Gran Alacant Advertiser September 2017 by Gran Alacant Advertiser

SEPTEMBER

2017 ISSUE 152

YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE SINCE 2005

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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 Hello everybody! These are the main events for the fiestas in Santa Pola. 1st September: Moors disembark on Levante beach opposite the Town Hall. Firing of arquebuses. 18.30 h. Public appearance of Festival Chairmen (Moors and Christians) heading for the harbour (Moors) and the castle (Christians). Moors’ envoy opposite the Castle. The Moors’ envoy accompanied by his escort, asks for the surrender of the Christians. Mock battle, with attack on the Castle. Surrender & occupation of the Castle by the Moors. Moors march starting at the harbour. 2nd September: 10.00 h. Mock battle(shooting guns) 18.30 h. Gathering of Festival Chairmen (Moors & Christians) heading for the Castle (Moors) & the Palmeral Park (Christians). MOCK BATTLE (attack on the Castle). The Christians regroup in front of the castle and proceed to reconquer the castle from the Moors. Christians march. 3rd September: 19.30 h. Procession with brass bands (Moors and Christians) from Muelle Street to El Palmeral Park. 20.30 h. Main parade of Moors & Christians.

“Where to visit” and ‘What to see” for this month 5th September: BEER BATH at the Harbour. Organised: Unió de Festers (Festival Society) before the race.

6th September: 20.30 h. COLOURFUL PARADE WITH FLOATS. Itinerary from Palmeral Park via Elche st, Glorieta square and Muelle street. Firework Display at Levante beach breakwater. 7th September: 20.00 h. Floral offering to Our Lady the Virgen de Loreto in the Castle Chapel Colourful fireworks "Mascletá" firecrackers. Site: Next to the harbour. Organised Penya El Tró. With kind cooperation of Santa Pola Town Hall 8th September: 20’00 h. Solemn procession of our patron saint the Virgin of Loreto. From: the Castle, Cruz st, C/ Colón st, Mercado st, C/ Mayor st, C/ Angel st, C/ Elche st and back to the Castle. 01.00h GRAND FIREWORKS DISPLAY. Site Levante Beach with Final Powerful Cannonade After fiestas back with some sport, on the 24th “Santa Pola triathlon Cross”. Start 10 Avda Blasco Ibañez. More villages that celebrate their festivities on the Costa Blanca are: Castalla 1st to 4th, Villena 4th to 9th, Mutxamel 7th to 12th, Ibi 11th to 13th, Altea 26th to 5th . Pilgrimages like the ones in Gaianes, Redovan, Alcoy and Petrer. This is all for now friends

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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: ROAD SIGN A quick question. Why does Gran Alacant not have a correct black on white road sign on the N332 from the airport? We have some large blue unlit sign, which is difficult to see at night. It just says Gran Alacant Urbanisations? Gran Alacant is a town! Please can we have a proper road sign? Kind Regards, Joanna Town Hall Answer: Related to the lighting of the signal, it is being processed the placement of sufficient lighting so that it will be visible at night from the road. As far as it appears as Gran Alacant Ubanizaciones, the fact is that, in legal matter, Gran Alacant is a residential neighborhood of Santa Pola, reason why the signal corresponds to the perfection with the legal situation of Gran Alacant. Q: NEVER ENDING STORY Hello Ged! Hope everything are running well, even if the temperature is very high every day since a long time now. “Fully grown up people” have a harder situation than the younger once these hot days.

“Bazura area” outside El Faro. This we have done for “years”, and today we decided to send you a mail!! We have later read in your magazine for August, really hard complains of the totally mess because of different people, who are complete out of normal brain activity, throwing all kinds of waist items included glass (which can cause a wild fire) – OUTSIDE THE CONTAINERS, on the street, pavement and in the bushes beside!! We fully agree on what has been written in the paper, but want to tell you that we even have been talking to the Urbazer people and the police. They have answered that they are going to inform the responsible department in the Town Hall??!! One Urbazer man told us that they only have a responsibility to take care and clean for items around the container on the street and the pavement. Outside in forest/ bushes they only look at the mess??!! We hope that you can add our complaints to the others, when you have the next meeting in Town hall. As usual interesting of comments from you!! Best Regards, Nils-Ove Sjöström

This time I/we want to change subject when I´m writing to you (the complains about the very bad mobile phone signal in Gran Alacant do you of course remember). Today my wife and,” got as usual a negative start of the day, when we were passing the

UPDATE: Hello Ged! I have to inform you in addition to the mail from yesterday the following.

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This morning about 09.15, when we started our morning walk, we saw three “Urbaser men” in full activity, and we thought that they have started to do something about the mess we have mentioned. When we came closer we saw one of the men was cutting parts of bushes and plants growing over the pavements, and the other two was collecting the result of the cutting. We were of course pointing out for one of the men what has been laying in the bushes and trees for a long time now.

lorry is not coming until next Tuesday!! We are so grateful that these people are arranging such a welcome to the visitors to El Faro and of course even the Gran Alacant inhabitants, who are making a walk up and down the Avenida!! End of the complains for today!! Have a nice weekend Nils

When we came home about 18.30 this evening, perhaps 10 % had been taken away and it will be very interesting to see if it will be any more activities in the near future. Best Regards, Nils SECOND UPDATE: I have to inform you that no one from Urbaser people has continued to do anything to solve the problem, but now have new “generous” people added more cuttings from gardens etc.

Town Hall Answer: Your complaint has been transferred to both the Infrastructure Department and the Environment Department, so as the rubbish that is in the green areas can be removed as soon as possible. Q: DIRTY BINS Dear Ged&Lou, In the fifteen years that I have lived here I have regular visited the council office in Gran Alacant to make formal complaints about general cleanliness or I should say the lack of it.

The subject above seems to be very correct, which make us very disappointed!! THIRD UPDATE: Hello! This afternoon about 17.30 we were passing “The Basura Area” and saw this!! We fully understand that Urbaser cannot visit this place ten times a day to take care of all big and small items people are leaving outside the containers.

I live in Calle Monte De Santa Pola and my house is nearly opposite some refuse bins, two are for organic waste and two are for carton and plastic.

Concerning bigger items the Town Hall are informing that every Tuesday they have a big lorry to handle this. You can even make a phone call asking them to come to your house. The actual situation is now, that the READ THE MAGAZINE EVERY MONTH AT www.granalacantadvertiser.com

The organic ones get regularly emptied but the lorry sometime leaks some discussing liquid and that stays on the road and around the bins. The smell is overwhelming and I have personally seen people throwing their bags on the floor because I suppose they do not wish to come near the bins. In the past the bins and the floor was washed but this has not been done anymore. So I would like to know why this has not been done surely the council is not short of funds as we here in GA all pay our Suma, so what is the excuse now? They have a slogan "Santa Pola l'impia what about GA limpia??? Regards, Giuseppe Town Hall Answer: Your complaint has been transferred to both the Infrastructure Department and the Urbaser Entreprise, so as this liquid which is thrown by the truck can be removed regularly. In addition, when the Town Hall uses the slogan “Santa Pola Limpia”, both Santa Pola and Gran Alacant are being mentioned, because Gran Alacant is a very important part of Santa Pola. SANTA POLA TURN OFF JUNCTION I totally agree that this junction is horrendous but there is a perfectly good and safer alternative 100 metres down the road. There is a large roundabout with good slip roads onto the N332. Why do people not use this? Kind Regards, Paulene Barry’s Bits of News The department of sustainability at the Town Hall of Santa Pola has received a subsidy of 37.500 € for the restoration of forestry in certain areas of the Sierra De Santa Pola. Forest restoration will consist of the removal of dead or dying trees

feel you must do it as it is the police. Don’t give them anything. Q: DOES THE PROJECTED PLAN OF THE AREA, STILL EXIST? IS IT STILL PENDING OR HAS IT BEEN ABOLISHED? Many people new to Gran Alacant may not be aware of the plans that were made for the area, before the financial crash a few years ago. Indeed many house owners bought out here at that time on the strength of a golf course Soon after this magazine started up, we then as the owners were shown to the Town Hall and directed towards many many detailed drawings of this new venture, very detailed, including the golf course, commercial properties and many new houses, villas etc. Then, along came the recession and no builder was confident of selling the properties that would help with the cost of the total project. Basically, the Balsares Project consisted of: 1) In front of the petrol station on the other side of the road would be access, by a new flyover to three golf courses, two hotels, several shopping centers and several facilities. 2) Instead of the fields of agriculture towards the road to Elche the construction of several housing estates, apartments and bungalows, with a total of 4,200 houses. 3) Parallel to the current road between Alicante and Santa Pola, on the inner side, the construction of a new road, boulevard style, that would link Gran Alacant with Santa Pola by the entrance from Elche. With this plan the other half of a crescent is completed, surrounding the northwestern part of Santa Pola with buildings, leaving the sierra inside.

xxxxxxxxxx Just a warning of another scam out here that has been going on for years. Someone calls to your business and gets you to advertise in a police magazine that does not exist. You

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The Balsares Project would have involved the disappearance of the agricultural land of Santa Pola. Four million square meters. Town Hall Answer: At this very moment, Town Hall has stopped the procedure of building at Balsares, due to the necessity of controlling the urbanistic plan of the Town, regarding, specially, to the legal aspects involved in. Furthermore, there is an inquiry taking place at this moment in time, between the urbanistic developer of Balsares and the Town Hall, for the amount of 4.000.000 â&#x201A;Ź. There is no judgement yet. xxxxxxxxxx The City of Santa Pola has increased safety measures on the streets of the city since last Friday, after the attacks in the cities of Barcelona and Cambrils. This has been communicated by Alcadesa, Yolanda Seva. The City Council is in permanent contact with the State Security Forces and Bodies. Security has been reinforced with a greater police presence, especially in the downtown area and in the GonzĂĄlez Vicen and Adolfo SuĂĄrez walks, as these areas are the most crowded during the summer months. In addition, containment measures such as the installation of planters and concrete walls are being assessed in the accesses to certain pedestrian areas, which during this weekend have been mobile (containment vehicles). It is expected that the most active days during the holidays will be those in which the parades take place (3 and 6 September), the cabasset dinner (day 4), the Correfocs (day 5), the flower offering ( Day 7) and the procession (day 8).

