Gran Alacant Advertiser February 2021

FEBRUARY

2021 ISSUE 193

YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE SINCE 2005

ADVERTISE WITH US PHONE: 865 663 993 Lou&Ged PHONE: 676 741 983 Camila

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EMAIL: info@granalacantadvertiser.com WEBSITE: www.granalacantadvertiser.com www.granalacantadvertiser.com

NOW IN OUR 16TH YEAR

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We at your Gran Alacant Advertiser continue to bring you all of the NEWS, including that from a representative from the Town Hall, as we have since May 2005.

If you have any QUESTIONS or PROBLEMS you would like us to discuss, please just email them to us at the magazine - granalacantadvertiser@hotmail.co.uk

is usually better staffed and is accessible to all. We do need someone with authority from el Correos to visit the site (if they dare) to see how appalling the service is and perhaps you may know who to contact to try and arrange this?

Hopefully yours Mike

Q: Post Office For the 3rd time in the last couple of weeks I have had to queue to use the post office in GA. This time for a disabled friend who has no chance in accessing the office himself.

The wait was 59 minutes this time and sadly not unusual. Not the fault of the lady in the office as she works wonderfully well but its staggering to think that el Correos can consider this level of service acceptable.

If you go in to Santa Pola the office there

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Answer: The poor situation of the postal service in the neighbourhood is known to all, which is why we have demanded that steps be taken to solve the problem. It is not only a problem of queues which are the same in Santa Pola and other municipalities, or the seasonal increase in demand in Summer, but also the impossibility of receiving notifications. There is no alternative way for residents who are not able to visit in the morning hours to be able to collect their mail in the afternoon from a different

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office. This situation has been made worse since the Saturday schedule was removed in April.

Once again we have asked for solutions from the post office and are open to facilitating the improvement of the service with all the means at our disposal. The measures that we have proposed in the short and medium term are viable.

On a positive note, the post office will soon be equipped with a ramp so that disabled people can gain access.

BARRY’S BITS OF NEWS Q: Why is there no signage in English in our Medical Centre?

Is it not possible to have one member of staff who could assist patients in English?

To take a translator for something minor can cost 40-50euro!!! Whilst appreciating the problem with Covid...... Why are the reception staff so unfriendly, especially when people are worried.

These problems have existed for years, and never seem to improve.

This was sent to us.

Thanks Barry Answer: As Gran Alacant is a Multi-Cultural neighbourhood the GA Councillor has repeatedly requested that the Medical Centre has an English speaking member of staff.

This issue has been discussed and agreed in principle, however there are no funds available in the budget due to the additional costs involved in dealing with the current Covid-19 pandemic.

The GA Councillor will continue to pursue this issue and is hopeful that once the funds are available an English speaker will be appointed.

Unfortunately Barry is still unwell and is back in hospital so “Barry’s Bit of News” will be missing this month. We wish him a speedy recovery and send our love and support to both Barry and Sandra.

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Thanks to Storm Filomena, which hit us in mid January, the mountains behind Alicante got covered in a blanket of snow and while it usually happens at least once every year on this occasion it was a much heavier snowfall than usual. It created a beautiful backdrop that many photographers took advantage of.

LATEST NEWS FROM THE GA COUNCILLOR OSCAR VALENZUELA

We are pleased to see that the improvements to the regular clearing and cleaning activities in our neighbourhood are continuing.

As previously mentioned the installation of the new Police Station at the entrance to Gran Alacant is expected to be completed before the end of the first quarter. This is an important and necessary improvement to our neighbourhood.

All public areas of Gran Alacant are continuing to be thoroughly disinfected to try to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The Town Hall has asked for all residents to adhere to the restrictions and try to limit their movements outside of home as much as possible.

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LARGE ITEMS COLLECTIONS

Tuesdays and Thursdays ONLY. Please message this number T: 686 801 323 any day of the week to let them know the name of the street you are leaving your large items on.

This would help to make the service more efficient and keep our Gran Alacant nice and tidy.

In a recent meeting with the Mayor, the Councillor for Infrastructure, the Councillor of Gran Alacant, the Head of Telefonica and an installation company, an initial agreement on actions that it is hoped will solve in the short and medium term the coverage deficiencies in many parts of Gran Alacant has been reached.

Telefonica is conducting a study to find out the performance levels in different areas within the municipality so that they can recommend the best locations for new equipment to be installed so maximum coverage can be reached and this long standing issue be resolved.

