Specsavers Ópticas has signed an agreement to fundraise for the charity DiabetesCERO throughout 2024, to help them find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes. They aim to raise over €5,000 for the charity, to fund important research projects in Spain searching for a cure.
During the fundraising period, stores will be taking part in challenges and activities to raise funds. They will also be talking to customers and local residents about diabetic retinopathy, one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in the world.
Francisco Jurado, store director of Specsavers Ópticas Guardamar, Torrevieja and La Zenia explains why they chose DiabetesCERO as their official charity for 2024, ‘Diabetes is a very big problem on a global level and one that is growing quickly, with an estimated 537 million people in the world suffering from the disease. This disease is associated with a range of potentially serious health complications, if not correctly controlled.’
‘One of these complications, which we’re seeing more and more of during eye tests, is diabetic retinopathy. If this is undiagnosed and untreated, this can develop into Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) and cause permanent vision impairment and blindness.
That’s why we’re supporting DiabetesCERO by pledging to raise €5,000 for the charity in 2024 and want to educate and inform people in our community about the link between diabetes and vision loss. We encourage anyone with diabetes to ensure they carefully manage glucose levels to prevent health complications. They should also have regular eye tests, including the latest technology, to check the health of the eyes and identify any nerve damage early, before it affects their vision.’
In Spain there are over 1,000 people diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes every year, and most of those are under 15 years old. This is a growing problem, yet its cause is not known and there is no cure. The charity DiabeteCERO wants to change that by funding research projects in Spain to find the cure to Type 1 Diabetes.
There are collection tins in all nine Specsavers Ópticas stores in Spain, where donations can be made to help fund vital research into Type 1 Diabetes. To find your nearest store to donate, visit www.specsavers.es
We can assist you with our Bespoke Life and Mortgage Protection policies to protect those that are most important to you, should the worse happen.
The first question would be – have you taken out Life Insurance? You may have a Mortgage Protection policy, which means on your death the mortgage will be paid. But of course, this is does not provide your family with some financial security when they really need it.
Mortgage Protection is a good policy to have as it will pay off any mortgage you have on your house, keeping your family secure in their home. This is death only cover, however there are some additional options you can add on if you require them. For example for Mortgage Payment protection, for €100,000 of cover for a 50 year old can be as little as €305 per year Whereas Life Insurance provides a payment to your family.
You can tailor the Life policy to your own requirements and create a Bespoke Life Insurance – whether to cover the initial costs incurred on your death or give your family a lump sum to provide for their future.
For example Life cover of €50,000 for a 50 year old, can be as little as €155 a year.
Our Bespoke Life policies can give you the cover most suited to your needs with standard death only cover and additional covers to include:-
- Repatriation
- Permanent Absolute Disability
- Death by Accident
- Death by Traffic Accident
- Permanent Absolute Disability due to an Accident
- Permanent Absolute Disability due to a Traffic Accident
- Serious Illness cover/Serious Female illness cover
You do need to be resident in Spain for these policies and there will be a simple health/medical questionnaire that you will need to complete online. These policies are available with monthly direct debit payments, and our policies will be in English.
Alongside the Life policies, we can provide various Accident Policies to give your protection throughout your life and provide support should you sadly experience a life changing accident.
If you would like a quotation or more information, please contact one of my offices, email info@jennifercunningham.net or visit our website www.jennifercunningham.net.
www.femalefocusonline.com
During March we a had a few moments of reflection and melancholy thoughts as we remembered our 10 year wedding anniversary as well as 10 years since the passing of my father. Although I struggle to remember things from a day/ week/month ago, I remember March 2014 like it was yesterday and I find it quite unbelievable that so much time has actually passed.
April sees me celebrating 20 years in employment with Female Focus Publications, not a fact that many employees here in Spain can boast about!! My job has become my life and over the years has turned many clients and acquaintances into much more than that... some, very close friends.
As with most companies in Spain, it hasn't always been easy –we all had COVID, Brexit and cost of living up and downs to endure but I am proud to say that we are still here and not going anywhere for the foreseeable future. I would like to thank Mark & Lesley, proprietors of Female Focus SL, for the opportunity they have given me and for putting up with my stresses and woes over the years.
Until next time...