Having hit the ripe old age of seventy the body was starting to seize up. I always played football in my youth and wondered if anybody would be interested in starting

up an oldies walking football club. In years gone by, back in the UK in Norfolk, I started a local football club running two teams and managing it for six years so had a bit of experience behind me. I put the word out for oldie footballers on social media and through what used to be our magazine the Gran Alacant Advertiser. As volunteers or victims answered I made up an email list to keep everyone up to date with the progress. Everyone then had to be emailed about what day and time suited them best. Eventually Thursday 5pm until 6pm was agreed. We are so lucky on Gran Alacant to have the brilliant sports centre facility where we can play indoors out of the sun and heat. Then we had to book the pitch. I spoke with the person at the sports centre and had to fill in a form and take it to Santa Pola to the town hall. After having the form stamped I had to take it back to the sports centre where I then had to meet up later with a guy there who gave me another form which I had to take to the bank and pay 18 euro for the one hour hire time. I then had to take the receipt from the bank, back to the sports centre. At last all was ready for the first night. For the second and subsequent weeks the sports centre enabled me to deal with the Gran Alacant town hall, rather than having to go into Santa Pola. This made bookings so much easier. Thank you to them. We had nine players who could all turn up on that first night. We have many more who will join us as and when they are available. The first night was such a success that we have all decided to book the facility for every week going forward. We played for ten minute intervals. A few of us fell over including me, three times just because the legs had forgotten how to work properly, the most important thing is that nobody got hurt. The no tackling rule helped that. One of the players on this first night, was doing a referee course in England and the football governing body FIFA gave him two match balls for him to donate to a worthy

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invited them to join us, one on each side. They were good lads and after we slowed them down they enjoyed their time with us. This is an opportunity to tell you all about the wonderful sports centre facility we have here on Gran Alacant.

cause, and guess what, he donated them to us, the new walking football team for oldies, on Gran Alacant. How nice was that. The second session saw two new players. The game was only in play for a while when a loud pop was heard. Poor Michael Darbyshire moved too quick for a man of his age :)) and unfortunately he pulled his calf muscle. I am sure most of you have seen him limping around Gran Alacant. Get well soon Michael! Besides that injury all the players had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed it. So players coming and leaving when they are out here in their properties on long holidays, as well as a few regulars. At the third session two young Spanish boys were on the touchline kicking a ball about, so we

There is an indoor arena for football, basketball, and many other indoor sports. Outside you can book and play football, tennis and padel. Showers, toilets and changing rooms are provided in the fee you pay for your activity. If you would like to join us, as few or as many times to suite you, just email me for all updates at laneinspain@hotmail.com Or turn up at the sports centre on Gran Alacant every Thursday 5pm until 6pm. If you would like to supply news or info for our next edition, please email: info@granalacantadvertiser.com

Hello Everyone, Hope you all had a great August. Although it was a just a little too hot for my liking everyone seemed to be having a great time all over Gran Alacant. There were lots of birthdays and anniversaries last month and you can see the pictures in the magazine. Also this month we have some ex-pats showing us their secret talents, starting with Graham and Richard. I wonder how many more are out with hidden talents the rest of us donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know about. Have a good month, Ged & Lou Our little dog Zia and our cat Casper have hidden themselves away in the magazine, can you find them? Last month Zia was on page 16 and Casper on page 44

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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: SEÑAL DE TRÁFICO Una pregunta rápida. ¿Por qué Gran Alacant no tiene una señal de tráfico en la N332 desde el aeropuerto? Tenemos un gran letrero azul apagado, que es difícil de ver por la noche. Solo dice Gran Alacant Urbanizaciones Gran Alacant es un pueblo! Por favor, ¿podemos tener una señal de tráfico adecuada? Saludos cordiales, Joanna Respuesta del Ayuntamiento: En relación con la iluminación de la señal, se está procesando la colocación de suficiente iluminación para que sea visible por la noche desde la carretera. Aparece como Gran Alacant Ubanizaciones, el hecho es que, legalmente, Gran Alacant es un barrio residencial de Santa Pola, por lo que la señal corresponde perfectamente con la situación legal de Gran Alacant. P: HISTORIA SIN FIN Hola Ged! Espero que todo esté funcionando bien, a pesar de que las temperaturas son muy altas desde hace mucho tiempo. Los más mayores tienen una situación más difícil que los más jóvenes durante estos días calurosos. Esta vez quiero cambiar de tema (como ya saben, normalmente me quejo sobre la mala cobertura móvil en Gran Alacant). Hoy mi esposa y yo "conseguimos como de costumbre un comienzo negativo del día", cuando estábamos pasando la zona de basuras, fuera de la urbanización El Faro. Esto lo hemos hecho durante "años", y hoy decidimos enviarle un correo !!

deja la gente fuera de los contenedores. Esta gente que no tiene cerebro, está tirando todo tipo de basura, incluido vidrio (que puede causar un incendio) - FUERA DE LOS CONTENEDORES, en la calle, las aceras y al lado de los arbustos. Estamos totalmente de acuerdo en lo que se ha escrito en el artículo del mes pasado, pero quiero decirles que incluso hemos estado hablando con la gente de Urbazer y la policía.¡¡ Ellos han respondido que van a informar al departamento responsable en el Ayuntamiento !! Un trabajador de Urbazer nos dijo que sólo tienen la responsabilidad de cuidar y limpiar alrededor del contenedor en la calle y la acera. Esperamos que usted pueda agregar nuestras quejas a las demás, cuando tengan la próxima reunión en el Ayuntamiento. Como de costumbre, ¡esperamos sus comentarios! Atentamente, Nils-Ove Sjöström Actualización: Hola Ged! Tengo que añadir algo al correo de ayer: Esta mañana alrededor de las 09:15, cuando comenzamos nuestra caminata por la mañana, vimos a los trabajadores de Urbaser en plena actividad y pensamos que han comenzado a hacer algo sobre la

Hemos leído en su revista de agosto las duras quejas sobre el desorden y basura que

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basura que hemos mencionado. Cuando nos acercamos vimos que uno de los hombres estaba cortando parte de los arbustos y plantas que crecían sobre la acera, y los otros dos estaban recogiendo el resultado del corte. Uno de los hombres estaba echado bajo un árbol, parecía que estaba bastante cómodo. Cuando llegamos a casa alrededor de las 18.30, observamos que sólo el 10% había sido limpiado... será muy interesante ver si, y cómo, cumplen con su trabajo en un futuro. Atentamente, Nils Segunda actualización: Tengo que informarles que ningún trabajador de Urbaser ha seguido haciendo nada para resolver el problema, ahora tenemos gente tirando los restos orgánicos (de los jardines) encima de los recortes que los trabajadores dejaron el otro día. ¡Estamos muy decepcionados! Tercera Actualización: ¡Hola! Esta tarde sobre 17.30 estábamos pasando "El área de Basura" y vi esto! (vean la foto entre las primeras páginas) Comprendemos plenamente que Urbaser no puede visitar este lugar diez veces al día para retirar la basura que la gente está dejando fuera de los contenedores. En cuanto a la basura más grande, el Ayuntamiento está informando que cada martes viene un camión para retirar estos artículos grandes. Incluso se puede llamar para pedir que vengan a su casa.¡ La situación actual es que el camión no viene hasta el próximo martes! Estamos muy agradecidos a estas personas que están organizando una bonita bienvenida a los visitantes de El Faro y por supuesto a los habitantes Gran Alacant, que vienen a pasear a lo largo de la avenida.

