FRalwaays EE s
WHAT’s INSIDE 4 5 5 6 8 10 11 11 12 13 14 20 29 30 34 39 40 42 52 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 68 69 69 70 71
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CONTENTS
NEWS IN ENGLISH TOURIST TRAIN TIMES REMEMBRANCE DAY NEWS IN ENGLISH NEWS IN ENGLISH NEWS IN ENGLISH NEWS IN ENGLISH FESTIVITIES NEWS IN SPANISH NEWS IN SPANISH NEWS IN SPANISH BLUEMOON COMPUTER PAGE GA BOWLS CLUB FUNERAL HORSE RESCUE CENTRE CHUCKLE PAGE ORKE DRIVING LICENCES LOCAL CHRISTENING BRITISH LEGION SHOPPING BUS WEDDING TOURIST INFO GA DARTS SANDRAS COOKBOOK LOCAL PLAZAS PETS IN SPAIN K9 FUNERAL MABS SHOW MABS SHOW LOCAL VET PAGE WHATS THAT IN THE CLOT FERAL FRIENDS HALLOWEEN WORDSEARCH SUDOKU GA MAP SODUKO SOLUTIONS GA MAP PHONE NUMBERS LOCAL BUS TIMES LOCAL BUS TIMES
Hello everyone Hard to believe we have just produced our eighth Christmas edition. Plenty of advertisers telling you their opening hours over the Christmas period for you to enjoy the holiday. It is good to see our fountain working again after vandals broke all the pipework. It does beggar belief the mentality of these people at times. As you will see in the magazine this month we had a Christening, a Wedding and two Funerals, The wedding was held in October but the christening and funerals happened in November. Lovely for us to have our daughter Kelly over for a few weeks from Canada. We haven´t seen her for a couple of years. We are already starting our January magazine as it has to be printed before Christmas due to our printer closing for 2 weeks in December, so sorry to start chasing all of our contributers earlier than usual. Winners of the Los Belgas wordsearch were Liz Melvil & Angela Chapman Have a good Christmas and month Sandra & Barry
Our little dog from the front cover has hidden herself away in the magazine, can you find her? Last month she was on the washing machine advert.
STILL the BEST ADVERTISING PRICES & SERVICE ON THE COSTAS 15 euro per month for a 40mm x 60mm advert
95 euro per month for a 153mm x 202mm advert
35 euro per month for a 90mm x 60mm advert
110 euro per month for a 153mm x 232mm advert
55 euro per month for a 128mm x 92mm advert
including artwork and
free advertising on our website!!
(exact location o
(exact location on the GA map at back of this magazine) 3
We at your Gran Alacant Advertiser continue to bring you all of the news, including that from our Gran Alacant Councillor, Loreto Cascales, as we have since May 2005. It is our perogative at the magazine, NOT to update this 2005 picture, as we all looked a great deal younger!!! Firstly a change of venue for the M.A.B.S, tea and coffee get together. MABS Cancer Support Group are holding their Christmas Get together plus a Table Top Sale at Los Belgas, upstairs on the Carabasi Strip on Wednesday 5th December from 2.00 - 5.00p.m. We will have our Christmas Calendars and Cards available. There are free Mince Pies made by one of our volunteers, with a Tea or Coffee. We hope all our Volunteers will be there as it is an opportunity to meet each other and we hope to see you all there. Please contact Jan on 966 697 754 or Angela on 965 060 182 for more information. ---------------------------------Loreto tells us that since 2007 there had been no building applications submitted for GA until this November. Add this to some building work being carried out by MASA, TM and one or two others. Are things starting to look up? -------------------------------
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A 3,000 euro subsidy has been received by the Town Hall, which will be spent on the park area opposite the new big chino. Trees, shrubs and a mini roadway for children to learn to ride their bikes safely will be built there. --------------------------Another subsidy will be used to improve the road surfaces approaching one or two of our roundabouts, plus the bad bend between the GA Commercial centre and the post office roundabout. --------------------------GASP- Gran Alacant Santa Pola theatre group, made up mostly of British residents, has delivered this week to the Red Cross a donation of 350 euros resulting from the collection of their last performance in the auditorium in the Santa Pola Life Resort. (picture below) David Ashley, President of GASP said "I suffered a stroke and in ten minutes I had the assistance of Red Cross, which took me to the hospital, it is good to know that Red Cross to help
TIMETABLE & ROUTE FOR THE GRAN ALACANT TOURIST TRAIN The time table from 16/10/2012 till 31/03/2013 is: From Tuesday to Saturdays Mornings ... 11:00h - 14:00h Evenings ... 16:00h - 18:00h
They were
remembered
Remembrance Sunday Service in San Fulgencio. This was conducted in English & Spanish, by the Anglican Vicar and the Catholic Priest. It was attended by a contingent from Gran Alacant Branch of the Royal British Legion in Spain, as our branch covers the La Marina Urbanisations.. The Kohima Epitaph was read in English by the Alcalde (Mayor) of San Fulgencio.
Sunday and monday no service From 14/01/2013 till 02/02/2013 No service - Maintenance
and at HOLE IN THE WALL, Bar
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at any time, so we wanted to make this contribution, we hope it will be greater in other years. This money will also go to social assistance. ------------------Dear Sandra & Barry, I have read in the Gran Alacant advertiser you have a regular meeting with the Gran Alacant Councillor. I want to ask in this mail to make speed bumps in the roads going to and coming from the N332 and add this project to the priorities in Gran Alacant. The reason and motivation is as follows. Yesterday October 27th I decided to do some shopping at the Centro Commercial at 5.30 pm. I walked along the Av. Noruega and then I have to cross the roads going to and coming from the N332. I am not a slow walker, on the contrary. On the second road where two exits coming from the N332 come together were some cars and I thought there is enough time to cross the road. I didn't look at the cars anymore. When I was at 3/4 of the zebra crossing I heard a screaming noise of tyres and when I looked there was a motorcar standing exactly on the zebra crossing for me with a smell and cloud of burning rubber and pavement. The driver made with her hand an excuse and I walked further. I wasn't startled. I didn't see the car approaching. I only had the victims in mind who fell on queensday in Holland a few years ago. However this night I thought there is something strange. On the Av Noruega there are before the roundabout a few speed bumps, and on the exits of the N322 where cars drive with (a too) high velocity they are absent. Just on a place where many people have to cross the roads to reach the bus-stop and the shops in the Centro
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Commercial. Several times I've seen that people have fear. They wait until the cars have stopped. I want to excuse me for my english. I hope my intention is clear. With kind regards, G.M.J. de Bruin We read this out to Loreto and she is going to put the proposal forward. There are to be more speed bumps at various locations around the urbanisation. -------------------Hi , In reply to Michaels email on dog poo etc. I completely agree with all Michael says. Makes me wonder what the dog warden does all day. It´s impossible to go out & miss the dog poo. I have already some time ago invited Loreto & the dog warden to take a walk down to the wasteland off Calle Malta & beyond ,where they will see dog poo, very recent tree cuttings & rubbish just dumped off the
picture from Jan Fox
pavements. I even sent an email with the registration number of a Spanish guys 4x4 who I confronted about the building rubbish he was dumping. I didn't have photographic evidence but at least the authorities could have paid him a visit & warned him. But no interest was shown (are they really bothered)? If they spent half a day down by the allotments area they would see dogs pooing & the poo left, dogs that should be muzzled & on a lead roaming free. One
