Gran Alacant Advertiser Jan 2010

S

S A AY E LW E A FR

Inside FREE PULL OUT GRAN ALACANT CALENDAR

Well, another year begins.

We hope you had a good time ringing in the New Year and are not suffering too much from hangovers.

We still have the 6th January to look forward to, where there will be parades all over Spain on the evening of the 5th. The Santa Pola parade starts at 7pm, well worth a visit.

Our printer shut down for 2 weeks over Christmas. We thank all of our advertisers and contributers for getting all changes and copy to us a week earlier than usual.

Have a good month

Barry & Sandra

PLEASE REMEMBER After our initial deliveries to over 100 outlets, we do top up during the month at:“Euronics”, Quicksave and the “Phoenix Restaurant”.

Please let us know by the 14th of every month if you would like any changes to your advert

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JUST A NOTE: We do provide all of our advertisers with FREE design work and therefore ask that this work not be supplied and used by other publications.

WHAT’s INSIDE

News GASP Theatre Group 8 Beauty Page 16 Emails 35/38 Roundup of News in 2009 36/37 Pullout Calendar 45 Tourist Info 46 Lawyers Page 47 Xmas Market in Santa Pola 51 G.A. Darts 52 Santa Pola Town Hall 54 Santa Pola Football 55 G.A. Football 58/59 G.A. Bowls 60 G.A. Vet 60/61 Local Forums 62/63 El Clot 64 Wordsearch 65 Suduko 66 K9 pets 67/68/69 Buses 70 Alicante map 71 Santa Pola map 72 Gran Alacant map 4/5/59 6

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

Made it really difficult!!!

Last month she was at Santa Pola football ground.

PROBABLY the BEST ADVERTISING PRICES ON THE COSTAS 35 euro per month for a 90mm x 60mm advert

55 euro per month for a 128mm x 92mm advert 95 euro per month for a 153mm x 202mm advert

We only distribute locally.

Do not waste your advertising money having your adverts in magazines distributed miles away from your business.

Advertising with us, puts your business on our map at the back of the magazine, and most importantly, shows your future customers where to find you.

The ONLY magazine, compiled, produced and printed, locally in Gran Alacant/Santa Pola, to best target your cliental.

Add to our printed copies, free advertising on our website, where your potential clients can read the whole magazine in page turning software (the first magazine in the area to provide you with this free service) Why would you advertise anywhere else.

For a free quote contact Barry or Sandra on Home phone: 966 699 167 (answerphone available) or Email: laneinspain@hotmail.com or read the whole magazine on our website at www.granalacantadvertiser.com

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

Firstly, a Happy New Year to all of our readers and advertisers who have supported our magazine throughout 2009, thank you.

This January edition of the magazine had to be printed before Christmas, so please take that into account with our news stories and pictures, which may not be too up to date.

The work on GA still continues at a pace. The Park is well underway and also the new fence work along the edge of El Clot.

Both of these projects are major, and we feature them on our front cover, and hope that everyone will be happy with the finished results. The clot edge will be a nice walkway

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and we hope that people from all over GA will come to use it. It is still surprising how people up the hill do not come to the clot and people from down the hill do not visit the top. It’s such a shame, because there is so much to admire all over our urbanisation. The park is already looking great. By the time you read

this edition of our magazine, it should be near to completion. We have pics here, to show you

how it was progressing at the time of us going to print.

One suggestion put to us via our email section, is, we think, a great idea. Why not a cavalcade of nice trees, either side or down the middle of the road on the approach to our first roundabout, after the petrol station. We feel that perhaps the cost would not be to high, compared to some of the past projects.

Loreto will take this on board for discussion.

They may use a different tree, as some species stay in leaf for longer, they have to be careful about the variety of tree as some of them have flowers that make such a mess when they drop.

Your suggestions are always considered.

Another idea up for discussion!....would you like the chance to have an allotment. The Town Hall have noticed the two secret gardens in our magazine and wonder whether residents would like a fenced off piece of land, divided into plots, for the opportunity to grow your own flowers and/or vegetables. The school children could also visit the plots to see what can be grown.

If you would be interested, please email or phone us at the magazine, so that we can forward the feedback to Loreto.

Three new big projects for the start of next year, which funding is all set up for, is to complete the filling in of the sports centre and to expand the outside area for other sports, as we mentioned in an earlier issue.

The new market site will begin and also the developing of the area from the post office

roundabout and along past the farmacia on down towards the beach.

This is the last year that the local Town Hall will be able to start big projects without the say so from central Government. Next year there will be many smaller projects on GA. The Town Hall (in answer to an email to us) will be more prudent with next years spending and will not resort to borrowing money from the banks to finance projects.

Another project for next year, in Santa Pola, is to bring much of the workings in the Town Hall up to date, particuarly with the replacement of the old computer system. This will be financed by Central Government.

Many of the tree lined areas on Gran Alacant are now being supplied with an irrigation system which will cost a total of 18,700 euro.

Surprising how much money some of these things cost!

We have been asked, Why is there fencing by the Masa office on the road to the school.

Masa have been asked by the Town Hall to tidy up this area and fence it off, to keep it from looking untidy. We asked if the other contentious area on GA with the same problem, going down the beach hill on the left hand side is also going to be tidied and fenced off, hopefully this is going to happen!!

Again we mentioned the roundabout at the bottom of Maxcoop hill, that needs landscaping. This, as was said before, is the responsibility of MASA the builder, so still

continued on page 59

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ROOMS TO LET for NEWS FROM GASP No firm date has yet been fixed for 'Habeus Corpus' but we are still looking for a date in early April.

However, rehearsals are progressing apace despite interruptions for holidays etc.

We are still in need of people to help out backstage but more importantly we are looking for new members who wish to 'tread the boards' experience is not a necessary qualification - encouragement, training and help will be given.

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But one thing is for sure - we can guarantee you an interesting and worthwhile hobby.

Professional people in the village of Valverde Private pool Wireless internet 10 mins from airport â‚Ź100 per week 966 638 340 or 615 678 563

Still interested? Then come along to the Salas Municipales in Santa Pola Life Resort every Monday and Wednesday - 7.30 pm a warm welcome guaranteed!

David Ashley - President. 966697746 and 628774461

MAKE

MODEL

YEAR

PRICE

50cc YAMAHA AEROX 2001 €1,000 €800 YAMAHA AEROX 2004 €700 KYMCO VITALITI 2004 PIAGGIO NGR 2002 €800 ----------------------------------------------------CLASSICS MONTESA 300CC 1983 €1,200 OSSA COMERCIAL 1960 €3,500 OSSA DESSERT PHAN 1974 €2,000 ----------------------------------------------------MINI MOTOS POLINI GP-2-H2O 2006 €1,100 €600 POLINI 910-AIRE 2006 STAMAS REPLICA 2009 €1,900 ----------------------------------------------------CROSS TRAIL & ENDURANCE BIKES GAS-GAS XTX-PRO 2005 €3,000 GAS-GAS XTX-CONTAT 1996 €1,800 BETA TECNO 1999 €1,900 ----------------------------------------------------BUGGIES & QUADS YAMAHA RAPTOR 2004 €2,990 YAMAHA WARRIOR 2005 €2,500 XILING NEW BUGGY NUEVO €3,500 PGO NEW BUGGY NUEVO €4,800 ----------------------------------------------------CUSTOM KYMCO ZING 2005 €1,600 ----------------------------------------------------ROAD BIKES HONDA CBR 1991 €2,300 APRILLA RSV-MILLE 1998 €3,500 HONDA VFR 1991 €3,000 DUCATI 900SS 1993 €7,000 HONDA CBR-1100XX 1997 €5,500 ----------------------------------------------------SCOOTERS PIAGGIO X-9 2002 €2,000 APRILLA ARRECIFE 2005 €1,500 -----------------------------------------------------

SPECIAL OFFER PRICE

€800 The 2 new buggies listed.

