Gran Alacant Advertiser March 2018 issue by Gran Alacant Advertiser

MARCH

2018 ISSUE 158

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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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

Hi everybody,

This year the Holy Week takes place at end of March and beginning of April, so from March 25th, which is Palm Sunday to 1st of April, you will be able to enjoy one parade every night except on Saturday. The most beautiful Palm Sunday procession is the one held in Elche. In fact, this procession is declared of International Tourism Interest. If you can’t come to see every procession that is held in Santa Pola and I recommend you to come and enjoy the biggest that takes place on Holy Friday. In the Fortress-Castle a Medieval Market will be held from 28th March to 1st April In Valencia, one of the biggest fiestas in Spain “Las Fallas” takes place. The programme is too long but there are parades on main days from 15th to the 19th, floral offerings etc. This event is very emotive one with spectacular fireworks, festival, dancing and music everywhere, and of course the most impressive “Mascletaes”(powerful firecrackers). If you do not feel like going to Valencia you can always enjoy “Fallas” in Benidorm, Calpe, Denia or Pego This is all for this month, Bye bye friends. Hello Everyone, It’s always nice to see places starting to open again after a very quiet couple of months. Lots of building work in progress in Gran Alacant at the moment, no floods this year so far, a few cool nights but overall the weather has been pretty good to us so far, so don’t forget it’s an early Easter this year and lots happening around Gran Alacant, so see you out and about. 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 23 and Casper on page 57

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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: Gran Alacant Market Hi Lou & Ged, I would just like to add a comment re the Market at Gran Alacant. We rarely go to the market now as we find it had completely lost of atmosphere it had when on Ave Canarias. Always lots of stalls there & after the maybe 4 yrs or so it expanded across Av Mediterraneo along the street where the Dragon 2 restaurant is & went a good half way down that street. It had a great atmosphere & you always saw several people you knew & had a good chinwag. But also the stall holders were very friendly & again we used to wave to them as we passed & they acknowledged you presence . First it was said there would be about 500 stalls at the new market area , but there are very few in comparison to the old market , maybe 30-40? The loss of atmosphere in my humble opinion it is all set out wrong. There are big gaps in the way the stalls are set out some alleys have only one stall. Some stalls & eating-places are in fact on the car park area, I have to ask why? Common sense tells anyone who has any brains that you fill up the stall positions first before overflowing into the much-needed car park. But I am afraid the market as far as I am concerned is not worth a visit now. Makes me wonder who is in control of the market? I can understand for the people of Av. Canarias its much better the market has moved, but I am afraid after the move it has certainly gone down hill. What do others think of the market as it is now? Regards,Bill

Q: Traffic and the Market Dear Sir/Madam Regarding Enrique's email in last month's edition, where he suggests changing the direction of the circulatory system in Calle Monte de Santa Pola to avoid traffic jams; this would not work. His plan could cause traffic to queue down Ave. Escandinavia instead when it is busy. But in truth it is only busy in the early mornings, with the school buses and the market is only operational ONE MORNING a week! However, as Enrique suggests, the littleused U at the bottom of the road, for turning round in Ave Escandinavia, could be changed, so that vehicles can pass the buses whilst stationary at the bus stop. As for the market itself, why do they allow stalls to set up in the market car park, when there is plenty of space in the actual market place? This reduces parking places for customers and often means they have to drive round looking for a place in nearby roads, especially in the summer when there are more visitors. One more thing, people may need to get to the pharmacy quickly, perhaps on holiday and not knowing the area well, if coming from the lower part of G.A. how would they know how to arrive there if the oneway system was changed? Even if they could get directions and understand the language, it would be time-consuming in an emergency. May I suggest Enrique leaves home a couple of minutes earlier to get to his work in time, which is all it usually takes for the road to clear or the bins to be emptied. Yours truly, Rose Townhall Answer: First of all, the decision about changing the location the market was made by the former Government Team, despite the complaints that were risen by the neighbourhood and

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the other politic parties. In addition, and regarding to the control of stalls and eating-places at the area, there is a formal contract between the Town Hall and the person who is in charge of the “cantina”, in which there is stated that no other eating-places must be nearby (that is the reason why the other eating-places are off the area). Related to the control of the stalls, your complaint/suggestions has been transferred to the Market Department, so as they can study the best way to solve the problem which is stated.

BARRY’S BITS OF NEWS: My pet hate about Gran Alacant are the number of times in magazines and newspapers that our urbanization is spelt Gran Alicant. ********** A few years back in this magazine we were always complaining about the silly positioning of the waste bins. Every time they moved them away from a crossing, they ended up outside somebody’s house. If they moved them too far up the road, residents complained that they were too far away for them to walk to the bin. Looks like the nightmare has resurfaced.

Due to any injury on the pitch last month, Julie Parker has very kindly donated a first aid kit for us. Thank you Julie

********** Excitement came to Gran Alacant on the first weekend in February. Snow appeared on the mountains north of the urbanisation towards Benidorm and beyond. Many photos came up on social media. This is quite common in every one of the 15 years that we have lived here. But, it came further towards us than we have ever remembered. Talking to some one who has lived in the area for the last 43 years, it was the furthest towards us that she has ever remembered. Perhaps in a few years time we will be making snowmen in the area.

********** Gran Alacant Oldies Walking Football ClubShirts would like to thank the five local businesses who have sponsored two sets of shirts for their weekly sessions, carrying their advertising. The sponsors paid for all 20 shirts. No club funds were used. Thirteen players have opted to buy their own replica shirts, making a total of 33 shirts supplied and printed by Bumblebee Printing. So thanks go to: Hispania Gran Alacant Properties La Paletta GA-Homefinders And Gran Alacant Advertiser. We welcome all Nationalities at our weekly sessions on Gran Alacant. It is not just for the Brits. For more info email. laneinspain@hotmail.com

********** Watch out for a timetable of a new bus route between Gran Alacant, and the Elche General Hospital, responding to a demand for this service. ********** So sad to hear of a 44 year old motor cyclist killed on the N332 between Gran Alacant and Santa Pola. Very close to home for all of us. If you would like to supply news and info for our next edition, please email: info@granalacantadvertiser.com

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50th Wedding Anniversary Congratulations to Robert & Barbara Rushbrook on their 50th Wedding Anniversary on 9th of March

