La Marina Advertiser September 2024 by Gran Alacant Advertiser

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, please email on info@lamarinaadvertiser.com

It's a Local Affair!

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.

As Councillor, now serving in opposition, I have been asked to answer a couple of the questions that you have been asking about the Tourist Information Office in San Fulgencio so as to keep you as well informed as possible.

One of the questions is “Why does San Fulgencio have a Tourist Office?”

The municipality of San Fulgencio was awarded “Tourist Municipality Status” in 2000 by the Generalitat Valenciana. It also enjoys the status of ‘Zona de Gran Afluencia Turistica’. This recognises the extra tourists this municipality receives during the high season and is the reason why the larger shops and supermarkets are allowed to open on a Sunday between June 15 and September 15.

Of the 141 municipalities within the Alicante Province, there are ONLY 29 with this special status. Hence there is a tourist information office! Some misinformation states that the urbanisations of San Fulgencio are residential. This isn’t true. It is a tourism municipality with certain areas that only allow for residential properties to be built.

The second question is “Why is the town hall spending so much money on expanding the tourism office when there are better things the money can be spent on?”

The money being spent on the expansion comes from a grant of 283.877,14 Euros from the Alicante Provincial Council. None of the

money comes from the Town hall. This grant was applied for in about January of 2023 and approved in May of 2024. If a grant is awarded for a project such as this one, the money cannot be spent on anything else. That is the law.

The Town Hall of San Fulgencio can apply for various subvenciones (grants) through programs offered by the Alicante Provincial Council and the Generalitat Valenciana (Valencia's regional government). These grants aim to support local development, enhance public services, and promote cultural and environmental sustainability. Local authorities, like San Fulgencio, often leverage these funds to improve infrastructure, support community activities, and foster economic development within their municipalities.

To apply for a grant, first you have to find out what is available from the official websites of the Alicante Provincial Council and the Generalitat Valenciana. They regularly publish calls for grants in different areas such as culture, environment, social services, etc. Each grant will have specific requirements, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.

Once known that the townhall meets the eligibility requirements for the specific grant, detailed projects, budget estimates, legal documents and administrative documents have to be submitted.

If the grant is awarded, the town hall must comply with any reporting or auditing requirements set by the funding body. This could involve providing regular updates on how the funds are being used or submitting a final report upon project completion.

So, yes, San Fulgencio has a Tourist Information Office that is being expanded using money awarded from the Alicante Provincial Council. This money cannot be spent anywhere else by law.

And remember what services it provides to help people to explore the area! This

includes offering detailed information on local attractions, cultural events, and activities, such as the popular "Tapas Route" that showcases the town's gastronomy. The office also provides resources for navigating the region, such as maps, brochures, and advice on public transportation and accommodations. Additionally, it supports tourists in planning outdoor activities like trekking, birdwatching, and other forms of ecotourism.

Let’s promote our municipality through the Tourist Information office that is not just there for tourists but it is the hub of our community. Go and find out for yourselves!

My La Marina with Dani Hull

In this month's My La Marina we talk to Dani Hull, owner of Speechless in Spain regarding the lessons she's learned about owning and running your own business in Spain.

Hi! I’m Dani, I'm 24 years old and this year will mark the third anniversary of my business. When I started developing my project to open a language school in San Fulgencio, I didn’t know what to expect, and had to cross each bridge as I got to it. Here are some key questions I wish I'd had answers to when I started my business:

Where do you start?

The first step is to develop your idea into a solid business plan, with everything that entails. In my case, I wanted to open a physical school, so I had to study the area carefully and choose the right location –taking into account local competition and who my customers would be and where they were. Also... in your 'start up' period it's a good idea to have some savings ready for quiet times and unexpected expenses.

Initial registry.

www.speechlessinspain.com

Tel: 623 003 215 info@speechlessinspain.com

Apart from Social Security, you need to file a quarterly tax return (Modelo 130) to declare your income and expenses, providing your gestor with invoices (facturas) in your name and fiscal address, ie. the permanent address at which your business is registered - standard receipts just won’t cut it. I keep better track of both by using a spreadsheet database - this also helps me analyse my profit each month.