Respuesta del Ayuntamiento: Su denuncia ha sido transferida tanto al Departamento de Infraestructura como al Departamento de Medio Ambiente, de manera que la basura que se encuentra en las áreas verdes pueda ser retirada lo más pronto posible. Q: Contenedores sucios Estimado Ged y Lou, En los quince años que he vivido aquí he visitado regularmente la oficina del Ayuntamiento en Gran Alacant para hacer quejas formales sobre limpieza general o debo decir la carencia de ella. Yo vivo en la calle Monte de Santa Pola y mi casa está casi enfrente de algunos contenedores de basura, dos son para residuos orgánicos y dos son para cartón y plástico. Los orgánicos se vacian regularmente, pero el camión filtra algo de líquido asqueroso que mancha carretera y el alrededor de los contenedores. El olor es abrumador y he visto personalmente a la gente tirar sus bolsas en el suelo porque supongo que no quieren acercarse a los contenedores. En el pasado los contenedores y las aceras se lavaban pero esto no se ha hecho más. Así que me gustaría saber ¿por qué esto no se ha hecho?, sin duda el Ayuntamiento no está corto de fondos, aquí en GA todos pagamos nuestro Suma, así que: ¿cuál es la excusa ahora? Tienen un lema "Santa Pola limpia ¿qué pasa con GA limpia ??? Saludos, Giuseppe Respuesta del Ayuntamiento: Su reclamación ha sido transferida tanto al Departamento de Infraestructura como a Urbaser Entreprise, para que el

¡No más quejas por hoy! Buen fin de semana, Nils

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líquido que derrama el camión pueda ser limpiado regularmente. Además, cuando el Ayuntamiento utiliza el lema "Santa Pola Limpia", tanto Santa Pola como Gran Alacant se mencionan, porque Gran Alacant es una parte muy importante de Santa Pola. Entrada a Santa Pola Estoy totalmente de acuerdo en que este cruce es horrible, pero hay una alternativa perfectamente buena y más segura a 100 metros por la carretera. Hay una gran rotonda con buenas conexiones a la N332. ¿Por qué la gente no usa esto? Saludos cordiales, Paulene

NOTICIAS DE BARRY El departamento de sostenibilidad del Ayuntamiento de Santa Pola ha recibido una subvención de 37.500 € para la restauración forestal en determinadas zonas de la Sierra de Santa Pola. La restauración forestal consistirá en la retirada de árboles muertos o moribundos xxxxxxxxx Sólo una advertencia de otra estafa local que ha estado sucediendo durante años. Alguien llama a su negocio y le hace anunciar en una revista policial que no existe. Uno siente que debe hacerlo ya que es la policía. No les dé nada. P: ¿TODAVÍA EXISTE EL PLAN PROYECTO DE LA ZONA? ¿AÚN ESTÁ PENDIENTE O HA SIDO ELIMINADO? Muchas personas nuevas en Gran Alacant pueden no ser conscientes de los planes que se hicieron para la zona antes de la crisis financiera de hace unos años. De hecho muchos dueños de las casas compraron aquí con la promesa de la proximidad de un campo de golf Poco después de que esta revista comenzó, los propietarios fueron llevados al Ayuntamiento y se les enseñaron planos y dibujos, muy detallados, incluyendo el campo de golf, propiedades comerciales y muchas nuevas casas, villas, etc

Luego, vino la crisis y ningún constructor estaba seguro de vender las propiedades que ayudarían con el costo del proyecto total. Básicamente, el Proyecto Balsares consistió en: 1) Frente a la gasolinera al otro lado de la carretera se accede por un nuevo paso elevado a tres campos de golf, dos hoteles, varios centros comerciales y varias instalaciones. 2) Donde están los campos de la agricultura hacia la carretera de Elche la construcción de varias urbanizaciones, apartamentos y bungalows, con un total de 4.200 viviendas. 3) Paralelo a la actual carretera entre Alicante y Santa Pola, en el interior, la construcción de una nueva carretera, estilo bulevar, que enlazaría Gran Alacant con Santa Pola por la entrada de Elche. Con este plan se completa la otra mitad de una media luna, que rodea la parte noroeste de Santa Pola con edificios, dejando la sierra dentro. El Proyecto Balsares habría implicado la desaparición de la tierra agrícola de Santa Pola. Cuatro millones de metros cuadrados. Ayuntamiento Respuesta: En este mismo momento, el Ayuntamiento ha detenido el procedimiento de construcción en Balsares, debido a la necesidad de controlar el plan urbanístico del municipio, especialmente en lo que se refiere a los aspectos jurídicos involucrados en este momento, entre el promotor urbanístico de Balsares y el Ayuntamiento, por la cantidad de 4.000.000 €. Todavía no hay juicio. Si desea enviar noticias o información para la próxima edición, envíe un correo electrónico a: info@granalacantadvertiser.com

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PLAZA MAYOR

Now Open...

PLAZA MAYOR

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

THREE EQUINES RESCUED IN PAST MONTH AS SANCTUARY FACES FINANCIAL STRUGGLES two hours south of us here at Rojales, and abandoned without any food or water,” Sue said. “We were told this poor pony would simply be left on the street if we did not take him. How could we ignore such a terrible case of suffering?”

Two pony stallions – one skeletal and near starving, the other with severe back wounds – are now recovering at the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre in southern Spain. With the arrival of the two ponies, the Rojales sanctuary has now assisted police with three rescues in the past month alone after a young donkey was also rescued in mid-July. Co-founders Sue and Rod Weeding are concerned about the escalating costs of caring for the 107 rescued equines now in their care, but couldn’t say no when contacted on July 27 by El Refugio del Burrito donkey rescue centre, which does not take ponies. “He was tied to a tree in Lorca, almost

Veterinary inspections revealed the young pony has numerous health concerns, in addition to his skeletal state. He has an abscess or tumour that's pushing one eye out of its socket, a mouth infection, blood coming from his penis and is full of worms. “For now, he just needs to eat, get a bit stronger and next week we can start to find the best way forward. He’ll definitely fit in here with all our other residents that have problems and disabilities, as he’s got quite a few," said Sue. Just 10 days earlier, on July 17, the sanctuary rescued an abandoned pony in conjunction with the Almoradí police. The pony showed severe signs of colic, but Sue and Rod were later shocked to find an enormous plastic bag in his manure. “He truly is very lucky to be alive,” Sue said. “We’ve obviously caught him just in time, as he almost certainly would have

PLAZA MAYOR

PLAZA MAYOR Make a donation or Sponsor a rescued horse died without our intervention. Obviously, the water we were giving him helped push this major obstruction through.” In addition to the intestinal trauma, the pony is recovering from painful, infected wounds on his back believed to be from pulling a cart. He also has infected hooves, slight infections in both eyes and is riddled with worms, requiring specialist farrier and veterinarian treatment. In line with the centre’s responsible horse care philosophy, both ponies will be castrated in autumn when the risk of infection is lower. In the meantime, their injuries will be treated and they will be made as comfortable as possible. The Weedings now face financial struggles to care for their 107 rescued equines and called for sponsors to support their three latest rescues and donations of goodquality furniture for their charity shop. Sponsorship starts from just €5 a month and can be made online: www.easyhorsecare. net/donate/sponsor-a-horse. Furniture pick-up can be arranged by contacting Sue at rescue@easyhorsecare.net. The three most recent rescues suggest an unnerving trend to Sue and Rod. “Lately, nearly all our rescues are these miniature horses or donkeys. When we first moved to Spain, miniature horses became very fashionable and everybody wanted them,” said Sue. “We even saw them for sale in cages at pet shops. They bred and bred these little horses and now it seems nobody wants them. I think that’s why we’re seeing them being dumped everywhere. Isn’t that terribly sad?”

We are looking for volunteers in our GA Shop to help on Wednesdays.

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 CHICKEN RUN

Sunday 29th July As it was a very hot morning it was decided to play fourteen ends in stead of the normal eighteen. As usual the competition was played in good spirit. The winning lady was Jan Soars and the winning man Mick Soars, both receiving a chicken. The man with the least shots was Harry Dobson and the lady June Young both receiving half a dozen eggs. This month the chickens were donated by Les and Sue Bounds and the eggs by Chris and Joan Harding. 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.

Lady and men's winners Jan and Mick Soars

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

Gran Alacant Mixed Rinks 12th - 15th of September

Between 12th and 15th September the Monte Mar Bowls and Social Club are hosting their annual four day Gran Alacant Mixed Rinks bowling event at the bowling green in Gran Alacant. We anticipate ninety six players will be taking part and the event will end on the afternoon of Friday 15th September when the finals are played. Everyone is welcome to come along to watch players from all over the Costa Blanca complete for the trophy. Play will be on each day from about 10am until 4pm. On the first day Tuesday September 12th there will be a cake stall which has been very popular in the past, so be there early to avoid disappointment. Other social events will be staged during the week so look out for information on the Monte Mar Website.

Free Entrance

Everyone bowlers or not - Welcome! Cake Stall! 96 players

Top Bowlers!

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Celebration time... â&#x20AC;Ś..On the 21st of August we celebrated 15 years of living here in Spain. Yes, 15 years ago, Sandra, myself and our little dog, drove off from the UK to come here to live. We had both given notice from good print jobs, with no work to come to. So many times we had been given a final build date, get ready to move and then had yet another build delay. When taking such a major decision, selling your home, leaving your work, friends and family and continually having your leave date changed again and again is one hell of a strain. We had given notice to leave our place of work, only to get letters telling the place would not be ready on time, and were given a new date. This went on several times. Like many who were having a house built here, the completion time just kept getting changed, so we decided to bite the bullet and move out here and rent so we could see our house being built. So we made a move date. August 21st. We met someone online who rented his house out to us, so we decided to go for it. Once we arrived we found and met so many people who turned into lovely new friends. There were so many Brits having properties built out here as holiday homes, that we were soon asked to look after visitors to their houses. Then, seeing all that was going on and so many rumours around, we started up a newsletter/magazine. Just eight pages, but it soon ballooned into a full scale magazine. Up to 80 pages at one point and last almost 12 years, 136 monthly editions before we sold it on and retired. So many of us out here have a story to tell. Barry and Sandra Lane

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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 September 4th 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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NEW - CAR RENTAL AVAILABLE

LOOKING FOR NEW LISTINGS

Happy Birthday Lisa

You are in at last Foggy :)