If you would like to supply news or info for our next edition, or have a question for Gran Alacant Councillor Oscar Pedro Valenzuela, please email: info@granalacantadvertiser.com READ THE MAGAZINE EVERY MONTH AT www.granalacantadvertiser.com

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Local Business Owner Keeps the Coffee Flowing in GA

The restrictions that were implemented at the end of January have been another blow to the local bars, coffee shops and restaurants in Gran Alacant. Many have taken the decision to close until the restrictions are lifted. However, Natalie from CafĂŠ Navia which is located in the Gran Alacant Commercial Centre, has decided to remain open serving her much loved pastries and coffees so that her regular customers can still enjoy them via takeaway.

"I have made the decision to remain open because among all the stresses that this virus has brought, it is extremely important that we try to continue with our daily lives as much as possible. My customers are special to me and we are fortunate that Gran Alacant has a great community spirit. One of my customers posted on Twitter that I was going to remain open and this has created an outpouring of support. I've had many new customers who read the tweet and subsequent reports in the papers and have travelled from San Vincente and Alicante to buy a coffee and show their support. I feel it is important that we stand up for our businesses and fight for our livelihoods.

Financially we are all struggling and although there is some support from the Government the amount is small and difficult to rely on as it can take a long time to receive the funds.

Trying to maintain a sense of normality is difficult for everyone just now and knowing that my customers can still pop by and grab their favourite pastries and coffees whilst they are out shopping or running their own businesses is important to me. We've all had to accept changes to our daily routines and I feel that by remaining open my customers won't have to miss out on this part of their day."

We fully support Natalie and ask that residents help to support all our local businesses during this difficult time. Like Natalie there are a few businesses in Gran Alacant that are offering take away or home delivery services and it is important that we support them to ensure that they can remain open and continue to be available to us in the future.

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The Royal British Legion Caring and campaigning for our ex-Service community.

The Royal British Legion in Spain.

Gran Alacant & La Marina Branch BR 3606 Meets on the First Monday of each month 18:00 at “The Skipper Bar”, Plaza Mayor (MASA Square) Gran Alacant.

WebSite: http://branches.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/gran-alacant-la-marina Facebook - gran alacant and la marina royal british legion.

BRANCH MEETINGS ARE “ON HOLD” UNTIL RESTRICTIONS ARE EASED Further details Email: granalacant.secretary@rbl.comm

Changing Of The Guard The Gran Alacant and La Marina Royal British legion sadly lost three of its founding members in 2020.They had all lived in the area for many years and had between them raised an amazing amount for the Poppy Appeal over those years.

Mr Robin Hargrave ( President ) had worked hard with many others, to ensure that the whole year was geared towards raising much needed funds, for ex-servicemen and women that required assistance here in Spain. Robin became the District Appeal Organizer and raised the profile of the appeal throughout the North of Spain, he ensured that year on year during his term of office the total of monies raised increased.

We also lost two much loved members with the passing of Mrs Joan and Mr Eric Goble.

They were also founder members of the Branch and will both be remembered for the warmth and friendliness to everyone they met. Joan was the first to leave us earlier this year, Eric being the strong willed Independent man he was, continued to care for himself and could often be seen whizzing about on his mobility scooter around Gran Alacant.

I think I learned the lesson of living to a good age from all three of them, by showing hard work, humility and love of Others, and most of all a smile.

Joan & Eric

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Robin

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PLAZA MAYOR

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C/Holanda 9, bajo 8 Gran Alacant

www.familydoctors24h.com info@familydoctors24h.com

T: 865 789 554

ABOUT COVID TESTING WHEN SHOULD I GET A COVID19 TEST? People with symptoms should be tested, if possible. People who are asymptomatic but have been in close contact with someone who is or may be infected may also consider getting tested.

WHAT KIND OF TEST SHOULD I TAKE? Rapid antigen test: Although its speed is an advantage in early detection, antigen tests are only effective during the first 5 days of the disease and as long as the patient shows symptoms.

PCR test : What this test does is detect the RNA of the virus. "It is the most reliable, it has a reliability of more than 95%. It is capable of detecting asymptomatic patients and those who are in the first days of infection. As well as being the test of choice for close contacts of positive patients. And to confirm highly suspicious cases with a negative antigen test. It is reliable and has a high sensitivity when detecting viral load. On the contrary, it is one of the most expensive tests, in addition the time to obtain the results takes 24 to 48 hours.

