








La Marina Advertiser brings you news and views on local issues in La Marina Urbanisation, La Marina Pueblo and San Fulgencio.
If you have any QUESTIONS for Samantha about local issues, please email Sam on info@lamarinaadvertiser.com
La Marina Advertiser brings you news and views on local issues in La Marina Urbanisation, La Marina Pueblo and San Fulgencio.
If you have any QUESTIONS for Samantha about local issues, please email Sam on info@lamarinaadvertiser.com
with Samantha Hull San Fulgencio Councilor
Answering all your questions about local issues as well as exploring life and culture in Spain as a San Fulgencio local.
The magazine has received an email from a new resident to San Fulgencio asking what services are available through council offices and so if you are wondering what services are available through the local council offices, I hope this guide will help you.
San Fulgencio boasts two council offices to serve its residents. The main Town Hall is located in the Plaza de la Constitución in San Fulgencio village. The satellite offices, often more convenient for those residing in the Urbanisation Marina-Oasis, are situated on Calle Ámsterdam.
Contacting the Town Hall is straightforward. You can contact the main Town Hall by telephone at 966 794 201, while the Urbanisation office can be reached at 966 443 002. Additionally, a WhatsApp service is available at 610 630 269, providing a convenient communication method for both general inquiries and setting up appointments.
Most services are accessible at both the main Town Hall and the satellite offices, making it easier for residents to complete administrative tasks without needing to travel far. However, a few specific services, such as speaking in person to the main government team or meeting with the technical department, require a visit to the village offices. Appointments for these services can be scheduled by phone or through the Sede Electrónica online portal.
Technical Department Services: If you need to discuss building permits, work licenses, opening licenses, or habitation certificates, you must make an appointment with a
technical department representative. This ensures that you receive the right guidance and support for your projects and legal requirements.
The Town Hall offers a wide array of services to residents, including but not limited to:
• Padron Registration: Sign up on the population registry and obtain padron certificates, which are often needed for administrative tasks in Spain.
• Building Licences and Permits: Apply for construction permits, renovation approvals, and any necessary work licenses.
• VADO Sign Application: Prevent unauthorized parking at your driveway by applying for a VADO sign, which legally reserves access to your property.
• Pet Registration: Ensure that your pets, particularly dogs, are registered with the municipality, including the registration of dangerous breeds.
• Complaints and Requests: Submit formal complaints, requests, or suggestions to the Town Hall to improve local services.
• Police Mediation: Request police support during personal or neighbourhood disputes to facilitate a peaceful resolution.
• School Registration: Enroll your children in local schools.
• Appointments with Town Hall Officials: Schedule meetings with council members to discuss community issues, personal concerns, or suggestions.
• Municipal Taxes: Pay local taxes, including those related to property, waste management, and vehicle administration.
• Cultural Activities: Register for cultural and recreational events, including fiestas, sports classes, and community activities.
• Social and Civic Centre Reservations: Reserve the Social Centre and Civic Centre for events, meetings, or private gatherings.
• Digital Certificate Application: Obtain a “Certificado Digital”, an invaluable tool that allows you to safely and securely complete administrative tasks online.
The Social Services Department, based in the Civic Centre, also arranges appointments at the satellite office on the Urbanisation. This department assists with social welfare programs and provides support for individuals and families in need. Key services include:
• Social Worker for Dependent People: Assisting those needing help with daily activities.
• Base Social Team Psychologist: Offering psychological support and counseling services.
• Truancy Technician: Addressing school absenteeism concerns.
• SEAFI: Specialized services focusing on family dynamics and child welfare.
Justice of the Peace Court (Juzgado de Paz)
Located in the Civic Centre, the Juzgado de Paz handles civil registry tasks and basic judicial functions, including:
• Civil Registry: Recording births, deaths, and marriages, issuing certificates, and performing civil marriage ceremonies.
• Judicial Functions: Managing minor civil cases, neighbor disputes, and preliminary proceedings before sending them to higher courts.
Additional Services
• Justiprop: Free legal advice service for matters such as inheritances, mortgages, and family law.
