Gran Alacant Advertiser June 2019

JUNE

2019 ISSUE 173

YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE SINCE 2005

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PHONE - ENGLISH : 865 663 993 Lou&Ged PHONE - ESPAÑOL: 676 741 983 Camila

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EMAIL: info@granalacantadvertiser.com

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Hello everybody,

We would like to thank the TOURISM COUNCILLOR for enabling Jose Manuel Blasco to join our magazines monthly column.

Many of you will surely have met Jose at the Tourist Information Counter in Santa Pola. He always exudes enthusiasm for all that is happening in our area.

Here are his suggestions of “Where to visit” and ‘What to see” for this month June is the month for the celebration of one of the biggest fiestas in Spain “ Bonfires of St. John” when you can enjoy so many things!

For example, bull fighting from the 21st to 29th, celebrations in the streets from the 20th to 24th and burning of the beautiful cartoon monuments on the night of the 24th. After the burning of the monuments, a fantastic international fireworks contest will be held the for the next 5 days!

Also all these municipalities that celebrate their main fiestas, Moors and Christians in: Benjuzar 19th to 23rd, Teulada-Moraira, Pego 27th to 30th, Agost 29th, Benissa 28th to 1st July.

On the night of the 23rd, some fires will be lit on the beach to celebrate ancestral rituals and traditions.

From 7th to 9th the international karate competition will be held at the Castle.

From 21st to 23rd will be held the VIII International handball Tournement, on the football field “Manolo Macia”.

On the 22nd a concert in honour of the Lady of Rosario will be held, and on the 23rd “La Romeria” The “Cape Pilgrimage” to Our Lady of Rosario. The Lady is moved from town to her chapel situated in the Cape of Santa Pola, of course, you are welcome to come and join us.

On the 7th of July the International open Water swimming competition will be held from Tabarca to Santa Pola. Come and support this fantastic sporting event.

That’s all for June, my friends.

Hello Everybody, We hope you are all ready for a feast of fun and music this month with some great musicians appearing all over Gran Alacant this month; quiz nights available most nights of the week, karaoke in quite a few bars; whatever your taste you will find it on somewhere around Gran Alacant, so please go and support these venues but most of all enjoy yourselves and have great June in Gran Alacant.

Have a good month, Ged & Lou Our little dog Zia and our cat Casper have hidden themselves away in the magazine, can you find them? Last month Zia was on page 12 and Casper on page 2

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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 Q: Telephone Signal Back once again in Gran Alacant and everything is perfect except for one thing.

The one thing that’s been going on for years and that is the lack of a decent mobile signal in bottom Alacant. I stay in Avd. Polonia near the bars past the school and I keep getting asked the same question which usually is, why is your mobile switched off I’ve been trying to get a hold of you? I know a mast was being put up near the bars and then taken down again can the Town Hall tell people when something will be done to bring this part of Gran Alacant up to date?

Jim C. Avd. Polonia Town Hall Answer: The municipality of Santa Pola, since we have registered 31,000 people, and we do not reach the figure of 50,000, has no competence in telecommunications matters.

However, every time that we receive a formal complaint from the Town Hall of any neighbour, we transfer it to the corresponding Ministry, which is the competent one in this matter.

We can only give information to the public and that if they have any ongoing problem with the telephone signal they can go to the following electronic address to transfer it directly to the Ministry: https://www. usuariosteleco.gob.es/reclamaciones/ Paginas/reclamaciones.aspx Q: Public and Local Holidays: You are writing so many good things in your Magazine. Could you make The Santa Pola Town Hall write down all the holidays public and local?

Best regards Lis J., Altomar I

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Dates are as below: January 1st New Years Day January 6th Epiphany March 19th Fathers Day Good Friday Date varies depending on Easter Easter Monday Date varies depending on Easter May 1st Labour Day August 15th Assumption Day October 9th Valencian Community Day October 12th Hispanic Day November 1st All Saints Day December 6th Constitution Day December 8th Immaculate Conception December 24th Christmas eve December 25th Christmas Day December 31st New Years Eve

Q: Positive Action Demanded Hi Ged & Lou, yes it’s me again. A few weeks ago the council said they were going to get an engineers report on the state of Calle Malta, could you ask them for a copy of the report please? Hopefully before I disappear down a pothole !

I also want to comment on Fiona's letter in the last issue of the G.A Advertiser. I totally agree with Fiona & pleased someone else is shouting about the lack of concern about the cleanliness of Gran Alacant.

Lets have more support & get a reaction from the council.

Calle Malta & Calle Chipre have still not been cleaned since before Christmas.

But I see the council gives the same answer to Fiona's point. "They are passing the information to the Contractor" I am asking the council either to do their job & demand that the contractors do this work we pay them for or take action

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to refund the people of Gran Alacant for breach if contract. I would like to remind the council we pay their wages through our taxes & we expect them to do what they are paid for instead of passing the book.

Very disappointed in their lack of concerns of Gran Alacant residents.

Regards Bill Town Hall Answer: Of course there is no problem in sending you a copy of the aforementioned report.

If you would like it, we will gladly send it to you.

Regardless of the above, we have moved your complaint and your discomfort about the lack of cleanliness of the streets Malta and Cyprus to the company in charge of road cleaning, and we have given them a period of 1 week to solve the problem.

Q: New construction on Ave Escandinavia I live on Ave Escandinavia, Brisas del Faro and opposite us (next to Balcones del Mar) there is waste land that is to be built on, work starting September this year. The rumours about what is to be built there ranges from, a shopping mall, apartments, and lately a four star hotel with a restaurant and bars.

Please, please could find out what exactly they are going to build there and put me and my neighbours out of our misery we would be eternally grateful.

Yours in anticipation Enid, Brisas del Faro Town Hall Answer: According to the background of the Department of Urbanism, in the aforementioned plot the construction of a small 4-star hotel is foreseen, just like one of those rumours to which you referred.

Q: Vectalia I feel that the service now as got worse after the takeover from Baile. The drivers seem more stressed and sometimes unfriendly.

A question I am asking Vectalia support is: Why didn´t the Shopping bus go to

the Carabassi Beach yesterday (the 7th of May)? The bus left GA Shopping Center 16.00. We watched the bus coming down the hill and turned left on Av Del Carabassi instead of going down to the Beach!

Did the driver not know the route or have I missed something from their timetable?

Could you please ask their management what plans they have to change their service back to "normal" again or even better!

Kind Regards, Lars Reply from Gran Alacant Advertiser: We understand your frustration.

We ourselves are still waiting for a reply from Vectalia and hoping to have a statement from them in our next issue.

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1,341,713 passengers during last April, which represents an increase of 9.7% compared to the same month of the year 2018. ********** Gran Alacant Oldies Walking Football Club held their very own, first time, five team tournament, at the Santa Pola Pereira Stadium on May 13th 2019.

BARRY’S BITS OF NEWS:

Big news this month is………who won the local elections………you will know the result before this issue is delivered. So I will not speculate. Whoever wins, please give us a Gran Alacant Councillor who lives on Gran Alacant! ********** The picture we showed in a previous edition, was of the new pathway that the council had provided to stop people having to walk on the dangerous road on their way to the beach.

All games were on a round robin basis being played on two adjacent pitches to accommodate the ten fixtures.