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Chatter

Things I miss about the UK I have been living in Spain for a year and a half now; longer than I thought possible. For me, it has been a difficult ride, experiencing many ups and downs. The problems I have endured, have often made me recall my past. The truth is, as much as I love my new home in Spain, there will always be a part of me, that forever lives in Britain. I am more of an Anglophile now than I ever have been, appreciating my roots, remembering with fondness, my life in the UK and cherished memories made. I am often asked, if there are particular things I miss about England; probably the wrong question to ask someone like me, having just emigrated, feeling a bit sensitive and nostalgic; however, yes there are many items, concepts, aspects of living and qualities I miss about Britain, It is only now, no longer in my country of birth, that I can appreciate a life, that in the past I took for granted. The UK was never as bad as I thought, just as Spain is not the paradise I imagined. Wherever you live, you will have your mountains to climb, that’s life. Looking back with affection, is part of the process of leaving the past behind, adjusting to your new life and finally accepting the new path you have chosen. I have embraced my new life in Spain, wholeheartedly; if not always enthusiastically. I accept, I can not live as I did in the UK and do my best to survive as the Spanish do. The convenience of Britain, everything at ones finger tips is not mirrored in Spain, at least not in Gran Alacant. Back home, I could choose to shop twenty four hours a day if I so wished, often seen in Tesco at four O’clock in the morning, preferring the relative quiet isles, to the heaving Saturday morning rush of consumers through the door. Shopping

was a much easier activity to undertake, compared to the difficult navigation of numerous Spanish supermarkets, to buy everything I need weekly. In GA I don’t seem to be able to buy everything in one place, having to spend a good few hours sourcing produce. In the UK, it may have taken me half an hour to do a shop; a big difference in time. I am only able to facilitate this traditional method of shopping, because of my change in lifestyle. I have a much larger window of time to procure groceries here. In fact I tend to buy necessities every day in Spain, rather like my Mother did, decades ago. The advantages and benefits of the weekly shop is clear for me: I don’t enjoy supermarkets at the best of times, let alone on a daily basis. The subject of shopping brings me neatly on to the topic of food. There aren’t many British items you can’t get in Gran Alacant. The World is a much smaller place and there are international produce isles in every supermarket, selling all the British staples; equally you can order items online for delivery to your Spanish address. For me the biggest let down is cheese, proper, decent, tasty English cheddar. Every supermarket sells its own brand, but none I have tasted so far, meets my expectations. Large jars of Marmite and Bovril don’t seem to exist in Spain; the only option is to buy the smallest jars at highly inflated prices; a constant bugbear and annoyance, like the lack of pre-packaged convenience food. When you lead a busy life in Spain, there are no real options for quick alternatives; putting a microwave meal in to cook before work is a no no. Like most things, the Spanish expect you to live in the same way they do. Not a bad thing. Processed food is less nutritious after all. You can cook a cheap simple meal, in the time it takes the microwave to ping, even if you don’t always want to bother. The Spanish lifestyle is less tailored to expediency and more customized towards

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families; a stark contrast to the British way of life! I used to live on the south coast of England, near the New Forest, in Hampshire, a beautiful part of the World. Myself and my partner would often spend time walking and enjoying the scenery, this part of the UK has to offer. As a small child my Grandparents would take me for long country walks, picnics in the forest; spending quality family time in a setting that has a special place in my heart. I do miss this aspect to British life. I was born in a village and although I moved to a city, still remained a village boy at heart. Spain also has some fantastic topography, very different to the English rolling meadows and fields, but nothing compares to the landscapes of my childhood, a pint in a local country pub, beamed ceilings, horse brasses on an open fire. When I am finally able to return, a pint of Tanglefoot at the Jolly Sailor will be first on my agenda! Leaving friends and family behind, when locating to foreign shores is also fraught with difficulties. I have many good, long standing and enduring relationships with those I regard as close. The hardest aspect of moving abroad, is leaving these associations behind. The people of Gran Alacant have been very accepting and I have managed to form some fantastic bonds with people, but I still miss my friendships of the past. When you grow up with someone and know every aspect of each other, it can be difficult to replicate. The community is strong here; in time, as I feel more settled, at ease and at home, the problems and issues of forming durable, rewarding friendships, will not feel so daunting at my time of life. Interestingly, especially lately, I have been missing the British weather. Spain and the southern mediterranean has been suffering from a heatwave; inland temperatures of 47.3 degrees have been recorded.

Hospitals have been inundated with those experiencing the effects of sun stroke; wildfires are widespread and the humidity is 80% or above. The last time I experienced such excruciating heat, was when I was living in Australia; what I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do for a little British weather right now. Although my body has adjusted to the Spanish seasons well over the last eighteen months, I am still finding it hard to work in such sweltering conditions. I hear people complain about the rain back home all the time; enjoying the three hundred plus days per year of sunshine in this region, we do seem immune. Unlike the extreme temperatures in Spain at the moment, the UK, enjoys a more temperate, agreeable climate. I find myself looking back with fondness, at rainy days sat in front of an open fire; a memory that can not easily be replicated in Spain! When one makes the decision to move abroad, one has to accept the inevitable loss of a lifestyle we are leaving behind. There will be aspects of British life you will miss, after all when you have lived in the UK all your life, it is going to take a while to adjust to a southern European life. Emigrating to the continent isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t as difficult as it once was, we still have access to most of the pleasures we took for granted in the UK; the World is a much smaller place. It has done me the World of good, writing about just a few things I miss about home; recalling their importance to me is a great healer, bringing back memories of my life in another country. As long as we continue to look forward positively, seizing opportunities, modifying and remodelling our perspective towards our new chosen home we should be fine in our unfamiliar, as yet untested and unaccustomed role as an Expat, settling into Spanish life on the Costa Blanca. The UK is just a plane journey away, as the World gets ever smaller; keep your memories alive by making new ones to look back on, as you live the life you always dreamed of!

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The Nature Reserve Walks The third and final local walk for this season. Thank you Dorothy for sending us your delightful walks!!! Down at the bottom of the hill, opposite the beach there is a quiet and delightful area of protected land - “El Clot de Galvany” nature reserve, complete with paths, lagoons and bird hides. Covering an area of over 300 hectares and home to the best dune formation in the province, it was declared a Municipal Natural Park in 2005. Military trenches and bunkers that date back to the Civil War are to be found there too. The information centre is open at the weekends and bank holidays from 10am-2pm and from 4pm-5.45pm. There are two sign-posted routes – R1, a one mile approx. circular walk and R2, a three mile approx. circuit. To get there, simply catch either the Baile’s Shopping Bus or the Gran Alacant Tourist Train, both of which circuit Gran Alacant. You can alight at the bottom of the hill where the train/ bus will stop at stop No 3! To enter the ‘Clot Del Gavany’ Nature Reserve, walk back along to the car parking area and turn right by the barbeque area to begin the 1 mile circular walk, signposted R1, (Route 1). This will lead you through mature palm and eucalyptus trees to a lagoon and a lookout point and back. You can walk along to the bird hides and enjoy watching the birdlife on the lagoons. There are posters to help you identify the different birds. Should you stay on the bus/train until the next stop, No4, at the Caribassi Centre then you can enter the Nature Reserve by another route. Walk approx 400m further along and you will come to an entrance on your right. This circular 3 mile approx walk, R2, (Route 2), can be completed in either direction. It will lead you through different types of flora and fauna and up to the top of a hill which has a lookout and from where you can enjoy some amazing panoramic views! One of the Observation Towers!

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If you are very lucky, you may even spot a flock of neon-coloured pigeons! On walk R2, up at the corner nearest Los Arenales, there is farmland. If you take the exit gate there at the corner, a five-minute walk will lead you to a pigeon roosting area adjacent to the farmland. We were fortunate to see owners and birds preparing for a race. Male pigeons are individually coloured

using vegetable dye and are trained from birth to follow a white-tailed female. This tradition is rooted in the Valencian and Murcian areas. In 1773, the first pigeon sports club was started in Murcia, but it wasn’t until more than 200 years later, in 1994, that pigeonbreeding was finally officially recognised as a national sport, when the Federación Española de Columbicultura was set up! (We have also spotted the coloured pigeons in Santa Pola opposite the Carrefour roundabout towards Gran Alacant!) Return by bus or train which will complete the GA circuit.

CLASSIFIEDS NEW and completely FREE Classifieds Section as requested. You can now email us your unwanted items in our Classifields section up to the value of 500€. Please send us a short description and 1x image. We have set up a Classified section on our website www.granalacantadvertiser.com/category/classified/ where you can see all the IMAGES OF ITEMS FOR SALE. ROCKING CHAIR FOR SALE. In a very good condition. Original price 228€. Asking price 50€. T/Whatsapp: 693 01 5709

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PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION

Special

Santa Pola is one of the most emblematic sites in our country Spain. Known all over the world for its beauty and safe conditions. The colours of the Mediterranean, the Island of Tabarca in sight, the bay of Alicante and the saltlakes of Santa Pola, giving us wonderful views. Date: to September 9th Place: Exhibition Hall of the House of Culture Price: Free admission

Offer

Get a 20€ discount of 80€ tandem flight with us at Doyouwanna Paragliding Alicante when you mention you read this article. Valid till end of September 2017.