Serological antibody test: This test is performed through the blood to detect the level of antibodies that the body produces to protect against the coronavirus. It is used to know if the disease has passed and if you have immunity. It is not usually used

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to detect the disease in its initial phase.

I am waiting for the test result.

What should I do?

When a person is waiting for test results, they should remain isolated from others.

If my test is positive, what should I do?

The first and most important thing is to avoid contagion, isolation, initially it is for 10 days.The isolation time may be longer.

Communicating with your GP by phone is important as you will start COVID monitoring by phone. As well as the search for contacts who will be tested according to public health indications.

The insulation should be preferably, in a room, with the door closed and windows open for ventilation. Have a telephone to communicate with those in your home and to communicate with health services. Must have a garbage can with a lid. Preferably use a single bathroom without sharing it. Your personal hygiene and food utensils must be for individual use. You must not receive visitors. Monitor the symptoms and in the event of any worsening such as shortness of breath, abundant diarrhoea or any condition that significantly compromises your general condition, you should call the health services.

PLAZA MAYOR

What is close contact?

Any person who has been in the same place as a positive case is considered, at a distance of less than 2 meters and for a total accumulated time of more than 15 minutes without mask.

What should I do if I am in close contact with a positive case?

Close contacts such as those living with the positive case should be isolated for 10 days since the last day of contact. Fulfilling the recommendations and guidelines indicated by the health services. Telephone. The test of choice in the case of contacts is PCR.

The PCR has been negative, I am close contact, has the quarantine ended? NO. The 10 days must be strictly adhered to until the end of the isolation is indicated by the health personnel.

In Gran Alacant Family Doctors, we offer treatment for symptomatic patients with covid and follow-up consultation at our clinic, online or by phone.

If you have any further questions, symptoms or contact with positive patients, contact our clinic on T: 865 789 554 or your doctor.

CORONAVIRUS TESTS AVAILABLE PCR CORONAVIRUS TEST FOR TRAVELING, SYMPTOMATIC & CONTACT 110€ QUICK ANTIGEN TEST FOR SYMPTOMATIC PATIENTS 60€

THIS MONTH’S PROMOTIONS: GENERAL CHECK 75€

Consultation, Blood Test, ECG (normally 130€)

COMPLETE EVALUATION WITH CARDIOLOGIST 150€

Complete examination, ECG & Echocardiogram (normally 200€)

FAMILY DOCTORS MEMBER CARD one payment per year and you will receive:

* GP consultation 20€ (normally 60€) * One FREE dental polish & check up per year * Monthly offers and promotions We offer an integral health service with the best quality of care, providing personalized solutions to our patients.

OUR SPECIALITIES: • • • • •

GENERAL MEDICINE DENTAL CLINIC PEDIATRICS CARDIOLOGY GYNECOLOGY

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YOUR HEALTH IS OUR PRIORITY

We solve your medical consultations, analyzing your general condition and making an adequate and personalized diagnosis.

Family Doctors 24h is made up of reference doctors in their respective specialties. We attend emergencies in the clinic or home visit, with 24-hour telephone service, 365 days a year.

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MONTEMAR BOWLS & SOCIAL CLUB

Sponsored by The Pub, Bowling Abroad, Avalon, LoungeD, Rogers, La Piazza & The Belfry

MONTEMAR BOWLS & SOCIAL CLUB WEDNESDAY LEAGUE Despite all the restrictions everyone enjoyed playing in the Wednesday league, played over five weeks. The last match was played on Wednesday 16th December, after which Diane announced the winner and the runners up. The winner was Phil Goble runner up Jean Chamberlain and third John Hunt, each received a bottle of wine. After each match all players enjoyed lunch and drinks at the Belfry, thank you to Paul and his staff. Thank you to Diane and John for once again organizing another enjoyable competition.

CLUB CAROL SING ALONG We had a great afternoon at the above event with forty members present in the Rincon which allowed social distancing.

The sing along was led by Choir Mistress Diane Horsington. To add to the fun Diane had us singing one carol in Spanish and one in German with the translation on the song sheet. When we got to the twelve days of Christmas, Diane nominated each table a number and the actions they had to do when it was their day. John Hunt judged the competition and presented prizes to the two winning tables.

At the mid-way break Lynne, Sheila, Joan and Sue had organized nibbles, mince pies and sausage rolls which were enjoyed by all.

