Gran Alacant Advertiser March 2023

THE BEST OUTDOOR FURNITURE

About me: My name is Jaime and I moved to GA with my family 5 years ago from Madrid, where I was born. I worked for over 20 years in public relations in many theatres in Madrid and have spent the last 10 years as a commercial agent. Helping people is my passion. Ensuring they have a quality service is a top priority. I have launched this business in order to improve the quality of services that people buy. Many of us have never negotiated our home and business contracts and we should be getting more for our money.

Gran Alacant Advertiser continues to bring you all the local NEWS including information from the local Town Hall representative. Working for the local community since May 2005.

If you have any QUESTIONS or PROBLEMS you would like us to discuss, please email on info@granalacantadvertiser.com

Q: Speeding at Calle Belgica

Dear Lou & Oscar

Thank you for your recent visit with Cllr Oscar Venezuela. As you know, I have been complaining for some time now about speeding at Calle Belgica where I live. I was very happy to have the opportunity to voice these concerns to our local Councillor.

Q: Road at Nova Beach

Dear Lou & Ged

Whilst walking up cardiac hill before you get to Nova Beach the pavement stops. You then have to make the judgement to walk on the road or cross the road and then cross back. Both are dangerous in my humble opinion.

Oscar has promised that speed bumps will be installed, as soon as there is the budget available. I hope this happens soon to stop these dangerous driver.

Can we ask Oscar if the town hall has plans to finish the pavement? This area would also benefit from speed bumps and a safe crossing. There was an accident in this area last week when someone hit by a van attempting to cross the road. Thanks Dave

Oscar Valenzuela’s Reply:

Thank you very much, Lou and Oscar. Ria

This pavement is the responsibility of Grupo MASA. Once they finish building in that area, the pavement will also be finished. In the meantime, I will inspect the road with the local police to determine if a crossing and speed bumps are necessary. Thank you for your concern regarding this stretch of road.

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

NEW FOOTBALL FIELD

Work on the new football field in GA has begun. The football field will be located at the Sports Centre.

REQUEST FOR A TEMPORARY SCHOOL

Santa Pola City Council has requested the Department of Education create a temporary section of the school, pending construction of the new school.

The Councilor for Education, Trini Ortiz, explained the work for the new school will shortly be put out to tender. Following requests from many families, she assures, the Generalitat Valenciana has been asked to adapt the facilities necessary to accommodate students residing in Gran Alacant so that they do not have to travel to Santa Pola. “The construction of the Gran Alacant institute is a historical will of the City Council, since the Santa Pola centers are overflowing with students, so it is urgent to build a Secondary school in the area that can accommodate the extra students”.

Sports Cllr Julio Baeza, stated they will continue working on the new sports facilities in Gran Alacant. He said, “There are several important projects to be undertaken during this term. We will construct a 3-by3 basketball court, remodel the indoor soccer field, create 2 basketball courts and the 8-a-side soccer field. It is hoped these will be operational before June”.

Cllr Oscar Valenzuela, said, “We will continue providing more facilities to improve the quality of life for the residents of GA. This field was a highly demanded facility by parents of the little ones who practice this sport”.

Cllr Valenzuela and Cllr Baeza met with GA Walking Football Group and GA runners to discuss future sports projects.

This request is for academic year 2023/2024. They consider this to be sufficient time to address the necessary logistical and construction measures to accommodate the students.

A working meeting with the headmistress and representatives of the AMPAS of Vicenta Ruso School in GA took place to discuss;

• Progress on repairs at the school through the EDIFICANT plan

• Request for the temporary school

• Work starting soon on the second school.

AMPAs OF GA SUPPORT THE PROVISIONAL CLASSROOMS

The AMPAs of CEIP Vicenta Ruso endorse the City Council’s request to the Generalitat Valenciana to start installing prefabricated classrooms while the new school is being built.

The two Parents Associations held a consultation to find out the opinion of parents, and the result is clear, more than 90% have voted in favor of the provisional IES in Gran Alacant.

A total of 539 valid votes and 15 null ones have been collected. 490 votes (90.9%) in favor and 49 votes (9.1%) against.

