Gran Alacant Advertiser November 2017 by Gran Alacant Advertiser

NOVEMBER

2017 ISSUE 154

YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE SINCE 2005

COME AND SEE

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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!

Just a few words to let you know what’s going on this month, as always. There are no Moors and Christians parades in November, however there is still something to go and have a look at - the biggest fair in the Costa Blanca that takes place in Cocentaina from 1st to 5th November. Cocentaina is next to Alcoy. The fair is divided in many areas: medieval, street market, agriculture trade, typical products, food etc… You will be able to find all kind of products there. You will need, at least a whole day to see it all. There are fiestas in Benidorm from 11th to 15th with music and fireworks. I suppose you know how we, Spanish people, go to cemeteries to take flowers to our lost relatives, that day, the first of November, the cemetery becomes an impressive place with all these thousand of flowers. Also there are pilgrimages and local fiestas in La Nucia, Tibi, and Onil. Bye- bye friends this is all for the quietest month of the whole year.

Hello Everyone, What a great Halloween in Gran Alacant once again. It’s been two years since we took on the task of producing this great local magazine!!! Lou and I can’t believe how fast the time has gone by. It has been great fun and luckily we have some of the best customers anyone could wish to deal with, like us, most of them also have a demanding and challenging business to run, so we hope all our readers appreciate how hard everyone works in Gran Alacant with the heat all summer long and having to go into the sea to cool down or our pools for a dip, it’s a real tough life out here worrying if its going to rain next month or not, will the winter be cold or not .... oh, the stress of it all! Ha ha, just kidding folks! 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 8 and Casper on page 20

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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: Parking on pedestrian crossing!!! Suggestion for those who park on pedestrian crossings and block the dropped kerb. Don't even attempt to fine them, sentence them to two days in a wheelchair, monitored by someone from a local disabled society. Failure to comply would result in loss of licence to drive!!! Terry Q: Telephone Signal and Garden Waste It has now been a period when Helge and I have been waiting to see, if it has been any progress according solving the problems with the very bad mobile signal and the waste situation around the containers on the Avenida outside El Faro.

making a study about the needs of villages and towns regarding to the signal. About the garden wastes, the Town Hall has transferred all the complaints to URBASER, and they have to go there and remove it all. However, if you see that nothing is done, we encourage you to telephone to URBASER and complain. Q: Floods Following the flooding on certain roads earlier this year, is it possible for the council to arrange the clearing of the run off gullys on Avda. Noruega and other areas, which are already blocked with, overgrown weeds and rubbish. Kind Regards, John & Beth

Once again we have to inform you that NOTHING has happened until now!! It is a very negative feeling, but what can we think, after nearly one year since we started the mobile complaint and about four month after the Urbaser information!! More or less every day people and even garden companies through plant cuts and other big items around the containers. We are of course interested to get some comments from you about the actual situation, Best Regards Nils-Ove & Helge Town Hall Answer: Regarding to the issues that are mentioned in this complaint, we are so sorry about the fact that there is no solution carried out during these months. About the telephone signal, everyone knows that Gran Alacant has always had a bad signal, due to its location and orography. Nevertheless, the competences about telecommunications are not local but regional, and the Generalitat Valenciana is

Town Hall Answer: Your complaint has been transferred to the parks and gardens Department, so they can solve the problem that you relate and that can be seen in the photo. Q: Taxis & Transport around GA Following another successful summer in Gran Alacant, once again a big problem was highlighted â&#x20AC;&#x201C; sorting out taxis and transport especially during the months of June, July and August. This issue has been around quite a few years now and continually gets worse from year to year. Has the council any plans to address this issue i.e. more taxis available during the tourist season?

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Town Hall Answer: The Town Hall has going to do a mobility plan for Santa Pola and Gran Alacant, in order to study the needs regarding to public transport and taxis and thus have the chance to ask Conselleria for obtaining more taxi licenses, including those for disabled people. This study, which is believed to cost about 50.000€ will be done by April 2018, if there are no further administrative problems.

Barry’s Bits of News Q: Unused allotments Some of the allotments seem to be unused and untidy. A question to the Town Hall, how many of these units are now unused???

Town Hall Answer: All of them were granted to people who had applied for them. In fact, there are some people on waiting list in order to achieve one allotment. Nevertheless, there are 8 allotments being unused, so there are some requests from that waiting list being processed, in order to have all the allotments working. Q: Park by the post office roundabout The park by the post office roundabout has very uneven dangerous ground by the exercise machines, see pictures.

can solve the problem that you relate and that can be seen in the photo. xxxxx Someone was complaining to me about the unpunctual and lack of readable time tables from Baile bus company, on the bus pick up points for Santa Pola and Alicante during the summer. It is understandable the frustration waiting for transport that seems often to be late………but…I do think that it must be remembered just how much traffic is on the roads in our busy tourist season. Any buses running on GA that go to and come from Santa Pola and Alicante, must be a nightmare for the drivers, as the N332 road is often choc o block. Also of course, here on the urbanisation, it is difficult to get from A to B, particularly on Thursday market days. So please try to have some sympathy for Baile buses and the tourist train. xxxxx I thought I would explain the hoops we have to jump through for our Gran Alacant Oldies Walking Football, which has now been going for 3 months. It gives an insight into the way things have to be done out here in Spain. It is no contact, no tackling, and no over head height passing, to help those who wear glasses. Preference for booking times at the Gran Alacant Sports Centre is given to sports that are an official ASSOCIATION. Next April when the sports centre sets its appointments, these ASSOCIATIONS take precedence. I will now make our walking football just that. With visits to the notary and the town hall to get it all official. At the moment we are just seen as a few old men kicking a ball about (probably true) For more information email Barry at laneinspain@hotmail.com for start times, venue, and weekly updates.

Town Hall Answer: Your complaint has been transferred to the parks and gardens Department, so as they

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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 No walking sticks allowed. Every Thursday. For more information email Barry at laneinspain@hotmail.com for start times, venue, and weekly updates.