The PRICE INCLUDES.......... €900

€1,100 €1,500

.......1 Year GUARANTEE and REGISTRATION IN TRAFFICO

€2,200 €4,000

€5,000 €1,500

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Happy New Year Everyone,

Following on from Novembers edition. Other Complementary Therapies.

(Please note I do not practice the following therapies) Chiropractic.

A chiropractor manipulates the joints, in particular the spine in order to relieve pain. It works on the basis that pain is often caused by a nerve not functioning properly and thus the spine, through which the central nervous system runs, is the focus of the therapy. It is especially good for lower back pain.

Herbalism Herbalism is an ancient traditional medicine, that is now considered “traditional medicine” it is the use of plants, normally the whole plant to make herbal remedies.

Homeopathy.

Homeopathy treats like for like. By using minute doses of the bacteria, virus or substance which has caused the problem. (For example, cat hair in a remedy for an allergy to cat hairs) the treatment builds up the clientʼs resistance and immunity to the problem, bacteria or substance.

Iridology By studying the irises (the coloured part of the eyes) of a client and noting any changes, iridologists can diagnose physical and psychological problems.

Kinesiology This is a holistic treatment that focuses on testing the muscles and energy meridians to discover and then treat the bodyʼs imbalances on all levels, chemically, energetically, physically and mentally. Using different positions and applications of pressure to the limbs, the Kinesiologist can determine whether there are energy blocks in the body and correct them through firm massage. Kinesiology is preventative and, like many complimentary therapies, aims to treat the whole person.

Thatʼs all for now folks. Next month I will continue with other complimentary therapies.

See you then Dott

"Remedial Therapy” (sports flexibility) now available on Mondays by Eda Happy New Year to everyone

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CERAMICAS

BUILDING MATERIALS

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

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Costa Blanca lawyers is on the new commercial estate, just off the N332 on the way to Guardamar

in La Marina

La Marina..La Marina..La Marina.

115.000 Euro

T2321

Residing within an approximate five minutes walk to amenities is this superb Lola property comprising of living room, independent kitchen, two bedrooms, refurbished bathroom, utility room, storage shed. This property is being offered fully furnished.

115.000 Euro D2350

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

A superb opportunity to acquire a model Salada semi-detached consisting of fully glazed entrance porch, living room, kitchen, galleria, two bedrooms, refurbished bathroom. The property is being offered fully furnished.

A detached model Lola situated in a quiet cul-de-sac comprises of glazed entrance porch, living room, newly fitted kitchen, two bedrooms, extended bathroom, 6 x 3 private swimming pool.

Being offered fully furnished.

130.00 Euro

D2344

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DIVORCE, SEPARATION AND CHILDREN It´s been a tough year for many. The Credit Crunch has played havoc with peoples lives leading to a downturn in business, loss of jobs and that all too well know pressure on a marriage or relationship.

January is notorious for being the month of separation, the stress of couples being together over the Christmas and New Year period is often enough to break an already fragile relationship.

The difficulty as we move into 2010 is that there are the added pressures of the economic climate.

Separation is no longer just a question of dividing the assets and moving on. The primary asset in any relationship is often the home. Due to the property slump it is difficult to sell and this leaves further financial burden with one party probably living in the property and the other effectively homeless or without the means to resolve their living accommodation.

If anyone tells you that the English Courts cannot deal with property in Spain – don´t believe them.

It can and is in many divorces, providing that those that are dealing with the issue know what they are doing.

For anyone contemplating separation it is essential that they consider the implications of their actions. Be aware of your situation and entitlement. Please try where possible to resolve as many financial issues as possible.

Many seem under the illusion that because they live in Spain they must divorce here. Others believe that either one or both p arties should have an English address to divorce in England. These two beliefs are blatantly wrong and ill founded.

Understanding the cross border laws and what can and cannot be done is a specialist subject and should only be dealt with by those with experience in such issues. Whether you should divorce in Spain or England depends very much on your own personal situation. There are benefits to both systems but getting it wrong could prove costly.

One common thread to separation are the children, where they will live and what the law is in relation to parents being in different countries. Again advice is given in the hope that these issues can be resolved. Whilst EU law is clear, what is not are the practicalities of how it is actually implemented in different countries.

For those worried about their situation, wishing to discuss separation and the consequences in a foreign country then assistance is close at hand. At Costa Blanca Lawyers our FIRST CONSULTATION IS FREE. We will discuss and explain your options in a language you understand. We have to say that understanding often makes any separation easier.

If you wish to contact Costa Blanca Lawyers then please telephone 902 882 177 or email them at HYPERLINK "mailto:granalicant@costablancalawyers.com" granalicant@costablancalawyers.com please quote CL0209

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Swimming Pool, Restaurant, Cafeteria and Bowling Green.

All in the one area, behind Super Valu.

See map at the back of this magazine.

Already established as one of the most popular restaurants in Gran Alacant, due to it’s excellent, varied, and reasonably priced menu. El Rincón de Monte y Mar will be offering a Special Menu throughout the year available between 6pm and 11-30pm.

In the restaurant from Monday to Friday a

restaurant

cafe

Special lunch menu for only 8€.

This consists of a mixed salad, starter, main course and a sweet.

Plus coffee and a half bottle of wine, or an alternative drink, per person.

In the evenings in the restaurant we have

Special Evening menu for only 10€.

bowling green

The same menu as above, plus an apertiser.

Special in the restaurant or the cafeteria: Hamburger, chips and a drink for only 5€.

The cafeteria is open all day for breakfasts, tapas, snacks, baguettes, sandwiches etc, all at reasonable prices.

There is music and dancing every Saturday night.

For enquiries or bookings please phone: 966 697 897 / 966 697 483 For bowling green information please phone: 696 18 60 20

summer pool

terrace

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Poem for the month, from our

phantom poet

Christmas has passed a bright New Year waits, diaries filling up with those important dates.

Easter eggs are out again get earlier each year, gone up in price again they seem to be quite dear.

Brochures to look at holidays to book, spring clothes in the shops must go down to have a look.

Then all those bank holidays one goes and there’s another, summer days those barmy nights got to find a lover.

Autumn leaves falling off the trees, winter drawing near, soon homes will be filled with log fires and lots of Christmas cheer.

Let this New Year be lucky all your hopes and dreams come true, may happiness surround you in everything you do.

Hope this year is better then the one that’s gone before.

May you always see rainbows at every open door.

Let us have good health hold the world on a string, for when you have good health you have everything.

Happy New Year Two elderly ladies had been friends for many decades. Over the years they had shared all kinds of activities and adventures. Lately, their activities had been limited to meeting a few times a week to play cards.