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Club captain Chris Merry presented prizes to the highest scoring lady and man in the Internal Monday and Friday Competitions.

Jack Burrell won Monday and Friday,Tanya Oliver won Mondays and Lynne Armitage won Fridays Competitions. Pauline Merry presented a card and present to Laura on behave of the members, for her service and help behind the bar. The singing was helped by a few drinks being consumed during the afternoon. It was nice to see the mix of bowling and social members Diane you are booked for 2021!!!!

CHRISTMAS DAY Graham and Howie organised a very enjoyable fun competition on Christmas morning, starting with a spider. After a the mornings bowling, played in lovely

PLAZA MAYOR

December sunshine everyone went to Rogers where we enjoyed a small buffet and of course a few drinks. Graham presented Lynne, the winner of the spider with a bottle of vodka. Colin and Meta were presented with a trophy for the most improved bowlers.

CHICKEN RUN We had the maximum players for the monthly chicken run. The chickens were won by Jean and Ian and the eggs by Sheila and Glen who was a guest from Canada.

Ian was the winner on the football card with West Ham. Thank you to Gina and Steve who donated the chickens and Ian and Julia who as usual donated the eggs.

NEW YEARS EVE Thirty members and social members enjoyed New Years Eve at the Azafran Restaurant, even though there were new restrictions. As everyone had to be home by ten it was decided to celebrate New Year at six o'clock. The food was as usual delicious and the staff very accommodating giving everyone party bags, grapes and cava for the arranged time of six o'clock.

For further information about Monte Mar Bowls and Social Club check out our website www.montemarbowls.com or email us at info@montemarbowls.com We are also on Facebook PLAZAATMAYOR READ THE MAGAZINE EVERY MONTH www.granalacantadvertiser.com

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TERRY TALKS

Alcohol free opinion & Chat

Hello, and welcome to my column.

The aim is to look at events, whether they be world or local, and encourage you sometimes to start discussions, sometimes to argue, but always to have fun. Remember there’s no point in discussing anything with those that always agree.

Now don’t get me wrong I enjoy those activities, and I guess will continue to an extent, but it will not be the centre of my universe again. This for me and many of us, is our home, and I’ve finally started to live like that.

What a 12 months 2020 was. COVID went from nothing worse than a cold the fuss about I and many others scoffed at. To an illness that has killed many and I personally experienced for 3 weeks in November.

I’ve started to appreciate the value of health, no I’m not about to become an avid Gym member. I hated it at school so I see no reason to pay for it now, but for me it was golf, for others maybe a walk on the beach, or for others donning the lycra and peddling to God knows where.

It has affected many people in Gran Alacant, maybe not through personal experience of illness, but loss of businesses or income.

Support from the state seems to have been sketchy.

The Bar and Restaurant scene especially for our visitors and for local employment however of course is a VITAL part of Gran Alacant. How can they recover after the biggest crisis they have ever faced?

But we are now in 2021 in a position where we must start to look ahead and be hopeful and optimistic. There is a saying: “The only difference between an optimist and a pessimist, is the optimist has more fun.”

Dare I say, one way to recoup losses that even for those that have survived, has drained any contingency resources all businesses need, is to look at their pricing.

Nobody can argue we are now closer to the end than we have ever been. As vaccines start to take effect, and adherence to the rules continues by the vast majority, will without doubt lessen the pressure on ICU beds which is the key to life returning to normal.

This has never been about death of COVID victims but the affect COVID victims who need ICU treatment have on others who then cannot be attended to, whether that be Cancer patients or Heart patients, or other equally serious illnesses.

So if we accept we are nearing the end, How have we changed?

I can of course only talk of my own experience. But I’ve found a new pleasure in the 4 walls I live within. When one moves to Spain, you can sometimes think you’re not taking full advantage unless you eat out every night, or Bar hop every weekend.

Is Gran Alacant too cheap?

I think so. How on earth am I able to pay the same today as I did 10 years ago for a night out. Its frankly ridiculous, and I for one would not complain if I saw bar prices in particular rise.

My loaf of bread, nor my pint of milk are not the same price as they were in 2011.

Maybe increased summer prices so rebuild reserves and help local businesses through the winter?

Do you have ideas on how Gran Alacant can get back on its feet again? Get the discussion started.

Well that’s it for this month. If you’re unlucky I’ll be back again. Let me know via the magazine if you’ve a been in your bonnet about anything, I love a good argument/ discussion.