Group road bike rides from Gran Alacant We are a small group who spend most of the winter here in Gran Alacant. If you are interested in joining one of our rides look us up on Facebook Gran Alacant Road Cyclist (bici Gran Alacant) where ride details are posted or email gerard.elacey@gmail.com

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Gran Alacant Advertiser ahora en Español! Para Información sobre precios de publicación contactanos al 676 74 19 83 Las noticias locales traducidas del ingles por Camila. Todas las fotos se pueden ver en la Información redactada en Ingles P: Aparcamiento en paso de peatones Sugerencia para aquellos que aparcan en los pasos de peatones dejándolos bloqueados. No es cuestión de multarlos, si no, sentenciarlos a dos días en silla de ruedas, supervisados por alguien de una sociedad local de discapacitados. El incumplimiento debería dar como resultado la pérdida de la licencia de conducir.Terry P: Señal de móvil y desechos de jardín Ha habido un período en el que Helge y yo hemos estado esperando a que existiera algún progreso en la resolución de los problemas relacionados con la mala señal de móvil y a la basura alrededor de los contenedores en la zona del Faro. ¡Una vez más tenemos que informarles que NADA ha sucedido hasta ahora! Estamos decepcionados, pero ¿qué podemos pensar después de casi un año desde que comenzamos con la reclamación de la mala cobertura, y aproximadamente cuatro meses después de la información de Urbaser? Casi cada día tanto personas como empresas de jardinería, tiran plantas y otros artículos grandes alrededor de los contenedores. Como les hemos dicho antes, no nos quejamos, sino que agradecemos el esfuerzo por ayudarnos a resolver estos problemas. Por supuesto, estamos interesados en recibir algunos comentarios sobre la situación actual. Cordiales saludos, Nils-Ove y Helge Respuesta de ayuntamiento: En relación con los problemas que se mencionan en esta queja, lamentamos

mucho el hecho de que no existe una solución durante estos meses. Acerca de la señal telefónica, todos saben que Gran Alacant siempre ha tenido mala cobertura de móvil, debido a su situación y orografía. Sin embargo, la competencia sobre telecomunicaciones no es local sino regional, y la Generalitat Valenciana está haciendo un estudio sobre las necesidades de las ciudades y pueblos con respecto a la señal. Sobre los desechos de jardín, el Ayuntamiento ha transferido todas las quejas a URBASER, quienes han ido y han recogido los desechos. De todas formas, si ven que no se ha hecho nada, los invitamos a comunicarse al teléfono de URBASER para hacer el reclamo. P: Taxis y Transporte alrededor GA Después de otro verano exitoso en Gran Alacant, una vez más un gran problema a destacar: disponibilidad de taxis y transporte público, especialmente durante los meses de junio, julio y agosto. Este problema ha existido desde hace unos cuantos años y empeora continuamente tras año. ¿Tiene el Ayuntamiento algún plan para abordar este problema, es decir; más taxis disponibles durante la temporada turística? Respuesta de ayuntamiento: El Ayuntamiento va a hacer un plan de movilidad para Santa Pola y Gran Alacant, con el fin de estudiar las necesidades en materia de transporte público y taxis y, así, tener la oportunidad de solicitar a Conselleria la obtención de más licencias, incluidas aquellas para personas con discapacidad. Se estima que este studio costará 50.000€, y estaría pronto para abril de 2018, en caso de que no hayan contratiempos administrativos.

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P: Inundaciones Después de la inundación en ciertas carreteras a principios de este año, ¿es posible que el concejal coordine la limpieza de las alcantarillas en la Avda. Noruega y otras áreas, que ya están bloqueadas por malas hierbas y basura? Cordiales saludos, John y Beth Respuesta de ayuntamiento: Su queja ha sido transferida al Departamento de parques y jardines, para que puedan resolver el problema que usted menciona y que se puede ver en la fotografía.

Noticias de Barry P: Huertos desperdiciados Algunos de los huertos parecen estar sin uso y descuidados. Una pregunta al Ayuntamiento, ¿cuántas de estas unidades ya no se usan? Cordiales saludos, Barry Respuesta de ayuntamiento: Todos se otorgan a las personas que las han solicitado. De hecho, hay una lista de espera para la adjudicación de las parcelas. Sin embargo, hay 8 que no están siendo utilizadas, por lo que hay algunas solicitudes que se están procesando para que todos los huertos este en funcionamiento. P: Parque ubicado en la rotonda de la oficina de correos El terreno del parque de la rotonda de correos es muy irregular y peligroso, sobre todo al lado de las máquinas de ejercicio, ver fotos. Cordiales saludos Respuesta de ayuntamiento: Su queja ha sido transferida al Departamento de parques y jardines, para que puedan resolver el problema que se puede ver en la foto. ************ Alguien se acercó a mí para quejarse sobre la falta de puntualidad de la compañía de autobuses Baile y de los horarios poco legibles que hay en las paradas de autobuses, tanto de Santa Pola como de Alicante durante el verano. Es comprensible la frustración para quien espera el

transporte que a menudo parece llegar tarde ... pero ... creo que debe recordarse cuánto tráfico hay en las carreteras en la temporada turística. Todos los autobuses que pasan por GA, van y vienen desde Santa Pola y Alicante, debe ser una pesadilla para los conductores, ya que la carretera N332 a menudo se bloquea por algún accidente o hay retenciones de tráfico. Por supuesto, aquí en la urbanización, es difícil pasar de A a B, particularmente los jueves que es el día que hay mercadillo. Por favor, tratemos de ser más empáticos con los autobuses Baile y el tren turístico. ************** Quería explicar las trabas por las hemos tenido que pasar el Club Gran Alacant Oldies Walking Football, el cual lleva 3 meses activo. Nos da una idea de cómo hay que hacer las cosas aquí en España. En este deporte no se puede tener contacto, atajar o hacer pases por encima de la cabeza para ayudar a aquellos que usan gafas. La preferencia por las reservas en el Centro Deportivo Gran Alacant se otorga a los deportes que son una ASOCIACIÓN oficial. El próximo mes de abril, cuando el centro deportivo establece sus citas, estas ASOCIACIONES son las que tienen prioridad. Ahora tendré que hacer de nuestro Walking Football una asociación. Con visitas al notario y al Ayuntamiento para que todo sea oficial. Por el momento, nos ven como unos pocos hombres ancianos pateando un balón (probablemente sea cierto) Si desea unirse a nosotros, envíenme un correo electrónico a: laneinspain@hotmail. com para coordinar día y hora del partido. ************** Si desea enviar noticias o información para la próxima edición, envíe un correo electrónico a: info@granalacantadvertiser.com

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PLAZA MAYOR

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PLAZA MAYOR

MONTEMAR BOWLS & SOCIAL CLUB

Sponsored by The Belfry, The Pub, Bowling Abroad and Avalon

MONTEMAR BOWLS & SOCIAL CLUB Monte Mar Bowls and Social Club Sponsored by The Belfry, The Pub, Bowling Abroad and Avalon SEPTEMBER The end of month chicken run was a great success. Forty two members took part the best attendance to date. The chickens were won by Sheila Roberts and Ron Campbell the eggs by Sue Bounds and Brian Kingdom. A big thank you to all that took part. The chickens were donated by Dave and Kay Thomas and the eggs by Joan and Chris Harding.

OCTOBER Visiting teams Friday 6th we welcomed our first team from Basingstoke Bowling Club from Hampshire.

Our visitors enjoyed the hot sunny weather and a most enjoyable mornings bowling with the result not been important. Following the match we all enjoyed drinks

together followed by a light lunch. All too soon it was time to bid our new friends fare well with best wishes for the rest of their tour. Saturday 7th we welcomed Campsie Bowling Club from Glasgow. Rain was

forecast but fortunately it was just a few odd showers. After a competitive match which everyone enjoyed, welcome refreshments were enjoyed at LoungeD

who also arranged refreshments when the visitors first arrived. A big thank you to Lou and Ged. Tuesday 10th as promised after last years visit Penarth Bowls Club from Wales arrived. Once again we had a very enjoyable

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MONTEMAR BOWLS & SOCIAL CLUB Sponsored by The Belfry, The Pub, Bowling Abroad and Avalon

mornings bowling. All Monte Mar members were presented with a pin of the Welsh dragon. Following the match we all enjoyed lunch, drinks and plenty of laughter.