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
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Pick up your next issue on 1 May
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Call JJ.Jones - 684416833
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We are a relaxed and friendly mixed group who meet once a week in the lounge/bar of 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 Sheila 966 719 149, Brenda 966 718 403 or Jackie 645 928 242 or just come along for a chat one Saturday.
Music lovers have a fabulous choice of shows at the Benidorm Palace throughout April.
On Sunday April 7, the 10 Tenors and their Symphony Orchestra join forces to bring a range of musical styles from classical to pop and rock. The show promises to take you through a journey ranging from the cool experience of an intimate jazz club through to the excitement of a large concert hall. Tickets are from €30 to €60.
The following Sunday, April 14, is a treat for all Michael Jackson fans. Direct from the West End, top Michael Jackson tribute star Ben Bowman will be performing those iconic dance routines to the greatest hits of Michael Jackson and The Jackson 5. Tickets are from €30 to €38.
On Sunday April 21, the grand finale of the popular Benidorm Elvis Fiesta takes place at the Benidorm Palace. Tickets are from €35 to €45. The weekend event has already sold out but, if you're in Benidorm from April 19 to 21, you may spot a few Elvis lookalikes around the streets.
On Sunday April 28, the Save My Life 11 charity gala is raising funds for abandoned or neglected animals in Benidorm. Tickets are €12.
For further information or to book tickets, visit the Benidorm Palace website benidormpalace.com.
The genius of Salvador Dalí’s most recognised works of art can be seen in an entirely new perspective in an exhibition in Valencia.
The Cybernetic Dalí experience takes visitors through an exciting journey of his dreamlike universe with large-format projectives, interactive installations and holograms showing how his work is the result of open, provocative and scientific thought.
Born in Figueres, Girona, in 1904, Salvador Dalí became a renowned surrealist artist with works including his iconic melting clocks and dreamworlds where everyday objects are transformed in bizarre ways. His most recognisable works include The Persistence of Memory - featuring the melting clocks, Crucifixion, Galatea of the Spheres and Dream Caused by the Flight of a Bee Around a Pomegranate a Second Before Awakening.
The show is being held at the Bombas Gens Center d’Arts Digitals art centre in Avenida de Burjassot, 54-56, Valencia, until May 27. Bombas Gens Center d'Arts Digitals links new generation art and technology with a lively agenda, including exhibitions, events, activities, guided heritage tours and specialised training programmes.
The centre is inside renovated warehouses which once housed an old hydraulic pump factory with a beautiful Art Deco façade. Guided tours are held daily for visitors to take a look inside this heritage complex. As well as seeing the old factory, the tour also take you around a Civil War shelter, a 15th century winery and a Mediterranean garden. The one-hour tour is held in Spanish and English during the weekends.
For further information about the tours or to book tickets for the Dalí event, visit the website https://bombasgens.com.
Articles by Sarah Farrell - www.sarahswritestuff.com
White Doves was founded with a clear objective of providing support for families and their friends at the most difficult time of their lives, the loss of their loved ones.
Moira Carmenate, Founder and CEO of White Doves Funeral Planning believed there was a massive gap in the provision of bereavement support and practical support at that delicate time, and formed the company to deliver funeral services that went above and beyond.
This extensive and unique lifeline for families, available throughout Spain, has also led to the formation of White Doves Foundation, a charity which helps “reset lives” after trauma. Initially geared to helping people who suffered abuse, whether mental or physical, White Doves Foundation also incorporates helping people reset their lives following bereavement. Our door is open to anyone who needs help and support whether emotional or practical and a team of trained and qualified, empathetic volunteers are there to assist.
White Doves Funeral Planning also incorporates Later Life Planning with their inhouse Wills, Inheritance Tax Planning and Probate services alongside funeral planning which is tailored to the needs of families. As Moira says, it's “more than just a funeral plan”, we are with you every step of the way and support families even years after the death of a friend or family member. Ironically this level of service and support has never existed. Yes, there are funeral planning companies who take a call and point someone in the direction of a funeral director, but White Doves offers so much more. Why would you compromise the level of support for your family when they need it the most?
If you would like to ensure your family have peace of mind and ongoing support during what will be a difficult time, please contact us and we will be happy to help you find the best option that fits your budget and of course, your family’s needs.
