QFocus On Costa Bloanca South July 2024

Taking the plunge to help find the cure for Type 1 Diabetes

Micheal Olsson is taking on the challenge to bungee jump between two bridges in Mascarat to raise funds for the charity DiabetesCERO. This is part of Specsavers Ópticas’ fundraising campaign to raise €5,000 for the charity throughout 2024 and help them find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes.

Michael explains, ‘I’ve been working up to this with hikes, mountain climbs and via ferrata routes, and kept wondering what it would feel like to fall. Rather than let that stop me, I’ve decided to face my fear and pledge to do a bungee jump for a wonderful cause which is very close to my heart. I will be jumping from 60 meters with Alicante Aventura and experiencing a 40-meter freefall, before swinging between two bridges. Through my bungee jump, I want to raise €1,000 for DiabetesCERO on behalf of the Specsavers Ópticas stores in Guardamar, Torrevieja and La Zenia. Being able to raise money for an amazing cause while I do it is a real motivation to face the fear and take that leap of faith!’

Michael is passionate about raising funds for diabetes research and raising awareness of the impact diabetes can have on health. His family has been personally affected by diabetes and they’ve seen firsthand just how damaging diabetes can be. He adds, ‘The great work the charity is doing deserves to be better known, and I want to raise awareness not simply of diabetes, but what can happen to sufferers further down the line if the condition is not properly controlled.

The more funding that can be put into research into finding a cure and improving treatment, the better. Spreading the word of the impact of diabetes on your health and vision is also so important, as early diagnosis and treatment is crucial to reducing the long-term impact of the condition.

Please support this fantastic cause and give generously to help me hit my target before I take the plunge at the end of September. Every donation made will help DiabetesCERO to research into finding the cure for Type 1 Diabetes.’

Make a donation in Specsavers Ópticas in Guardamar, Torrevieja and La Zenia or via their GoFundMe page “Puenting para recaudar fondos para DiabetesCERO”. Every donation made will help fund vital research into Type 1 Diabetes.

To find your nearest store to donate, or request a complete eye test, visit www.specsavers.es

Summer is finally here and with it comes the annual fiesta period in our local areas. This all starts with Rojales fiestas at the beginning of July, followed by Benijofar and Guardamar later in the month.

As things stand we don’t have any visitors over, so it should be a lot calmer than in previous years.

I’m off to Madrid to the Love the 90ś festival which will no doubt take me back to my youth and be a case of lots of dancing, partaking in a few beverages and sampling some delicious food. We may try to take in a little bit of Madrid culture but as we are only there a couple of days, time might well run away from us.

Later in July a few of us have booked tickets to see Black Eyed Peas in Alicante. They played in Torrevieja last year and were fabulous so I'm really looking forward to seeing them again.

I think I have finally found the balance between work and play and although we don't have any holidays booked this year we certainly have plenty of events coming up to keep me busy.

Until next time...

Michelle

QFocus On Magazine covering the Alicante South region and Focus On Magazine covering the Alicante North region.

QFocus Office: Mon to Fri. 10am - 2pm Tel. 657 501 055

Pick up your next issue on 6 August Deadline for advertising & editorial - 19 July

GREAT MYTHS IN ASTRONOMY

Before I move on to some of the strange ideas that are often believed, I’ll give a quick update from last month’s column. I told about the expected Nova in the constellation Corona Borealis, it’s predicted to occur before the end of September this year. It hasn’t happened yet, so if anyone missed that article, you’ll find it on the Focus On website www.femalefocusonline.com.

It's always surprised me what people will believe, especially in the face of evidence, or giving a subject a little thought, so let’s start with a supremely obvious misconception, that people used to think the Earth was flat. NO, they didn't, in fact it’s over 2300 years ago since the size of the Earth’s globe was measured by a Greek (who else) called Eratosthenes. The fact that the Earth is round can be seen by anyone standing on a cliff, and looking at the sea’s horizon, it’s curved, try it for yourself. This myth probably originates with a song from years ago.

The next big one is that our moon has a dark side, no it doesn’t, that’s from a great album by Pink Floyd. The Moon does always show the same side towards us (almost) but that doesn’t mean that the other side is dark. In fact, if you think about how the Moon goes around the Earth and that the Earth is moving around the Sun it’s bound to get sunlight almost everywhere.