Denise Ashberry, Howie Williams and Ronnie Cairns. Shots Monte Mar 77 – 96 San Miguel Points Monte Mar 2 – 10 San Miguel Friday October 13th Monte Mar Toreadors v Quesada Swans A lovely morning greeted both teams for the first game of the new season. What a great start for the Toreadors winning on all six rinks, no easy feat against any team from Quesada. Too many winners to name them all so congratulations to everyone who performed so well on the day. Only another seventeen matches to keep this up Toreadors!!!! Monte Mar Matadors v Mazarron Miners. The first game of the season for the Matadors ended in each team winning three rinks. Well done to to the winning rinks of Lynne Armitaeg, Bill Judd and skip Colin Armitage. Keith Simpson, Mike Farrelly and skip Dave Melville. Jan Webster Bill Webster and skip Bill Young. Shots Monte Mar 84 – 111 Mazarron. Points Monte Mar 4 – 10 Mazzarron.

QUIZ Monday 9th we held our first quiz night which will be held every Monday during the winter months. The quiz was held in the LoungeD bar a big thank you to Lou and Ged for their support. All members who attended confirmed they had a very enjoyable evening, thanks to our quiz master Dave Melville. WINTER LEAGUE Wednesday October 11th Our first game did not go as planned against a very strong San Miguel team. Two very close rinks but in the end losing on all but one. Well done to Jean Chamberline,

Monday October 16th Monte Mar Toreadors v Quesada Diamonds A good mornings bowling on a lovely October day from both teams. All matches were very competitive with very close outcomes. The Toreadors just edged in front winning on three rinks and losing on two with one drawn rink. Well done to the winning rinks of Sue Bounds, Joe and Diane Ridley. Sheila Roberts, John Hunt and Joan Harding. Jan Soars, Chris Harding and Mick Soars. The drawing rink of Wendy Sheriden, Les Bounds and Iain Sheriden. Shots Monte Mar 100 – 90 Quesada Points Monte Mar 9 – 5 Quesada Monte Mar Matadors v Quesada Pearls Unfortunately not a very good day for the Matadors losing on all rinks at Quesada. Shots Monte Mar 64 – 161 Quesada Points Monte Mar 0 – 14 Quesada 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.

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START PREPARING NOW!

ENJOY A HAIR-FREE SUMMER

5 Good Reasons for Laser Hair Removal:

With the summer well and truly behind us now is the perfect time to get ready for a hairless free summer 2017!

Shaving, tweezing and waxing only provide a short-term solution. Wait a couple of days • or weeks and the hair grows back, almost mocking you for your efforts. Not with laser hair removal. While it won’t stop the hair from growing back completely, it will permanently reduce its growth and the hair • that does grow back will be much finer and easier to manage.

AUTUMN AND WINTER IS THE BEST TIME TO START THE LASER TREATMENT

•

You can’t receive the treatment if you are sunburnt. Summer is not the best time for • laser removal. It’s recommended to start the treatment in the winter in order to have a stubble free skin for summer!!! Stay out of the sun before your treatment. You can’t receive the treatment if you are sunburnt. Summer is not the best time for laser removal. It’s recommended to start the treatment in the autumn or winter in order to have a stubble free skin for summer!

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Laser hair removal has a number of benefits, but these five are the 5 main reasons why you should do it this winter! Quick treatments: it only takes usually 15-20 minutes to perform a treatment on the underarm or bikini line area. You don’t have to grow hair between treatments: unlike waxing, you can shave between the treatments as much as you like, and it will still be effective. Prevents ingrown hairs: when it comes to removing and preventing ingrown hair, laser is simply the best possible option that you have. No skin irritation: Those of you who suffer from sensitive skin can finally say goodbye to skin irritation from waxing and shaving, as there is none of that with laser removal. Saves you money: laser removal is actually the most economical method of removing unwanted hair! While a single appointment may cost you a little more, you can throw out all those razors, depilatory creams and other products. Also there is no longer a need to make an appointment every month to get waxed.

Large area - arms, legs, chest, back

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Catalonia On 6th September 2017 the Catalan Government approved an independence referendum; a simple majority would be enough for the Spanish region to formally separate from Spain. The vote took place on 1 October 2017, in direct violation of Spanish law. Although declared unlawful, Catalonia sought support from its Municipalities, causing a constitutional crisis. In this months column, I wanted to find out why Catalonia wants self determination and where this crisis goes from here. On the night of the vote, as I returned from work, switching on my television set, I was unsurprised to hear the result. 2.2 million out of the 5.3 million electorate exercised their democratic right; 90% of those voted for independence, according to officials. Over 700,000 votes were lost in the confusion, disorder and violence of the day; something I shall talk about a little later in this article. First I want to draw your attention to the reasons behind this vote for self governance. Catalonia used to be an independent region, with its own language, culture, customs and laws. This uneasy understanding existed until the reign of King Philip V (1700-1724,) when the Spanish war of Succession, in the early 1700s, ended in the defeat of Catalonia in 1714 and the final remaining autonomous regions in 1715. Thereafter, until 1931 all successive monarchs tried to impose their will, without success. Admitting defeat, the ‘National Catalan Government’ was restored, briefly, until the tenureship of General Franco, when there was a violent move to return the region to Spain, resulting in thousands of deaths. In 1977 democracy returned and a degree of autonomy was once again granted to Catalonia. Between 1977 and 2010 appeals for Catalan independence increased. In 2008

as economic turmoil gripped the World, calls for Catalonia to break free of Spain grew ever stronger. Catalonia was and remains the richest area of the Country and its citizens, in their view, were becoming increasingly frustrated at having to subsidise the rest of Spain. It was only a matter of time, before the Catalan Government took matters into its own hands, as it did so last month. Spain’s Prime minister Mariano Rajoy, issued a show of strength, rarely seen in west European states, using force and determination to stop the plebiscite in its tracks. PM Rojoys party, although in power nationally, remains forth in the popular vote in Catalonia; confrontation was inevitable, as Catalans went to the polls to cast their vote in this historic referendum. In Great Britain, we have had our fare share of referenda. In 2014 Scotland went to the polls in a vote to determine whether or not they should remain part of the United Kingdom. 56% voted to remain in the Union and the Scottish National Party’s bid to break away from the UK failed; although the vote remained closer than anyone thought. The biggest upset was the Brexit referendum, determining Britain’s place in the European Union. David Cameron had promised a vote, to allow the British public a say, in whether we remain in the EU or not, should he win the election of 2015. In June 2016, the vote took place and by a small margin, the UK voted to leave the EU; the consequences of which, we will be living with for many years to come, good or bad! Further afield the Australian Government is in the middle of a postal ballot, to determine the fate of gay marriage. The future of lives, will be decided by the population of this polarised country; a place I hope to call home one day. The trouble with referenda, is it only reflects a particular view at a given point in time and not the policies of a party over the life time of a parliament. We elect our MP’s to enact policies they have advocated,

