QFocus On April 2022 by Female Focus Publications

FR E

APRIL 2022

COSTA BLANCA south

Serving the community since 1993

St GEORGE The Patron Saint of England and Alcoy

ROUTE 99 Discover some of the smallest towns in Valencia

RECIPES

Torrijas - traditional Spanish Easter pudding

DRIVING New road safety laws come into effect

QFocus Magazine April 2022

YOUR NEW TELESCOPE

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Part 5

I had intended part 5 to be the last part in this series about buying and starting with a new astronomical telescope, but it looks like there will be a sixth part. I've had several questions over the last few months, which I've answered but some of those questions raised points that should be of interest to any beginner, so there will be a Q&A section next month. After all these months learning about different 'scopes, and finally choosing one, you'll be eager to use it. I'm assuming that you've familiarised yourself with the controls as I mentioned last month so it's time to enjoy yourself. Choose a nice clear night, ideally one that's not too damp and set your 'scope up. If the air is damp, your lens will soon have a film of water on it that will spoil whatever you look at. I've a tip for coping with this that I'll come back to. Most beginners want to look at a planet, but that isn't possible at the moment, they're in the wrong part of our sky until later in the year. The Moon is very good in the late and early parts of the month, so have a good look and see if you can identify the main seas and craters. In a couple of months I'll be covering lunar observing in some detail. What are well worth finding in April are the winter constellations that will soon be going beneath the horizon until the end of the year. Orion and Taurus have long been favourites of astronomers because there is so much to see. Betelgeuse might well be the most famous star after our sun, a truly vast red giant that will be going supernova sometime soon. Did you know that the name is from old Arabic meaning "The Giant's Shoulder"? After finding Betelgeuse, put a low magnification eyepiece in your 'scope and have a look at the belt, three stars in a line, they include

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a rarity called an eclipsing binary. This is something I'll be returning to when Orion returns to the winter sky. The next item to look at is the nebula in Orion's sword, you'll probably want around 100 x magnification for this. At first your eye won't grasp what you're looking at, it's blurry, indistinct, a bit odd. You are looking at a vast cloud of mostly hydrogen gas that is being drawn together by gravity, it'll keep shrinking, squashing together until one day, Kerboom, it'll burst into life as a new star. This nebula is a stellar nursery, how amazing is that? Nearby and to the right of Orion is the constellation Taurus, and to the right of that, the Pleiades (shown above). Taurus is the home of a star cluster called the Hyades and the nearby Pleiades, or "Seven Sisters" is one of the most famous sights in the sky. It's worth doing a little reading about these before you have a look, you'll then understand about the hazy areas around the stars in the clusters, and what is happening in these fascinating areas in space. That's it for this month, happy observing, any questions just send an email.

Charles Oates,

Vega Baja Astronomy Gro

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

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QF�� Maga��e A�� 2022

One day I woke up, along with many others, to discover the world that we know has changed and after listening to the news, it is not unusual to feel anxious. There is nothing we can personally do to stop all these horrors but we can make our family as secure as possible, as most accidents do happen in the home, and here I can help you. With insecurity and fear all around us, extra protection from accidents could be most helpful, whilst life insurance is especially needed and you will be delighted to know that Liberty Seguros policies are not only superior, they are cheaper, than if you had gone via a bank. Did you realise that the Accident policies work side by side with your existing policies? Options for the Accident policies include Leisure, for both non-professional sports and leisure activities, a Self Employed option and the Road Traffic Accident policy, which gives you protection as a pedestrian, cyclist or passenger. Accidents do happen and to have extra protection for a very small premium could be comforting, secure and sensible for you and your family. Not only should you think of yourself, but if you have a mortgage, the wisest thing to do would be to take out a mortgage protection policy. These are designed to cover the cost of your mortgage, should you die, to ensure your family’s home is protected for their future. Can I suggest you discover more information on making your family as secure as possible by visiting one of my offices, telephone or email info@jennifercunningham.net, or visit my website www.jennifercunningham.net

QF�� Maga��e A�� 2022

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It was such a shame that the parade for St Patrick’s Day was cancelled due to the bad weather, however I am sure that a great time was still had by everyone as all the bars continued with their planned entertainment. I don’t recall having so many days / weeks of constant rain in Spain... Even a few years back when we had the drastic floods in the area the rain didn’t continue for as long as this spell has. On a plus side, we should’ve hopefully got all the bad weather out of the way before Easter, as that is when we usually suffer. Once it has finally passed the heat is bound to hit us all of a sudden, and it won't be long before we will be complaining of it being too hot… Hard to imagine right now while I am writing this wearing a woolly jumper and thick coat. Along the Costa Blanca south, many towns will be holding processions for the Easter period. The main events are usually on Easter Thursday and Good Friday but check out your local town hall where you should be able to get a full schedule of events for your area. Enjoy and stay safe. Until next time. Michelle QFocus Magazine covering the Alicante South region and Focus On Magazine covering the Alicante North region. Discuss your advertising with your local representative:-

Sales Manager Michelle 663 178 228 michelle@femalefocusonline.com

QFocus Office: Mon to Fri. 10am - 2pm Tel. 657 501 055 Pick up your next issue on 3 May

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It’s Never Too Early to Plan Your Future

QF�� Maga��e A�� 2022

by Ciudad Patricia

Getting older is a fact of life, none of us can avoid it. For some, life goes on as normal but for many others it brings it’s challenges. The villa’s getting too big to manage, the circle of friends gets smaller and smaller and the feeling of isolation and worry should “something happen” grows and grows. Of course, a great solution is to downsize and move into a retirement resort such as Ciudad Patricia. They offer independent living in an apartment in a beautiful resort where making new friends is easy, where social activities are laid on, where the grounds and facilities are second to none and where the health safety net gives you peace of mind. Many people leave it quite late on in life to find out and make the move. Often by then it’s a little too late for independent senior living and is seen as a last resort. By moving into Senior Resort Ciudad Patricia a little earlier, between 65 and 70 for example, you really do give yourself the opportunity to enjoy your so-called “3rd age” to the full. At Ciudad Patricia we hear only too often people say “I should have done this years ago”. When we’re young we’re told to save and plan for the future. What we see is that it’s never too early to plan your senior living arrangements. Resident’s journeys to Apartamentos Ciudad Patricia can often take years from first finding out to moving in.

DATE FOR THE DIARY 6TH MAY 11:00 OPEN MORNING AT CIUDAD PATRICIA It’s an important move and requires planning and consideration but it also requires knowledge which is why we will always welcome you to visit the resort, take a look at an apartment and find out how everything works - all with no pressure or obligation. Simply call 673 064 288 to make an appointment.

