Gran Alacant Advertiser - April 2014

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USE OUR MAGAZINE TO LOOK FOR Wbars for drinks Wplaces to eat Wrestaurants Wmusic Wbingo Whouses for sale and loads more LOOK FOR IT HERE PLEASE SUPPORT

OUR ADVERTISERS

WHAT’s INSIDE CONTENTS

4-6-8-10 NEWS IN ENGLISH 11-13

NEWS IN SPANISH

5 FEREL FRIENDS 5 TOURIST INFO 14 GA BRITISH LEGION 18 GA PLAZA 20 MABS FUND RAISING 28 BLUEMOON COMPUTER 30 WHATS THAT FLOWER 32 GA FEREL FRIENDS 38 EASYCARE 44 GA BOWLS 46 GASP 50 PETS IN SPAIN 56-57

CARNIVALS PICS

58 GA VET 59 MABS 60 GA DARTS 60 K9 61 WHATS IN THE CLOT

Hello everyone,

Can’t believe it’s Easter again already.

The mimosa coming out to really make a lovely spring display.

The Tourist info on page 5 points you towards various processions.

We would like to start involving our readers with their photographs.

Do you have a nice photo you have taken, of somewhere local?

A photo that would look great on our front cover.

Send it to us and if we can we will use it and put your name to it as the photographer.

It must be portrait (higher than wider) and of high quality.

Nice to see the area starting to buzz with more people and a number of new businesses opening their doors for the first time. We wish them all the best of luck.

Have a great Easter.

Sandra & Barry

62 WORDSEARCH 63 SUDOKU 64 GA MAP OF ADVERTISERS 66 LOCAL TRANSPORT 67 LOCAL TRANSPORT

Our little dog from the front cover has hidden herself away in the magazine, can you find her?

Last month she was on page 20 in front of the hotel at Los Arenales.

STILL the BEST ADVERTISING PRICES & SERVICE ON THE COSTAS 15 euro per month for a 40mm x 60mm advert

55 euro per month for a 128mm x 92mm advert

35 euro per month for a 90mm x 60mm advert

95 euro per month for a 153mm x 202mm advert

including FREE artwork/design and free advertising on our website!!

Advertising prices still the same as when we launched in January 2005

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(exact location o

(exact location on the GA map at back of this magazine) 3

We at your Gran Alacant Advertiser continue to bring you all of the news, including that from our Gran Alacant Councillor, Loreto Cascales, as we have since May 2005.

It is our perogative at the magazine, NOT to update this 2005 picture, as we all looked a great deal younger!!!

We start this month with emails to us:Dear Barry & Sandra, I have been so disappointed with the way that the Roads on our Avenue have been neglected.

A new surface would be ideal to compensate for the damage to CALLE POLONIA 236. The marking of the roads seem to be a priority & unnecessary.

In 2003 when I arrived with my nearest and dearest we moved into the street that is directly opposite to the caretakers residence on the end of the new school. That now has existed 4 or 5 years later maybe less. While building took place lorries were going up and down wouldn't be able to count the exact number, but they certainly travelled up and down at a terrific speed not the steady pace of someone with respect to what would happen to the road!!!!

When the school was finally finished then coaches used it as well. 50 k or more was normal!!

Anyway to arrive at my point for writing this letter we have about 23 holes in the road to my knowledge, plus deep ruts at the side of the road especially by me it's so uneven, I've fallen!!

The majority are due to the constant flow now as parents continue to race through at a terrific speed as they are usually late. I think we deserve a new surface considering it has been used for the building of the school when they could have used the Public road and not our Calle Privada!!!!!

Why should we have to pay for the damage we have not contributed to!!!!

Our road is the worst in the whole of Gran Alacant. When you pay all your taxes you expect something to be done?!

A resident who is ashamed at the state of the Privado Calle!!!!!!!!!

Name and address supplied.

The Town Hall saying that the road is private and all repairs should be made by the owners of the houses as it is part of their urbanisation. These roads have nothing to do with the Town Hall.

-----------------Dear Barry & Sandra, Writing this to Gran Advertiser to clarify whether it is legal to camp at the parking lot near Carabasi beach. The site is now a campsite and several of the cars are there long-term camping. I believe there are many places for camping up and down the coast and the coaches should be referred to it. Incidentally, there is no sanitation, no organized waste collection and water to be used in large quantities, so even though Spain is a generous country, I think it is not fair that these vehicles do not pay its share of social cost, by staying on GO TO PAGE 6

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FERAL (animals) FRIENDS OF GRAN ALACANT & nearby areas Bank account details: 0073 0100 54 0486406431 Iban ES94, Swift OPENESMM

There are many Vet bills/animals in need. You can help by: Sponsor an animal for an amount per month or puntual donations.

" ADOPTION IS URGENT Violet was abandoned 21st Dec. as already grown. She has determined to live in that hole till she is rescued again by her ex-owners. When it rains it floods and she just does not move from here. The hole on top is from the mechanic´s plot where they discharge all their dirts and it all goes exactly inside where she hides and lives "

OPEN YOUR HEARTS ADOPT there are Siamese, Gingers, Turtoise, Tiger grays as well as pure breeds.

INTRODUCTION TO YOGA WORKSHOP In Aid of Feral Friends G.A.

Always wanted to try Yoga but never quite got round to it?

Wednesday 16th April From 10a.m. to 12 noon (2 hr. workshop) Workshop Fee....10€ / person AT: MOLLY MALONES Pub-Restaurant (Carabassi Centre) Mat provided, just wear comfortable clothes.

Beginners welcome.

Find out how Yoga can help you improve your flexibility, strength and overall health at www.yogacampspain.com (Weekly Yoga classes will start following 23rd. April Register at Workshop or with Feral Friends) FERAL FRIENDS DOES NOT HAVE A SHELTER. OUR WORK IS TO TRAP FERALS TO STERELIZE THEM AND SAVE & ATTEND THOSE INJURED OR ILL. Due to lack of funds since 2012 We are only attending extreme urgencies.

PLEASE DONATE !! SUPPORT US, PLEASE your support makes a difference

Foster Homes & Volunteers Needed. Litter, food & material accepted (except Generic Markets brand food. Aldi is OK).