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we don’t expect to vote on every issue at hand, in a national referendum; that would defeat the whole idea of a democratically elected Government. There are of course substantive, generational, life changing contentions, that should be settled by the general public; both Brexit and Scottish independence were two such issues, of national and international importance; the results are now Britain’s destiny, set in stone. The Catalan vote for independence is a little more complicated, compared to that of Scotland; Catalonia has never been an independent state, in the literal sense, and their vote for independence has been brought about by Catalan nationalism, a political movement within its borders. Catalonia is the industrial heartland of Spain and the richest region; it is easy to see why this area wants its own autonomy, but the reality of their situation is, there is no precedent for granting independent status and the national Spanish Government of Mariano Rajoy resisted this vote emphatically. There were violent scenes from Catalonia as people went to the polls. Some of those interviewed were emotional, having been given the opportunity to vote for their own future, for the first time in their lives. An old couple were cheered, by a growing crowd as they slowly made their way to the ballot box. It must have been a tremendous day for them and others who cast their vote. At other polling stations, the mood was ugly, as voters were removed from buildings and others blocked from entering; using force to disrupt and control, what the Spanish Government saw as an illegal act. Around 900 people were injured in a shocking day of unrest on the streets. One local resident, married to a Spanish lady here in Gran Alacant, was so concerned about the events, he uttered the words ‘civil war,’ believing that unless PM Rajoy got to grips

with a rapidly deteriorating situation, the whole country could descent into anarchy and civil unrest. I am a political novice where Spain is concerned, writing this article has allowed me to discover some interesting facts and historical information, that I would not have otherwise known about. I don’t want to delve too deep into the politics of Spain and Catalonia, that is not my purpose or aim; my views come from the perspective of an onlooker. The scenes played out to a World wide audience on television sets were shocking to witness; old men and women removed unceremoniously, dragged by the hair and thrown like rag dolls into the streets; utterly horrifying in a western country; this need not have happened. A referendum is not legally binding; had Prime minister Rajoy allowed this vote to take place peacefully, without fear of reprisal there may well have been a very different outcome. The 90% figure, in favour of independence was due In part, to the ‘no independence’ voters staying at home, boycotting the election. Those determined to get out and cast their ballot were pro independence supporters, naturally in this situation. An orderly vote could have passed into history rather quietly, as both sides of the Catalan argument ended in a period of reflection, dialogue and negotiation to settle their differences. As it stands today, after the violence witnessed no one is sure where this issue goes from here. The Catalan Government has since declared independence, suspended, delayed pending talks nationally; a positive step promoting talks between both sides! One thing is for sure however, this issue will not go away and a peaceful solution must be found; ultimately, in the long run, Catalonia deserves to be heard!

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Mayka’s Kitchen

Spanish lentil stew

Hi all, Are you ready for another winter recipe? I am as is getting a little more chilli this month and have decided to prepare a very typical Spanish hot soup or stew with lentils!! I love them and they have lots of iron and are so good for you. Get in there! Mayka x

Ingredients • 3/4 cups of lentils • 1 chorizo sliced • 4 cloves of garlic • 1 medium onion diced • 2 carrots peeled and diced • 1 tbls of Spanish smoked paprika • olive oil for sauteing • salt to taste

Let’s Start! Wash lentils. Place the lentils, chorizo, whole garlic, carrots and potatoes in a large pot. Cover with water at least 3 fingers in total. Bring to the boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Let it cooke stirring occasionally. Fry onions in a pan with olive oil until soft, then add Spanish smoked paprika and cook for a minute. Add onions to the pot. Salt to taste. Cook for 45 minutes. YUMMY! Serve very hot with some crusty bread! Enjoy xxx

Que Aproveche!

Enjoy! 34 34

CARABASSI CENTRE MAYKA’S KITCHEN AVENIDA ESCANDINAVIA CARABASSI CENTRE

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(0034) 966697438 granalacant@opgroupspain.com

GRAN ALACANT - KEY READY! REDUCED!

Superb opportunity to buy one of the new style villas, which would normally have a 2 year waiting time! This key ready, fully furnished property comes complete and ready to move into including central air conditioning, a 9x4 automatic salt private pool, televisions in the lounge and main two bedrooms with British satellite television installed, high quality furniture and appliances.

Price: 299,950€

Ref: GAS192

SANTA POLA The apartment is only a short 400 metre walk to the white sands of Playa Lisa. The property is situated on the second floor of a a well maintained building with lift access. Consisting of a spacious open plan kitchen lounge and dinner with South facing balcony. The kitchen comes fully equipped with all white goods Beds: 1 Bath: 1 Price: 59,000€ Ref. GAS14 GRAN ALACANT - NEW LISTING! Altomar I is a very popular urbanisation which enjoys excellent communal facilities incl. a large communal pool set in beautiful gardens as well as sports courts. This property generously proportioned. Situated within a short walk of shops, bars restaurants and other amenities, it's also close to bus stops. Beds: 3 bath: 3 Price: 139,000€ Ref:GAS113 GRAN ALACANT - NEW LISTING The house is situated on a corner and has a small terraced yard which can be used for off road parking. The front door enters into the lounge with a kitchen and covered utility area. Also on the ground floor is a showerroom. On the first floor is the masterbedroom with built-in wardrobes and a glazed balcony. There is a storage cupboard in the hallway. Beds: 2 Baths: 2 Price: 99,950€ Ref: GAS150

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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 Branch will be resuming its meetings from Mon 4th Sept 17 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. Next meeting AGM on Nov 6th 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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THE KITCHENS OF THE FUTURE

There is much talk about the role that the kitchen is taking in the home as a multifunctional space. Studies indicate that we are heading towards a future where the focal point of the house will return to the heat of the oven. And all we can say is “Welcome back” because that is how it was traditionally until more wealthy people decided to relax in the living room and get away from the smells of the kitchen. The advances in kitchen appliances have made these fumes and odours dissipate quickly and therefore, we can now take a professional look at our cooking space. Now the kitchen’s importance in the home has increased. It has become a very versatile space where you can perform almost any activity. It can be an open plan space to share with all members of the family.

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DO YOU WANT A KITCHEN OF THE FUTURE? We are increasingly worried about eating healthily but good cooking and delicious recipes will never go out of fashion! For years people have dreamed about the kitchens of the future. They are in luck because, in terms of technology and design in the kitchen, we could almost say ... The future is today!

If you dream of that perfect kitchen for your home, do not hesitate to ask for our advice. In E-Studio

Kitchen and Interior we are going to make it very easy because we know that the best thing about having a dream is to fulfil it!

