Gran Alacant Advertiser September 2023

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

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

Reader’s response to “Correos Burger Van” from previous issue:  I read with interest Oscars reply to Michael’s letter in the August edition regarding parking. I too have noticed the appearance of a burger van that takes up all the parking for the Post Office.

At first, I thought maybe the Post Office thoughtfully extended their services to give people somewhere to sit whilst waiting in long queues for an hour to post a letter. However, it appears not.

As a co-owner of an establishment in GA, I know the hoops we needed to go through to get all the permissions. Accessibility is one of the many important factors. Now if I want to go to the post office there is no parking for me. I wonder if any consideration been given to disabled access. Oscar may defer the responsibility to Correos, but that is not good enough. I believe the Post Office and Burger Van should adhere to the same rules as the rest of us.

As for Oscar’s comment, “It’s only for the summer”. When has there ever been a demand for a burger van in front of the post office? It is just ridiculous.

Terry

Q: MASA Square

Good afternoon Lou,

We have just spent a month at our home in Gran Alacant and have had to overcome some dreadful issues with my husband’s mobility scooter. In MASA square, there are no dropped curbs, although there is a ramp which, in my opinion, serves no purpose. The only entry point we could find is at the back at Asador Restaurant, which used to be the fish and chip shop.

However, there was a car parked over the entrance of the ramp so there was no

access at all. When we asked the owner of the car if it was possible to leave a gap his response left us greatly upset and we had no option but to leave.

I am sure the other restaurant owners would be disappointed that five people did not get access and will not return to Masa Square on our next visit.

In general, access to most places is very difficult but we manage most of the time. I thought perhaps Oscar Valenzuela would be interested in how difficult it is for locals and holiday makers who have mobility issues and how the local restaurant owners treat potential customers.

Many thanks

Jan

Answer by Gestidem Abogados y Administradores :

Hi Lou,

I spoke to Asun (our lawyer) about the ramp situation in the square and she informed that the existing ramps are there because they are legally required to facilitate entry to the square to all those with mobility issues. We had a look at ways to access these ramps from the road and we see that there are access points where the pavements have been lowered. The two entry and exit points to Dialprix carpark, and one on the backroad behind The Belfry and the new Asador restaurant. Unfortunatly, we would like to think that this was a one off issue and that this wouldn’t happen every time. This is simply disrespect and should this happen again in the future, we advise to call the police as that is what the police are there for.

In relation to tiling works required in Masa Square there have been issues with water filtrations that seep in to Dialprix and the Gym. There is no specific date been agreed

between all the bars and restaurants. Unfortunately, with there being so many different businesses that open at different times, it is very complicated to find a period that suits all. However, I can assure you, it is in progress.

Kind regards

Malcolm

Q:

Mobile Signal

I was wondering if there is anything is being done to improve the mobile phone signals in lower Gran Alacant?

Best regards

Erik

Oscar Valenzuela’s Reply:

The antenna at the top of Alacant is ready and active with Movistar. Other mobile phone operators must contact Movistar to be activated for service. The plan is to do the same thing for lower Gran Alacant. This is in progress.

Q: Calle Belgica

Dear Lou

I am so disappointed reading Oscars answer on my repeated requests for speed bumps in Calle Belgica. He is again talking about a budget for that. I have been asking for these speed bumps for more than 3 years. Initially via the Committee of Owners and now through the GA Advertiser. How many more years do we need to wait? In addition, of course, again 2 days ago a car with an insane speed missed in the very nick of time a person who was getting out of her car. A tourist of course, did not know that we live on a formula one racing circuit and getting out of your car, is risking your life!

It is a sad, dangerous, disappointing and unacceptable situation.

I AM SO ANGRY, DO SOMETHING!

For anyone interested, my cat that was hit by a racer last month has recovered.

Ria

Oscar Valenzuela’s reply:

I recently had a meeting with the police and Security Council representative Ana Blasco. We have a budget and are looking at what needs to be done in and around GA.

Installation of Modules

Installation of Modules for the New School

The Departments of Education, Infrastructures and Gran Alacant met to supervise the installation work of the modules of the Secondary Education Institute of Gran Alacant. The modules are being installed on the site of the municipal market on Avenida Escandinavia. The new provisional institute will start this academic year coinciding with the construction of the school.

The visit was attended by the inspector of the Secondary Education area, members of the construction company, a representation of parents, the school management team, municipal technicians and the Councillors of Education and Gran Alacant, Óscar Valenzuela and Borja Merino.

During the visit, the technicians explained the development of the works and what would be done in the following phases whilst addressing any issues and concerns raised.