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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 Q: Mercado de Gran Alacant Hola Lou y Ged, me gustaría agregar un comentario sobre el mercado de Gran Alacant. Raramente vamos al mercado ahora, ya que nos parece que ha perdido completamente el ambiente que tenía cuando estaba en Avda Canarias. En Canarias el mercado estaba a rebosar de puestos y tras más o menos 4 años se empezaron a expandir hacia la Avda. Mediterráneo, a lo largo de la calle donde está el restaurante Dragon 2. El mercadillo tenía "buen rollo", siempre nos encontrábamos con algún conocido, los puesteros muy amables, saludándonos cuando pasábamos por ahí. Al principio se comentaba que habría alrededor de 500 puestos en el nuevo mercado, pero hay muy pocos en comparación con el mercado anterior, ¿tal vez 30-40? Hay una pérdida del ambiente y en mi humilde opinión, todo está mal distribuido. Se han creado zonas vacíos por la forma en que se colocan los puestos, algunos callejones tienen solo un puesto. Algunos puestos y lugares para comer están de hecho en el parking, tengo que preguntar ¿por qué? El sentido común le dice a cualquiera que tenga cerebro que hay que llenar primero el mercado antes de empezar a usar la zona del parking, que es muy necesaria para justamente eso, para aparcar. Me temo que en lo que a mí respecta no merece una visita ahora. Me hace preguntarme ¿quién coordina el mercado? Puedo entender que la gente de Avda. Canarias está mucho mejor desde que el mercado se ha mudado, pero me temo

que después de la mudanza ha ido cuesta abajo. ¿Qué piensan los demás del mercado tal y como está ahora? Saludos, Bill Q: El tráfico y el mercado Querido señor/señora Respecto al correo electrónico de Enrique en la edición del mes pasado, donde sugiere cambiar la dirección del sistema circulatorio en la calle Monte de Santa Pola para evitar embotellamientos; esto no funcionaria. Su plan podría hacer que el tráfico se acumulara en la Avda. Escandinavia. La verdad es que solo hay tráfico por las mañanas, con los autobuses escolares y el mercado solo está operativo UNA MAÑANA por semana. Sin embargo, como sugiere Enrique, el giro en U poco utilizado cerca del mercado, para dar la vuelta en Avda. Escandinavia, podría cambiarse para que los vehículos puedan pasar los autobuses mientras están en la parada de autobús. En cuanto al mercado en sí, ¿por qué permiten que se coloquen puestos en el aparcamiento del mercado? Hay mucho espacio en el mercado actual, además esto reduce los lugares de aparcamiento para los clientes y, a menudo significa que tienen que conducir en busca de un lugar en las carreteras cercanas, especialmente en el verano cuando hay más turistas. Una cosa más, la gente puede necesitar llegar a la farmacia rápidamente, por ejemplo, de vacaciones y sin conocer bien la zona. ¿cómo sabrían cómo llegar allí si se cambiara el sistema de dirección única? Incluso si pudieran obtener instrucciones y entender el idioma, sería una pérdida de tiempo en el caso de una emergencia.

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Puedo sugerir que Enrique se vaya de su casa un par de minutos antes para llegar a su trabajo a tiempo, que es todo lo que normalmente se necesita para que la carretera se despeje o los contenedores se vacíen. Atentamente Rosa Respuesta del Ayuntamiento: En primer lugar, la decisión sobre cambiar la ubicación del mercado fue hecha por el anterior Gobierno, a pesar de las quejas que fueron levantadas por el vecindario y los otros partidos políticos. Además, y en relación con el control de los puestos y comedores en la zona, existe un contrato formal entre el Ayuntamiento y la persona que está a cargo de la "cantina", en la que se indica que no pueden haber otros puestos de comida cerca (esa es la razón por la cual los otros puestos para comer están fuera del área del mercado). En relación con el control de los puestos, sus quejas / sugerencias han sido transferidas al Departamento de Mercado, para que puedan estudiar la mejor manera de resolver el problema que se menciona.

LAS NOTICIAS DE BARRY: Algo que me molesta mucho... he visto una y otra vez como algunos periódicos y revistas publican el nombre de nuestra urbanización "Gran Alicant" ********** Hace unos años siempre nos estábamos quejando al Ayuntamiento sobre la colocación de los contenedores de basura. Cada vez que los movían molestaban a alguien, y si los movían demasiado lejos, la gente se quejaba de la distancia. Parece que estamos en las mismas. ********** El Club de Walking Fútbol de Veteranos quiere dar las gracias a los cinco negocios locales que han patrocinado dos lotes de camisetas para nuestros encuentros semanales. Los patrocinadores han pagado 20 camisetas, no se han usado fondos del club. Trece jugadores han optado por comprar sus propias camisetas, haciendo un total de 33 camisetas proporcionadas e impresas por Bumblebee Printing.

Así que gracias a: Hispania Gran Alacant Properties La Paletta GA Homefinders Gran Alacant Advertiser Damos la bienvenida a cualquiera que se quiera unir a nosotros, todas las nacionalidades son bienvenidas (no es sólo para británicos). Para más información laneinspain@hotmail.com Debido a una lesión el mes pasado, Julie Parker ha donado un kit de primeros auxilios. Gracias Julie. ********** La primera semana de Febrero nos trajo una vista hermosa. Las montañas todas nevadas. Hay muchas fotos publicadas en Facebook e Instagram. Es bastante común, todos los años vemos las montañas nevadas pero esta vez la nevada se acercó más de lo que recordábamos. Hablando con alguien que lleva 43 años en esta zona, dijo que era lo más cercano que recordaba en años. ¡A lo mejor en un futuro estaremos haciendo muñecos de nieve! ********** Echad un vistazo a la tabla de horarios de autobús con ruta Gran Alacant - Hospital de Elche. ********** Triste noticia. Un motociclista de 44 años tuvo un accidente fatal en la N332 entre Gran Alacant y Santa Pola. Si desea enviar noticias o información para la próxima edición, envíe un correo electrónico a: info@granalacantadvertiser.com

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MASA SQUARE Saint

PATRICK’S DAY MARCH 17TH

Roger

FULL DAY OF ENTERTAINMENT STARTS AT 1PM Greg Bannis

(former lead singer of Hot Chocolate)

Paul Allen Melissa Fanning Andy J A Parcel of Rogues

LoungeD

Roger’s

The Belfry PLAZA MAYOR

PLAZA MAYOR

TRASPASO FOR SALE LOCALE in Plaza Mayor Contact: 669 400 210 / 690 229 364

No Time Wasters please

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PLAZA MAYOR EASY HORSE CARE RESCUE CENTRE Our mission is to rescue and rehabilitate abused, neglected and abandoned horses, ponies and donkeys, while campaigning for the better treatment of animals across Spain. We are a no-kill foundation and provide each rescued animal with a safe and loving sanctuary – either here at our centre or via rehoming – for the rest of their lives.