One day they were playing cards when one looked at the other and said, 'Now don't get mad at me....I know we've been friends for a long time.....but I just can't think of your name!

I've thought and thought, but I can't remember it. Please tell me what your name is.'

Her friend glared at her. For at least three minutes she just stared and glared at her.

Finally she said, 'How soon do you need to know?'

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THURSDAY MARKET MAXCOOP

POST OFFICE

MUNICIPLE OFFICE, HEALTH CENTRE, LIBRARY

HOMEFINDERS, & DESTINATIONS

See Homefinders 2 page spread advert on pages 36/37

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Genuine emails to our magazine

Dear Barry and Sandra, We have a holiday home in GA (montymar)and visit as often as we can. We enjoy reading the magazine especially your news via Loretta. We are so pleased you have this excellent link up which seems to produce many good things for the area. The new trees, paths, landscaping, benches, parks, beach walkways, developments with El Clot etc. are wonderful. So much has been achieved over the last fews months alone; GA looks better each time we visit and we know it will get better still. A few questions that interest us:1. Earlier in the year we visited San Juan and were struck by the sight of so many beautiful Jacaranda trees - absolutely stunning. Could you please ask Loretta if we could possibly have some of these in GA? A (double) parade of these along the entrance to GA from the N332 past the Commercial Centre (MASA's previous site) to the roundabout would be wonderful for the residents and visitors to the area - it would make GA stand out as something very special. They are magnificent trees and I don't recall seeing many of them in the surrounding areas.

2. Do you know if are there any plans in the pipeline to landscape the way along the road from the new MASA sales office on the corner to the new school soon? The paths, benches and trees look great but it looks as if this area has been earmarked for wide landscaping.

3. We have enjoyed reading about and seeing the pictures of the Secret Garden.

Congratulations to everyone on such a fantastic initiative. They should be very proud of themselves. Can you tell us where it is and can anyone visit it?

Thank you both and keep up with the good work. Linda

Hello, Barry and Sandra, Thank you for your prompt response. I will be interested to know in due course how your next meeting with Loreto goes. She really seems to take on board the views of the GA residents and visitors and is effective in taking them up with the Town Hall.

Please convey to her how much we appreciate her assistance - we do not take it for granted - or indeed all your efforts in helping to make GA such a pleasant and evolving place . We are so fortunate to have this link up with the three of you.

Please feel free to print my email/name in your January issue.

With kind regards (and looking foward to our next break in GA on Dec 11)

Linda Mia

Dear Barry and Sandra, When you next meet Loreto our councillor, we wonder if you could ask if anything can be done about the smelly drains on Avd. Escandinavia near to Destinations bar and Tuttis restaurant , and also further up the road near the Pizza and Kebab shop and Los Flamencos restaurant.

It is part of living in Spain to sit outside at bars and restaurants, especially now to get a little winter sun while it lasts, but it is really bad every time a car passes over the sewers in the road, they rattle and then send off the foul smell, which is not very good when you are eating outside.

We feel sorry for the bar and restaurant owners especially now when not many visitors are here, it isn't easy for them trying to make a living, but the horrid smell really puts you off.

It does also get inside the buildings, so staying inside isn't necessarily the answer.

We would thank you in advance for any help that can be provided.

The Harvey Family (Permanent residents, Altomar II)

........I would guess that Santa Pola council has lost a lot of money due to the fall off (a cliff face) of the construction industry within the area and I assume that as in the Uk they will be receiving less Regional and Central Goverment funding........with this in mind has anything been reported locally re how the council will be coping with this......

John

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WE ARE HERE AT THE TOP OF THE STEPS

SCHOOL OOR AND NEXT D rsonal friendly and pe ce an attend

“CANDIES”

YOUR BOOK-SHOP DOWN THE HILL HAS A NEW OWNER OPEN EVERY DAY: 9am-2pm/ 3-6pm SAT-SUN : 9 am-2pm

FOREIGN NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES –

FAX SERVICE – INTERNET MOBILE RECHARGES – OFFICE AND SCHOOL MATERIAL – PHOTOCOPIES AT A LOW PRICE - SPANISH AND FOREIGN BOOKS – PRESENTS – CARDS – STAMPS – SWEETS AND MORE COMING SOON

GET YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE AND ORNAMENTS FROM US!!

WE ARE AT: Av. Noruega 174, Local 7, Centro Novamar. (in front of the school) TLF/FAX 966 699 940

TO MAXCOOP TO GA COMMERCIAL CENTRE

LEGAL & FISCAL ADVICE –

WE SPEAK ENGLISH, GERMAN, FRENCH AND SPANISH

SPANISH WILLS AND INHERITANCE – CONVEYANCING – NOTARIAL TRANSLATIONS FISCAL REPRESENTATION – ANNUAL TAX DECLARATIONS – NIE ASSISTANCE HEALTH AND GENERAL INSURANCES – CLAIM OF ACCIDENTS – CAR TRANSFERS AND MORE

VISIT US AND GET A FREE QUOTATION

WE ARE ALSO IN:C/ Concepción Nº6, 1ºA, 03181 Torrevieja www.martinezandballester.com Tlf: 965710353 / Fax 965710267 HYPERLINK "mailto:alacant@martinezandballester.com" alacant@martinezandballester.com HYPERLINK "mailto:rabesma@terra.es" rabesma@terra.es Tlf. 966 698 781; Tlf/Fax 966 699 078 SPECIAL OFFERS !!

URGENT LOANS!! We lend any amount of money with mortgage guarantee

Without proof of entries- We don ´t care about RAI / ASNEF IF YOUR BANK DOES NOT HELP YOU, WE DO.Tlf. 966 699 078/ 966 698 781/ 965 710 353 mail: HYPERLINK "mailto:alacant@martinezandballester.com" alacant@martinezandballester.com

Tel: John or Denise Hutt 966 198 902

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Sierra Mar

Live sports shown here Wed afternoons fun darts and dominoes Thurs 2.30 eyes down, 9.30 fun quiz Fri/Sat 9.30 Karaoke

Good food/pleasant atmosphere Friendly staff/varied menu Prime quality steaks/lamb/chicken/fish Homemade specialities all at reasonable prices.

Mixed grill 10€ inc vat Menu of the Day 12€ 5.30pm / 7.30pm Large choice of UNDER 10€ main meal Phone:- 966 699 429 SEE MAP ABOVE FOR LOCATION

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VOTED MOST POPULAR GA RESTAURANT BY THE GA PLAZA

Sierra Mar

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KITCHENS PLUS Flat Packs - Highest Quality Kitchen Doors - Massive range of sizes, colours & designs Worktops - New laminate look a like silestone & granite Appliances - All leading suppliers, inc free standing cookers Internal/External Doors - framed if required

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Breathe new life into your home and kitchen.

At a budget which suits you

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Your kitchen with new doors and worktops at minimum cost.

Free Quotation with no pushy salesmen.

FREE INSTALLATION on 2 door sliding wardrobes, plain or mirrored Max width 2m (shelving not included).

Your one stop shop for

Kitchens & Doors

34 Avda. Baleares Next to Los Arcos Restaurant Torrevieja

Phone: 965 712 754 Mobile: 697 590 807 Email: kitchensplus@hotmail.com

NEW YEAR SPECIAL OFFERS Hotpoint fan oven and hotpoint touch control hob worth 675€ FREE with every kitchen order over 3,800€ or £3,200!