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Spanish lady near us just boots their 2 dogs out to roam & poo where ever. Maybe a trip to the lovely villages in France where you rarely see dog poo & rubbish .They keep their grass verges for some distance before the village & after the village neat & tidy therefore people respect the work involved & don't dump their rubbish. So come on Loreto have a walk down Calle Malta (don't fall down the pot holes in the road!!) see all the dog poo & rubbish dumped by the road . I have said before I feel it is out of sight out of mind!! Sorry but as Michael says much talk has taken place over the years on this subject but little is ever seen to be done. Regards Bill -------------------------------------After the above email Bill went to talk with Loreto. Here is the reply
Hi Barry & Sandra, hope you are well & not getting too wet! I just want to confirm that this morning I met up with Loreto & expressed my concerns about the amount of rubbish that is been dumped down our way & also made comments about the dog poo again. Loreto listened to what I had to say & we exchanged views on what can be done & what has been done over the years, not totally agreeing on everything. But we got there in the end & hopefully got some things sorted out amicably. Results were favourable with Loreto agreeing to get rubbish removed down Calle Malta & she also wrung Masa up asking them to remove the rubbish on the photos I sent earlier. I also asked why the little white vans that used to tidy up around the grey bins we put our rubbish in seem to have stopped cleaning up
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around the bins? Especially down the bottom of the hill. She was going to look into it. (not the bin) lol. So lets hope she comes up trumps like she did after my last meet with Loreto 2 yrs ago. Ok take care both, Bill --------------------------------Dear Barry and Sandra Not sure if this email will get to you but just wanted to say love the magazine, when we are back home in the UK we read it online. However would like to ask you why no mention of the Santa Pola football club is ever mentioned. My husband and myself try to get to as many home matches as we can while we are out here but there is never any mention of the team or their matches. Is there any chance that a mention could be made? Many thanks for listening and continue all the good work. Regards Mr Ken & Mrs Roz Buckley Gran Alacant Anyone out there who would like to send us regular reports? -------------------------------------Our front cover picture from the MABS show, surely sums up all that is good at MABS and on Gran Alacant. We have the young mixing with the (Jean wont mind us saying this) not so young. Not just the mixing of ages, but from left to right, Jenny she is Spanish, Crystal is Dutch, Jean British, Anuchka Belgian, Rochelle Scottish. ---------------------Local police are in attendance at the municipal offices of Gran Alacant Tuesday to Friday -----------------------Have you noticed after the recent heavy rain, that there has been no
urant a t s e R Spanish nales e r A s o in L
C/San Bartolomè de Tirajane, no.40 03195 Arenales del Sol. Tel: 96 691 12 13
Menu of the Day (every day of the year) weekday menu ............................................ 9 euros menu Saturday, Sunday and holidays ....... 12 euros.
Evening menu (night only) salad fry (fish) or grill (meat) bread and beverage......(8.50 euros per person minimum two people)....... ......................17 euros. Special menu .. salad especial starter rice with lobster food, drink and dessert ......(minimum two people).......... 15 euros.
Every day of the week, the menus will consist of 5 first courses (inc pasta, rice, and soup) and 5 main courses (meat or fish). Open every day of the year Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, do not open at night. WE ARE HERE
POLICE & POST OFFICE
GRAN ALACANT
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complaints to us of flooding. The GA Commercial roundabout repairs have been a success as well as the big problems with people´s basements being flooded outside the Life Resort. ----------------------Hi Barry & Sandra Reading the long email about dog mess was like 'deja vu' as it was very similar to the one I wrote a couple of years ago. Nothing seems to change and dog mess still spoils open spaces and landscaped areas, particularly the new one next to the Clot. But nothing annoys me more than open and green spaces being called 'waste ground' - as mentioned in the email; just because they are not used designated for something does not mean they are waste. Open spaces with trees and vegetation are very important to our mental and physical health, air quality and wildlife. I am often struck by how many birds there are in one pine tree in such an open space, usually serins (the original canary) singing their hearts out. Such sounds in the sun of southern Spain lift the spirit and gladden the soul (I wish I was there now to experience such). Do people in Gran Alacant want the whole lot concreted over? Surely enough has been done already. So please do not call the open spaces which are left 'waste ground' - work to get them free of dog abuse and designated green zones or small parks to protect them. Kind regards Rose from London Gran Alacant -----------------------------------Point taken about the “waste ground�, which we are often guilty of. For now Loreto says they will
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continue with the dog warden issuing large fines. --------------------------What a wonderful evening in October provided by the people from MABS with their Crazy Show, and Alain & Kelly from Los Belgas. The evening started with a sumptuous buffet provided by Alain and Kelly, followed by a great show from the MABS team. It was great to see people you meet in the bars and whilst out and about, providing entertainment for us all. You would never think that such seemingly ordinary people could turn up in front of an audience and perform. There followed a Phil Collins tribute and then one from the Back Beat Beatles, to cap a very enjoyable evening. We have pictures here, and more on our website. Do you recognise anyone?
More pictures on our website at www.granalacantadvertiser.com -------------------------Hi Loreto The smoking laws are a farce with the cold weather on its way the bars and restaurants are closing down their toldos the majority are closing all the side down and even closing the door. Us none smokers are having to pass all the smokers to get to the bar and in all cases the bar door is left open so all the smoke goes into the bar. What are the laws concerning toldos I have heard that one side should be open at all times and the bar doors shut and what are the fines for breaking the law? because I don't think a lot of the bars etc know the law or even care with the police not about. Regards John We showed Loreto your mail and she has said for you to put your letter in writing and take it to the
person at the Council office on GA for her to pass on to the Councils solicitor. -------------------Once the new market is completed during January, the Town Hall will then redo the pavements around the area and put in new lighting. It is hoped in the future to add a small park at the back of the market area. ------------------------Unlike many Town Halls in Spain, ours in Santa Pola, are not hugely in debt. So they will continue to slowly but surely improve the area, without over spending. Please email us if you have questions you would like us to put to Loreto
CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES
21st December Santa Claus will be at the childrens nursery at the comercial centre. 3rd January the 3 Kings will be at the Life Resort.
ANNETTE SENT THIS TO US AT THE MAGAZINE
It might take several seconds but he does turn his head. The right side of your brain. An eye, brain trick. You will enjoy this if you are using the right side of your brain. Stare at this pic carefully and you will see this man turn his face.
