Gran Alacant Advertiser February 2020 by Gran Alacant Advertiser

FEBRUARY

2020 ISSUE 181

YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE SINCE 2005

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NOW IN OUR 15TH YEAR

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We would like to thank the TOURISM COUNCILLOR for enabling Jose Manuel Blasco to join our magazines monthly column. Many of you will surely have met Jose at the Tourist Information Counter in Santa Pola. He always exudes enthusiasm for all that is happening in our area. Here are his suggestions of “Where to visit” and ‘What to see” for this month

Hi everybody, In February you can enjoy parades of Moors and Christians in Bocairente from 1st to 5th and in Sax 1st to the 5th for the exact day of the parades, please contact Tourist Info offices. Another activity in February are Carnivals! All Towns along the Costa Blanca celebrate Carnivals! One of the best in the area is the one held in Torrevieja. There are two main carnival parades: first one on Saturday 16th at 5:30p.m. and the second one on Saturday the 22nd March at 7:00p.m. About sports, if you have any friend or family that would like to join The Tabarca-Santa Pola Open Waters Swim you have to warn them that pre-registration process will be from 7th to 18th of February. Like every February do not miss the almond blossom in Jalon or Guadalest valleys. But if you want to see something special go to see “El valle de la Seta” and enjoy the little villages of Famorca and Facheca. It could be beginning, middle or end of the month, but it lasts about ten days if there isn’t bad weather. Talking about blossom, I would like to recommend to be ready at the end of March, for the peach tree blossom in Cieza (Murcia). It would be a nice day out to visit “Santuario de la Fuensanta” in Calasparra and enjoy the beautiful scenery that nature offer us, take the country road RM-B19, to Cieza in the middle of the country side to see the best. Bye bye friends Hello Everybody, What a January! Well done to the council for clearing up after storm Gloria! We hope you are all taking advantage of the many great deals in the local restaurants, cafés and bars. Lots of great events still going on in Gran Alacant whatever your looking for … music, themed nights, Six Nation rugby, live football, quizzes etc … just look inside the magazine at all the major venues to see what’s on near you and don’t forget this month is Valentine’s. Have you reserved your table yet? 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 p. 26 and Casper on p. 46

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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

Dear Lou and Ged, I really enjoyed the article on how the magazine started and grew into the fantastic publication it remains today! On behalf (I hope!) of all your readers can I thank all of those involved in creating the magazine. All the advertisers whose adverts, for those of us who only live here part of the year, provide such an invaluable contact list of people who can get things done or places to go where things are happening! The other contributors whose efforts make the Gran Alacant Advertiser far more than just a directory and finally, and most importantly, Ged, Lou and Barry for the news, insight and pictures you provide to bring both the publication and the community to life. Thank you all, and may the Gran Alacant Advertiser continue for at least another 15 years!!!

Thank you BARRY’S BITS OF NEWS

Well, that’s the holiday period over and I hope you all enjoyed it. We spent 5 nights in Benidorm over Christmas. Everywhere there was very busy as usual. ********* DISCARDED TROLLEYS The picture here on the Gran Alacant Mercadona car park will now stop my pictures of discarded trolleys being taken away from the store.

Peter, Nova Beach

BINS A story to me…… Today I was stopped by a Spanish Guy as I was about to put drink cans in the yellow bin, he was adamant that they go in general waste. I have just checked the Santa Pola web site and it confirms cans in yellow bins, maybe these bins need to have stickers on them as what chance have tourists if the locals appear to get it wrong !!! NEW HOTEL

**********

The latest pictures of the first new hotel being built on Gran Alacant which hopefully should be taking its first holiday makers later this year. So many of you who have

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LARGE ITEMS COLLECTIONS on Tuesdays and Thursdays ONLY. Please message this number T: 686 801 323 any day of the week to let them know the name of the street you are leaving your large items on. This would help to make the service more efficient and keep our Gran Alacant nice and tidy. holiday homes here and live in countries away from Gran Alacant can see the progress with these pictures.

SIGNAGE FOR GRAN ALACANT Another question from Joanne Whearity who asks us if we can ask the council about the signage for Gran Alacant - the big sign that show Santa Pola? Also the provision of special Dog Pooh bins.

********** N-332 A question from Sheila James Mitchell who asks what is happening about the new road to take the pressure off the N-332? It should have been started about 10 years ago. Also guess it’s no use asking about the golf course! GA Councillor Oscar Valenzuela’s Reply: The projects depends on national roadworks network system and we are in contact about that with them, but it’s a long way away and not in foreseeable future. **********

GA Councillor Oscar Valenzuela’s Reply: As for the signage to Gran Alacant, for the time being the current signage is staying,

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but we are hoping to get a new one in a near future. As for the dog bins as well as human bins, we have been discussing the issue with the councillor responsible for cleaning and gardens. We are working hard and preparing a brand new cleaning contract that will adapt to all needs of population in Gran Alacant today and in the future. The preparation of a new contract is a lengthy process but we are hoping to be ready before summer 2020. ********** SPEED BUMPS Paul Issitt asks about the ROAD leading from the roundabout past The Church and Play ground.

a long time and we are trying to find resources to continue with it but it’s difficult given the null budget we inherited in 2019. ********** PUBLIC HOLIDAYS Spain have just announced their 12 public holidays for 2020, this compares to just 7 in the UK. ********** FIRE AT THE ALICANTE AIRPORT On 15th January, social media was alive with reports of a fire at the Alicante airport, which was so serious that the airport was evacuated. Here are a few pictures.