• ADL (Employment and Development Agency): Supporting job seekers and local businesses with training programs and workshops.
• Oficina Municipal de Energía: Assisting residents in finding energy-saving solutions. Contact at 673 227 628, open 10:00 to 14:00.
• Waste Collection Services: Dispose of household items via WhatsApp at 693 927 778 or the ´San Fulgencio+ Limpio´ app, which also allows reporting of issues such as damage and waste accumulation.
• SUMA Services: For tax-related matters, a SUMA representative visits both Town Hall offices once a month. Visit dates are displayed on the information screens in the offices and shared on social media.
In conclusion, there are many services that the Town Hall offers. I am sure I have forgotten some of them but I have tried to give you a fairly comprehensive list that I hope answers the question submitted to the magazine!
With Clare Fitzpatrick of The Hive Holistic Hub
Where were you living and what were you doing before you came to Spain?
I was living in Northampton working as a Solution Focussed Hypnotherapist and Marketing Virtual Assistant. I gave up my thriving therapy practice before coming to Spain and I was sad at the thought of never doing Hypnotherapy again.
Why did you move to Spain?
I wanted a change, wanted a better way of life than the UK. The children were getting older and I knew they would be creating their own lives and I couldn't see myself 'surviving' in the UK, I wanted a better work/life balance, to 'live' not just survive.
And what do you do now?
Now I'm the proud owner of The Hive Holistic Hub, a hub for the local community to look after their body and mind in a holistic way. When I moved to Spain I didn't think for one minute that anyone would be stressed here! Why would they with the sunshine and great lifestyle?
But as I got to know people I realised what I should have already known. Your external environment doesn't change your internal landscape! Our mindset travels with us wherever we go, unless we change our mindset. I had this dream, a vision, I knew there was something missing from this area and it was desperately needed.
I wanted a 'Hive' a safe space that people can come to, to try new things and work on their wellbeing. An escape from the stress of everyday life and a place to heal the past and learn to live in the here and now and not only dream of a positive future but achieve one. With something for everyone The Hive offers classes like taichi, yoga and meditation, holistic treatments like reiki, reflexology, massage, hypnotherapy and coaching and a range of workshops. There really is something for everyone! There is also an opportunity for groups, therapists and holistic practitioners to hire the rooms
available to offer their clients the perfect environment to relax in.
What is your favourite thing about la marina?
I think the fact that people from all walks of life, all countries, all ages mix, something that just wouldn't happen back in the UK. This really opens people's minds and gives a unique sense of community that you don't get in many places. To sit at a table with 1860 year olds is an experience that I suppose people here now take for granted but it's truly a blessing. It keeps the young wiser and the old (certainly feeling) youthful!
And the future?
Filling The Hive with more busy bees! I am planning to offer some marketing training to therapists and holistic practitioners and I've been approved to open a Solution Focussed Hypnotherapy Training School here in Spain. This will allow me to train anyone that's bilingual so they can open their own therapy practice and serve Spanish (or other nationalities), which is a huge priority for me as I live in Spain! It will also put Solution Focussed Hypnotherapy on the map here as it's still very new and unknown.
CC Bahia de la Dunas (behind Mercadona)
Tel: +34 711 093 378 clare@thehiveholistichub.com www.thehiveholistichub.com
Our next Murder Mystery performed by Stagestruck (and featuring the antics of the deadly Antique Dealers Crew!) will be held on Wednesday 26 th March at 7pm at The Final Whistle with all funds raised going to DEBRA to help fund our Nursing Team.
If you´re looking for a fun-filled evening, our Murder Mystery event will not disappoint you! Tickets are just 17€ per person and that includes a two course meal! Tickets are available from The Final Whistle and the Debra Charity shop in Consum Sqaure or call Laura on 966 795 205 or Mary on 616 076 072!
Many Spanish learners confuse bueno and bien because both can mean “good” or “well” in English. So let's break it down:
In fancy terms, the word bien is an adverb, meaning it describes verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. In language easier to understand, that means that the word bien is used to describe, most importantly, actions (something being done well). It answers the question "how?"