Hi to everybody,

In this month there are plenty of celebrations, wherever you go from 13th to 20th of April you can attend to Holy Week processions. Sunday the 13th is Palm Sunday procession, if you want to see the best one declared of International Tourism Interest, is the one held in Elche.

If you can’t come to see every procession in Santa Pola and you have to choose one, I recommend to see the biggest that takes place on Friday the 18th.

In the Fortress-Castle there from 17th to 20th a Medieval Market will be held .

More parades of Moors and Christians held this month in: San Vicente del Raspeig , Busot , Onil , Granja Rocamora and the one in Bañeres de Mariola on the 22nd declared of national tourism interest.

In Alicante on the 1st of May takes place the “Romeria de la Santa Faz”, if you want to discover what a popular pilgrimage in Spain is go and join it, I must warn you that there will be thousands of people.

That’s all for now.

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an unauthorized "camping" Name and address supplied.

This certainly brings up a “can of worms�. The area in question as well as the camper vans parked to the left of the little chuch on our coast road, all come under Elche Council. Santa PolaTown Hall last year made it illegal for these vans to be parked on open land, by passing a rule to have them moved off. This is why we no longer see these vans on the sea front in Santa Pola. Although the ones previously described are under Elche, the Santa Pola Town Hall have sent complaints to Elche Town Hall as these vans are causing many complaints from locals as the owners of the vans are flushing their waste water down drains, which are Santa Pola Town Hall drains, and it is they who have to keep the drains clean. It would help greatly if people complained to Elche Town Hall about them camping there.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hi, With reference to page 4 of this month's magazine and the photo and report "a day of socialising and training dogs was attended by the Gran Alacant Councillor, Loreto Cascales.�

When and where was this advertised because we would have liked to have taken part as we live only a few hundred metres/yards from the site and use this area daily to exercise our dog-and knew nothing until we read your magazine.

Please could you advise of future activites?

Marian Roberts,Puerto Marino,Gran Alacant.

We were never told of this event either. It was not announced through the normal press releases from the Town Hall as it was something organised by the dog park people. We usually get any press releases sent to us at the same time they send them to all of the free papers.

-------------------------------and on with the news PRESS RELEASE Work recoating asphalt and renewal signaling in Gran Alacant From January 2 there has been much work repainting the most important roads of Gran Alacant and reviewing the status of signaling. With these two actions it is hoped that "the driver and the pedestrian will have more visibility to avoid accidents , stated Councillor for Public Safety, Antonio Perez Huerta.

The actions have been carried out especially in " those areas and priority streets according to their dangerousness and its high traffic flow, Gran Alacant is a zone with constant population growth and the purpose of the council of Santa Pola is to "keep it in top condition."

Roads marked out include Avenida Noruega , Avenida Mediterraneo, Avenida Escandinavia and Avenida Monte de Santa Pola.

There have also been several signs that have become loose so these have been repaired.

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In addition, there are already new zebra crossings in Avenida Escandinavia along the stretch with Monte de Santa Pola.

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The Town Hall are always making use of exibiting the values of our area in other countries. Many months we get sent information of where they are exibiting, but do not always have the space to include in our news pages.

Press release.

Santa Pola Town Hall representatives have returned with a good idea of the show Internationale Tourismus BĂśrse (ITB ) held in Berlin last week. Loreto Serrano, Councillor of Tourism, who travelled to the German capital, staked her claim to what this show can bring to our town.

Loreto Serrano explained that this fair has two distinct target audiences. On the one hand, professionals and secondly, the general public . Serrano met with small and medium tour operators to which she convinced them of the "ability to organize events in Santa Pola and the benefits of the resort to cultural, sporting and natural level , which are the main things that they are promoting in Europe." In fact, she added, " the German public always looking for added value to tourism of sun and beach, and are very interested in the cultural and maritime aspect."

What Loreto Serrano was able to see is how "the Germans are diversifying their destination. No longer just looking to stay in their traditional locations such as Mallorca and Catalonia, but beginning to look towards the east. " Not surprisingly, in 2013, the issue of German tourists increased by 9.6 percent from 2012.

The Councillor of Tourism also noted the importance for this increase to have direct flights from Berlin to Alicante, " since it will decrease the cost and increase the flow of tourists."

In addition, at the institutional level, the stand of Santa Pola in Berlin was visited

by Secretary of State for Tourism, Isabel Borrego, the Minister of Tourism, Max Buch, Deputy Tourism, and JoaquĂ­n Albaladejo.

Santa Pola Town Hall are next going to Brussels and Russia to attract visitors.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------We are often asked how you book a pitch at the market on the 3rd Sunday of every month, outside the Council Offices, soon to be re-located to the new market area.

You have to phone the Company Asvega on 60 99 325 78. You have to be registered on the Santa Pola padron.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The new market saga.

Nearly there. I think all of us can see the progress. The pavements are now almost finished. The dangerous slope has been replaced with steps and a hand rail. Some of the gates are being changed to sliding, rather than normal opening. The electrical paperwork is all now complete and next week (3rd week of March) Valencia should announce to the Santa Pola Town Hall, the opening date.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The MASA park (the one near the petrol station) should be officially opened, we hope, before this magazine goes to print.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------So often in the distant past, there were many complaints about all of the building work and cranes there was on Gran Alacant. Most of these cranes disappeared with the recession and building work stopped.

Now more cranes up and new houses being built means hopefully more people to use all of the businesses out here, so things seems now to be looking up again.

We have a few photo examples, on page 10, particuarly some where building work just stopped years ago.

More news next month

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GO TO PAGE 10

Spanish

Restaur ant i n Lo s A renales

C/San Bartolomè de Tirajane, no.40 03195 Arenales del Sol. Tel: 96 691 12 13

Menu of the Day (every day of the year) weekday menu ............................................ 9 euros menu Saturday, Sunday and holidays ....... 12 euros.

Evening menu (night only) salad fry (fish) or grill (meat) bread and beverage......(8.50 euros per person minimum two people)....... ......................17 euros.

Special menu .. salad especial starter rice with lobster food, drink and dessert ......(minimum two people).......... 17 euros.