CLEANING & WEEDING

Clearing and cleaning activities continue in the neighbourhood.

POLICE STATION

Local Councillor Oscar Valenzuela together with Ana Blasco Councillor of Security visited the new Local Police building in Gran Alacant. The internal works are progressing well.

SPORTS PITCH

The mayoress of Santa Pola attended the inauguration of the artificial grass soccer

field in Gran Alacant. Special guests included the young Awa Fam, world runnerup in basketball. The project cost 385,000 euros and the new 7-a-side soccer field built in the José Antonio Alemañ sports centre in Gran Alacant is now available for use. The mayoress Loreto Serrano, together with the councillors of Gran Alacant, Óscar Valenzuela and Borja Merino, and

the Sports councillor, Ángel Piedecausa, were in charge of officially inaugurating the area. This is a “necessary installation that had been demanded by the residents of Gran Alacant. Thanks to the work of the government team to develop this project, we have made it a reality”, expressed Loreto Serrano.

To launch the new artificial grass soccer field, girls and boys from the lower categories of Santa Pola C.F. and Bahía de Santa Pola, recently merged, played several matches in the presence of a good number of parents in the stands.

DANCE FUSION FOLEY

Opening of the Festivities of Gran Alacant with the performance of the Dance Fusion Foley Dance School.

FUNDRAISING IN GA

The Gran Alacant and La Marina Royal British Legion 4th Annual Barbecue raised 600€ What a fantastic turn out for our 4th annual barbecue fundraising afternoon held on Saturday 12 August in MASA Square.

A huge thank you to Graeme Mykal for mesmerising us with his sleight of hand magic and to The Gran Alacant Singers for entertaining us.

The barbecue was delicious thanks to the hard work of Paul Kane and his family.

I am thrilled to announce we raised €600

Jackie Pugh, Royal British Legion

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

MONTEMAR BOWLS & SOCIAL CLUB

Sponsored by The Pub, Gran Alacant Insurances, Dialprix, The Belfry, Skippers and La Piedra.

SUNSET LEAGUE

Friday 28th July

The last game of the competition was followed by a meal at the pool bar. After the meal Diane and John announced the winner of the competition which was based on individual scores. The winner was Ian Hamilton and the runner up Des Freeman. Well done to everyone who took part and thank you John and Diane for organising another successful competition.

Saturday 29th July

CHAIRMAN v CAPTAIN

Thirty two members took part in the Chairman v Captain competition making four trips and two pairs on each team. We played sixteen ends with a break after eight ends. Instead of the normal entry fee members made a donation to the carpet fund. After the competition which was won by the Chairman’s team we went to the Belfry where we enjoyed a lovely buffet and a few drinks. The football card was won by Barry with Rangers. Another successful club competition thanks to all who took part.

CHICKEN RUN

Sunday 30th July

Twenty four bowlers took part in the July chicken run, as it was another very hot day we only played fourteen ends. Cindy won the ladies chicken with seventeen points, Phil was the winner of the men’s chicken with nineteen points, the eggs were won by Des and Hugh well done to all. Jim Shearing donated the chickens; as usual Ian and Julia Hamilton donated the eggs, not forgetting the chickens!!! The football card

was won by John Hunt with QPR. Thank you to Joan, Les and Howie for another successful chicken run.

NEW CLUB SHIRTS

We now have new club shirts designed and made by Garry at Kameeleon.

Ted Hyman

Sadly on Saturday 22nd July our friend and bowling colleague Ted Hyman passed away. He will be missed by all who knew him.

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

Book of the month

by Beth

A very powerful, eloquent and shocking book

My Recommended Book of the Month

Chris Cleave

The Other Hand

This is a very special story

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

It is extremely funny and extremely sad, but the African beach scene is horrific.

It is the story of two women.

Their lives collide one fateful day, and one of them has to make a terrible choice.

Two years later, they meet again and the story unfolds from there.

I do not want to tell you any more about this story so that I do not spoil it for you. This is a novel which tackles serious and uncomfortable subject matter.

It is a very profound and deeply moving book

NEXT BOOK CLUB MEETING

Wednesday 27 September 2pm, Skipper Bar MASA Square

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

About Starck Gallery

Belgian-born owner Pierre Vandenborre said, “We opened last month in July 2023. Starck Gallery is an Art Gallery with a difference. Not only do we mix different styles of art from a variety of talented artists, we also have a team of Art Advisers to help you with anything from small decorative Art Work to larger scale decoration projects. We can help you transform your living space into the house of your dreams or your business premises into something spectacular.”