Spend 500€ or more on kitchen cupboards or doors & receive FREE 3.6m laminate worktop in any colour!

GOOD RATES FOR STERLING CHEQUES

OPEN ALL DAY NO SIESTA - Saturdays by appointment to suit you FREE DESIGN - FREE DELIVERY - COMPLETE AFTERCARE SERVICE

A L L O F F E R S N O W AVA I L A B L E AT

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at the PLAZA MAYOR Complex Gran Alacant Above Super Valu

N332 to Santa Pola to Alicante

DARBYʼS ARE HERE. ALSO SEEMAYOR MAP AT PLAZA SQUARE BACK OF THIS MAGAZINE

January Specials

Fish & chips €5.00 - €6.00 - €10.00 8 Chicken nuggets and chips €3.95

NEW SUNDAY ROAST

1 course €6.50 2 courses €8.50 served with a glass of Wine, Beer, Fruit Juice or Water 3 sittings 12pm, 1.30pm, 3pm Booking recommended as space is limited.

To book a table and sitting, telephone 966 697

070

“JANUARY SALE” all groceries half marked price.

Open 7 days a week Monday - Thursday 4pm - 9pm Friday - Saturday 1.30pm - 10pm Sunday 12noon - 9pm 23

24

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MUNICIPLE OFF

THURSDAY MARKET

MAXCOOP

POST OFFICE

Two different businesses together in one area.

ARMONIA

PELUQUERIA Y ESTETICA

Patagonia Steakhouse for your food, and Armonia the hairdresser & beautician.

Patagonia Steak house also have a restaurant in the Sierra Mar section.

HAIRDRESSER & BEAUTICIAN

DESDE – SINCE 1982 UNISEX

UN NUEVO CONCEPTO EN PELUQUERIA

A NEW CONCEPT OF HAIRDRESSING

VEN, TE GUSTARA! COME & SEE

YOU´LL LOVE IT!

ENFRENTE DE – IN FRONT OF QUICKSAVE

TEL: 966 695 681

AVDA. ESCANDINAVIA 35, BLOQUE 7 LOCAL 10,

URB. GRAN ALACANT

Paddy Died His will provided £40,000 for an elaborate funeral.

As the last guests departed the affair, his wife Colleen turned to her oldest and dearest friend.

"Ah well, to be sure Paddy would be pleased," she said.

"To be sure you're right,"replied Mary, who lowered her voice and leaned in close.

"So go on, how much did this really cost?'" "All of it," said Colleen. "Forty thousand."

"Aw No!" Mary exclaimed. "I mean, it was very grand, but £40,000?!!!"

Colleen answered, "The funeral was £6,500. I donated £500 to church. The whiskey, wine and snacks were another £500.

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The rest went for the Memorial Stone."

FICE, HEALTH CENTRE, LIBRARY

THESE 2 BUSINESSES

SPORTS CENTRE

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Nobody will ever win the battle of the sexes. There's too much fraternizing with the enemy.

28

The village idiot calls Easyjet to book a flight.

The operator asks "How many people are flying with you ?"

He replies "I don't know! Its your plane!"

Why ... do banks leave both doors open and then chain the pens to the counters.

get A to B

NEED TO GET AROUND? Local Gran Alacant â‚Ź5 All other areas covered.

Cheap, fast, efficient & reliable.

Tel Paul: (0034) 676 316 319

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By the time a women realizes her mother was right, she has a daughter who thinks she's wrong.

Top quality paint work good prices Internal and external Tel Alan 966 699 453 or 606 596 723

Two Ropes

Two ropes walk in to a bar, one rope calls the bartender

and says "Barkeep, let me get a couple of beers." The

bartender says "I'm sorry we dont serve ropes in here."

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Frustrated the ropes walk out and, since this was the only bar in town,

ackra_rem@hotmail.com

ackra_rem@hotmail.com

they thought about it a little while when finally one rope says "I've got an

idea." So he gets him self into a bind and frizzles his ends and walks back into the bar and says "Barkeep, can I get a couple of beers."

The barkeep says "Sure, but aren't you those same two ropes that

came in here earlier?" The rope answers "Nope, I'm a frayed knot."

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SOLD Urb: Altomar II GA0026 Apartment, top floor, 2 bed, 1 bath, fully furnished, large solarium, sea views and 3 com swimming pools

Urb: Altomar II GA0002 Apartment ground floor corner, 3 bed, 1 bath, fully furnished, large garden, aircon/heating and 3 communal pools 120,000 euro

Urb: Brisamar GA0104 Duplex, corner, 2 bed, 2 bath, terrace, solarium, furnished, tennis courts and com pool.

Gated community

Urb: Altomar I GA0112 Duplex, 3 bed, 3 bath, fully furnished, sea views, south facing, garden, private parking, tennis courts and communal pool 130,000 euro

Urb: Puerto Marino GA0068 Duplex, 2 bed, 2 bath, fully furnished, large terraces, garden, a/c heating, com pool and close to amenities

Urb: Sue単o Azul GA0150 Apartment, top floor, 2 bed, 1 bath, fully furnished, 2 terraces, views of communal pool. Gated community. Top GA 95,000 euro

Urb: Monte y Mar GA0057 Bungalow, 2 bed, 2 bath, fully furnished, large solarium, private parking, A/C heating, fire place and communal pool on 1 floor 133,950 euro

Urb: Monte y Mar GA0145 Detached villa, 3 bed, 3 bath, fully furnished, private pool, plot 400 m2, south facing A/C heating.

Bottom GA 265,000 euro

98,000 euro

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135,000 euro

120,000 euro

Urb: Puerto Marino GA0005 Bungalow, detached, 2 bed, 2 bath, furnished, solarium, aircon/ heating, communal swimming pool and parking 158,000 euro

Urb: Brisamar GA0016 Duplex, corner, 2 bed, 2 bath, Aircon/heating, solarium, furnished, tennis courts and com pool.

Gated community 125,000 euro

Urb: Don Pueblo III GA0109 Duplex, 2 beds, 2 bath, huge basement/BED 3, furnished, fireplace, tennis courts and com pool. Gated community 160,000 euro

Urb: Monte y Mar GA0130 Duplex, 2/3 bed, 2 bath, fully furnished, basement/bed 3, A/C heating, sea views, communal pool.

Top GA 135,000 euro

SOLD Urb: Mediterrano II GA0047 Duplex, 2 bed, 2 bath, fully furnished, walk to beach, com pool, private parking, A/C Gated complex. Bottom GA 169,950 euro

Urb: Novamar III GA0024 Duplex, corner, 3 bed, 2 bath, views, fully furnished, tennis courts and communal pool.

Gated complex 195,000 euro

Urb: Novamar VI GA0105 Apartment, top floor, 2 bed, 2 bath, furnished, large terrace, SOLARIUM, com pool, private parking. Gated community 145,000 euro

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Why ......do we leave cars worth thousands of pounds in the driveway and put our useless junk in the garage.

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0 2

A roundup of the news we The month of January started with the news of large amounts of money based on the number of people on the padron, to be used for improvements on our Urbanisation of Gran Alacant.

We had pictures of the new roundabout by the post office, and of the new sewage works between Gran Alacant and Santa Pola. A grant for new equipment for our library was obtained, buying computer equipment.