After this result, some signature sheets will be prepared to extend the request to the rest of the neighborhood and school communities. Information will be given shortly on where the sheets can be collected for anyone who wants to help with the collection of signatures.

NEW POLICE STATION & IMPROVED SECURITY

A meeting took place with Cllr for Safety, Ana Blasco, Cllr Valenzuela, Representatives of the Neighbourhood Association and members of the Local Police of Santa Pola.

Five companies have bid for the construction of the new Police Station. The tender is for 118,000e and has been drawn up by municipal technicians.

Topics under discussion included:

• The construction of the new Local Police Station next to the Commercial Centre

• Installation of security cameras in the area

• Upcoming presentation of new technological innovations to reinforce security.

INTERVIEW WITH OSCAR VALENZUELA

Great Achievements for Gran Alacant

Councilor of Gran Alacant, Oscar Valenzuela, would like to reflect on his time in office and take a look back at all the projects that have been achieved for GA.

He starts by thanking the Mayor of Santa Pola, Loreto Serrano, for her continued help and support.

Cllr Valenzuela said, “When we first entered office there was a lot of debt, it has taken time to restore a healthy financial balance for new investments”.

Collaboration with the Local Community

Cllr Valenzuela said, “When my time in office began we had the misfortune of COVID. This was something no other democratic administration has ever had to face. The pandemic

slowed down daily work in terms of effective time. We lost months and months between one thing and another”. Despite the challenges that COVID brought he feels very “proud” of the work involved to create good relations with the Neighbourhood Associations.

Preferring to opt for a merely communicative, informative interview, he said he has never wanted to impose his own views and perspective. Cllr Valenzuela said, “I would like both

the people who voted for us, and those who did not, to know that many things have been achieved even whilst dealing with real unforeseen events”.

26 out of 33 Projects Delivered or In Progress

The political program that the Popular Party put on the table in the last elections outlined 33 areas of work. Of these projects, 26 have been completed.

One of the reasons Cllr Valenzuela entered politics was because he felt nothing was being done in Gran Alacant. He believes that a lot of progress has been made in important sectors including security, cleanliness, sports, infrastructure, health and, above all, education.

New School

Thanks to the efforts of several councils and the hard work of a team of technicians a new school will be built in GA. Something that seemed unfeasible has been achieved during this legislature and that is something he is also proud of being involved in.

Parks Gardens & Cleaning

Huge progress has been made in this area, something that fills Oscar Valenzuela with pride. He is aware of the problems in this area and instead of continuing to paper over the cracks they have chosen

to tackle the underlying problem. The cleaning contract and specifications of the contract have lain stagnant for years.

Cllr Valenzuela said, “We have already drawn up a new contract and started the bidding process. Everything will change for Gran Alacant along with the inclusion of a new Ecopark ... it will be a great success because it will be adapted to the real needs of GA.”

Sports Facilities

“We have a contract in place that will be executed over a period of several years which will continue to enhance the provision

of Sports Facilities in GA. There have been many interested parties included in this process including parents, school representatives and directors of the sports facilities.”

Work has finally started on the Futbol 8 field for Gran Alacant, located in the sports center. Oscar Valenzuela continues, “Although there are people who say they do not see this as a priority, it is very important for children and parents who currently have to travel outside the area for sporting activities. We are talking about a very cool, very beautiful, very up-todate facility”, comments an excited Valenzuela, “It will be the envy of many other sports facilities”.

INTERVIEW WITH OSCAR VALENZUELA

Expansion of Health Service

Thanks to the registration campaign, “We have been able to increase the staff of the neighborhood health center by seven people, including doctors, a midwife and nurses,” he added “this is only the first step, as progress continues we will see more expansion of the health center services.”

Local Police Station

“Finally we can talk about the tender for the Gran Alacant Local Police Station”, Oscar Valanzuela affirmed with relief, “this has been delayed due to circumstances beyond our control. It has been because of the sudden increase in

the cost of construction material caused by the War in Ukraine”, he explained.

Despite the delay, he feels something positive must be highlighted. Initially the police station was due to be a modular construction, now it will be an actual building. The work has already been put out to tender and it is expected the construction and effective start up will be progressed quickly.