Contact us via email – info@whitedoves.es or telephone +34 865 668 597.
Debut author Tani Ruiz has published X in Provence, a novel about obsession, betrayal and survival set in a place that normally conjures up paradise. The novel offers a new take on an age-old theme: the perils of addiction to highly charismatic, highly narcissistic personalities and what women will do to cling on. Combining splashes of erotica, psychological suspense, mystery and wonderlust, X in Provence is women’s fiction at its gripping best.
Ms. Ruiz, based in Alicante, Spain, is an independent editor from England with a background in investigative journalism and years of experience as a communication specialist in the field of international development.
X in Provence is available as a paperback at major book retailers and as an ebook. An audio version is scheduled to come on stream in this month.
For more information about the book and the author: www.taniruiz.com,
https://youtu.be/ZERmWG7NSew, https://www.facebook.com/people/Tani-Ruizauthor/61555008942582/
Fear not, I'm not going to guide you through all the mass of technical scientific articles available to anyone with a computer. It's true that a huge amount of such information is available, but if that interests you, I doubt you'll be reading my humble efforts.
I think it would be fair to say that many budding astronomers searching online are either looking for information such as when will the Moon rise etc. or an explanation of something new to them. One of the most useful web sites is called 'time and date.com', it has a simple but good space section where you can find a great deal of stuff presented in a simple way. If you want to know about where the Moon or Planets are, or know about eclipses and plenty of other stuff, this is the site I'd recommend, and there are few, if any annoying pop ups and adverts.
Another tried and tested web site is 'heavens-above.com' This is terrific for information about satellites, including the international space station. It also includes much more such as a good star chart, and the positions of constellations and the planets. I use and recommend this site because it's simple and quick to use, easy to understand and you won't be bombarded with adverts. Naturally there are a huge number of other web sites available, and the choice is yours to make, but those two will take care of all the needs of the casual observer without any hassle.
Next we come to YouTube, a vast resource where anyone and everyone seems to be an expert. Our group makes extensive use of it, but we're quite selective about what we share. As an example, if you search the site for Mars, you'll get a vast range of videos to see, many are excellent, some are plumbing the depths of stupidity. As a general rule, the more sensationalist a video title, the less you should trust it. Also if the presenter is one of those who is rambling, and wants to sound clever rather than be clever, steer clear. Another thing to beware of is that You Tube remembers what you look at, and tries to offer more of the same, so if you watch a few silly videos, you'll be offered more like them.
So, what would I recommend on YouTube? Obviously there are the main space agencies, you can trust what you hear to be correct, they won't claim Elvis is on an alien Mars base, and yes, that was once claimed.
My current best suggestion is called 'Mars in 4k'. It uses video from the Curiosity Mars rover in very high resolution, and it is as close as you'll ever get to standing on an alien planet. One last thing, my wife has one of those 3d headsets, a fantastic toy she got during lock down. If you try Mars in 4k on one of those, you really do feel like you are there, and you'll never forget the feeling.
● To find out more about observing and astronomy why not join our group, email us at vegabaja.astronomygroup@gmail.com to find out more.
Solutions by right move is part of the family of right move that runs alongside our insurance and car rental business which has served our community for many years and has gained trust and confidence from our many clients.
Our approach has always been about flexibility with a warm and friendly, one to one personal service, giving clear, informed advice. We will always offer the correct guidance to your individual circumstances and provide the right solution to your needs. Customer service is a priority to us and as expats ourselves we have lived through all the processes you would normally encounter and therefore know that you can meet several “challenges” along the away which usually amounts to paperwork, paperwork and more paperwork!!
Here at Solutions, we can assist with obtaining NIEs, Residencias, SIP cards, exchange of driving licences to Spanish, transfer of car ownership, Will writing service, tax returns for residents and non-residents, conveyancing and probate. We also work with local town halls and architects to provide building licences, opening licences for businesses, tourist licences plus habitation and energy efficiency certificates.
What makes us different?
We are very much a business that will always go the extra mile and if you can’t pop into any of the offices, we are only a phone call or email away. We will always work towards providing the right advice, the right solution at the right price, for example if you are applying for Residencia and need private health insurance then our insurance side of the business can offer several solutions at competitive prices. We can arrange for the change of name for your new car and at the same time provide a range of insurance quotations, we do all the leg work for you and provide a complete package, all your needs under one roof.
