Gran Alacant Advertiser January 2022

JANUARY

2022 ISSUE 204

YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE SINCE 2005

Gas fire, Wood & Pellets Burners Electric Fires - Fire Pits - BBQs - Solar Air Conditioning - Central Heating

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NOW IN OUR 17TH YEAR

Happy New Year 2022

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Gran Alacant Advertiser continues to bring you all the local NEWS including information from the local Town Hall representative. Working for the local community since May 2005.

If you have any QUESTIONS or PROBLEMS you would like us to discuss, please email on granalacantadvertiser@hotmail.com LATEST NEWS FROM THE GA COUNCILLOR OSCAR VALENZUELA

Meeting with the Ministry of Health in Valencia On the 1st of December a meeting took place in Valencia with the Ministry of Health so that they could respond to the various municipal petitions that focus on Gran Alacant and Santa Pola.

In attendance was Jaime Peris Pascual, the Director General of Health Infrastructure, Enrique Soler Bahilo, the Deputy Director General of Integrated Assistance Activity, Loreto Serrano, the City Council Mayor of Santa Pola and Gela Roche, the General of Health.

In reference to the inadequate facilities in the Gran Alacant neighbourhood, the Director General has committed to grant the City Hall with a subsidy of €400,000 for the implementation of an expansion project.

The current office needs to create a plan before Spring, this is a great improvement that has happened in a short time. However, the request to erect new facilities on the plot beside the planned second Primary School remains in place. They have committed to study the plans but although these are important improvements, they are unable to execute them now.

Equally the topic of the lack of staff and a reduction in the opening hours during the Summer, which is when the population multiplies and more staff are needed both

in Gran Alacant and Santa Pola was also discussed. The Council admits the reality of the situation and that the needs are common to many tourist populations in the Valencian Community. They have committed to promoting the recruitment of additional staff by all means that are within their reach, emphasising that this is the fundamental problem.

Finally, another fundamental issue for the whole municipality is the lack of an ambulance specifically assigned to Santa Pola. At present it is shared with a large area surrounding Elche hospital and when you also consider the congestion issues that occur frequently along the N332, especially during the Summer, it can take a long time for the ambulance to reach the municipality. The Council has agreed to study the number and frequency of incidents and response times to find the best possible solution to the real problems and shortcomings.

From the Mayor's office and the Councils of Health and Gran Alacant we want to thank the commitment of the Council for improving the Health Assistance of the municipality as well as the sensitivity expressed to the real shortcomings and problems they have raised before and during the meeting. Both sides have agreed to more frequent contact between them to follow up on the commitments made.

Personally, I also want to recognise the work that the Gran Alacant Neighbourhood Association does, insisting, pressing and highlighting the needs of the neighbourhood before the press and different authorities, which legitimises the

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requests and issues that we raise to the Ministry.

Department of Cleaning, Parks & Gardens The Gran Alacant team is making good progress with improving our neighbourhood.

The Gran Alacant Neighbourhood Association works in collaboration with them to ensure that all the previously problematic areas are being worked on. I want to thank the team for their hard work and am proud of how much nicer Gran Alacant is looking.

Summary of the meeting of the Gran Alacanta Neighbourhood Association with several Councillors of Santa Pola held on the 23rd November 2021 Meeting with the Town Planning Councillor Issues discussed: • Abandoned building in front of the gas station - About 8 months ago, the Police issued a report and spoke to the occupants. Since then Municipal Technicians have recommended that the building should be demolished as it is in a bad condition. The matter is currently on hold and the Councillor will review the file. Not only could the state of the building cause issues or injuries, it gives a bad image for Gran Alacant.

•

Completion of the pavement along Avenida Escandinavia between Brisas del Faro and Lomas del Carabassi - The Council has approved an ordinance that pedestrians need to be able to pass to the urbanisation and state that the cost needs to be passed on. We leave this issue pending a meeting with the infrastructures department.

•

The Avenida Mediterranea Pavement Currently there are 2 streetlights that are in the middle of the pavement that make accessibility difficult - The Councillor told us that there is a project to widen the pavement that the development company must undertake, however, he is unsure if it will reach these two streetlights.

Again we leave this issue pending a meeting with infrastructures who will be responsible for the project.