QFocus Magazine April 2022

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QUARTERLY ANNOUNCEMENT - 25th February 2022 - provided by an Investment Product Provider extremely well known to British expats: There is a small UPWARD change to Expected Growth Rates (EGR) of the International Bond applied to investor's accounts daily, as follows, AFTER charges: Growth (Sterling) Fund Cautious (Sterling) Fund Growth (Euro) Fund Cautious (Euro) Fund

3.5% p.a. 2.8% p.a. 2.4% p.a. 1.6% p.a.

(note: The above is what new investors would receive and investors of over 5 years would receive 1.2% p.a. more than published rates above)

It could also be time to consider changing your stocks of Euro money by investing in a Sterling investment, if you are feeling that you are holding too much Euro. Call me for a discussion about this. Rate of exchange 1.19 Euro/ Sterling at time of writing. Due to the Russian invasion effect on the immensely large fund the downside of the unit price adjustment on 25th February 2022 (normal quarter day) was minimal, as follows but right now represents a good time to invest. Growth (Sterling) Fund Cautious (Sterling) Fund Growth (Euro) Fund Cautious (Euro) Fund

No change -2.12% No change -2.08%

In addition to the above returns on your money, the investments are wrapped in a Spanish Tax Compliant investment product designed for Spanish resident ex-pats and this will give you the following benefits: • Mechanism employed by the Provider smooths returns. Excellent for inexperienced investors and historically vastly better than bank interest returns.

• Option to give a regular monthly or quarterly withdrawal of 5% p.a. penalty free, giving peace of mind for the regularity of a set income. • Avoidance of Spanish inheritance tax liabilities between spouses if written as a joint policy which is all held in Ireland i.e. outside of Spain. • Named UK resident beneficiaries will only pay Inheritance tax per UK rules on the passing of this bond. In most cases this will be Nil. • All income tax deduction and reporting and Modelo 720 asset reporting is done for you in Spain by the Product Provider. This is very simple for investors. • Portable, should you move back to UK. • Minimum investment £20,000 or 25,000€ or US $35,000. • 1.5% allocation bonus for investments over £150,000 (immediately worth £152,250). 0.5% allocation bonus for investments over £75,000. Please call me for information on investment solutions for your circumstances (minimum £20,000/ 25,000€) or about pension transfers to enable flexible access (take what you want when you want rather than being drip-fed your own money). David Diggle C.A.T. DipFA. Tel: 615 607 278 / 865 751 713 Email: info@daviddiggle.es / dave.diggle@seagatewealth.es Website: www.daviddiggle.es / seagatewealth.es We work in conjunction with fully regulated and authorised companies.

See advert below left for more information

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QFocus Magazine April 2022

SUDOKU

Here are two Sudoku puzzles of different skill levels for you to try. It is not a maths game at all - it is a pure logic game. F i l l i n t h e g r i d s o t h a t e v e r y 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.

CROSSWORD

Across 1 Entertained (6) 5 Two together (4) 7 Cub leader (5) 9 Recluse (6) 10 Tears (4) 11 Pond scum (5) 12 Cried (4) 13 Nap (4) 14 Confused, go near Seville, maybe (6) 16 Stalk (4) 17 Mark left by a healed wound (4) 19 Baby's berth (6) 20 Mannheim Mrs (4) 23 Trim (4) 24 Minor prophet (5) 26 Rank vehicle (4) 27 Acquire (6) 28 Lamp-lighter (5) 29 In this way (4) 30 Old standard-bearer (6) Down 2 Inflatable life jacket (3,4) 3 Indicator of illness (7) 4 Individual facts (4) 5 Uncovered (5)

6 Hitchcock film of 1969 (5) See back 8 Betrothed (7) pages for 15 Blimp (7) answers 17 Governing bodies (7) 18 Type of grace, perhaps? (7) 21 Car he adapted to sail across the wind (5) 22 Single things (5) 25 Additional (4)

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Get your kicks on Route 99 Discover some of the smallest towns in the Valencian community by following the new Route 99 consisting of 24 towns with less than 100 residents. The United States has its historic highway Route 66 stretching across 4,000 kilometres from Chicago to Los Angeles taking you through the lesserknown interior of America. Now the Comunidad Valenciana has set up its own Route 99 to take people to the most uninhabited lands in this region. This route links 24 Valencian towns from Famorca to Herbés which all have one thing in common, less than 100 inhabitants. In the style of the Camino de Santiago, you have a passport to get stamped in each municipality you visit, either alone, with family, by motorbike, bicycle or on foot. Four of the towns featured in Route 99 are in the Alicante province - Benillup, Benimassot, Famorca and Tollos. These towns have all noticed more visitors since the Route 99 initiative was launched. “It is a good idea to get to make us known” Ismael Molines, Benimassot mayor, told Información. The Route 99 website - https://ruta99.gva.es - has information about the 24 towns and various routes you can take including how long to walk them and the level of difficulty. You can also get an official Ruta 99 backpack by visiting the website and downloading the passport to be stamped when you visit the towns. Once you have completed half of the route, 12 towns from three different provinces, scan it or take a photo and send it to ruta99@gva.es with details of where you want them to send the backpack. Article by Sarah Farrell - www.sarahswritestuff.com

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QFocus Magazine April 2022

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What to do if a neighbour blocks your views with an unlicenced extension and what to do if you want to protect your unlicenced extension against the objections of your neighbours article supplied by Martinez de la Casa Architects

uddenly a block wall creeps up your boundary wall blocking your views, suddenly your relationship with your neighbour tenses. As the wall rises, the conflict raises, no way back. What to do? It's the Town Hall that cares about planning infractions. So the first and only simple step is to go to the Town Hall and fill in a standard registration form with your name and NIE number instructing them to inspect the property in question. The Town Hall technicians are enforced by law to investigate, and if they find the building work unlicenced, they will start a fining procedure against the owner. Moreover, if the building work doesn't meet the necessary planning standards, they will also file a demolition order, which will also be registered at the land registry. For the above reason, as you can imagine, the existence of a fining process will dramatically impact the value of any property. The cost of fines will vary between Town Halls, size of the extension, etc., but can easily be over 300€-600€ per sqm. (EG a fine for a 20sqm shed, can very easily reach 6.000-12.000€). Please bear in mind that in Spain, fining processes are excruciating and can easily end up in a court case and demolition, so whenever denouncing, you are putting the owner in a lot of trouble. However, the Spanish system, being very painful with fines and demolitions orders, also makes it easy to obtain a Retrospective Licence when the unlicenced building work has been standing for