Ella canta bien. (She sings well.)
Me siento bien. (I feel well.)
Todo salió bien. (Everything turned out well.)
Hence why, when answering the question “¿Qué tal?” / “¿Cómo estás?”, ie. How are you, you would answer with bien (I'm well/ good). In fact, on that subject, please don't try to use another word for the feeling of being good/fine/well/alright/okay. For example, don't use the actual word “okay”, vale, and say Estoy vale (literally I'm okay). Because it doesn't make sense to Spanish people. Or if you try to use bueno for good and say Estoy bueno / buena (literally I'm good), you're saying I'm fit, ie. Attractive.
• Use bien for actions (how something is done) and states (how someone feels).
• Bien is often used for temporary states. Estoy bien. (I’m okay/well.) → This can change.
The word bueno (good) is an adjective, meaning it describes nouns. That means that it's a word that describes things and people as being good in characteristics or quality. Since adjectives in Spanish must match gender and number, bueno changes form– bueno, buena, buenos, buenas. Hence, buenos días for good morning; buenas tardes for good afternoon, etc.
El libro es bueno. (The book is good.)
La película es buena . (The movie is good.) Los consejos son buenos. (The advice is good.)
• Use bueno to describe things or people as being good (in quality, characteristics, etc.)
BUENO? Answers: 1) Bueno 2) Bien 3) Bueno 4) Bueno 5) Bien 6) Bien 7) Buenas (buenas personas) 8) Bien 9) Bueno
• Bueno is used for permanent qualities of things or people. La película es muy buena. (The movie is very good). → A general quality of the coffee.
Fill in the Blanks: Bien or Bueno?
1) Este restaurante es muy ______, la comida es deliciosa. (This restaurant is very good, the food is delicious).
2) Me dolía la cabeza, pero ahora estoy ______. (Me head hurt, but I'm okay now).
3) Es un estudiante ______, siempre hace los deberes. (He's a good student, he always does his homework).
4) ¡El libro fue muy ____! Me encantó. (The book was very good! I loved it.)
5) Dormí muy ____ anoche. (I slept very well last night).
6) ¿Estás ____? (Are you okay?).
7) Mis amigos son ____ personas, siempre me ayudan. (My friends are good people, they always help me).
8) ¿Puedes escucharme _____? (Can you hear me okay?)
9) Es un coche muy ____, no gasta mucha gasolina. (It's a very good car, it doesn't use much petrol).
¡Buenas! We are Dani and Sam from the ‘Speechless in Spain’ Language Centre in San Fulgencio, where we have lived for over two decades and taught Spanish here with over 26 years of combined experience. If you'd like to know more about Speechless in Spain, get in touch: Tel: 623 003 215 Email: info@speechlessinspain.com
None of the above are true – let’s see why:
statements is false.
Let’s go through this step by step then:
1. A Will made in the UK is not able to deal with Spanish assets effectively. It would firstly need to be written containing a Brussels IV Regulation EU no 650/2012 succession clause stating that the law of either;
England and Wales
Scotland
Northern Ireland
The Isle of Man
Or
1. A Will made in the UK is not able to deal with Spanish assets effectively. It would need to be written containing a Brussels IV Regulation EU no 650/2012 succession clause and then it would need to be translated into Spanish and have an apostille attached. It’s much simpler to arrange a notarised Spanish Will, written in both Spanish and English now, containing a Brussels IV clause that will guarantee your wishes will be carried out.
spouse will not inherit all of your estate under Spanish law.
The way your estate will be divided is as follows:
Expats want for their spouse after they die, which is why arranging a new Spanish Will choosing the law of your home nation to govern the succession of your estate and clearly setting out your wishes is so vitally important.
Your spouse would inherit a Life interest only (called an usufructo) in 1/3rd of your estate.
The other 2/3rds will get divided equally between your children.
Many British Expats believe at least one of the following:
Many British Expats believe:
• Their Will made in the UK covers their Spanish assets.
• Their Will made in the UK covers their Spanish assets.