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SIERRA MAR

Sierra Mar Fiesta raised 1700â&#x201A;¬

SIERRA MAR

Sierra Mar Fiesta raised 1700€ for Alicante Children’s Hospice

On behalf of all the bar owners in Sierra Mar (ZEST, Chasers, Dick Turpins and La Taberna), I would like to thank everyone who came and supported the charity fiesta day on Saturday 29th July. It was a great afternoon in the blistering sunshine and together we managed to raise over 1700€ for the Alicante Children's Hospice. People were so kind and generous with both their time and their donations. It was such a shame that the urbanisation did not grant permission for the planned music despite repeated requests well in advance of the event. After several emails requesting permission for music, after quiet time from 5pm to 9pm, the administrators of Sierra Mar informed us 2 days before the event that the Urbanisation President refused to give his support to the charity fiesta and no music could be played. Despite the lack of support from the Urbanisation and worry that the event may be shut down due to complaints, the fiesta went ahead and was judged to be a success by everyone in attendance. Once again many thanks to everyone who contributed in whatever way, the people of GA came up trumps again and continue to support good causes! Kind regards, Michael Snape

SIERRA MAR

Kim Carey

by Luke Martin-Jones

When Kim Carey isn’t selling houses for ‘Gran Alacant Property Needs,’ you will find her jumping out of a plane at 15000 feet. Kim has a bucket list and skydiving was on her tally of things to do; one challenge, Kim is glad to cross off her inventory, one provocation, she will not be repeating. Having reached the age of 50, a close family member decided to arrange this surprise challenge of a lifetime; an ambition that most of us wouldn’t even consider, certainly not me. With her skydive booked, Kim wanted to complete her mission, with purpose, leaving an enduring legacy. Through personal experience, Kim decided to raise funds for the ‘Stroke Association,’ a charity based in the UK; an invaluable resource for all those living through the recovery from a stroke, a debilitating ischemic attack.

Kim raised over 1000€ for her efforts and would like to thank family and friends for all their support. I was lucky enough to speak to Kim about her endeavours; she recalled with humour, her life changing experience, taking off in a small plane from Preston in Lancashire, wondering what she had let herself in for! Initially Kim was given twenty minutes training, before her flight, To her consternation, she was told, in no uncertain terms, she would die, if she didn’t follow everything said to her by her instructor; there is no point sugar coating such a dangerous undertaking. Kim was scared and it was about to get scarier. Her instructor Matty, A Para by trade, parachutist in his spare time, who she would be strapped to during the dive, began the process of attaching the safety harness to both of them, on completion, jokingly referring to a spare, dangling strap, that was not securely fastened; if Kim wasn’t worried already, she was now. Nerves in tact, just, she sat herself down on the edge of the opening to the plane, facing outwards, 15000 feet up. Kim had never been so frightened in her life

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Jumping was exhilarating and traumatic at the same time; in free fall for one minute at 125 MPH, descending towards terra firma. Kim recalled seeing the rolling countryside of the Lake District, Blackpool Tower and the Pleasure Beach; everything felt peaceful and calm, unlike Kim’s nerves, plummeting through a cloud. Matty could feel her shaking, partly with fear, equally through the numbing chill. She couldn’t open her mouth as terror turned to shock!

As they approached the ground, Matty adjusted the direction of the fall, for safety reasons, due to the high winds. Kim landed flat on her back, instead of falling on her feet as expected. She laid there for about a minute, friends looking on anxiously, believing something had gone wrong. Finally she jumped to her feet, waving her hands in the air; all was well, Kim had completed her charity jump. I asked Kim if she would do it all over again. Firmly, without hesitation, she said no and who would blame her. Offering advice, Kim was clear; be careful what is on your bucket list, if you have a Birthday coming up be mindful what you ask for. Kim’s plans for the future; a wing walk; I wish her luck! At least Kim’s fear of flying is now a distant memory, well done! If you have a similar story, you would like us to feature in the Gran Alacant Advertiser, please get in touch!

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SANTARA LIFE RESORT

Hi, how are you? Here we are at the end of summer, back to the usual routines and perhaps carrying a few extra kilos. Nothing wrong with that, the important thing is to have enjoyed your well deserved holiday. However, nutritional experts do recommend a detox after a period of excess so weÂ´ll look at some easy health tips for when we return to our daily life. First of all we need to want to clean our body of the excesses of the summer then carry on picking up healthy habits bit by bit. If we try to do it all at once, it will feel like hard work. WATER Drink more water every day. Have a half litre bottle of water and drink 4 or 5 of them each day, one of them drink all at once. Water is our best friend as it improves digestion and helps to eliminate toxins through urine. Drinking water is perhaps the healthiest way of detoxing your body and you will also notice your skin improves, being more hydrated, less greasy, firmer and radiant. When we are properly hydrated, brain cells receive oxygenated blood and we are more alert.

GREEN TEA Although generally green tea is used for weight loss, it also has an important use in detoxing the body. Green tea has natural properties that help eliminate fat accumulated in the liver and is ideal for preventing damage caused by toxic substances such as alcohol. Among other things, green tea is rich in antioxidants and thanks to this, is an ally in preventing serious illnesses and problems with premature aging of the skin.

FRUIT Eating fruit is always good for us and particularly after a period of excess. To improve the benefits further we need to include depurative (purifying and detoxifying) and diuretic fruits such as oranges, strawberries, apples, lemons,

SANTARA LIFE RESORT

SANTARA LIFE RESORT watermelon, pineapple and pears. Eating these will help you eliminate liquid, clean your liver and kidneys and improve both digestion and the production of red blood cells VEGETABLES

If we are used to running then a gentle jog for 25 or 35 minues. If we don´t do any specific exercise classes (swimming, yoga, pilates, toning, etc) then we should do by ourselves some abdominal exercises, some well controlled squats (abs in, knees never bending further forward than your feet) and very importantly at least 15 minutes of stretching the whole body. You could start twice a week then little by little work up to every day and combine the activities, for example walking and stretching three times a week and the other two a guided class or a toning or weight training routine.

If whilst on holiday or during the summer you have increased your consumption of alcohol (which is super normal given where we live with the heat, the pool, the beach and the general environment encouraging it), it is important to detox the liver. To do this, we need to eat food rich in vitamins C and B for their depurative and antioxidant qualities. Celery is well known for helping the gallbladder and liver but beetroot, carrots and broccoli are also known for their cleansing properties and we should include them in our diet in whatever form .. salads, smoothies, soups. PHYSICAL EXERCISE It is always good to exercise and even more so during a detox when our body is full of toxins, we feel tired and lethargic and our immune system is weak. To get healthy, physical exercise is a great choice as it helps to eliminate toxins through sweat and performs an internal cleansing of the organs as well as helping to burn fat, prevent heart problems, improve respiration and help with keeping toned skin. We can start with a short enjoyable walk of 30 to 40 minutes at a quick pace.

As we said at the beginning, start slowly. This is not meant to feel like torture or punishment! It´s a plan to improve our health – do it with enthusiasm and confidence and within a short time you will notice a difference and the excesses of the summer will be just a memory.

Until next time !!! And remember, if there´s anything you´d like to see covered in a future article, just let me know. THANK YOU GABRIELA AUZOBERRIA CALVO PERSONAL TRAINER DIRECTOR OF PILATES GRAN ALACANT

SANTARA LIFE RESORT

SLIPPERY TILES A PROBLEM?

Two and a half years ago we noticed that there was a gap in the market for a totally nonslip surface which would make areas safe and colourful for all. Since opening our business here in Spain we have been able to provide to over 100 private clients, Several Shop and Bar Ramps, 16 community Pool areas with more booked for the coming winter months. We have introduced this to several clients up and down the Costa Blanca with projects as far away as Mazarron in the South, Moraira and Xavia in the North and inland as far as Pinoso and Hondon. With Ciudad Quesada, Dona Pepa, La Zenia and Cabo Roig, Rojales, San Miguel and many other areas in between. Pools with crumbling Cappings have been restored to a condition that will last for 10 years or more with little fuss and no major works thus making this a cost effective way of repairing those unsightly capping stones. Slippery and Broken surfaces have been transformed into pleasant areas where children can run safely! This is also a material suitable for less able bodied people as it provides cushioning for any fall

and all within a few days and with little fuss! Playgrounds in the UK have been using this material for years and it has proven to be the most asked for surface in its field. With projects such as Disneyland, West Ham and Manchester United Football clubs as well as thousands of play areas and Schools and Colleges up and down the UK and abroad it has proven to be resilient and hard wearing with very little maintenance required. As winter approaches this may be the best time to get your areas resurfaced in good time for next year whether you have a Bar with a Pool or Play area, an urbanisation, a private pool, slippery path or terrace we can offer a guaranteed fixed price quotation and lay your surface quickly and efficiently. All of our work is guaranteed. Call us now or visit our website at www.activesurfaces.es. Facebook, Whatsapp or Twitter where you can view images of our work. Call Rob on 662679467. Write to us at info@ activesurfaces.es. We can arrange site visits for viewing the product on the ground or you can visit us at our premises in Almoradi by appointment. We are also at Zoco Market every Sunday.

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w TRUST US

OLDIES WALKING FOOTBALL 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 If you are interested, email me, Barry at laneinspain@hotmail.com Sessions are every Thursday indoors at the Gran Alacant Sports Centre start 5pm until 6pm. Everyone will be made welcome

These two gorgeous little kittens, no more than five weeks old are looking for a new home. Currently with foster parents, until they are ready to leave. Sadly they were dumped and left to fend for themselves. They are being trained, playful and used to human contact. They are inseparable, wont be parted, cries when they are. The bigger one with ginger features far more adventurous and outgoing than the little tabby one. No names as yet as unaware of sex... Please contact/whatsapp 657 515 532.