It’s often believed that our distance from the Sun causes the seasons. It’s easy to understand why someone would think this, but it’s wrong. The Earth is tilted over with respect to its path around the Sun by about 23 degrees, and it’s this that causes the seasons, and also why we have the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn on maps.

The Moon only appears at night! I’ve no idea why so many people say this, when so many of us have seen it’s almost ghostly image during the daytime. It’s also why we have nights without a Moon. Simply put, it always appears in a different part of the sky as it orbits us, and often it will be daytime when it is overhead.

Now for a few quick ones. A telescopes magnification is all important, wrong again. It’s how much light it can gather that matters. To see a galaxy you might only use 10x magnification, but you won’t see much without a big lens etc.

The Sun is not a star!!! Again, I’ve no idea why anyone should think this, but they do. Out star is a rather ordinary one and a very common type. It fits very nicely into something called the Hertzprung Russell diagram which us astronomy type use to classify different types of stars.

Last one because I'm running out of space (pun) is that amateur astronomers don’t contribute to science. They most definitely do, and always have, but that’s a big subject and will have to wait until next month.

One last thought for you, do flat Earthers believe in global warming?

● To find out more about observing and astronomy why not join our group, email us at vegabaja.astronomygroup@gmail.com to find out more.

Charles Oates, Vega Baja Astronomy Group.

Who is buying property on the Costa Blanca?

Nearly half of all property sales in the Alicante province have been snapped up by foreign buyers, attracted by its competitive prices, climate, culture and leisure opportunities.

The British are the main foreign home buyers in the region, accounting for 12% of house sales - about 2,500 properties - in 2023, according to the property register. And, according to Idealista, the British are looking for large properties near the coast and in the north of the Alicante region.

Although the British still hold the top spot for foreigners buying property (9.5%), this has fallen 1.54% from the previous year. Second place goes to the Germans (7.3%) and then the French (6.7%). Demand is increasing from Morocco, accounting for 5.4% of purchases, Belgium at 5.4% and Italy, 5.2%.

In all, 44% of property transitions on the Costa Blanca were sold to foreigners. Foreign demand for properties in Torrevieja remains high with areas such as Los Frutales and Playa del Cura being favourite spots, particularly with the Swedish market. The Orihuela Costa is another top choice for foreign investors, particularly the districts in and around Cabo Roig, La Zenia and Playa Flamenca. The portal report also shows that people from the Netherlands are interested in the exclusive residential area of Maryvilla, Calpe.

Top billing for desirable areas to live is Moraira, with demand from foreign buyers, particularly from the Netherlands, hitting a high of 65% in particular areas such as Moravit-Cap Blanc and the town centre.

SUDOKU

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.

CROSSWORD

Across

1 Had a notion (6)

6 Evils (4)

8 Director Welles (5)

9 Buys (6)

10 Hill dweller (3)

11 Sprite-like (5)

12 Luke's twin sister in "Star Wars" (4)

13 Need different Paradise? (4)

14 Passenger ships (6)

16 Boot sale caveat (2,2)

17 Organisation whose aims are out of this world (1,1,1,1)

19 Used by the Grim Reaper and Father Time (6)

20 Beliefs accepted by a group (4)

23 Soup thickener (4)

24 It may be a grand player (5)

26 Chinese life force (3)

27 Vitamin B3 (6)

28 Crude (5)

29 Employs (4)

30 Bizarre cases (1-5) Down

2 State (7)

3 Poolside wear (7)

4 Prescribed amount (4)

5 Invite trouble (3,3,2)

6 Asinine (5)

7 Petrol measure (5)

15 Can Enoch dance when hell freezes over? (2,6)

17 Far right description (3-4)

18 Conjecture (7)

21 Darned things (5)

22 Barbecue accessories (5)

25 Cameo gemstone (4)

See back pages for answers

THE AIRCREW ASSOCIATION COSTA BLANCA

The association, formed in 1988, exists to foster comradeship amongst those who, having been awarded an official flying badge, have qualified to operate military aircraft and are serving or have served, as military aircrew in the armed forces of the United Kingdom or those nations which are allies of the United Kingdom or the Commonwealth.

If you are interested in joining this popular association or would like to know more, please call the Secretary on 96 649 5228.