The prestigious Santa Pola marathon took top place for February and news of a park to be created on Gran Alacant. A long list of projects to begin during the forthcoming year were announced.

In March we showed plans of the long awaited proposed Golf Course. Also pictured were plans of the first park to be built on Gran Alacant.

area. Also we told of the new projects in hand for our Urbanisation to the value of 4.5 million euro.

July is when we first mentioned the new tram stop for Gran Alacant.

We had pictures of the plans for the re siting of our Thursday market. The 4km of new pathway began, as did the beginning of building a temporary church in a residential area was to get underway.

August is when trees started to appear along the new pathways and we were told that eventually we would also have benches and litter bins. There was talk of supplying new bus stops with seating areas after discussions with Baile buses.

In April the Gran Alacant football club was born. All traces of the old temporary school were taken away, and we had pictures of our beaches being cleared in readiness for the summer.

In our September issue our front cover showed the first of the new beach walkways. It was announced that we were to have a second school built, plus a new health centre. Work was set to begin on the new park and in Santa Pola the World Windsurfing Championships took place.

June is when we were first shown the plans for the new street maket area, to move the present site away from our dense housing

November front cover showed the Biatholan in Santa Pola, yet another prestigious event coming to our area. We showed pictures

The May edition showed pictures of the two viewing areas that have been created and we had news of the new football and theatre group which we gave our support to.

October saw pictures of the second secret garden, fiestas in Santa Pola and news of the World Windsurfing Championships, held in Santa Pola.

35

9 0

brought to you during 2009 of the new landscaping by El Clot and of the closing in of the sports centre. Photos showed the new benches and litter bins along the 4km stretch of new paving.

In December we rounded off the year with news of the tram coming to GA and pictures of the tree planting. We also printed the first pictures of the new park.

Throughout the year of 2009 we brought you regular articles on the

GA darts scene GA football club Santa Pola football Monte Mar bowls club articles about El Clot GASP GA theatre group finance page beauty page lawyer page motoring page computer page tourist information local vet K9 pets bus timetables

wordsearch Sudoku maps to help you around the area in Gran Alacant, Santa Pola and Alicante......and of course, all of the jokes, thanks to all who have sent them in to us for publication.

38

Our little dog was with us every month, not only on the front page, but hidden away in the magazine

each month for you to find.

We really have enjoyed bringing you all this news and more, during the course of the year. We are told that there is even more progress on Gran Alacant to tell you about in the coming year. Wouldn始t it be great to one day tell you that work on the golf course has started!!!!

It始s hard to believe that next month celebrates five years of our magazine, 60 editions and everyone of them delivered on time. We have never missed a publication date.

We must give thanks to out printer in Santa Pola, Bailen. We are the only local magazine that is printed locally in the Gran Alacant Santa Pola catchment area. Thanks to them for all of their help and expertise.

We have wonderful support from so many loyal advertisers, some of whom have been with us for the whole 60 editions.

Thanks also for all of the help from the Santa Pola Town Hall, particuarly the Councillor of Gran Alacant, Loreto Cascales.

Anything we ask of her is acted upon straight away and she has been so much help in imparting to you, all of the future plans for us all.

Here始s to all of the news in 2010 !!!!

WELCOME to QUESADA Turn left just before these Arches

39

We at the magazine wish all of our advertisers at the Carabasi Bars a very happy New Year.

We thank them for their continued support and wish them all well in 2010.

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41 43

We wish you all a happy and healty 2010 and hope to welcome you all back after our holidays , Alain, Kelly, Lorena, Jan and Anouchka.

We are closed from 01/01/2010 till 15/01/2010

42

The family run Official Irish bar & restaurant.

We would like to start by saying a Very Happy New Year to all our staff and our very loyal customers and thank you for your support in 2009.

If you rang in the New Year with us we hope you had a night to remember and if you wish to keep the memories we have a DVD of the night for sale.

I would like to take this opportunity to say a very big thank you to Terry, Linda and everybody involved in the Terryoke show. The Terryoke nights will be continuing in the New Year every Wednesday and Saturday nights and much more in the coming year.

In the monthly edition of the Gran Alacant Advertiser we said we would do better if we could so, this month we are proud to announce that we have a new and exciting Irish menu with modern day cooking and is being introduced by Gavin our new Irish Chef. He guarantees that you will never be bored eating out at O’Duills, the menu’s will change daily.

This will start at 10am every morning with O’Duills exciting Breakfast menu, you can also join our breakfast club.

Lunchtime is also going to be an exciting time to eat with us, with Homemade Soups and O’Duills Guiness Brown Bread.

Chefs special sandwich board, O’Duills Menu del Dia will be like no other for value and innovation.

Our New A La Carte menu includes healthy choices and imaginative vegetarian dishes.

Don’t forget Friday is Fish `n’ Chips day with our own "Guiness Batter"

If it’s on our menu it’s cooked in our Kitchen.

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44

Hello everybody, In January the 5th we have parades for the Three Kings in every corner on the Costa Blanca.

In Santa Pola it will take place on the 5th, of course, at 7 pm. But before on the 2nd you can attend to a concert at the Culture House .

I hope you have enjoyed, at least, one of the many cribs on display. In Elche is on display one of the biggest cribs in the world till 6th of January,. As you may know in Torrevieja there is another beautiful one. If you happen to go to Alicante, pop in at the Diputación, and have a look at the master pieces they have there.

In Cañada next to Villena, they make a performance of the birth and the arrival of the Three Kings to bring presents to Jesus, is real theatre carried out by amateurs. This event is declared of national tourist interest.

If you want to enjoy one of the best parades for the Three Kings you have to go to Alcoy, is the oldest in Spain and I am going to use one expression that and English man told me a few years ago “It was magic”.

To finish I would like to remind you about the Half Marathon, it will take place on Sunday 24th at 10:30 a.m., If you have not seen yet, do please come and enjoy the atmosphere, In my opinion is absolutely fantastic, the day before on Saturday afternoon you can also enjoy the fun race for children, we called Mini-Marathon last year more than 1200 children took part in it.

Bye-bye .

for further information please ring: 966 692 276

Here at the magazine we have the programme of the entertainment from January 2nd - January 6th.

January 2nd - Concert of the New Year by the Levantina Choral - Casa de Culture 7pm - limited entry.

January 3rd - Educative factories on Gran Alacant - 11.30am - 2pm

January 4th - Arrival of the Real Paje - leaves Palmeral Park Santa Pola 7pm

January 5th - Cavalcade of the Kings - exit Palmeral Park 7pm

January 6th - Inflatable attractions in the public square 12 noon - 6pm

45

46

So many nice things are provided by our Council for all festivities.

Pictures below from the Santa Pola Castillo in early December.

47

Only 5 minutes from Gran Alacant.

Take the N332 towards Alicante. The first right signed El Altet takes you to a roundabout. Take the first exit.

When you arrive at the first set of traffic lights turn left for Eurocars.

The Royal British Legion Gran Alacant Branch meets the 1st Tuesday of every month in the Norwegian Club, Sierra Mar Urbanisation next to “Not Just Desserts�.

However the next meeting will be held on the 2nd Tuesday in January 2010 due to the 6th of January being a Public Holiday.