The whole tournament was expertly arranged by Doug Kemp who looks after the clubs competitive section. Teams came from Teeside in the UK, San Fulgencio, Hondon, Rojales, and of course, Gran Alacant.

Over 60 players took part and the eventual winners were Hondon, with our Gran Alacant team runners up.

Would you believe it….

They are still walking on the dangerous road, rather than using the new pathway. **********

In the first game against Tees Valley UK we drew 2-2. In the second game against San Fulgenciowe won 1-0. And in the third game against Rojales we won 4-0.

The above picture shows the rapid progress of the first hotel being built on Gran Alacant. ********** And to let all residents know Vectalia have introduced a regular bus service to Elche General Hospital. The timetable is at the back of the magazine. ********** The airport of Alicante-Elche has registered

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In the final game we lost 4-1 to the eventual trophy winners. David Lamb top scored for us in the tournament with five goals.

Final points table was: Hondon 20 Gran Alacant 13 Tees 11 Rojales 4 San Fulgencio 0

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The trophy was presented by myself, Barry Lane at a packed Tango Bar in Santa Pola, where a very nice food spread, plus plenty of alcohol, was laid on by the bar.

I have missed quite a few sessions due to illness, and in my absence the players decided to name the competition after me.

Copa Barry Lane. What a lovely gesture.

The trophy will be competed for, every year in the future.

If you would like to supply news and info for our next edition, please email: info@granalacantadvertiser.com

ZEST DONATION TO ELCHE CHILDRENS HOME

On Sunday 12th May, Elche Children’s Home opened its door for the afternoon giving invited guests and fundraisers the opportunity to see the important work they do looking after children of all ages. Attending this event was Pam from Zest, accompanied by Sharon and Mandy from Chasers. They took with them a donation of 50€, some toiletries and a selection of Zest food to add to the hog roast which was provided to the event by Bell’s Butchers. The afternoon allowed visitors an opportunity to tour the home to see how people’s donations are put to good use. Guests were treated to entertainment of Spanish singing and dancing performed by some of the children. Later, along with others, Pam was invited onto the stage to receive a certificate and thank you card on behalf of Zest. The open day was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended and helped raise awareness of the important work done by the home, which relies on people’s charitable donations.

NEW S.A.T ANIMAL RESCUE CHARITY SHOP OPENING 6TH OF JUNE 12:30

Donations needed of clothing, footware, small household goods, bric-a-brac, books, toys etc. Volunteers to work in the shop required.

Contact: 966 390 881 or visit the shop at Avda.Mediterraneo

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Gran Alacant Advertiser ahora en Español!

Para Información sobre precios de publicación contactanos al 676 74 19 83 Las noticias locales traducidas del ingles por Camila.

Todas las fotos se pueden ver en la Información redactada en Ingles P: Cobertura móvil Estamos de vuelta una vez más en Gran Alacant y todo va bien excepto por una cosa... durante años hemos tenido problemas con la cobertura móvil en la zona de abajo de Gran Alacant. Vivimos en Avda. Polonia, cerca de los bares y el colegio y siempre me preguntan lo mismo, lo que suele ser: “¿por qué está apagado tu teléfono móvil? He estado intentando comunicarme contigo”. Sé que en algún momento estaban colocando un mástil cerca de los bares del Complejo Carabassi y al final lo quitaron. ¿Puede el Ayuntamiento informarnos sobre cuándo se hará algo para actualizar esta parte de Gran Alacant?

Jim, Avd. Polonia Respuesta del Ayuntamiento: El municipio de Santa Pola, puesto que tenemos empadronadas a 31.000 personas, y no llegamos a la cifra de 50.000, no tiene competencias en materia de telecomunicaciones.

No obstante, cada vez que desde el Ayuntamiento recibimos una queja formal de cualquier vecino, se la trasladamos al Ministerio correspondiente, que es el competente en esta materia.

No obstante, sólo podemos dar información a la ciudadanía y es que si tienen cualquier problema continuado con la señal telefónica pueden dirigirse a la siguiente dirección electrónica para trasladarla directamente al Ministerio: https://www. usuariosteleco.gob.es/reclamaciones/ Paginas/reclamaciones.aspx P: Tomar acción Hola Ged & Lou, sí, soy yo otra vez. Hace unas semanas, el Ayuntamiento dijo que iban a obtener un informe de los ingenieros sobre el estado de la calle Malta. ¿Podría pedirles una copia del informe, por favor?

También quiero comentar sobre la carta de Fiona en el último número de G.A

Advertiser. Estoy totalmente de acuerdo con Fiona y me complace que alguien más esté gritando por la falta de preocupación sobre la limpieza del Gran Alacant.

Cuanto más apoyo en estas cuestiones, más probabilidades tendremos de que el Ayuntamiento haga algo.

Las Calles Malta y Chipre no se han limpiado desde antes de Navidad. Pero veo que el Ayuntamiento da la misma respuesta a de Fiona. “Están pasando la información al Contratista”.

Le estoy pidiendo al Ayuntamiento que haga su trabajo y que exija que los contratistas hagan este trabajo por el que les pagamos o que tomen medidas para reembolsar a la gente de Gran Alacant por incumplimiento en caso de contrato. Me gustaría recordar al Ayuntamiento que pagamos su salario a través de nuestros impuestos y esperamos que hagan lo que se les paga en vez de pasar la pelota. Muy decepcionados por la falta de preocupaciones de los residentes de Gran Alacant. Saludos Bill Respuesta del Ayuntamiento: Por supuesto no hay ningún problema en hacerle llegar una copia del citado informe.

Por favor, háganos llegar su dirección de correo electrónico y se lo enviaremos.

Independientemente de lo anterior, le hemos trasladado su queja y su malestar por la falta de limpieza de las calles Malta y Chipre a la empresa encargada de la limpieza viaria, y les hemos dado un plazo de 1 semana para que se solucione el problema que usted refiere.

P: Construcción en Ave Escandinavia Vivo en Ave. Escandinavia, Brisas del Faro (junto a Balcones del Mar) y frente a nosotros, hay terrenos baldíos que se construirán, los trabajos comenzarán en septiembre de este año. Los rumores sobre lo que se construirá allí van desde un centro comercial, apartamentos y, últimamente, un

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TRUST US

AlacantKey We are based in Gran Alacant

• Property Management • Key Holding Service • Rentals hotel de cuatro estrellas con un restaurante y bares.

Por favor, por favor, averigüe qué es exactamente lo que van a construir allí y nos sacará a nosotros ya mis vecinos de nuestra miseria, estaríamos eternamente agradecidos. Saludos cordiales, Enid, Brisas del Faro Respuesta del Ayuntamiento: Según consta en los antecedentes del Departamento de Urbanismo, en la citada parcela se prevé la construcción de un pequeño hotel de 4 estrellas, tal y como uno de esos rumos a los que usted hacía referencia dice.

P: Vectalia Siento que el servicio ha emperorado ahora después de la adquisición de Baile. Los conductores parecen más estresados y, a veces, hostiles.

Una pregunta que le he hecho a la atención de cliente de Vectalia es: ¿Por qué el bus local no fue a la playa Carabassi ayer (el 7 de mayo)? El autobús salió del centro comercial a las 16.00h. Vimos el autobús bajando la cuesta y giramos a la izquierda en Avda. Carabassi en vez de bajar a la playa. ¿El conductor no sabía la ruta o me he perdido algo de su horario? ¿Podría por favor preguntar a su gerencia qué planes tienen para cambiar su servicio a “normal” de nuevo o incluso mejor?