some years with no objections. That being the case, the conditions to obtain a Retrospective Licence for an extension built without a proper building licence are: -In Murcia, to obtain a Retrospective Licence, the building work already done must be at least 4 years old. -In Almeria, the building work needs to be over 6 years old. -In Alicante, the building work needs to have been completed before August 2010. If you want to protect yourself against any denuncia from your neighbours, police or building inspectors, currently the process for obtaining a Retrospective Licence is trouble-free, straightforward and only Spanish architects are able to issue them. Once confirmed, Martinez de la Casa Architects will arrange an appointment to survey the pool/ extension, requiring only your NIE and current Title-Deeds. Afterwards, the Retrospective Licence is stamped by the Official College of Architects or Notarised and delivered within 10 working days (guaranteed). The price of a Pool Retrospective Licence (Certificate of Antiquity) is 229€ IVA incl. and for Extensions 326€ IVA incl. (All extensions in the property included). Martinez de la Casa Architects is the Number One company for Building Certification, including Energy Performance Certificates (121€ inc IVA) and Habitation/Occupation Licences and Retrospective Licences. For all enquiries or to arrange an appointment, please call us on 665 810 411 (English) or visit www.martinezdelacasa.com to see an impressive list of over 300 testimonials.

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Book Review by Ivor Kindle

Title: Killer Intent Author: Tony Kent Publisher: Elliott/Thompson

An assassination attempt, a deadly conspiracy and a plot that involves the British security forces and an ex SAS soldier turned rogue. The characters are a young ambitious reporter Sarah Truman and an ex Belfast gangster turned solicitor, and two ex SAS soldiers turned against each other. This is a political thriller that actually has some thrill. This is author Tony Kent's first thriller and is a cracking good read. The story carries on at an exciting readable pace, difficult to put down. The story culminates in Belfast and has a nice twist, to what is an exceptional first book. I will now keep my eye out for Tony Kent's next two books, Marked for Death and Power Play.

Keep reading, Ivor Kindle.

Back on Track With the Covid restrictions being lifted and more movement allowed, the COSTA BLANCA MORRIS DANCERS, members of Torrevieja U3A, have re-started their rehearsals and are looking for new members to join them. No need for previous experience - just a willingness to learn something new and join in the fun whilst supporting local charities at danceout events. Great for keeping fit! Come along and join in our fun dances and meet new people. The COSTA BLANCA MORRIS DANCERS, the only Morris team in Spain that provides the opportunity to learn traditional English dances and enjoy a great social group. We meet at Dilly’s Bar, San Luis on the 1st and 3rd Friday every month and the hall at the back of the Ayuntamiento in Pinar De Campoverde on the 2nd and 4th Friday from 4 to 6pm. For further information, check out the team’s Facebook Page and/or contact costablancamorrisdancers@ yahoo.com.

QF�� Maga��e A�� 2022

Page 12 www.femalefocusonline.com When it comes to Life policies, with LIBERTY SEGUROS the upper age limit for death cover has Advertising Feature been extended to 70 years of age, whilst the upper here are many things that make you feel great, but when age limit for renewals it comes to living the dream in Spain you need an insurer has been extended to 80 that brings you peace of mind for the unexpected. years of age. What’s more, LIBERTY SEGUROS, the expat’s preferred insurer in Spain, Life cover with Liberty offers peace of mind with its wide range of products that care for Seguros now boasts a both your family and your assets, whilst providing all the necessary wide range of additional new extra options too. tools to keep you feeling safe and secure. For example, you can take out extended cover for repatriation What’s more, LIBERTY SEGUROS looks to always make things to ANY country; and, if you have children under the age of 18, that bit better with fantastic offers for both existing and new beneficiaries can receive double the insured capital in the event of customers, helping them to ensure they can live their very best death of both spouses in the same accident. Furthermore, this is without having to take out an additional policy either. lives. From now up until 25th April 2022, existing clients of LIBERTY LIBERTY SEGUROS really does have you covered and always SEGUROS will receive 60€ Cashback with each new Life, Home has your real needs in mind! This includes a 24/7 freephone number or Car policy that they take out. New clients can make great savings for both roadside assistance and emergency home assistance with too, with 30€ Cashback on their first Life, Home or Car policies, English-speaking operators. and 60€ Cashback on subsequent new policies thereafter*. Plus, For more information on Car, Home or Life policies and to find out these policies come with even more benefits than ever before! about all the great benefits of taking out insurance with LIBERTY There are many advantages of relying on a reputable insurer such SEGUROS, simply call or visit one of the more than 300 qualified as LIBERTY SEGUROS. You can get a courtesy car – even for expatriate brokers and agents. They are available to provide vehicle breakdown – as standard, or 35€ per day to cover taxi and friendly and expert advice, in your language, about the best covers travel expenses with LIBERTY SEGUROS Car Policies. With and options to suit your specific needs whilst in Spain. Home Policies, LIBERTY SEGUROS offers optional pest control To find the location of services and legal defence for illegal occupation, amongst many your nearest broker/agent, other benefits. This is of particularly importance if your home simply visit in Spain is a second home and you’re concerned about being an www.libertyexpatriates.es. ideal target for squatters, because LIBERTY SEGUROS is the or call 91 342 25 49. only insurer that offers you complete legal defence, offering up to * Conditions and minimum premiums will be applied. 6.100€ to cover legal costs for eviction proceedings.

QFocus Magazine April 2022

GREAT SAVINGS ARE ON OFFER AGAIN WITH LIBERTY SEGUROS

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QFocus Magazine April 2022

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LEGACY OF THE CELTS Castro de Santa Tecla