Rodizio Bar & Restaurant

The enthusiastic Rodizio team would love to welcome you to Rodizio Restaurant, with a difference. You will have the option when booking of whether you would like to eat in our air conditioned restaurant, or on our lovely shaded terrace, with a view for miles. Great way to see the sun set. We are an all you can eat, Brazilian Restaurant. We service the finest meats from Galicia, here in Spain. To get your taste buds flowing, firstly you will be able to help yourself to the unlimited salad bar, with a wide range of different options and a selection of side salads which may include potato bravas, a chef's special rice dish and homemade garlic bread and more.

All our meats are seasoned and caramelised, to bring out the best flavours from each individual one. Some of the delicious meats you could find is Picanha Rump Steak, a cut of beef made popular in Brazil and then adopted by Portugal. It’s from the top of the rump, which makes it nice and tender. It has a good amount of marbling, which means it's also juicy and flavourful. Also another favourite choice is Lamb Chump. It is the rump of the lamb, at the point where the top of the leg meets the loin, making it very lean. It is slow cooked through out the day, keeping it tender. And one more meat you must try, is our Belly Pork, it is so juicy! It is slow cooked in stock with fennel then pressed and cut into cubes and given a bbq glaze. If you don’t like crackling, you will after trying ours! Should you have any room after all this, finish on a slice of honey & cinnamon pineapple. The flavours from this will cleanse your pallet to complete your meal. And as we have our very own in house Mixologist, you can complete your meal with one of the many cocktails that we offer. We do have a lift, so please don’t let us being on the first floor put you off from visiting us. You are also very welcome to just join us for a drink but we believe once you enter and smell all the aroma in the air, you will be booking a table.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Please use our online booking system to make a reservation www.rodiziorestaurante.es

Club Tropicana

Old Tower Masonic Lodge recently held a charity fund-raising event billed as ‘Club Tropicana’.

The Caribbean-styled afternoon complete with surf boards and grass skirts kicked off with cocktails and entertainment provided by the fabulous ‘Project Duo’.

The Provincial Grand Master, Rodney Bignell and his Lady, Jeanette joined along with over 50 other Ladies, Gentlemen, and Brethren for a fun afternoon which included a fantastic Hawaiian-styled buffet, wonderful desserts, dancing, and refreshments.

Our special guests were Alexandru Petricean, President of Reach Out, a charity based in Torrevieja helping the homeless, hungry, and poor of the community. Alex and his senior team were welcomed by our Charity Steward, W. Bro Alan Clarke, and our PGM.

A big thank you to Mrs. Janet James for her wonderful catering skills that kept us well fed, Alan Clarke for the imagination and planning of the entire event, and the whole team for their efforts in turning Sociedad de Compass into Club Tropicana, which raised 800€ for local good causes and Masonic charities.

The photos show: top: Members of Old Tower welcome their guests and bottom: The Provincial Grand Master (left) and his lady (centre).

Hello everyone in the area. Well, new and exciting times ahead for ACTSwe have a plan for autumn and for spring. Spring will see a very new and different version of a well known classic production, BUT with a modern twist!! In the Autumn of 2024 we want to entertain locally with a couple of small/ short plays in local large restaurants and bars. Watch this space and others for notices. In order to do both these things we need more people join us, either as actors or as backstage help - lighting, set building and sound are our main needs. So, if you’d like to find out more and come and join us, please contact me, Janet Ford at janetford47@hotmail.com. We all really hope you’ll come and join us.

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).

As the Costa Blanca Singers prepare for their next summer performance, there is excitement in the air. Another invitation to entertain at El Bar Guadamar Park is all set for Saturday 27th July and this fabulous event will raise money for The Orihuela orphanage. All details of the day are available from El Bar. In addition to helping OO, the Costa Blanca Singers have made donations to two more local charities recently. In May, 500€ was donated to AAN and in June, 500€ was donated to ECCH. This is a very important part of the CBS, however, essentially, the group sing for the pure enjoyment of all the benefits that singing brings. Please look through www.costablancasingers.com to meet the team, view, FAQ & read the fabulous blogs and events details. We look forward to entertaining you at our public performances.