Saludos cordiales, Lars Respuesta: El mes que viene publicaremos la respuesta de Vectalia.

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Email: alacantkey@gmail.com T: + 34 665 638 759 T: + 34 642 621 010 LAS NOTICIAS DE BARRY:

La gran noticia de este mes es que... ¿quién ganó las elecciones locales?... se sabrá el resultado antes de la edición de Junio.

Así que no voy a especular.

Quien gane, por favor necesitamos un Concejal para Gran Alacant que viva en Gran Alacant. ********** La imagen que mostramos en una edición anterior era una de las nuevas vías que el Ayuntamiento ha provisto para evitar que las personas tengan que transitar por la carretera peligrosa en su camino hacia la playa. Eso es lo que creeríamos... Todavía están caminando en la carretera, en lugar de usar el nuevo camino. ********** Entre las primeras páginas pueden ver el rápido progreso del Hotel en construcción. ********** El aeropuerto de Alicante-Elche ha registrado 1.341.713 pasajeros durante el pasado mes de abril, lo que representa un incremento del 9,7% en comparación con el mismo mes del año 2018. ********** El Gran Alacant Oldies Walking Football Club celebró su primer torneo de cinco equipos por primera vez en el estadio de Santa Pola Pereira el 13 de mayo de 2019.

Todos los partidos se jugaron en dos campos adyacentes para poder acomodar los diez partidos.

El torneo completo fue organizado por Doug Kemp, que se ocupa de la sección competitiva del club.

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Los equipos vinieron de Teeside en el Reino Unido, San Fulgencio, Hondon, Rojales y, por supuesto, Gran Alacant. Participaron más de 60 jugadores y el equipo de Hondon salió ganador, con nuestro equipo de Gran Alacant como subcampeones. En el primer partido contra Tees Valley UK empatamos 2-2. En el segundo partido contra San Fulgenciowe ganamos 1-0.

Y en el tercer partido contra Rojales ganamos 4-0. En el juego final perdimos 4-1 ante el equipo ganador de Hondon. David Lamb fue nuestro máximo goleador del torneo con cinco goles.

La tabla de puntos finales fue Hondon 20 Gran Alacant 13 Camisetas 11 Rojales 4 San Fulgencio 0 El trofeo fue presentado por mí mismo, Barry Lane, en el bar Tango de Santa Pola, donde pudimos disfrutar de una buena comida.

Me he perdido algunas sesiones debido a enfermedad y, en mi ausencia, los jugadores decidieron nombrar la competición como yo.

Copa Barry Lane. Qué hermoso gesto.

Si desea enviar noticias o información para la próxima edición, envíe un correo electrónico a: info@granalacantadvertiser.com READ THE MAGAZINE EVERY MONTHCARABASSI AT www.granalacantadvertiser.com CENTRE

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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 CHAMPIONS OF CHAMPIONS Playing for Monte Mar in the Ladies Pairs Lynne Armitage and Margaret Finlayson After two challenging games Lynne and Margaret got through to the semi finals.

In the semi finals Lynne and Margaret lead until the last two ends but lost to Kath and Ann from San Louis. They both thoroughly enjoyed the experience of playing in the Champions of Champions.

VCL The VCL started on Friday 5th April with a hard match against a team from Vistabella, which ended in a ten point to two defeat.

Well done to the winning rink of Harry Dobson, Lynne Armitage, Alan Ashberry and skip Dave Melville.

The next match was away and saw us winning against Horadada. Well done to Lynne Armitage and John Hunt who played singles, Cliff Norris, Howie Williams skip Graham Smythe.

Points Monte Mar 7 – 5 Horadada.

excellent comeback from our pairs Lynne Armitage and Colin Asmussen and our rinks Wendy and Iain Sheridan, Joan Harding skip Barrie Woodfine both teams winning on the last end.

Points Monte Mar 4 – 8 Greenlands.

Well done to all our VCL squad players.

DRAWN AUSSIE PAIRS On Tuesday 23rd April we held our first drawn Aussie Pairs. The competition was a great success and was played in good humour. The winners were Mick Soars and Ian Hamilton.

CHICKEN RUN The monthly chicken run was attended by thirty seven members. The winners of the chickens was Lynne Armitage and John Hunt, Wendy Sheridan and Mick Soars won the eggs. Thank you to Sue and Les Bounds who donated the chickens and Julia and Ian Hamilton who donated the eggs.

Then came Quesada where we had a very good win. Both our singles won, well done to Joan Harding and Phil Goble. Well done to pairs Dianne Horsington and Jack Burrell, rinks Lynne Armitage, Chris Harding, Keith Simpson skip John Hunt.

Points Monte Mar 10 – 2 Quesada.

Our next home match saw us against a very strong team from Greenlands. There was a

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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 BELFRY DAY Thursday 9th May The third Belfry Day was held on a lovely sunny day. Twelve teams of trips played for a hour on three different rinks. The winners were Harry Dobson, Mick Soars and Terry Cottle. After the competition we all enjoyed a carvery at the Belfry where the winners were presented with their cup and medals.

THE FOUR NATIONS On Saturday 4th May Monte Mar hosted the annual Four Nations. After the morning session England were in the lead, this all changed in the afternoon as Ireland once again were the winners. The Irish team with the most shots were Lynne, Tricia, Florence and Mike.

ART EXHIBITION On June 9th Gary Sams will be holding a art exhibition at LoungeD. Expressive landscapes, portraits, cityscapes, and seascapes. Telephone 661601899.

For further information about Monte Mar Bowls and Social Club check out our website or email us at info@montemarbowls.com.

We are also on Facebook. www.montemarbowls.com THIS MAGAZINE IS NOW IN ITS 14TH YEAR. TRUST US. WE MAKE YOUR ADVERT WORK.

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The Royal British Legion

Caring and campaigning for our ex-Service community.

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

NEXT MEETING 3RD JUNE 2019 AT 18:00 New members always welcome and you Do Not need to be Ex Service to join.

Further details from – Chairman 96 669 5423 or Email:granalacant.secretary@rbl.community

INTERCLUB

Interclub is a social group formed in 1983 that aims to provide a meeting point for ex-pats. The club meets on Thursdays in Infernum Restaurant C.C. & stages dinner dances & quiz nights.

For more information email: bobnewby@live.com

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C/Holanda 9, bajo 8 Gran Alacant

• • • • • • • • • • •

T: 865 789 554

DENTAL CLINIC PEDIATRICS CARDIOLOGY GYNECOLOGY PSYCHIATRY PSYCHOLOGY OSTEOPATHY PHYSIOTHERAPY AESTHETIC MEDICINE GENERAL PRACTICIONER HOME ASSISTANCE 24H

www.familydoctors24h.com

www.familydoctors24h.com

IT IS BETTER TO PREVENT THAN TO TREAT! The general medical examination has been considered as one of the most important practices in preventive medicine. It has been called "periodic medical examination" since its period can vary between one and five years, depending on the age. However, some people call it "annual examination" because of its annual periodicity.

In children, the periodic examination needs to be frequent as it is accompanied by other preventive measures, such as vaccines.

Nonetheless, in adolescents and adults it is common to go to the doctor when there are any symptoms of illness. Occasionally, a medical examination is required to determine the state of health to obtain a job, a trip, a driving license, studies, or to engage in some risky activities.