TERRY TALKS CARABASSI CENTRE

I promise I will not always agree.

Bye for now.

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SANTARA LIFE RESORT

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SANTARA LIFE RESORT

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WHAT’S THAT IN THE CLOT? TRUST US

by Mark Etheridge

COMMON SNIPE

Have you ever considered why a rifle marksman is called a Sniper?

That’s because the bird we are looking at this month is one of the most difficult to shoot with a gun, which is jolly good news for the Common Snipe and bullet manufacturers, but bad news for the budding shooter, and when he gives up the pastime in despair, even better news for wildlife in general.

The reason why it is so hard to hit is that when it is flushed, it flies off in a fast and unpredictable zig-zag flight, so you have to be very good indeed to get one. They are designated as game birds, but they are rather small and probably wouldn’t fill a decent bocadillo, so your average hunter will turn to the poor old bunnies, partridges and pheasants for his dinner, and hopefully leave the Snipe in peace.

There are usually a few Common Snipe loafing around at the pools in the Clot at this time of the year – these are often Northern European birds taking their winter holiday on the Costa Blanca. They are very distinctive as you can see from my photograph with that extremely long beak,

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and a good starting point for getting to grips with the difficult range of birds which comprise the waders. Once you know the Snipe, you can then judge other waders against them. Look for them in the shallower areas, they will be quietly feeding in amongst the flocks of duck, coots and moorhens, and being fairly unobtrusive about it. Occasionally one will whizz across your field of view from one of the hides, and you’ll quickly see why it is a very fleeting target for the shooter.

So, what’s with that Pinnochio beak? This is a bird which feeds on muddy areas, probing the depths for invertebrates, going at it like a demented sewing machine. Although the plumage is very striking with its brown and white stripes, it is one of those misleading ones designed so that when the bird is on its nest or at rest, it becomes almost invisible against the background.

Breeding male Snipe make the most peculiar noise during their display flight.

They indulge in power dives, and while doing this extend a feather at each side of the tail. These feathers vibrate, leading to a noise which sounds vaguely like a goat bleating, but which is known in birding circles as “drumming” – once you’ve heard it, you’ll never forget it!

The Spanish name for the Snipe is Agachadiza Comun, but the Spanish word for a Sniper is Francotirador, so perhaps the Spanish aren’t that bothered about sniping the Snipe.

You can see more photographs of birds and other animals from our area by visiting www.marketheridge.smugmug.com See you next month!

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The Reiki Room situated across from the Life Resort

REIKI ROOM

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GRAN ALACANT RUNNERS How did you spend January?

You just need to look around to see the tremendous amount of physical activity taking place on a day to day basis. Walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, tennis, walking football, the list goes on. It is an important way to maintain a healthy life style but also stay sane in these times.

12 months ago, with support from the GA Advertiser, we made initial enquiries whether we could coordinate the individual runners within GA into a group which would participate in various events either in Santa Pola or further afield in the Costa. Also, it is enjoyable to run with a partner or a group, whether you are the same level of fitness or not, and so it was hoped that those living here in GA or, just visiting for a short time could contact the group to see if anyone was available to go running.

Lockdown has certainly impacted on our lives but as of today we have 10 people of various ages and ability levels regularly running as the Gran Alacant Runners group. We may be restricted to our own countries, our own localities and various social distancing rules but we are still exercising and running when we can as a way of “Cocking a Snoot� at Covid whilst observing the regulations.

To keep the momentum going, so to speak we have been inventive in our approach.

Pre-pandemic, we had a team of three travel to Benidorm to take part in a road race and since then, we have taken part in various virtual runs, one of which was organised by Club Atletismo of Santa Pola.

One of our group joined an online challenge to run the equivalent of Lands End (South west England) to John O Groats (North East Scotland) which is 1083 miles (1732km) before the end of 2020.They logged their activity every day receiving back an update of where they were on the route.

This year their challenge is to run, walk and cycle the equivalent of Route 66, a massive

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2462 miles (3940km).

A special mention for Philippe from GAHomefinders, being a good runner already,

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GRAN ALACANT RUNNERS

he was quick to join the group and has been very supportive in keeping interest alive in Gran Alacant whilst travel restrictions are in place. It was Philippe who kindly produced some running tops for us runners to wear when competing at events and who acted as chauffeur for the team of 3 to travel to Benidorm in February 2020 (see above photo).