• If they have no Will and are married with children, their spouse will inherit everything first.
• If they have no Will in Spain and are married with children, their spouse will inherit everything first.
• A Spanish Will made before 2012 will still guarantee their wishes will be able to be adhered to.
• If they are not married and have children, those children will automatically inherit everything
• If they are unmarried and own a property together with their partner, their partner will inherit the whole property when they die.
In fact - EVERY ONE of the above
Guernsey and Jersey should govern the succession of the testator’s estate and then, upon death, the Will would need to be translated into Spanish and be sent to have an apostille attached
It’s much simpler to arrange a notarised Spanish Will, written in both Spanish and English, containing a Brussels IV clause that will guarantee your wishes for your Spanish estate will be able to be carried out.
2. If you do not have an up-to date Spanish Will in place and are married with children, your spouse will not inherit all of your estate under Spanish law. Your spouse will only inherit a Life Interest (called an usufructo) in 1/3rd of your estate. The other 2/3rds will get divided equally between your children. Just having a life interest in 1/3rd of an estate is clearly not what the majority of married
2. If you do not have an up-todate Spanish Will in place and are married with children, your
3. If you are not married and own a property together with a partner, that partner will NOT automatically own the whole property when you die. Your half of the property would be inherited equally by any children or by any surviving parents if you had no children, and, if no surviving parents or children, then your siblings and/or your nephews and nieces would inherit your share of the property.
The children then inherit the 1/3rd that your spouse had a life interest in when your surviving spouse dies. Just having a life interest in 1/3rd of an estate is clearly not what the majority of married Expats want for their spouse after they die, which is why arranging a new Spanish Will choosing the law of your home nation to govern the succession of your estate and clearly setting out your wishes is so vitally important.
3. Spanish Wills made before 2012 will not have a Brussels IV clause in them allowing you to choose the law of your home country to govern the succession of your estate.
Obviously, it is important that your wishes are able to be complied with when you die and with our Wills starting at just 99€ including iva, now is the ideal time to call us on 865 756 058 to get yours sorted out properly and legally.
This means your wishes will not be able to be adhered to and in many cases, EVEN Wills written after this time refer to:
British Law which exist, home jurisdictions exist as better to your Will regarding when you out without
4. If you a property that partner ly own you die. Your half inherited by any no children, parents siblings nieces the property.
Obviously, your wishes complied with our including time to to get yours and legally.
So, there I was the other day and, suddenly, my barkmail account goes ´bing´ and, waddayaknow, it´s a barkmail from the editor of this magazine! Seems that the piece I wrote for the December issue of the magazine was very popular with readers so this editor hooman was asking me if I´d write a regular column... well, I wasn´t that bothered but then I read on and saw he´d pay me a pound of raw steak for every piece I did. Bark bark! What´s not to like.. so... here´s my first piece, it´s about how to use ball chasing sessions to get the best out of your hooman (and, more importantly, the most fun for yourself)!
So taking your hoomans out to chase a ball is great way to bond with them. But, as we all know, hoomans are not the sharpest claw on the cat´s paw and have a very short attention span so here´s some tips to make sure ball chasing sessions go well and your hooman stays engaged!
1. When returning the ball to your hooman always jump up and put yout two front paws on its fur, that ugly as a cat´s behind, removable fur they have that they call ´cloze´, and leave two muddy or dusty paw prints behind – hoomans like to seem annoyed by this but, really, they love it!
2. Hoomans... thick as two short bones bless ´em... so (see above!) you may find their attention span wandering during the ball chasing session. The answer here is simple, simple (like your hooman) just go Bark! Bark! Bark! Bark! And keep doing that until you get their attention back!
3. Taking your hooman out for a ball chase is not only a great way to bond with your hooman it´s also a great way to show them that you´re far more fit, agile and quicker than they´ll ever be (I mean, for Dogness sake..why would they think otherwise anyway, the poor things have only got two legs for Dog´s sake!). So. With this in mind, no just snatching the ball off the ground... get it while it´s in the air and show off your agility with with spectacular flying leaps and somersaults!