Since a large percentage of serious diseases are a result of lifestyles, environmental or genetic factors, the doctor plays an important role on preventing diseases by selecting the study methods, and giving the appropriate counseling.

There are levels of prevention. The first one is to prevent a disease before it occurs: vaccines, for example. The second one consists in detecting diseases at the earliest stage of their development, such as mammography in breast cancer.

The third level of prevention prevents complications when there is already a disease, for example, medication for high blood pressure or diabetes.

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The medical examination plays an important role in the detection of diseases, since the lifestyle, the symptoms of the patient and the physical examination often detect conditions or diseases at the beginning. A follow-up is important as many times the doctor can see changes in the patient over time, which the same patient may have not noticed.

In adults, one of the most important fears is the appearance of cancer, which is why much of the medical checkup in adults is aimed at the early detection of malignant tumors. Another important aspect that worries adults is the early detection of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, osteoporosis, lung diseases in smokers, etc.

Based on the what has been stated before, the recommendation of a routine checkup of an apparently healthy person with no symptoms of illness has been stratified by age and gender groups. The guides say what are the tests that a healthy person must have, of certain age, every certain time (usually it is annual).

The doctor, with their criterion, will state if more tests are necessary. The medical review is the best way there is to prevent any type of disease, as well as to treat it in time.

Here we have only a few examples.

A general medical checkup should include: Basic blood test that includes cholesterol

PLAZA MAYOR

and glucose, weight control, blood pressure, electrocardiogram, tumor markers from a certain age. As well as chest x-ray and / or abdominal ultrasound in some cases.

Gynecological review Women aged 18 and over must be checked once a year. It is also advisable to have a cytology, in addition to tests that include testing for human papillomavirus (HPV), the precursor of cervical cancer. From about 25 years of age, breast ultrasounds are recommended.

Meanwhile, after 40 years should include a mammogram.

Prostate Men older than 50 years have to be tested annually. The PSA value is the most important to control the prostate and is determined by tests.

If you want to know what tests are necessary for your age, consult our page www.familydoctors24h.com and you will find all the information in our blog or you can call us and make an appointment.

The doctors of Gran Alacant Family doctor 24h, are accredited professionals, dedicated and very close to you, trustworthy. María José, Patricia and Soraya, speak English, and we assure you a quick response, confidentiality, communication. The results of the analytics will be told the same day, and some special tests are managed with our collaborating hospitals, in them we guarantee a special treatment , as well as preferred appointments for our patients (the same day or as soon as possible) If you want to know us visit our clinic, it will be a pleasure to assist you.

At Gran Alacant family doctors we have a health unit with multilingual and multicultural professionals at your service.

C/Holanda 9, bajo 8 Gran Alacant

T: 865 789 554

www.familydoctors24h.com FAMILY PLAN MEMBERSHIP

- 160€ per year per person - 300€ per couple - 560€ Family of 4 - FREE Annual Dentist check & polish - FREE Fluor in children - GP consultations 20€ - 10% discount with specialists - 50% discount emergency home visit - Annual Gynecologist complete revision 75€ - Psychology: 5 session 225€ 10 session 400€ SPECIAL OFFERS FOR MEMBERS

ONLY EACH MONTH

DENTIST 15% DISCOUNT ON GENERAL & 20% DISCOUNT ON CONVENTIONALLY ORTHODONTIC TREATMENTS BASIC MEDICAL CHECK UP 2 X CONSULTATION WITH DOCTOR, ECG & BLOOD TEST

YOUR HEALTH IS OUR PRIORITY PLAZA MAYOR

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The Reiki Room

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Harmonious Healing

with Jackie Canale

International Practicioner of Holistic Medicine, fully licensed & insured

BIKINI SEASON

With temperatures climbing over the last month swimwear season is fast approaching and for you people out there who may be anything like me, the thought of it makes you feel a little uncomfortable in your stomach (it is now that I wish I stuck with that bikini body idea! Maybe next year!)

So this month is dedicated “mostly” to the women, however there are some men out there who may also pick up a few tips.

I watched a video on Facebook from a very outspoken personal trainer sharing his views on cellulite and enjoyed his video.

It made me think about writing this months column.

So many of us worry about our “problem areas” as we like to call them but when it comes to cellulite we can try and minimise it, but sometimes it's just the way it is.

9 times as many women as men suffer cellulite. This is partly due to the different

structure of the skin, and the fact that it is really true, us women have more underlying fat cells. It is mainly due to water retention plus the toxins we accumulate in our bodies which weaken the connective tissue just below the surface of the skin. It is less common in physically active /athletic females who have very low body fat.

FOODS BEST TO BE AVOIDED: High saturated fat foods, like chocolate, clog up our lymphatic system, which will add to our cellulite (bad news for us chocoholics!).

Avoid mass produced cakes and pastries or foods with high salt content, like tinned foods or takeaways. Salt retains more fluid in the tissues, which means storing more toxins.

Avoid too much coffee and alcohol; these choices strain the liver, which is already working hard enough dealing with the toxins from your diet. Take care of your liver

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FRIENDLY FOODS: Eat plenty of complex carbs like beans, lentils, fruit and vegetables and choose brown rice and pasta. They are stored with plenty fibre which aids faster elimination of toxins. Plenty of water daily and add some organic seeds like pumpkin, linseeds, sunflower to fruits, salads and cereals.

An apple (or 2) daily, apples contain pectin which helps eliminate toxins.

HELPFUL REMEDIES: Take a multivitamin and mineral daily for your age and gender.The herb gotu kola is “apparently “ one of the most successful remedies for cellulite when taken orally, 500mg, 3 times a day for 2 or 3 months.

Massage in any form is beneficial as it increases circulation and lymph drainage.

If you're not able to treat yourself to a massage on a weekly basis, get a skin brush which increases circulation and eliminates toxins from the body. Always dry brush up towards the heart. I add essential oils to mine, I make up a detox body oil containing oils such as juniper, grapefruit, fennel, lemon or rosemary, it helps detoxify and firm the body by improving microcirculation, oxygenation and elimination. Juniper and fennel are natural diuretics. Try the brushing every morning on your skin and it works great as a moisturiser at the same time.

Please note: not all essential oils are safe for everyone and should be treated with care toward certain ailments, if you want to try this and unsure with any condition you may have, please get in touch and I will happily assist.

Exercise encourages circulation in the elimination of toxins. Walking & stretching daily is also good if you don't have time for that exercise class that day.

No ‘fad’ diets … if you need to lose weight, do it gradually; losing weight too quickly can make the appearance of cellulite worse.

Slow and steady wins the race!

And lastly, just love the skin you're in ... we are all perfect imperfections and entitled to enjoy your life to the max, so don’t allow your own inhibitions to get in the way of that. When we learn to love ourselves we start radiating that feeling and looking and feeling better for it.

So before trying out any of these remedies just learn to be kind to yourself first, and realise there ain’t none of us perfect, it will help the process!

Much love Jackie x

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SIERRA MAR Mayka’s Kitchen Hi all Summer is almost here and time for fresh salads, fish dishes and lots of drink.

This month I have decided to make Stuffed Tuna.

I known is a hot dish but it is fish and I love fish!