Education (my field) is exempt from IVA (VAT), but for those subject to it, IVA is 21% of your sales, paid annually. It's prudent to set aside this amount from each invoice to cover the yearend payment.

To run your own business you have to to register as self-employed (‘autónomo).’ Hiring a ‘gestor’ (an administrative manager) is highly advisable. They handle Social Security registration, provide legal advice and file tax returns. I pay just 60 euros per month for this service.

How much does the Social Security or ‘autónomo’ payment cost?

You may receive a discount on their Social Security payments for the first two years of your new business, starting as low as 80 euros per month and gradually increasing. However, this isn't guaranteed and can depend on many factors, including age, so it’s wise to budget for the full paymentaround 300 euros per month.

What are the main taxes and expenses do you need to be aware of when running any kind of business in Spain?

Additionally, there's the annual income tax return - the Income Tax period is between April and the end of June and is called ‘La Declaración de la Renta’ or, officially, ‘Modelo 100’, where you can deduct not just business expenses but also personal ones like rent, dental treatment, therapy, contact lenses, glasses, and more. I start preparing mine in January, which gives me a few months to prepare it properly, saving relevant invoices throughout the year.

What other regular expenses can you expect?

If you own/rent premises then you'll have rent or, possibly, loans... you'll need to pay as well (amongst other things!) utilities, internet, community fees (if applicable), property and liability insurance, staff costs, advertising, website costs (if you have one), health and safety costs, building maintainence.

Phew! Give yourself a year and you’ll be an expert!

The Costa Blanca Singers were established in September 2022 with the intention to create a fun and friendly community group, who could come together to build new friendships, have fun and experience the health benefits of singing.

Studies have shown that singing releases serotonin (happy chemicals) which enhance our mood and play a key role in reducing anxiety and stress. Singing also increases overall lung capacity and is clinically proven to lower blood pressure as well as building confidence and selfesteem alongside boosting memory cells, supporting memory function and therefore reducing the risk of dementia. Since the beginning, the CBS have been invited to sing at numerous public events to help raise funds for local groups in need and are frequently re-booked to return and delight future audiences.

As a non-profit making group, the CBS are also able to gift regular and substantial donations to those in need. The two most recent donations were 500€ to AAN in May and 500€ to ECCH in June. Then in July, 215€ was raised for Orihuela orphanage.

Group numbers have consistently grown since the beginning and in 2024, membership has exceeded all expectations. Why? The list is long but, in a nutshell, it is because of the fun and laughter along the way, our wonderful music directors, the thrill of singing within the group, new friendships made and the delightful regular social events. The Costa Blanca Singers certainly know how to enjoy life.

In May, the local San Fulgencio council invited the CBS to sing and entertain at the first International Fiesta which was held in La Marina and at that event, a plaque was presented to the Costa Blanca Singers by the council dignitaries for their outstanding community commitment and generosity.

There is an impressive team behind the scenes who ensure the smooth running of all rehearsals, public events and social gatherings. You can meet them all, view FAQs, take a look through the gallery and much more by scanning the QR code below or visiting www.costablancasingers.com.

The Costa Blanca Singers challenge YOU to discover a healthier life, build new friendships and discover for yourself the joy of group singing. Come and see what all the talk is about on any Wednesday afternoon at 13.45 at The Social Centre La Marina urbanizacion which is behind the medical centre.

Every singing afternoon is an open rehearsal available to all.

Written by the very proud founder and member of the Costa Blanca Singers Lonée Hopwood.

(Gabriel’s Spanish Bar Assc Reg No. is ICAE 1265)

THY WILL BE DONE

THE IMPACT OF NOT HAVING A SPANISH WILL ON YOUR SPOUSE AND FAMILY

None of the above are true – let’s see why:

THE IMPACT OF NOT HAVING A WILL ON YOUR SPOUSE AND

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

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.

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.

The way your estate will be divided is as follows:

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.

• 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 unmarried and own a property together with their partner, their partner will inherit the whole property when they die.