4. Another function of ball chasing is showing your hooman who is really in charge. You! Show the hooman this by simply refusing to give them the ball back...drop it in front of them (after doing the muddy paws on the cloze trick) and when they bend down to pick it up...well...then you pick it up, get yer snout round it and run off! This technique is even more effective if your hooman is showing signs of returning home before you want to...in this case, pick up the ball, run some distance away from the hooman, drop the ball and bark. Keep doing this until YOU decide it´s time to take your hooman home!
Right that´s it... that´s how you get the best out of ball chasing... and now, unitl next time, I´m off to eat me pound of raw steak! Bark! Bark!
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Long time La Marina resident Tony Karpin turned 90 last month! Here´s some pics and, in Tony´s own words, some highlights from a life lived!
“In 1940, on one of the worst nights of the London Blitz and at the age of just six, I was buried alive after a Luftwaffe bomb demolished our house – my dad, on leave at the time, thank goodness, dug me out of the rubble, miraculously unharmed!”
“In Suez, in the 1950´s, during my national service, I was blown off my feet by a mis-
thrown ´friendly´ grenade – I survived again!”
“Coming home for ´demob´ the Dakota we were flying in lost an engine and we crash landed in a field in Italy... survived that too!”
“I then spent twenty years as a London Cabby followed by twenty five years as an antique dealer and, blimey, I met some very, very interesting people in those days (though I can´t say anymore about them!)”
“The best highlight of all... meeting, and all the years I´ve spent with, my beautiful wife, Irene!”
At the end of the Ice Age, the world began to undergo a series of dramatic changes, including rises in temperatures which meant that resources were more abundant and varied than before. Under these circumstances, populations grew rapidly and settlements gradually became larger and more permanent, especially with the domestication of animals and spread of agriculture. Communities began to settle and live in stone-walled houses built on small hills and other strategic places from where the territory could be controlled, and trade routes began to emerge. In Europe, this slowly led to the formation of what experts believe to be the first European States, and around 2,200 BC, during the Bronze Age, three societies rose: El Argar in the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula, Únětice in the central regions of the European continent, and Otomani-Füzesabony in the Carpathian basin, in southeast Central Europe. With the development of Egypt having begun somewhere around 3 or 4 thousand years before.
In these new European states, longdistance trading, armies, struggles over territories and resources, political frontiers and taxes, which are now part of our reality, became established as normal.
El Argar flourished for over a thousand years, and was particularly advanced in bronze production, for which they mined local resources, such as copper from nearby deposits in the Sierra de Gádor (Cádiz) and other areas of Almería and Murcia in the south of Spain.
The people of El Argar engaged extensively in the trade, which not only enriched its material culture, but also influenced social structures, giving way to the emergence of centralised authority. In the later stages of El Argar culture, as the divide between the ruling elites and common people widened, discontent grew among the lower classes. According to legend, there arose a leader among the common people who rallied them against the oppressive rule of the elites, fueled by their anger over labour conditions, resource allocation, and simple social injustice. The rebellion challenged leadership dynamics within Argaric society, and is thought to have led to its decline. Legend and speculation aside, what we
definitely do know is that El Argar declined around 1,500 BC.
Evidence of the existence of Argaric culture has been found predominantly in areas of Andalucía, such as Almería which is believed to be its capital, although the area expanded as far north along the Mediterranean coast as Alicante. Among the most notable finds are large ceramic urns used for burial, in which skeletal remains were remarkably well-preserved alongside personal belongings like bronze tools, weapons, and ornaments. The objects with which these bodies were buried suggest social class, with elites enjoying access to luxury items even after death, like ornaments made of gold and silver.
The culture of El Argar also shows a sophisticated understanding of engineering which can be seen in their approach to urban planning, strategic placement of settlements and defensive fortifications on elevated terrains, and development of advanced water management systems, including cisterns and channels to store and transport water. The MARQ museum in Alicante recently held an exhibition on the last dynasties of El Argar, showcasing artifacts and insights into their society. Though the exhibition has ended, you can still explore the museum’s permanent collection or visit archaeological sites such as La Bastida in Murcia, one of the most significant Argaric settlements, to see the physical evidence of this fascinating civilisation up close.