Crescendo International Choir: Do you like to sing? 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

Rojales Pantomime Group: Thanks to the wonderful support from our audiences in December, 2023, we gave the Mayor of San Fulgencio and some of his team, together with Brenda and Lesley from the local AAN Charity, a donation of 500€. This concludes our charitable donations for 2023. Rehearsals for Dick Whittington 2024 are in full swing with the cast embracing

their characters with great enthusiasm. This year’s pantomime promises performances filled with hilarity, some slapstick, songs, dancing and good fun. If you are able to lift and carry and would like to help our backstage crew OR you are a whizz at makeup, why not drop us an email at dw2024rojalespanto@gmail.com. We would be very happy to hear from you. The Rojales Pantomime Group will be breaking for the summer, but never fear we will be busy socialising together and working on the elements that we need to hit the ground running when we return in September. Photo insert: John Fagg, Dee Braiden, the Mayor of San Fulgencio and his team along with Brenda and Lesley from the AAN Charity. Studio32 are looking forward to welcoming new members this month as they begin auditions for their Winter show. This is going to be a festive musical theatre cabaret and preparations are already underway. Currently, Studio32 is actively looking for enthusiastic people to work with them in areas of theatre lighting and sound. They would especially like to hear from anyone who has singing, music or musical theatre experience who might be able to help with vocal coaching for our performers during productions. Please take a look at the Studio32 Facebook page for more details. Or phone 679 062 272.

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

COSTA

Founded by Benny Davis in 2007

WORD SEARCH

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.

AGUACATE - AVOCADO

ALBARICOQUE - APRICOT

ARÁNDANO - BLUEBERRY

BANANA - BANANA

CAQUI - PERSIMMON

CEREZA - CHERRY

CIRUELA - PLUM

FRAMBUESA - RASPBERRY

FRESA - STRAWBERRY

GRANADA - POMEGRANATE

HIGO - FIG

KIWI - KIWI

LIMA - LIME

LIMÓN - LEMON

MANGO - MANGO

MANZANA - APPLE

MELOCOTÓN - PEACH

MELÓN - MELON

MORA - BLACKBERRY

NARANJA - ORANGE

PERA - PEAR

PIÑA - PINEAPPLE

POMELO - GRAPEFRUIT

SANDÍA - WATERMELON

UVAS - GRAPES

See back pages for answers

From artist inspiration to deadly flowers

Walking or driving around the Costa Blanca, you can not fail to enjoy the profusion of scented

Oleander bushes that are at their best at this time of year.

Nerium oleander, more commonly known as oleander or rosebay, is native to a broad area that spans Morocco and Portugal before spreading eastward through the Mediterranean region. It flourishes around dry stream beds and grows to a height of between two and six metres usually.

The flowers grow in clusters and are typically white, pink or, sometimes, yellow.

The oleander does not have its own specific mythology but its origins can be traced back to ancient Greece. It was described by Plyny the Elder, the Roman author and naturalist (AD23- 79), who refers to its roselike flowers as well as its poisonous properties, in his writings. It is believed the oleander may also be the Rose of Jericho, described in the Bible.

This hardy plant was the first to bloom after the atomic bomb in Hiroshima, symbolising hope.

Although it is not commonly known, the oleander is very poisonous and should never be ingested. Every part of the plant contains toxic compounds. Fortunately, the bitterness of all parts of the plant is an effective deterrent to humans and most animals. The beautiful oleander blossoms must look tempting to bees, but they fool their would be pollinators with empty promises of nectar; theirblooms contain none.

In 1808, during the Spanish war of independence, it is reported that a number of Napoleon’s soldiers decided to roast their lamb dinner on oleander skewers. The toxicity of the branches was so intense that several of them subsequently died, according to historic record.

Oleander stems, presumably following special treatments, are sometimes used in elaborate basket weaving, a prevalent art form in the Costa Blanca. Interestingly, the ash from burned oleander wood is used by the gun powder industry. The powdered stems and leaves can also be used as rat poison and to prevent disease in certain crops, including beans and chick peas.

However, it is not all gloom and despondency on the oleander front. Traditionally, the leaves were made into a compound to combat hair loss and dandruff. In the Costa Blanca area it was once frequently used as a component in tonics for the cardio vascular system.

In certain areas of Almeria, Valencia and Murcia oleander leaves are still favoured by the older generation as mouthwash; a cure for toothache or as an aid for insomnia. In the Valencia community, its finely ground leaves are used as a remedy to control excessive sneezing.

