - he naturally became a singer also. Robby was a member of many Birmingham and Midlands bands in the 70s and 80s. The culmination of this was a record contract for his band "Video" with Logo records in 1979. Other Artistes on this label included Annie Lennox and the Tourists, and Paul Young with Streetband. Although one of Video's singles got a lot of Radio 1 and commercial radio station airplay, it didn't quite make the Top 40. In 1985, Robby went off to work as a musician / entertainer for Club MediteranneĂŠ in Greece for 6 months, followed by 6 months in the Maldives. This proved to be a life changer as Robby went on live and work in Sydney, Australia for 7 years.

Spot the odd one out A

He joined a band called The Skyscrapers and gigged around Sydney for most of that time. Another life changer happened in 1994, with Robby Martin moving to Japan, where he remained for 9 years. In Japan, he got a lot of attention as a singer / guitarist, and formed a band with great Japanese musicians, called the "Robby Real Band". He gigged mainly around Southern Japan and did a few gigs in Tokyo. He made several T.V. and radio appearances and released an Indie label E.P. which did reasonably well in sales. One song from this E.P. (Made in Japan), was picked up by a Hollywood Film Company, and ended up on the soundtrack of the movie "The 51st State", starring Samuel L Jackson, Meatloaf and Robert Carlyle. Robby hastens to add - it's on the soundtrack for all of 12 seconds, but it's there! Robby Martin and his young family moved back to the UK in 2003. He spent the next 14 years, working as both a E.F.L. teacher in colleges, and also as a lead guitarist / singer in 3 bands ...again, based near Birmingham. In 2015, Robby bought an apartment on the Orihuela Costa, and began thinking about becoming a professional solo artiste. Two years later, he fulfilled that dream. Since then, he has performed hundreds of shows around this area with his upbeat and fun show, playing guitar and singing a wide range of music styles.

As with all other artistes here now in 2020, Robby is trying to work as much as possible, during these hard Corona virus times. He is looking forward to things getting back to normal. He would also like to play with a good local band again. I wish Robby and all our other local entertainers well, during these uncertain times.

Bye for now, D.P.

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QUICK

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QF Focus Magazine September 2020

CROSSWORD By the PA puzzles team Across 7. Assorted (13) 8. Law-breaker (8) 9. Unemployed (4) 10. Author (6) 12. Shine (6) 14. Fawn (6) 16. Annual (6) 18. Avoid (4) 20. Append notes (8) 22. Alarm (13)

Down 1. Thief (8) 2. Tone of voice (6) 3. Happy (4) 4. Equity (4,4) 5. Depends (6) 6. Replete (4) 11. Liberated (8) 13. Kinsman (8) 15. Disappear (6) 17. Shrewd (6) 19. Jeer (4) 21. Not any (4)

See classified pages for answers 1. Three new cities were proposed for the South East of England 2. Prince Edward was born 3. The Kinks had a UK No.1 single with You Really Got Me 4. Peter Sellers starred in Dr Strangelove

ANSWER: 1957

BY PA PUZZLES TEAM

1. A vaccine against Asian flu was made available to the British public 2. Stephen Fry was born 3. Paul Anka's Diana was No.1 in the UK charts for nine weeks 4. Henry Fonda starred in 12 Angry Men

ANSWER: 1964

The following events all occurred in a year in living memory. Can you guess the year?

QF Focus Magazine September 2020

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SHOP LOCAL - EAT LOCAL SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES

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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 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 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 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 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.

Misc Sales WASHING MACHINE TOPLOADER, like new, only 85€. Benissa area. Tel: 626 165 567. ELECTRIC MOBILITY SCOOTER shoprider 250€. Jalon valley area. Tel: 670 305 569. DEWALT ROUTER 625E various a c c e s s o r i e s v. g . c . 8 5 € Te l : 670 305 569. Jalon valley area.

Wanted

Property Sales & Rentals BUY TO RENT - Spacious townhouse, 2 bed, 2 bath €70,000. Long term tenant. La Marina, San Fulgencio, 10 min to the beach, 20 min airport. Tel. 96 679 6236. 6 ROOMED APARTMENT for sale in well run block in Gata de Gorgos. 2 baths, fully furnished, not overlooked good amenities, rail station, cinema, cafes, restaurants, and walks, on main bus route. Telephone 679 921 045.

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Personal

AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS For families and friends of problem drinkers. There are meetings in Torrevieja. Phone 634 349 961.

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QF Focus Magazine September 2020

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

Have you picked up your copy yet?

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Out NOW! ANSWER TO SPOT THE ODD ONE OUT: F

QUICK CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS Across: 7 Miscellaneous; 8 Offender; 9 Idle; 10 Writer; 12 Lustre; 14 Grovel; 16 Yearly; 18 Shun; 20 Annotate; 22 Consternation.

Pets Cindy was born in April 2019 and has been in a foster home since she was a kitten. She is, sterilised, good with other cats and is used to being around children. Call: 645 469 253 visit www.petsinspain.com or email info@petsinspain.com Jessie loves to play ball, is a quick learner and soon picks up what you teach her. She can be bossy with other dogs but no aggression and gets on fine with them. Loves cuddles with humans. Passported and spayed. Please call 711 075 305 or email k9clubinfo@gmail.com. www.k9club.es. You’re invited to come and meet the Easy Horse Care Centre rescued horses, ponies and donkeys Call 652 021 980 or email rescue@easyhorsecare.net. For more information visit our website http://www.easyhorsecare.net.

Down: 1 Pilferer; 2 Accent; 3 Glad; 4 Fair play; 5 Relies; 6 Full; 11 Released; 13 Relation; 15 Vanish; 17 Astute; 19 Hoot; 21 None. WORD SPIRAL 1 SOLUTIONS 1. Mess 2. Seat 3. Thus 4. Salt 5. Ties 6. Surf 7. Film 8. Maid 9. Dogs 10. Size 11. Emir 12. Roof 13. Foal 14. Leaf 15. Flab 16. Barb. Key word solution: MARBLES. WORD SPIRAL 2 SOLUTIONS 1. Deaf 2. Foul 3. Loom 4. Moon 5. Nest 6. Talc 7. Cool 8. Less 9. Snub 10. Beau 11. Urdu 12. Unit 13. Twig 14. Golf 15. Firm 16. Moth. Key word solution: LITHIUM. All adverts must be sent with your Name and NIE or Passport Nº (not to be published). ADVERTS SHOULD BE sent with correct spacing and spelling, the first three words (only) in capitals. Email addresses will not be published on the website or in the magazine unless requested or supplied as part of the main text. FREE CLASSIFIED ADVERTS. Sell your unwanted items for FREE! Free adverts cannot be faxed, phoned or posted they must be emailed to classifieds@femalefocusonline.com. Photos can be sent with your free advert, both will be published online but text only in print. Classifieds that are supplied incorrectly, all in capitals or with missing information may well be deleted. ‘Misc sales’ are for example one-off sales of second hand items to the value of 500€ or less. Maximum twenty words per advert/ item & maximum five adverts per person*, (email & web addresses count as three words). Property rental or any type of service, business opportunities, wanted, etc are not free and will be charged at the commercial advert rate. Free Property adverts: Property sale adverts should also be emailed to classifieds@femalefocusonline.com by the property owner. They will be published free for a 3 month period and can include Property Agent contact details (and photo to be included online only). Commercial adverts: Minimum advert length ten words. 35 cents per word plus 21% IVA per month. Payment can be made by credit card or transfer. *Free adverts will be published in print on a space permitting basis. If you want to ensure your advert appears, normal commercial rates should be applied.