Every day of the week, the menus will consist of 5 first courses (inc pasta, rice, and soup) and 5 main courses (meat or fish).

Open every day of the year Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, do not open at night.

WE ARE HERE

POLICE & POST OFFICE

GRAN ALACANT

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Comenzamos este mes con un correo electrónico enviado a nosotros: Queridos Barry & Sandra , Me siento muy decepcionado con las condiciones en la que se encuentra el asfalto de nuestra calle, está muy descuidada.

Una nueva superficie sería ideal para compensar el daño hecho a CALLE POLONIA 236. Al parecer el Ayuntamiento tiene como prioridad pintar de nuevo las señales de las calles, que en mi opinión es innecesario.

En 2003, llegué a Gran Alacant con mi familia, nos mudamos a la calle que se encuentra justo enfrente de la residencia de los cuidadores de la nueva escuela. De eso hace 4 o 5 años más o menos. Mientras que la construcción se llevó a cabo, los camiones y demás maquinaria usaron nuestra calle un gran número de veces y además a una velocidad extrema. Cuando finalmente terminaron la escuela fueron los autobuses los que utilizaron nuestra calle.

Para llegar al caso, tenemos cerca de 23 hoyos en la calle, que yo sepa, además de profundos surcos en los laterales, es una calle muy accidentada… incluso me he caído!

La mayoría de los hoyos son debido al flujo constante de coches de los padres que van a una velocidad increíble, ya que por lo general llegan tarde para dejar a sus hijos en el colegio.

Creo que deberían volver a asfaltar la calle teniendo en cuenta que la han utilizado para la construcción de la escuela cuando podrían haber utilizado la vía pública y no la nuestra. Calle Privada ! ! ! ¿Por qué tenemos que pagar por el daño al que no hemos contribuido?

Nuestra calle es la peor de Gran Alacant. ¡Cuando uno paga todos sus impuestos se espera que se haga algo!

Saludos, Un residente que está avergonzado por el estado de su calle.

El Ayuntamiento dice que el camino es privado y todas las reparaciones deben ser realizadas por los propietarios de las casas, ya que es parte de su urbanización. Estos caminos no tienen nada que ver con el Ayuntamiento.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Queridos Barry y Sandra , Les escribo a Gran Alacant Advertiser para saber si es legal para acampar en el parking de la playa Carabasi. El sitio se ha convertido en un camping y se ven varias de las caravanas aparcadas ahí a largo plazo. Creo que hay muchos lugares para acampar a lo largo de la costa y las caravanas deberían ser trasladadas a los campings legales. Por cierto, no hay saneamiento, no hay una infraestructura adecuada para la recogida de residuos y agua, por lo que a pesar de que España es un país generoso, yo creo que no es justo que estos vehículos no paguen su parte de los costos sociales, al permanecer en un "camping" no autorizado Nombre y dirección.

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Esto sin duda nos lleva a una "caja de Pandora". El área en cuestión, así como las autocaravanas aparcadas a la izquierda de la esquina del clot no pertenece a Santa Pola, sino al Ayuntamiento de Elche. Para ell año pasado, el Ayuntamiento de Santa Pola ilegalizó la parada y acampada de estos vehículos a lo largo de su costa. Es por esto que ya no vemos estas caravanas aparcadas en la playa de la Ermita. Aunque las caravanas descritas anteriormente están en territorio de Elche, el Ayuntamiento de Santa Pola ha enviado una serie de quejas ya que están usando el alcantarillado de Santa Pola y es Santa Pola la que realiza el drenaje de estas alcantarillas. Sería de gran ayuda si la gente se queja al Ayuntamiento Elche acerca a acampar allí.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hola, Con referencia a la página 4 de la revista del mes pasado, la foto y el reportaje: “Un día para la socialización y la formación de perros” (asistida por la concejala de Gran Alacant, Loreto Cascales). ¿Cuándo y dónde se publicitó esto? porque nos habría gustado haber participado ya que vivimos a sólo unos cientos de metros del sitio, y utilizamos esta área a diario para pasear a nuestro perro, y no supimos nada hasta que lo leímos en su revista.

Por favor, ¿nos podrían avisar para cualquier actividad futura?

Marian Roberts , Puerto Marino, Gran Alacant .

A nosotros tampoco nos dijeron nada sobre este evento. No se anunció a través de los comunicados de prensa normales del Ayuntamiento, ya que fue algo organizado por los encargados del parque para perros. Normalmente nos envían todas las notas de prensa.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------COMUNICADO DE PRENSA Renovación de señales y pintura en Gran Alacant Desde 02 de enero han hecho mucho trabajo al volver a pintar las carreteras más importantes de Gran Alacant y revisar el estado de la señalización. Con estas dos mejoras se espera que "el conductor y el peatón tengan más visibilidad y ayudará a evitar accidentes”, afirmó el concejal de Seguridad Ciudadana, Antonio Pérez Huerta.

Las reparaciones se han llevado a cabo sobre todo en las zonas y calles de prioridad en función de su peligrosidad y su alto flujo de tráfico, Gran Alacant es una zona con un crecimiento constante de la población y el propósito del Ayuntamiento de Santa Pola es "mantenerlo en las mejores condiciones."

Caminos señalizados incluyen Avenida Noruega, Avenida Mediterráneo, Avenida Escandinavia y la Avenida Monte de Santa Pola .

También se han reparado varias señales verticales que estaban deterioradas.

Además, ya hay un nuevo paso de cebra en la Avenida Escandinavia a lo largo del tramo de Monte de Santa Pola .

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Nota de prensa .

Los representantes del Ayuntamiento de Santa Pola han regresado con buenas ideas de la feria” Internationale Tourismus Börse” (ITB), celebrada en Berlín la semana pasada. Loreto Serrano, concejal de Turismo, quien viajó a la capital alemana, ha apostado por lo que este programa puede aportar a nuestra ciudad. Loreto Serrano explicó que esta feria tiene dos públicos objetivos distintos. Por un lado, los profesionales y en segundo lugar, el público en general. Serrano se reunió con los pequeños y medianos operadores turísticos y les expuso la "capacidad de organización de eventos en Santa Pola y los beneficios de la localidad para

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actividades culturales, deportivas y nivel natural, que son las principales cosas que se están promoviendo en Europa. De hecho, agregó, "el público alemán siempre busca un valor añadido al turismo de sol y playa, y están muy interesados en el aspecto cultural y marítimo".