Urgent call for donations as horse sanctuary rescues yet another skeletal and injured donkey

A malnourished donkey with severe facial injuries, found on the streets by Formentera police last week, has been brought to safety at the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre in Rojales. Co-founders Sue and Rod Weeding were called by officers to pick up the abandoned donkey last Friday (January 26), as Spanish police have no official facilities to house large seized and abandoned animals. The Weedings, who now have 110 rescued equines in their care, are providing the donkey with feed and much-needed veterinary care, even as they face mounting bills caused by slow patronage of their charity shops. “At the moment, the charity shops are just dead. It’s just like a ghost town –

we’ve never quite known a January like this. We’re running at under half of what we’d normally take in the charity shops – and we rely on this money to feed and care for our horses, which costs €4500 a week,” Sue said. “We now owe €10,000 for horse feed. We keep paying €1,000 here and there when we can muster it up, but we’re just getting slower and more behind. We also owe the Alicante horse hospital €2,500. So things have been a bit scary of late.” The centre has now launched a two-euro drive, calling on its supporters to donate just two euros (or dollars or pounds) to help pay down these large bills and get the centre back on its feet. “We now have more than 8000 followers on Facebook – if everyone was able to make just one small two-euro donation, we would be able to pay off these bills today. That would be an enormous relief,” Sue said. Donations

PLAZA MAYOR

can

made

online

PLAZA MAYOR e a s y h o r s e c a re . n e t / d o n a t e / o n e - o ff donation, via PayPal using the email address rescue@easyhorsecare.net, or via the ‘donate’ button on the rescue centre’s Facebook page. Meanwhile, the new rescue donkey – which has not yet been named – is receiving daily treatment for her facial wounds. She may also be in foal; scans in a few weeks’ time will determine for sure. “She’s obviously been kept with pieces of rope permanently tied around her face and they’ve grown into her head. She also has quite bad problems with her feet, probably because her hooves have never been trimmed,” Sue said. “But she’s got the most beautiful nature. She’s so lovely and cuddly. We don’t think she’s ever actually had much human contact, it’s almost like nobody’s ever stroked her or given her a carrot. She’s probably just been shut away in some filthy, dirty hole and used for breeding.

“How she ended up on the streets, we’ll never know. We suspect her owner, for whatever reason, just decided to dump her on the street. This is happening more and more now, where people are literally just throwing donkeys and ponies on the street.” Easy Horse Care receives no government funding despite providing this critical animal welfare service to local police, and relies entirely on community support. Donations of cash or items for the centre’s network of six charity shops across the Alicante province are gratefully welcomed. A pick-up service is available to collect large donated items such as furniture and each shop also offers a delivery service for large items purchased in-store. Anyone interested in making a donation, becoming a long-term sponsor, or volunteering at the rescue centre or in the charity shops can call Sue on +34 652 021 980.

Make a donation or Sponsor a rescued horse

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MONTEMAR BOWLS & SOCIAL CLUB

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

MONTEMAR BOWLS & SOCIAL CLUB Monte Mar Bowls and Social Club Sponsored by The Belfry, The Pub, Bowling Abroad, Avalon, LoungeD and Rodgers Sunday February 4th The monthly chicken run was once again well supported. Thirty two members and a couple of guests took part. The chicken for the ladies was won by Lynne Armitage, Jack Burrell was the winner of the men. The eggs were won by Ken White and a guest of Graham Smythe. Instead of the normal half a dozen each they received an extra three fresh eggs each. The fresh eggs were donated by Ian and Julia Hamilton. Saturday February 10th On Saturday 10th we entertained the Provincial team. We had a very enjoyable mornings bowling played in a friendly manner. Winning on two rinks well done to John Hunt, Cliff Norris, Barrie Woodfine and skip Colin Armitage. Howie Williams, Jack Burrell, Bill Webster and skip Ron Jones. We lost the game overall but we all enjoyed a good buffett at the The Belfry, who are one of our sponsors.

Ronnie announcing the results

Sunday February 11th Forty three bowling and social members attended a lunch at Portico Mar Guardamar. Everyone enjoyed the delicious food and the drinks flowed freely. After everyone had eaten two new members Tanya Oliver and Jack Burrell kindly ordered a drink of Cava for everyone. Everyone had a enjoyable afternoon, thanks to the social committee.

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MONTEMAR BOWLS & SOCIAL CLUB

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

Cheers to our two new members

Jack Burrell & Tanya Oliver

Wednesday February 14th Winter league Monte Mar v La Siesta At home to La Siesta a good mornings bowling with a good result for Monte Mar. Winning on three rinks, well down to Tanya Oliver, June Young, Jack Burrell and Ronnie Cairns. Pauline Merry, Diane Horsington, Joan Harding and Chris Merry. Jan Soars, Cliff Norris, Howie Williams and Alan Ashberry. Shots Monte Mar 85 – 66 La Siesta Points Monte Mar 8 – 4 La Siesta THIS MAGAZINE IS NOW IN ITS 13TH YEAR. TRUST US. WE MAKE YOUR ADVERT WORK.

MONTEMAR BOWLS & SOCIAL CLUB

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

Tribute to Bill Young from Monte Mar Bowls Club Bill was a bowler, an umpire and a coach who sadly passed away on Tuesday 6th February. Bill´s other loves was talking about boxing and rugby league and in fact any subject that came up. Bill has several entries on the Club´s Honours Board which is a lasting testament to his undoubted bowling ability. He participated in many tournaments organised by other Clubs and during the last few months was in winning teams at both La Siesta and Bonalba Bowls Clubs in their respective competitions. As many fellow bowlers will know, Bill was very forthright in his views but this was because he was very passionate about the sport of bowling. Over his time whilst bowling in Spain, he had competed at every level and had a record he could be proud of. At Monte Mar Bill assisted and took great pleasure in coaching new members. He was always willing to offer assistance to all Club members. We were pleased Bill´s family were joined by so many bowlers from different Clubs from the Costa Blanca, which gave Bill a fitting send off on Friday 9th Febrary.

Monte Mar at Bonalba Aussie Pairs

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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. The Gran Alacant & La Marina Branch meets on the First Monday of the month 18:00 at “La Taberna next to Monte & Mar Resturant & Bowls Club, Plaza Mayor (MASA Square) Gran Alacant. Guest Speaker will be giving an audio-visual presentation, entitled

WHAT DID YOU DO IN THE WAR MUMMY ? Next meeting on March 5th 18:00

New members always Welcome and you don’t need to be Ex Service to join. Further details from - Robin 96 669 5423 or Brian 639 917 971. Email:granalacant.secretary@gmail.com

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Chatter Political Correctness These days we have to be careful what we say and how we say it. In 2018, political correctness has infiltrated every corner and aspect of our life; everything I believed to be right was swept under the rug of time, never to see the light of day again. Someone decided that past generations were wrong to act and speak in the way they did. We were asked to forget the past ever happened and deny our social history in favour of a sanitised version of events, that I don’t recognise. My childhood, growing up in the 1970s has been forgotten; changing times have demanded answers and a vindication for daring to be who we are. Suddenly people of a certain age have become irrelevant, their views ignored and their right to be heard dismissed. This is the age we live in and it is responsible for the failing World we inhabit today! The 1970s were special; I look back on this period of my life with fondness, yet this decade has been linked to everything that is bad with the society we live in. A reference to this forgotten decade, is usually done in derogatory terms, to highlight the worst aspects of the era. As a child, I didn’t consider this period to be anything but normal. Even today I am content with my childhood; I do not want to wipe the recollections of this controversial age from my memory. I want to savour the reminders of a far more innocent, credulous and trusting time. Of course as I look back over time, every year that came before, is deemed worse than today. As people, we are constantly apologising for what we believe to be the mistakes of the past. These were not flaws and faults with us, they were part of evolving as a culture and becoming comfortable with who we are; able to laugh at one another and discuss