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COMMERCIAL CENTRE

COMMERCIAL CENTRE HOW TO CHOOSE THE MOST SUITABLE EXTRACTOR HOOD FOR YOUR KITCHEN?

There are so many models of smoke extractors that it becomes a difficult choice. We would like to help you to know about the different options of extractor hoods. Do you know what are the main features that need to be taken into account? When choosing the model, do you know which is the one that best suits your space and needs? Everything about your ideal extractor hood The extractor hood is an essential appliance in any kitchen, even though it is not an element that cooks the food. It helps to catch the annoying fumes, steam, fats and odours that are caused by cooking. This keeps the air clean and free of bad odours throughout the house. What is the first thing we should consider when choosing a cooker hood? The first thing we have to decide on is the type of installation we are going to need. This depends on the characteristics of your kitchen. Extractor hoods can be island, wall mounted or integrated with kitchen cabinets. Island extractor hoods are ideal for large kitchens where the work space is located in

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the centre of the kitchen. They also serve as an element of separation between the kitchen and dining area for homes with kitchenette. As for the wall extractors, these are ideal for those kitchens that have a free space above the cooking zone. This type of extractor hood gives much more decorative play to the environment. The kitchens that have a kitchen cabinet located in the upper part of the cooking zone, can choose a hood that is integrated with kitchen units. In this case, it becomes an integrated element in kitchen furniture. There are several options: the fixed or the removable hoods as well as telescopic hoods. Finally, important for those kitchens that have no outlet to the outside. The extraction of fumes can be solved with a filter hood that purifies the air. It does not evacuate the smoke, but with its renewable filters it cleans the air and captures the fats.

The kitchen and bathroom of your dreams can be a reality. We are awaiting your visit.

Eva & Antonio Interior Designers

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PUERTO MARINO

Detached Villa Ref: GA0084 Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2

MONTE Y MAR ALTO

Townhouse Ref: GA0052 Bedrooms:2 Bathrooms:2

MONTE Y MAR ALTO

Townhouse Ref: GA0047 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2

€145,000

€96,000

€110,000

VICTORIA PLAYA

MONTE Y MAR BAJO

Townhouse Ref: GA0029 Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2

Detached Villa Ref: GA0041 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3

Semi-detached villa Ref: GA0012 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3

€125,000

€259,000

€230,000

BRISAMAR

MONTE Y MAR ALTO

PUERTO MARINO

Corner Townhouse Ref: GA0013 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2

€120,000

Townhouse Ref: GA0031 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2

€115,000

Top Floor Apartment Ref: GA0218 Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1

€79,950

WE ARE THE ONLY API REGISTERED AGENT IN GRAN ALACANT EMAIL: info@ga-homefinders.co.uk TEL: 96 669 94 40 Website: www.ga-homefinders.co.uk 64

www.ga-homefinders.com

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www.ga-homefinders.com

WE URGENTLY NEED MORE HOUSES TO SATISFY OUR CLIENTS!

A special appeal to all property owners who wish to sell in Gran Alacant. Right now, we have a window display full of “SOLD” properties ..! Come and see us! Plaza Mayor office open: Monday & Wednesday 10am -2pm

Commercial Centre office open: 9.30am -2pm / 3.30pm - 6.30pm

Calle Holanda, 9. Local 9. (Opposite Deutsche Bank office) COMMERCIAL CENTRE www.ga-homefinders.com www.ga-homefinders.com READ THE MAGAZINE EVERY MONTH AT www.granalacantadvertiser.com

(0034) 966697438 granalacant@opgroupspain.com

GRAN ALACANT - KEY READY

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: 325,000€

Ref: GAS192

GRAN ALACANT - REDUCED! Duplex apartment overlooking the communal swimming pool within the gated community of Balcones del Mar. It comprises of an independent fitted kitchen with dishwasher, a separate WC, a lounge/diner with large terrace overlooking the pool. Both bedrooms have their own balconies and built in wardrobes. The masterbedroom has an ensuite bathroom. Beds: 2 Bath: 2.5 Price: 119,950€ Ref. GAS66 GRAN ALACANT - REDUCED! The property has a large private pool to the front of the property .To the rear is a patio which has stone furniture for outdoor dining. The property has the master bedroom and en≠suite on the top floor as well as a very large terrace with west-facing views toward the Mountains and Alicante castle. Beds: 4 Baths: 3 Price: 295,000€ Ref. GAS47 GRAN ALACANT - NEW LISTING The house has the lounge and diner on the ground floor as well as the kitchen and laundry area. There is a shower room on this floor. The large underbuild is divided into a gym, a lounge area and a storage room. Upstairs is the master bedroom and second bedroom and a family bathroom. The master bedroom has a balcony off and built in wardrobes. Beds: 2 Baths: 2 Price: 105,000€ Ref: GAS64

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Mayka’s Kitchen

Mayka’s Kitchen Hi all, we start a new season soon. Hope everybody enjoyed their summer holidays. This month we have a recipe from Sevilla and a dish I love !!! Seville Style Duck. Hope you enjoy it, Mayka x

Seville Style Duck

Ingredients •

1 large duck

•

2 carrots

• • • • • • • • • •

Let’s Start!

• • •

80 gr of cure bacon rind 100 gr leeks

150gr onions 50gr celery 80gr lard

200gr tomatoes 4 gloves garlic

3 spoons flavor

2 glasses white wine or sherry 1 bone litre of meat stock Green olives

Ground white pepper Salt

Put a casserole dish on the heat with the lard and the bacon rind. When it is hot add the whole cleaned salted duck. Brown it well everywhere and add the onions, leeks, carrots, celery - all peeled and cut into Julianne pieces. Then add the chopped tomatos and the bay leaf, wine, flour and the stock and leave to cook instill duck is tender. Remove the duck and strain the sauce. Hope you all enjoy it x

Que Aproveche!

Enjoy! 67 67

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Definitely not highway robbery! Richard Cly, a regular customer, gave Dick Turpins a surprise anniversary present to remember! Richard, a keen amateur artist who resides on Gran Alacant set got to work by drawing a sketch of the legendary highwayman and his horse Black Bess from the sign outside Dick Turpins. A few weeks later he presented the finished picture which now hangs proudly on the wall of his favourite local. Richard is currently commissioned to paint a former Crufts winner! If anyone would like to to commission Richard for a painting, please inquire in Dick Turpins.

Happy Anniversary

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High Humidity

by Geoff Young

Temperatures in August started where July ended. High temperatures across most parts of Spain both day and night. In the August edition of the Gran Alacant Advertiser, Gabriela wrote an excellent article about Physical Exercise and Heat, offering well timed advice on dealing with the heat. However, as well as the high temperatures, we have experienced high levels of humidity in the air, sometimes as much as 80%. But why does humidity make us feel so uncomfortable? Firstly, a little bit of science. Absolute Humidity is the mass of water vapour divided by the mass of dry air in a volume of air at a given temperature. In other words, the hotter the air is, the more water it contains. Relative humidity is the ratio of current absolute humidity to the highest possible absolute humidity. A reading of 100% relative humidity means the air is fully saturated with water vapour. As Gabriela wrote, when the body's core temperature rises, there is a physiological reponse to reduce the temperature. Skin pores open to allow droplets of perspiration to cover the skin with a layer of water which will reduce skin temperature when it evaporates. However, when the humidity levels are high and the air already contains high levels of moisture the perspiration wont evaporate into the air. We start to feel uncomfortable when the humidity is approximately 45%. As a result of the humdity we feel a lot hotter than the actual temperature. For example With 100% humidity air temperature of 75 Deg F will feel like 80 deg F. Keep safe, try and avoid the direct sun and keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

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Out & About ...

you need to be out to be in :)

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in Gran Alacant

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AVDA.MEDITERRANEO

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An old Marine Pilot sat down at the Starbucks, still wearing his old USMC flight jacket and ordered a cup of coffee. As he sat sipping his coffee, a young woman sat down next to him. She turned to the pilot and asked, Are you a real pilot? He replied, 'Well, I've spent my whole life flying planes, first Stearmans, then the early Grummans... flew a Wildcat and Corsair in WWII, and later in the Korean conflict, Banshees and Cougars. I've taught more than 260 people to fly and given rides to hundreds, so I guess I am a pilot, and you, what are you? She said, 'I'm a lesbian. I spend my whole day thinking about naked women. As soon as I get up in the morning, I think about naked women. When I shower, I think about naked women. When I watch TV, I think about naked women. It seems everything makes me think of naked women.' The two sat sipping in silence. A little while later, a young man sat down on the other side of the old pilot and asked: "Are you a real pilot?" He replied, 'I always thought I was, but I just found out I'm a lesbian.'

AVDA.MEDITERRANEO

Out & About with Star & Ashlee Algar Waterfalls 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. This month we want to share our experiences on our first trip to the famous Les Fonts d’Algar (Algar Waterfalls). After the recent intense heat wave the call of the cool waters was too tempting to ignore, so early one Saturday morning we packed up some food, towels and water shoes and set off with some friends. Located approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes away, the drive, especially as you head inland, is stunning. Les Fonts d’Algar has been declared as a Wetland and is protected by the Valencian Government. This is one of the reasons why you aren’t allowed to take food inside. After parking and leaving your picnic in the free picnic area, you arrive at the entrance to the Waterfalls which is a very discreet small path that runs alongside a house. You are greeted by a couple of

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Out & About with Star & Ashlee falls to the larger and deeper pools and waterfalls at the bottom, a lot more people had arrived, so extra care was needed on some of the walkways and over the rocks. It was nice to see strangers lending each other helping hands, as everyone manoeuvres around the pools, rocks and walkways. photographers who take pictures of your group that are available for purchase when you leave. The surrounding mountains, flora and fauna are truly stunning. After paying the small entrance fee you are free to walk around and in the delightful pools of cold clear water that flows down the hill.