On the third Sunday of January, Santa Pola would normally host the highly acclaimed Half Marathon, but due to restrictions the 30th anniversary event this year has been postponed, which for some of us has affected our training as 5 or 6 of us would normally in mind we decided we would set ourselves January, such as how far can we run in total; and 21km runs can we run, and as the 21km in been on 24th January, would anyone run it

take part. With that some personal goals for how many 5km, 10km Santa Pola would have virtually on this day.

Additionally Murcia Region has arranged for its February events to be held virtually and the Gran Alacant Runners will be entering a virtual team (results to follow in the next issue of GA Advertiser). Our January statistics are shared on a Whatsapp Group which has inspired one or two more to become active and join the January Challenge.

At the time of writing the group has risen to the challenge and collectively run over 450km in January, which is an encouraging performance. Let us hope, when restrictions are lifted and we are free to travel and meet again, we can enjoy some group runs in and around Gran Alacant. You will know who we are as I will be at the back, red faced, blowing like an old Grampus.

Anyone wanting to join our (virtual) group for a run, inspiration, encouragement, tips etc. please contact Geoff on WhatsaApp

0044/ 747 685 1356

Don’t be shy, even if you are an absolute beginner, please get in contact.

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BOOK CLUB GRAN ALACANT Book of the month by Beth Now for something completely different. I like to challenge myself to read a new genre and this was certainly out of my comfort zone.

My recommended Book of the Month is 10 minutes and 38 seconds in this Strange World by Elif Shafak

Beth worked as a Qualified Librarian in Aberdeen for 20 years.

She loves reading and delights in finding exciting new authors as well as reverting back to favourite writers of all genres. Beth has lived in Gran Alacant for the last 15 years.

10 minutes and 38 seconds is how long it takes the brain to die and as she is dying. Leila’s brain replays her life following her murder in Istanbul. Enough time to evoke and replay the senses and friendships that define her time on this earth.

And with her death her friends need to decide how far they are willing to go to save her soul. A well-written and thought provoking book by this British Turkish Novelist.

I would describe this as very much a novel of our times and I loved it!

NEXT BOOK CLUB MEETING

Wednesday 24 February 2pm, Skipper Bar MASA Square We meet up once a month, discuss the books we are reading now and suggest new ones. Anyone interested in joining us or looking for more information please contact Beth on Whatsapp +44 7853 363060

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WE ARE THE ONLY API REGISTERED AGENT IN GRAN ALACANT Avda.Finlandia, 19, BL2, Local 5 Gran Alacant

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info@ga-homefinders.com

T: 0034 96 669 94 40

www.ga-homefinders.com

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Home Turf Looking & Seeing ...

Welcome to a new column about places to visit and explore in our beautiful region.

Firstly, full disclosure; we are a couple of new arrivals in Gran Alacant having moved here a few months ago. One of us is a returning local boy who grew up just inland from Alicante and studied at Alicante University before moving to London for sixteen years to seek his fortune. The other is a Brit raised in the rolling hills of Surrey who also made his life in London until deciding he had spent enough of his life on the Piccadilly Line.

Over the last few months we have begun exploring the local area. For one of us, it is a journey of rediscovery of his homeland, whilst for the other it has been a dive into a quite different Europe from the one he has known as a Northern European. In this column we intend to write about our adventures exploring the region, bringing to it not just the passion and knowledge of a returning local but also, on occasion, the cool and detached eye of a Londoner. We hope that you will enjoy our scribbles and perhaps visit a few of the places yourselves.

It seems appropriate to start close to home with things that we see everyday as we travel around Gran Alacant, Arenales and Santa Pola.

The areas immediately around Gran Alacant are dominated by an exotic and emblematic tree, the date palm. The date palm has become the symbol of this area appearing in photographs and advertisements; bringing a hint of exoticism to a coastline whose major native tree is the pine. The apotheosis of the local palm experience is of course the fabulous palm forests of Elche which we will be visiting in a later column.

These trees have been present in this part of Spain since ancient times, cultivated extensively by the Romans and later by

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the Muslims who introduced sophisticated irrigation to Spain. For many centuries large parts of what is now Spain were ruled and inhabited by Muslims. These invaders and settlers existed as a recognizable community in Iberia for 700 years. We will be writing more about these Muslim Iberians and their legacy in future columns, as that legacy is especially visible throughout our region.