"Why do DRIVER speed down there and some even over take slower vehicles"... I've noticed most are mum's dropping their children off at the school. It amazes me as the speed limit is 30 to 50-30-50-30-20 Why is this? More speed bumps needed to slow drivers down. GA Councillor Oscar Valenzuela’s Reply: This is a very good questions and many people have been asking the same question. We want to help and hoping to put stops on the road in February. ********** WEEDS The town hall landscaped the banks with nice stonework, but let the weeds grow in it and spoiling the look of the road between the church and the first roundabout onto Gran Alacant. It is like this, month after month. ********** FOOTPATH Question from Geoffrey Young Hi Barry, why is the footpath outside of the church on Avda Noruega unfinished? Are there plans to further develop the land on that side of the road meaning we have to wait until this is finished before the footpath is completed, or is it lack of funds/ interest from the council? Either way it is an eye sore, spoiling the general view of the avenida. GA Councillor Oscar Valenzuela’s Reply: On this subject we have an infrastructure re-adjusment plan in Gran Alacant. The problem is that it has been stopped for

Accesses to the Airport saw the N332 and AP7 closed !!! Local reports say the blaze broke out in offices near the departures area in the terminal building at 1.30pm local time. The airport was then closed until around noon the next day, with flights being diverted to Murcia and passengers asked

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not to turn up at the Alicante airport. ********** STORM On Sunday 19th January the airport was closed again for several hours with the news that a storm was about to hit and also to repair the existing damaged areas from the fire. ********** MAGAZINE STORY Further to our magazine story last month, we would like to thank one of our friends for helping us with some design work, and another for delivering magazines for us. ********** ALICANTE AIRPORT Month after month, figures of arrivals at our Alicante airport, break records again and again. Last year, just over 15 million people used the airport, a 7.6 percent rise on the record figures achieved last year. Around 60 per cent are from the UK. In all areas around us and on Gran Alacant new houses are being built everywhere. This must attribute to the extra numbers coming through the airport. More and more people following our steps of 17 years ago. It is so much easier to move out here now than it was for all of us moving out then. ********** NEW SCHOOL The coming year may see the start on the new school, so this will give me plenty to report on as it builds and I can show pictures to those of you living outside of Spain.

GA Councillor Oscar Valenzuelaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Reply: The problem is that due to debt we had to suspend social collaboration contracts. The office is currently being managed by SERVEF administrative who are there to assist a few days a week. We are going to do it well and set up a new administrative post in GA. ********** DOUGLAS KEMP Terrible, sudden and unexpected news last month of the death of Douglas Kemp. Dougie started up the Santa Pola Walking football club, and will be very sorely missed. ********** BIG STORM And finally. Another big storm, the second this winter, hit the area on 20-21 January, causing devastation up and down the coast. Social media pictures show how we on Gran Alacant escaped lightly compared to some areas. Just one picture, here , of the beach at Urbanova, leaving many days work to clear all of the seaweed that was washed up. Facebook was swarming with so many pictures of damage in the surrounding areas.

I see that our school on Gran Alacant cannot cope with the amount of students that wish to attend. Looks like we are going backwards with pre fabricated classrooms back on the horizon. With this growth of facilities and the second school being built on the same plot, I hope someone has an answer to the extra traffic that will all congregate around that area. ********** CLOSING THE DEPARTMENT Rumour is that the Santa Pola Town hall are closing their department at the Gran Alacant health centre? All our residents will have to keep travelling to Santa Pola to sign on the padron and collect other important paperwork.

********** LAUNDRETTE .... Funny story .... as we drove past the laundrette in front of the car wash, we saw a guy take off his shirt to expose his upper torso and place the shirt in the washing machine. We were in the car and so then drove on. Two of my mates were also watching the guy who then proceeded to take off all of his clothes. Yes everything, he was totally naked with all of his clothes in the wash. He then took clean clothes from his bag and got dressed!

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Fund Raising in Gran Alacant Thank you from Father Lucas ... … to the staff and customers of The Pub, Masa Square for their help in raising 405€ towards much needed improvements to our Catholic Church here in Gran Alacant. The Church, Santiago Apostol, is located on Avenida Noruega and the money raised will be used towards new tiling of the floor which is presently still the plain concrete from when the church was built.

Thank you from The Royal British Legions The Gran Alacant and La Marina Branch

Chairman Paul Kane presents Joan Weightman with a Certificate of Appreciation to “The Fat Club” in Gran Alacant, for their donation of

€100 to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. While they are losing the pounds, we are gaining the euros.

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 READ THE MAGAZINE EVERY MONTH AT www.granalacantadvertiser.com

MONTEMAR BOWLS & SOCIAL CLUB

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

MONTEMAR BOWLS & SOCIAL CLUB CHRISTMAS DAY On Christmas day about fourteen members organized a fun roll up. Played in beautiful December sunshine they all had a enjoyable mornings bowling. After the bowling they treat them selves to a buffet and drinks.

NEW YEARS EVE What a great News Eve enjoyed by thirty three bowling and social members at the Azafran Indian Restaurant. The food was

excellent and the drinks flowed. After the meal we enjoyed dancing with the staff. At midnight we enjoyed Cava and of course the twelve grapes.

FUN DAY CHALLENGE Saturday 4th January

The annual fun day was again a great success, we raised 218 euros for the Defibrillator fund. Everyone had a great

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MONTEMAR BOWLS & SOCIAL CLUB

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

MONTEMAR BOWLS & SOCIAL CLUB time going around the six rinks trying out their bowling skills. After the mornings fun we had nibbles and drinks at LoungeD, where the winner Phil Goble was presented with the Trophy.

Monte Mar winning on three rinks and the overall shots. Well done to Lynne Armitage, Howie Williams, Ronnie Cairns skip Jack Burrell, Sheila Roberts, Colin Bedford, Rod Chamberlain skip Phil Goble, Gina Hindle, Chris Harding, Don Cleeter skip Joan Harding Shots Monte Mar 81 – 78 San Miguel. Points Monte Mar 8 – 4 San Miguel.

WINTER LEAGUE Wednesday 8th January 2020 started well with a draw at home against Vistabella. Winning on three rinks well done to, Lynne Armitage, Howie Williams, Ronnie Cairns skip Jack Burrell, Paula Cleeter, Jean Chamberlain, Cindy Bedford skip John Hunt, Sheila Roberts, Colin Bedford, Don Cleeter skip Phil Goble. After the game we all enjoyed lunch at the Belfry, as it was Cindys birthday she kindly gave everyone a piece of birthday cake. Shots Monte Mar 83 – 84 Vistabella. Points Monte Mar 6 – 6 Vistabella. Friday 10th January Away to San Miguel a excellent result for

LADIES v MEN Saturday 11th January The club had a great day with a total of eighteen ladies (well not quite true one was a man sexy Donna Kebab) alias Don Cleeter and eighteen men. Everyone enjoyed the mornings bowling after which we finished with a drink in the Rincon followed by drinks and a buffet in Rogers. Well done Lee you did us proud. Oh yes, the men won the trophy – unlucky girls. The best ladies team was Lynne Armitage, Linda Saunders

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Why Not Try Something New in 2020 at Monte Mar BOWLS & SOCIAL Club ?