In two previous meetings the Councillor of Gran Alacant and the architect had no objection to moving the streetlights to the end of the pavement, so in principle it should not be an issue for the developer.

•

Opening of the Life Resort study room - Several times it has been

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LARGE ITEMS COLLECTIONS

Tuesdays and Thursdays ONLY. Please message this number T: 686 801 323 any day of the week to let them know the name of the street you are leaving your large items on.

This would help to make the service more efficient and keep our Gran Alacant nice and tidy. proposed that this room be opened in a University style, using access control cards and a surveillance camera. Three times in the past nine months, it has been proposed to make a vending contract and have the company install the camera, or else budget for the initiative. However, nothing has been done. We have urged the Councillor to urgently push forward with the work that was committed to.

•

Parking Problems with the urban planning model in areas currently being promoted by MASA - The areas around Creta 74 and Creta 80 have a high density of housing whose parking places are actually in the gardens of the properties. This leads to serious parking problems and is misleading for buyers who don't always understand that their parking space is in their garden.

In previous meetings with the Councillor of Gran Alacant and the municipal architect, they suggested that a possible solution may be to require that an underground garage area needs to be created in new developments, especially if they have a high population density, such as those mentioned. The Councillor said that she will study the viability of this option.

•

New Urban Developments in Gran

Alacant - The El Faro urbanisation asked about the hotel and housing issue that had brought so much controversy. The Councillor confirmed that this project had been stopped for over a year.

The Councillor had no news about the development on the other side of the N332 in front of Balsares.

Meeting with the Councillor for Health The Councillor informs us that they have been summoned to attend a meeting in Valencia on the 1st of December. At this meeting they will discuss the requests from Santa Pola in regard to a new facility in Gran Alacant, more staff during the Summer months and the urgent need for an ambulance. Please see the Gran Alacant Councillors report on this above.

We therefore consider the issues of a 24 hour health centre or point of continuous assistance in the neighbourhood and ambulance for the municipality pending at this time.

Other issues discussed: • The problem of SIP cards - Given that the number of SIP cards is the metric that is currently being used to assign Health personnel and resources (for every 1,000 activated SIPs, there needs to be a Doctor and for every 2 Doctors there needs to be 1 more nurse) it is important that a better way to keep

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them activated is put in place. Since the worst of the pandemic ended we have requested a simple method be implemented so that permanent and temporary residents can activate their SIP cards and make our size visible. The duration of cover for SIP cards is very short and the procedure to extend them can be difficult. We recommend that this procedure is undertaken by municipal personnel, or can be done with a request or through an automated or telephone process.

The Councillor agrees and will take the petition to Valencia.

•

Blood Donation - Unfortunately this has not been carried out in Gran Alacant for a long time. Currently people wishing to donate have to go to Santa Pola as the blood bank does not have access to a suitable premise in Gran Alacant and the bus they previously used is damaged. The Councillor confirms that she has discussed this issue with the Director of the Blood Bank, Carmen Valverde and has offered her a large room in the Life Resort and the large

Pavillion as Blood Donation is not a frequent service and would not cause problems. However, the Director thinks that they are inappropriate spaces. We do not understand why this solution is a problem as the Life Resort room is accessible, is the appropriate size and is available. We have urged the Councillor to contact the Director again to arrange a visit to the premises in order to evaluate the deficiencies it presents.

Meeting with the Party Councillor At the end of 2019, a Party Commission was established in Gran Alacant that promoted the parade of the 3 Kings and the 2020 Carnival Costume contest. However, due to COVID these planned events in Gran Alacant had to stop. We expressed our intention to continue with these types of events (restrictions permitting) and have added more members to the Festival Committee. We discussed some of our future plans with the Councillor, including short-term ideas for Christmas, the 3 Kings, carnival and the neighbourhood fiestas in

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July. The Councillor informed us that we could promote our Christmas activities which include Santa Claus, the 3 Kings parade and distribution of cards and toys at the school. Regarding the Christmas lights and decorations, this year there will be improvements made and requested that we forward our suggestions about locations, decoration and lighting.