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Para empezar, un cambio en el punto de encuentro de MABS. MABS Grupo de Apoyo para Enfermos de Cáncer nos reuniremos el 5 de Diciembre de 2pm a 5pm en el Restaurante Los Belgas, en el Complejo Carabasi. Pondrán a la venta productos de segunda mano (para recaudar fondos) además de vender calendarios y tarjetas de Navidad. Una de nuestras asociadas traerá empanadas caseras para todos! Esperamos ver a todos nuestros voluntarios allí y aprovechar la oportunidad para reunirnos y pasar una buena tarde. Para más información por favor contactar con Jan 966 697 754 o Angela 965 060 182. --------------------------------------------Loreto nos comenta que desde el 2007 no ha habido solicitudes de construcción en Gran Alacant hasta este noviembre. Si sumamos esto a las obras en curso de MASA y TM… ¿parece que las cosas están empezando a cambiar? --------------------------------------------Una subvención de 3000€ ha sido concedida al Ayto. Se destinará a mejorar el parque que está enfrente del nuevo “merca china”. Van a plantar árboles y plantas además de un circuito para que los niños aprendan a montar en bici de forma segura. --------------------------------------------Otra subvención se destinará para mejorar el estado del asfalto en una de las rotondas, además de la curva peligrosa que está entre el Centro Comercial y Correos. --------------------------------------------GASP – Grupo de Teatro de Gran Alacant y Santa Pola, ha donado a la Cruz Roja 350€, resultantes de la recaudación por su último espectáculo en el auditorio de Santa Pola Life Resort. David Ashley (presidente de GASP) dijo “Tuve un ataque al corazón y en diez minutos llegó asistencia de la Cruz Roja, quienes me llevaron al hospital, es bueno saber que la Cruz Roja está ahí para ayudar a todas horas, así que queríamos hacer esta contribución, esperamos que en años
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venideros la cantidad sea mayor. Este dinero también se destinará a asistencia social.” --------------------------------------------Estimados Barry y Sandra, He leído que os reunís una vez al mes con la Concejala de Gran Alacant. Quería solicitar a través de este email que se pongan reductores de velocidad en los tramos que enlazan Gran Alacant con la N332. Las razones son las siguientes: El 27 de octubre, decidí salir a hacer unas compras en el Centro Comercial a las 5.30pm. Fui caminando a lo largo de Av. Noruega y luego tuve que cruzar la travesía que conecta con la N332. No camino despacio, al contrario. En la segunda calle donde las dos salidas de la N332 se unen había unos coches y yo pensé que pasaría sin problemas. Estaba a ¾ partes de cruzar el paso de cebra y escuché el ruido de frenos y el olor a neumático quemado. El conductor se disculpó con la mano y yo seguí mi camino. Cuando llegué a casa pensando me di cuenta de que hay algo que no está bien. En la Av, Noruega cerca de la rotonda hay un par de badenes, y en la salida y entrada de la N332 donde los coches conducen a una velocidad (demasiada) alta, no hay ninguna. En esta parte es donde hay bastante tráfico de gente ya que están las paradas de autobús y el acceso al centro comercial. Varias veces he visto como la gente está insegura al cruzar y sólo cruza una vez que los coches están parados. Espero que puedan ver mi punto de vista. Saludos cordiales, G.M.J de Bruin Le leímos la carta a Loreto y ella está ha pasado la propuesta a Santa Pola. Van a poner más reductores de velocidad por toda la urbanización. --------------------------------------------Hola, en respuesta al email del mes pasado. Estoy completamente de acuerdo con todo lo que dice Michael. Me pregunto qué hace el controlador todo el día. Es imposible salir y no ver excrementos por la calle. Yo hace ya un
tiempo le comenté a Loreto que se pasara por mi barrio (por C/Malta) donde está minado de excrementos, restos de jardín y basura. Incluso envié un email con el número de matrícula de un señor con el que tuve un encontronazo por la basura que estaba tirando en el descampado. No tenía ningún tipo de prueba fotográfica pero por lo menos las autoridades podrían haber pasado por ahí… ¿tienen algún tipo de interés? SI se pasaran aunque sea medio día en la zona de los huertos verían todo lo que pasa: perros peligrosos sin bozal, perros grandes sueltos, los dueños despreocupado que no recogen los excrementos…. Así que Loreto, ¡pásate por C/Malta y échale un vistazo al bario! Como he dicho antes, ¡esto está fuera de control! Lo siento pero como dijo Michael, se ha hablado mucho de este tema en los últimos años pero se ha hecho muy poco. Saludos, Bill --------------------------------------------Después de este email, Bill se reunió con Loreto. Aquí está la respuesta. Hola Barry y Sandra, ¡espero que esteís los dos bien! Sólo quería confirmar que esta mañana me reuní con Loreto y expresé mis preocupaciones con respecto a la cantidad de basura y excrementos que hay en la zona de abajo. Loreto escuchó todo lo que tenía que decir e intercambiamos ideas de lo que se ha hecho y se puede hacer al respecto. Estuvimos debatiendo un buen rato y al final llegamos a un tipo de acuerdo. Loreto ha acordado limpiar la basura de C/Malta y ha llamado a Masa pidiéndoles limpiar su parte. También le pregunté por qué los coches de limpieza del ayuntamiento no están siendo tan efectivos últimamente, sobre todo en las urbanizaciones de abajo. Loreto va a ver lo que se puede hacer. Saludos, Bill --------------------------------------------Estimados Barry y Sandra No estamos seguros si os llegará este email pero simplemente queríamos decir que nos encanta vuestra revista, cuando estamos en Gran Bretaña lo leemos online. Nos gustaría preguntar porque no hay mención alguna del club de futbol de Santa Pola. Mi marido y yo vamos a todos los partidos que podemos cuando estamos aquí pero nunca mencionáis el equipo. ¿Hay alguna posibilidad de que nos
mantengáis al día? Muchas gracias por escucharnos continuad el buen trabajo. Saludos Mr Ken y Mrs Roz Buckley Gran Alacant
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¿Hay alguien al que le gustaría enviarnos informes mensuales? --------------------------------------------Nuestra portada del mes es una foto del espectáculo anual de MABS en Gran Alacant. Tenemos una mezcla de jóvenes con (a Jean no le importará que digamos esto) los no tan jóvenes. No sólo la mezcla de edades pero también la mezcla de nacionalidades (de izquierda a derecha): Jenny es Española, Crystal es Holandesa, Jean es Británica, Anushka es Belga y Rochelle es Escocesa. --------------------------------------------La policía local está en las oficinas municipales de Gran Alacant de Martes a Viernes. --------------------------------------------¿Habéis notado que después de las lluvias no hemos recibido ninguna queja sobre las inundaciones? Las obras en la rotonda del Centro Comercial han sido exitosas al igual que los problemas en el Life Resort han sido solucionados (se inundaban los sótanos). --------------------------------------------Hola Barry, Leyendo el largo email el mes pasado sobre los problemas de los excrementos fue como un ‘deja vu’ ya que era muy similar al que yo había escrito hace unos años. Nada parece cambiar y los excrementos todavía afean los espacios verdes, en especial el paseo del Clot. Pero yendo al tema, nada me enfada tanto como cuando llaman “terreno o baldío” a nuestros espacios verdes como dice en este email. Solamente porque no están siendo usados o designados para algo no significa que no son importantes. Los espacios abiertos con árboles y vegetación son muy importantes para nuestra salud mental y física, calidad de aire y fauna. A menudo me asombro al ver cuántos pájaros hay en un solo árbol. Estas imágenes y sonidos en el sol del sur de España levantan el ánimo y calientan el alma. ¿La gente de Gran Alacant quiere perder estos espacios o quieren que se construya más y más? Seguro que ya se ha construido bastante.
Las noticias en español en la página siguiente.