our differences, without fear of displeasing, insulting or upsetting our peers. Many people were offended by the language and references used and we have had to become more aware of other peoples opinions and differences. I understand the reasons for change, I am not at odds with modernity, I just wish we could stop beating ourselves up over an altogether different generation! Political correctness seeks to avoid forms of expression or action, perceived to exclude or insult groups of people, who are socially disadvantaged, according to a reputable online dictionary. Like most people I understand the concept of protecting those more vulnerable or susceptible to abuse. In a civilized society, all of us should be equal, that is not in question. What I do find abhorrent is how others have hijacked this campaign, to suit their own agenda. I accord consideration to everyone, no matter who they are. Recently while out with a friend in Alicante, shopping in El Corte Ingles, walking through the entrance, I held open a door for a lady behind me. She smiled approvingly and walked in. My friend turned to me and said, “You really shouldn’t be doing that these days, some women can take great offence by it; after all, we are all equal now!” To be honest, I was a little taken aback by this. Have we really become that PC, that we can’t even project good manners, towards others? A common courtesy, I have always adhered to and will continue to practice, was being used as a political statement, describing me as sexist, just for holding open a door. I would have done it for a man or a woman; it is the mark of decent behaviour. I could give you many examples, of just how ridiculous Political Correctness has become and would be writing for hours, so I will stick to a couple for the purposes of this article. I recently read about an incident in a school. A teacher mistakenly referred to a ‘blackboard’ in his lesson and

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a pupil reported him for unacceptable use of the word ‘black;’ which is considered racist. Today we should refer to the offending item as simply a ‘board,’ or a ‘chalkboard,’ anything else is unacceptable. Also in schools, morning assembly has had a makeover, at least in some areas. In February 2017 Brent council in London was the first to actively encourage its schools, to hold assemblies based on other faiths and not just Christianity. When I attended school in the 1970s, I quite enjoyed the religious element to morning convocation, the signing of hymns and appropriate readings from the Bible. I wasn’t a Christian myself in the literal sense, but never questioned the schools right to hold such gatherings; it is part of our culture, after all! Whilst researching this topic online, I have come across a few other examples of political correctness gone mad and want to include a couple of the more extreme examples. In Seattle a school renamed its Easter Eggs, Spring Spheres, to avoid causing offence to those who didn’t celebrate Easter. In the UK, a recruiter had her job advert rejected by the job centre for referring to ideal applicants as Hard working and reliable. Apparently this would cause resentment among lazy and unreliable people. Finally Barry Town Council, recently banned a ‘Punch and Judy’ show from its local festival, because of ‘inappropriate hitting,’ depicting an ‘abusive relationship.’ I don’t know About you, but this all seems rather ridiculous to me. All of us are afraid to say the wrong thing, for fear of upsetting someone, so the vast majority of us say nothing at all! The fact that I have decided to write about political correctness at all, is in itself contentious. It remains a subject that most avoid discussing, for fear of being labelled racist, sexist or homophobic. I am aware that not everybody will agree with my views; nevertheless, as a writer I should have the right to express them. As someone who grew up forty years

ago, I am mindful of the terrible injustices committed by public figures towards those in a more unguarded or powerless position; these individuals deserve our contempt. Much of the entertainment from the era, has now been deemed unsuitable for mainstream television, because it is viewed as wrong, from so many different angles. I have watched many sitcoms, comedians and other television programmes from this time; I am also a member of a minority group, who could quite easily take umbrage at the subject matter on view. Nevertheless I choose to enjoy the material for its comedic merit, rather than reading too much into what others perceive it to be. I have never been offended by anything referencing controversial or taboo topics; it wouldn’t be correct to do so. Television of the time simply documented the period in which it was made. What is classed as unsuitable now, wasn’t then; consequently we should not forget these years existed. I have grown up unhindered and unblemished from a childhood firmly rooted in the 1970s. The words I used then as a child in the playground, are not necessarily the ones I would use today. I admit times have changed and all of us need to accept others for their differences. Diversity in all its forms is a welcome addition to the communities we live in. No one should have to hide who they are, or suffer abuses because of their looks, mannerisms and identity. In 2018 we have sadly tried to cover up the past and deny our heritage, simply because we no longer find it acceptable. We have also become a World of apologists, unable to say what we feel, or practice what we believe, because we may upset someone else. The balance between what is right and wrong has become blurred; we need to get back to a situation that accepts everyone’s distinctiveness, without removing our choice to express ourselves as we think fit. Political correctness, needs to be corrected!

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Gran Alacant Carnival...

with Star & Ashlee xxx

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DRAMA IN A TEACUP

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Let the train take the strain Richard quietly cursed his luck. He had missed the early train because of the stupid taxi passenger at the station entrance, who had opened the door without looking, hitting him in the knee. Nothing was broken, but he was now limping along like Long John Silver. The early train was always less crowded and he even had the chance of getting a seat. He was nearly last to board the next train and his knee was already giving him hell. He knew what was to come but still, he found the whole arrangement very tedious. His fellow passengers were likewise voicing their disapproval. They stood, wedged in the crowded carriage, tired and sweaty after the airless journey from the Centre. Their misery was to be compounded by the failure of the train company to finish the work on the line in time for the Monday rush home. Mobile phones were pressed to peoples ears or the raised pitch of voices talking into the ether from those on earphones or some BlueTooth device, confirmed to their loved ones that delays were inevitable. The difficulties on the line had been well covered in the media but the final straw came as they moved off from the station. A broadcast to say that there was a “person on the line”, ahead of the planned destination. The original arrangement was to stop at Amersford and manage the final part of their journey by bus. This new message meant they would stop even earlier on the line at Daws Hill and then be subjected to an even longer journey by road. There was little shared sympathy for the “person on the Line”. Richard followed suit and dialled home. Pressing the device to his ear, he just about heard, over the noise in the carriage, Jennifer’s voice in reply. “I’m on the train” he shouted, mainly

ac nb y Te r r y L

to annoy the other passengers. “There is another problem and we will be stopping at Daws Hill, I will call you from there”. He did not want to go into detail about the cause of the change in plan, or about his knee, and she did not ask for any more detail. She just sighed and said, “Your dinner will be in the dog”. They didn’t have a dog but it was her usual quip when he was going to be late. As always seemed to be the case, only a few people left the train at the early stations and there was still no room to sit, to allow him to rest the knee. His other leg now hurt and he was beginning to get impatient. The train began to slow and his fellow passengers became even more restless. Some gathering their belongings because this was their usual stop and the remainder making the noises of disquiet so often heard in the overcrowded carriages. Those whose stop it was, gradually eased themselves towards the doors in a wellpracticed manoeuvre, with only a little more objection than usual from the rest, knowing he extra misery that lay ahead. Buttons were being pressed even before the train had stopped and as soon as the doors opened, the pack was released. The local crowd streamed to their usual exits while those who were to be bussed onward, looked for the signs which would lead them to the replacement busses that had been promised. Previous experience of these events prepared the commuters for the pain of jamming themselves on-to cold, barely clean local busses which were likely to travel directly passed their homes, to deliver them to the train station, where their cars were waiting or their significant other would collect them. Richard moved