Hope you all enjoy it x

Stuffed Tuna

Ingredients for 4 • • • • • • •

500G OF TUNA 100G OF FRESH STREAKY BACON 6 PEELED CLOVES OF GARLIC 5DL OF WHITE WINE 1DL OF OLIVE OIL 6 BLACK PEPPER CORNS SALT

Let’s Start!

After washing and skinning the tuna, let it rest for half an hour in cold water. Put the pepper and garlic in the mortar and crush. To begin stuffing the tuna, first make holes with a suitable instrument and then insert the bacon together with the mixture from the mortar. Then cook the tuna with the olive oil and add white wine and a little salt. Cover and allow to cook for 20 or 30 minutes.

Serve with Boiled potatoes and hot and lots of crusty bread.

Enjoy x

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MAYKA’S KITCHEN

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The Importance of Walking I like long walks,especially when they are taken by people who annoy me.

The only reason I would take up walking Is so that I could hear heavy breathing again I have to walk early in the morning, before my brain figures out what I'm doing..

I joined a health club last year and spent about 400 quid, but haven't lost a pound.

Apparently you have to go there.

My grandpa started walking five miles a day when he was 60.

Now he's 97 years old and we don't know where the hell he is Every time I hear the dirty word 'exercise', I wash my mouth out with chocolate.

The advantage of exercising every day is so when you die, they'll say, 'Well, she looks good doesn't she.'

If you are going to try cross-country skiing, start with a small country.

I know I got a lot of exercise the last few years ...... just getting over the hill.

We all get heavier as we get older, because there's a lot more information in our heads. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

AND Every time I start thinking too much about how I look, I just find a Happy Hour and by the time I leave, I look just fine.

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Animals as Teachers

By Jemma NEW S.A.T Animal Rescue Charity Shop Opening on 6th of June ...

New beginnings...

Hi, I’m Jemma, I share what I continue to learn from animals through my work as a volunteer with them at www.satanimalrescue.com and at www.easyhorsecare.net This month I am thrilled to share with you the imminent opening of the new SAT charity shop, situated in the Sueño Azul row of shops and cafés in Gran Alacant.

This means that Gran Alacant will have one charity shop to help support the horses (down at MASA square if you haven’t found it yet) and one to help support the dogs.

The SAT shop will be managed by the lovely Bobbie Drever, whom many of you know from Quiz at the LoungeD, and I shall be a key holder and help where needed. Bobbie will be a kind and organised manager, whose previous teaching skills will much benefit the shop’ s efficient running, and she aims to create a friendly and forward thinking atmosphere for both staff and customers.

Bobbie and her husband George) regularly walk dogs at SATs. They adopted a dog who sadly died soon after, went on to hand feed an abandoned litter before they had foster homes, and then to adopt two more dogs, Raul and Peggy who are now part of Bobbie with Peggy their family, and given as much love and attention as they could ever wish for.

Bobbie has an abundance of real and personal experience, along with her bubbly personality to bring to her new role.

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Donations of clothes, books, bric a brac, household goods and small furniture items in good repairs, most welcome please.

Also if you can help volunteer in the shop a few hours a week please visit the shop.

Bobbie will be there most mornings 11 to 12, or you can ring her on +34 966390881, or me on +44 7768198598.

This month then I have been contemplating new beginnings, both for myself and for the dogs.

I am pleased to say that many of the dogs do go on to find happy homes, and to begin a new life. Some though have a new beginning, that promises a new way for life, but later go on to have that new beginning harshly cut short and are returned to the kennels; by death, illness or change of circumstances (often the very same reasons that bring them to SATs in the first place).

Some of the cases have been very sad.

Roxy, a gentle loving staffie came back after just a few days because the new owners had a bird in a cage and she kept barking at it. Sometime a puppy comes back because it chews things (really!). I guess we all hope for so much, and anticipate a positive outcome when a new door is opened, be it work, relationship, change of home, whatever… Many times that comes true but not always, and I do wonder how a dog feels, along with it’s obvious sadness when it is returned to SATs. Please if you can give a dog a new beginning do visit SATs. And before making the final commitment to homing a dog ensure you have thought very carefully on any things that could aversely affect that decision. And have you ever considered making provision for your dog (or any animal for that matter) in your Will?

Leaving a donation to SATs, Easyhorsecare or another animal charity will give peace of mind for his/ her future, and ensure a new beginning for him on your ending.

Until next month, Jemma x

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HIKING WITH HEIDI & OLLI THE PATHS LESS TRAVELED

Barranc de Tarongers, Ontinyent, Valencia

Driving Time: 1hr 10mins Walking Time: 2-3 hours Google maps directions: Aparcamiento interior Barranc de Tarongers, Ontinyent, Spain (But leave your car to the parking lot right next to CV-81)

My name is Heidi and I come from Helsinki, Finland.

With my husband Olli-Pekka and our 3 dogs we live in Gran Alacant and enjoy the brilliant Mediterranean climate and possibility of discovering new hiking routes all over our Alicante province and sometimes even a bit further.

Ironically, I have a fear of heights, but I love the views from tops of the mountains too much to stay away. Our dogs are getting older so all the hikes need to be suitable for them too as they always go on our adventures with us. I also love photography and always take load of pictures from our hikes.

Barranc de Tarongers in Ontinyent, Valencia is a nice start for two separate hikes.

1) You can choose to hike to Bocairent and back along the river with it’s mills. Or 2) You can make a circular hike to Alt del Castellar starting with the Bocairent route, but before the big mill you choose to continue up with the Castellar sign. You can see the circular route map in the small

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parking lot right next to the road CV-81.

We went to the top, but also visited the biggest mill, the fabric factory too, which was just few hundred meters from the crossing of these two routes.

If you do the circular route, it’s about 6 km and if you go to Bocairent and back, it will be about 10,5 km.

Routes are well marked and easy to follow, but I recommend good mountain boots.

You can fill your water bottle at the fountain right at the start of the route. There’s also big Aldi close by if you just continue the

THE PATHS LESS TRAVELED

HIKING WITH HEIDI & OLLI THE PATHS LESS TRAVELED

activity for what they were built.

We were lucky and saw some Spanish wild goats over the parking lot area on top of the mountain. So keep your eyes open!

As the summer is getting hotter, the following months we’ll introduce few amazing natural pools you can dip into while seeing sights.

road CV-81 downhill to the roundabout.

You can get your snack and drinks from there too.

Quite soon after starting the route you will pass a rock climbing area.

After that you will begin to see the remains of five water mills that were mostly used as flour mills and as textile factories. The raw materials were brought into the ravine by animals. Materials were coming mainly from the towns of Banyeres de Mariola and Bocairent, but depending on the demand, they were also supplied from the livestock areas of Castellón, Teruel and Castilla.

These mills were active until the 50s of the last century. Due to the electrical restrictions, some of them would become hydroelectric power stations abandoning their main

Next month we go on foot again, Hasta luego, Heidi & Olli

CHECK LIST

Always when going on hikes check that: • Your Mobile Phone is fully charged • Water - climbing up is hard job & you will need it • Snacks (Remember to take all the garbage back down with you!)

• Have good shoes for walking • Have small first aid kit with you • Have layered clothes. Up hill might be very windy and cold, even on a warm day.