As our name suggests we are both a Bowling and Social Club which is open all year round. You can find us on Calle Luxemburgo just behind the Dialprix Supermarket. Our Club is a very friendly place for you to start a new hobby like bowling and get plenty of exercise or you can just enjoy the many social events that we arrange for our members. You will meet with your new friends and enjoy a warm welcome every time you visit the Club. As a new bowler you will be entitled to free tuition and use of the club equipment for the first month so why not give it a try.

On the social side, we also organise a multitude of regular events such as nights out at local venues, a weekly Quiz Night and an occasional Dinner/Dance. The Club also arranges excursions to other parts of Spain and short holiday breaks which are great value and very popular with all our members.

You don’t have to be a bowler, you can join our Club as a Social Member (just €12 a year) and enjoy all the benefits of the Club’s social activities throughout the year.

ELVIS TRIBUTE DINNER & SHOW AT ALONAI RESTAURANT SATURDAY 18TH APRIL AT 19.30 Members - 25 euros None Members - 30 euros

skip Sexy Donna Kebab and the best men's team Keith Young, Howie Williams skip Rod Chamberlain. 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.

To Secure your place a non-refundable deposit of 10 euros per person is required. Garry Foley is widely recognised as one of the world's leading Elvis impersonators and probably the UK's top rated Elvis tribute act having won an array of awards internationally to prove it. He has toured China, India, Asia, Europe, Canada and USA. Garry has proved to be a world class entertainer. He has also performed for Elvis Presley Enterprisers in Memphis Tennessee. To book your place please contact: Sue Bounds on 679312107 or Joan Harding on 667588735.

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C/Holanda 9, bajo 8 Gran Alacant

www.familydoctors24h.com info@familydoctors24h.com

T: 865 789 554

ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the adult population in Spain. Acute myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome or "heart attack" is the presence of necrosis or myocardial death, that is, the death of a set of heart cells, which become inert, which causes a disruption in functioning normal heart. It is produced by the obstruction of the arteries of the heart. The arteries that carry blood, which irrigates the heart.

These arteries are almost always blocked by cholesterol plaques. By clots that form from a cholesterol plaque that breaks in the artery. This clot clogs the artery and that causes the heart attack. Every day there are patients with heart attack. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A HEART ATTACK? This condition occurs in a patient through various clinical manifestations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;While there are infrequent forms of myocardial infarction, chest pain is most common. That

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is why the recommendation for all people who have pain in this area is to consult an emergency service as quickly as possible.

THIS MONTH’S PROMOTIONS :

The infrequent forms in which myocardial infarction occurs (less than 10%), are: arm pains, nausea, vomiting, digestive conditions, epigastralgia (stomach mouth discomfort), pain difficult to locate, especially in the elderly and diabetic patients

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Risk factors for suffering a "heart attack" Heart attacks usually occur in those patients with risk factors for the development of arteriosclerosis, such as:

COMPLETE EVALUATION WITH CARDIOLOGIST 150€

• The advanced age • The male sex • Elevation of bad cholesterol (LDL) • Decrease of good cholesterol (HDL) • Smoking • diabetes • Hypertension These factors are called cardiovascular risk factors. HOW IS A HEART ATTACK DIAGNOSED? Before a patient with symptoms suggestive of infarction, an electrocardiogram and various blood tests should be performed immediately. The treatment consists in detecting the arteries that are blocked, to arrive with medical procedures to unblock or permeabilize the artery, recover the blood circulation in that part of the heart and avoid permanent heart damage. WHAT SHOULD I DO TO NOT HAVE A HEART ATTACK? The risk of having a heart attack can be reduced with measures to prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases, that is, if a healthy diet, frequent physical exercise is carried out, a weight close to the ideal is maintained, smoking is avoided and factors are adequately controlled at risk (cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes). The most important thing in cardiovascular diseases, mainly myocardial infarction and

- Complete examination - ECG (electrocardiogram) - Echocardiogram 150 euros (normal price 200 euros)

stroke, due to the serious consequences of these, is to prevent and control risk factors. In Gran Alacant Family Doctors 24h we have a team of doctors very trained in assessing cardiovascular risk, as well as controlling and monitoring in the case of certain diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, cholesterol alterations. We have our family doctors who perform general check ups and disease monitoring. We have our cardiologist Miguel Ángel López Aranda, an excellent doctor who performs complete cardiovascular evaluation, being able to detect heart problems and treat them.

YOUR HEALTH IS OUR PRIORITY

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HAZ LO QUE PUEDAS - DO WHAT YOU CAN PART 1 - INTERVAL TRAINING

BY GEOFF YOUNG Are you still sticking with your New Year’s resolution? Whatever the reason, if you are looking to improve your fitness and have considered jogging, the next two issues of the magazine will give you some training methods to help you reach your goals, which may include your first 5km.

They are designed to help you improve your strength, stamina, speed, and recovery time, and they are free. You may think that Gran Alacant is too hilly to run round but with a little bit of imagination you can find some easy routes, and when you are ready, the hills offer some demanding training sessions. My advice to novice runners, stay away from Cardiac hills 1 & 2. They are not for you. Yet! You will know when you are ready to tackle them. The first method is “Interval Training” (Interval Sessions). Put simply, Interval training is running faster over a short distance at regular intervals during your normal jog/run then jogging at a slow pace to recover, then repeat again. Initially, I would recommend introducing interval sessions into your training once a fortnight, and on a day where you are rested, in other words not the day after a long run or the day before a race. If you are planning to run the day after an interval session then make sure you slow your pace down, make it an easy run and use it to recover from the previous day.

Example of an Interval Session: The Promenade in Los Arenales is ideal for this type of session. It is relatively flat and it is approximately 1.5miles (2.4km long). Drive there if need be and jog to the very end of Los Arenales to warm up, when you turn round to run back pick a distance to run faster than jogging pace but not sprinting pace. Use the lamp posts as your markers. Choose a lamp post to start your faster run from and run at this pace for a distance of 2 lamp posts, when your reach your second lamp post, slow down, walk if necessary, and keep this pace for another 2 lamp posts and when you reach the second lamp post run fast again for 2 lamp posts, before slowing down for another 2 lamp post recovery.