Security cameras linked to the Police Station will also be an important part of the improved safety and security for the residents of GA.

New Calisthenics Park in Lower GA

Another project in progress is the development of the new Calisthenics Park for the bottom of GA.

“A large group of people are very keen to have these facilities installed. We are trying to see where we can get the necessary budget from, but when we get it, we plan to do something similar to the existing facility in Felix Rodriguez de la Fuente in Santa Pola.”

Mobile Phone Coverage

A quintessential problem in GA is mobile phone coverage. The first communication tower has been installed in upper GA and the latest news from Telefónica is that it will begin providing coverage between February and March. The second communication tower will be located in lower GA. Several meetings have taken place to establish the best location for the antenna.

INTERVIEW WITH OSCAR VALENZUELA

Projects

Valenzuela declares himself “moderately optimistic” not only with what has been achieved, but with what will come. He said, “Although there are some projects that we will not be able to finish, they are already in progress and we will continue to do as much as we can between now and the end of our time in office.” He continued, “I think another necessary facility is a social center offering activities for older people in the morning as well as providing a program aimed at younger people in the afternoon.”

“I believe GA would benefit from a new Health Centre and although we will continue with the expansion of the existing facility, we will remain focused on the main objective which is a New Health Center. I think that this would be the most important of all the essential things to progress in future.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cllr Valenzuela affirms that he feels “Proud of my colleagues on the government team, because we work side by side”. He considers that, with particular thanks to the Mayoress, it has been, “the

bravest team in many years, because we have touched all of Gran Alacant’s ‘hot potatoes’. Many of the problems in GA are in the process of being resolved and others already have the legal tools in place to help progress them”.

LARGE ITEMS COLLECTIONS

Tuesdays and Thursdays ONLY.

Please Whatsapp only this number any day of the week to let them know the name of the street you are leaving your large items on.

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

Book of the month

by Beth

For those of you who enjoy mysteries and have not read this author yet

My Recommended Book of the Month

Jussi Adler-Olsen Mercy

Beth worked as a Qualified Librarian in Aberdeen for 20 years. She loves reading and delights in finding exciting new authors as well as reverting back to favourite writers of all genres. Beth has lived in Gran Alacant for the last 15 years.

Deeply flawed chief detective Carl Morck used to be a very good homicide detective.

He works for the Copenhagan police force but was recently shot alongside two colleagues who were not so lucky. One died and one is now paralyzed from his neck downwards. Carl, who did not draw his weapon, blames himself. So promotion is the last thing Carl expects.

But it all becomes clear when he sees his new office in the basement. Carl’s been selected to run Department Q, a new special Investigations Division that turns out to be a department of 1. With a stack of cold cases to keep him company, Carl’s been put out to pasture. So he is as surprised as anyone when a case actually catches his interest. A missing politician vanished without trace 5 years earlier. The world assumes she is dead. But she isn’t dead ……yet!

Mercy is book 1 of the Department Q series by this Danish author.

NEXT BOOK CLUB MEETING

Wednesday 29 March 2pm, Skipper Bar MASA Square

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

MONTEMAR BOWLS & SOCIAL CLUB

Sponsored by The Pub, Gran Alacant Insurances, Dialprix, The Belfry, Sunrise Builders and Dunbars.

FUN DAY

On Saturday 28th January we held an open fun day. It was well organised by Howie and Cindy, there was six different challenges in each round which everyone enjoyed. Sue and Joan were on the desk checking people in as they arrived. At the end of the mornings challenges the winner with nine points was Cindy Bedford, well done Cindy. Thank you to all who attended and everyone who helped to make it another successful day.

done everyone. The chickens were donated by June and Ronnie, as Julia and Ian are on holiday so are the chickens!! the eggs were donated by Joan and Chris Harding, thank you to all.