WHAT IS A CASTRO – THESE STRANGE CIRCULAR BUILDINGS HUDDLED CLOSE TOGETHER? A Castro is a village inhabited from the 1st century BC, lacking straight streets or corners. The road network and houses were all circular. The earliest circular houses at Santa Tecla were made solely from straw-mud; the latest, which can be seen today, were built with masonry. The roof was made of branches and mud set over long poles, wigwam style. There was no central support pole. Castro’s were located in naturally protected areas; high up, near rivers or small peninsulas, close to water sources, arable land, and even higher areas for grazing livestock. Castro de Santa Tecla are well-preserved ruins. Two buildings have been rebuilt to give an idea of how people lived here. According to historians, houses and entire villages were built in round shapes since, according to their Celtic mythology, there were no corners to hold spirits. Santa Tecla is an archaeological site located on the Santa Tecla mountain, close to the municipality of La Guardia. From here you can see Spain, Portugal, the mouth of the Mino estuary and the Atlantic Ocean. At 344 meters high, it is a privileged place to be. However, on this cool Atlantic coast and because of its height, there is a lot of fog around. Castro de Santa Tecla was inhabited an exceedingly long time ago but went into decline leading up to 4th century AD, these dates being established from materials found in various archaeological digs. Its inhabitants were dedicated mainly to agriculture, livestock, fishing, and shell fishing. Fields were cultivated one kilometre away from the Castro, although aerial photography has shown terraced areas in the forest that perhaps were used for planting crops. No ditches, parapets or embankments have been found indicating little need for defence. Perhaps its strategic location in the mountain, next to the mouth of the Mino river, was enough to feel safe. This Castro also enjoyed a system for channelling rainwater through drains carved into the rock under the pavement of its circular streets. Wandering around this site, between circular houses with no obvious streets, may seem a bit chaotic. But look for petroglyphs! What is that you may well ask? Scattered around Santa Tecla are remains of previous occupiers, probably from 2000 BC, as evidenced by various rock engravings, many of them underneath Castro houses.

Spot the odd one out

This place was abandoned until the ruins were re discovered in 1862. Now all you have to do is get there. But a warning, although accessible by car almost to the top of the hill, there is not a lot of parking. A walk up a road, then a track, and even a long flight of steps, is necessary to enter the site.

YET ANOTHER CASTRO IS TO BE FOUND AT NEARBY BARONA. This Castro too is in a striking location, next to the sea on a peninsula. A forest, waves crashing into the sand, soaring birds and among this - a Castro. Its inhabitants lived from the sea, with a diet rich in fish and shellfish. Many hooks and fishing tools have been found. Twenty houses were built here, family homes of different sizes, circular and oval in shape, without windows or doors. A fort too, its well-preserved entrance guarded by a double defensive wall of stone and sand, with a moat four meters wide and three meters deep which allowed defence against any attacker.

Castro Santa Tecla, Vigo, Galicia. Map reference 41 5328 N, 8 5204 W. Barona, Ponteverda. Galicia. Map reference 42 4135 N, 9 0108 W. This article is an extract from ‘OUT OF SIGHT SPAIN, top 150 cool places to visit.’ By local author Harry King. 216 pages. 140 colour photos.

Best value source: Book Depository.com Waterstones.com Amazon Kindle Store.

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QFocus Magazine April 2022

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Why does Alcoy celebrate St George’s Day?

St George is the patron saint of England but he is also the patron saint of Catalonia, Venice, Genoa, Portugal and Ethiopia among others. He is also patron of Alcoy after miraculously saving the city from being defeated by the Moors on April 23, 1276. On that day, Alcoy was in danger of losing the famous Battle of Alcoy and surrendering to the blue-eyed sultan Al Azraq and his Moorish army. The Alcoyanos needed a miracle, which duly arrived in the shape of a huge warrior sitting on top of a white horse standing at least 60 hands tall. The giant warrior was armed with a massive bow and arrow which he fired into the middle of the Moorish army - and they fled. As the date was April 23, the Alcoyanos realised their saviour was the great St George and they, therefore, made him their patron. In honour of the miraculous appearance of St George, Alcoy built the Iglesia de Sant Jordi. The church is decorated with a grand mural representing St George coming to the Alcoyanos' aid. To celebrate the victory, from April 22 to 24 Alcoy now hosts one of the most spectacular re-enactment of the Moors and Christians festivities in Spain. There are two parades on the first day with the Christian troops marching in the morning and the Moors in the afternoon. On St George's Day, there is a religious procession, and on the final day, there is a re-enactment of the battle when the Moors take the castle which is then recaptured by the Christians. If you can't get to the Moors and Christians in Alcoy in April, you can visit the Museu Alcoià de la Festa to find out more about the traditions and to see the fabulous costumes. Article by Sarah Farrell - www.sarahswritestuff.com

Think Blue.....

Let's make 2022 the year to make a difference

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Spain's second most popular pilgrimage takes place in Alicante

About 300,000 people take part in the Santa Faz pilgrimage every year to celebrate a miracle dating back to the 15th century. This year the pilgrimage takes place on Thursday April 28 from the Co-Cathedral of San Nicolás in Alicante city centre to the Santa Faz monastery, seven kilometres away. The pilgrims make several stops along the way to fortify themselves with local wine and homemade anise rolls to continue the journey. Once they reach Santa Faz where an important Holy Relic - the Veil of Veronica - is kept locked in a special room behind the main altar in the monastery. This is the cloth that Veronica used to wipe Jesus’s face as he carried the Cross to his Crucifixion. The only time it is taken out of its special room is for the annual pilgrimage. The special day celebrates a miracle which occurred in 1489 when the Alicante region was enduring a tough drought. A procession with the Holy Relic was held to offer prayers for rain. It is said the Holy Relic - which bears an imprint of Jesus’s face - had tears rolling from its eyes which caused the heavens to open and rain to fall in Alicante for a whole week. Now, the Santa Faz pilgrimage is held each year on the second Thursday after Easter Thursday to celebrate this 15th century miracle. In addition, the Santa Faz fair is set up with stalls selling handicrafts and traditional products including turrón from Alicante and religious souvenirs. Article by Sarah Farrell - www.sarahswritestuff.com

Crescendo International Choir plans May Concert with British Military Ladies Choir Crescendo International Choir plans to perform a concert at Salt Church in Los Montesinos Saturday 7 May at 6pm with the Chivenor Military Ladies Choir. Concert tickets previously sold for the 2021 cancelled concert are valid for this concert. Tickets can be purchased from Mags by calling her on 688 707 050, by contacting a choir member or by coming to Rincón de Miguel Restaurant in Los Montesinos on a Monday night between 17:30 and 20:00. This restaurant is where Crescendo choir rehearses from 17:45 to 20:15 on Mondays. We sit in a socialdistanced manner and wear masks. Despite these restrictions, we have a lovely time singing together. If you are interested in joining us or attending the May concert, please see the Crescendo website at http://www.crescendo-choir.com/index.html for details. We are especially seeking men to join us. Please come if you like to sing with others. Our choir is made up of sopranos, altos, tenors and basses. We sing a wide variety of songs ranging from musicals to spirituals, from pop to classical, in English, Spanish, Dutch and Latin. When we give concerts, the money raised goes to local charities. Photo shows Crescendo International Choir rehearsing at Rincón de Miguel in February 2022.