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Por favor no llamen a estos espacios verdes “baldíos/descampados/terrenos”, hay que luchar para que los designen como espacios protegidos y parques (con control sobre los perros). Saludos cordiales, Rose ------------------------------------------¡Que buena noche la que pasamos con “El Espectáculo Loco de MABS” con Alain y Kelly de los Belgas! La velada empezó con un abundante buffet proporcionado por Alain y Kelly, seguido por un gran show. Fue genial ver a los residentes participar en esta locura de espectáculo, de verdad se metieron en sus papeles! Después una actuación en tributo a Phil Collins y otro de los Back Beat Beatles… todo junto sumó una estupenda noche. Hay fotos en la revista y más en nuestra web www.granalacantadvertiser.com ¿Reconocen a alguien? ------------------------------------------Hola Loreto, Las leyes antitabaco son una farsa con en las temporadas de frío y lluvia, muchos bares y restaurantes están bajando los toldos y la mayoría los bajan hasta abajo e incluso cierran las puertas. Nosotros los no fumadores tenemos que pasar por al lado de todos estos fumadores y en algunos los casos la puerta del bar se deja abierta así que
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todo el humo entra en el bar. ¿Cuáles son las leyes? Si hay toldos yo he escuchado que un lado tiene que estar abierto a todas horas y que se emiten multas si no se respeta la ley? Yo creo que la mayoría de bares etc. no conocen la ley o ni siquiera les interesa ya que la policía no está muy presente. Saludos John
Le enseñamos este email a Loreto y ella ha dicho que deje la carta por escrito y llevarlo a la secretaria de la oficina del Ayto. de Gran Alacant. ------------------------------------------Una vez que el mercadillo esté terminado durante Enero, el Ayuntamiento volverá a hacer las aceras alrededor de la zona y pondrá nuevas farolas. Se espera que en un futuro se ponga un parque detrás del mercadillo. ------------------------------------------Al contrario de otros Ayuntamientos de España, el nuestro en Santa Pola no está sumergido en deudas así que continuarán mejorando la zona, sin gastar excesivamente. Más noticias el mes que viene, Saludos
Feliz d Navida
Sierra Mar
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OPENING TIMES
r Eat in o ay - Homemade take aw food FULL e iv s n e t ex every day menu
s Lunche y a d n u S â‚Ź9.50
es 2 cours le bott inc 1/2 or of wine eer. small b in Book g oid le to av advisab tment. in disappo
10am - 4pm Closed 24/25/26 Dec and closed 31 December & 1st January.
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We are easy to find in El Altet. From Gran Alacant turn off the N332 signposted El Altet. Over the roundabout. Over the traffic lights and we are on the right, before the next roundabout.
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PERSONALIZED ATTENTION, I advise on the best product according to your type of driving and use.
RAPID FITTING. The largest stock & quick fitting of leading brands of tyres.
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SOCIAL COMMITMENT TO USE organic products, tyres, oil etc. Colaboration with NGOs involved in road safety
There are coffee shops next to us when waiting for that short job to be carried out. For longer jobs we will pick your car up and deliver back to you, if in the Gran Alacant area.
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What did Adam say on the day before Christmas? Answer: It's Christmas, Eve!
If Santa Claus is crossed with a detective then you would get what? Answer: Santa Clues!
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The signals and emissions for the radio and TV channels are the strict and sole responsibility of the satellite provider SES ASTRA and the program providers of BBC and ITV PLC (Freesat) and BskyB, who reserve the right to change, add, remove or adjust the strength of the signal of the channels offered. These modifications are not the responsibility of Diginova, or the sellers, distributers or installers that collaborate with Diginova. The guarantee only covers factory defects for receivers and satellite equipment installed by Diginova is for 24 Months. The installation guarantee for defects is for 12 Months.
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For Lyneli, go past Eroski to the McDonalds roundabout, straight over to next roundabout, go straight on and SANTA POLA we are on the right.
ESTABLISHED 8 YEARS
CARLIN STATIONARY
GLORIETA SQUARE & CASTLE
MAP FROM GOOGLE EARTH
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LA MATERA
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to reserve a table : phone 634331256
New years Eve 2013
Dragon II Dinner (2 starters, main course, dessert, wine and cava) Party Music & Dance Live Music Band Oldies New Years Campanadas & Party Novelties Price adults: 46â‚Ź/ pers Childrens under 12yo/ 25â‚Ź
Serves pizza, pastas, fish, steaks, paella, chicken, persian plates. DRAGON IS THE BEST!!! VISIT US!!! Av.Pais Valenciano, Nr.1, Gran Alacant. (near CAM Bank)
Open everyday, all year from 13:00 till 00:00
How do you know that Santa is a man? Answer: No woman wears the same attire every year.
Mriesrtrmy as Ch
CCW electrical services Tel: John or Denise Hutt 966 198 902
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Qualified electrician All electrical work undertaken Tel 617872405 contact Clive or Wendy
FREE
Pick up and drop back Se r vic available now e
At our new Centre in Santa Pola, we can service and repair any make of vehicle, whether it is a motor bike or large Motorhome, and we offer the following: • Head Gaskets • Engine Re-conditioning • Timing Belts • Clutches • Brakes • Welding • Air Con re-gas • Exhausts and Batteries • Tyres • Up to date Diagnostic equipment • Pre ITV Inspections and ITV tests. The Centre is headed by Tom May, who is an experienced vehicle technician who has spent 20 years at Vauxhall and 4 years with Mercedes in the UK, before moving over to Spain. Tom has also recently spent 5 years with Mercedes in Alicante, before joining our team in Santa Pola. Customers can be assured they will receive a first class service from a first class garage, that does not charge main dealer prices. For a friendly chat or advice, please give us a ring on the numbers below.
C/Ferrers 90, Pol. Ind. Santa Ana, Guardamar - Tel 966107606 or 647162821 C/Marineros 41, Pol. Ind IN-2, Santa Pola - Tel 965078505 or 647162821 Open: Mon - Friday 9am - 6pm (no siesta) Sat - 10am - 2pm E mail: info@englishgarage.com Website: www.englishgarage.com
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CHRISTMAS PARTY 2012 25th CHRISTMAS DAY SPECIAL MENU 22€ 31st YEARS EVE SPECIAL MENU 40€ (CENA, GRAPES, YEAR END PARTY) NEW YEAR DAY 1st SPECIAL MENUS 22€
NA Special House Prices
TA
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for:- Wines - Beers - Ciders - Alcoholic Drinks from 6pm
Great Rates
to use our venue for:Birthday Parties & Special Events
Special Nights
Monday: Bingo Wednesday: Quiz Weekends: Football
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MONTEMAR BOWLS AND SOCIAL CLUB (Sponsored by Super Valu)
Montemar Toreadors in Southern League Division A After a fine start to their season by winning the first three matches they played away to Vistabella Conquistadores and came down to earth with a bump by losing by 12 points to 2. Results so far: At home to La siesta Silvers they won by 10 points to At home to San Luis Pumas they won by 11 points to 3 At home to Quesada Swifts they won by 8 points to 6 Montemar Matadors in Southern League Division C An opposite start for the Matadors, they lost the first 4 matches but made a come back on the fifth outing against Country Bowl Ramblers. Results so far: Away to La Marina Sharks they lost by 5 points to 9 At home to to San Miguel Jaguars they lost by 6 points to 8 Away to El Ranch Mustangs they lost by 6 points to 8 At home to Greenland Oaks they lost by 6 points to 8 At home to to Country Bowls Ramblers they won by 8 points to 6 Montemar Picadors SABA League We have two teams in this league, the Picadors and the newly promoted Novilleros. This was to be the first encounter of the season between the two of them. Drawing on three rinks they lost to the Novilleros who edged the overall shots. The Picadors picked up a very good win on their next outing away to Emerald Isle Saturns. Once again they drew on three rinks but had a better shots count. Bad weather postponed their next game. Montemar Novilleros SABA League After their first win against the picadors they suffered a whitewash at home against the Emerald Isle Saturns whom
the Picadors won away to. At home to Vistabella Albatrosses they did manage to win on one rink. Bad weather also postponed their next game.