We decided to go up the walkways to the top and work our way back down. There are plenty of places to stop and admire the scenery or set up your towels, especially if you arrive early. We stopped numerous times to admire the views and take refreshing walks through the water which was approximately 18 degrees. By the time we turned to make our way back down the

Once you get over the initial shock of plunging into the pools, your body soon becomes accustomed to and enjoys, the coolness of the flowing water, especially in the August temperatures or when there is a heat wave!!!

Out & About with Star & Ashlee

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Out & About with Star & Ashlee Swimming under the main waterfall at the entrance is a must. We hope our pictures show how truly stunning this place is. Ashlee and I have decided that this is going to become a regular Summer day trip in the future. We, our friends and their visiting family thoroughly enjoyed our day here. Even though

it was busy, if you move up or down the falls and pools there is always somewhere to throw down a towel and wade or swim in, the pools. Random Facts - These waterfalls were featured in an episode of the popular TV

series â&#x20AC;&#x153;Benidormâ&#x20AC;? where Madge falls into the water from her scooter and one of the famous scenes from the Timotei advertisement, where the model flicks her wet hair back, many years ago.

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Out & About with Star & Ashlee

sells them there but they are cheaper elsewhere. Food is not allowed inside the waterfalls and bags can be checked, however there is a picnic area next to the entrance where you can leave your food and cool bags for free. A restaurant is located inside the falls and there are little shops and fruit stalls outside, as well as 4 other restaurants nearby. If you have a water camera (like we do) it makes it a lot easier to take pictures of the waterfalls from the pools. Some of the pools are deep so young kids or those not confident should take swimming aids.

OUR ADVICE: Get there early before the surge of people so that you can fully appreciate the scenery. Don’t park at the first car park, if you continue up the hill you will find others that are closer. Definitely take water shoes or an old pair of trainers as the riverbeds are rocky and the walkways can get slippery, there is a shop that

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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AVENIDA ESCANDINAVIA

Have you seen Tommy? Tommy is a lovely boy, a gray tabby with big blue eyes. He is chipped, wearing a red collar and identity medal. His family has been searching for him since Sunday 16th July when he failed to come home. Tommy never misses a meal! Disappeared from the area near the Gran Alacant dog park/Urbanizacion Isla Lazaro in Lower Gran Alacant. If you have information, please contact Heather: 687238899, Diego: 655032893 or ASPETGA by private message. Seguimos buscando a Tommy, MACHO, CASTRADO, ADULTO, LLEVA CHIP Y COLLAR ROJO, ZONA GRAN ALACANT (vivimos cerca del parque de perros) la parte bajo. Tiene tonos atigrados gris y los ojos azules. Si lo ves, no intentas capturarlo, llámanos por favor. Es muy cariñoso pero tal vez un poco tímido con extraños. Tlf - Diego 655032893 or Heather: 687238899. Muchas gracias.

BIBLIOTECA INTERNACIONAL 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

• • • • • • •

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.

COMPLETELY FREE

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

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WE MATCH YOUR DONATION AND DELIVER FOOD TO DOG SHELTERS EVERY MONTH.

For more information and to drop off your donation, please visit our office: Avda. Escandinavia, block 21, local 4

Tel: 966 695 929

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Out & About ... Happy Birthday Kim & Kath

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WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S YOUR PH? Suffering from any of the following low energy, fatigue, headaches, acne, allergies, infections, digestion issues, brittle hair and nails or even mood swings and depression? ...if so maybe your bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s PH balance is to be blame. Last month I mentioned how plant foods are preferable since they are alkalising on the body whilst animal based foods tend to be acid forming so I thought it would be a good idea to explain this concept in a little more depth. A little bit of science You may recall from school that the PH scale ranges from 0 to 14 with 7 being considered neutral. A PH higher than 7 being alkalising and a PH lower than 7 being acidic. The human body is naturally slightly alkaline reading at 7.365 on the PH scale, the different foods we eat and the different things we put into our body directly contribute to either a more alkaline or acidic environment. Clinical studies have proven that an alkaline body is healthier than an acidic body but what does this even mean and if so how can we get our body to the optimal slightly alkaline state to help reduce the risk of falling victim to poor health. Studies have shown that if the body is in an alkaline state this helps promote proper cell function, healthy tissue and bones whilst the body in an acidic state actually makes it more difficult for the body to function optimally and can even promote cancer cells. When excessive amount of acid overloads the body over an extended period of time it depletes the oxygen from our cells, our PH level starts to drop which has a compounding effect throughout the body, the body attempts to neutralise and eliminate excess acid build

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through the kidneys. In an effort to bring back the body’s more alkaline state our mineral stores are depleted particularly calcium from the bones and magnesium from the muscles. Health issues linked to a highly acidic body include obesity, high blood pressure, kidney stones, osteoporosis, arthritis, gout, diabetes and cancer. A very common misconception is that because something tastes acidic or is acidic prior to consumption it then there for forms acid in the body but in fact this is not true, a great example would be the lemon, acidic in taste but surprisingly very alkaline once digested. Some Alkaline forming foods are: • Vegetables especially celery, spinach, kale, beets, cucumber and broccoli • Fruits such as avocados ,lemons, limes, apples, berries, melons, dates, figs • Herbs and spices like garlic, turmeric, ginger, basil, clove and cinnamon Acid forming foods include: • Processed foods • Refined sugars and artificial sweeteners • Refined grains • Meat and poultry products • Caffeine • Dairy • Alcohol Testing your PH level is easily done by purchasing PH test strips either in the chemist or online, these can be used either on testing the saliva or urine with quick and easy results. So if you’re looking to increased your energy levels, boost digestion, detoxify the body, enjoy easier fat loss and reduce pain from inflammation related conditions such as arthritis, have improved mental focus and reduce the risk of many other diseases then try adding more alkaline foods to your diet and see for yourself that food really is the forgotten miracle medicine. Peas & Love with Rachael Tuttle

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Graham’s giant veg rooftop!

A couple of my giant veggies a 35lb Cabbage and an 8 & half pound Onion these were grown on my terrace. 29 lb Swede all grown on my terrace.

I was born in Birmingham and lived in Tamworth Staffordshire for many years. My interest in gardening started when I was very young. My grandfather first gave me a packet of seeds and a bit of ground and got me interested in growing things. When I gave up playing football I needed a new hobby so I got hold of two allotments, I grew most vegetables supplying to local church when I had a glut of things. My interest in growing giant vegetables did not start till I arrived in Spain in 2005 joining a website called Giant Veg.com which is where I get special seeds and fertilizers. The website is full of tips and information I need from professionals. It’s very scientific analysing soil for whatever vegetable I want to grow. You also need a lot of patience!

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DRAMA IN A TEACUP W

rit

Don’t just wave “Don’t just wave; get out of the way”, the pilot shouted. It would not have been heard by the occupant of the other sailplane as is came towards him at a hundred miles an hour. The pilot could see her smiling and waving as though she had not a care in the world. In fact, they would only miss each other by a few feet, above and below. The sailplanes were from the same gliding site and were soaring above the Chiltern Hills making use of the high ground to deflect the moderate Westerly wind upwards enabling them to stay aloft. He was making his way to the hill while she was returning to the nearby airfield for a “comfort break”. He turned gracefully towards the south to make the best of the wind conditions and again marvelled at the freedom of soaring. Only this beautiful piece of white plastic, his skills and a few mathematical equations allowed him to soar above the richly coloured Beech trees below. He could see clearly from Dicot in the west as far as the giant hangars at Bedford to the east. The scene across the Vale was spectacular. Below, only two hundred feet away, he could clearly see the people on the ground enjoying their day in the country. Picnics, children playing couples sitting together engrossed in themselves. He flew over the emergency landing strip and checked it for obstructions. Most Hill sites have such an area, not always marked which can be used in case of sudden difficulties. The most common although still unusual would be sudden change in weather conditions. Like all other good pilots, he had checked the forecast and all was well for the day. Better safe than sorry. As he turned to take a long look at the site, he noticed a young woman walking smartly

ac nb y Te r r y L

across the field. She seemed hurried, even from his vantage point. From the treeline, a man emerged, running towards her. A couple have fun chasing each other or perhaps a lovers tiff, he thought. The man caught up with the girl and grabbed her by the arm. She turned to face him. The pilot looked round the sky to make sure no other craft were near him and manoeuvred the sailplane to continue watching the couple. They had stopped facing each other and were now walking back to the treeline. All over, he thought. Nice. The pilot turned to the south once more to immerse himself in the wonders of soaring. As he reached the end of the hill and turned to the north, he saw the girl emerge again from the trees. She was running. The man followed at a pace. As the sailplane came closer overhead, the pilot could see her clothing was tangled and her actions seemed to suggest she was distressed. The man caught her roughly by the shoulders then seemed to strike her. The pilot acted instinctively as he wheeled the sailplane into position for a landing on the emergency strip. The wind now buffeted his craft as came with feet of the ground but he manged to put the glider safely, if firmly, onto the field and brought it to a hurried stop. He leaped from the cockpit and ran towards the couple. She now lay motionless on the ground and the man was standing over her. The pilot ran towards him waving his arms and shouting. From the treeline came a shrill voice. “Don’t’ just wave, get out of the way; and get that idiot away from my film set”.