The beautiful blooms of the oleander have inspired numerous artists throughout the years. In the opinion of Van Gogh, who famously painted oleanders in a majolica jug in Arles 1988, they were ‘joyous, life affirming flowers’. So, much like a leopard, a sleek sports car or even a good malt whisky, although beguiling and even bewitching, beware of its dangerous side.

By Rhona Wells - rhonawells@hotmail.com

OUR TRIBUTE TO JENNIFER CUNNINGHAM, A LEADING EXPAT BUSINESS

OWNER, AND A PHENOMENAL FORCE OF NATURE.

Jennifer Cunningham was one of a kind. Hard working, determined, disciplined and driven, she was also charming, funny, insightful, and unwaveringly supportive of her friends and family, her staff and of her clients.

At Female Focus Publications we worked with Jennifer for years, and we personally saw, heard and witnessed, how her no-nonsense approach gained her a cast-iron reputation of honesty and integrity.

Every reader of her plain-speaking monthly articles will know about her scathing attitude towards anything shabby, untoward, risky or uncertain. Jennifer would always take the exact opposite approach.

She would always advocate aiming high, and going for the best… attaining the best quality insurance and health care cover for her clients, training her staff to give the best service, and she strove to provide the most relevant and soundest information, with the aim of her clients having the best peace of mind.

Jennifer Cunningham unwittingly became a People’s Champion for fairness, clarity, trust and advice. And with the confirmation that her son Mark will take over Jennifer’s role, Jennifer’s legacy which has been carefully built up over the last 35 years is certain to continue.

And with the experienced staff all continuing working in the business, both the company and the charity ‘Paul Cunningham Nurses’ which she established after the death of her eldest son, Jennifer’s legacy will endure. Jennifer loved the company and the charity she founded, and providing help and service to the Expat Community.

Thank you Jennifer for your drive, wisdom and kindness. You were one of those people who made a difference, helping to make the lives of others easier, less complicated and more secure. For these and your many other skills, you will always be remembered.

UNEXPECTED SCENARIOS REQUIRING AN ARCHITECT: WHEN RULES GET QUIRKY

article supplied by Martinez de la Casa Architects

Roofing Regulations: Adding a roof changes spaces from exterior to interior, except for an open wooden pergola. Roofing requires an architectural project and licence.

Change of Use: Altering room functions or adding new ones, even detached, demands architect involvement.

Height Challenges: Construction exceeding 1.5 metres mandates a major licence, necessitating a Spanish architect for the building permit. However, a sub-1.5 metre dog kennel remains outside the "built area" classification.

Size and Documentation: Expanding a property's size, even by a metre, or causing inconsistencies in bills or deeds requires an independent architect's input.

Light and Air: Spanish rules mandate ventilation and direct light for rooms, except bathrooms. Enclosures blocking these necessitate an architect's intervention.

Lack Permits? Spanish authorities may impose fines or demolition orders, exceeding €300 per sqm, even for small structures. Property value and sales can suffer.

Solution: Secure a retrospective licence from a qualified Spanish architect. Unlicensed extensions gain immunity from objections, regardless of future legal changes.

Retrospective Licence Criteria:

Murcia: Extensions aged 4+ years.

Almeria: Building work aged 6+ years.

Alicante: Completed before August 2010. No retro licences for fined or ordered extensions.

Martinez de la Casa Architects excel in Building Certification, including Energy Performance Certificates (€121 inc. VAT), Habitation Licences, and Retrospective Licences.

Questions? Appointments? Call 665 810 411 (English) or explore www.martinezdelacasa.com. Over 300 testimonials showcase our commitment to enhancing your property's compliance and value.

Have a splashing time at Aquopolis Torrevieja

The largest water park in Vega Baja has opened its doors for a new season with new features. Aquopolis Torrevieja now has 16 attractions, from the high-adrenaline Hydro Racer, Kamikaze and Black Hole to water slides suitable for the little ones.

The water park has been keeping people cool during the summer months for more than 35 years. It’s a fun place to spend the day trying out the slides and different pools, soaking up the rays in the green areas and refueling at the restaurants offering paella, artisanal pizzas, burgers, and menus for adults and children.