“OUR GALLERY IS OPEN AND ACCESSIBLE”

What is special about Starck Gallery?

“My vision is to make art accessible and affordable for everyone. We have pieces of art ranging in price from under €200 to over €2000. Every work of art holds a story that deserves to be told. When you buy something from Starck Gallery, it is going to be special.

We are a team of passionate people whose goal is to improve everyone’s life. We have fine art, photography, paintings, digital art, sculptures, automobilia, lighting, rugs, mirrors and frames. Starck Gallery also specialises in movie art with more than 1000 vintage pictures available. We have an international team who speak English, Dutch, French, German and Spanish who can arrange to safely ship and package your art anywhere in the world.”

“FIND ART AND BEAUTY IN EVERYTHING”

“I WANT ART TO BE FLEXIBLE AND FUN”

What did you do before?

“I trained as a Michelin star chef. I was the first chef to create dishes using flowers. I worked in women’s fashion, for Lloyd’s pharmacy, in New York as a consultant and in crisis management in finance. Ten years ago, I decided to change my life and follow my passion.”

Where did the name ‘Starck’ come from?

“I am fan of Marvel and Iron Man movies. ‘Starck’ is the surname name of the Iron Man hero. All the number plates on our automobilia have the name ‘Starck’ on them. ‘Starck’ is now a registered company name.”

Do customers need to make an appointment to visit Starck Gallery?

“Anyone is welcome to visit Starck Gallery during our opening hours Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm. If a client has a specific personal or professional interior design project, would like bespoke art or framing service they can schedule an appointment.We are working on our website and soon customers will be able to schedule appointments and order online.”

Are you having an Opening Event?

“Yes. September will be the month of our official inauguration. We will be offering ‘Friendly Welcome Prices’ to celebrate the opening of our gallery.”

How often do you change your displays?

“We have a permanent exhibition of more than 100 works of art which we change every 2 weeks. Currently we are exclusively displaying 8 emerging artists work. We like to keep our displays fresh and fun so it is important to keep changing them.”

Why did you choose this location for your gallery?

“I had been looking in Gran Alacant where I live but could not find anything suitable. These premises offer all the space we need to house the artwork for our artists, workspace and more.”

What is the best thing about your job?

“Sharing my passion with like-minded people. Discovering and working with talented artists, building relationships and connecting with people from all over the world.

“Everyone is welcome to visit Starck Gallery to have a coffee with my team.”

Philippe Blache co-founded the company with Karen Webster, who sadly passed away a few years ago. He was born in the region of Bourgogne - France but he has been living in Spain since 1994. He enjoys sports, reading, motorbikes and spending time with his family and friends.

Ingrid, born in Rotterdam has worked in GA-Homefinders for over 10 years thanks to her friend Karen (the company co-founder). She has a great sense of humour and in her spare time, she likes cooking, watching Netflix drama series and spending time at home with her boys and two four-legged friends.

PHILIPPE CO-FOUNDER

MEET OUR TEAM

LOUISE REBECA

SALES NEGOTIATOR ADMINISTRATOR

Louise living in Gran Alacant since 2005, originally from London and working at GA Homefinders since 2016. When she is not in the office, she enjoys Spanish cuisine, travelling, socialising with friends, her children and the new addition to her family, her grandson Ruben (Yes, we know she doesn´t look old enough to be a Nana).

Rebeca joined GA-Homefinder’s team in January 2022. She was born in Tolosa (Basque Country - Spain); and she has spent all her professional life serving customers and in charge of the paperwork. You will see her in the Sierra of Gran Alacant walking her dogs as she loves animals, nature and being outdoors.

Symbol of confidence

YOUR API REGISTERED ESTATE AGENT IN GRAN ALACANT SINCE 2007

BEFORE: 539.00€

NOW: 267.90€

LAST

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Farewell from Dunbars ...

End of an era ... after 21 years I've been lucky enough to sell Dunbars ... and what an experience it's been. I've met some amazing people over the years some of which have become good friends. I'm thankful for all the support I've received and for the fantastic staff whose help over the years have been invaluble. So it's on to pastures new for me to spend my retirement with my kids and grandchildren but I'll miss each and everyone of you. So who knows ... the next time you see me I'll be in a bar, not behind it. Big thanks to everyone.