After a very successful Poppy Appeal the branch are now planning events for next year with a day trip in February and a Dinner Dance in May. Everyone is welcome to join and you do not have to have served in the Armed Forces to become a member.

We look forward to seeing you there.

For further information contact Brian Hunt, Chairperson on 639971371 or email secretarybr3606@gmail.com

48

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Why .....do Tesco's make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front.

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Gran Alacant Darts 2009/10 Up-to and including 7th Dec 2009Please Text All Results To Simon On 659784059

51

A MESSAGE FROM OUR TOWN HALL in SANTA POLA to the people of SANTA POLA and GRAN ALACANT. CAMPAIGN OF AWARENESS ABOUT CLEANLINESS DOGS OR THEIR OWNERS? It is usual to walk in the streets of our town and find some “gifts” in flower beds, gardens and on the pavement. We know that the “gift” comes from a dog whose owner has taken for a walk for that purpose.

We have to say that there are many dogs’ owners who take responsibility for their animals’ excrements. They collect them to deposit them in a bin.

This warning is addressed to the owners who do not take responsibility for collecting their dogs’ excrements or who allow them to urinate on building façades, except on theirs.

We must inform you that this town hall is intensifying the watchfulness, seeing that some citizens do not take care of our streets, squares and gardens, mainly in black spots where it is usual to find excrements. Any offender may be fined between 100 and 3000 euros, apart from the cost of cleaning up the damages.

Our cleaning ordinance says like this: Article 23.- The owners of the animals are directly responsible for damages to people and things as well as for any dirt action in public areas. When being absent the responsibility will lie in the person who is walking the animal when the action is produced.

As a compulsory hygienic measure, the people walking dogs or other animals in public streets are forced to prevent them from passing stools in any of the areas designated for pedestrians’ way.

Article 24.- Because of healthiness, animals are not allowed to pass urine and stools on pavements, in flower beds, green spaces, earthy spaces and other elements of the public street designated for the way, stay or play of citizens. Collecting excrements is the owner or person in charge’s obligation.

I think giving a good image of our town is in the hands of all of us. The town hall can watch and make obey the ordinances. Citizens, we can make ourselves aware that the street is another part of our home and we must look after it and ask the others the same. When we achieve this, we will be able to feel proud of walking in our streets and be able to direct our efforts and resources to other actions and projects which improve our village and our way of life.

With the collaboration of all of us, we will be able to have a cleaner, healthier, more inhabitable city and so make Santa Pola a tourist reference point.

Help us not to fine.

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53

LOCAL FOOTBALL...LOCAL FOOTBALL...LOCAL FOOTBALL...LOCAL FOOTBALL...LOCAL FOOTBALL...LOCAL FOOTBALL...LOCAL FO

Santa Pola Football Club Santa Pola C.F.

by Kevin Rendell

A stop start end to 2009 for ‘Pola

Mid-way through December with just a couple of fixtures remaining in 2009, Santa Pola appear to have weathered their autumn storm, stabilised the ship and put their pretty dismal November behind them.

A useful and very welcome three points on the road at Orihuela B was followed by a

54

brilliant win by the odd goal in seven at home to Benisa, possibly the best team ʻPola have faced this season, either home or away. A week later, the squad travelled to Javea to take on the local side of the same name, on a truly shocking, wet and damp Sunday afternoon, Javea did just enough to claim all three points with a narrow 2-1 win.

Unfortunately, as Christmas approached, so too did the gaps in the calendar, denying our local favourites the opportunity to make amends. The Javea defeat was followed by a free weekend and a two week wait to get back into competitive action. In total, Santa Pola C.F., in common with every other Preferente Group 4 side, only took part in two league fixtures throughout December. Just as the English Premiership geared up for the traditional frantic festive season, culminating in a potential FA Cup third round banana skin in early January, Spanish football at all levels, began to wind down. From December 20th through

to January the 3rd, no games took place, ideal for players to rest niggles and recharge the batteries, much less so for impatient fans.

2010 - High hopes and a return home.

Santa Pola, who have used two different “home” grounds during the season to date, will at long last return to their spiritual home at the Estadio Municipal Manolo Macia. After a six month absence, remodelling work began in June last year; the team come back to familiar surroundings at long last. Having said that, for most of the squad the stadium bears little semblance to that which they left at the end of season 2008/09 in May. Speaking personally, Iʼve really missed match days there, it just has a kind of

feeling that itʼs where football should be taking place, an enclosed stadium, an immaculate and vast natural grass surface, covered seating and the pitch itself surrounded by a running track. Iʼve had the privilege of visiting numerous local grounds during the season to date, and however well I am looked after by the host club, for example C.D.Thader de Rojales, U.D. Horadada or C.D. Alone de Guardamar, there really is no place like home.

Unfortunately, and in spite of the kindness of their fans and club officials, the first home game of 2010 at the Manolo Macia looks like being against U.D. Horadada. The 2007/08 champions have got off to a flying start this season and will, for certain, be formidable opponents.

Thirteen games into their campaign, Horadada sit four points clear of the pack

OOTBALL...LOCAL FOOTBALL...LOCAL FOOTBALL...LOCAL FOOTBALL...LOCAL FOOTBALL...LOCAL FOOTBALL...LOCAL FOOTBALL...

with a solitary defeat on their record.

Clearly an excellent test of the Santa Pola

HYPERLINK "http://www.granalacantplaza.eu/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=81" http:// www.granalacantplaza.eu/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=81

January 2010 schedule SANTA POLA C.F.

HOME 03.01.2010 U.D.Horadada AWAY 10.01.2010 Jove Espanol AWAY 17.01.2010 Albatera HOME 24.01.2010 Thader AWAY 31.10.2010 Pinoso

play off and title aspirations, to be the best you have to beat the best! For full details and confirmation of the early 2010 fixtures, pay careful attention to the Gran Alacant Plaza website where I am a frequent contributor to the dedicated Sports Forum

Of the five fixtures scheduled for January, two stand out immediately, the first game of the year at home to Horadada and the visit of Thader. Towards the end of the month Santa Pola visit Pinoso, now managed by their former coach Anselmo Serrano and featuring ex player Hugo.

GRAN ALACANT FOOTBALL CLUB GAFC are still training on tuesdays at 20.30 in Santa Pola and we are currently looking for dedicated players 30+ to come along and play.

We still are on the lookout for a qualified coach that would give some time to the team.

At present we are playing in a 7-a-side league but our aim for next year is to compete in an 11-a-side league Please keep a lookout for future fund raisers and raffles in early 2010.

Thankyou for your continued support and a very big thankyou to all those players who have given 100% to the team.

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

Please contact either Richard 676779273 or Claire 660339927.

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During the off season Dive Academy will be offering discounts and have already been involved with a dive club which meets every Tuesday evening in Gran Alacant. So if you're looking for a new challenge in the new year-jump in! Scuba Diving just might change your life!"

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Our shop is just a few steps from the Post Office in Santa Pola, with a coffee shop next door.

We are on the Santa Pola map at the back of this magazine.

57

Monte Mar Bowls and Social Club – Sponsored by Super Valu

Club Charity Week

Monte Mar Winter Triples League – Sponsored by 121 Car Hire

Between 20th and 27th January we will once again be holding our Annual Charity Week, when we aim to raise as much as possible for four worthy charities, including the Poppy Appeal, the Red Cross and Cancer Charities.