Repeat this for 3 to 5 intervals, and then jog back to your car for a well earned rest. because understandably you will feel tired. See top tips at the end of this article about doing some warm down exercises, especially stretch out your calf muscles and your quads. Next time you go out for your Interval sessions try and either do more intervals, run faster, or try 3 lamp posts interval/ recovery, or, try and do all three. After 3 to 4 sessions you may want to attempt these once a week as by now you will be getting stronger, faster, fitter and surprisingly, your recovery time (ie the time it takes you to recover to attempt the next set of exercises) will improve.

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TopTips Always warm up with some stretching exercises before you start jogging. Interval Sessions may sound tough, but if you can get a friend to join you, then you can work together. If one of you usually runs at a faster pace, then the faster runner can start each hard run a few seconds later and you can use the chase to motivate each other. At first you may feel that you cannot jog the recovery – that is no problem, simply walk. Always do the sessions to your own ability, not anyone else’s, and as you become fitter gently build up the number of repetitions.

Most importantly, enjoy! Remember, if you only ever run the same distance at the same pace, you will find you can only ever run the same distance at the same pace, so varying the type of training is important for your improvement. Don’t forget to stretch out with some warm down exercises after each run. If you are new to exercise you may need to seek medical advice on the best exercise for you. Do What You Can!

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The Royal British Legion Caring and campaigning for our ex-Service community. The Royal British Legion in Spain. Gran Alacant & La Marina Branch BR 3606. The Gran Alacant & La Marina Branch meets on the First Monday of each month 18:00 at “LoungeD”, Plaza Mayor (MASA Square) Gran Alacant. The Next Meeting will be held on 3rd February 2020 at 18:00

New members always welcome and you Do Not need to be Ex Service to join. Further details Email:granalacant.secretary@rbl.community

The Gran Alacant and La Marina Branch Chairman Paul Kane presents Joan Weightman with a Certificate of Appreciation to “The Fat Club” in Gran Alacant, for their donation of €100 to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. While they are losing the pounds, we are gaining the euros.

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The Reiki Room

COMMERCIAL CENTRE

Harmonious Healing

with Jackie Canale

International Practicioner of Holistic Medicine, fully licensed & insured DO YOU STRUGGLE TO BREAK YOUR HABITS?

For so many of us this is a problem, a problem that sometimes we do that much it becomes a part of our daily life, as the saying goes old habits die hard, which is all too true. Habits are created by us performing little day to day tasks which locks into our unconscious mind in what is known as neurological loops, whilst psychologists say it takes around 66 days to create a habit, it can be broken within 21 days. Habits can begin from a number of things, feeling nervous and start biting those nails, picking spots on our face, having 2 (or 3)

biscuits with that cup of tea apposed to 1, having that cigarette every morning with your coffee or smoking extra because you are going on a journey somewhere and feel the urge to fill they lungs with extra cigarettes, having that glass of wine every night (because you have earned it) or it may be worrying you do, that unnecessary worrying that you excuse as being “the way I am” “I have always been like this” as if it is a normal trait to own. Let me enlighten you ... you are not a worrier ... you have a HABIT of worrying. One of the most common habits used by so many of us is the use of the snooze button

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Email: thereikiroom40@gmail.com Facebook: The Reiki Room-Harmonious Healing

The Reiki Room is situated in Don Pueblo across from The Life Resort

on the alarm clock every morning, and if reading this can change any of your daily habits then please let it be this one!

Habits can have a detrimental affect on our lives ... they are created without our conscious minds being aware of it. As the marvellous Milton Erickson (pioneer of hypnotherapy) once said â&#x20AC;&#x153; what you don't realise, is that most of your life is unconsciously determined, the good news is that the unconscious mind is not unchangeableâ&#x20AC;?

So change those unwanted habits to some good wanted habits today ... you have the power!

Whilst pressing the snooze button may sound like a little thing that has no relevance in your life, the reality of performing this task has a lot more to it. The way we wake ourselves in the morning has a major part in our daily lives.

Find out more on any specific habits you want to ditch by contacting The Reiki Room Much love, Jackie xxx

When we press the snooze button thinking we will get that extra little bit of sleep time in what is actually happening in our brain is we are wakening it up temporarily to then send it back into the sleep cycle, this action is called sleepinersha, so after that 10 (or 20) minute snooze you will waken with a foggy brain, feeling tired throughout your day, less productive and your brain working a lot less than that if you awoken without that snooze button and we do it almost every day. Continuing this daily habit is scientifically proven to have an ill affect on your health. So start tomorrow ... when that alarm clock goes off ... get up, no matter how tired you feel within the first few minutes ... get up... your brain will benefit so very much from changing this habit. I can promise you it won't be easy but I can promise you it will be worth it. READ THE MAGAZINE EVERY MONTH AT www.granalacantadvertiser.com READ THE MAGAZINE EVERY MONTH AT www.granalacantadvertiser.com

SANTARA LIFE RESORT

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HELEN'S STORY I felt calmer, more at ease, and ready to make my own decisions after confiding in the Samaritans. Helen used Samaritans’ text service to help her through problems she was having with her partner.

particularly for people like me who have problems with anxiety as you don’t have to speak. I have recommended it to a few of my friends. You can now use WhatsApp to contact Samaritans via CHAT or a VIDEO CALL. WE ARE SAMARITANS IN SPAIN YOU TALK WE LISTEN. Phone FREEPHONE 900 525 100 Email pat@samaritansinspain.com

Nowhere else to turn “I have contacted Samaritans by text a number of times. It was mainly around the time I was having problems with my (now ex) partner.

Or Send a Message to 634 325 906 to organise a WhatsApp call.

SAMARITANS IN SPAIN

"I needed someone to talk to, in confidence, without anyone knowing. I was feeling really low, upset, angry and worried about my relationship, and didn’t know where else to turn. “I heard about the texting service through a friend. As I have a hearing impairment, phone calls can be very difficult for me and I am more at ease when texting people, so it was a great option for me. “Samaritans helped me by listening (well reading!) to what I said and responding by asking questions and offering support. “My experience of using the text service was good, even though there were times when I had to wait a while for a response. "I felt calmer, more at ease, and ready to make my own decisions after confiding in them.