FIVE MINUTE FICTION

along with the host of commuters, not because he could, but because his knee refused to allow him much choice. He only just managed to stay upright as he was swept onto the platform. The signs to the waiting busses were even worse than usual and he had difficulty making out the scribbles on the board. The crowd moved as one in the general direction of the last gate on the platform and he was carried along with them, trying to make out if one of the busses might be travelling directly to his intended destination, bypassing the other affected stations. Still, there were no clear indications on the boards. The transfer system had clearly failed this time. He could stand the pain of his knee no longer and he made a huge effort to leave the throng, managing to break out from the melee and pausing to rest by the uniformed person on the platform. Stations were generally lightly staffed at this time of day but in this kind of situation there were generally more than just one. The staff member looked bemused. Richard asked her if there were any special arrangements for busses, or would they all take the same

route as the train. “I have no idea what’s going on” she said, “I didn’t know there was a problem here, I thought it was further up at Amersford. I’ve never seen so many people”. “There are a couple of busses outside but I don’t know what they’re for”. Richard could not believe his bad luck. Damaged knee, late train, works on the line, confusion over which station had a problem. He turned to the exit. Most of the crowd had left the platform and he struggled to catch up. As he reached the gate, he could see that there were two coaches moving away from the front of the station. A large number of people were gathered on the pavement and raised voices turned the air blue with words not normally associated with suits and ties. The general drift was that there were only two coaches and the system had broken down into a farce; again. No more coaches turned up and the rest had to make their own arrangements. The Nine O’clock News was grim. “Ninety commuters abducted in daring incident at Daws Hill Station”.

FIVE MINUTE FICTION

SIERRA MAR

Zest 2nd Anniversary

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Mayka’s Kitchen

SIERRA MAR

Mayka’s Kitchen Hello everyone

Easter is already here, the last month of a long winter so as someone suggested to me we will make our last winter dish “ Fabada Asturiana” a famous meat and bean stew. Hope you enjoy it, Mayka xxx

Fabada Asturiana

Ingredients

Let’s Start! First of all, let the beans soak overnight in a bowl of cold water. Next day, place the beans in a pan, bring to the boil for a minute and drain the beans. After the beans had been drained, return them the pan. Add the pork, chorizo, chopped onion, peeled garlic cloves and bay leaves. Cover well with water and a touch of cider if you like (optional), bring to the boil and then put into a very low simmer. Add the paprika and the saffron. Stir and leave to simmer for 2 hours stirring the pan occasionally.

• 400gr white or butter beans • 200gr pork shoulder • 200gr smoked black pudding (morcilla) • 200gr chorizo • 1 onion • 6-8 garlic cloves • 2 bay leafs • safron • 1/2 tsp sweet smoked paprika • 1/2 tsp hot smoked paprika • cider (optional)

Que Aproveche!

After 2 hours, add the Morcilla and cook for another 20 minutes. Serve very hot and with some crusty bread. Have a lovely Easter x

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Enjoy! 42

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MONTE Y MAR BAJO

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GRAN ALACANT - NEW LISTING!

3 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom Apartment

Well priced “Coral” apartment The property is South facing and within easy walking of all amenities, including shops bars, restaurants and also the bus route and a beautiful communal pool. The property consists of a terrace on the ground floor and a private entrance to the stairs which lead up to the front door. An open plan kitchen is situated to the rear of the lounge. The property is being sold fully furnished and is ready to enjoy or to let. This property has excellent rental potential and is an ideal investment property. We have tenants waiting for this kind of property.

Price: 89,000€

Ref: GAS14

GRAN ALACANT - NEW BUILD! This townhouse is located a short walk from the Gran Alacant Commercial Centre where you will find bars, restaurants, cafés, supermarkets and an array of other shops and services. The property is a short walk to the bus stop and there is a regular bus service. Residents have access to a beautiful communal pool Beds: 2 Bath: 2 ..Price: 105,000€ ..Ref. GAS177 GRAN ALACANT - REDUCED! The ground floor features a lounge and dining room with a kitchen to the rear and a utility area. There is a downstairs shower room. The stairs lead down to a large underbuild.The top floor consists of a master bedroom with double built-in wardrobes and a balcony. The second bedroom has a built-in wardrobe. There is a complete family bathroom on this floor. Beds: 3 bath: 2 Price: 114,500€ Ref:GAS199 GRAN ALACANT - NEW LISTING This large townhouse is located in the Brisas del Faro The area is close to amenities, bus routes, the local market square as well as the sports centre. The urbanisation itself has a fantastic communal swimming pool and padel court. The property is being sold fully furnished and ready to move into and enjoy or to let out. Beds: 5 Baths: 4 ...Price: 169,950€ Ref: GAS140

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The Reiki Room Harmonious Healing

with Jackie Canale

Hello readers, for those who don’t know me let me introduce myself, my name is Jackie Canale and I am a Holistic Therapist working in Gran Alacant, promoting holistic well-being wherever I can.

To use Reiki the practitioner must previously have been attuned by a Reiki Master during their learning levels, I was fortunate to experience mine from an amazing lady in

Welcome to March, spring is finally in our steps once again after quite a cold few weeks. February was a busy month for myself, with plenty bookings from clients old & new, for which I am eternally grateful, and can I also add a big shout out to the ladies of Molly Malones coffee morning for inviting me along to do a holistic talk, thank you I had a lovely time with you all. This month I would like to talk about a treatment I offer and is favoured by many of my clients…Reiki.

WHAT IS REIKI? Reiki (pronounced Ray Key) is a Japanese word consisting of two characters “Rei” and “Ki” Rei is Japanese for spiritual or sacred Ki is Japanese for energy. Simply Reiki translates as “spiritual energy”.

Scotland who I class as a close friend now and she put me through all my levels and I am now a Master/Teacher myself. Reiki is a non-invasive treatment where the client remains fully clothed and the practitioner places their hands onto the persons energy fields, it can be demonstrated with hands on or hands off, depending on the areas you are working on or the preference of the client. Some clients can feel hot, cold, emotional, calm or a higher sense of self etc. every treatment can feel different to the last, Reiki will always work for the greater good of the client. Don’t try and understand how Reiki works, nobody really knows, but the beauty of it is that it works whether you think it does or doesn’t. The truth is simple: you are Reiki. We are all walking sources of energy, picking up vibrations which can have profound effect our whole being on a daily basis, from other people’s moods, situations we are in, objects we touch, food we eat, and so on. Reiki works as an energy healing. Sometimes the practitioner will spend longer on parts of the body than others as they may pick up more energy from certain areas. Some use crystals, some don’t.

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There is nothing to worry about in a Reiki treatment, it can be a very calming, relaxing or even magical experience. It is not just good for adults, babies love it, animals also love it, it is as I say, magical. If you have never experienced the beautiful energy that is Reiki, maybe it can be the new thing you do for you this year! You will not be disappointed! Please feel free to call, message or email me with any questions you may have, to book an appointment or to simply book a free 30 minute consultation to see what treatment is best for you. Tel: 693 018 046 Email- thereikiroom40@gmail.com Facebook: The Reiki Room-Harmonious Healing

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Receive a free Chakra balance with all Reiki treatments!