Coming down might be chilly, so extra dry t-shirt to change into if needed is not a bad idea • Always tell someone where you are going and when you’ll approx. be coming back

THE PATHS LESS TRAVELED

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DRAMA IN A TEACUP

W

rit

The Sound of Silence It wasn’t the noise of the crickets that irritated Rodger; it was the incessant nature of the noise. The only thing he found more annoying was the noise of the frogs that followed, after sunset. He had lain in the same spot each evening and night for three days, surveying the small house and its occupant. His vantage point was, as always, carefully selected to ensure concealment, clear view and evacuation route after his job was done.

His targets were nameless. Rodger had no need of a name for them. They were chosen by whoever was paying the bill and he was given enough information to ensure identification by sight and location. He had no wish to know the reason for their termination. It was enough for him to know that what he did was, in some way, a simple method of cleaning up an otherwise messy situation. He would later discover from the media reports, the completely innocent and angelic lives that his targets had lead, knowing that someone had a different viewpoint. In the main they were terrorists of some sort. Perhaps not the open, bombers or machine gun waving variety but nevertheless they would be terrorising someone. It could be a business associate, slighted partner or maybe someone left out of a will. Different people had different views of what constituted terror. They perhaps confused a terrible event with being terrorised, it mattered not to Rodger, so long as the price was right and the job was feasible, he was prepared to take it on. Peopled died every day in traffic accidents, accidents in the home, sudden heart attacks; what was another one to add to the statistics? He was helping with overpopulation. Rodger never lost sleep over the results of is work.

This job was in a miserable, hot, damp humid place and he was pleased that it would be over quickly. He had used a well-tried method of entering the country as a golfing tourist. His long-gun had been expertly constructed to break down into parts that would appear to the customs and security

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scanners as part of the contents of his golf bag. His exit from the country would also be straightforward. It always was.

As he lay carefully hidden in the undergrowth, the noise of the fauna was driving him to distraction, and he could not afford to be distracted because accuracy was his trademark and his reputation.

During the day it was the crickets and then, separated for a few minutes by the sound of silence, the frogs would croak in rising and falling waves of continuous noise. As if this was not enough, he was being eaten alive by what appeared to be the world’s biggest biting insects. He longed for the return of a simple comfortable job in a hotel room or a clean view from under the giant billboard on a rooftop.

During the previous three days the occupant of the house had followed the same procedure at bedtime. A walk from the lounge to the bathroom just after sunset, back to the lounge to finish a glass of what Rodger thought might be red wine, and then into the back of the house to the bedroom.

Although the blinds were always drawn, the silhouette of the figure was unmistakable.

The short nose, delicate chin, long neck and short cut hairstyle matched perfectly the images he had been given.

Rodger saw her walk past the window of the lounge towards the bathroom.

She appeared for a moment behind the bathroom blind and then moved on. He rested his index finger, lightly on the trigger and his thumb easily found its place on the safety catch. She would come back into his sights in just a few moments, as she had done during his surveillance period. A grey shadowy figure, hardly seaming real.

The noise of the singing crickets stopped abruptly and the few moments of silence would be swallowed up by the rising volume of the frogs’ chorus, but the next sound Rodger heard was the unmistakable “click” of a safety catch, just behind his right ear.

Rodger never heard the frogs, the crickets, or any other sound; ever.

FIVE MINUTE FICTION

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Well done Maureen!

At the annual darts presentation Maureen Keeler took to the stage and reminded us, that the Gran Alacant Darts League has been going for 15 years!

Maureen paid tribute to all who have helped keep the darts league going including the past and present administrators whose time and effort is very rarely acknowledged.

Well done everyone!

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Out & About with Star & Ashlee Science Museum & Bio Park, Valencia Hi my name is Star and I have been lucky enough to call Gran Alacant my home for over 11 years now. My 9 year old daughter Ashlee and I are often “Out & About” enjoying the local attractions and culture in this part of Spain. Over the next few months I will be sharing some of our experiences with you to encourage you to go “Out & About” yourselves and maybe learn a little bit about this beautiful place we call home.

Summer is almost upon us but before suncream, sand and water parks are the order of the day we wanted to continue sharing our experiences from a very wet and windy Easter break in Valencia starting with the Science Museum. If you read last months article you will remember that the Harry Potter Exhibition is being held in the Science Museum so whilst we were there we paid the small entrance fee and enjoyed some of the many interactive activities.

a room that made her shrink and grow, seeing bed bugs by looking through one of the many mattresses that the Princess sat upon and controlling a wooden pinocchio using hers arms and legs. Ashlee also went to the kids play area where she enjoyed working in construction and building a house.

On the next level we learnt about the human body, Ashlee was amazed to see how long our intestines are by pulling a tube out of a belly button, seeing an enlargement of her fingerprint, trying to recognising smells and changing her image via an adjustable mirror.

On the first floor we entered an area that was filled with colourful giant sized props that are themed around children’s story books. Ashlee thoroughly enjoyed learning about perspective by walking through

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Out & About with Star & Ashlee CARABASSI CENTRE

The majority of the displays are described in Spanish, Valencian and English and there are also a number of different scientific workshops and experiences that you can participate in but it’s best to book these in advance via the Museum website or when you purchase your tickets.

The BioParc Zoo has been on our Valencian wish list for a while so despite the atrocious weather we still decided to pay it a visit. Fortunately there was a bus that stopped near our hotel and dropped us off a short walk from the Zoo. At the entrance there is a massive elaborate sculpture of an Elephant and once inside

we crossed a large bridge and made our way into the unique African themed enclosures. In the African Savannah we saw Zebras, Elephants, Warthogs, Gazelles, Hyenas, Giraffes, Lions, Pythons, Rhinos, Meerkats and numerous different birds. In Equatorial Africa we saw Buffalo, Chameleons, Chimpanzees, Dwarf Crocodiles, Leopards, Hippos and an amazing Gorilla, who unlike some of the other animals seemed to enjoy being in the rain.

In Madagascar there were Flamingos, Pelicans and a special immersive enclosure that had many different species of Lemurs that we could get really close to, under the watchful eye of the keepers who are there to ensure the safety of the

animals and provide information about them. In the African Wetlands there was a Nile Crocodile, Poisonous Frogs and an African Spoonbill. Usually there is a bird and mammal exhibition that takes place once or twice a day, however, due to the weather when we visited it was cancelled.

It is also possible to see animals being fed at various times throughout the day, participate in guided visits to the different areas and watch two different documentaries in the movie theatre. The whole zoo has been well designed with shaded seating areas, a restaurant and a couple of gift shops.

This was our third trip to Valencia and we also took the opportunity to revisit one of our favourite spots, the Oceanografic which is the largest Aquarium in Europe.

You can read more about it at the Gran Alacant Advertiser website as well as all the other places that we have explored over the last few years. Ashlee and I want to encourage others to visit some of the amazing sights that this part of Spain has to offer.

Until next time Star and Ashlee xxx

Out & About with Star & Ashlee

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CYCLING with Bici Gran Alacant

by Olli-Pekka & James Fulcher Bici Gran Alacant is a group for all road bike cyclists in and around Gran Alacant.

Busot and Cuevas de Canelobre

“All the routes are downhill and with a nice tailwind! (except the bits with climbing and a headwind).”

Remember to always take a sense of humour...

Small villages around Alicante province provide interesting sites to visit. One of those villages is Busot. I find myself visiting Busot few times a year. The “Cuevas de Canelobre” are spectacular and the views from there are definitely worth the visit.

The caves are sometimes used as a concert location providing evening entertainment.