Loreto Serrano fue capaz de ver es cómo "los alemanes están diversificando sus destinos. Ya no sólo buscan de vacacionar en sus lugares tradicionales, como las Islas Baleares y Cataluña, ahora están comenzando a mirar hacia el este”. No es sorprendente que en 2013 la presencia de turistas alemanes se incrementó en un 9,6 por ciento con respecto al 2012.

El concejal de Turismo también señaló la importancia de que hayan vuelos directos desde Berlín a Alicante, "ya que disminuirá el costo y aumentará el flujo de turistas."

Además, en el plano institucional, el stand de Santa Pola en Berlín recibió la visita de la secretaria de Estado de Turismo, Isabel Borrego, del Ministro de Turismo, Max Buch, y Joaquín Albaladejo .

El Ayuntamiento de Santa Pola va a ir próximamente a Bruselas y Rusia para atraer más visitantes.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------A menudo nos preguntan cómo reservar un puesto en el mercadillo de segunda mano el 3er. domingo de cada mes (en el parking del Ayuntamiento de Gran Alacant).

Hay que llamar a la compañía Asvega 60 99 325 78. El único requisito es que tiene que estar registrado en el padrón de Santa Pola .

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------La saga de mercadillo. ¡Nos estamos acercando! Creo que todos podemos ver el progreso. Las aceras están casi terminadas. La rampa peligrosa ha sido sustituida por escalones y una barandilla.

Algunas de las puertas están siendo cambiadas por puertas correderas, en vez de apertura normal. El papeleo está terminado y completado, la semana que viene Valencia anunciará al Ayuntamiento de Santa Pola la fecha de apertura.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------El parque MASA (el que está cerca de la estación de servicio ) va a ser inaugurado oficialmente, esperamos, antes de que esta revista vaya a la Imprenta -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hace años, muy a menudo recibíamos muchas quejas sobre los trabajos de construcción y grúas que había en Gran Alacant. La mayoría de estas grúas desaparecieron con la crisis y el trabajo de construcción se detuvo.

Ahora volvemos a ver más grúas y nuevas casas se construyen, con suerte vendrán más personas y ayudarán a mejorar la economía local, parece que las cosas están mirando hacia arriba otra vez.

Tenemos algunos ejemplos a través de fotos, en la página 10.

Volvemos con más noticias el próximo mes

Estamos buscando a alguien que quiera colaborar/expandir nuestra revista.

Se requiere que hable Inglés. email: granalacantadvertiser@hotmail.co.uk

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It has come to my attention that you are continually under the influence of alcohol.

To clear the air, you are required to answer the question below.

In which direction is this car going?

Sulied by Sheila Mitche

Bar for sale

r very low oveRheads. r been open for 10 years. r 4 hd tvs r full sky and sports system. r Full sound, pa , and karaoke system. r 2 outside terraces. r Great opportunity for first bar. phone 680 478 191

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WOMAN PAINTED AND POSING AS A PARROT

Mobile phones unlocked Sim cards cut down EMAIL: info@granalacantservices.com

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We are easy to find in El Altet. From Gran Alacant turn off the N332 signposted El Altet. Over the roundabout. Over the traffic lights and we are on the right, before the next roundabout.

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PERSONALIZED ATTENTION, I advise on the best product according to your type of driving and use.

RAPID FITTING. The largest stock & quick fitting of leading brands of tyres.

QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL, own training center.

LATEST MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGIES integral to service your car, even the guarantee of origin.

ALL YEAR SAVINGS. Exclusive savings plan through the card and follow individualized PAS Maintenance of your vehicle.

PROXIMITY, national 1Red, 667 workshops in Europe, Near your house, you have a workshop, Confort Auto.

RENEWED ISO 9001 Quality anuaimente by independent certification.

SOCIAL COMMITMENT TO USE organic products, tyres, oil etc.

Colaboration with NGOs involved in road safety

There are coffee shops next to us when waiting for that short job to be carried out. For longer jobs drive your car over to us and we will run you home, and collect you when your car is ready, if in the Gran Alacant area.

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READ OUR MAGAZINE EVERY MONTH ON THE INTERNET AT:-

www.granalacantadvertiser.com

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CARABASI COMPLEX ADVERTISERS on pages 20 to 27

Bar 1, Olimpo, Molly Malone’s, Phoenix, Yellow Submarine, Sandhills, Ocean, Casanova, Hispania.

M.A.B.S. FUND RAISING at the CARABASI COMPLEX The M.A.B.S. cake shop reopens hip hip hooray, May the 2nd at Oceans, thats on a Friday, selections like carrot, and lemon cake all so very nice, at 1.50 a slice now thats a reasonable price,

We open at 7.30, they dont take long to sell, Twinks always first in line so you get down there as a well.

Come and buy our homemade cakes, take home for your tea all monies go to M.A.B.S. cancer support, most certainly not to me.

The selection differs every week, from crumbles to sausage rolls a touch of old Britain to cheer up all your souls.

We thank you all so very much for all your great support and hope to see you at the M.A.B.S. cake shop where all your cakes are bought.

The tourist train and the GA shopping bus, both stop outside this complex.

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YELLOW SUBMARINE opens every day from 4pm for coffee, drinks, & cocktails 24

Casanova is the perfect choice for you to enjoy a freshly prepared meal made to our own special recipes.

Not forgetting our ever popular Sunday Roast.

Full children's menu.

Takeaway available.

Closed on Mondays Tues - Sat from 5.30pm Open Sunday from 1pm - 7pm For reservations Tel: 966 697 567

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AT THE CARABASI COMPLEX

a subsiduary of Olimpo Construction & Reforms. open Mon-Fri 10 am till 2 pm.

Open Sat mornings 10 till 1

visit our showroom visite nuestra sala de exposici贸n bezoek onze showroom

e reforms comprehensiv grales reformas inte

you can find us on facebook at Olimpo Construcciones y Reformas

Phone: Juli谩n: 660 65 18 27

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"Marriage is like a deck of cards. In the beginning all you need is two hearts and a Diamond.