The kitchen of your dreams can be a reality. We are awaiting your visit. Eva & Antonio Interior Designers

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ALTOMAR II

MONTE Y MAR BAJO

PUERTO MARINO

Top Floor Apartment Ref: GA0005 Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1

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Corner Townhouse Ref: GA0013 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2

Detached Villa Ref: GA0133 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3

Ground Floor Apartment Ref: GA0072 Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1

€120,000

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WE ARE THE ONLY API REGISTERED AGENT IN GRAN ALACANT EMAIL: info@ga-homefinders.co.uk Website: www.ga-homefinders.co.uk

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€250,000

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PUERTO MARINO

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Corner Apartment Ref: GA0096 Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1

Semi Detached Villa Ref: GA0110 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3

Detached House Ref: GA0053 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2

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WE URGENTLY NEED MORE HOUSES TO SATISFY OUR CLIENTS!

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COMMERCIAL CENTRE XII CROSS POPULAR ABEL ANTĂ&#x201C;N 2017

... and they are off! The 10th event of the Abel Anton Cross Popular gets underway at the Commercial Center in Gran Alacant.

have entered this race a few times but it's the first time I've been placed and I'm really happy about it. I usually run regularly all year but this summer due to one thing and another I haven't been able to do as much training as I would have liked so I definitely wasn't expecting the result that I achieved which was almost three minutes faster than last year which is great. It helped me a lot that it was cloudy as the weather has a big impact but I really wanted to run the race whatever the result so I was super happy to get second place in the Ladies Veteran B class! I really enjoyed the race and although at about 7km I was tired I got second wind and pushed through. The course was hilly but I'm used to that as I run them during my day to day training. I'd encourage you to take part in this and any other race that you can ... the atmosphere is phenomenal, the energy it gives you is amazing. Even if you don't race competitively, just taking part, sharing the atmosphere and enjoying running makes us feel alive! Gabriela Auzobberia Calvo, Pilates Gran Alacant

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COMMERCIAL CENTRE The 10th Edition of X Cross Popular Abel Anton 10k race took place on Sunday 1st of October starting at the Commercial Centre in Gran Alacant. The race is held every year and is named after Abel Anton, the Spanish long distance runner who won gold medals in the marathon in 1997 and 1999 World Athletics Championships. He was also the first Spanish runner to win the London Marathon in 1998. For Riders Bike Shop lead the race and while the runners where on the course, the Gran Alacant Life Dance Academy kept the crowd enthralled!

DO YOU DARE TO TAKE ON YOUR OWN CHALLENGE? by Iván Canzio

My name is Iván Canzio, I’m 24, and, since I was the first local runner who finished the XII Cross Popular Abel Antón, Lou encouraged me to write a little bit about running and myself. I started running about one year ago, while I was having a bad moment in my life and I thought that doing some exercise could help me keep focused on a goal and stay in good shape. The main trigger for this

decision was a book called Eat & Run, written by Scott Jurek, one of the best ultramarathoners that had ever existed. His story really inspired me, so I decided that I had to run a Half Marathon in less than one hour and 30 minutes (I had run one about three years ago in one hour and 40 minutes, my personal best at that moment). I knew that it was not going to be easy and that I would need some discipline, so I started running long distances between three to four times a week. After two months of self-training, my friend Quique, who is a personal trainer (http://www.egpersonaltrainer.com/) asked me to follow his advices and his training plans. Almost immediately I started noticing a big improvement in my performance and, just six weeks after I joined Quique’s planning, I could accomplish my goal, finishing the Santa Pola Half Marathon in 1 hour and 22 minutes. The sensation of fulfilmen was amazing and only in few months, I had lost almost eight kilograms of fat, (I had been overweight all my life), increased my vitality and self-esteem and, of course, made a lot of new friends who were training with Quique, like me.

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I was happy and proud about reaching my goal, but, I realised that I had to make even bigger effort if I wanted to improve my time and to be able to train harder. By that time, I had been a vegetarian for two years (but being vegetarian doen’t necessarily mean eating healthy). However, after reading Scott Jurek’s Eat & Run I felt encouraged to go vegan. Of course, I knew that giving up meat, fish, dairy and eggs (all kind of animal products) would avoid the death of many innocent animals and was much more sustainable, but I never thought it could be advisable for an athlete (though, the best ultra-runner of all times could not be wrong). Before taking such step, I decided to read more about nutrition, went to the official sources (the World Health Organisation approved the vegan diet, in fact they recommend it) and I focused on sports-nutrition. After gathering a lot of information, I gave up all animal products and started a plant-based diet. The benefits were quickly noticed, in my digestion, big reduction in stiffness, a faster recovery and more fat loss (when you are vegan, you can easily avoid most of the high-processed food and fatty products). All these changes and discipline have allowed me to follow the demanding plans of Quique, and following his demanding plans have helped me to reach my own goals. Some people may think that the only way to feel the joy of running is to win a cup or a prize, or to beat as many runners as possible. This is a terrible mistake because there will

be always someone who can run faster and longer, so you would get easily frustrated. After all, the best about running is that you set your own goals, you are your only rival and your chronometer is your greatest enemy. Goals must always be set according to our capacity and it is necessary to have the patience to improve little by little, have some rest when necessary and reward yourself when you accomplish a goal. Turning off the TV and starting to run is an uncomfortable commitment with ourselves that, will quickly become a need, and then a joy. It is commonly believed that running is all about suffering (and it is if you want to reach a certain goal), but you do not need to feel pain at all to enjoy an easy jogging. You have the chance to run along the Mediterranean, watching the moon and its reflection on the calm water, while the soft breeze seems to take all your worries away while it fills your lungs with pure air from the sea. On the opposite, if you want to feel the adrenaline, you have the moment of the race, a chance to give it all surrounded of people who will encourage you to make your best, an atmosphere invaded by a collective feeling of accomplishment, struggle, satisfaction and brotherhood, with more than ten thousand people involved in the same activity (not just runners, but volunteers, police, doctors and public too), working to help you reach your goals. As Scott Jurek says, “every single one of us possesses the strength to attempt something he isn't sure he can accomplish. It can be running a mile, or a 10K race, or 100 miles. It can be changing a career, losing 5 pounds, or telling someone you love her (or him)”. Fortunately, we have the Santa Pola Half Marathon the 21st of January.

Do you dare to take on your own challenge? Iván Canzio

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AVDA.MEDITERRANEO A man went to Harley Street in London , having seen an advert for a Gynecologist's Assistant. Knowing that nowadays, job advertisers aren't able to discriminate against the applicant's gender, he was very interested, so he went in and asked the secretary for details. She retrieved the file and read to him: "This job entails preparing ladies for the Gynecologist. You will be responsible for helping them out of their underwear, laying them down and carefully washing their private areas, applying shaving foam to the necessary parts and removing all unwanted foliage. If you're interested, you'll have to go to Aberdeen ". "My goodness!", exclaimed the man, "Is that where the job is?". She answered, "No , that's where the end of the queue is..." READ THE MAGAZINE INTERNACIONAL EVERY MONTH AT www.GRANALACANTADVERTISER.com BIBLIOTECA GRAN ALACANT

SPANISH COURSES 2017-2018 & COFEE TALKS Inscription period September 11th to 28th • • • •

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

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Inscription fee: 5€ Complete Normal Fee: 120€ Complete Reduced Fee: 95€ Split fee: 1st fee Normal: 60€/Reduced 50€ 2nd fee Normal: 60€/Reduced 45€ 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

COFFEE TALK If you are interested in practising your Spanish .... Give us your phone number and advise on free time and we will organize a group with Spanish people in order to practice the language.