Ken White in determined mood for the Picadores v Novilleros
Montemar in the Winter League Having played five matches they have lost four and won one. Away to El Cid they lost by 2 points to 8. Home to Greenlands they lost by 4 points to 6. Away to Vistabella again 2 points to 8. At home to La Siesta they finally got off to a win by 8 points to 2. Bad weather also postponed their next game. The next game at home to Quesada saw them lose by another 2 to 8 points. The bright spot is that they top the Berleen league.
Barrie Woodfine in good form v La Siesta
Please visit our web site at www.montemarbowls.com for more info about our Bowls and Social Club. New members are always welcome.
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Thank you to everyone who came along to celebrate the life of our dad,
Andy Palmer
on Tuesday 6th November at the Crem. Our dad would have been really pleased to see everyone at Mac and Angie's having a drink on him.
Our special thanks to Bill and Linn, Jackie and Paul, Isabel and Angie and Mac for all their support during this sad period.
Andy Palmer was a legend and will be sorely missed by his friends in Spain, his family and all the people who knew him.
Again, our sincere thanks always, Christine, Jean and Debbie (Andy's daughters) x
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One of our regular advertisers on the page opposite, PATAGONIA have relocated one of their steak houses.
The one up the hill in the block before Quicksave has relocated and taken the place of the existing Patagonia in the Masa Square. (see our GA map at the back of this magazine). They still also retain their other steak house in the square with Not Just Desserts.
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Phone top-ups now available for all networks in Spain and many other countries. Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, Yoigo, Hits, etc. Boxes of Christmas cards now on sale as well as birthday cards, etc.
ABOVE “RUBY TUESDAYS” BAR see back of this magazine for exact location
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WANTED for The Easy Horse care Rescue Centre
PLEASE REMEMBER After our initial deliveries to over 100 outlets, we do top up during the month at:-
“Euronics”,“Quicksave” and the “Phoenix Restaurant”.
The Easy Horse care Rescue Centre in Rojales are looking for support in the way of donated goods furniture, brica Brac etc. Or just want to give to this worthwhile charity. It was founded in 2008 with the mission of rescuing mistreated horses, ponies and donkeys in the Alicante region of Spain, Books, clothes, furniture, bikes, bric a brac and large furniture items can be collected
If you go to the website at www.easyhorsecare.net you can see the work these people carry out for the welfare of horses in the area.
Please contact Vicky for collection or donation of goods. Tel: 636 062 000
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There is a Mass held at the library on Gran Alacant Every Sunday at 12.30pm
MCerhrryistmas
DON’T FORGET every 3rd Sunday in the month all of the bargain stalls set up on the car park outside the Council Office in GA HERE & ON PAGES 36 37 & 38 Welcome to the area of Gran Alacant that includes the ComMercial Centre. As you leave the N332 to come on to Gran Alacant this area is on your right. Our advertisers in this area are:COCINARTE, EURONICS, HOMEFINDERS, and on page 3 GRANNET
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116,000 euro
PROPERTY OF THE MONTH
Urb: Puerto Marino GA0067A Duplex, 2 bed, 2 bath, large terrace, furnished, A/C, Close to all amenities. Communal pool.
127,500 euro
95,000 euro
143,000 euro
Urb. Brisamar GA0116
Corner house 2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms Fully furnished Air con/heating Good views Solarium
Tennis courts Communal pool
120,000 euro
D L O S 95,000 euro
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GA Homefinders S.C wish past, present and future clients a very happy Christmas and prosperous New Year.
D
SOL
85,000 euro
86,000 euro 320,000 euro
140,000 euro
Call at our office in the GA Centre
For our location, see the GA map at the back of this magazine. Easy to use web page updated daily in Spanish and English.
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rit
Christmas Spi
Christmas chuckle page
y mood. He was in a happ e at tr is ag m d with?' d the e you charge Christmas an ar re t fo ha be 'W , st ju ck It was in the do oner who was asked the pris o early.' as shopping to tm is hr C y m replied, 'Doing ing this The prisoner rly were you do ea w ho t us 'J agistrate. e', said the m 'That's no crim shopping?' isoner. swered the pr an ', ed en op op 'Before the sh eal
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- Christmas F
wife a little gift ce to buy his ni be hat ld ou w it ght hard about w , Nathan thou ght long and ve E ou th as he tm , is ey hr On C t of mon y. Always shor for the next da ight be' etics section that present m d in the cosm an s m ha en eb red D him a bottle , Nathan ente She showed de ' ci e? de um to rf e pe bl Una t some girl, 'How abou he asked the costing £75. athan. e,' muttered N 'Too expensiv ttle for ith a smaller bo w ed rn tu re dy The young la d, 'still far too Nathan grouse ,' ar de h 'O £50. much.' athan's annoyed at N er th ra tiny £10 g in w Gro brought out a rl gi s le sa e e meanness, th Nathan becam red it to him. fe 'is I'd of d d, an ne e hi ttl w bo ean', he m I t ha 'W d, really agitate cheap.' mething really so e se to e lik a mirror. rl handed him gi s le sa e th So
Mirror Image
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L MONTEOSS INOS
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Important information from ORKE Services
SPANISH DRIVING LICENCE
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THIS AND FOUR MORE PAGES OF BUSINESSES ALL SITUATED AT THE “CARABASI COMPLEX” (the bus and the GA train both stop outside this complex) Lady’s coffee morning starts Tuesday 09.30 till 12.00 h. and the Fatclub on Wednesday 12.30 till 15.00
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NEW OFFICE AT CARABASI COMPLEX
a subsiduary of Olimpo Construction & Reforms. open 10am-1pm and 5.30pm-8.30pm
Offering our services since 2005, now with the opening of our office, we want to be closer to you in Avda. NORUEGA 214, Local 25. CC CARABASI COMPLEX (next to the restaurant TRES BESOS)
Ofreciendo nuestros servicios desde 2005, ahora con la apertura de nuestra oficina, queremos estar más cerca de ti en Avda. NORUEGA. 214, Local 25. CARABASI COMPLEX (junto al restaurante Tres besos)
In our small exhibition you will find Kitchens, Tile, Blinds, Pools, LED Lighting, Air Conditioning, Balustrade, Mosquito nets, Gates, Solar Energy, Facade Cladding, Painting and MUCH MORE come visit. Maintenance: Pool, air conditioning, osmosis filter, houses and gardens.
En nuestra pequeña exposición podrás encontrar Cocinas, Azulejos, Toldos, Piscinas, Iluminación LED, Aire Acondicionado, Balaustrada, Mosquiteras, Puertas, Energía Solar, Revestimientos de Fachadas, Pintura y MUCHO MAS .VEN A VISITARNOS. Mantenimientos: Piscinas, Aire Acondicionado, Filtro de Osmosis, Casas y Jardines.
We carry out: • Masonry • Plumbing • Electricity • Carpentry • Pools • Kitchens • Air conditioning
Realizamos trabajos de: •Albañilería •Fontanería •Electricidad •Carpintería •Piscinas •Cocinas •Aire acondicionado
• Heating • Gardening • Solar Energy • Awnings • Painting • Metalworks • LED Lighting
Alex: 669 397 896
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•Jardinería •Energía Solar •Toldos •Pintura •Trabajos metálicos •Iluminación LED •Calefacción
Julián: 660 65 18 27 & Javier: 651 518 693
What is green, white, and red all over? A sunburnt elf.