We are now just over one-third of the way through the season and Chris, Ted, Val and Pauline have only dropped one point so far. They had another good win this week and still lead the table by one point.

During that week, on Saturday 23rd January, we are holding a Charity Fun Day at the club when all residents and visitors are invited to come to our club and have a go at bowling for fun.

There were good wins this week too for Pepe, Ian and Marilyn; Barrie, Pauline and Danny; Lynne, Pat and Brian; Harry, Mike and Rita and not least The Scribe, Les and John.

There will be a number of experienced players and coaches in attendance, tuition will be given, and bowls and shoes provided.

Monte Mar Bowls and Social Club – Sponsored by Super Valu

There are still only seven points covering the top half of the table, and with fourteen matches left, it is really turning out to be a good competitive league.

Other Club News The Clock is Ticking – a Gift from Avalon At our recent Club Fun Night and Dinner evening held at the Rincon Restaurant, our good friend Roger Brierley of Avalon Funeral Services, and his lovely wife Sandra were guests of the club.

During the course of the evening, and on behalf of himself and Avalon, Roger presented the Club Chairman Mike Farrelly with a new exterior clock, which now has pride of place at greenside.

The club are very grateful for the excellent partnership they have with Avalon, and in particular with Roger, who with Sandra are always very welcome at our club.

58

Photograph below shows Roger presenting the clock to Mike.

Everyone will be invited to take part in a lighthearted bowling obstacle course competition, with all proceeds being donated to charity.

There will also be a tabletop sale held in the clubhouse, so you can also pick up some bargains!

Make a date to come and visit us, you won’t be disappointed.

Coaching School Club coaching, conducted by Bill Young will

recommence on Sunday mornings In January.

Existing and prospective new members are invited to contact Bill on 966796851, or E-mail to HYPERLINK "mailto:info@montemarbowls.com" info@montemarbowls.com If you have never bowled before come along, you may surprise yourself.

carried forward from page 5 waiting.

What is the fencing at the side of the road, on the coast road to Santa Pola? we asked. This is an area of land that has nothing to do with the Town Hall, it belongs to the Coastal Authorities, and is to stop cars parking in that area.

Parking outside the school is still a problem for some residents in the area. It is hoped that workers at the school will be more responsible and not leave their cars all day outside residents houses.

The new bus station in Santa Pola is at a standstill after human remains were found in the area. If these are historic, the project could be held up for a while. Loreto rang for a start date, but was told no date could be given until the matter had been resolved.

Prospective Members Our club is not solely about bowling, as we have an active social side to our club, with weekly Quiz and Bingo nights, monthly dinner dances, and excursions both single and multi-day to various parts of Spain.

Scribe

in hand. The area by the new childrens playground towards the school, is next on the agenda, followed by the area beyond this, on the other side of the road. So bit by bit, it is happening. It was, again in our emails, brought to our attention, the smelly drain problem along Avenida Escandinavia outside the bars opposite the Council Offices and further up the road opposite the new viewing area. Sitting outside bars eating and drinking in these areas, patrons have to contend with nasty smells as the drain covers are lifted slightly as cars pass over them, Loreto has noted this problem and will speak to the company concerned to try and sort out the problem.

Tuesday 15th December saw the first snow arrive on the mountain tops, seen from Gran Alacant.

A note for your diary, the 24th January,is the Santa Pola 1/2 marathon. Turn up and give the runners your support.

The landscaping question 2 in our emails are

59

HOW WE ADOPTED OUR DOG We have a dog whose name is Pufo. He is a very nice Britton Spaniel male.

We found him 3 years ago, in Christmas time, and here is how it happened: Like every year in Christmas we went on holidays with our daughters to Aragón, at the north of Spain, for spending a few days in a country house placed in a very small village (population: about 50 people). When we arrived, Christmas day in the afternoon, the very first alive being which came to welcome us was a very nice and friendly hunting dog, and we immediately thought he belonged to the guests house, but, when requested, they answered the dog had appeared at the village 2 days ago, and since then he was trying to make friends with everybody, but, as far as they knew, he had no owner.

Every time we were going for a walk, he followed us running and jumping, so our daughters started asking us if he was “our” dog. Our big daughter offered him a little bit of her breakfast cereals, and a piece of the steak she ate that evening. The dog slept outdoors (dogs were not allowed in the house), at the vestibule of an abandoned house. The temperature that night was about -7ºC. I thought the following day he probably won’t be there, but there he was, waiting for us.

We asked the people at the only bar of the village (which also worked as the village library!), and nobody knew anything about the dog, and nobody was claiming for him. The girls insisted several times on adopting the dog, and the second night of our holidays we covered him with some towels (again -7ºC).

The following day, as we always recommend to our clients, we took him to the nearest practice in order to have him scanned by a colleague, and to find out if anybody had claimed for him. The closest

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60

as you would a daily newspaper.

practice was at Belchite (a famous village due to the ruins where time stopped in 1939, after a Franco’s troops bombing during our Civil War. Just type “Belchite” in Google and you’ll realize how was the life in Spain at the 30’s, and the Civil War horrors).

We closed our eyes while the microchip scanner was working, because he already had a new name, and the girls really wanted to adopt him. Fortunately, no microchip was found, and no claim or denuncia had been put! Anyway, according to the law, we gave our details to our colleague, just in case somebody was claiming for the dog within the following 10 days.

That night Pufo slept in our car.

From that moment he had a new name, collar, lead, dog food, and family.

Now, 3 years later, we go back to Aragón every Christmas, in order to let him enjoy country life and snow again. We don’t know exactly how old he is, because his teeth were broken, but we think he is about 10 now, because the fur at his face is becoming more and more white, but sometimes he runs and plays like a puppy.

We also don’t know the kind of life he had previous to the adoption, because, despite he is supposed to be a hunting dog, he is afraid of strong noises, fireworks, etc, and

he is not interested at all in chasing rabbits, birds or cats.

He hasn’t slept outdoors at -7ºC. Now he sleeps indoors (usually on a sofa), and he has a brand new brother since last year: our rescued cat called Gary, adopted from Asoka, an animal shelter in Alicante.

According to our experience adopting an adult dog is easier than a puppy, which already has lots of things to learn, and is difficult to guess how is he going to be when he becomes an adult.

There are lots of hunting dogs which are abandoned every year, normally because they are unable to hunt, but they may become excellent companion dogs.

We love our male dog (but, for some reason, most people think he’s a female).

Watch out for pine tree caterpillars! The season is starting in a few weeks!

Liliana Aldeguer Cerdán con nº 793 English translation by Sergio Reina Esteban col nº 747

s and all information, available to thousands of readers, in addition to our printed copies.

61

WHAT’S THAT IN THE CLOT?

by Mark Etheridge It’s coming up for that time of year again – no, I’m not referring to the Christmas and New Year festivities – but the season when some irritating fuzzballs are out and about causing havoc,

mayhem

and

queues

at

Accident and Emergency centres all over Spain.

Even

if

you

haven’t come across

them

yourself, you’ll probably have heard

the

horror stories, and you will know that Pine Processionary Caterpillars are not to be trifled with. In a country which has snakes, lizards, scorpions,

FARMACIA

there is nothing quite as fearsome as these creepy-crawlies.