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

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Out & About with Star & Ashlee El Palmeral Palm Tree Park – Alicante Hi , my name is Star and I have been lucky enough to call Gran Alacant my home for over 9 years now. My 7 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.

ages, including slides, swings, climbing frames and agility courses. For those who like to keep fit there is an area with exercise equipment and plenty of walkways to run or walk around and for bike enthusiasts you will find a BMX track.

This month we wanted to share with you “El Palmeral,” or the Palm Tree Park as we call it, which we have visited many times over the years. This beautiful Oasis is located just outside Alicante. We are sure that a lot of you may have gone past and caught a glimpse of the palms and wondered what was inside …… well read on to find out more. Historically this gorgeous park was an orchard that was protected by the Palm trees and in October 1997 it was re-opened as a public space. It has approximately 7,000 Palm Trees and once inside you really wouldn´t know that you were close to a main road, or a big city as you feel like you are in a tropical haven totally surrounded by not only Palm trees, but lots of other beautiful flowers and shrubs. Strolling around the many walkways throughout the park you will come across numerous playing areas for kids of all

As well as all the vegetation there are numerous water features including a little lake, which at various times of the year has boats that you can hire and take out for a sail. There are many bridges that cross the water flowing through the park which comes from an amazing waterfall that you can walk behind, if you don´t mind getting a little splashed! The scenery makes beautiful backdrops for photos and lots of people use this park for photo shoots including Proposals, Weddings, Anniversaries, Christenings

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and other special occasions. Dotted around you will find plenty of benches, some of which are in secluded little areas and there is also a designated picnic area. You will also find toilet

It is open every day from September to May 09:00 to 23:00 and from June to August it is open from 09:00 to 00:00. There is a lot of street parking outside and a bus stop very close by, which the bus from Gran Alacant to Alicante stops at. If you have noticed the recent roadworks to put a bike lane along this road, then you may have noticed that a new junction

facilities, a kiosk that has a shaded seating area selling hot and cold snacks and even a small local police office. There is also a theatre area with staggered grass tiers for seating and all sorts of acts including puppet shows, magic shows, concerts and other theatrical productions are held here and in the temple. From September to May on alternating Sundays at 12:30 and from June to August they start at 20:00.

with traffic lights has been extended, so you can now turn into the park from both directions, as before you could only access it if you were on the road leaving Alicante. So, the next time you are on your way back from Alicante why not stop off, or take a picnic. Stroll through the stunning walkways, enjoying the calmness of the lovely surroundings and feel yourself relax. We promise you won’t be disappointed Join us next month for some more fun “Out and About”. Bye for now, Star and Ashlee x

Out & About with Star & Ashlee

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GA Cards & Gifts (Above Quicksave)

Huge selection of boxed & individual Christmas Cards imported directly from the UK. Christmas Boxed/Individual Cards for all occasions

2018 Diaries & Calendars A4, A5, Pocket

Gifts for Christmas & all year round 20% Discount on all jewellery until 25th December

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1x Christmas Tubs: €8.50 or x 2 for €15 Asda Sage & Onion Stuffing €0.99c Goose Fat, Christmas Puds/ Cakes, Selection Boxes

Order your Christmas meats in store - Turkey Crowns, Turkeys, Topside Beef, Roast Pork, Gammon... All fresh from the British Butcher. (Free bottle of wine with every Fresh Turkey Crown order) Winter Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 08:30-18:00 - Sunday 08:30-21:00 AVENIDA ESCANDINAVIA

APPEAL FOR HELP

DEVASTATING FIRE AT CUATRO PATAS! OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM PROYECTO CUATRO PATAS On 3rd of October, someone set fire to Cuatro Patas’ site. Most of the animals escaped unharmed thanks to the actions of a neighbour who jumped the fence and freed them. Sadly, two of the residents, a rescued pig called Margarita and a kitten they recently took in, were burned alive. Our most sincere thanks to each and every person who contacted us to express their condolences for the loss of Chip and our beloved Margarita. Our thanks to all of the people who are providing material, physical and economic support and assistance to the association during this very difficult time. Our thanks to companies like Satur skips and Cano building materials and others without their help rebuilding would not be possible. After what has happened, we can only believe that there is hope. That the road ahead is hard but not impossible. Yesterday, the Board decided that the doors of the shelter will be closed for at least a month. That means NO new animals will enter the facility until everything is back to normal.

This does not mean people cannot come to visit or that we are going to stop going to the sanctuary. It is simply a decision to avoid disrupting the lives of new animals with the rebuilding. After this, we can only continue to ask for HELP. Help to replace everything the fire took from us. That the fire stole from us. Everything that with great effort on the part of many, we had collected over a year.

WILL YOU HELP US TO KEEP SAVING LIVES? • For just a 1 euro a month, you can join our teaming campaign https://www.teaming. net/proyectocuatropatas • For just 5 euros a month, you can become a member. Please email info@ proyectocuatropatas.org for more information • For just 7 euros a month you can sponsor one of our animals • You can make a donation via PayPal to proyectocuatropatas@outlook.com • Or by bank transfer to ES96 3005 0068 4023 6569 4823

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Obama, Hillary and Trump are standing at the throne of heaven. God looks at them and says, "Before granting you a place at my side, I must ask you what you have learned, what you believe in." God asks Obama first: â&#x20AC;&#x153;What do you believe?" He thinks long and hard, looks God in the eye, and says, "I believe in hard work, and in staying true to family and friends. I believe in giving. I was lucky, but I always tried to do right by my countrymen". God canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help but see the essential goodness of Obama , and offers him a seat to his left. Then God turns to Hillary and says, "What do you believe?" Hillary says, "I believe passion, discipline, courage and honor are the fundamentals of life. Like Obama I believe in hard work. I, too, have been lucky, but win or lose, I've always tried to be a true patriot and a loyal American." God is greatly moved by Hillary's high-pitched eloquence, and he offers her a seat to his right. Finally, God turns to Trump and says, "And you, Donald, what do you believe?" Trump replies, "I believe you're sitting in my seat."