QFocus Magazine April 2022

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Recipes by Pushpa from the Spice Hut Aloo Gobhi

1 small cauliflower broken into medium florets 2 tbspn of oil 1 tspn of cumin seeds 2 tbspn of ginger paste 2 tbspn of garlic paste A tin of chopped tomatoes 1tspn of garam masala Salt as required Fresh chillis or powder as required Fresh coriander to garnish One potato peeled and diced small Little water Heat the oil, add the cumin seeds, add the cauliflower and potatoes and cook gently, keeping stirring for few minutes. Add the chopped tomatoes, ginger, garlic, chilli, garam masala and a little water. Allow it to cook on medium heat until cooked and the sauce is nice and thick. Check for flavours, add extras as required. Garnish with coriander and serve with rice. Enjoy.

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

Have you booked your space in the Coast's leading Print Directory? Vega Baja Edition: 15,000 copies per issue in high quality gloss B5 paper every six months. Marina Alta Edition: 15,000 copies per issue on high quality gloss A4 paper every six months.

This has to be one of the most successful magazines on the Costa Blanca, incorporating professional & trade services. Demand is high for this magazine. Pages are sold on a first come first served basis. The magazine is also published as an online digital magazine with ‘live’ links, where readers are one click away from your website and Facebook page therefore one click away from becoming your client.

Marina Alta and Vega Baja editions - coming out in Spring 2022, don't miss your chance! See page 4 for contact details of your local representative

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My Mother’s Journey

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QFocus Magazine April 2022

“My mother celebrated her 99th birthday in February, this year. She had spent most of her life living in London. Finally, when she had to stop driving we decided to look at various options, where she could enjoy her independence but have the help if needed. At the beginning of 2014, she spent a couple of months at the Colina Club, in Calpe, for a trial. The dry winters, knowing help was close by and the availability of UK Sky and Freeview TV made it an excellent retirement location. After much discussion, she decided to make the Colina Club her home. My mother lived happily for many years in one of the independent living apartments, usually taking the free daily minibus into Calpe. As she became less able to complete household chores, we employed a local English lady to clean and cook for her. About two years ago when my mother needed more nursing care she moved into the Residencia, where I have visited her frequently. Despite her deteriorating health she has remained very happy and content, and in my opinion has been wonderfully looked after by an extremely caring, well trained and qualified staff. I have no hesitation in recommending the Colina Club retirement apartments and Residencia to anybody who wishes to live in more sheltered accommodation and enjoy good companionship, caring staff and near-perfect weather.” Dr. Peter Troughton. Contact details provided on request. The Colina Club was the first continuous care complex on the Costa Blanca and is still going strong today. We have been serving the expat senior community since 1991. The Colina Club offers you continuous care from our independent living apartments and when the day to day challenges become too much we offer you the Residencia, our fully licensed nursing and rest home providing you with a home where the staff are there to support you with assisted and full care. Why not give us a call; let's arrange a tour where we can personally answer any questions and explain the benefits of living here at the Colina Club, there's no obligation, of course, and certainly no pressure, but, together, we just may figure out the perfect solution for the next part of your journey. Call us on today, Apartments: 96 583 5226. Residence: 96 583 7310 or email us at mail@colinaclub.com and arrange your tour.

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER The most important week in the Christian Year. Saturday 9th April - 17:00 - Vigil Mass of Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord Thursday 14th April - 19:00 - Mass of the Lord's Supper Friday 15th April - 14:00 - Celebration of the Lord's Passion Sunday 17th April - 11:30 - Holy Eucharist All services are at La Siesta Church, Calle Granados, Urbanización La Siesta, Torrevieja. All are welcome. For more information on our regular services and contact information please visit our website www.c-of-e-torrevieja.com

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www.femalefocusonline.com

IT’S ALMOST HERE! The event of the year!

The Homes Gardens & Lifestyle Show will be OPEN from 10.00 – 17.00 for two fabulous fun days next month on FRIDAY 6th & SATURDAY 7th MAY at the VILLA GADEA HOTEL - Altea on the N332, Exit J.64 AP7. Put the dates in your diary as you are not going to want to miss out on our amazing cast of exhibitors, speakers, chefs, artists, and singer Lady Jazz all waiting to share their products, services, passions and love of what they do with YOU!

Get ready to enjoy meeting over 80 exhibitors, seeing 30 works of art, 16 talks & demos, watching 4 chefs, eating 3 free tapas, sipping at 2 wine tastings and trying a White Sangria at 5 Real Estates VIP Bar plus listening to the star of our show for 2022 the one and only LADY JAZZ! Our line-up of inspiring and informative WELLBEING talks and presentations has just been completed and culminates in an amazing jewellery making workshop to participate in during the event. You can also taste your way around the Show following our FREE Tapa Trail sponsored by Avalon and also find more food and wine in the outside cooking demonstrations area, where you can enjoy the SHOW chefs sharing their culinary flare! As they tantalise our taste buds! And do allow yourself plenty of time to soak up our LIFE IN COLOUR themed ART GALLERY by the Salon Mediterraneo. Many of the exhibitors are offering huge Show discounts on many products and services so if you are looking for fresh ideas and on trend solutions there is only one place to be... Inspiration and information on how to upcycle, upgrade, refresh and revamp your HOMES, GARDENS & LIFESTYLE and be sure to visit out dedicated WELLBEING ZONE in Salon Mediterraneo to treat yourself from head to toe with medicinal mushrooms, massages, healing and reading’s to trying tinctures and teas to taster beauty treatments. Home in your health too and visit the Costa Blanca Cancer Care Lynwen nurses for FREE blood pressure testing & blood oxygen level tests also available a diabetes check (donation applies). We are not stopping there you can also WIN a luxurious night’s stay at the Villa Gadea Hotel in our FREE to enter prize draw situated on the Super Hamper Raffle stand in Salon Palmeral. Refreshments and snacks are available throughout the day, free parking and free entry. Our exhibitors are now listed on www.gmpromotions.es we are so looking forward to being back after the restrictions and we look forward to welcoming you once again to the Costa’s No 1 community event. See you there!