The surrounding area also contains a more recent and darker reminder of Spain’s history.

The landscape is scattered with military structures dating from the Spanish civil war of the 1930s. Many European countries contain such bunkers and defenses from the middle of the 20th century, Spain’s relics of 20th century war are however especially poignant since they were built by Spaniards to fight other Spaniards in a conflict that has scarred the country and its people until recent times. The emplacements and bunkers in El Clot, Sierra and playa de la Gola of Santa Pola were constructed to protect Alicante and its surrounding area from the forces of General Franco who sought to overthrow the constitutional government of the Spanish Republic. Alicante held out until the very end of the civil war and in fact was the port of departure of the remaining members of the republican government when they withdrew into exile in 1939.

These structures now stand silent witness to the horror that engulfed Spain in the years of the civil war.

Next time you take a stroll through our beautiful area perhaps you will take a little time to meditate upon the somber warning embodied by the bunkers but also the beauty of the exotic palm trees brought from North Africa and lovingly cultivated throughout many centuries.

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AVENIDA ESCANDINAVIA

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AVENIDA ESCANDINAVIA

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GUARDAMAR

Quality Used Furniture - Muebles usados de calidad

We Buy, We Sell We Part Exchange Check our NEW updated website

second2none.es

info@second2none.es

Calle Ferrers 81B - Ind.Estate Santa Ana (Next to Pick & Pay) - 690 947 048 READ THE MAGAZINE EVERY MONTH AT www.GRANALACANTADVERTISER.com

K9 CLUB

The Charity is run by a team of volunteers CV-01-043388-A CIF No G-54353743

Tel: 600 845 420

BEETHOVEN Beautiful Beethoven looking for his forever home. He gets a little stressed in the kennel environment, and would love a home to call his own with a garden.

He is good with other female dogs, and loves to go on long walks. He is a 3 year old Mastin who deserves a new start

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www.k9club.es

e-mail: k9clubinfo@gmail.com

SOX New to the cattery family is Sox. He was a house cat until his owners decided to move and leave him behind.

LILY Lily is aprox.2 years old. She was taken from the perrera 3 months ago after being dumped there by her family.

She arrived with Dempsey but he has now been rehomed which has made her sad.

She is spayed, passported, fully vaccinated.

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SANTA POLA

SANTA POLA

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LA MARINA

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LA MARINA

LA MARINA

LA MARINA

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CWW Electrical Services Qualified electrician All electrical work undertaken Tel: 617 872 405 *** Contact Clive or Wendy

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CLINICA VETERINARIA GRAN ALACANT EXOTICS

Monday - Friday 10:00 -13:00 & 17:00 - 20:00 Saturday 10:00 -13:00

Tel: 966 698 569 HARD TIMES FOR PETS AND PEOPLE

Despite of what freaky conspiranoics say, we keep recommending everybody (when the turn arrives, not like the shaming example of certain Spanish politicians and high graduation “brave” soldiers), to get vaccinated against NCoV-19, and unless it’s absolutely necessary, don’t leave your home. We are facing a very serious situation, and we all should collaborate.

Vaccines work: on one hand they protect us from catching the disease and on the other hand they make more difficult (or stop completely) spreading of the virus. Getting vaccinated cannot be a political or beliefs matter, since health is above right wing or left wing political discussions. Of course complementary measures such as face mask, social distancing and regular hands sanitizing are as critical as vaccinating.

What’s new about Brexit: according to DEFRA website, the requirements for returning from an EU country to the UK remain the same: microchip, passport and a valid rabies injection (done 21 days before if it’s the first time or if the previous injection has expired), and in case of dogs,

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Liliana Aldeguer Cerdán 793 English translation by Sergio Reina Esteban col 747

Grooming Service Available a tapeworm treatment between 24 hours and 5 days the moment you are expecting to cross.

Fortunately, no rabies antibodies blood test is required for crossing the border. In the UK, both British and Spanish EU passport are still valid, but in EU territory British passports are no longer valid, so it becomes interesting to obtain a Spanish passport for your pet. This is a quick procedure that can be performed in every Vet surgery in a matter of minutes. The only problem is, according to Spanish Vet College, non-EU Vets are not allowed to sign vaccines in an EU passport, but I have my doubts about it.