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"I think my life would be quite different if I hadn’t sought help from Samaritans. “I still experience problems with depression and anxiety, but I am much better than I was when I first contacted Samaritans. “The Samaritans’ text service is fantastic,

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SIERRA SANTA MAR POLA Mayka’s Kitchen TRUST US

Hi all, is it cold out there? I’ve just got a suggestion from a friend who’s been in La Rioja recently and who enjoyed a plate called “Patatas a la Riojana”, so this month we are going to make Potato stew - riojan style! Hope it warms you up, Mayka x

“Patatas a la Riojana” Ingredients Let’s Start! Peel the potatoes. To “crack” the potatoes into chestnut - sized pieces, make a small cut in each potato and then break it open the rest of the way. Set the potato pieces aside. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 10 minutes, or until softened. Add the chorizo and cook, stirring, for about 1minute. Add the potatoes, pimentón, red pepper flakes, and salt and stir to mix the ingredients. Add water to cover by 1 inch and bring to a boil. Cover, decrease the heat to medium-low, and cook slowly for 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are forktender.

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3 POUNDS RUSSET POTATOES ⅓ CUP OLIVE OIL 1 YELLOW ONION, FINELY CHOPPED 1 CLOVE GARLIC, FINELY MINCED 3 (3-OUNCE) CHORIZOS, CASINGS REMOVED AND CUT INTO 1-INCH-THICK SLICES 1 ½ TABLESPOONS SWEET PIMENTÓN ½ TEASPOON HOT RED PEPPER FLAKES 1 TEASPOON SALT

Remove from the heat. Mash a piece or two of the potato against the side of the pot with the back of a spoon to thicken the soup. Stir once, re-cover, and let stand for 10 minutes. Stir again, ladle into warmed bowls, and serve immediately. And enjoying it with a nice glass of Rioja. Have a nice month lots of love Mayka xxx

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SANTA POLA

Santa Pola Half Marathon 2020 as experienced by Geoff Young

SANTA POLA HALF MARATHON Sol + Playa + Rock ‘N’ Run Sunday 19th January 2020

This was my 10th start at the Santa Pola Half marathon. I have to ask myself sometimes why I still do this to my body. The simple answer is I wouldn’t have it any other way, but this year the training has been hard and the self-motivation even harder to come by. However the training is done and the race is over, well race is not the correct way to term this for me. There is no racing these days, just competing and being involved, which is the element I enjoy the most. Being an integral part of the Santa Pola community. The sense of satisfaction I get from standing on the start line, by the harbour, with 6000 other competitors is difficult to put into words. This year I was joined in the run by my nephew Mark, a veteran of many other

Geoff pictured with Mark and Robert This year was the 29th staging of the Santa Pola half marathon and what a way to celebrate it with a record breaking run from Kenyian Alexander Mutiso Munyao who set a new course record of 59mins 09secs, smashing the previous record of 1 hour 15 secs set in 2015. Second placed Geofrey Kusuro from Uganda also broke the magical 60 minute mark demonstrating the quality of the participants this event attracts. The first female to finish was Vibian Chepkirui, also from Kenya, in 1hr 09min 28 secs (just 5 seconds outside the course record), beating fellow Kenyian Nancy Kiprop into second place by 4 seconds.

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Santa Pola Half Marathon 2020 as experienced by Geoff Young

runs, including the Great North Run and the Kielder marathon, who travelled from the UK to taste for the first time the atmosphere of what is one of the best half marathons in Spain. We weren’t expecting record breaking times, just the experience of taking part and finishing. We noticed the Toon shirt in front of us. “Hiya. How ya doin and where ya from man”. “Wallsend, but I live here in Gran Alacant” was the reply.” We’re from Gatesheed and Durham” we said. And so we met Robert Buchanan from Altomar I who was competing in his 14th Santa Pola half marathon. It was gratifying to meet other Brits on the run, especially those from GA. Also out in force were the large numbers of spectators, many from Gran Alacant who enjoyed the good weather and on-course entertainment to cheer us on our way.

Congratulations to Philippe Blache

The bad weather and the storm held off until 3 from GA Homefinders on finishing hours after the finish. When storm Gloria arrived rd 3 in his category. Well done! on Sunday evening we knew how lucky we all were to have missed it during the run. As it was the conditions were ideal for running, and with a flat course we finished in 2 hours and 6 minutes. Robert, our new friend, finished in a very commendable 1 hour and 48 minutes. There were over 4300 finishers with the last competitor completing the course in just under 3 hours. As always, a huge thanks is due to all the sponsors, volunteers, spectators, athletics clubs and the Ayuntamiento Santa Pola for making this a special day in Santa Pola.

WE ARE NOW IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RUNNING SEASON WITH UPCOMING EVENTS AS FOLLOWS: Orihuela Half Marathon 9th February Benidorm Half Marathon and 10km 29th February Perleta/Maitino 10km Cross (part road/part track) 1st March Elche Ladies run 8.8km (Carrera de la Dama) 8th March Elche Half Marathon 15th March

Ibiza Half Marathon and 10km 2nd May

If anyone from Gran Alacant is interested in taking part in any of these runs as a “Gran Alacant Team” please contact Lou, via this magazine @ info@granalacantadvertiser.com

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INTERCLUB

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HIKING WITH HEIDI & OLLI THE PATHS LESS TRAVELED

Umbría de Peña Apartada, Sierra Espuña

Driving Time: 1,5 hours Walking Time: 5 hours/16km Google maps directions: Centro de Visitantes Ricardo Codorniu 30848 Alhama de Murcia

My name is Heidi and I come from Helsinki, Finland. With my husband Olli-Pekka and our 3 dogs we live in Gran Alacant and enjoy the brilliant Mediterranean climate and possibility of discovering new hiking routes all over our Alicante province and sometimes even a bit further. Ironically, I have a fear of heights, but I love the views from tops of the mountains too much to stay away. Our dogs are getting older so all the hikes need to be suitable for them too as they always go on our adventures with us. I also love photography and always take load of pictures from our hikes. The route starts from Centro de Visitantes Ricardo Codorniú in Sierra Espuña. Google Maps fins the parking lot next to the visiting center nicely. You’ll find few options to choose from to hike and there’s even one route for people in wheelchairs. All the routes are marked well and you’ll see the maps of routes in the information signs.