For any information on the Show, and the LAST CALL TO BOOK A STAND, contact us for availability. Details on www.gmpromotions.es, Facebook @HomesGardensandLifestyleShow, Tel. 695 399 841 or email office@gmpromotions.es

TALKS & DEMOS (Salón Mediterraneo)

FRIDAY 6th MAY

11.30 Managing Menopause Minus HRT – Eat Well Nutrition – Angela Skinner 12.15 The 3 Main Ingredients of the Happiness Cake - Patricia Piper 13.00 Quantum Feng Shui – Classical Feng Shui Consultant Charlie Ropsy 13.45 Biofeedback: What is it? – TurningStones -Helena Davidson 14.30 The Real Dr Doolittle – Maya Brexel 15.00 My Alcohol Free Journey - Walk Your Way Well with Niamh OSheehan 15.30 The Power of Medicinal Mushrooms – Ilovemybody - Irina Bocan 16.00 Jewellery Making Workshop – Fingerprints Creative Workshops - Emma Bradley

SATURDAY 7th MAY

11.30 Biofeedback: What is it? – TurningStones – Helena Davidson 12.15 Kundalini Magic – Aarushi Yoga - Usha Dearing 13.00 Quit Dieting & Lose Weight - Eat Well Nutrition & Lifestyle Coach Angela Skinner 13.45 Be A Wellbeing SUPERSTAR – Maria Julienne 14.30 Writing your Memoirs – Sarah Farrell 15.00 Smash Your Limiting Beliefs - Walk Your Way Well with Niamh OSheehan 15.30 The Power of Medicinal Mushrooms - Ilovemybody - Irina Bocan 16.00 Jewellery Making Workshop - Fingerprints Creative Workshops - Emma Bradley

COOKING DEMO’S & LADY JAZZ (Outside Area) FRIDAY 6th MAY 11.15 Lady Jazz 11.45 Cooking Demo – ‘Mister X‘ 12.30 Lady Jazz 13.00 Cooking Demo – ‘BB80’ 13.45 Lady Jazz 15.00 Cooking Demo – ‘The Royal BBQ’ 15.45 Lady Jazz 16.00 Wine Tasting SATURDAY 7th MAY 10.30 Cooking Demo – ‘Mister X’ 11.15 Lady Jazz 11.30 Cooking Demo – ‘Casa de Sabores’ 12.00 Lady Jazz 13.00 Cooking Demo – ‘BB80’ 13.45 Lady Jazz 15.00 Cooking Demo – ‘The Royal BBQ’ 15.45 Lady Jazz 16. 45 Prize Draws Presentations/Winners All times shown are correct at time of print, changes may apply on Show days.

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Torrijas are typically prepared for Easter and are a humble dessert that is based on a slice of bread, soaked in milk, battered in egg, fried in extra virgin olive oil and flavoured to taste with syrup or, in this case, sugar and cinnamon. Traditional torrijas are usually prepared with a specific type of bread that is made for torrijas which is fluffier and thicker than usual. Ingredients • 1 loaf of bread from the day before or the specific bread for Torrijas (sold in most pastry shops). • 1.5 litres of whole milk. • 5 medium eggs. • 1 cinnamon stick, 1 vanilla pod, the peel of half a lemon • 100ml of Oporto wine • 300g of white sugar • 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. • 1/2 litre of mild extra virgin olive oil Preparation: The first step is to prepare the ingredients used to flavour the milk. 1. Wash the lemon well and peel its skin finely, too much of the inner white skin will make the dessert bitter. 2. For this recipe you will need an entire open vanilla pod, but not the seeds inside. Cut the ends with a knife from one end to the other, opening it like a book and scrape the interior with the blade of a knife removing the seeds. Heat the milk on a medium heat, almost to boiling point. Remove from the heat, add the vanilla pod, the lemon peel and finally the cinnamon stick. Let everything rest for 5 minutes to infuse the milk. The milk must be lukewarm or cold when used to soak the bread. 3. Take a container to dip the bread in and fill it with the infused milk and some cold milk. Add (optional step) the Oporto wine to give this dessert a little kick, beat with a fork to mix the liquids well.

QFocus Magazine April 2022

4. Beat the eggs until they foam a little and add two tablespoons of infused milk, beat again and place on another plate to dip the Torrijas before frying. 5. Put a little extra virgin olive oil in frying pan and heat over a medium heat. While the oil is heating, bathe the slices of bread in the infused milk. 6. Turn the bread over so that it is well soaked but not dripping and pass it through the beaten egg that we have already prepared. From there put it directly into the pan of hot oil. Frying and final presentation of the torrijas 1. Fry the torrijas on all sides until golden brown. Use a fork to help frying around the torrija. Place the torrija on a plate lined with absorbent kitchen paper to remove the excess oil. 2. Fill a wide container with sugar and cinnamon powder. About two teaspoons of cinnamon powder for every 100 grams of sugar. Mix well with a fork. Dip the torrijas in this mixture, coating them well with sugar and cinnamon. 3. Let them cool and enjoy at room temperature or cold. Simply delicious. TOP TIP - The torrijas are better the next day.

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COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

Note from Benny: Congratulations to all groups who have weathered the covid storm and emerged the other side, still standing and going forward with great enthusiasm. The Costas need you. What would we be without good old British theatre, especially the comedy and traditional pantomimes. Thousands of euros have been raised for charitable causes, and many friendships created through the amdram social scene. Readers, please support these groups wherever possible. Actors Community Theatre Society: No sooner has another play been successfully completed, than it’s all heads down for the planning of the next production in the Autumn. The Reading Committee have been hard at work and details will be announced in the near future. New members always very welcome, both on stage and behind the scenes – no experience necessary, just enthusiasm! Email: actstheatre@icloud.com Harmonisers Barbers Shop: This 4-part singing group rehearse twice a week, every Monday at 10am at Goyos Restaurant and Thursdays 10am at Stevies Bar in La Marquesa.

www.femalefocusonline.com Rojales Pantomime Group: Members are looking forward to their next fun social event to enjoy a quiz, meal and music, organised to ensure members stay connected until we can commence rehearsals soon for the next fun pantomime, `Treasure Island´ due to be performed in December this year. New members are always welcome, as actors or just for fun socially. If you are interested contact rojalespanto@yahoo.com. Studio 32: The Company are pleased to announce that rehearsals are well underway for their Summer production ‘Guys and Dolls’. Book your tickets online now by visiting their web site www.studiothirtytwo.org and follow the online instructions. The musical will be staged at the Cardenal Belluga Theatre in San Fulgencio on the 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st of May. They are still on the lookout for new male/ female members to play crapshooters in the chorus and to help backstage and front of house. If you are interested, please contact press@studiothirtytwo.org or call Andy Kirkwood on 636 020 547. If you would like to be part of this band of charitable entertainers, please email editor@femalefocusonline.com. Deadline for copy is the 15th of the month prior to publication. Full details of all Stage Diary entertainment groups are available online at www.femalefocusonline.com

Spot the 13 differences (answers in the classified pages)

They perform for charity. You are most welcome to pop along and join them. For further information, telephone Mick Hume on 696 612 864. Lyrical Mixed Voice Choir: The concert originally scheduled for the 29th April has had to be postponed until Saturday 11th June 19.30 at the Capilla de Santa Maria del Mar, La Zenia. The programme will include several songs from the Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables as well as many other well loved favourites. Tickets are 10€ and available from early April from choir members, La Ponderosa (La Zenia), and The Card Place (Punta Prima). For more information, contact Trent Harris (Chairman) 650 764 127 or Philip Mitchell (Musical Director) 865 750 435.