CHICKEN RUN

The monthly chicken run was attended by twenty four members. We played four rinks of trips, as usual it was a enjoyable morning. The eggs were won by Phil and one of our new members, Vicky Butler. June Young and Neil Crawford won the chickens well

SPONSORED WALK UPDATE

Back in October 2021 the ladies of our club with friends did a sponsored walk for the Ukraine Appeal; they walked from Santa Pola back to the Bowls Club and raised almost 1100euros. In January last year we sent to Ukraine urgent Medical Supplies and Toiletries along with clothing and bedding donated to the club. We have now donated the remainder of the of the money to Cruz Rojo (Red Cross) who do wonderful work all over the world helping those in need. Thank you once again to the ladies who did the sponsored walk and also a big thank you to all that donated be it money, clothing or bedding.

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

We are also on Facebook

Celebrating Valentine’s Day

... in Gran Alacant

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WE ARE THE ONLY API REGISTERED AGENT IN GRAN ALACANT

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Caravaca de la Cruz

In January we travelled south into Murcia to explore one of its most historic and beautiful Cities; Caravaca de la Cruz. Located in a spectacular setting surrounded by mountains the city rises up to the site of its former castle which is now occupied by the impressive Sanctuary of Vera Cruz.

sins, the next jubilee year is 2024 and the celebrations take place on 3rd of May and 14th September 2024. Jubilees are an ancient and important Roman Catholic rite and indulgences were also, of course, the trigger for the protestant reformation in the 16th century so the perpetual jubilee of Caracava is truly a piece of living european history; we intend to try to visit next year to witness the jubilee (and perhaps gain our spiritual insurance policy…).

A visit to the Sanctuary is an essential part of any visit to Caravaca. The climb up the castle hill is rewarded with excellent views over the surrounding landscape. The Sanctuary itself is a remarkable church possessing an extraordinary baroque frontage which is carved entirely out of red and black marble and includes the usual cherubs as well as sea creatures and mythical beasts. The interior of the church

This ancient church houses the holy christian relic that gives the city its name; a piece of wood said to have been part of the cross upon which Christ was crucified. The importance of this relic is such that the city has been granted the rare honour of a perpetual jubilee. This jubilee is celebrated every seven years and pilgrims to the jubilee are granted a plenary indulgence of their sins. Caravaca shares this honour of hosting a perpetual jubilee with only four other “holy cities” including Jerusalem, Rome and Santiago de Compostela. For those interested in seeing this rare and important Roman Catholic event, or in need of guaranteed forgiveness of their

is quite a restrained and moving space with the relic of the true cross itself displayed in a side chapel entered through a doorway to the side of the high altar. Even for people not possessing religious belief the effect

of the carefully executed spiritual theatre is impressive; this is the Roman Catholic faith in its most profound Spanish form and is also a shadow of our shared European

place to stroll about and simply enjoy being in delightful surroundings. We were a little surprised to discover that the city is also supplied with excellent tea shops and cafes serving truly delicious cakes; quite why the citizens of this quite remote Murcian city have such a taste for tea and cakes was not clear but we can confirm that they certainly know how to bake cake in Caravaca!

christian history.

The city however has plenty of other attractions to justify a visit. Its historic centre is packed with beautiful old buildings from almost every period. The usual spanish mediaeval churches nestle beside delightful early 20th century shops decorated with art nouveau motifs. The considerable former wealth of the city is evident from its collection of town houses and palaces, many of which are in an elegant neo-classical style. Caracava is a

The city enjoyed a period of particular prosperity in the years before the civil war and in the 1920s its bull ring was expanded and embellished with a flamboyant exterior in what can generously be described as an “Andalusian” style. The effect is one part Alhambra and three parts silent era cinema! Our visit revealed a city whose inhabitants have clearly always had a taste for spectacle in their architecture whether in church, home or corrida. Caravaca leaves one with the feeling of a place whose inhabitants have always been proud of their city and who still go a little bit further to make sure that things are just a bit more impressive than in other towns. The city holds a number of festivals and events throughout the year with the Pilgrimage of the Wine Horses in September being both famous and beloved. As one would expect, Easter is especially important in Caravaca with the city turned into a giant open air backdrop to an intense spiritual spectacle of processions.

Whenever you choose to go, we very much recommend a visit to this beautiful and special city.