During day-times you can get into the caves just to admire them. During hot summer day it might be cooler inside a mountain.

Oh! Of course, there is also a Castillo in Busot.

To get to Busot by bike one needs to navigate through or around Alicante. Our group usually takes the route going through Torrellano. From Torrellano head towards Alicante and on towards San Vicente del Raspeig. From San Vicente follow the CV821 until you come to a roundabout just before Mutxamel. We are lucky to have Jorge to take us through the city as he has great local knowledge. Take the exit that says Monnegre and Mutxamel (norte) so you don’t have to ride through whole of Mutxamel. There is a cycle-path which you can ride on the side of CV-819. Once the cycle path discontinues turn to the right on to a small road that takes you Carrer Comtat. At the end of Carrer Comtat take a left and then a right to Calle Marina which then turns to CV-773 that takes you to Busot. There are nice coffee shops in Busot if you don’t want to do the last 6 kilometers.

The last 3 being a steepish climb to have a coffee at the caves. For the caves take left on a roundabout to Xixona CV-774. The junction to caves is well marked to the right from CV-774.

For the return you can always trace your cookie trail back to home or you can do a loop that will make the ride longer and

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CYCLING with Bici Gran Alacant Sponsored by:

tougher with more climbing. The loop could be to continue to Xixona and from there to Tibi and over to Maigmo and home through Agost. If you choose to come back through Alicante it might be an idea to have a look at some damns made in to Rio Seco around Mutxamiel next to road CV-800.

For example “Assut De Mutxamel” or “Assut de Sant Joan”.

Whole ride https://www.strava.com/ activities/1860686701 Including the climb to Cuevas de Canelobre

Few things to keep in mind: • Always have something to drink with you and for a bit longer rides maybe a banana or muesli-bar • Always have a little money if you need to stop to buy food or drink • Take the phone with you • Many of the small cafés are closed on Mondays • And the most important: Wave the fellow cyclists”

You can find information about several weekly rides on our Facebook page Gran Alacant Road Cyclist “Bici Gran Alacant” and also your local bike shop For Riders have rides and events on their Facebook page.

DISTANCE FOR THE FULL ROUTE: approx. 105km. Moving time approx. 4½ hours.

DIFFICULTY: Medium/Hard (hard for the last climb to the Cuevas de Canelobre) ROUTE: Torrellano – San Vicente del Raspeig – Mutxamel – Busot. Retrace your steps back to Gran Alacant

CYCLING WITH BICI GRAN ALACANT & FOR RIDERS

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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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WHAT’S THAT IN THE CLOT?

by Mark Etheridge

NIGHTINGALE

Each time I visit Spain, it is clear that changes are taking place. Every visit has its star birds for me – I see lots of one particular species, but on the next trip they are hard to find. This spring has been no exception, and I will be remembering it as the Spring of Nightingales; they seem to be everywhere this time around, and there have been at least two singing males in the Clot by the main pool. It was quite an experience to spend my first evening in Gran Alacant at the end of April down at the Carabassi bars checking my e-mails (as usual my home internet was on the fritz), and hearing the wonderful sound of these birds in the depths of the Clot.

Nightingales are famous for the variety, richness and power of their songs, with an estimated 200 or more phrases, the most famous of which is a rising crescendo of “piu, piu” sounds. By the time this article appears, you will probably only have a few weeks to catch the song – by the middle of June most of them will fall silent and one of the greatest sounds in nature will have gone for another year.

So is it a good idea to look for them? What do they look like?

Well hard time their

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the bad news is that they are very to see. They spend most of their in deep undergrowth, advertising presence only through their song.

Most people who manage to see one are extremely disappointed – it is a very plain brown bird with cream underparts, looking a bit like a Robin but without any bling. Most unusually, I managed to catch this one in my photo out in the open at the beginning of May, not my best shot but it was probably the only opportunity I will have this year.

Nightingales are migratory birds, arriving here in April from their wintering grounds in subSaharan Africa, and returning from the middle of August. They feed on insects and their nest is built deep in the undergrowth, often actually on the ground or a foot or so up in a low bush. They favour overgrown areas near water, a good place to look (or listen) for them ias along river beds.

Spain holds an excellent population of these secretive birds, but the situation for Nightingales back in the UK is pretty dire. There has been a fall of nearly 90% in the numbers, in part due to habitat loss in the Southeast of the UK, where the birds are right at the northern edge of their range. They need thick, untidy cover, which of course is unacceptable to County Councils who insist on neat and manicured parks and gardens, and the unrestricted spread of deer which munch away at the undergrowth.

So slowly we Brits are losing one of our iconic birds, and it is just as well that Spain provides a good home for them, with a thriving population!

You can see more photos of our local wildlife by visiting https://marketheridge.smugmug.com/ See you next month.

Mark

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GRAN ALACANT GOLF SOCIETY Not a great deal to report this month. The Course continues to be in good condition and is a pleasure to play.

One question we are frequently asked is “how much does it cost to play golf with the Society?” Well,it varies across the seasons.

Presently the cost payable directly to the Course for someone walking is 40 euros; whilst the price to hire a buggy for those who do not wish to walk is 20 euros ( or 10 each if 2 share). On top of that the Course will charge 1.50 euros for insurance. The Society asks each player on the day for 5 euros to go into the kitty which is all paid out in prize money, at the end of the round.

Currently this represents a saving of 5 euros on the current green fee and 10 euros on buggy hire compared to someone who arranges their own golf directly with the Course.

Whilst high season is approaching for holidays it is, paradoxically, coming into the low season for golf and deals can be done. For example in June, July and August we will have access to free buggies. When September comes we enter the high season and understand the “off the street” price will increase to 80 euros which means there are substantial discounts to be had by playing with the Society.

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).

TENNIS CLUB - EURO TENIS For players of all standards near Gran Alacant, Santa Pola, La Marina and Elche Playing Tuesday and Friday mornings, 10.00 - 12.00 at Club de tenis Elche.

Details from Sally by email: sallymay113@gmail.com

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CLINICA VETERINARIA GRAN ALACANT EXOTICS

Tel: 966 698 569

SUMMER IS COMING

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

No, you won’t find any kind of “Game of Thrones” spoiler in this month’s article…

Summer is a peculiar moment in comparison with the rest of the year: not only the warmest of the seasons, but also because lots of people (and their pets) are coming to our area within the following 3-4 months.

Here are some tips for preparing our pets for the summer: Parrots and other companion birds: birds usually love direct sunlight and sunny days.

Migratory birds are seen everywhere, and summer is the breeding season for most of them. It is relatively common if we have a female bird at home (without a male) that she may lay some eggs. Of course, the eggs will be sterile, no chick inside; but if the female has no nest available, or the quantity of eggs is big, we may have problems. There are different strategies in this case, but we should ask the Vet. Just removing the eggs is not a good option.

Rabbits and rodents: these animals are extremely sensitive to high temperatures, because they can’t sweat and are quite ineffective dissipating the remarkable corporal temperature their accelerated metabolism produces. They shouldn’t be exposed to sunlight if nobody is watching them (this is also valid for birds), specially from 11 to 18h. A hamster or rabbit may die of a heat stroke very easily in summer. Fresh water available all day round is not enough; they must also have a covered place for escaping from direct sunlight.