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QF�� Maga��e A�� 2022

The N-332 are a group of Spanish Traffic Police Officers who decided to create a Facebook group to inform all ex-pats and tourists about Spanish traffic laws as they think it is unfair to fine them for breaking rules they didn't know about. You can find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DrivingSpain/ and follow them to keep up to date as they only share official information. Torrevieja Translators in collaboration with N332 bring you the main changes in road safety laws that came in to effect from 21 March 2022: The 20 key points of the new road safety laws; 1. Distractions: Handling a mobile while driving increases your penalty points two-fold, going from 3 to 6 points. 2. Seatbelts, helmets & CRS: Penalty points for not using these security systems or misusing them increases from 3 to 6 points. 3. Safety for cyclists: The penalty points are increased from 4 to 6 for overtaking them in a dangerous manner. Stopping or parking in cycle lanes is prohibited. It is now an obligation to occupy another lane when overtaking them. 4. Throwing objects on the road: If they can cause accidents or fires, the penalty points increases from 4 to 6. 5. Recover points on licences: Points will be regained after two years without committing offences. 6. Safety and efficiency driving courses: 2 points can be recovered for taking safety and efficiency driving courses. 7. Minors, alcohol and drugs: In all types of vehicles, the rate must be zero. 8. Anti-start breathalyser (Alcolock): Mandatory for passenger transport vehicles (July 6, 2022). 9. Overtaking: Exceeding 20 km/h to overtake is removed. 10. Motorcyclists: The use of external wireless headsets for communication or navigation is authorised. 11. Restrictions in low emission zones: Breaching traffic restriction will be sanctioned with a 200€ fine for the most polluting vehicles.

EXPERIENCED SALES ADVISOR

Apartamentos Ciudad Patricia offers seniors the opportunity to live and enjoy a worry-free retirement in a luxury apartment in a beautiful resort in the woodland between Benidorm and Albir. We are looking for an experienced and mature sales person to join our team. You must be a native English speaker, empathic and preferably speak Spanish. You will have excellent communication skills whilst having a patient disposition. Computer skills (MS-Office) are vital. The position is commission based with excellent earnings potential. In the first instance, please email your CV to ekoot@ciudadpatricia.com with a covering letter explaining why you feel you would be appropriate for this role.

12. Cheating on driving tests: This action will be sanctioned with a 500€ fine + 6 months without being able to test again. 13. Radar detectors and inhibitors: Their installation is punishable, even if they are not used. 14. Electric scooters: Must be used with a helmet and are banned from driving on pavements. 15. Companies with drivers: They will be able to check if drivers have valid licences and points. 16. Non-payment of fees & toll: These will be punishable with fines of 100€. 17. Failure to comply with regulations regarding public aid: These will be punishable with fines of 500€. 18. Sensitivity and awareness courses: Can be taught online. 19. Breathalyser tests for professional drivers: These may be carried out at the beginning of shifts and periodically / randomly throughout. 20. Driving licences, logbooks and ITV: The DIGITAL certification will also be valid (miDGT app, etc.). RoadSafety is a thing for everyone. Drive responsibly!

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A View From The Top

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.

Why... Why... Why?

Hello Dear Reader and welcome to the horror that is the world in the 21st century. The World of Mad politicians... The world where the rich get richer while the poor get carpet bombed or are woken from their terrified sleep by the sound of cruise missiles and artillery rounds that have been aimed at apartment blocks, schools and hospitals. Welcome to the lunacy that is Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and the Russian Generals. When the war in the Ukraine started, I sat watching the newsfeed in absolute horror. At first things seemed to be quiet... Well, as quiet as a war can be. This it seems was due to the realisation that the Russian army, despite its overwhelming superiority in numbers, was staffed and managed by conscripts who rather than be greeted with

www.femalefocusonline.com

open arms by the Ukranian people, had actually been greeted with anti tank weapons and Molotov cocktails. Putin's propaganda machine had made a miscalculation... Indeed another propaganda mistake can be seen in the pronouncement that Ukraine was ruled by Neo Nazi's, when from the outside it appears that the Nazi's are the modern day Tsar's of the Russian federation. As the Ukranian war of Independence has gone on, Putin has actually stepped up the lunatic rhetoric with his threats to both Sweden and Finland... Both are neutral countries and have had the nuclear threat waved in their direction. Readers this is 2022... We live in a world suffering from a devastating pandemic coupled with the ongoing danger that global warming and climate change poses to human kind. The world struggles to feed its global population but here we have yet another elected dictator seemingly determined to bring the world to the edge of destruction. Again I say this is 2022... What the hell is going on?! People in Russia are denied the right to question the aims of its leadership under threat of a minimum 15 year prison term... The use of social media has been curtailed and the Russian ruble is losing its purchasing power. Despite all this, Putin appears safe and is locked away out of the sound of the voices of reason and compassion of many of his own people. Once more it is 2022... Has the world learnt nothing from its history? How can this situation have come to pass? As millions of people all over the world are made homeless and stateless by the lunatic political fringe who see their personal ambition as giving them the right to create merry hell for the rest of common humanity. People must demand that diplomacy and a sense of justice must be the overriding criteria for peaceful existence in todays world. I have stopped watching the news channels in respect of the Ukraine situation... I find it just too distressing to watch people climbing out of their shattered apartment blocks carrying what little they have left if anything, the human being in me just cannot watch as people just like me and you are treated with utter hate by what is simply a manifestation of evil in the human form of Vladimir Putin. The story continues with the news that the two sides are talking, however the Ukrainian side are saying that the talks struggle due to the fact "Ukraine has a free dialogue in its society and a mandatory consensus. Russia however is the ultimate suppressor of its own society" this makes talks very difficult. I suppose it is just overly simplistic to have thought that talks could of been held before the itchy trigger finger of Putin had pulled the levers of military power against a next door neighbour. Just imagine what a safer place the world would be it the old adage "Jaw Jaw not War War" had been enacted. Keep safe everyone and hope that common sense prevails in both this and other world so called hotspots.