By the end you wish you had a Club and a Spade"

courtesy Gran Alacant Plaza 29

WHAT'S THAT FLOWER ?

The Wild Flowers of Santa Pola/Gran Alacant

by Rose Jackson

BARBARY NUT, Iris sisyrinchium. These little irises dot the stony fields on the west side of the N332 (behind the electricity sub-station) and in lesser numbers on the headland south of the lighthouse. The colours of the flowers vary from light blue to almost violet, which open at midday during March/April.

It's long narrow leaves sheath the stem, growing from a small deeply embedded corm.

LAVENDER-LEAVED ROCKROSE, Helianthemum lavenduliamfolium. These plants grow along the small coast road beneath the cliffs, especially opposite the second car park (coming from Gran Alacant) during April. The soft yellow of the flowers are reminiscent of primroses!

WHITE ROCKROSE, Helianthemum appenninum.

Altogether a smaller more delicate looking plant, flowering Jan-April the longest period of all the rockroses (of which there are several). It occurs on the coastal areas or on the rocky hillsides whenever the sun is shining!

“As I write this in mid-March, the lack of any proper rain here since January has hindered the growth of many species, such as the wild gladioli featured in that month’s edition (and even the towering white asphodels are a bit stunted)!

If we do get rain soon (hopefully at night) they should flower in April.” rose.jackson1@outlook.com

for advertising from €15 to €95 give us a call

CCW electrical services Qualified electrician All electrical work undertaken Tel 617872405 contact Clive or Wendy

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Booked a table for Valentine's Day for me and the wife.

Ended in tears though; she was crap at snooker.

We had a terrific turn-out of 49 persons, to our fund raising Sunday Lunch at Rinc’on de Pili, half Spanish half English. This time the Spanish showed how much they also care about animals!!!

We had a raffle with two prizes, therefore 2 winners.

The Restaurant made one of their best Menús plus donated 36€ from other customers off the FF group.

Total funds raised 236,70€.... almost no red numbers in the accounts now. Thank you everyone who joined us.

Welcome to Commercial Centre the area of Gran Alacant that includes here and on the next five pages

EURONICS/DIGINOVA, SHAMU, GET FRESH, GLAROS

& HOMEFINDERS

PLUS on page 3 GRANNET

As you leave the N332 to come on to Gran Alacant this area is on your right.

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My mate just hired an Eastern European cleaner, took her 15 hours to hoover the house. Turns out she was a Slovak.

The two advertisers on this page are upstairs at the Commercial Centre

DRINKS COCKTAILS COFFEE'S AND TEA'S

ENGLISH BREAKFASTS

LUNCHES BOCADILLO SALADS AND MORE

OPEN EVERY DAY 9.00 am -12.00 midnight

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GA0074 126.500,00â‚Ź Townhouse with 2/3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, Completely furnished and appliances, basement/3 bed, 1 Bathroom has a double shower and heated towel rail, Air conditioning and heating, Safety grills, Ceiling fans, Nearby communal pool, Beautiful views from the solarium. Immaculate

GA0136 119.995â‚Ź Spanish Townhouse within a gated community. The closest community to the beach of Carabasi. The house has been redecorated throughout and is ready to move into. The house has 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and 1 toilet. The lounge has a working fireplace and is a good size. You have two double bedrooms and a single bedroom. There is a small internal courtyard that leads to a good sized solarium. Plenty of storage space. There is a parking space below the house and the access is close the house. The community has various swimming pools, tennis courts and a bar and shop.

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GA0161 265,000â‚Ź Detached villa with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Fully furnished with appliances. Fireplace, private swimming pool, A/C and heating, terrace with views of the pool, tiled garden, bbq and is in an immaculate condition, ready to move into. A solarium of 40 square meters.

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Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre (EHCRC) The Horse Too Late To Save

”Two weeks ago the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre (EHCRC) Foundation based in Rojales were involved in a major, much publicised rescue of 14 horses from a horse dealers premises in Callosa De Segura.

And it never stopped there. The following night they were called back by two officers from a division of Callosa Policia Local called U.R.M.A. (Unidad Rural y Medio Ambiente). These two officers are serious about animal welfare and are similar to the Guardia Civil Seprona division, responsible for animal welfare and the environment. Someone had sneaked into the abandoned premises and tied a malnourished horse to a tree using a piece of string.

One day later and another call from U.R.M.A. to rescue a mule abandoned in a small concrete box sized pen located in a crumbling abandoned factory unit also in Callosa.

The next rescue though was tinged with sadness and disbelief.

On Wednesday March 19th Sue and Rod Weeding, co founders of the EHCRC received three telephone call asking for assistance from officers of the Guardia Civil Seprona Division Orihuela and the Guardia Civil from Alicante and also Torrevieja about the plight of a horse in what can only be described as a walled yard with derelict buildings inside.

The police had been alerted by a concerned member of the public.

Sue and Rod raced to the premises to be met by the Guardia Civil Seprona officers, They were confronted with the sight of a young horse close to death lying prostrate on the ground he was obviously severely malnourished and dehydrated.

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They immediately administered some water and made him as comfortable as possible until Dorothea their vet and other members of the EHCRC team could get there.

Explains Sue, “ Sadly when Dorothea arrived and after examining him she confirmed our worst fears that he was beyond further help. The attending police officers gave Dorothea permission to put him to sleep.

Further investigation revealed the other equines being kept there, two horses, two ponies a donkey and a mule. One of the horses is in desperate need of help and we are on standby to get it out when the police call us.

The other five equines there are in reasonable condition and we have been advised that they all have different owners. The Guardia Civil Seprona are actively trying to trace these owners and also the proprietor of the premises, all believed to be gypsies, to find a solution for these creatures and to get the installation closed down once and for all. This is not the first time we have been called to this place as we rescued two horses and two donkeys from there three and a half years ago.

We are finding now that there is a huge advancement in animal welfare with the police and we have been called out to and worked on several cases with officers from many towns and villages on the Costa Blanca even as far away as Benidorm.

It is important that t h e E H C R C F o u n d a t i o n continues to grow and find a way to fund the ever increasing amount of

animals that need our help and continue to give the police the support they need in fighting animal cruelty.” concludes Sue.