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AVDA.MEDITERRANEO "Well," snarled the tough old Navy boss to the bewildered sailor, "I suppose after you get discharged from the Navy, you'll just be waiting for me to die so you can come and pee on my grave." "Not me, Sir!" the sailor replied. "Once I get out of the Navy, I'm never going to stand in a queue again!" A Sergeant and a General were sitting in the barber’s. They were both just getting to the end of their shaves, when the barbers reached for some after-shave to slap on their faces The General shouted, "Hey, don't put that stuff on me! My wife will think I've been in a brothel!" The Sergeant turned to his barber and said, "Go ahead and put it on me. My wife doesn't know what the inside of a brothel smells like." READ THE MAGAZINE EVERY MONTH AT www.GRANALACANTADVERTISER.com

I gave up my job in the helium balloon factory after a big row. I said "No one's going to talk to me like that" There was a knock at the front door. My wife said, “It’s the invisible man" I said, "Tell him I can't see him"

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Out & About with Star & Ashlee Gran Circo Alaska Hi , my name is Star and I have been lucky enough to call Gran Alacant my home for over 9 years now. My 8 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. Roll Up Roll Up the circus is in town, well Alicante actually!!!! After leaving Elche, the Gran Circo Alaska had made its way to Alicante, Michelle and I decided to take Ashlee and Miriam, and eagerly booked the tickets online. The last time I went to a circus was when I was really young and this was Ashlee´s first time, so the levels of excitement were high. The troupe at Gran Circo Alaska perform many different shows, including the Wizard of Oz, the Ice Queen, Circo Rojo – Killerland (adult show) and this particular one was a tribute to Kids Films. Once we were in the queue, Ashlee and Miriam were asking what it was going to be like and Michelle explained that all the seats are around a circle in the middle where the different artists perform, and I said it´s like Britain´s Got Talent in real life!!! Luckily we got there in plenty of time and were able to get front row seats in the section our tickets were for, as each section is filled on a first come, first seated basis. We bought some candy floss and drinks and patiently waited in anticipation as the big top began to fill up with lots of excited families. Stage smoke filled the air as the Ringmaster entered the ring and introduced us to the performers, and then the show began. First came an acrobat who used her feet and

Out & About with Star & Ashlee CARABASSI CENTRE

entertained us a few times throughout the show) and had us all in stitches with another hilarious interactive performance. The trapeze artists were both thrilling and heart-stopping to watch as they spun, swung and flipped above the centre of the big top. The magician and quick-change lady were next to the ring and we were all shocked at how fast the tricks came and the costumes changed!!!

hands to spin towels, footballs and tubes and the finale was a to spin a tube with flaming circles on the ends!!! Next came a talented Ballerina/Dancer followed by a painfully flexible contortionist and an acrobat who performed risky moves as he swung above the crowd on a large rope, scraping the roof of the tent, causing the girls to react strongly to some of his scarier manoeuvres!!! To calm the tension down some kids´ characters came into the ring including Planes and PJ Masks, and then there was a photo opportunity during the interval. The second part of the show started with two performers who kept the crowd captivated as they told a love story using dance, a suspended ring and lots of strength!!! Then more kids´ characters, this time from Paw Patrol and Ladybug and the Cat Noir, entered the ring which the kids, especially the younger ones, really enjoyed. The clowns then made another appearance (they

The clowns came out and threw some giant balls which kept the crowd busy before the grand finale where we got to see all the members of the troupe one last time before the show came to an end. Throughout the show there was an amazing atmosphere and lots of cheers, gasps, clapping and singing from the crowd. The balance of entertainment and interaction was perfectly suited to a family audience. We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and left the big top with smiles on our faces and a spring in our step. Ashlee and Miriam said they wanted to go again every day . This non-animal circus, was excellent value for money, we all had an amazing time and highly recommend it. To find out when they will be back in the area go to their website: www.grancircoalaska.com Join us next month for some more fun “Out and About” Bye for now, Star and Ashlee xxx

Out & About with Star & Ashlee

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BIBLIOTECA INTERNACIONAL GRAN ALACANT SPANISH LESSONS

WE NEED:

• BEGINNERS - Mon & Wed 9:00-10:30 • INTERMEDIATE - Tue & Thur 9:00 - 10:30 • HIGH INTERMEDIATE - Mon & Wed 10:30 - 12:00 • ADVANCED - Tue & Thur 10:30 - 12:00

• Necesitamos personas que hablen inglés fluido para intercambio de idiomas con españoles. • Taller de memoria por las mañanas • Taller de teatro para adultos por la tardes • Si tienes proyectos de carácter social y voluntariado, tráelos a la biblioteca. • Para todo lo anterior ven a informarte y apuntarte a la biblioteca internacional de GranAlacant. Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 9.30-13.30 & 16:30-19.30 Wed: 9.30-13:00 & 16.30-19.30 Saturday: 9:30 - 13:00

We need people who speak fluently English for Coffee and Talk with Spanish people. • Memory workshop in the mornings • Theater workshop in the afternoons • If you have social and voluntary projects, bring them at the library. • For all, please come to the library to get further information & register.

Further information: Biblioteca Internacional Santa Pola-Gran Alacant Avda. Escandinavia, 31 03130 Santa Pola Phone. 966697110 santapola.biga1@gmail.com

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SANTA POLA

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SPANISH CLASSES

CLASES DE ESPAÑOL PARA EXTRANJEROS Clases individuales/grupales: Individual and group classes Niveles de acuerdo al Marco Común Europeo de Referencia According to the common European framework of reference levels Precio: 10€/hora – Price: €10/hour Profesora titulada de Español para Extranjeros Qualified teacher of Spanish for foreigners.

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CARS FOR SALE

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GRAN ALACANT GOLF SOCIETY An Introduction To Gran Alacant Golf Society GAGS is perhaps the oldest Golf Society based in GA, having been formed in 2003. We play our golf at the picturesque El Plantio Golf Course which is regarded as a fair test of golf for players of all abilities and has the advantage of being just a 15 minute drive from GA. Of course, as a member or guest of the Society players benefit from a deeply discounted Green Fee. Whilst we are centred on GA with a mainly British membership we do have players from Holland, Belgium as well as the Scandinavian countries. Similarly we have players who travel from La Marina, Quesada and Castilla International. Members and guests can choose to play on Tuesdays (Mixed) and/or Fridays (Men only), with an early Tee Time ensuring that the whole day is not taken up as well as avoiding the intense heat of the sun in the summer months. At the end of the round we return to Plaza Mayor (also locally known as Masa Square) in GA for a social drink at one of the bars and prize giving. 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).