F.A.B (Friends after Bereavement) We are a relaxed and friendly mixed group who meet once a week at the Laguna Hotel in Quesada at 3pm for a chat and coffee. The aim of the group is to support those who have lost someone close and help make new friends. We also enjoy meals / lunches out and day trips etc. For more information call Joan on 634 336 103 or Steve on 623 220 052 or just come along for a chat one Saturday.

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QFocus Magazine April 2022

UNSUNG HEROES

By Benny Davis

Have you ever tried to read the credits at the end of a major TV series or movie? If you have, you will know that even the Guinness Book of Records top speed reader would fail miserably. So many people are involved, it would probably add another 15 minutes cost to valuable airing time if slowed down. The cast list is merely the tip of the iceberg. Take for instance the BBC series, ‘Good Karma Hospital’. Credits to a main cast of around ten actors, is followed by an endless list of over 100 crew involving everyone from the director, writer and producers to best boy, key grip, sandwich makers, drivers, and sweeper-uppers. All, no doubt, well paid with expenses and accommodation where required. Although audiences accept this as the norm, how many appreciate that similar support is needed for amateur theatre? Maybe not hundreds, but again, the main cast list is usually a small percentage of those involved, and all voluntary. No dinero or rewards of any kind, just pure enthusiasm, and the will to help those less fortunate than themselves. One person who appreciates this is Studio 32 press Officer, Andy Kirkwood. This musical theatre company based in San Fulgencio, has been staging top musicals for many years and pride themselves on achieving extremely high standards, but, as Andy told me, not without the help of over 30 backstage and front of house helpers who work tirelessly from start to finish. These include box office and seating attendants, lighting crew, sound engineer, microphone manager, stage manager, props team, wardrobe and dressers, plus extra helpers during the last nerve-wrecking week build-up to opening night, and eventually, dismantling the sets and storage. Andy calls these his, 'Unsung Heroes'. Never in the limelight, no curtain calls, no mentions in the press, never recognised by audiences. Shadowy figures who simply scurry around in the background working tirelessly to support the `Stars´ whenever required day or night.

So, to all producers in the amdram world, how about an extra curtain call on the last night of every production? House lights up, cast step back, and applause for all those, ‘Unsung Heroes’. all the Spanish words from the word list in the puzzle grid. Words may be found WORD Find going forwards, backwards, up, down or diagonally. Answers can be found in the back

SEARCH of the magazine. Good Luck.

MODES OF TRANSPORT AMBULANCIA - AMBULANCE AUTOBÚS - BUS AVIÓN - AEROPLANE BARCO - BOAT BICICLETA - BICYCLE CAMIÓN - LORRY CARRUAJE - HORSE DRAWN CART COCHE - CAR FURGONETA - VAN GLOBO - HOT AIR BALLOON HELICÓPTERO - HELICOPTER LANCHA - LAUNCH (BOAT) METRO - UNDERGROUND TRAIN MOTOCICLETA - MOTORBIKE SUBMARINO - SUBMARINE TELEFÉRICO - CABLE CARE TRANVÍA - TRAM TREN - TRAIN TRINEO - SLEDGE

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QF�� Maga��e A�� 2022

our ARIES Spring cleaning needs to be done now in order to move forward without unnecessary distractions. When things are more organised you will feel happier and calmer and this will reflect on every part of your life. TAURUS If you are not finding satisfaction in your life, stop and take a hard look at it. Is it work, friends, family - or is it you? Finding out the root of the problem is the first step to solving it. GEMINI Recent experiences leave you wanting to help others more and more. Don’t be put off thinking that you don’t have enough to give. Be it a few hours of your time, or a small donation, every little helps. CANCER Flexibility will be the key word this month. Your ability to change plans, times and even roles will be tested to the limit, but as always you will manage it, especially with the support you have around you. LEO Being pushed into the limelight will give you an insight into just how tough it can be. It will also give you a new respect for those who have been trying to keep things running like clockwork without the total support that they deserve. VIRGO New ideas and new ventures are keeping your mind over active. You need to narrow things down and decide which ones you are going to pursue and which are unworkable right now. Don’t dismiss them though as at some point it will be the right time for them as well. Talking things through will bring them more into focus.

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oroscope LIBRA Patience is thin at the moment, at a time when you seem to need it most. Clear explanations will help others see what it is you have pictured in your mind. Letting them know exactly what is required of them will avoid any misunderstandings before they occur. SCORPIO You are sick of feeling unappreciated by someone who you have tried to help more than once. Now is the time to decide wether to cut them out of your life completely or not. SAGITTARIUS Climbing the ladder of success can be a very lonely one if it is not to the benefit of everyone around you. Lifting everyone up along the way will make for a great team. Standing on them to get there will only make enemies. CAPRICORN Things are picking up pace now and you are finding that you are a little out of step and that it is hard to keep up. Don’t worry you will soon be back into the swing of it again. AQUARIUS Receiving support from someone you least expected to help leaves you questioning your initial judgement on them. If it was influenced by someone else’s opinion then maybe it is them you should be wary of. PISCES There is a lot going on this month and it is going to be a struggle to get everything moving forward smoothly. Good planning is key. Enlist the help of someone who you trust earlier rather than later, and between you it will be much easier to manage.

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

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QFocus Magazine April 2022

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 Beautiful 3 year old Mastin, Beethoven, gets a little stressed in the kennel environment, and would love a home to call his own with a garden. He is good with other female dogs, and loves to go on long walks. Call K9 on 711 075 305 or k9clubinfo@gmail.com or K9 Facebook.

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

Murphy is about 8 weeks old and has started his vaccinations. His mother is a Catalan sheepdog cross and will be medium / large when fully grown. Call: 645 469 253, visit www.petsinspain.com or email info@petsinspain.com

SUPPORT LOCAL SHOP LOCAL

CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS Across: 1 Amused, 5 Both, 7 Akela, 9 Hermit, 10 Rips, 11 Algae, 12 Wept, 13 Doze, 14 Orange, 16 Stem, 17 Scar, 19 Cradle, 20 Frau, 23 Neat, 24 Nahum, 26 Taxi, 27 Obtain, 28 Taper, 29 Thus, 30 Ensign. Down: 2 Mae West, 3 Symptom, 4 Data, 5 Bared, 6 Topaz, 8 Engaged, 15 Airship, 17 Senates, ANSWER TO SPOT THE ODD ONE OUT: C 18 Amazing, 21 Reach, 22 Units, 25 More.

Easy

Medium