• If they are not married and have children, those children will automatically inherit everything 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 which home exist as better your Will regarding when 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 complied with our including time to to get and legally.

Paul Blackmoore (Practice Principal) with little helper Benny, his rescue French Bulldog

K9 is one of the longest running animal rescue organisations in the area. We were formed about 30 years ago by a small number of individuals living in La Marina who saw the need for a group to be established to rescue and rehome animals.

We are fully licensed to operate within the Valencian Community and soon after becoming legal were awarded the status of Animal Protector. To maintain this status, we are expected to regularly update Valencia on our achievements, especially on the support we offer to the public and the rescuing and rehoming of our animals.

K9 is run totally by a large group of volunteers who are passionate about animal welfare. All the money raised goes towards maintaining a high level of support and care for the animals in our shelter or those that are with foster carers.

We raise funds through our two shops, one in La Marina and one in Almoradi, these shops rely on donations from the public including any house clearances which come our way. We also have excellent fundraisers, one on La

Marina and one in Catral where you will find a variety of entertainment such as quiz nights and fiestas held in local bars.

Like our shops and fundraisers, we also have a group of volunteers who work in our van, collecting and delivering items for our shops in the area as well as transporting animals and any bedding, food and other animal supplies to our shelter.

As most know there are many animals out there who need help and for this reason K9 works with other animal rescue organisations and municipal animal pounds helping whenever possible to find new homes for abandoned animals and even taking some animals from overcrowded shelters to our own.

The most important thing is that K9 could not operate without the support of the public and we would like to thank everyone who donates, helps, volunteers, attends our fundraisers - indeed in whichever way you contribute, a huge thank you from all of us at K9Club.

We are a friendly group of people who have all suffered the loss of someone we love.

Every person in our group understands the devastation, grief, hurt, worry, loneliness, and so many other feelings. We know how painful loss is, we understand what it feels like to lose someone.

Visit the K9 La Marina shop at Calle Alfredo Kraus 6, La Marina Tel: 965 077 208

Calle Azorin 5, Urbanisation La Marina, (near to the football pitch/tennis courts) between 15.00pm and 17.00pm (or stay as long as you wish).

Our group has a maximum of 10-12 people, who support each other by getting together every Saturday, at

Our Friendship and Support After Bereavement (FASAB) group, would like to support you at a very difficult time.

If you would like to know more, please call Faith 618431723. (Please do leave a message if there is no reply – I will return your call).

SPANISH TIPS WITH CHRISTIAN

COGNATES: WHAT ARE THEY??

Welcome Spanish learners to September’s issue. Today we are going to discuss cognates... erm... cognates... what are they then?

Well, a cognate is a word that is spelled exactly the same in Spanish and English except for maybe an accent mark over one letter, and they mean the same thing in both languages. These are a few of the most common cognates between English and Spanish:

However, we are going to pay special attention to the so called “near perfect cognates”, words that are very similar in both languages but not exactly the same. There is a handy little trick that might help in a situation when you are unable to know how to say a word in particular: the “o” at the end rule.

Basically, you take the word in English such as “bank”, then add an “o” a the end and you are left with “banko”. Phonetically “banko” sounds exactly the same as the Spanish word “banco”, and yes, you’ve guessed it right, “banco” means bank. Obviously it doesn’t always work this way but you’d be surprised by how many English words can be used with the “o at the end” rule: Here are some common examples of near perfect cognates, see if you can recognise any in the next table.

This rule can be very helpful in desperate times, but remember that it doesn’t apply to every single English word, only a few.

Here at La Marina Languages we have been helping many students learning Spanish for the last 4 years. Check out our website and say “hola”.

Tel/Whatsapp: 623 279 074 lamarinalanguages@gmail.com www.lamarinalanguages.com A

Christian is based in La Marina and offers one-to-one Spanish lessons at all levels (on-line or face to face). He will also accompany you as a translator for visits to doctors, lawyers, notary – whatever you need!

If you recognised any of the words from the previous list you can congratulate yourself, shout out loud “fantástico” to the world and keep studying and expanding your Spanish!

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