CLINICA VETERINARIA

GRAN ALACANT EXOTICS

Calle Holanda 9, MASA Square I T: 966 698 569

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

Saturday 10:00 -13:00

Liliana Aldeguer Cerdán 793

English translation by Sergio Reina Esteban col 747

PUNISHMENT FITS THE CRIME (LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS)

I’m sure it’s not the first time we write in this magazine about the criminal procedures some “pet shops” are being using for decades with total impunity.

Here is a little reminder about them:

• Pet shop with offices all over Spain: a pet shop is not a bank or a transnational corporation, so if it has lots of offices everywhere, this normally means its profit range is much bigger than the average one, and this normally indicates its procedures are not “normal”.

• I can get you the breed you want. A serious breeder is normally specialized in one or, maximum, two breeds. So those “jacks of all trades, masters of none”, must be considered as suspicious (and always avoided).

• Depending of the type of client, they will tell you: “lucky you, you are purchasing a champion of Slovakia (or Romania, or...)”, or if they realize you have some info about Eastern Europe dogs, they will tell you instead: “yes, the dog has a microchip that must be “activated”, but I swear you it was born in Spain”.

• 90% dogs they sell have a health problem, and even most of them die. But “no problem, here you have another one”.

We have had this problem in Spain for a long time because it has had a powerful feedback for these reasons:

• People’s disinformation. Every potential pet owner must know what’s behind that lovely puppy that waves its tail behind the showcase, and a good way to get the info is having a look to some Youtube videos about Eastern Europe puppy farms, unless, of course, you are a sensitive person, because those videos remind me more

Auschwitz-Birkenau that “the happy puppy farm”.

• People’s feelings. Now you have your puppy, now you know it’s seriously ill, now you know you have been cheated by a gangster, but “it’s my baby and I’m not going to refuse it”. That’s very normal and very human but it makes the vicious circle never end.

• Authorities do NOTHING to stop this criminal business.

Well, according to the latest news, this is starting to change: Last month, in Valencia, the owners of one of those pet shops in Valencia (with offices in many Spanish cities, of course) are been sued and are facing six years in prison, and which is even more important, another six years of disqualification for working with animals. The facts happened in 2016, and the three business partners trafficked illegally with hundreds of puppies of different breeds from Slovakia, with false documentation. At their arrival at the pet shop, they were sold immediately, not passing any quarantine, and lying about their real age (I must tell that the real age of a puppy for sale at a pet shop is as reliable as the odometer of a second hand car) and their vaccines, and with a sinister warranty: if the puppy dies we will give you another one. Just like a mobile or a chair.

Desolated clients who lost their puppies (and their money in veterinary treatments), reported the police. Some officers searched the shop for evidence and found the puppies were enclosed in small cages full of urine and faeces, and there were lots of dead dogs in a fridge. Besides, there were some dogs connected to drippings despite the business was not a vet practice, as a matter of fact, the facilities didn’t even have a license (nucleo zoológico) which is mandatory in this cases.

So, what do we have here?

A) It was a prosperous business, for one simple reason: that puppy you bought in Spain for €900 was probably purchased in Slovakia for €20. Anyone can get rich and open new offices everywhere like this.

B) Lots of different breeds (jacks of all trades, masters of no one)

C) If it dies, here you have a new one

D) I swear you it was born in Spain. So, judge yourselves.

Apart from the prison, the judge made the partners pay a fine and a compensation to the clients for the money they spent in veterinary treatments and for moral damages, which is very reasonable, but, according to the opinion of some lawyers, the most important and useful part is the disqualification for working with animals. Unfortunately, the partners can still appeal, but let’s hope everything remains more or less the same.

Now I know those horrifying facts, so, what do I do if I want to get a pet without supporting this mafia?

Well, you have two options:

• Adopt!!!! The best option. Of course, “adoption” and “pet shop” are antonyms. Some “clever” pet shop dealers have realized the increasing bad reputation of selling puppies, so they offer instead “puppies for adoption”. Remember, animal shelters are the only place to go in those cases, and that if you have to pay, it’s a purchase, not an adoption.

• If you want a pure breed puppy, just call Sociedad Canina (kennel club) at your area, and they will inform you if there is a honest breeder somewhere.