PHOENIX RESTAURANT PHOENIX RESTAURANT The in place to be........Tel: 966698364
The in place to be........Tel: 966698364 Winter Opening hours...Mon - thursday, 10 - 2.00pm, & 6.00pm - 10.00pm Fri & saturday 10 - 10pm...Sunday 10 - 8.30pm
FULL EVENING FULLMENU EVENING MENU Revised Wide range to Classic choose from. & Bistro Take away menu menu now available plus NEW dishes for–you to try. New Years Day Lunch Carvery incl seasonal trimings Book Yours Now
REAKFAST BBREAKFAST res2h.2ly5€ Fm fr -o , dly eh ks c- oFore all d, olikseh og Ecn pllroEdnugclitssh a products
DAY MENU Tapas, Burgers, sandwiches omelettes, & snacks.
Early Bird Christmas lunch menu available from 7.90€ book yours now.
€7.90
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Casanova is the perfect choice for you to enjoy a freshly prepared made to our Wemeal would like to own wishspecial all ofrecipes. our Succulent fall off the bone Ribs, customers a Happy Chicken Goujons in aChristmas Cajun batter, Fish & Chips in crispy Tetley batter, andPound a great New burgers, Year. 1/2 homemade Fresh Salmon in will a parsley sauce, The restaurant be closed Smokey Joe, Steaks, Combo meals fromand Monday so much 3rd moreofforDecember your enjoyment, including lighter bite options. Sunday Notto forgetting our3rd everFebruary. popular Sunday Roast. We look forward to seeing Full children's menu. Takeaway available. Opening timeswe Monday everyone when returnClosed, in February. Tuesday - Saturday open 4pm and Sunday from 12 Noon. John was on his deathbed and gasped pitifully, "Give me one last request, dear," he said. "Of course, John," his wife said softly. "Six months after I die," he said, "I want you to marry Bob." "But I thought you hated Bob," she said.. With his last breath John said, "I do!"
Merrmy as Christ
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What you can call a polar bear which wears ear muffs? Answer: Anything you want. He can't hear you! ---------------How do sheep greet each other at Christmas? Answer: A merry Christmas to ewe.
Mriesrtrmy as Ch
NEW to GRAN ALACANT
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La Marina..La Marina..La Marina..La Marina..La Marina..La Marina
The DENTAL PRACTICE and CUTS R US are on the La Marina Urbanisation and Almarcha are in the La Marina village.
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Tel: 966 797 119 659 728 128
IN THE VILLAGE
Tel: 966 797 119 or 659 728 128
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Royal British LegionGran Alacant Branch BR 3606
A man in Scotland calls his son in London the day before Christmas Eve and says, “I hate to ruin your day but I have to tell you that your mother and I are divorcing; forty-five years of misery is enough.”
'Dad, what are you talking about?' the son screams. “We can't stand the sight of each other any longer” the father says. “We're sick of each other and I'm sick of talking about this, so you call your sister in Leeds and tell her.” Franticly, the son calls his sister, who explodes on the phone. “Like hell they're getting divorced!” she shouts, “I'll take care of this!”
She calls Scotland immediately, and screams at her father “You are NOT getting divorced. Don't do a single thing until I get there. I'm calling my brother back, and we'll both be there tomorrow. Until then, don't do a thing, DO YOU HEAR ME?” and hangs up.
The old man hangs up his phone and turns to his wife. 'Sorted! They're coming for Christmas - and they're paying their own way.'
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THE GRAN ALACANT SHOPPING BUS
which drops off and picks up, all around Gran Alacant :-
Mornings start at 09.30 from shopping centre, and every 30 minutes until 13.30 ending also at shopping centre. Afternoon: Shopping centre from 17.30 to 19.00 and finish at shopping centre a 19.00
I have attached a few photos of myself and Ashleigh始s wedding that took place at the Higher Trapp Hotel on Saturday 6th October 2012.
Please would you be able to feature some pictures in the next addition of your magazine as Ashleigh lived in GA for a few years and I spend a lot of time there so it would be good for all our friends in GA to be able to see some pictures.
What is the best Christmas present in the world? A broken drum - you can't beat it!.
Mriesrtrmy as Ch
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Hi everybody In December we will have parades of Moors and Christians held in Alicante and in Monforte del Cid from 8th to 12th. Like every year, on December the 10th, at about 8 pm. on the harbour area, we celebrate in Santa Pola the arrival of our Madonna Virgen de Loreto. There are also fiestas in Alfaz del Pi, Agost , Callosa d’En Sarria. Pilgrimages taking place in Denia and Sella. Also do not forget on the 28th the spectacular flour battle that takes place in Ibi, “Els Enfarinats”. At the “Casa de Cultura” in Santa Pola there will be concerts held on the 13th, 15th, 19th and 2nd of January. On the 5th of January there will take place the three Kings Parade. The best one of these parades is the one held in Alcoy. Also I would like to make a special mention of the most important sporting event held in Santa Pola the International Half Marathon Villa de Santa Pola that will be held on the 23th of January at 10:30 a.m.. Come and enjoy this fantastic event. To finish, I would like to wish you all ¡Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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Gran Alacants Darts League Tables for 2012/2013 Sponsored by Simple Spanish Mortgages SIMPLE SPANISH MORTGAGES
SIMPLE SPANISH MORTGAGES
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A recipe from
Sandra’s Cookbook
which you can read online at:- www.sandrascookbook.com compiled by Sandra Bonathan (not Sandra from this magazine)
Mincemeat Cake
I have been making this for many years. It's a lovely moist fruit cake, not heavy like Christmas cake but richer than your average sultana cake. Flavoured with spices from the purchased Mincemeat, (or your own if you can get the ingredients) it is very tasty. And morish. And it makes the house smell really, really good! Ingredients
4oz soft marg or softened butter (pinch salt if unsalted) 4oz soft brown sugar3 large eggs 7oz plain flour scant tsp baking powder (well mixed into flour) 12 oz mincemeat a few tbsp milk (may not be needed) Method
Cream the butter and sugar together until soft and creamy. Beat in the eggs a bit at a time, you can add a touch of the flour if it starts to curdle. Stir in the mincemeat and flour. The mix should be soft but not runny. If your mincemeat was quite dry, you may need to add a small amount of milk. Pour into lined, 2inch deep, 8 inch sponge tin. Bake at just a tad over 150c for 45 min to 1 hour until firm incentre. Allow to cool in tin for 10 min at least. Cool on wire rack, still in cake lining, covered with a clean, dry towel.
www.sandrascookbook.com
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Merrmy as Christ
Take time to log on to these 4 local Forums, to watch everyday discussions about Gran Alacant and the surrounding areas. Join in the general discussions, or just read and learn more about the area. There are direct links from these sites to our magazine website.
Gran Alacant Social Blog And Gossip Site ….. it’s like ‘Facebook’ but a little different. Just register (free), your account is then immediately activated and you will be logged into ‘Gasbags’. Gasbags Social Network provides you with an instant ‘Community’. Members can edit their profile, post events, news and gossip, send and receive private messages, create photo galleries and groups, invite and share with friends and a lot, lot more. LOG ON TO www.gasbags.us
Visit www.lamarinaforum.com for information, friendship and lots more - a social club in your home!