The EHCRC would welcome any donations or sponsorship to support the work that they are doing. If you are a bar owner or business that would like to hold a charity event to support the centre please get in touch with Sue Weeding on 652 021 980 or email David East on pr@easyhorsecare.net.

The EHCRC will ensure that your event receives the maximum press publicity plus coverage on their Face book and website pages prior to and after the function.

Every single cent donated or spent in the five charity shops operated by the EHCRC goes towards the upkeep and care of the horses, donkeys and ponies in their care.

Large items such as furniture can be collected and delivered after purchase. Contact the charity shop hotline on 636 062 000.

Visit the centre on Sundays between 1pm and 4pm where refreshments are available in the garden café. The first horse tour starts at 2pm where you can get close to, and meet the residents and see first hand where your money has been spent.

For more details and directions to the centre just outside Rojales visit www.easyhorsecare.net

FUND RAISING FOR BREAST CANCER During April I will be raising money and sponsorship for breast cancer There will be tins in most of the local bars and in the chemist and I'll be going round asking people to sponsor me Because during the month of May I will be dying my hair pink for the whole month!

I've never dyed my hair before in my life had thought this would be something different really hoping for everyone's support.

K.C.I in Guadamar have supplied me with the hair dye and technical support.

Jessica West GA farmacia

are on the La Marina Urbanisation.

La Marina..La Marina..La Marina..

The DENTAL PRACTICE, CUTS R US, EL MATADOR JODIES & EURONICS on page 33

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La Marina..La Marina..La Marina..La Marina..L

Tel: 966 797 119 659 728 128

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Tel: 966 797 119 or 659 728 128

La Marina..La Marina..La Marina..La Marina..

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L MONTEOSS INOS

Important information from ORKE Services

SPANISH DRIVING LICENCE

Hi Barry & Sandra,

This is a letter of appreciation for the British Supermarket Quicksave here in Av Escandinavia, Gran Alacant.

Apart from the obvious bonuses of their long opening hours (they only close on Christmas Day!) and a supply of products difficult to source outside of the UK, I have always found them to be extremely pleasant, courteous and helpful.

I have been living here for the last two years, and on a number of occasions have had cause to be grateful for their helpful approach. I had my purse stolen a while ago, and with it my bank cards, so had to cancel these and order new ones from my UK bank. The cards however took almost two weeks to get to me, and during that time I would have been without funds had I not been assisted by the owners of Quicksave. They were truly of tremendous service to me as my son was able to sends me funds with their help.

I also have an online business which requires me to post items worldwide. As they are a depot for EasyPost this works out to be less expensive than the Spanish post and their service is excellent, so now I use that for all my postal needs.

So I say let’s support a business that is such an asset to all who live here or visit for holidays.

It is really great to know there is a shop with such friendly service where one can get both help and products on every day of the week so I say a big Thank You to them and hope they will be here for many years to come.

Kind Regards

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Fiona

HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED? You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids.

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MONTEMAR BOWLS AND SOCIAL CLUB (Sponsored by Super Valu)

In this months report, The Internal competitions have now reached the Finals, in next Months edition I will report the results.

Saturday and Sunday 22nd and 23rd February, MonteMar held the MonteMar Mixed Rinks Trophy, The weather was brilliant as was the Bowls. The Winners were the Team from San Luis Skipped by Keith Jones (see pic ) The Final went down to an extra end.

MonteMar came second and third Skipped by Diane Ridley and Brian Zelin.

The Matadors and Toreadors winter season has now finished with both teams on Mondays and Fridays holding their own in their respected divisions. The Winter League and Fed 4s teams are still playing and doing well.

On Friday 28th February we held our Dinner Dance where over 300 euros was raised for Charities.

On Sunday 15th March we held the Bernard Pearce Day, 12 Teams of 4 bowled in a game arranged in honour of our first Vice President, the late Bernard Pearce, We were pleased that regular league bowlers and those who usually play club events were both involved. Each team played 2 nine end games against drawn opposition with the eventual winners being the team of Babs Caiger, Harry Dobson, Wendy Oxley and Ron Campbell. Following the game the Club owner and Honorary President Antonio Martinez, presented the winners with their winner Trophies and the Bernard Pearce Plaque. A big thanks to all who took part.

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Every Monday Evening at 20.00 we hold a Quiz Night at the El Rincon Restaurant (next to the Bowls Green ) Plus every Wednesday at the El Rincon we hold a Bingo Night, everyone is welcome to attend.

The last Friday in the Month we hold at the El Rincon our Dinner Dance. It is a very good evening and a chance for all our Members to get together. The food and entertainment is first class, and everyone has a good night.

If you fancy taking up a new sport, why not give Bowls a go, Shoes and woods are available to hire for a small charge, For further information phone Ron Campbell 648064605 . Or maybe you just fancy the Social side of the Club, Come along and give it a try. New Members are always welcome.

For further information about our Bowls and Social Club, Please contact Club Captain Colin Armitage 966619010 ex 01066 or visit our web site www.montemarbowls.com or find us on Facebook.

Fish

Squid

Baby squid

Chicken

Hamburgers

Rib-eye steak

Sirloin steak

Veal

Pork

Frankfurter

Brauny

Yogurt

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Rehearsals are well underway for our June production of ‘Outside Edge’ by Richard Harris. This will be GASP’s most ambitious production to date. We have to create the illusion of a cricket pavilion and part of the cricket pitch on what is far from a London Palladium size stage – but we will not be deterred!

Tickets will be ‘On Sale’ from the 1st May – see the May edition of ‘The Advertiser’ for telephone ticket sales and further information.

We are still looking to recruit new members – both on and off stage – interested? Then come along to the Salas Municipales in the Santa Pola Life Resort any Monday or Wednesday evening at 19h30 – you will be warmly welcomed.

Or contact David on 966 181 113, Chris and Penny on 966 181 194 or any member of the company.

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Masa Square and Sierra Mar below & up to page 52 A clutch of adverts on the next six pages are in two traffic free squares on Gran Alacant.