SANTA POLA

Put the kettle on

The narrow boat suddenly became longer and apparently wider as Simon now stood alone on its deck. He had been given a comprehensive, if brief guide as to the various controls and features on board and he had been guided through the “rules of the waterways”. He took a deep breath and gingerly moved the power lever forward. The engine note rose and the water frothed behind the stern as the propeller churned in the murky water. Imperceptibly at first, the craft moved. Amazingly, it actually went forward, as advertised. He gave a smile and a wave to his Instructor on the bank as the boat moved easily away from the Marina. He had thought about this moment for years. In charge of his own vessel, and ready to cruise the waterways of England. As he gazed at the beauty of the countryside in the late morning sunshine, and the canal bank slipping gently by, he suddenly realized that he was in complete charge of the boat. DO SOMETHING. The end of the basin was narrowing to the canal proper. He eased the power lever back; noise reduced; but the speed did not. So this is what fifteen tons of narrow boat does when there is no power. Something from his school science class, shouted “inertia” at him. He moved the tiller to one side, adjusting the position of the rudder to bring the front end of the boat back towards the centre of the canal. Nothing! With the power on tick-over, the rudder had little effect. More power; steering returned and the bow gradually came round to where he wanted it to be, but the speed was increasing. Aargh. Reverse! The noise of the engine now pierced the tranquillity of the countryside. The narrowboat juddered and gradually slowed, all steering seemed to have abandoned the craft as is came to a stop pointing across the canal. He moved the power lever to neutral disengaging the drive to the propeller. As the engine ticked over quietly, the noises of the countryside returned. Birds were singing, the gentle sigh of the breeze through the trees and the lapping of the tiny ripples from the bank gave him a sense that he really should start breathing again. Lessons; steering requires some thrust from the propeller, not much, but some. It takes a long time to change direction or to stop. He remembered the words from his recently

rit

DRAMA IN A TEACUP

ac nb y Te r r y L

departed Marina Instructor. “Plan Ahead”. He was thankfully still alone on this stretch of the canal. With small amounts of power and small movements he was able to keep the bow pointing along the canal towards the bend ahead. At this speed it would take several minutes to reach it. Plenty of time to get a feel for things. He began to relax into his new found confidence; the boat seemed to be doing what he wanted. Once again he was able to take in the beauty and tranquillity of the countryside. As he neared the approaching bend, IT appeared. Another narrowboat; coming towards him. He stopped breathing again, regained his composure and began to manoeuvre towards the bank to allow room to pass. “Plan ahead”. He put on a bit more power to help the steering, the bend now seemed tighter, the other boat passed safely alongside and there was a wave from the crew. Avoiding the distraction, he applied all the rudder that the tiller would give. It was not enough. The bow gently but firmly enters the reeds at the side of the canal and the narrowboat came to a stop. With the tiller hard over and the power still applied, the stern of the boat pushed itself into the reeds and the bottom wedged itself on the bank. The narrowboat was stuck fore and aft. He cut the power to prevent things getting worse. He gathered himself and went for the barge pole. Pushing from the bow, stern and mid-ships had no effect, he was stuck. He climbed off the boat to see of any further bright ideas came to him. Everything looked just as silly from here as it did from on board. As he paced up and down the towpath, to get a better view of his predicament, he noticed a box, embedded in the hedgerow. It bore the same symbol as the one on the side of his narrowboat. It was the emblem of the boatyard. Curious, he looked a little more closely. There was no lock on the box. He pulled open the door to reveal sign from the boatyard, it read. If you have reached this far you have done better than the average. Call the number that is on your key fob. We will be with you in twenty minutes. Put the kettle on.

FIVE MINUTE FICTION

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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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CWW Electrical Services

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

The missing wife An elderly driver was pulled over by a traffic cop. “Excuse me sir”, said the police officer. Do you realize that your wife fell out of the car 2 miles back?”. “Thank goodness” said the old man. I thought I’d gone deaf!”

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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

VETERINARY DIAGNOSTICS Nowadays, Vets and doctors have practically the same diagnostic tools: scanners, magnetic resonance, even DNA tests, are also available for animal patients. All these tools (when properly used), are a valuable help for the Vet, but no one of them can replace or improve a correct “hands off” and “hands on” inspection. The very first thing is to obtain some info about the patient circumstances (age, feeding, etc), and then the Vet proceeds with the classical exploration, which includes visual inspection, palpation and auscultation. Every Vet is qualified for performing this, even in a home visit, which can also include blood and skin sampling. Other diagnostic procedures, such as X-ray and ultrasonography must be performed at the practice. Basic equipment for diagnostics should include X-ray device, ultrasound scanner, seric biochemistry analyser and haematological cell counter. Normally we start with most basic tests, and in case they are not enough for stablishing a definitive diagnosis, we continue with more sophisticated ones. Recommending a CAT (Computerised Axial Tomography) scanner without taking a simple X-ray first, makes nonsense. The most important limitation for diagnostic tools is economy. When we go to a human hospital (in a European country, we mean), we are not asked by the doctor how much money do we want to spend, because we don’t pay directly the bill. So, the doctor orders a huge battery of tests for discarding different pathologies. Meanwhile, in Veterinary science, most diagnostic tests are performed, not for discarding but for confirming pathologies, because we must never forget there is no NHS for animals. Apart from the economical factor, we have to consider most sophisticated tests such as CAT scanner or magnetic resonance require the patient must be completely

quiet during the procedure, so, as anyone can imagine, in case of an animal patient, implies anaesthetic. For all these reasons, our first step in image diagnostics is always a simple X-ray and ultrasonography. In case of blood tests, there are hundreds of brand new genetic test for finding out, for example, if a Labrador have or not the hip dysplasia gen in order to declare it as valid or not valid for reproduction; or maybe if a Persian cat is going to develop polycystic kidney disease; or even the status of the immunity, etc. Choosing one or another immunological diagnostic tool depends on what we are expecting to find: some of them detect antibodies titre, which allow us to know the degree of immunological response (and in some cases protection) against a disease (or even a vaccine, for example in case of rabies antibodies test). The problem is some diseases may make an animal have a positive titre for life, even if the disease has completely disappeared; some other ones such as PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), detect directly the presence or absence of a specific bacterial, viral or parasitic DNA or RNA, which is extremely sensitive, but can fail if the sample is not obtained at the right moment. So, every individual requires a tailormade diagnostic protocol. The Vet must recommend the owner the most useful diagnostic tests in every case. Sometimes the owner would like to perform “all the tests”, but ethically speaking is not acceptable to recommend tests that have very little to do with the case we are investigating just because our hospital have the ultimate (and expensive) device for performing those tests. We must insist the most powerful diagnostic tool is confidence between owner, Vet and patient.

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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 Simba is a 2 year old Galgo, he is house trained, good with children and other dogs and very affectionate. Simba is chipped and weighs around 20kgs

Jazz is a 3 year old Himalayan Persian. She is chipped and has all her paperwork. Jazz is a very affectionate and prefers to be the only cat

Marla and Izzy have been adopted from our last edition. Dotty is a 14 week old English Setter x and is a happy, playful little girl. She is in excellent health, started her vaccinations and is good with other dogs, cats and children. Dotty will be medium to large size when fully grown.