We chose PR-Mu 59 Umbría de Peña Apartada. We hiked along the foot paths to the Mirador Collado Bermejo at 1201 meters above sea level and walked back along the dirt road which was slightly longer, but easier to walk . The route was so well marked we never had to second guess which way to go. Landscapes were so pretty and it was so peaceful. According to the parks website they state that first hominids in the Sierra were thousands of years ago, approximately in the Paleolithic era, since the mountain provided them coats and caves, as well

THE PATHS LESS TRAVELED

HIKING WITH HEIDI & OLLI THE PATHS LESS TRAVELED

After the hike we drove through the mountains and visited Los Pozos de la Nieve. On our way we say some hawks and ibexes. It’s time to head out to investigate nature See you next month Heidi & Olli xxx

CHECK LIST

as warm territories and food. During the Middle Neolithic and the Eneolithic (between 2,000 and 3,000 years before Christ) the development of agriculture and livestock made it possible for the valleys of Guadalentín, Mula and Pliego, more humid and warm, to have human settlements. Imagine that! Our hike was nearly 16 km and we did it in about 5 hours. Elevation was 443 meters. So lots of water and snacks are needed on this hike.

Always when going on hikes check that: • Your Mobile Phone is fully charged • Water - climbing up is hard job & you will need it • Snacks (Remember to take all the garbage back down with you!) • Have good shoes for walking • Have small first aid kit with you • Have layered clothes. Up hill might be very windy and cold, even on a warm day. Coming down might be chilly, so extra dry t-shirt to change into if needed is not a bad idea • Always tell someone where you are going and when you’ll approx. be coming back

THE PATHS LESS TRAVELED

LIGHT AND DUST

Why do I go to the lighthouse? By Kief Suntherland To be perfectly honest with you, when I first began to make my Sunday pilgrimage to it, I had absolutely no idea what was drawing me in that direction. For a while, I thought that in the space that had been left in my life – you know, after your grandmother died – I might be beginning to develop some kind of religious inclination.

your grandmother had, she always seemed to find the greatest joy in my ‘moments’, and the loud, verbal self-correction which soon followed. When it happens, and – after occasionally letting a bush or two feel the wrath of my walking stick – I’ve calmed down, I chuckle along with her in the dead silence of the night.

You don’t have to look at me like that! I mean… I know; I was as surprised as the next person. But, in truth, for years afterwards I do not think you could find another person on Earth more willing to be convinced of an afterlife. Though I do wonder what the consequences of that would have been… All life, you understand, was a kind of afterlife to me during that time; it was life after her; she had gone somewhere else, and I suddenly didn’t not belong amongst the living.

As I approach the lighthouse, its imposing structure begins to loom over me, but the result is not a sense of the sublime, not a religious emotion, not even the comfort that we can sometimes gain from being in the presence of old, strong structures; I just remember the stairs… More precisely, I remember how many stairs it is I have to climb. (There are two hundred, if you were wondering.) But, when I have reached the top, and my old lungs have once again caught their breath, it becomes worth it; contentment comes and soothes my weary bones.

So I tried going to church for a while. She would have found that hilarious, your grandma; a grumpy old man becoming determined to believe in something, because believing nothing had become inconvenient for him. I always heard her, you know – I still do. She would have called me a fool; she always told people to be who they are. ‘There’s no point in trying to be anyone, or anything else’, she would say. Despite this, every Sunday morning for months on end I would sit for two hours and stare with increasing frustration at a man who, on reflection, I reckon I must have been making feel uncomfortable; I blamed him for not convincing me that there was something more. I would leave unhappier than when I arrived, and I became acutely aware I was probably ruining the priest’s day too. So I stopped going. In the evening though… in the evening I would still make my journey to the lighthouse. The walk has never been an easy one for me, and I can assure you it is not getting any easier; the ground is loose and rocky, and somehow – despite my steady pace – I often end up getting my trousers caught on the dead and scraggly bushes which line the route. Each time it happens I kick, and I curse, and I berate my stupidity, and, amongst all this – with the dust I have disturbed speckling the moonlight and settling on my legs and feet – I hear her laugh… For all the intelligent conversations me and

Now, let me be clear about something; me and your grandmother never visited the lighthouse. We saw it, yes – it’s hard to miss when you live around here – but we never actually went to it. So, like I said, when one day, whilst I was taking a long walk to clear my head, I first stumbled up there, I had no idea why I felt such a profound relief upon reaching its summit. But then, on an evening much like any other, as I leant against the railings to catch my breath, and watched the lighthouse beam circle the land and sea, it struck me: it is not the place – the solitary tower – which brings her back to me; it is the light. The light, falling upon the places where I walked with her, where I walked with my wife in the twilight of our time together, and held her hands in mine those final few times. The light searches for her, like me. It will never find her, like I never will. And sometimes, as it paints my silhouette upon the ground – the giant form of a small old man with dusty shoes and cuts on his trousers – another shadow appears next to me. It is a trick of the light, I know, but the illusion makes me happy. In the moments that I imagine her shadowed body next to mine I do not feel that I am alone – not because she is there, but because I understand that not only I, but the rest of the world, now has to live without her. Your grandmother lived in this land, and that land still remembers her footsteps.

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BIBLIOTECA INTERNACIONAL GRAN ALACANT SPANISH LESSONS

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Out & About with Star & Ashlee Terra Natura Murcia

Hi my name is Star and I have been lucky enough to call Gran Alacant my home for over 11 years now. My 10 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. On a lovely sunny day in January, Ashlee and I met up with some friends and headed to Terra Natura in Murcia. If you have a car you can drive there in just under an hour via the A7 and it is extremely close to IKEA. Regular readers will know that Ashlee and I absolutely love Terra Natura in Benidorm and visit many times throughout the year. We have only been to Terra Natura Murcia once, about 7 years ago, and felt we were long overdue a visit. As Ashlee and I have annual passes for Terra Natura in Benidorm we got a 50% discount on the regular Winter Season entry prices which are €14 for kids aged 3 to 12 and those over 60 and €18 for anyone aged 13 to 59. However, if you buy the tickets via their website in advance you will only pay €12 for adults and €8 for kids and seniors. In the Summer Season tickets cost €20 for 3 to 12 year olds and those 60 and over and €25 for 13 to 59 year olds. During the Summer the Aqua Natura water park opens and has a slow river, a splash park, a pool especially for the under 3s, a kids area with small slides and a drenching bucket. They also have racing slides, a black slide, a kamikaze slide and a speed slide.