We are noting that, due to the high number of people that are adopting pets these last

months (which is a worldwide trend since lockdown started), a growing number of dogs coming from Eastern Europe (Czech Republic, etc) are being sold in Spanish pet shops. If you are considering to purchase one of those puppies, we strongly recommend you to watch these videos first: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=UOl0SE6-MCM https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=9pUoqcgWGn4 Special thanks to our elder daughter Marina Reina Aldeguer for her help with this month’s article.

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PETS IN SPAIN www.petsinspain.com

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 or Call: 645 469 253 Flora is 9 years old and Brewer is a Rottweiler/ German Shepherd cross, age 12 years. He doesn’t know why his owner suddenly went away and never returned to collect him. He is a really good and gentle 25kgs male dog. He loves to play with his toys, he obeys commands and is currently in a foster home with another dog and a cat.

her previous owners tried to hang her! She is shy but so so sweet and little by little is learning to love. Her neglect has meant that she has leishmaniosis but that is treated daily with a tablet and she looks amazing. Flora is chipped, vaccinated, sterilised and good with other dogs.

From last months edition Nala and Olly were all adopted.

Teddy was found 6 weeks ago alone and crying, a visit to the vet revealed he had a severe ear infection caused by ear mites. After 4 weeks of treatment he is ok but it has left him deaf and his balance isn’t a 100%. Regardless of this he is a happy, playful 5 month old kitten who loves to snuggle up for his cuddles every night.

Marmalade at age just 6 weeks this kitten suddenly appeared outside a house looking in a sorry state, crying, hungry and very dirty. After a visit to the vet clinic, a bath, good food and loving care he is now the perfect picture of health.

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WORDSEARCH WORDSEARCH VALENTINES in Spanish or English E A R S F U R F D R T E N N Y

A V MO OM GO L T O Y B V O E S U E D R E R S O I T R A E

T R A E T E U Q O C S O T L I

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E MA U S E E D S E DD L B R O L I B A B A L E KWV S OO A L L O Z A E F F N R E P A L

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SUDOKU 6 2 7

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

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8 7 9

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Difficulty Rating: HARD

9 5 3

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SANTA POLA - ALICANTE - SANTA POLA

BUS URBANO GRAN ALACANT (LINEA 15)

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GRAN ALACANT WALKING FOOTBALL What a difference a year makes….

This time last year we all enjoyed the oranges Harry Hunter brought along to our regular Thursday weekly sessions.

This year Moises Pizarro had just received permission for the group to recommence our indoor sessions at the Jose Antonio Aleman Valero indoor sports hall in Gran Alacant and ten members enjoyed an energetic session well organized by Anthony Young on Tuesday 19th January .

However the next evening, the Valencian Community government tightened its

GRAN ALACANT RUNNERS

Covid-19 restrictions for a fourteen day period. This meant all sporting venues for amateur sport closing again.

Please check our facebook page for updates regarding our session booked for Tuesday 9th February and then if current restrictions allow we will discuss our options at our next social get-together on Wednesday 10th February outside Skipper Bar in the Masa Square at 1pm.

Stay safe everyone ...

John Fraser (WhatsApp 07866 315087)

BICI GRAN ALACANT

We are a small group who spend most of the time here in Gran Alacant.

If you are interested in joining one of our If you want to find out more about running rides look us up on Facebook locally, whether it be competitively, for Gran Alacant Road Cyclist fitness, or for companionship as a part of (Bici Gran Alacant) Gran Alacant Runners team where ride details are posted. why not contact Geoff on WhatsApp 0044/ 747 685 1356

GRAN ALACANT GOLF SOCIETY

For February, tee time remains 9am returning to 8am in March

The Society details are as follows: Where: El Plantio Golf Resort. The offficial address is A-79, Km3, 03114, Alicante.

When: the formal Society Day is Tuesday’s weekly when all golfers are most welcome.

In addition we have an informal get together on Friday’s weekly which has always been a Gentleman’s Day. Time: on both days at normally at 8am so please be there by 7.40am. Occasionally the Starter may request we change the time so unless you are a regular golfer it would be best to check with us beforehand.

Cost: usually 50 euros per round at peak times to include a buggy plus 1.50 euros mandatory insurance charge.

Can be cheaper during less busy off peak seasons. In addition the Society requires 5 euros sweep money which is all paid out at the end of the round.

As always new members and/or guests are always welcome, whether a full time resident, someone with your own holiday home for regular visits throughout the year or a holiday maker in the region.

We would love to see you.

For more information please contact either Barry C (686180585) or Barry D (966183018)

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