Any creaking oldies out there like me, who would like to move about a bit more. How about getting together for VERY SLOWLY walking football We are a small group who spend most of No walking sticks allowed. the winter here in Gran Alacant. If you are Every Thursday. interested in joining one of our rides look

Group road bike rides from Gran Alacant

For more information email Barry at laneinspain@hotmail.com for start times, venue, and weekly updates.

us up on Facebook Gran Alacant Road Cyclist (Bici Gran Alacant) where ride details are posted.

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CARABASSI GUARDAMAR CENTRE DEL SEGURA

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CLINICA VETERINARIA GRAN ALACANT EXOTICS

Tel: 966 698 569

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

NOTIFIABLE DISEASES From last Jan 1st, Vets have an additional obligation: reporting RIVIA animals that suffer certain diseases. These are notifiable diseases. Orden 3/2016 from March 4th 2016, says we have to let the animal database know about every individual that has been diagnosed. Because of some technical problems, this 2016 law is going to be applied from zero this year, since RIVIA website is finally ready for this purpose. The goal of this new obligation is to create a census of affected animals in order to be able to prevent and control some of these epizootic diseases (that is, diseases that may be transmitted from animals to people and vice versa). So far, the exact number of affected animals was a mystery. Knowing the exact number is necessary for prevention. We are talking of some infectious and parasitic diseases that can be transmitted to people, and the Vet is obliged to notify them to RIVIA, even if the owner disagrees. LOPD (Spanish Data Protection Act), establishes notifiable diseases as an exception, so letting authorities know about the ill individuals is not breaking LOPD in any way. The new regulation only affects those cases diagnosed after Jan 1st 2018. We just notify new cases and relapses.

Here is the list:

Rabies: It affects dogs, cats and ferrets. Transmission is via saliva. Prevention consists on mandatory vaccination. Leishmaniasis: It affects dogs. It’s a vector borne disease, transmitted by insects (mosquitoes). Prevention consists on vaccination and external mosquito repellents (collars, spot-on, etc).

Toxoplasmosis: It affects dogs and cats. Transmission can happen for contacting contaminated cat faeces, but also by eating meat or sausages not enough cooked, or not enough washed vegetables (this is the most common way of transmission, so remember you pregnant women: a salad is more dangerous than a cat). Prevention consists on hygienic measures. Dirofilariosis (heartworm): It affects dogs. Another vector borne disease. Prevention consists on external mosquito repellents and special internal antiparasitic treatments. Leptospirosis: It affects dogs. It’s transmitted by contaminated dogs or rodents urine. Prevention consists on vaccination. Borreliosis (Lyme’s disease): It affects dogs and cats. Vector borne disease transmitted by some species of ticks. Prevention consists on external antiparasitic treatments. Hepatozoonosis: It affects dogs. Transmission by ticks, when the dog eats them accidentally when self-cleaning. Prevention consists on external antiparasitic treatments. Ehrlichiosis-babesiosis-rickettsiosis: They affect dogs and are vector borne diseases. Prevention consists on external antiparasitic treatments, and in case of Babesiosis, there is a vaccine (not very commonly used in this area since the tick that transmits this disease lives at the Northern Spain, not here). So, there is a prevention for all these epizootic diseases, by using vaccines and antiparasitic treatments. Your Vet will advise you about the best prevention in every case, since all the antiparasitic medicines are not valid for every case.

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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 Garfield is an 18 month old ginger boy and in need of a new home. He is a very independent boy and isn’t that keen on being picked up but does love his home comforts. He’s been in a foster home since he was 3 months old and is neutered. Garfield is good with dogs but can be quite dominant with other cats.

Lucy is 1 of 4 Chihuahuas recently rescued from a puppy farm. She is around 4 years old, chipped, vaccinated and is good with other dogs. Lucy will preferably be suited to an older couple who have the time to help her overcome her ordeal.

Hope and Ria have been adopted from our last edition. Oreo is around 4 years old and is a very timid little girl so will need an older family with patience to help her overcome what she has been through. She is chipped, vaccinated and good with other dogs.

Pus is a stunning 4 year old and was abandoned at just 18 months old. It has taken a long time for him to gain the confidence to be close to people and can still be a little nervous when meeting new people. Pus is neutered and in excellent health, he isn’t afraid of dogs and loves to lay close to you

To view more animals for adoption visit our website. If you would like to advertise an animal email: info@petsinspain.info

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

The K9 Club is a Registered Animal Welfare Organisation operating within the Alicante Province Lilah, is a pale grey/lilac long haired she is very quiet cat She is a indoor cat and used to living in an apartment. We think she is about 2/3 years old.

K9 ANIMAL SHELTER VOLUNTEERS NEEDED K9 animal shelter is moving as our current shelter site is now for sale by the owner. We are moving all our animals to the Pinoso/Raspay area. We are looking for volunteers so if you have a few hours to spare and enjoy working with people or animals, then we would love to hear from you, we have some thing to suit all skills and tastes. If you can spare some time we would love to hear from you.

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Please take time to read this rhyming poem by Julie Parker. Julie has several poems published in the UK.

YOUR HOSPITAL BED It’s a place of comfort to rest your head, Just press the buzzer the lovely nurse said. I really don’t want to be the one to moan, but I would prefer to be at home. Perhaps if we go back in time, staying at home would have just been fine. When your neighbours took notice of everything you did, from closing the curtains to replacing your bin lid. Are you ok someone would shout, if your doorstep milk had been left out. Life is moving on and I have no doubt, I am alone on my street and everyone is out. So when you need some extra care, that’s the reason, your hospital bed is there. The staff are so busy and do their best, caring for the nation while we take a rest. Paperwork, pills and cups of tea, this hospital bed will do for me. The doctor has said in a couple of weeks the NHS will have me back on my feet. They wash and dress and keep me warm, I know in this bed I will come to no harm. As the days pass by I’m always surprised by the lovely nurse who looks into my eyes. Her respectful voice and lovely smile, she even holds my hand for a while. Why is it the little things people say and do, can make a poorly person feel like new. The day has come for me to go home, feeling rested and well but however alone. I am going to be happy back on my street, I will miss the hospital that got me back on my feet. The hospital arrange a little plan, they send someone everyday to see how I am. Without that bed I would be in a mess, for an award I would nominate our NHS. They are under such pressure that’s plain to see, but in a time of need they were there for me. Now tucked up in my own lovely bed, the happiest place to rest my head. Up early tomorrow to wash and dress, holding close to my heart our NHS. READ THE MAGAZINE EVERY MONTH AT www.GRANALACANTADVERTISER.com

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

During training exercises, the Lieutenant who was driving down a muddy back road encountered another car stuck in the mud with a red-faced Colonel at the wheel. "Your jeep stuck, sir?" asked the Lieutenant as he pulled alongside. "Certainly not," replied the Colonel, coming over and handing him the keys, "Yours is."