Whatever your problem, right move will have the solution.
See our advert below for our list of offices and contact numbers.
Quesada office telephone – 865 664 813, Whatsapp – 622 350 038, email – contact@solutionsbyrightmove.com
Founded by Benny Davis in 2007
Andante International Choir is the only choir in the Costa Blanca community devoted to sacred choral works and classical pieces. They meet in Los Montesinos at Calle San Antonio, 4 on Thursday nights from 7.15pm until 9pm. All are welcome to join them. They especially need tenors and basses. For more information contact Andante International Choir member Sue Lewey at suelewey@gmail.com. Also see the Facebook page, Andante International Choir (Spain).
The Costa Blanca Singers are announcing dates for three exciting performances in April and invite you along to all these fabulous events.
Saturday 13th April at the outdoor theatre in El Raso. Booked to sing from 5pm-6pm at this all day event. The following Saturday 20th, also at an all-day event, at El Raso for The Ukraine Fun Festival. CBS are singing from 4pm-5pm. And, St. George's Day organised by The Royal British Legion Tuesday 23rd April at The Laguna Tavern. Entre Naranjos, near to Vistabella Golf. CBS will sing from 2pm-3pm. There are many more charity fund raising event dates booked into The Costa Blanca Singers diary for 2024. All details will be announced monthly. Have your calendar handy. For further information please WhatsApp Lonée on 641 992 164.
The Rojales Pantomime Group have now held the auditions for their new Pantomime - Dick Whittington. The response to auditions was overwhelming and casting this exciting panto was very difficult with such a wide variety of talent to choose from. However, the group enjoyed some relaxation time together with a 10 Pin Bowling and lunch event with much fun and laughter. The photos show the Winning Team - Rob Pritchard, Leigh Humphries, Dianne Scott and Linda Sharp. If you are interested in joining our group, maybe treading the boards, helping out where needed, or simply as a social member and want more details please email: rojalespanto@yahoo.com.
Studio32 are announcing new dates for their upcoming show in May. The revised dates for The Pajama Game are now Thursday 2nd, Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th May. This will be in Cardinal Belluga theatre and you are invited to buy now from one of the six outlets who very kindly sell tickets for Studio32. Cards and More, La Marina. Bob's Bar, La Marina. Post Box, Doña Pepa. Amor (with love), Quesada. Elipacrafts, Quesada. The Post Room, Benijofar. You can also purchase your tickets online by visiting Studiothirtytwo.org. The Pajama Game is only showing for three nights and tickets are selling fast, so book yours now to avoid disappointment. Doors open at 18.45 for a 19.30 curtain up. See you all there and have a wonderful evening.
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
Whether you want to refresh the look of your pool with regrouting, change the whole look with new tiles, or check any potential problems with the pipework or leaks, Perfect Pool Solutions can address all of these issues in a professional and efficient manner.
We only use the best quality materials to ensure you get a long lasting result, giving you the peace of mind for years to come. And with every retile, a waterproof sealant product is applied prior to the tiling to deal with any possible hidden cracks.
Although summer is fast approaching and most people will be wanting to make use of their pools in the not too distance future, sometimes issues can arise that may leave you with little choice as to when you address them. Others may choose a quick fix now and then plan the full job in the autumn / winter. Whatever your situation, Perfect Pool Solutions will always endeavour to offer you their expert opinion and advice, with as little inconvenience and upheaval to you as possible, especially during these pool party months.
For all enquiries and quotations call Aidan on 662 377 545 or visit FB page Perfect Pool Solutions for examples of work we have carried out.
A valid habitation licence is a pivotal document for marketing your property to estate agents, solicitors, or potential buyers. Here are savvy tips to help you save:
Breakdown Clarity: When dealing with habitation licences, always seek a detailed cost breakdown. Expenses vary by town hall. For example, Orihuela charges 102 to 111€, while Torrevieja requires just a 17.50€ Registration Fee. Get a clear picture of taxes and technical fees.