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Pets In Spain is a website dedicated to the re-homing of abandoned and unwanted animals on the Costa Blanca. Whether you are looking to adopt an animal, advertise an animal or if you simply want to know more about taking care of your pet in Spain, please take a look at our site. To view more animals for adoption go to: www.petsinspain.info If you would like to advertise an animal email: info@petsinspain.info ALL FOUR ADVERTISED LAST MONTH WERE ADOPTED Kiara owner is returning to Colombia and unfortunately can't take kiara with her. She is 3.5 years old, good with other dogs is a Dalmatian cross. Call: 645 469 253
Cinders is approx 6 weeks old and was brought into us this week by a friend who saw her thrown from a car. She has had a full vet check and is ready for a lap to snuggle up on. Call: 966 725 975
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Gracie is 5 years old and is a very loving little dog with a gentle personality. She has Leishmaniosis and now needs just a pill each day to maintain her good condition. Call: 645 469 253
Bobbins is 1 or 2 kittens that survived being poisoned. He is approx 8 weeks old, very affectionate and in good health. Call: 966 725 975
Jim Ure was born on 30th November 1928 in Bo’ness Scotland. He started his working life as a butcher until he was called up for National Service in the RAF. Through an RAF friend he met his wife Betty from Haydock in Lancashire. They married in Edinburgh in 1955. They had one son, Jim, born on the 5th November 1958. After National Service he worked as a bus conductor with Lothian Regional Transport. His great sense of humour got him into trouble on a few occasions; for example, a passenger asked him ‘if the bus stopped at the harbour?’, Jim’s response was “I hope so”. On another occasion he was asked ‘how long the next bus would be?’ to which he replied “the same as this one”. He was reported and reprimanded on both occasions. He left the buses and went to work with the engineering company Ferranti’s until his retirement. Jim was a man well liked and respected by everyone at the Monte Mar Bowls & Social Club. He always had a smile on his face and had no malice in his heart. As a bowler he was acknowledged as one of the best lead bowlers in the club and this was by far his best position to play. Jim remained cheerful and was both a good winner and a good loser too. He will be fondly remembered by all those who met him. Jim's funeral service was attended by over 100 relatives and friends.
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Three and a half weeks rehearsal and another success springs into life for the M.A.B.S. fundraising team. The fabulous Los Belgas bar and restaurant was the venue for this spur of the moment M.A.B.S. show case with ticket money, donations, raffles and cake sales the money banked for october was 1,725.00 euros. As you know all monies raised in Gran Alacant stays in Gran Alacant to help any one needing support while fighting cancer. All those who take part use their talents free of charge to help us raise much needed funds for M.A.B.S. a very worth while charity. A big thank you goes out to Los Belgas for all of their help, and making their venue available to us. We are planing more fundraising nights in the future. Thanks to Oceans Bar for the use of their bar for quick changes, Krazy Kev for the use of his microphones, Aquarius for storing our costumes over the two nights. Make up artists were Elaine and Richard, Margaret got roped into helping the dancers dress. Bill was our musical director. Thank you all who took part, without you all there would be no show. Thank you Barry and Sandra for all your support with M.A.B.S. Jean Reiterbund Gran Alacant fundraiser for M.A.B.S.
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Tel: 966 698 569
Liliana Aldeguer Cerdán 793 English translation by Sergio Reina Esteban col 747
MICROCHIPPING REALLY WORKS! (The story of “Punky”)
As usual these last years, Christmas article won’t be about diseases or other health problems, but a story with happy end: the story of a dog called “Punky”, in which we will show how useful and necessary is microchipping, and what happens with our clients donations for animal shelters. Last month, first thing in the morning on Monday, a Spanish client of us came because he had found a lost female dog when he was jogging at the campo. The dog was microchipped, and we noticed she was in season, and semi-dehydrated. Unfortunately, her microchip wasn’t registered in Valencia, but in Balearic Islands (when a single microchip database for Spain? Who knows…). We contacted Balearic Vet College and they started searching the owner, and, of course, we let Santa Pola Local Police know. The man who found her kept her at home for one day. The following day, we had a phone call from Menorca: it was the dog owner, who had been told by the Balearic College to phone us. The poor man was really amazed, because he had lost the dog in Gran Alacant… three years ago!!! He lived in GA in 2009, then he lose the dog, and after looking for her everywhere unsuccessfully, he had to move back to Menorca. Of course, he wanted to recover his dog, but he didn’t have much money because he was unemployed, and delivering a 25 kg dog from Alicante to Menorca is not cheap. We phoned MRW, a courier service we trust, and they said “Punky” may be in Menorca in 24h travelling by plane for a reasonable price. The owner agreed. The following day a MRW van came to our practice for picking “Punky” up, but then, a new problem: the cage they had was too small for her, so she won’t be allowed to fly due to severe IATA rules. We showed MRW man the cages we had, but they didn’t fit at the van. IATA also obliges you to have all the animal’s documents up to date, and, as anyone can imagine, she had no papers at all (they were in Menorca, and not updated for at least 3 years), but MRW man said an official Veterinary health certificate would work. But, what about the cage? The situation was dramatic, because we wanted the dog to travel as soon as possible, but MRW van cage was too small, ours were too big, and the owner couldn’t afford a new cage. What could we do?
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We phoned Asoka, the animal shelter we cooperate with, and one of their volunteers decided to buy a cage with the required measurements for “Punky”, and when the empty cage come back to our practice, it would be donated to Asoka. Who paid for the cage, delivery of the dog, and the delivery of the empty cage back to Santa Pola? Punky’s owner paid for the transportation of the dog and the empty cage back, and the cage was paid by Asoka’s volunteer. We helped the volunteer to pay the cage by using our clients donations. Punky got ready to fly on Thursday and arrived to her destination on Friday. Her owner has emailed us some pics which sown Punky at home, and running free and happy at her garden. We wished to tell you this story for several reasons: -There are lots of nice people who care about the lost animal they find: they take them to the Vet, they look after them till the owner appears (and this way they save the dog the horrible experience of the dog pound), and they don’t hesitate to spend some money to help unknown people. Some other people help giving the food and medicines they no longer need. We would like to thank them all. -Microchip really works! 3 years later, in a different Comunidad Autonoma, we managed to find the owner despite he had changed his phone and address (the Balearic College phoned the Vet who chipped the dog in Menorca, the Vet phoned the owner’s mom, and she told her son to phone us), so, despite a hard, Sherlock Holmes-like work, we did it. What can dogs owners learn from this story? Updating the details when you change your telephone number, address, or you are moving to a different area, is absolutely necessary to find your dog the quickest possible if it gets lost.
Punky with her owner, and with Adela, our training assistant
WHAT’S THAT? IN THE CLOT?
by Mark Etheridge
I wouldn't want you to think that I am decrying their efforts, but if there is one thing which sets my aural teeth on edge it is the sound of an accordion being played extremely badly (usually”Lara's Theme” from Dr Zhivago) in my left ear while I am trying to eat Garbanzos con Jamon on a street cafe. Worse still is the in-your-face attention you get from the accordionist after he has (mercifully) stopped, and you are expected to pay for this assault on your senses.
Mostly in the world of nature the sounds we hear are pleasant and soothing; an assorted mixture of tweets and chirrups which become part of the natural background, and if you look carefully enough you can often see what is making the noise.
However, you might have been in the Clot at one of the wetland areas, and heard an awful sound which is similar to a pig with laryngitis. You might even be concerned that there is some sort of animal abuse going on, and resolve to do something about it. However, no matter how hard you look, you just can't see what is making this awful racket. This noise is called “sharming”, a combination of grunts, groans and squeals which is made by the Water Rail, know as Rascón europeo in Spanish. There are several in the Clot, but you will hardly ever see one as they are extremely secretive and spend nearly all their time hidden deep in the reedbeds. However, you may be lucky as I have been, and catch one out in the open as it moves from one reed patch to another, and as my photo shows this is a very distinctive bird.