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WHAT’S THAT IN THE CLOT? by Mark Etheridge

MOORHENS

One of the many things I have been unable to fathom throughout my life is why the makers of a very popular video game felt the need to make the opponents of Angry Birds a bunch of green pigs. There are plenty of reasons why birds get angry, but green pigs are not high on that list – the main opponent of an angry bird is usually another bird of the same species. You can see this in action right now in the Clot – birds fighting each other for mating and territorial rights, and the easiest ones to see doing this are the local Moorhens. This is the time of year when disputes are breaking out all over the place, and if you have a gambling streak you can place your bets on who will win on any number of scraps taking place right in front of you. Moorhens have a very distinctive way of fighting, as you can see in my picture they specialise in giving each other a good kicking with their strong yellow-green legs. Usually a Moorhen dispute is just a quick chase across the water, but when the other bird refuses to give way it will end up in a kicking contest just like this one. The strategy appears to be to try and push your opponent under the water, but with equal strengths it just ends up in a shoving,

86 86

flapping and pecking scuffle.

opinion.

You might look at the picture and think to yourself that this is typical aggressive male behaviour. Moorhen adults are generally indistinguishable by sex, and you can't tell who's doing the fighting here, so it might surprise you to know there's a fair chance that these are actually two females having a difference of

At this time of the year, Moorhens will have laid their eggs and will be incubating them. Oddly enough it is the male birds which do most of the incubating, while the females make sure that their prime nest sites are not taken over by another female. Of course the males will fight each other as well, but unlike most other bird species the females can be just as aggressive. Moorhens may lay several clutches of eggs over the breeding season due to high levels of nest predation from the likes of Herons, Egrets and even on occasion from other Moorhens, so you can expect to see punch-ups between Moorhens long into the summer. The similar-looking Coots – who are distinguishable from the Moorhens by their white foreheads – also do a lot of fighting for the same reasons at this time of year, so the Clot pools become quite a battle arena for the next few months. You can see more photographs of birds from our area by visiting www.marketheridge.smugmug.com See you next month.

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FERAL FRIENDS OF GRAN ALACANT & NEARBY AREAS

WE DON’T HAVE A CATTERY, our work is in the streets, fields, roads ... Colonies like these ones keep on growing over the years due to lack of sterilization programs & The several Fostered cats for life because they were not adopted, some are ill and need life-time medication and Veterinary treatments.

Please take unwanted coins to: Would you help anyway you can? Food, litter sand, bleach & donations for their flee, deworming and other treatments, medication, diet vet food.... CAN BE DONATED to us in the Ocean’s Bar, Carabassi Centre Dont forget to say it´s towards Feral Friends of GA.

Thank you

Please spread the word.

Many like us and some adults waiting for adoption please.

Thank you all for placing them • UP THE HILL: • GA Services • Websters Bar • Dick Turpins • LOWER GA: • Ocean’s Bar

Needing forever home

Navik - 9 month old Dalmationmix good nature male whose owner died recently.

Perlita - Female lovable, playfull less than 2 years old looking for a forever animal loving family.

THEY HAVE STILL NOT BEEN ADOPTED.

Foster Homes & Volunteers Needed. Litter, food & material accepted. (BEST foods Brekkies or from Aldi’s and LIDL’s). feralfriends.ga@gmail.com T: 655 47 41 46 READ THE MAGAZINE EVERY MONTH AT www.granalacantadvertiser.com

WORDSEARCH WORDSEARCH: BODY - EL CUERPO HUMANO in English or Spanish

Geoff’s 1. On a darts board, what number is directly opposite No. 1? 2. In television's The Vicar Dibley what is Alice Tinker's married surname? 3. What is Saturn’s largest moon? 4. Grammatically speaking, which part of speech can be personal, possessive, demonstrative or reflex? 5. What is the name of a line on a map that joins places of equal height?

NOW IN OUR 13th YEAR ANSWERS ON MAP PAGE

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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.

3 1

9 6 4

5 1

5 4

2 7 1

7 2

For hints and information visit www.sudoku.org.uk

Difficulty Rating: MEDIUM

4 7 8

DOODLE AREA

1 5 2

7 8

2 5

6 1 6

3 9 2

5 3 7

3 7

2 9

9 6

5 9

4 1

4 9

3 8

9 7

8 9

8 2

6 1

1 Difficulty Rating: HARD

5 3

5 7

3 4

5 3

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

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1. CARABASSI CENTRE • ALEXANDRIA • AQUARIUS • GRAN ALACANT PROPERTIES • SHOOTERS • BROTHERS • MAYKA’S KITCHEN • SAKERMAKER • CHUBUT STEAK HOUSE

2. PLAZA MAYOR • VET GA EXOTICS • AZAFRAN INDIAN • THE PUB • THE BELFRY • PATAGONIA • DARBYS • LOUNGED

3. COMMERCIAL CENTRE

• EURONICS ELECTRICAL • HOMEFINDERS • BRICO HOUSE • OP GROUP SPAIN • E-STUDIO • GET FRESH • GLAROS

Church

Dog Park

Playpark

Dialprix

GA Farmacia

Mercadona

New Market

Supermarket QUIZ ANSWERS: 1. 19 2. HOUGHTON 3. TITAN 4. PRONOUNS 5. CONTOUR

Sports Centre

School

ECO Rubbish

Taxi Rank

Police Station

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

5 6 8 4 3 9 7 1 2

2 9 4 5 7 1 6 8 3

8 3 6 9 5 4 2 7 1

4 7 9 1 6 2 3 5 8

1 5 2 7 8 3 9 4 6

9 2 1 3 4 5 8 6 7

7 8 5 2 1 6 4 3 9

6 4 3 8 9 7 1 2 5

4 1 6 8 5 2 3 7 9

9 7 8 4 6 3 2 5 1

3 5 2 1 7 9 6 8 4

8 4 3 7 9 6 1 2 5

1 6 9 2 8 5 4 3 7

7 2 5 3 1 4 9 6 8

5 9 4 6 2 8 7 1 3

2 3 7 5 4 1 8 9 6

6 8 1 9 3 7 5 4 2

8 7 5 9 6 1 4 3 2

1 2 9 5 4 3

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

2 1 6 3 7 9 8 5 4

7 5 3 6 8 4 2 1 9

4 9 8 1 5 2

6 4 1 7 3 8

9 8 7 2 1 5

5 3 2 4 9 6

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

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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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TAXI SANTA POLA & GRAN ALACANT Tel: 965 41 25 25 24h service - English spoken Accept card payment (VISA, etc)

4. SIERRA MAR • PATAGONIA No.2 • LA PALETTA • ZEST

5. ESCANDINAVIA

• 5A CHIROPODY & PHYSIO

e c

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

a. DENTIMAR c. LA CESTA e. FRAGOLA Y CIOCCOLATO

6. SANTARA LIFE RESORT • GA INSURANCES • PILATE STUDIO

• • • •

Medical Centre GA Councillor Municipal Offices Library

GA Advertiser Top Up Delivery Point GRAN ALACANT PROPERTIES - QUICKSAVE - EURONICS - GA SERVICES

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

GRAN ALACANT TOURIST TRAIN TIMETABLE

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TOURIST TRAIN STOPS

FROM 16/10 TO 31/3 TUESDAY TO SATURDAY 11:00 TO 14:00 NO SERVICE ON SUNDAYS AND MONDAYS

Website: www.granalacantadvertiser.com

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