See the map at the back of this magazine for the exact locations At Sierra Mar are Patagonia, La Paletta and Not Just Desserts At Plaza Mayor (Masa Square), you have, Hole in the Wall, Times Square, a second Patagonia, & Azafran Indian restaurant.

The GA bowls club, is adjacent to the square.

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48

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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.

To view more animals for adoption go to: www.petsinspain.com If you would like to advertise an animal email: info@petsinspain.info GREAT NEWS

The 6 puppies and Luna were all adopted from last month’s edition.

Zac’s owner sadly died last month and he is desperate to find a new home. He is a Mastin x Labrador, around 6 years old, neutered, chipped and good with other dogs.

Call: 645 469 253.

Romeo is a Chihuahua cross and was living on the streets for 2 weeks before managing to rescue him. His age is around 2 years, weighs just 6 kilos and is very good with other dogs and cats.

Call: 645 469 253.

Toffee is a beautiful wire haired Podenco, she is around 18 months old, good with other dogs and has been sterilised.

Call: 645 469 253 Chanel was found in a shallow canal with 2 other puppies just outside La Marina, we have no doubt they were thrown in there and were soaked to the skin, covered in fleas and ticks and so cold. They have been to the vets and apart from the ticks and fleas are in good health and very affectionate, they are now around 10 weeks old and will be medium size when fully grown.

On pages 51 and 52 are advertisers at the

Masa Square marked on our Gran Alacant map at the back of this magazine.

Azafran Indian Restaurant, Times Square & Hole in the wall,

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Two elderly ladies were talking.

“At our age, I don’t know what would be worse; Parkinson's or Alzheimer's?" one said.Her wise friend answered, “Oh I’d rather have Parkinson’s, definitely Parkinson’s. Better to spill half my wine than to forget where I keep the bottle."

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TORREL LANO

When you visit us during April, and say you saw our advert in FREE this magazine, you will receive a gift

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There is a Mass held at the library on Gran Alacant Every Sunday at 12.30pm DON’T FORGET every 3rd Sunday in the month all of the bargain stalls set up on the car park outside the Council Office in GA

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The older you get, the tougher It is to lose weight, because by Then your body and your fat have Gotten to be really good friends.

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time at the a great Thanks to readers who supplied the pictures, red borders from It is nice to see readers getting

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gran alacant school display by all concerned Gabi at Hispania and green border pictures from Joy Guest. involved and sending pictures to us, thank you

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WHAT’S NEW ABOUT ANTIPARASITIC MEDICINES?

Tel: 966 698 569

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Liliana Aldeguer Cerdán 793 English translation by Sergio Reina Esteban col 747

M.A.B.S. As a representative for MABS I was invited by Gema who is the lady in charge to go to the Opening of a new Clinic called Healthy Zone in Campello about half an hour from Gran Alacant, which I attended yesterday with one of our Volunteers Bev Ballisteros who also works with Cancer patients and is fluent in Spanish. It is a beautiful new Clinic with many treatment rooms for specialised therapies in fibromyalgia, Cellular oxygenation, arthritis and osteoarthritis, migraines and headaches also supportive treatments in Oncology, Vascular diseases, Diabetic ulcers, Crohn's disease, Hepatitis, Shingles, Antiaging, Cellulite, and more in depth treatments to the ozone like Lymphatic drainage and Hair loss with help for patients for hair recovery after chemotherapy treatment. Gema spent time with us to explain the treatments connected with cancer in particular. It is private and the cost depends on the type of treatment and how many are needed.

The Regional Spanish TV, radio and papers were there doing interviews and of course food and drink so it was quite an opening and very worthwhile attending.

The Receptionist speaks English and Gema speaks a little. But Bev is happy to accompany anyone who might need her for the first visit . We both have leaflets and contact details if you would like more information. It is always a great asset to be aware of different types of treatments to help cancer patients.

Bev still helps any lady who needs to go for a Mammogram for the first time.

Jan Wright 966 697 754, Bev 965 687 775.

Sue 664 266 991 .

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Gran Alacant Darts League

A man received the following text from his neighbour: ‘I am so sorry Bob. I've been riddled with guilt and I have to confess. I have been accessing your wife, day and night when you're not around. In fact, more than you. I'm not getting any at home, but that's no excuse. I can no longer live with the guilt and I hope you will accept my sincerest apology with my promise that it won't happen any longer.’

The husband, anguished and betrayed, went into his bedroom, grabbed his gun, and without a word, shot his wife and killed her.

A few moments later, a second text came in: ‘ Damn predictive text, I meant "wifi", not "wife".’

Sulied by David Tutton

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WHAT’S THAT? IN THE CLOT?

by Mark Etheridge

Good old Aristotle – it was he who first made the observation that “one swallow does not a summer make”, but of course here in Gran Alacant the swallows have already arrived in considerable numbers, and if you’ve been particularly observant you may have seen one or two knocking around for the whole winter. Many have arrived by the beginning of March, although back in the UK most won’t be seen until mid-April.

The familiar Common or Barn Swallow (so named to distinguish it from many other closely related species including the Red-rumped Swallow which can also be found in Gran Alacant) usually overwinters in the depths of Southern Africa, where they go each autumn on a slow-paced migration. Their journey north is a much different proposition, it is a race to get back to their breeding grounds as quickly as possible in order to re-establish their breeding territory before another swallow beats them to it. As a measure of comparison, whilst the journey from Britain to South Africa takes a leisurely four months, a fit and experienced swallow can complete the opposite journey in just five weeks, travelling an amazing 200 miles a day.

April is the best time to watch them rebuilding their nests, and it is one of the few times when they regularly settle on the ground as my picture shows. Any damp muddy patch in the Clot is likely to attract a breeding pair, where they grab beakfuls of mud and loose bits of straw to construct their nests. It has been estimated that a pair will undertake over 1,000 journeys to and fro during the building phase, although this will be fewer where a previous years nest is re-used, some nests have been recorded as being used for up to 50 years!

The global population is estimated to be about 190 million birds, of which about 15 million visit Europe for the summer. Many UK-bound birds will pass through Spain, adding to the numbers which will stay here to breed.