Mandy xxx

Out & about ... in Gran Alacant

Home Turf

Water Babies

In the heat of the Spanish summer there is nothing better than being immersed in cool water. Although swimming pools and the sea have their fans, for us the very best place to seek out watery bliss is in Spain’s precious rivers. In July we spent a few days on the border of Murcia and Albacete provinces indulging in river and lake bathing. We took the opportunity to swim in three different local swimming spots and enjoy three quite different wild swimming experiences. We stayed in a country cottage in the beautiful hamlet of El Cañar just over the border into Albacete. The house is the old family home of one of our friends who has tastefully restored it to be a tranquil retreat surrounded by lush countryside. The greenery surrounding El Cañar is a clue to its most important asset - it lays in the valley of the River Segura. The river provides not only life giving sustenance to the countryside but also fabulous opportunities to swim in natural pools and even under waterfalls.

On our first day we stepped a couple of hundred metres from our cottage to where the river has cut deep into the rocks to form a shady gorge in the form of a small chain of caverns and pools. One swims along the river through narrow gaps in the rock opening out to deeper stretches of jade green water dappled by sunlight breaking through the dense foliage crowning the cliff some 20 or 30 metres above. At the end is a waterfall bringing the river down from a higher level. If this all sounds like paradise, well that’s because it pretty much is! Even on the hottest day the water is cool and refreshing and the adventure of swimming through natural rock caverns beats a chlorinated pool any day. This spot is

known only to locals, luckily we were guided to it by our hostess and truly given the keys to a magic kingdom.

South along the river a series of reservoirs has been created which offer a different swimming experience.

These huge expanses of water glistening under the sun can be daunting to swim in at first. However, they lend one a reminder of one’s ultimate insignificance in the great scheme of things. The unhurried life of nature carries on all around with just the occasional flop of a fish or a busy duck to break the hot blanket of silence. The Spanish campo in high summer surely offers no more

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engrossing sensory experience. One leaves with a deep sense of calm and even serenity. Venturing further afield we also spent a day at the famous Alharabe in Moratalla (Murcia). This stretch of river has also cut deep into the bedrock to form a long chain of pools and cascades winding through a deep gorge surrounded by trees and nature. One parks the car and walks along the riverside path until settling on a stretch of river to enjoy a swim and to explore. The river Alharabe is so famous and prized that a pleasant campsite has been developed at one end, this has the advantage of including a restaurant serving excellent Murcia food, although one can of course bring a picnic to eat at the public tables under the shady trees.

The lower stretch of the river near the campsite has been dammed to provide excellent swimming with both deep and shallow pools and steps into the water.

The atmosphere is relaxed with many families spending the day splashing about and taking breaks to eat or sleep siesta under the pine trees.

Spanish rivers offer quiet contemplation or boisterous society; whatever one's mood there is a stretch of river to suit. For those not used to swimming in rivers or natural water we urge you to give it a try. The world of inland water offers not just swimming but also a deeper connection with nature and landscape.

We suggest that you invest in a pair of swimming shoes to help with the occasional pebble or stone and venture into this wonderful part of the country. There are plenty of rental opportunities in the area like our friend’s cottage through the usual channels providing the opportunity to experience life in a traditional Spanish country cottage.

CLINICA VETERINARIA

GRAN ALACANT EXOTICS

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

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

Saturday 10:00 -13:00

MYXOMATOSIS

Why is it important to vaccinate my pet?

Liliana Aldeguer Cerdán 793

English translation by Sergio Reina Esteban col 747

mandatory declaration disease. Like most viral infections, there is not any specific treatment, but there is an effective vaccine, available for domestic rabbits.

Why is it important to vaccinate my pet?

With the arrival of summer, the presence of mosquitoes and other arthropods skyrockets, that on top of being a nuisance for us people, they also transmit diseases between animals. We all are acquainted with the case of leishmaniasis. It is lesser known the case of myxomatosis, affecting rabbits. It is a viral disease, affecting hares and rabbits all around the world.

It was first detected in South America, thus the native population of South American rabbits are quite resistant to it. When the virus arrived to Europe and Australia – in this case introduced in purpose, in order to control the excess of rabbit population, it caused nearly a 90% fatality rate in hares and rabbits.

In Spain, this almost caused the extinction of species that fed on them, such as the Iberian lynx and the Spanish imperial eagle (aquila galvertis). Its symptoms are the apparition of nodes - or lumps - mainly around the eyes and ears of the animals, and also their genitalia, and because of their shape they are called ‘dandelions’. It’s a vector-borne disease and transmission between individuals happens through ticks or mosquitoes, but it is also possible to get infected when coming in contact with contaminated material, therefore the mosquito needn’t bite the animal -only to land on it, unlike leishmaniasis. Its mortality rate is still high, and it is a

Because flies or mosquitoes may very well lay on top of an infected wild rabbit or hare, and then onto your pet. Vaccines are effective and are administered yearly. Last year a myxomatosis outbreak was detected in the Spanish southwest. Since this area is overpopulated with hares, it is likely for us to encounter an infected hare, dead or alive.