At the entrance we bought tubs of corn and carrots to feed the animals and then followed a winding path until we came across a tent and an old train carriage which gave us a great view into the lion enclosure. We went past a couple of restaurants and a covered park and headed across a long walkway that took us above the African Savannah, where we saw a Rhino and lots of Zebras, Buffalos, Ostriches and Gazelles. We passed through a gate and found ourselves on a fenced path where we were able to feed the Mouflon (horned sheep). Next came one of the highlights of our visit which was the beautiful family of brown bears who absolutely loved eating

Out & About with Star & Ashlee CARABASSI CENTRE

the carrots we gave to them. The trail then took us past many different types of Deer, Sheep, Iberian Wolves and Otters. Our next stop was the Aviary where we admired the many different varieties of birds. In the Wetlands we decided to stop to eat and were surprised at the amount of food that was included in the reasonably priced menus. There was also another covered park here where the kids enjoyed burning off some steam. We then headed into the Kenyan area where we saw Meerkats, Hippos, Giraffes, Monkeys and Lemurs, before heading back along the walkway over the Savannah to go to the bird show. During the bird show

we saw many different Birds of Prey and Ashlee and Arya were lucky enough to be involved in the show and have Harris Hawks fly to their hands. The show was really good and ended with an amazing flock of colourful birds flying around our heads before landing in the middle of the stage area. Another activity we were looking forward to was the feeding of the Giraffes but as we had some time we decided to go for another

speedy trip around the animals before heading to the Giraffe enclosure. The keeper talked to us about the 2 Giraffes that live there and explained their dietary preferences. The kids lined up to take it in turns to feed them, and as it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t busy, they kept rejoining the back of the queue and were able to feed the Giraffe a number of times. Ashlee, Dylan. Arya, Ivy, Neil, Kayleigh and I really enjoyed our visit to Terra Natura Murcia and will definitely return. Although it is smaller than Terra Natura in Benidorm we loved seeing all the animals, especially the Bears, Giraffes, Lemurs, Meerkats and Hippos as they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have them in Benidorm.

Out & About with Star & Ashlee

Until Next Time Star & Ashlee xxx

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First 3 Kings Parade in Gran Alacant

At 16:30 on Sunday the 5th of January 2020, the crowds gathered along the top part of Avendia Escandinavia for the first ever 3 Kings Parade in Gran Alacant. It was great to see such a large number of people and the atmosphere was lively and energetic. At 17:00 the parade started at the Sports Centre with a group of dancers who performed a lively routine to the Festive tunes that were coming out of the speakers, as they made their way to the Doctors Surgery. The 3 Kings followed behind them eagerly throwing confetti and sweets to the delighted crowds. Once they pulled into the car park, the 3 Kings sat on their thrones so that the children could line up and have their pictures taken with them. The children also enjoyed taking turns on the bucking bull and bouncy castle that were there for free. During December the children in the local Nurseries and those in the Infant classes at the school were given a voucher which they could exchange for a gift from the Kings after the parade. The kids from the Primary classes were given tickets for a draw and the winners were able to collect their gifts after the parade as well. It was really amazing to feel the sense of community among the masses of people who turned out for this parade and everybody hopes that more of these types of events will happen in Gran Alacant in the future.

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WHAT’S THAT IN THE CLOT? by Mark Etheridge

HOW TO WATCH BIRDS IN THE CLOT

Over the past few years, I’ve described the wide variety of birdlife that can be seen in our area, particularly down in the Clot which is a tremendous resource right on our doorsteps. So you don’t have to travel far to see the best of what Spain has to offer, but the other day someone asked me what do you actually need to get started in birdwatching? The answer is – not a lot! As long as you have a serviceable pair of Mark One eyeballs, you are on the way. It would also be handy if your ears are in good shape and can hear the higher-register sounds, but this is not essential. As long as you are prepared to sit quietly in one of the several hides in the Clot, the birds will (eventually) come to you. But you’d like to know what it is that you’re actually seeing, right? The first thing to say is that you cannot possibly hope to identify everything you see first time, even experienced birders are left scratching their heads at times. But a good handbook is fairly essential, and the best guide for our area is the Collins Bird Guide which covers Britain and Europe, and it shows everything you are likely to see in the Clot. You can either get the book version, or for those of you with smartphones you can get it as an app for both Apple and Android phones for about 2/3rds the cost of the printed book – this is excellent value as it also includes sound recordings of the bird’s calls, something which the book alone cannot do.

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Of course you want to get an edge over the birds which are at a distance, so it is a good idea to get yourself a pair of binoculars. Now you could pay €1000 or more for a really good pair, but there’s no need to do this! You can pick up a good serviceable pair from somewhere like MediaMarkt starting at around €50, but a word of warning – whatever you do, don’t be tempted by those really cheap binoculars which you may find on market stalls in the area, these abominations will give you a headache, won’t focus properly and the worst ones are affected by optical fringing – which means that you won’t get any clearer a view than you would have using your eyes alone! Going back to your smartphone, you could of course use the inbuilt camera to take shots of the birds so that you can compare them with the picture in your guidebook later. This is fine for the larger birds such as ducks and herons, but for smaller birds it’s really a non-starter. For the absolute beginner, I recommend one of the socalled “bridge” cameras, which have a built-in zoom lens and usually offer a simple point-and-shoot function; a Google search will show you what’s available, starting at around €250, brands to look for include Panasonic, Nikon and Canon. These little cameras can give surprisingly good results, I know, that’s how I started! You can of course go for the ruinously expensive (and heavy!) SLR and mega-lens combination – you will see plenty of wellheeled folk sitting in the hides with this equipment, but it’s best to start off at the budget end to see if you, your camera and the birds are a good mix! Whatever you decide, the important thing is to get out and about and see the birds – it’s good for the environment, your physical and mental health, and the only rule is – the bird’s welfare always comes first. You can see more photographs of birds from our area by visiting www.marketheridge.smugmug.com See you next month.