Sally Is about 1 year. She was traumatized when we first rescued her and it has taken a few weeks of patience with loving care to get her to trust people again. She must have previously been a pet cat because she now loves likes to be petted.

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 David is one of two beautiful short legged German Shepherd crosses we have available for adoption. His sister, Princess, being similar in size and character. He is 18 months old and appears very intelligent. David is an adorable little man. He is keen to please and loves to play with people and his toys. Due to his age, he would adapt quickly to new people and surroundings. Ideally, we would like them to be re-homed together as they have been companions since birth and get on very well together. Current owners unable to keep them due to ill health. Fully vaccinated, passport and micro chipped, ready to go. READ THE MAGAZINE EVERY MONTH AT www.granalacantadvertiser.com

WHAT’S THAT IN THE CLOT? by Mark Etheridge

BOOTED EAGLE raptors at this time of year. Occasionally one or two take up permanent residence in the Clot for the season; in the past a pair have frequented a site to the west of the reserve on the low hill beside the N332. Most Spanish Booted Eagles migrate to Africa, but those that stay in Spain tend to congregate in our area, coming here from their forest and mountain breeding grounds.

There's a killer on the loose. Actually, there's more than one, there are several, and they're all in our area. The Costa Blanca is one of the best areas in Europe to see a wide variety of avian raptors during the winter season. The wetlands around us, which include the Clot, Santa Pola Salinas and the big reserve of El Hondo attract overwintering birds in huge numbers, and birds of prey take advantage of this bounty to spend the season relaxing with easy pickings to build up their energy for the next breeding season, and for youngsters to hone and perfect their hunting techniques. You'll know when you see one of these killers. Many of the larger ones spend a lot of their time circling lazily in the sky, taking advantage of any rising thermals to maintain station over their hunting grounds with the minimum of effort. Amongst the species present at this time of the year are Buzzards, Snake Eagles, Great Spotted Eagles, Bonnelli's Eagles and even the occasional Golden Eagle. The bird in my photo this month is the Booted Eagle, which is a medium-sized eagle and one of the most common

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They have a very wide choice of prey items, from birds up to the size of ducks and moorhens, rabbits and other small rodents, amphibians and reptiles, and even large insects such as dragonflies and mantises. There are two forms of the Booted Eagle – the “light phase” type which is the one in my photograph, and also a “dark phase” type which is dark brown and can be confused with the similar (but much larger) Marsh Harrier. You can tell them apart from the way the Marsh Harrier flies with its wings in a shallow V shape, the Booted Eagle holds its wings level. One of the great sights of the birding world is to see a Booted Eagle being mobbed by other birds – it will accelerate away from the attacker, then suddenly roll on its back, presenting its talons to the pursuer and then right itself and proceed calmly onwards as though nothing had happened. The name “Booted” comes from the feathering around its legs, this is also referred to in the Spanish name – Aguila calzada. 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. This year we have only had ONE adoption. Compared to other years that we had 3 to 5 adopted. This year it has been double the births around and it is making it very hard to help them all.

Please take unwanted coins to: • UP THE HILL: • GA Services • Websters Bar • Dick Turpins • LOWER GA: • Ocean’s Bar

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

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, Carabssi Centre. Please don’t forget to say it´s towards Feral Friends of GA.

Thank you

Foster Homes & Volunteers Needed. Litter, food & material accepted. (BEST foods Brekkies or from Aldi’s and LIDL’s). feralfriends.ga@gmail.com

Good Advice An elderly, but hardy cattleman from Texas once told a young female neighbour that if she wanted to live a long life, the secret was to sprinkle a pinch of gunpowder on her oatmeal each morning. She did this religiously and lived to the ripe old age of 103. She left behind 14 children, 30 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren and a 40 foot hole where the crematorium used to be.

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CROSSWORD

Geoff’s 1.Who defeated Oliver McCall in 1995 to become WBC Heavyweight champion? 2.In music, how many quavers equal a minim? 3.In which speech did President Lincoln state that American government: was ‘of the people, by the people, for the people’? 4.Under Hitler, who was Nazi minister of propaganda? 5. What is the capital of Bhutan?

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

Difficulty Rating: MEDIUM

7 8 6

1 5 8 7

4 7

5 9 2

6 7 9

3 8

3 1

6 9

1 7

1 5

DOODLE AREA

8 1

2 4

7 3 3 3 6

Difficulty Rating: HARD

8 9

1 2

3 8

4 9

4 4 5 2

6 4 7

2 5 6

6 8

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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 • OCEAN • AQUARIUS • GRAN ALACANT PROPERTIES • SHOOTERS • BROTHER • 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.FRANK BRUNO 2.4 3.GETTYSBURG ADDRESS 4.GOEBBELS 5. THIMPU

Sports Centre

School

ECO Rubbish

Taxi Rank

Police Station

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

8 2 5 7 3 6 1 9 4

9 7 4 5 8 1 3 2 6

7 8 6 9 1 4 2 3 5

2 3 9 6 7 5 4 1 8

4 5 1 8 2 3 6 7 9

3 6 8 4 9 2 7 5 1

1 4 7 3 5 8 9 6 2

5 9 2 1 6 7 8 4 3

6 9 4 5 1 2 7 8 3

2 5 3 7 8 6 4 9 1

1 7 8 3 9 4 2 6 5

3 8 2 4 6 9 1 5 7

9 1 6 2 5 7 8 3 4

5 4 7 8 3 1 9 2 6

7 3 9 6 4 8 5 1 2

4 6 1 9 2 5 3 7 8

8 2 5 1 7 3 6 4 9

4 1 5 8 2 9 6 7 3

9 8 7 3 6 4

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

8 9 6 2 5 3 4 1 7

1 5 3 6 4 7 9 8 2

7 2 4 1 9 8

2 4 9 5 3 1

6 3 8 9 7 2

5 7 1 4 8 6

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

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

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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

• • • •

Medical Centre GA Councillor Municipal Offices Library

6. SANTARA LIFE RESORT • GA INSURANCES • PILATE STUDIO • MICHELE’S GIFT & PAUL’S HIRE SHOP

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 16/9 TO 15/10 MONDAY TILL SUNDAYS 10:00 TO 14:00 & FROM 16:00 TO 22:00 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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Thank you from Jan & Brian

We went to Russia with our Gran Alacant Advertiser of course on a Cruise and took a picture outside the Grand Palace built by Peter the Great just outside St.Petersburg in Peterhof. Thank you to our friends Angela and Gordon for our photo in the Magazine. We celebrated with them and our friends for a meal at Los Establos near Novelda. Jan and Brian

THIS MAGAZINE IS NOW IN ITS 13TH YEAR. TRUST US. WE MAKE YOUR ADVERT WORK. CARABASSI CENTRE

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Bring more light & space to your home TERRACE & UNDERBUILD CONVERSIONS

All types of BUILDING WORK undertaken From Small Terraces to LARGE EXTENSIONS All WORK GUARANTEED! Give SOL a call on 606 818 442 or E-mail: solbuilders@hotmail.co.uk