For the best prices, buy online at www.torrevieja.aquopolis.es, with tickets from €24.95 for general admission and €19.95 for children between 100cm and 140cm tall and people over 65 years. Children under 100cm in height get in for free.

Aquopolis Torrevieja is just north of Torrevieja, off the N332 road and close to the Habaneras shopping centre.

Celebrating Van Gogh's greatest hits

Art lovers have an opportunity to get up close and personal with the vibrant works of Van Gogh at the Van Gogh ‘Greatest Successes’ immersive exhibition at the IFA centre, near Alicante airport, until September 15.

The exhibition takes you on a journey through the art, life and imagination of the great Dutch artist. Thanks to Digital Art 360 technology, viewers feel as though they are getting inside the paintings, which they see on giant screens. Vincent Van Gogh’s art is ideal for big screen viewings, thanks to his use of intense colours in works such as the iconic Sunflowers and The Starry Night.

He was a prolific artist producing hundreds of paintings, which are among the most expensive works on the art market. His original works are on display in the largest and most important museums and galleries in the world, as well as in the hands of private collectors.

This exhibition is a chance to see his best-known and most expensive works in the same place and in a completely new way as his art is accompanied by light, colour and sound. It will guide you through his art as well as his life, revealing his habits, secrets and personal suffering.

Despite being renowned as one of the world's greatest artists, it is widely reported that Van Gogh only sold one painting, The Red Vineyard, during his lifetime. However, his Uncle Cor, who was an art dealer, commissioned him to create cityscapes of The Hague, as a way of supporting his nephew. Van Gogh also gave his work to other artists in exchange for food or painting materials. Today, when his work does come on the market, it sells for millions - Orchard with Cypresses sold for $117 million in 2022.

For tickets to see Van Gogh’s Greatest Successes, go to van-gogh.es

Article by Sarah Farrellwww.sarahswritestuff.com

Spot the 13 differences

(answers in the back pages)

F.A.B. (Friends after Bereavement)

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.

Costa Blanca Events are thrilled that since the first Legends Fiesta in 2023 we have raised over 7000€ for local charities, made up of raffles run at each event plus a portion of ticket sales. Our mission is to provide varied great entertainment, and support local charity. Big thanks to everyone who has supported our events.

We work with several fantastic venues, Alannia 5* Resorts near Catral & also Guardamar, who offer stunning locations, cabins, pitches and glamping for those that like quality accommodation at a good price and take in our fab shows. The Bar at Guardamar Park, is a lovely friendly venue with great staff that also offers some pitches for events we hold there.

Coming up we have some incredible shows – at The Bar a monthly Summer Nights In The Park on a Saturday evening (see poster below), moving to a Sunday afternoon in September. Booking is essential to ensure seating which we have to pre book. Food is always available. Starting in September, we also begin a series of Wednesday afternoon shows ‘Afternoon Delights’ at Alannia Guardamar the first of which will debut Martin Toal – the ‘Wembley Tenor’ and ‘Kool & The Gang’.

October sees our Autumn Gold Fiesta, a two-day music extravaganza with 9 acts from the UK and Spain, also at Alannia Guardamar. It’s all on our website – www.costablanca.events where you can register for bus services, find out what’s coming up, tickets, and links to book accommodation.

We’d also like to this opportunity to thank all the acts and the amazing support team that help ensure all goes smoothly at each event – you know who you are.

Costa Blanca Events look forward to meeting you at one of our next events.

Kenny Corris brings you

Aries: The Full Moon in Capricorn on the 21st sees an intervention from Uranus. This is a highly charged, exciting and unpredictable event that sees you making a decision you won’t want to change, and you won’t have to!

Taurus: The Sun in Leo mid month heralds travel plans and boosts your powers of communication. You’ll get the green light that you have been long awaiting and embrace changes you need to make.

Gemini: Warrior planet Mars is in the first house of self, bringing you a need to take things to a higher level and giving you the boost of energy that you need to follow through. Courage and wisdom go hand in hand!

Cancer: The New Moon is in the first house of Cancer together with a wily Saturn on standby. That long term project, together with other fortunate opportunities, gets your focus as things change for the better.

Leo: Venus, in the twelfth house, sees you charging your energies and preparing for creative developments and social events. Harmony, romance and good opportunity sees you networking to good effect all around.