Architect's Role: Only architects can provide the necessary certificate for the licence. If considering others, check for additional commissions. Ensure your quotation spells out all fees. Registration Tax Insights: Common registration taxes in some areas (correct at time of going to print):
Orihuela: 102-111€ - Torrevieja: 17.50€ - Rojales: 50€ - San Fulgencio: 50€ - San Miguel de Salinas: 100€
Obtaining a Habitation Licence is a breeze. After confirming, Martinez de la Casa Architects will schedule a property survey, needing your NIE, latest SUMA bill, and Title Deeds. The processed licence arrives within 10 working days. We handle everything, including tax payment – you simply coordinate the survey.
Habitation licence costs differ by Town Hall. Contact us for a quotation or free phone advice.
Martinez de la Casa Architects is the go-to for Building Certifications, offering Energy Performance Certificates, Habitation/Occupation Licences, and Retrospective Licences. See advert below for more information.
For inquiries or appointments, call 665 810 411 (English) or explore www.martinezdelacasa.com with 300+ glowing testimonials.
Melody Makers, the Quesada based singing group unveiled their new summer look this week, where there was an array of blue on show.
The local group often perform in public to raise money for various charities, if you would like them to appear at your charity event or fundraiser, please contact them?
Melody Makers is an international, mixed singing group, they are always looking for new members to join them, singing all genres of music from the 60s to the present day.
They are a friendly group, so why not come along any Tuesday and have a chat with one of the members. No audition necessary and first session free, so what have you to lose?
They rehearse every Tuesday 2pm – 4pm at the Lakeview Bar and Restaurant, Calle Toledo 16, Quesada, 03170.
For further enquiries: lorraine.simpson@yahoo.co.uk or WhatsApp +34 663 75 17 73.
Matt & Noeleen along with their team, Dawn, Dan & Jasmine, offer a warm welcome to the new venue Mateo's Pizza Bar in Quesada. Former owners of Divitos Pizza Bar, Matt and Noeleen have recently spent many months of hard work and dedication to opening their new venture in much larger premises and situated just a few doors down from the former.
The change has been very well received by both local residents and new customers, all who wish them well for the future. The menu available offers the same delicious food but now with some additional snacks such as scotch eggs, sausage rolls and quiches. Scones, flapjacks and apple turnovers have also been introduced to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Mateo's don't have a pizza menu per say...you create your own pizza with a choice of different base sauces and a large selection of toppings with Noeleen's homemade dough….the final product is yummy. The kebab wraps are also very popular where you can have a small wrap for just 6€ or go large for 8.50€. A selection of light bites are available for 6€ and good choice of burgers, snacks and salads. Noeleen and Dawn prepare and cook all the food fresh to order and the homemade coleslaw is to die for.
All food is available for eat in or takeaway so you can call your order or WhatsApp for pick up on 688 700 820.
Mateo's will happily cater for vegan and gluten free customers and will endeavour to address any other dietary requirements.
Live entertainment is held on a regular basis so keep checking their Facebook page for upcoming events. The venue is fully air conditioned for your comfort and there is a covered outside terrace to the front and also a large seating area to the rear.
Situated just off Avenida Costa Azul, close to Canales Supermarket in Quesada….what are you waiting for?
Find all the Spanish words from the word list in the puzzle grid. Words may be found going forwards, backwards, up, down or diagonally. Answers can be found in the back of the magazine. Good Luck.
ALERGIA - ALLERGY
ANTIBIÓTICOS - ANTIBIOTICS
CITA - APPOINTMENT
DIARREA - DIARRHOEA
DOLOR - PAIN
DOLOR DE CABEZAHEADACHE
ENFERMERA - NURSE
ENFERMO - ILL/SICK
ESPECIALISTA - SPECIALIST
FARMACIA - CHEMIST
FIEBRE - TEMPERATURE
GRIPE - FLU
JUSTIFICANTE MÉDICOSICK NOTE
MEDICACIÓN - MEDICATION
MÉDICO - DOCTOR
MOLESTIA - DISCOMFORT
PICADURA - BITE
PUNTOS - STITCHES
QUEMADURA - BURN
RECETA - PRESCRIPTION
RESFRIADO - COLD (TO HAVE A COLD)
SANGRE - BLOOD
SÍNTOMAS - SYMPTOMS
TRATAMIENTO - TREATMENT
URGENCIAS - A&E
URGENTE - URGENT
VACUNA - VACCINE
See back pages for answers
Aries: The New Moon Solar Eclipse gives you the chance to make a new start. You are moving on but you certainly are not running away. This could be the start of a new process that allows you to make a major life change!