They are slightly smaller than the Moorhens you will easily see in the Clot, and feed on small invertebrates and other animals found in the dense reeds.
The reason for this awful noise is because it needs to let other Water Rails know that they are about. If your field of view comprises a stand of reeds, you are not going to be able to see very far, so quite frequently a shouting match can break out, and in many cases this can degenerate into a quite vicious fight if two territorial males actually encounter each other, using that large red stabbing bill as a weapon.
Water Rails are fairly common throughout Europe including the UK in wetland areas, but because of their secretive nature not many people know about them. Of all the likely places I have been to, the Clot is the only place where I have been able to see them for any length of time. See you next month.
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FERAL (animals) FRIENDS OF GRAN ALACANT & nearby areas Bank Account 00730100500151055816 - IBAN ES07 & Swift OPENESMM There are many Vet bills/animals in need. You can help by: Sponsor an animal for an amount per month or puntual donations.
" Come to our Fund Raising Sale Days" 1. 1st Sunday of the month: Sunset´s - “Carabassi Centre”: Mostly Books & Films & Music CD´s 2. 2nd. hand Market, Pkg. of Health C.& Library: Every 3rd Sunday of the month.
Approx. 2 y. old rescued & treated by Vet for a few months NOW needs a forever loving home. Raffle tickets sold at: Dick Turpins, Just Deserts, Huggin & Munnin, Quick Save, Ruby Tuesdays, Sunset´s Bar, Rumours, Mundo Animal Vet Cl.(GA Shopping Center)
Due to lack of funds we are only attending extreme urgencies, please donate!!!! Foster Homes & Volunteers Needed. Litter, food & material accepted (except Generic Markets brand food. Aldi is OK). For info contact feralfriends.ga@gmail.com 697 574 199 (except Sundays)
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H
ALLOWEEN On Gran Alacant
OCEAN BAR
MOLLY MALONE
CORK n BOTTLE BAR 1
OCEAN BAR
OCEAN BAR
pictures taken at some of the bars by Stefan
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E CH Z I AR
PR DSE OR
W
FILL IN THE COUPON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE, WITH THE SECRET NAMES HIDDEN IN THE WORDSEARCH, WHICH ARE NOT IN THE WORD LIST. CUT IT OUT & TAKE IT TO LOS BELGAS BEFORE THE 20TH OF THE MONTH. ON THE NIGHT OF THE 20TH THE DRAW WILL TAKE PLACE FOR 2 winners, each to receive a free menu del dia at Los Belgas.
WORDSEARCH
Merrmy as Christ
Christmas in Spanish & English THE HIDDEN WORDS ENGLISH & SPANISH FOR THE LOS BELGAS PRIZE IS....
--------------------------------------------------MY NAME & Tel no.
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SUDOKU
Difficulty rating: easy
To solve the puzzle each 3 x 3 box, each row and each column must contain all the numbers 1 to 9.
While the rules of this logic puzzle may be simple, there are numerous strategies to help you solve Sudoku. For hints and information visit www.sudoku.org.uk Difficulty rating: medium
DOODLE AREA
Merrmy as Christ
ANSWERS ON GRAN ALACANT MAP PAGE
Difficulty rating: hard
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A map to help you find places of interest, and the locaton of all of ALLOTMENTS
CARABASI BARS COMPLEX (DOWN THE HILL) *CASANOVA *PHOENIX RESTAURANT, *BAR 1 *OCEAN 11 *YELLOW SUBMARINE *HISPANIA, *GOURMET *LOS BELGAS *SIMPLE SPANISH MORTGAGES *OLIMPO
PLAZA MAYOR
VET GA EXOTICS DARBYʼS CHIPPY EL RINCON & MONTE MAR TAVERNA TIMES SQUARE SAFFRON HOLE IN THE WALL PATAGONIA STEAK HOUSE
PROPOSED SITE OF THE NEW CHURCH
SCHOOL
HOMEFINDERS /SOLEIL
SUDOKU SOLUTIONS
LESPIGO
5 1
2
GA BOWLS CLUB
EURONICS ELECTRICAL
THURSDAY M
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PETANC AND CHILDRENS PLAY AREA
TOP-UP DELIVERY POINT Euronics
SEZADÚ
F.C. RENT A CAR COCINARTE GRANNET BOTTOM FLOOR OF THE GA COMMERCIAL CENTRE
3
PROPOSED SITE FOR A NEW HEALTH CENTRE,
BLUE AREAS SUCH AS “SPORTS CENTRE” & BROWN AREAS SUCH AS THE “SCHOOL” are reserved for Council amenities, and are NOT for housing
CHIROPODY & PHYSIOTHERAPY
EASY HARD
MEDIUM
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our advertisers on Gran Alacant. Get your business on our map. PARK
TOP-UP DELIVERY POINT Phoenix
NOT JUST DESSERTS PATAGONIA no.2 STEAK HOUSE
1 MAXCOOP SUPERMARKET 2 SUPERVALU SUPERMARKET 3 MERCADONA SUPERMARKET 4 MEDICAL CENTRE G.A. COUNCILLOR MUNICIPAL OFFICES LIBRARY 5 THURSDAY MARKET 6 POST OFFICE 7 SCHOOL
DENTIMAR
MARKET
TOURIST INFORMATION
DRAGON 2
PETANC AND CHILDRENS PLAY AREA
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6
TOP-UP DELIVERY POINT Quicksave SPORTS CENTRE & NEW MARKET
54
INNUENDO
GA farmacia
G.A. SERVICES & SOL COMPUTERS FRICANDO
GALLAECIA HAIRDRESSER
IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Aquagest 24hr..(water co.)...902 250 170 Aeropuerto..............................966 919 000 Ayuntamiento-Gran Alacant. ............966 697 749 Alicante Bus Station...............965 130 700 Alicante Train Station.............902 240 202 Bomberos (Fire).....................085 Biblioteca (Library)..................966 692 773 Butano gas..............................966 672 222 Guardia Civil............................062 Guardia Civil............................965 411 290 Iberdrola..(electric co.)............901 202 020
Library GA............................ 966 697 110 Local Police...........................092 Local Police...........................965 411 103 Medical Health Service........966 699 081 National Police......................091 Red Cross (Cruz Roja)........965 416 936 Red Cross emergencies.....112 Rubbish collection.................966 693 955 Suma......................................965 292 000 Taxi sited at ALDI...................96 541 11 11 Telefonica..............................1004
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Santa Pola
Alicante Alicante
TIMETABLE from 1st September 2012 to 22nd June 2013
MORE INFO AT:- www.autocaresbaile.es
Bus Timetables. Baile buses Santa Pola
71
Sundays and Holidays
Saturdays
Santa Pola to airport from Mondays to Fridays
Sundays and Holidays
Saturdays
TILING SPECIALIST (your choice of tiles for the garden or house). All types of BUILDING WORK undertaken
UNDERBUILD CONVERSIONS (you choose what you want. 1, 2, 3 bedrooms or just 1 large room for your own home cinema).
Coral & Serena terrace extensions. Bring your terrace foreward gives more room Auroras & Albas Terrace extensions
FROM SMALL TERRACES TO
LARGE EXTENSIONS
I WOULD LIKE TO thank all my present and previous customers for their contInued support and wish them all a meRry christmas and a happy new year. murphy
All work guaranteed! Give SOL a call on 606 818 442 or E-mail solbuilders@hotmail.co.uk