Over the next two or three months they will be dropping out of their nests in pine trees and onto the streets,

on Gran Alacant

forming long bootlace threads as they

is open

some soft ground to burrow into as

follow each other in the search for

every day

they get ready to pupate. They develop

of the year

but it is the processions which cause

from 9am-9pm

62

mozzies and other assorted nasties,

into nondescript small brown moths, so much trouble.

Their defence mechanism is the small hairs which grow on their bodies.

These are well-nigh indestructible, and

see our Map of

if they get anywhere on you they will

Gran Alacant

may last for weeks if untreated. Dogs

cause a highly intense irritation which and other pets are also at high risk – if

they get these hairs on their bodies or paws they will try to lick them off, causing major damage to the tongue and mouth.

The hairs remain actively dangerous even after the caterpillar has been swatted, crushed, burned or trodden on. They will stay on your shoes and clothing and be carried into your house, they will float in the air after a fire, and they cannot be washed off clothing or hoovered off furniture easily.

The caterpillars have few natural predators – Hoopoes will eat them occasionally, but it takes so long for the birds to strip them of their hairy bits that they don’t bother that often. There is a bird called the Greater Spotted Cuckoo which will eat them, but there are few around our part of Spain. Cold weather doesn’t work either, they can stay alive in temperatures of down to minus 6 degrees.

Suggested remedies against these little monsters include spraying the nests as soon as they are discovered with a 50/50 mix of water and bleach, but this doesn’t work when the caterpillars are about to go on the march.

More

drastic

remedies

include

shooting holes in the nests so that birds can get at them before the nasty hairs develop. The best advice is to stay well clear, keep children and dogs away from them, and pray that they don’t march in the direction of your front door, in which case call Seprona for help!

The picture is courtesy of Monica Navarro

who

writes

for

Iberianature.com.

See you next month.

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WORDSEARCH

WORDSEARCH

Words beginning with “Q” and “R” in Spanish and English

64

SUDOKU ANSWERS ON ALICANTE MAP PAGE

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 DOODLE AREA

Difficulty rating:easy Difficulty rating: hard

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For Adoption Libby and her 3 kittens

were abandoned by her

owner. She is 1 year old

and a very sweet,

friendly cat. She is

spayed and vaccinated.

This German Shepherd cross was seen wandering around a trading estate in

Dolores for a week before we found out

about him. He is a very attentive dog that just wants to be near you. He is seven

months old and easy to train. He loves all

people and children and will be a great house pet. We have named him Brody.

Layla was seen by a K9 Club

supporter running between cars

on the Motorway near at Elche.

We are amazed that she was

not killed by a speeding vehicle.

When she arrived at the vet

clinic she had a slight injury

below her eye but that is all.

She also had a tight piece of

chain around her neck that was

Lucy is a 2 year old Podenco cross.

She has been abandoned by her previous owners

and when contacted they didn't care what happened to her. She is a very loving dog,

difficult to remove. She is a

housetrained, microchipped and good with other

loveable, her tail is always

when the kennel was filling up it was decided to

approaches her.

became their best friend. She is very intelligent

Daschund cross and very

wagging when someone

She is approx 1 year old.

dogs, cats and children. Lucy loves company, so

try Lucy in a pen with three cats. She quickly

and a perfect companion, she dearly wants to be in a permanent home.

For more information please call 654027748 or 654628884 Email: k9club@lamarina.info

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To view more animals for adoption please go to: www.petsinspain.info

When on Gran Alacant let the bus take the strain.

Bus route on Gran Alacant THE BUS SERVICE ON THE ROUTE ABOVE, AROUND GRAN ALACANT, WILL BE RUNNING DURING THE WINTER. (It runs 1/2 hourly) Times may vary depending on demand for the service.

BELOW ARE THE BUS TIMES TO AND FROM THE AIRPORT via SANTA POLA, ARENALES, EL ALTET.

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68

WEEKDAYS SANTA POLA to ALICANTE

WEEKDAYS ALICANTE to SANTA POLA

69

SUNDAYS & FESTIVAL DAYS

SATURDAYS SANTA POLA to ALICANTE

SUNDAYS & FESTIVAL DAYS

SATURDAYS ALICANTE to SANTA POLA

S U D O K U

S O L U T I O N S

Below, and on the next page are maps of Alicante, and Santa Pola to help find your way around.

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Aquagest 24hr.............

902 250 170 Aeropuerto..................

969 919 000 Ayuntamiento-Gran Alacant.

966 692 276 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.....................

901 202 020 Local Police................

092 Local Police................

966 696 035 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..........................

900 103 104 Telefonica...................

1004

Map to help you to find your way around Santa Pola.

It also includes our advertisers

Sureste

Santa Pola's Casa de Cultura Theatre in Calle Elche

SANTA POLA FOOTBALL STADIUM

Santa Pola Diving Centre

1. McDonalds 2. Market and red cross bus stop 3. Main Elche street 4. Castillo 5. Town square 6. Tourist info Police station Town hall 7. Fishing port 8. Post Office

9. Tourist info 12. Salt Lake museum 13. Civic & Social Centre 15. Casa de Cultura 16. Lyneli hair 18 Santa Pola Marina.

19. Bailen

20. Aquarium 21. Suma Office 22. Public refuse tip 23. site for New swimming pool 24. Indoor market 27. Police station 28. Model boating lake

29. Pola Max shopping centre

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TOP-UP DELIVERY POINT Euronics

GA BOWLS CLUB

Vet GA Exotics Darby始s Chippy Monte Mar cafe & restaurant

PLAZA MAYOR

NEW PETANC AND CHILDRENS PLAY AREA

W NE

E CL CY

Y WA

.. .. ..

NT

. ....

ME AVE P &

EURONICS ELECTRICAL

CANDIES NEWSAGENT & MARTINEZ & BALLESTER LAWYER

..

.

CINEMA INN

TOP-UP DELIVERY POINT Phoenix

PATAGONIA no.6 STEAK HOUSE

54

LIFE RESORT

TOURIST INFORMATION

NOT JUST DESSERTS LEGENDS PATAGONIA no.2 STEAK HOUSE CLAUDIA

SPORTS CENTRE

TOP-UP DELIVERY POINT Quicksave

31 SPORTS CENTRE 32 THURSDAY MARKET 44 POST OFFICE 49 SCHOOL

30 MEDICAL CENTRE POLICE STATION G.A. COUNCILLOR MUNICIPAL OFFICES NEW LIBRARY

27 MAXCOOP SUPERMARKET 28 SUPERVALU SUPERMARKET 29 MERCADONA SUPERMARKET

ARMONIA HAIR SALON & QUICKSAVE

SITE FOR NEW PARK

PROPOSED SITE FOR A NEW HEALTH CENTRE, AND A SECOND SCHOOL

HOMEFINDERS/SOLEIL DESTINATIONS

GA farmacia

CHIROPODY & PHYSIOTHERAPY

SCHOOL

OT E CL E TH D I S BE

22 CARABASI BAR COMPLEX (DOWN THE HILL) CASANOVA - SANDHILLS PHOENIX - OCEAN 11 PHOENIX NIGHTS O始DUILLS - LOS BELGAS YELLOW SUBMARINE HISPANIA - AQUARIUS

A map to help you find places of interest, and the locaton of all of our advertisers on Gran Alacant.