Taurus: The Sun is in Taurus from the 20th of the month and you’ll get the energy you need to bring solution to just where it is needed. This powerful combination sees you unafraid to make essential progress and having your say.
Gemini: Venus is benevolent and centred this month as love and desire are important to your happiness right now. The shadow territory of Aries ensures privacy and there is a better understanding on relationship issues too.
Cancer: This could be the right time to come out of your shell and give somebody a nasty nip. Above all, keep your temper whilst others around you appear to be losing theirs for no good reason. Re- edit plans just because you can.
Leo: The Sun sees you retreating from all that you have worked on to bring harmony into a work relationship. You don’t have to keep a low profile; and why should you? A big Jupiter and Uranus tryst means that you get your rewards.
Virgo: The Full Moon in Scorpio resonates in your seventh house bringing fiery emotions as Uranus brings growth and recognition for a job done well despite all the recent set backs. Things have to get better now, and they will!
Libra: As Jupiter and Uranus collude in your sibling sign of Taurus this month it’s all fair in love and war. Hold your head up and just walk away from any conflict. This is the last thing that you need right now, but the damage has been done.
Scorpio: Attention focuses on the New Moon in Scorpio towards the end of the month. Shining a light on recent events, emotions will be coming to a head whilst you get the green light on something long awaited but never forgotten.
Sagittarius: Jupiter, your planetary leader brings you good luck, great fortune and an enjoyable prosperity. An alignment with Taurus is both inspiring and liberating, and this is the right time to launch something new and wonderful.
Capricorn: The fallout from the Mercury retrograde in Aries brings you all the evidence that you need to get going. You have been putting something off but right now is the best time to face it full on. Yes, you’ll have backing!
Aquarius: Uranus, planet of innovation and technology resides over Mars in Pisces for the whole month of April. Life is taking you off in a new and exciting direction right now, though there is much still to be done. It’s liberating yet challenging!
Pisces: With Mars backing Pisces, in cahoots with Saturn, goals can be set, but make sure that nobody gets to rain on your parade. You have started and you will finish, but hard work never hurt anyone, people will never know what you don’t do!
As an Astrologer, Kenny has worked tirelessly for over forty years to produce quality Horoscopes Worldwide. He has received a major Award for his contribution to the Astrological Arts by being voted into the Top Twenty World’s Best Astrologers by the American Federation of Certified Psychics. He is awarded five stars as a Lightworker, and Psychic Medium. For personal readings/castings please call Kenny on: 686 361 594. kennycorris@hotmail.com www.kennycorris.com. Confidential and Personal Reply Guaranteed! Online Readings: by Zoom, Skype,WhatsApp, Viber, FaceTime.
Every Thursday evening Crescendo International Choir rehearses and we welcome new members. No previous experience required. We rehearse at Rincon de Miguel restaurant in Los Montesinos between 17:30 to 19:45 every Thursday.
For more details, see crescendo-choir.com. You can also follow the group on Facebook at Crescendo Choir. If you have other questions, email info@crescendo-choir.com
The photo shows Ronnie presenting 500€ to Paul for the Stroke Support Team at Coopers Bar on 15th March at the Euro Leisure Club's quiz lunch. The club holds this event every 3rd Friday of the month. They also hold a coffee morning every 1st Monday of the month at 10am. Come along to the coffee morning for a chat and make new friends.
Here are two Sudoku puzzles of different skill levels for you to try. It is not a math game at all - it is a pure logic game.
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3 x 3 grid contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repeats, which means that no number is repeated in any row, column or box.