What do we do if we find one?

We need to contact an official service, so that they can collect samples. This can be as simple as sending the location through a whatsapp to either 122 or Seprona. If the animal is dead, do not touch it directly by any means, because while myxomatosis only affects rabbits and hares, they might have other zoonosis (transmissible to humans, such as tularemia). Pick up the whole hare using gloves, put it in a plastic bag, close it, and then place it inside a second plastic bag. Keep the sample refrigerated (if it's going to take longer than a day, it must be frozen) until the services can come pick it up. In general, if we find a wild animal sick or dead, we mustn't touch it without alerting the authorities. Neither should we interfere with the ecosystem by feeding wildlife, such as boars and hares. Offering them food alters their behaviour and helps propagating diseases.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the pet rabbit population increased 10 times. They are docile, low-maintenance pets, but they also require health checkups, and the myxomatosis and Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD) vaccine is capital to keep our local rabbit and hare population healthy. Since myxomatosis is a vector-borne disease, it’s also a good idea for prevention installing mosquito blinds where our rabbit lives.

Gran Alacant’s ELCHE CF SUPPORTERS GROUP

A group of football fans in Gran Alacant have their own Elche CF supporters club to attend home games at the stadium and watch away games in local bars around Gran Alacant.

Home games see the group move around different bars in Gran Alacant as their meeting place, with bars used last season including Happy’s at the Commercial Centre, London Tavern, Jolly Roger, Naty’s, Shooters, and The Pub, while Tommy’s is the regular spot up the hill.

From there, the group, which has 19 season tickets in a block of seats together, arranges carsharing to get up to the ground in time for some pre-match beers and food before returning to Gran Alacant afterwards.

Travel to the ground is problematic with no easy public transport links. With the group sharing driving duties, the group has managed to shift larger groups of fans to games.

Tickets are always easy to come by via the club website at www.elchecf.es, especially with the forthcoming season being in the second division, and there is also the occasional spare ticket available through the group as well.

Jornadas in Spain have games all spread out with each match being televised. It is normal for the actual date and time of the match to not be announced until 2 to 5 weeks beforehand.

Home games in September are against Santander (Sat 2 at 21:00), Leganés (weekend of 17 September) and Levante (weekend of 30 September and 1 October).

GRAN ALACANT GOLF SOCIETY

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

SOCIETY DETAILS ARE AS FOLLOWS: Where: El Plantio Golf Resort. The official address is A-79, Km3, 03114, Alicante.

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

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

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

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

GRAN ALACANT WALKING FOOTBALL

Saturday 5th August saw the official opening of the much anticipated new astroturf 8-a-side pitch, situated behind the Indoor Sports Centre next to the outdoor market on Av. D’Escandinavia. I can confirm it is a great surface to play on and I am sure all who play on it will appreciate the facility.

Also in August, beginning on Tuesday 8th at 9am, twice weekly sessions were organized by Anthony Young and Moises Pizzaro. These will continue on Tuesdays and Fridays at 9:15am in September

The Gran Alacant Walking Football group will recommence their sessions on Wednesday 6th September at 10:00am and will be using the astroturf pitch.

Julie Broderick intends to restart the ladies group on Thursday 14th September at 10:00am and will be contacting her members.

The Santa Pola Group have played throughout the summer on Mondays and Thursdays at the earlier time of 8:00am. This will change to 9:00am in September.

(Please note that all times mentioned above are KO times, please arrive 15 minutes earlier if possible)

So we now have sessions available for residents and visitors to Gran Alacant and Santa Pola every weekday. Members are able to choose their day or days of preference and hopefully all sessions will be well attended. We are looking forward to the Autumn sessions and each group will respond to their members wishes.

A social get-together will be organized towards the end of September and everyone can give their opinion on how things are progressing – should be fun!

John Fraser, Administrator WhatsApp +34 630 582322

horarios establecidos a partir del día

1 de julio del 2023.

*Estos servicios realizan su paso por BABEL.

*Las horas de salida desde Óscar Esplá se realizarán 10 min antes de cada salida desde la Estación de Autobuses de Alicante.

Para más información pueden visitar la web → https://movilidad.vectalia.es/rutas/

TRANSPORT IN AND OUT OF GRAN ALACANT

Santa Pola, a 29 de junio del 2023

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

Difficulty Rating: HARD