Cats: Cats love sunbathing and some of them even don’t care if they are nearly “incinerating” themselves. In case of white or poorly coated cats, summer sunlight

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must be totally avoided, since the odds of catching a very aggressive skin cancer are very high. It usually affects ears and eyelids and is lethal. Cats which suffer from chronic mouth problems normally have toothache, shouldn’t have cold food, because eating it is very painful for them, so they may start refusing the food. For this reason, if we keep cats wet food in the fridge, we should heat it up first.

Dogs: Dogs that swim daily (swimming pool or sea), may have the antiparasitic power of their collar or spot-on reduced or even eliminated, except in case we are using s 100% waterproof certified product. It takes about 4-5 days for a collar to launch its antiparasitic effect, since the insecticide must reach the whole skin surface. If our dog swims every day for 10-15 minutes, the insecticide disappears and we will need another 4-5 days for creating the barrier again. The solution in this case would be anti flea and tick tablets, but unfortunately they don’t cover mosquito. You can add some citronella spray for a full protection.

For all of them: When we buy a big bag of pet food (because the price per kilo is lower), we should store it in small and hermetic boxes in order to keep the freshness for much longer, and for avoiding the appearing of storage mites at the bottom of the bag, which are completely normal in every house, but they may produce allergic problems in humans and pets when eaten or inhaled.

We must make sure or pets vaccines are updated, specially in case of dogs, since infectious problems such as kennel cough are more common in summer due to air conditioned and more intense “social life”.

Microchip details must be updated too, because the animal may get disorientated more easily in summer (more people, more traffic, more noise…). This updating, in case of RIVIA registered animals, can be done at home via internet, or by the Vet, and it’s a quick, easy and free procedure.

And finally, you must never leave the pet at the balcony or terrace under the sunlight all day round, or in a car not even 5 minutes.

These two facts are forbidden by law.

Have a happy summer.

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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 Gerry is 1 year and weighs just 3.6 kilos, he is very good with people and other dogs, vaccinated and negative for Mediterranean diseases.

Aurora’s is 4 months old, vaccinated, chipped and has her pet passport. She is very sociable and enjoying playing with the other dogs and children in her foster home. She will be small/ medium size when fully grown.

From last month’s edition Estrella, Luna and Wolfy found a new home.

Stella turned up at a volunteers house and 2 days later gave birth to 5 beautiful kittens.

They are doing great and are healthy. There are 2 Siamese, 2 torti coloured and a black and white. We believe mum is only young herself and will also need a home when the kittens have been adopted.

Harry is 9 years old and sadly looking for a new home as his owner has passed away. He is a sweet little boy, chipped, vaccinated and good with other dogs and cats.

To view more animals for adoption visit our website.

If you would like to advertise an animal email: info@petsinspain.com

Tel: 645 469 253

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

Tel: 600 845 420

K9 CLUB www.k9club.es

e-mail: k9clubinfo@gmail.com SIRA Sira is a beautiful grey girl with yellow eyes, she is 7 years old, fully vaccinated and spayed.

BLANCA Pointer/Lab cross. She mixes well with other dogs , likes people and is obedient. She also has an amazing personality and is very intelligent..

Sira came from a home where children pulled her about so not suitable for a home with children or dogs.. Sira will take a little time to adjust in her new home where she is genuinely loved and to realize that her traumatic days are behind her. In the short time she has been with K9 she has become very affectionate towards our shelter managers. Sira is used to being an indoor cat, she really is a lovely cat who deserves a loving home.

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WORDSEARCH WORDSEARCH: GARDEN PLANTS – LAS PLANTAS DE JARDIN in English or Spanish

Geoff’s 1.In Monopoly, what do you get from every player on your birthday?

2.'Vision of a Knight' was the work of which Florentine painter?

3.What nationality was the first non-US, non-Soviet spaceman?

4.What was Mickey Mouse’s original name?

5.The Punic Wars were fought between whom?

QUIZ ANSWERS: 1.£10 2.RAPHAEL 3. CZECH 4.MORTIMER 5. ROMANS & CARTHAGINIANS

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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

4 5

3

2

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8

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9 6

8 7

2 8

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4 1

1 2

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SAMARITANS IN SPAIN

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900 525 100 Difficulty Rating: HARD

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2 5

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7 4 8

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Difficulty Rating: MEDIUM

7 6

6 2 5

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1 9 7

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Find places of interest, and the locaton of all of our advertisers on Gran Alacant.

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ALEXANDRIA • AQUARIUS • GRAN ALACANT PROPERTIES • SHOOTERS • PHOENIX • MAYKA’S KITCHEN • MILEY O’ROURKE’S • MOLLY MALONE’S • REDZ

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5a

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2. PLAZA MAYOR • VET GA EXOTICS • AZAFRAN INDIAN • THE PUB • CHILL OUT GRILL • PATAGONIA • LOUNGED • LA PIAZZA

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3. COMMERCIAL CENTRE • EURONICS ELECTRICAL • HOMEFINDERS • BRICO HOUSE • CENTURY 21 • INFERNUM • GLAROS • LOS DADOS • GET FRESH

TAXI SANTA POLA & GRAN ALACANT Tel: 965 088 398 / M: 677 508 017 24h service - English spoken Accept card payment (VISA, etc)

GA ADVERTISER TOP UP DELIVERY POINT GRAN ALACANT PROPERTIES - QUICKSAVE - EURONICS - GA SERVICES

SUDOKU SOLUTIONS from previous page 7 1 5 6 4 9 8 2 3

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4 6 3 8 1 2 5 9 7

2 9 8 5 7 3 4 1 6

6 4 9 2 8 7 1 3 5

8 2 7 1 3 5 9 6 4

5 3 1 9 6 4 7 8 2

9 7 6 3 5 1 2 4 8

1 8 4 7 2 6 3 5 9

3 5 2 4 9 8 6 7 1

6 7 4 9 2 1 3 5 8

9 2 3 5 6 8 1 7 4

5 8 1 7 3 4 9 6 2

8 3 9 1 5 6 4 2 7

1 5 7 4 8 2 6 9 3

4 6 2 3 7 9 5 8 1

2 1 5 8 9 3 7 4 6

3 9 6 2 4 7 8 1 5

7 4 8 6 1 5 2 3 9

3 8 7 2 9 4 6 1 5

4 5 6 1 8 7

9 2 1 6 3 5 9 7 3 8 2 4

6 4 8 3 5 1 2 9 7

2 3 9 7 4 6 8 5 1

1 7 5 8 2 9

8 1 4 9 7 3

5 9 3 4 6 2

7 6 2 5 1 8

4 5 1 3 6 2 7 4 3 6 8 9

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To get your business on our map call ENGLISH : 966 699 167 / ESPANOL: 676 74 19 83

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• 5A CHIROPODY & PHYSIO

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• 5B GA SERVICES • 5B VICTORIA • 5B HEMINGWAY • 5C GABY HAIRDRESSING • 5C BAR SIOUX • 5C GA TV •

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USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Aquagest 24hr..(water co.)

902 250 170 Aeropuerto 966 919 000 Ayuntamiento-GA 966 697 749 Bus Station 965 130 700 Train Station 902 240 202 Bomberos (Fire) 085 Biblioteca (Library) 966 692 773 Butano gas 966 672 222 Emergency 112 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 LIDL 96 541 11 11 Telefonica 1004

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GRAN ALACANT BUS & TRAIN TIMETABLES

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