Across
6 Removing faults (8)
8 Periods of history (4)
9 Christmas wish (4)
10 Far from stern, let nine go off (7)
11 Milky (7)
14 Open space in a forest (5)
15 Slumbered (5)
17 Costumed procession (7)
21 Unsettle (7)
22 Capital of Fiji (4)
23 Nurture (4)
24 It could happen (8) Down
1 Chew on (4)
2 Names (6)
3 Prolonged pain (5)
4 Signal to arise (8)
5 Cured (6)
7 "The Scream" artist (5)
12 Artsy pet organised picture in fabric (8)
13 Leap on one foot (3)
16 Beaver abodes (6)
18 Superior of a convent (6)
19 Orange variety (5)
20 Short and stout (5)
22 Jump lightly (4)
See back pages for answers
Throughout recorded history, people have adored asparagus and though culinary tastes frequently change over the years, this luscious spring vegetable remains as sought after today as it was centuries ago. Originally native to western Asia, northern Africa and most of Europe, the arrival of the annual asparagus crop is still regarded as an epicurean event celebrated by special fetes in certain areas of our own Marina Alta.
Spain is expected to produce 44,000 tonnes of asparagus this year, 1000 tonnes more than in 2021, and this demand is expected to increase year on year for the foreseeable future. Of the total produced by Spanish growers some 40% will go to the domestic market, with the remaining 60% currently being exported, mainly to France, Germany and Switzerland. However, new target markets are being energetically pursued in a variety of exotic locations, including Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern destinations, as well as to America and Japan.
The asparagus season in Spain typically runs from April to July. During this time, we can all enjoy fresh and flavourful asparagus from various regions. Spanish asparagus comes in different varieties. The white asparagus is grown under rows of banked earth, shielded from sunlight. It is considered a rare delicacy due to its labour-intensive cultivation process. In Europe, chefs almost always use the highly prized white asparagus, which offers up unique luscious notes of corn and artichokes.
To cook white asparagus, scrape the outer skin gently before immediately plunging into boiling water, to avoid discolouration. Boil with a touch of olive oil and salt for precisely 16 minutes before draining, and serve at once with hollandaise sauce. This method, according to a local Xàbian market trader and self proclaimed asparagus expert is the best way to make the most of this seasonal delight. I can only say that it certainly worked for me.
Unsurprisingly, in addition to our own region’s small fetes, some parts of Spain celebrate the asparagus with its own designated festival. Since its inception in 1932, the Fira d’Espàrrecs Gavà (Gavà Asparagus Festival) held in Barcelona has trumpeted the annual arrival of the highly prized Spring delicacy. It is one of Spain's oldest ongoing culinary fairs—interrupted only by the Spanish Civil War and, more recently, Covid.
Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus was said to have organised elite military units to search out this vegetable. He would then find the fastest runners to take the fresh asparagus spears into the frozen Alps for storage purposes. He also coined the term ‘velocius quam asparagi conquator’ which means to do something quicker than you can cook asparagus similar to our ‘two shakes of a lamb’s tail’. Ancient Greeks also harvested wild asparagus and connected this vegetable to their goddess of love, Aphrodite. Numerous other cultures have also considered freshly sprouted asparagus a symbol of fertility.
The asparagus plant appeared in an Egyptian frieze about five thousand years ago, with Queen Nefertiti allegedly also an asparagus fan. Archaeologists found traces of asparagus on dishes when excavating the Pyramid of Sakkara, along with other coveted foods such as figs and melons.
In Ancient China, honoured guests were treated, upon their arrival, with an asparagus footbath. When the Emperor Charles V (1500-1558) of the powerful Habsburg Empire decided to visit Rome without warning anyone of his arrival, a sense of panic ensued because the emperor had arrived during a time of fasting. One clever cardinal prepared three different asparagus recipes. They set the plates on perfumed cloths and offered the emperor three exquisite wines – and he was said to praise the delicacies he was offered for years to come.
French monasteries included this plant in their gardens 600 years ago – and, if you wanted to please the Sun King, Louis XIV, you could bring his second wife, Madame de Maintenon, a new asparagus recipe. She gathered them into a book and asparagus soup á la Maintenon is still prized today.
For centuries, people have included asparagus in their Easter dinners because its fast growth in the spring symbolises resurrection.
Modern-day plant expert Fritz-Martin Engel has effectively summed up the types of people who have appreciated asparagus over the centuries: “Pharaohs, emperors, kings, generals, and great spiritual leaders, princely poets such as Goethe and gourmands like BrillatSavarin - all of them ate and eat asparagus with great enthusiasm."
Whether you prefer white, green or wild asparagus, Spain offers a delightful array of flavours during this season.
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