Its long journeys have been well observed, and a swallow tattoo is popular amongst sailors as a symbol of a safe return; the tradition was that a mariner had a tattoo of this fellow wanderer after sailing 5,000 nautical miles, and a second swallow would be added after 10,000 nautical miles. In the past, there were also superstitions regarding damage to the Barn Swallow's nest - such an act might lead to cows giving bloody milk, or no milk at all, or to hens ceasing to lay!

The Spanish name for the bird is Golondrina comun.

You can see more photographs of birds from our area by visiting www.marketheridge.smugmug.com

See you next month.

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WORDSEARCH “work names” in Spanish & English

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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 Difficulty rating: medium

DOODLE AREA

Difficulty rating: hard

ANSWERS ON GRAN ALACANT MAP PAGE

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A map to help you find places of interest, and the locaton of all of ALLOTMENTS

CARABASI BARS COMPLEX (DOWN THE HILL) *PHOENIX RESTAURANT *BAR 1 *MOLLY MALONE *OLIMPO *YELLOW SUBMARINE *SANDHILLS *GOURMET *OCEAN *CASANOVA

PLAZA MAYOR

VET GA EXOTICS TIMES SQUARE AZAFRAN HOLE IN THE WALL PATAGONIA STEAK HOUSE

SITE OF THE NEW CHURCH

SCHOOL

PETANC AND CHILDRENS PLAY AREA

EURONICS ELECTRICAL

HOMEFINDERS /SOLEIL SHAMU GLAROS GET FRESH

L’ESPIGO

5 1

GA BOWLS CLUB

TOP-UP DELIVERY POINT Euronics

THURSDAY M

7

2

PROPOSED DOG AREA TAXI RANK

GRANNET BOTTOM FLOOR OF THE GA COMMERCIAL CENTRE

3

Proposed new road

PROPOSED SITE FOR A NEW HEALTH CENTRE, and a SECOND SCHOOL

BLUE AREAS SUCH AS “SPORTS CENTRE” & BROWN AREAS SUCH AS THE “SCHOOL” are reserved for Council amenities, and are NOT for housing

CHIROPODY & PHYSIOTHERAPY

SUDOKU SOLUTIONS

from previous page EASY HARD

MEDIUM

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our advertisers on Gran Alacant. Get your business on our map.

PARK

TOP-UP DELIVERY POINT Phoenix

NOT JUST DESSERTS PATAGONIA no.2 STEAK HOUSE La PALETTA DENTIMAR

MARKET

TOURIST INFORMATION

1 MAXCOOP SUPERMARKET 2 SUPERVALU SUPERMARKET 3 MERCADONA SUPERMARKET 4 MEDICAL CENTRE G.A. COUNCILLOR MUNICIPAL OFFICES LIBRARY 5 THURSDAY MARKET 6 POST OFFICE 7 SCHOOL

PETANC AND CHILDRENS PLAY AREA

4

6

SPORTS CENTRE & NEW MARKET GA ECO RUBBISH

LA TASCA

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GRAN ALACANT PROPERTIES

GA farmacia

TOP-UP DELIVERY POINT Quicksave

BRICO GA TV

G.A. SERVICES & SOL COMPUTERS

IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Aquagest 24hr..(water co.)...902 250 170 Aeropuerto..............................966 919 000 Ayuntamiento-Gran Alacant. ............966 697 749 Alicante Bus Station...............965 130 700 Alicante Train Station.............902 240 202 Bomberos (Fire).....................085 Biblioteca (Library)..................966 692 773 Butano gas..............................966 672 222 Guardia Civil............................062 Guardia Civil............................965 411 290 Iberdrola..(electric co.)............901 202 020

Library GA............................ 966 697 110 Local Police...........................092 Local Police...........................965 411 103 Medical Health Service........966 699 081 National Police......................091 Red Cross (Cruz Roja)........965 416 936 Red Cross emergencies.....112 Rubbish collection.................966 693 955 Suma......................................965 292 000 Taxi sited at LIDL...................96 541 11 11 Telefonica..............................1004

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TIMETABLE & ROUTE FOR THE GRAN ALACANT TOURIST TRAIN

April Timetable Monday till Saturday: From 10:00h to 14:00h and from 16:00h to 20:00h Sundays: From 11:00h to 14:00h

THE GRAN ALACANT SHOPPING BUS

which drops off and picks up, all around Gran Alacant :Mornings start at 09.30 from shopping centre, and every 30 minutes until 13.30 ending also at shopping centre.

Afternoon: Shopping centre from 17.30 to 19.00 and finish at shopping centre a 19.00

We had a power cut at our house this morning and my PC, laptop, TV, DVD, iPad, cordless phones & my new surround sound music system were all

shut down.

Then I discovered that my iPhone battery was flat and to top it off it was raining outside, so I couldn't play golf.

I went into the kitchen to make coffee and then I remembered that this also needs power, so I sat and talked with my wife for a while.

She seems like a nice person

Charlady available.

Still the best magazine advertising prices in the area.

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Looking for a reliable, hardworking person to do the chores, walk the dog etc, then please contact Alexandra on 660 598 245

LOCAL BUS TIMES

Special schedule for 2014’s HOLY WEEK, EASTER

During this period,the service S. POLA-GRAN ALACANT, by the coast,will not be carried out, only day 19

17 de Abril, Jueves Santo: = WORKING DAY. 18 de Abril, Viernes Santo = SATURDAY TIMETABLE 19 de Abril, Sábado = SATURDAY TIMETABLE 20 de Abril, Domingo de Pascua = SATURDAY TIMETABLE 21 de Abril, Lunes de Pascua = SATURDAY TIMETABLE Monday 28th = SATURDAY TIMETABLE 1st May like a Saturday timetable but the leave from S.Pola at 22.05 and the leave from Alicante at 23.00 will be cacelled.

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TILING SPECIALIST (your choice of tiles for the garden or house).

All types of

BUILDING WORK undertaken UNDERBUILD CONVERSIONS (you choose what you want.

1, 2, 3 bedrooms or just 1 large room for your own home cinema).

Coral & Serena terrace extensions.

Bring your terrace foreward gives more room Auroras & Albas Terrace extensions FROM SMALL TERRACES TO

LARGE EXTENSIONS All work guaranteed!

Give SOL a call on 606 818 442 or E-mail solbuilders@hotmail.co.uk