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TENNIS CLUB - EURO TENIS For players of all standards near Gran Alacant, Santa Pola, La Marina and Elche. Playing Tuesday and Friday mornings, 10.00 12.00 at Club de tenis Elche. Details from Sally by email: sallymay113@ gmail.com

Group road bike rides with BICI Gran Alacant We are a small group who spend most of the winter here in Gran Alacant. If you are interested in joining one of our rides look us up on Facebook Gran Alacant Road Cyclist (Bici Gran Alacant) where ride details are posted.

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GRAN ALACANT GOLF SOCIETY This months news: firstly for all our meetings in February our tee time has been changed to 9am so all golfers to be at El Plantio no later then 8.40am please. Secondly, the road works for the new accesses to the airport are now beginning to impact on traffic flow so please aim to leave GA a little earlier than usual to allow for possible delays. The Society details are as follows : Where: El Plantio Golf Resort. The offficial address is A-79, Km3, 03114, Alicante. When: the formal Society Day is Tuesday’s weekly when all golfers are most welcome. In addition we have an informal get together on Friday’s weekly which has always been a Gentleman’s Day. Time: on both days at normally at 8am so please be there by 7.40am. As evidenced above , 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 euros per round at peak times to include a buggy plus 1.50 euros mandatory insurance charge. Can be cheaper during less busy off peak seasons. In addition the Society requires 5 euros sweep money which is all paid out at the end of the round. As always new members and/or guests are welcome, whether a full time resident, someone with your own holiday home or a holiday maker in the region. We would love to see you.

Designed by Manuel Ferri Sanchez and opened in 1993, El Plantio Golf Club has 36,000 trees and 3 lakes. Its design is varied and the greens and fairways are in excellent condition. Absence of building construction on this peaceful course. Located 2 kms from Alicante International Airport and 3 Kms from the city centre. On the 13th hole there is a waterfall that flows into two lakes on the fairway, and the garden areas have been developed to enhance the surroundings and add to the enjoyment of playing this course.

FACTS & FIGURES

18 Holes, Par 72 + 9 Holes, Par 27 White - 6302 metres, Slope 128, Rating 73.6 Yellow - 6010 metres, Slope 127, Rating 72.1 Blue - 5699 metres, Slope 130, Rating 76.7 Red - 5350 metres, Slope 124, Rating 74.6 Handicap restriction: None Facilities: Driving range (32 individual off mats), practice area, putting green Snack bar, restaurant, terraces, bar, changing rooms, pro shop, buggy and trolley (electric and manual) hire, golf academy For more information please contact either Barry C (686180585) or Barry D (966183018).

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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

MALE DOGS MIGHT BE MORE ALLERGENIC THAN FEMALES allergic people is to have a female or a neutered male. This is supposed to reduce about 30% the odds of suffering an allergic problem caused by the dog. Another solution for these people would be, of course, to choose a breed which doesn’t moult, such as Poodle. In this case, the allergenic proteins would be on the dog, but not spreading everywhere. Many animal lovers (and some Vets too), are allergic to animals. Most people believe these allergies are connected to mammals fur, but this is not always true. Most cases are caused by proteins coming from saliva, urine or dead skin cells. What happens exactly is those proteins get distributed through the skin of the animal, and when the hair falls, it carries and spreads everywhere those allergenic proteins, so they reach our eyes, mouth and nose. Cats wash themselves all the time, so their coat always have traces of saliva. In addition, cat hair is very light and gets disseminated very easily, so this is the reason because allergies to cat hair are so common. Recent researches have proved that one of these allergenic proteins, which is the cause of approximately a third part of allergies to dogs, is coming from dogs prostate. The protein comes out with the urine and it may remain at the skin of the dog. Obviously, female dogs and neutered males won’t produce this protein, so, one of the solutions the scientific article proposes for

There are available at the market some sprays and lotions that neutralize the allergenic proteins remaining on the skin of the animal. And, of course, there is always the option of choosing a breed of dog or cat, without hair such as Sphynx cat or Xoloitzcuintli dog, but normally they are rare and expensive. Another thing we would like to mention in this article: for the first time in our History, Spanish Government is going to have a Ministry with powers in animal protection (Ministry of Social Rights and 2030 Agenda). It looks like step by step we are going to improve our relation with animals, and we hope this is just the beginning.

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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 Mindy is approx 7 months. She was born on the streets but a family living in the area allowed her into their home and humanised her. So much so that she now follows the mother when she takes her children to catch the school bus and then back home again. Mindy is in good health and sterilised.

Milo is around 8 months old and needs a home as his owner returned to the uk. He is quite an independent boy but loves attention when he wants it. Milo is great with other cats, dogs and children. He is vaccinated and neutered.

From last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edition Bertie and Jake have all been adopted. Ruby and her siblings were rescued along with their mother when the shed they were born under was taken down. They have all been in a foster home since and are now around 5 months old.

Bridgette is in urgent need of a home or foster home as her owner moved house and left her behind. She is around 4 years old, sterilised and very timid with strangers but once she gets to know you is very affectionate.

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

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 FOXY 4.5 months old, confident, cheeky and mischievous but playful and loveable. Loves attention as well as cuddles and is great with small or big kids. Loves going for walks.

K9 CLUB www.k9club.es

e-mail: k9clubinfo@gmail.com TILLY beautiful girl very identical to diva. Very softand gentle but fits personality hidden within that is slowly coming out. She loves to play with other dogs. She is always catching the sun on her tummy and ready for cuddles anytime of day.

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WORDSEARCH WORDSEARCH: in English & Spanish FLORIST – LA FLORISTERIA

Geoff’s QUIZ QUESTIONS:

1. Who plays the female lead in Kill Bill2? 2.Which stone was the key to understanding hieroglyphics? 3. What was the name for the D-day landings of 1944? - 4. We all know the 1956 Grand National through Devon Loch, but which horse won the race? 5. The Ijsselmeer was previously called what? QUIZ ANSWERS: 1. UMA THURMAN 2. ROSETTA STONE 3. OPERATION OVERLORD 4. E.S.B 5.THE ZUIDERZEE

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

6 3

7 2 8 3 6

8 4 1 6 7

Difficulty Rating: MEDIUM 7

4 7

8 1 3

3 7 8 2 1

8 9 4

8 3

2 1

1 9

2 9

7 9

7 4

6 8

9 8

4 5

7 4

Difficulty Rating: HARD

1 7

1 6

9 2

6 9

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