Hello and welcome to finding out more about La Marina Golf Society Alicante.
Our society is made up of golf lovers who mostly live on the Urb in La Marina in Alicante Province on the Costa Blanca.
We have been established for 20 years and we offer a great opportunity for members to show their golfing skills and have fun with others who love golf too. We organise regular golf competitions and social events for our members.
Once a member, you can find out all the latest news and information about our society and its activities on the website. You will find news about the latest competitions and society activities. You can see who has won competitions, check for updates on future events, and hear about what’s going on in our community.
So, if you are interested in joining our society, please get in touch using the Contact Form, available from the website, and we will send you all the necessary information. Try us out as a guest by emailing lmgsmatchday@gmail.com
Captain, Alan Craig winner of the Captain v Vice-Captain Trophy being presented by his VC Sue Lyall
We play alternative Thursdays at most courses from Bonalba in the north to Roda to the south.
Our “19th hole” is the Sports Complex which is our venue for fun quiz evenings and many of our social events.
Details of fixtures for 2025 and social events are available on our website lamarinagolfsociety.eu and additional information can be obtained by emailing lamarinagolfsociety@gmail.com
Asociacion De Ayuda Necesitado 'Help & assistance where or when necessary' AAN CHARITY | HELPING THE NEEDY OF SAN FULGENCIO & URB.
Every Thursday 10.30am - 1.00pm At the Catholic Church in La Marina, just past the market on Calle Justo Antonio Quesada.
IN AN EMERGENCY CALL 112
Ambulance, police, fire service
Local Police 696 46 54 81
For local non-emergency issues such as noise control, lost property, non-violent crimes, pet and parking regulations
San Fulgencio Townhall 966 794 201
Urb. La Marina Townhall 966 795 699
Centro Cívico 966 794 517
Tourist Office 966 790 021
24H A&E Hospitals
Elche Public Hospital 966 616 900
Alicante General Hospital 965 933 124
British Consulate Alicante 965 21 60 22
1. In which year was the Suez Canal opened?
2. What is the smallest desert in the world?
3. What nationality was the spy Mati Hari?
4. What is a Wessex Saddleback?
5. In Gin Rummy how many cards are dealt per player?
6. Which road vehicle takes its name from the Hindu word Jagganath?
7. In Curling, how many shots at the target is each player allowed?
8. Prince Edward resigned from which part of the Military in 1987?
9. Pop/Rock band America were formed in which country?
10. Which Australian Soap star had the biggest selling UK single in 1988?
To solve the puzzle each 3 x 3 box, each row and each column must contain all the numbers 1 to 9. For hints and information visit www.sudoku.org.uk
339 €
EURONICS GRAN ALACANT
Centro comercial Gran Alacant
Av. Finlandia 23, blq. 3, local 2 03130,Gran Alacant, Santa Pola granalacant@euronics.es
Tel.: 966 69 53 65
ENGLISH SPEAKERS
Capacity: 20 liters
Power: 700W
Defrost function: Yes
59,90 €
139 €
9 Automatic programs
Dishwasher safe
Power: 2200W
Temperature range: 40ºC to 220ºC Pizza cutter accessory included
EURONICS LA MARINA
Pza Sierra Castilla 151, loc. 10 03177, Urb la Marina San Fulgencio lamarina@euronics.es
Tel.: 966 79 77 03
Energy efficiency: A++
Number of place settings: 13
Delayed start: Yes
Child safety lock
Half load: Yes
EURONICS CIUDAD QUESADA
Centro comercial Consum Av. Salamanca 11, local 8 03170 Ciudad Quesada quesada@euronics.es
Tel.: 966 73 12 11
329 €
EURONICS SAN FULGENCIO
Centro com. Bahía del Segura
Calle Mar Jónico 4, local 1, 2 y 3 03177, San Fulgencio sanfulgencio@euronics.es
Tel.: 865 760 580
EURONICS LEVANTE