FIVE MINUTE FICTION

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LA MARINA

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LA MARINA

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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.

ELECLASES2016@GMAIL.COM / WHATSAPP 693 483 155 / TEL: 865 669 173

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CWW Electrical Services

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

CARS FOR SALE

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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

OBLIGATION OR MARKETING?

is fully available to Town Halls, which are a part of the government as well. A completely different case would be corporations which sell veterinary medicines, such as antiparasitic ones. Those multinationals offer us “services” or “info” in exchange for our details: we can download a free app for watching a video about fleas, and this way our details get registered at their databases, so, from that moment, they can legally remind us to buy their product every month.

From January 2017, Vets are obliged to register at RIVIA (local microchip database), every rabies vaccination we inoculate to dogs, cats and ferrets. When registering the injection we have to declare: owners name, DNI/NIE/passport, address, microchip number and pet passport number (if applicable), and microchip database if the animal hasn’t been registered at RIVIA. One of the most important things is we have to declare date given and expiration date of the vaccine as well. What is implied on this fact? We don’t know what is going to happen from January 2018. Maybe a reminder with the date when the animal is due for the next injection will be sent, or maybe not. Anyway, this hypothetical reminder would be a government’s matter, not ours. In our practice, we just remind vaccination and de-worming treatments dates to those clients who ask us to do it. In that case, one of the three Vets who work at the practice will phone (or email) the owner in order to remind the date and, if necessary, to book an appointment. Our clients details are absolutely confidential, and are not given to anybody, with the only exception of government or Justice. For example, when an animal is chipped or injected against rabies, the Vet is obliged to notify it to RIVIA, which is a governmental agency, and RIVIA’s database

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It’s not a bad thing they remind us the date our pet is due for the next worming treatment, but is true that most owners don’t need to be told all the time what they should do or buy. Lots of people believe this kind of messages are sent by their Vet, but, at least in our case, this is not true, because we don’t believe in cut-and-paste reminders. We think every animal is unique, so it has a tailor-made treatments pattern according to its age, lifestyle, pathologies, etc.

If you want, we will remind you when your pet is due for any kind of treatment, but it always will be by a personal communication, not a pre-cooked commercial.

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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 Monty is an 18 month old Jack Russell cross who was found on the streets with another dog recently. He is good with other dogs and has been neutered. Monty is good on the lead and in the house, he loves to play and have cuddles

Zeus is a healthy, active 11 year old podenco x staffie who we recently rescued after he was run over in Valencia but thankfully only had a slight limp which has now healed. He is great with other dogs and has obviously been a family dog. Zeus is chipped and neutered, great on a lead, house trained and loves to go for rides in the car.

Franky and Rex have been adopted from our last edition. Juliette is a 1 year old Bichon Maltese cross and was thrown over a wall into a garden with other dogs, thankfully she was ok and is looking for a new home. She is good with other dogs, great on a lead and in the house.

Gizmo is an 9 month old Jack Russell cross. He is a happy, playful little boy who weighs approx 5 kilos. He is good with other dogs and has been vaccinated and neutered.

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 Chip is a small dog about 7 or 8 years old, who was abandoned by her owners with Twinkle and Itzy, when they did a moonlight flit back to the UK to avoid debts. She is quite nervous with people until she gets to know you and then she is really affectionate. Chip is spayed and is used to cats and other dogs.

Winnie is 7 week old little tortie, she is litter trained, very affectionate and loves talking, if you want a little girl with a big personality then winnie is for you.

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WHAT’S THAT IN THE CLOT? by Mark Etheridge

RED DARTER

It looks a bit nasty, doesn't it? It's bright red, which means danger, it flies about in a threatening manner, it's got a sharp tail which will probably sting you, and right now there are lots of them about, so why doesn't somebody do something about them? Only one of the above statements is correct, and here we have the Common Red Darter – a type of Dragonfly which you will be able to see very easily in the Clot over the next few months. Late summer and autumn are the best times to see these creatures when they are in the throes of reproducing for next year, and you will often see the bright red males flying about solidly attached to the more yellow female, the pair frequently dipping into the water as the female deposits her eggs. Dragonflies occur on every continent except Antarctica, and can be found from sea level up to about 3500 metres in mountainous areas, and usually need water. They are large insects, similar to the various damselfly species which are also found in the Clot, and can be distinguished from the latter by the way they hold their wings out when at rest – the damselfly usually folds its wings along its body.

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They are not at all dangerous to us humans, but they are one of the insect world's most effective predators. As you see them darting about, they are hunting for midges, mosquitos, butterflies, damselflies and even smaller dragonflies. You should be able to see from my photo that the eyes are very large – these are compound structures made up of thousands of receptors called ommatidia which combine to give the dragonfly a wide field of very sharp vision. The wing arrangement is also extremely effective, giving them the ability to hover, fly at speeds in excess of 30 mph, and experience up to 9G in a turn while chasing their prey. It is not just the adults which are predators, the Dragonfly nymph is a voracious eater of anything underwater that is smaller than itself. They spend up to three years in this larval stage, but once they leave the water to become flying insects, only survive for about six months or so. That is, if they are lucky. Dragonflies are a food source themselves for many birds and animals including swifts, swallows and smaller falcons such as Merlins and Hobbies. The nymphs are also eaten by fish and aquatic birds such as ducks and herons. So you can safely enjoy the spectacle of dragonflies skimming around over your head without fear for the next few months, safe in the knowledge that if they weren't doing their job correctly you'd have a lot more nasty flying things spoiling your holiday. You can see more photographs of wildlife 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.

Would you help anyway you can?

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

• LOWER GA: • Mundo Animal • Ocean’s Bar • Molly Malones´

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 Veterinary Clinic Mundo Animal GA shopping Center. Dont forget to say it´s towards Feral Friends of GA.

Thank you Please spread the word.

Foster Homes & Volunteers Needed. Litter, food & material accepted. (BEST foods Brekkies or from Aldi’s and LIDL’s). feralfriends.ga@gmail.com Bank account details: 0073 0100 54 0486406431 Iban ES94, Swift OPENESMM

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CROSSWORD

Geoffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1. In which city does the European Court of Human Rights sit? 2. What is the most Southern point on British Mainland? 3. Who lead the Labour Party to victory at the General Election July 1945? 4. Holly Johnson was lead singer with which group? 5. What is the distance from earth of a Geostationary Orbit? ANSWERS ON MAP PAGE

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SUDOKU 7

Difficulty Rating: EASY To solve the puzzle each 3 x 3 box, each row and each column must contain all the numbers 1 to 9. While the rules of this logic puzzle may be simple, there are numerous strategies to help you solve Sudoku. For hints and information visit www.sudoku.org.uk

Difficulty Rating: MEDIUM DOODLE AREA

8 2

8 2 4

8 6

2 2

5 8

9 4

5 3

4 7

6 7

6 3

1 6 3

1 4

7 2

5 3

9 1

8 3

9 5

5 4

2 7

Difficulty Rating: HARD

3 1 5

8 5 8

9 2

6 5

7 4

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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 • PHOENIX • SHAKER MAKER • SUNSET

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 • ZAFIRO

Church

Dog Park

Playpark

Dialprix

GA Farmacia

Mercadona

New Market

Supermarket QUIZ ANSWERS: 1. STRASBOURG 2. LIZARD POINT 3. CLEMENT ATTLEE 4. FRANKIE GOES TO HOLLYWOOD 5. 22,236 MILES

Sports Centre

School

ECO Rubbish

Taxi Rank

Police Station

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

3 1 5 6 7 8 2 9 4

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4 8 9 1 5 2 6 7 3

7 4 1 8 6 3 9 5 2

2 6 8 5 9 7 3 4 1

5 9 3 2 1 4 8 6 7

1 5 4 3 8 6 7 2 9

8 2 7 9 4 5 1 3 6

9 3 6 7 2 1 4 8 5

7 4 1 8 3 9 6 2 5

3 9 6 5 2 4 7 1 8

8 2 5 6 7 1 4 9 3

4 7 8 3 6 2 9 5 1

5 1 2 9 4 7 3 8 6

9 6 3 1 5 8 2 4 7

1 8 7 4 9 3 5 6 2

6 3 9 2 1 5 8 7 4

2 5 4 7 8 6 1 3 9

1 5 9 8 2 7 6 3 4

2 8 6 5 3 4

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

6 3 1 9 7 8 5 4 2

9 2 5 4 1 3 8 7 6

8 4 7 6 5 2

3 1 4 2 8 9

7 9 2 3 6 5

5 6 8 7 4 1

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

BALTIKA

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 • GOOD VIEW • TELECABLE

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 1/JUNE TO 15/SEPTEMBER MONDAY TILL SUNDAYS 10:00H TO 14:00H AND FROM 16:00H TO 24:00H

Website: www.granalacantadvertiser.com

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CHILDRENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CORNER SPONSORED BY TRUST US

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

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READ THE MAGAZINE EVERY MONTH AT www.granalacantadvertiser.com 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