Virgo: If something seems too good to be true then it probably is. Beware of what is behind a recent request. Mars in Taurus sees you using your fully capable stubborn side to ensure that you do not lose out in any deal.

OUR OROSCOPE

Libra: A contract or partnership is out there on the horizon right now. The Full Moon impacts greatly on a relationship issue that’s not going away on its own. Tread carefully with loving care and a fully opened heart!

Scorpio: Lucky Jupiter brings you fortunate blessings and opportunities; whilst Venus ensures harmony in a situation close to your heart right now. Take a break, that lets you see things from a different angle.

Sagittarius: Mars aligns with Jupiter in Gemini and you are going to be rewarded for your time and patience. Energies are high as you trigger new advances and take the much bigger slice of the pie that you deserve!

Capricorn: The Full Moon, together with Uranus, in your first house of self, steers you onwards to a surprise on the financial side of matters. Unpredictable events see you not having to count the pennies for a change.

Aquarius: Your trusty leader Uranus helps you to make great choices by liberating your energies appropriately. A great time to start something new and to enjoy a breakthrough brought about by your own common sense.

Pisces: Neptune is at a very powerful position at the time of the Full Moon on the 21st. Joining the square on Uranus this is a time of happiness and joy, and one that you will share with those you truly love and care for.

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.

Crescendo International Choir Raises Money for Local Churches

Crescendo International Choir performed a concert at La Siesta Evangelical Church in Torrevieja on Thursday, May 30, entertaining the packed venue with popular songs from movies and musicals. This event raised 433€ for La Siesta church’s charities. These include financial assistance for an orphanage in Mozambique and Friends of Pahar Schools, which helps pay for scholarships for girls to attend classes in rural Indian schools.

Earlier in May, Crescendo International Choir gave a free concert at Casa de Cultura in Benijofar, raising 230€ for the Benijofar food bank. The business sponsor for both concerts was Rincon de Mateos, a local bakery, who supplied coffee and biscuits to concert attendees in exchange for donations.

The theme of these concerts and two June concerts is movies and musicals. Some songs featured include Sound of Music medley, Memory from the musical Cats, Unchained Melody from the movie Ghost, You’ve Got a Friend in Me from the film Toy Story, and a medley of songs from the popular musical and film Les Misérables.

On Saturday, June 1, Crescendo Choir performed at the Salt Church in Los Montesinos, raising 163€ for the needs of this church. The choir is also gearing up for its 20th anniversary concert on October 26 at the Salt Church in Los Montesinos, so mark your calendars now!

Choir rehearsals take place at Rincon de Miguel in Los Montesinos between 17:30 to 19:45 every Thursday. For more details about the choir, see crescendo-choir.com. You can also follow the group on Facebook at Crescendo Choir. If you have questions, email info@crescendo-choir.com.

The choir would be delighted to welcome new singers. Our current choir includes people from England, Scotland, Wales, the US, the Netherlands, Germany, and Scandinavia, among other nationalities. Our Music Director, Irene Oliva, and pianist, Antonio Guillen, are accomplished Spanish musicians.

The photo shows Crescendo International Choir shortly before the start of its concert at Salt Church on June 1.

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

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS Across: 1 Sensed, 6 Ills, 8 Orson, 9 Spends, 10 Ant, 11 Elfin, 12 Leia, 13 Eden, 14 Liners, 16 As is, 17 N A S A, 19 Scythe, 20 Isms, 23 Okra, 24 Piano, 26 Chi, 27 Niacin, 28 Tacky, 29 Uses, 30 X-files.

Down: 2 Express, 3 Sandals, 4 Dose, 5 Ask for it, 6 Inane, 7 Litre, 15 No chance, 17 Neo-Nazi, 18 Surmise, 21 Socks, 22 Spits, 25 Onyx.

Kira is a 3 year old female Husky and in need of a new home. She is chipped, vaccinated and sterilised and is good with other dogs. For more information please call Pets In Spain on : 645 469 253 or email: info@petsinspain.com

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

This is the gorgeous Cookie, who is a 6 year old Mastin cross. She loves her walks and is good on the lead, likes being made a fuss of, lots of cuddles and is very playful. Can anyone give Cookie her forever home.

Please call / WhatsApp 711 075 305 or email k9clubinfo@gmail.com.