Let’s hope the new Animal Protection Act starts putting things right.

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 or email: info@petsinspain.com

Luna is 4 years and needs a new home due to a family break up and subsequent displacement. She is chipped and neutered and with vaccination record. Previously she was living in a home with another dog and cats.

Rocky is 5 years and needs a new home. He is chipped, vaccinated and neutered. Rocky is good with other dogs and cats.

Could you spare a few hours a week to volunteer at the Pets in Spain charity shop on La Marina Urb?

If so please CONTACT US !!!

AVISO AL PÚBLICO (22/22)

Se informa a los Sres. Usuarios de la línea Santa Pola<->Alicante de los horarios establecidos a partir del día 5 de Septiembre del 2022.

SANTA POLA-ALICANTE (LINEA 1 y 3)

LABORABLES

*Estos servicios realizan su paso por BABEL

*Este servicio realizará su recorrido por urbanizaciones Gran Alacant (1º Playa Carabassí, 2º Avda Polonia (parada bus), 3º Sueño Azul, 4ºCorreos, 5º Monte de Santa Pola (farmacia), 6º Santara Resort, 7º Mercadillo, 8º Centro Salud , 9º Correos, 10º Mediterráneo (marquesina), 11º Centro Comercial) Realizando su primera parad a en Institutos y finalizando en Est

Buses a partir del 12 de septiembre

*Estos servicios solo llegarán hasta la población de Gran Alacant (servicios IES S Pola) y se realizarán a partir del 12 de septiembre

*Las horas de salida desde Óscar Esplá se realizarán 10 min antes de cada salida desde la Estación de Autobuses de Alicante Para más información pueden visitar la web → https://movilidad.vectalia.es/rutas/

League Table Season 2022 / 2023

Results up to and Including 13th February 2023

Highest Checkout

• Luis - Zest x 123

Most 180’s

Ray (The Pub) x 3

Sponsored by:

GA SOCIAL CYCLISTS

Klaus (Turpins) x 1

different routes but, we always meet up at a designated stop for a coffee, and importantly, a natter. Sometimes the group is just two cyclists, whilst other times it can be as many as 10-12 and as a testament to the group, in the years we have been meeting, many strong friendships have been formed.

There is a vibrant group of social cyclists in Gran Alacant who meet up outside of Molly Malones most days of the week at around 10:00am. We ride hybrid and off road bikes, are of varying ages, fitness levels and both sexes and usually cycle the rural roads and paths around Gran Alacant, Santa Pola and Elche which means 12 – 25 miles per ride.

Fitter, stronger cyclists can opt to take

As we don’t all live in Gran Alacant we communicate via a Whatsapp Group so it is best to check on the Whatsapp group who is around and who is going out on any particular day.

Please note, there is a Road Bike group in Gran Alacant who can be found on Facebook under Gran Alacant Road Cyclists (Bici Gran ALACANT group) where you can find their various meet up places and times.

If you want to join us please contact us on Whatsapp 00353 / 87 991 6020

GRAN ALACANT WALKING FOOTBALL

Our February lunchtime get-together at the Dick Turpin Bar was a success and the next one for members and partners will be in the Jolly Roger Bar, Carabassi on Tuesday 7th March at 1pm. Anyone interested in finding out more about our playing sessions is welcome to join us.

Our weekly Wednesday sessions continue at 11am at the Indoor Sports Centre next to the outdoor market on Av. D’Escandinavia. All nationalities are welcome to enjoy the Walking Football and also the drinks in Tommy’s Bar afterwards.

It is good to see the excavation and levelling work progressing with the 8-a-side football pitch and we hope to be playing on it before the summer. We look forward to the completion of the astroturf surface and hope it will attract even more members to our club.

Those members who are also in the Elche CF Supporters Group celebrated the first win of the season and we can only hope for more good performances this year.

GRAN ALACANT GOLF SOCIETY

GAGS are now back to playing twice a week, Tuesday and Friday at 8am. We are looking forward to meeting up with our regular players and welcoming new members whether they be residents or visitors.

SOCIETY DETAILS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

Where: El Plantio Golf Resort. The official address is A-79, Km3, 03114, Alicante.

When: the formal Society Day is Tuesdays weekly when all golfers are most welcome. In addition we have an informal get together every Friday which has always been a Gentleman’s Day.

Time: on both days normally 8am so please be there by 7.40am. Occasionally the Starter may request we change the time so unless you are a regular golfer it would be best to check with us beforehand.

Cost: usually €50 per round at peak times to include a buggy plus €1.50 mandatory insurance charge. It can sometimes be cheaper during less busy, off peak seasons. In addition the Society requires €5 sweep money which is all paid out at the end of the round.

We look forward to seeing you. For more information please contact: Michael (966 698 925) Tony (966 183 004)

TENNIS CLUB - EURO TENIS

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

For more details email: eurotenis2@gmail.com

Gran Alacant’s Elche CF SUPPORTERS GROUP

A group of football fans in Gran Alacant have set-up their own supporters club to watch the local professional club, Elche CF, at their home games at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero, and their away games in local bars around Gran Alacant.

Members include football fans from England, Scotland, Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, Poland, and of course Spain. And while the first love of these might be Newcastle United, Liverpool, Manchester United, Celtic, or Rangers, the common ground is that on match days everyone is green and white in support of Elche.

It has not been a great season for the Franjiverdes in what is their centenary year. Elche have found themselves in last place in La Liga all season and face a mammoth task to survive relegation to Segunda. Though hope is not lost just yet, especially after gaining a first league win of the season against Villarreal in February.

For away games, depending on the kickoff time and date, and what game bars will be showing to accommodate their numbers, the group usually meets 30 minutes before the start to watch the match together.

Home games see the group move around different bars in Gran Alacant as their meeting place, with bars used this season including the Jolly Roger, Naty’s, Shooters, The Pub, and Tommy’s.

From there, the group arranges carsharing to get up to the ground in time for some pre-match beers and food before returning to Gran Alacant afterwards.

Travel to the ground historically was problematic with no easy public transport links, other than changing buses in Santa Pola which would take an age, and would also leave you stranded in Elche after some of the late final whistles. With the group sharing driving duties, the group

has managed to shift larger groups of fans to games.

Tickets are always easy to come by via the club website at www.elchecf.es apart from for the visits of Real Madrid and Barcelona. There is also the occasional spare ticket available through the group as well.

Jornadas in Spain have games all spread out with each match being televised. It is normal for the actual date and time of the match to not be announced until 2 to 5 weeks beforehand. So if you look at any fixtures now and see a Sunday kickoff at 4pm, remember that this will never be the exact time or date of the game.

The only confirmed home game in March is on Saturday 11 March at 16:15 against Valladolid. The next home game after that is the visit of Barcelona (we have no spares available for this match) which will likely be played on Saturday 1 or Sunday 2 April. Check the official website around mid-March for ticket details.

If you are interested in watching an Elche match, find the group on Facebook at ‘Peña Elche CF de Gran Alacant’.

Mucho Elche!

GRAN ALACANT RUNNERS

THE (CONTINUING) ADVENTURES OF THE GRAN ALACANT RUNNERS

With the Santa Pola media maraton completed its time for some further races in and around Gran Alacant. Andy took part in the Alicante 21k on Sunday 19th and Claudia and Brigitte are preparing themselves to run in the Guadamar marathon in April. By then they will have left Gran Alacant for a new home in La Marina. They will be a miss. Often seen in the local cafes having a coffee or, running and walking through Gran Alacant, Los Arenales and the Clot, they always were willing to say hello and smile to everyone that knew them. During their time in Gran Alacant they have taken part in some audacious adventures, such as the ultra marathons, the 24 hour races and, who can forget their marathon in the ice and snow in Germany. We wish them well in their new life in La Marina. Its been a pleasure knowing them but I am sure we will see them out and about in Gran Alacant in the months ahead.

DIARY DATES:

5th March: Benijofar 7.5km

Popular race

5th March: Cross Perleta –Maitino 10km

12 March: Elche 21k

26th March: Jacarilla (near Orihuela) 5k & 10K

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