Summary of the meetings of Board Members of the Gran Alacant Neighbourhood Association with Councillors on the 11th November 2021 Meeting with the Councillor for Cleaning, Rubbish, Parks & Gardens Issues discussed: The current rubbish collection schedule and frequency of container washing The Councillor tells us that theoretically collection times are: • • •

Daily Rubbish Collection is between 1500 - 2100 Containers are washed every 2 weeks Collections of large household items is

on Tuesdays and Thursday from 0700 to 1300 However, there are many deficiencies in the service. The Councillor confirms that they have studied the issues and will put the revised schedule out to tender soon but it might be difficult to have it in place before the Summer. We urged the Councillor to make this a priority as it urgently needs to be addressed and implemented, especially before the Summer.

In previous meetings with the Councillor in 2020 we requested to see the revised schedule which greatly improves the service, however, the delay seems to be in the bidding process.

•

Childrens play area improvements - We have requested that a larger childrens play area needs to be installed within the fence of the Sports Centre as during the afternoons many children use it and the current area is dangerous and too small. We also asked them to fix the floor of the park outside the Medical Centre and expand the Children's play area at the Gabe Market.

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•

Entrance to Gran Alacant - the gardening on the access bridge and the entrance road to Gran Alacant can be greatly improved by adding some seasonal plants, hedges and areas of gravel that make it difficult for rubbish to accumulate.

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The colour of the fence at the Clot The colour used has dulled since it was repainted and they used the same paint as when it was originally installed as it conserves the wood.

Location of a callisthenics park (to deal with sports as well). The Councillor is a supporter of consulting with those who practice callisthenics in the neighbourhood and the Gran Alacant Councillor is gathering information about proposed locations, although nothing has been decided yet.

•

increasingly degraded and urgently needs to be finished. The Councillor tells us that efforts to do so with items from other councils and municipal works services have been unsuccessful as higher priorities have always arisen so they have proceeded to assess the issues and have included the solutions in their budgets so that the work can be completed.

•

Fixed Speed Bumps along Avenida Noruega (on the zebra crossing in front of the church and park) - These have been included in the asphalt contract but the works have been delayed by infrastructures.

•

Road Safety Tools (non-fixed speed bumps and mobile radar devices located in areas where traffic needs to be slowed down) - These have already been included in the budgets for this year and their purchase is imminent.

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Fines for Dog Excrement - There are now new laws in place and dog owners can be fined for not carrying bags or bottles to dilute urine, however, discussions need to be held with

Meeting with the Police, Security and Traffic Councillor Issues discussed: •

The Traffic Park - located beside the Children's play park this area was never completed and has become

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SUMA to ensure the implementation of these laws. We will discuss this with the Finance Councillor.

•

•

Abandoned Cars Inside Urbanisations - If the urbanisation is open the owners of these vehicles can be targeted by local Police, however, in gated urbanisations the issue is more complex. The procedures in Altomar II were given as an example as there should be a process in place that allows the Police to be involved. In Montesinos they have implemented a mandatory insurance legislation. The local Police Chief has agreed to talk to Police Chiefs in Montesinos and nearby towns where the situation is similar to Gran Alacant. It is also necessary for the communities to have clear parking regulations so that owners of vehicles that are not in compliance with these rules (including abandoned cars) can be notified and the Police given the power to remove them.

Paragliding - Before the imminent closure of the area that is currently used for paragliding we asked about the possibility of sanctioning breachesThe Police Chief indicates that a visual identification will be necessary and it comes under the Aerial Authority.

The Gran Alacant Councillor is currently in negotiations with the Aerial Authority about this issue.

•

Traffic on Calle Monte de Santa Pola this is two-way in the initial section and the issues of an evacuation plan and the possibility of the use of mobility agents will be discussed in a meeting with the Mayor.

Meeting with the Sports Councillor This meeting could not take place due to unforeseen events by the Councillor. There will be a telephone conversation in the future where the topics to be discussed are: • • • •

Status of hiring additional personnel to ensure the opening of the facilities Paragliding, what their approach will be after the refusal of the clubs to take over the activity New Basketball Courts adjacent to the dog park and sports centre Status of the Football Pitch Project Meeting with the Councillor of the Treasury

Issues discussed: •

Definition of Sanctions in SUMA for a new coexistence ordinance (the dog excrement issue is being treated by the Police) - the Councillor will ensure that the resolution to this issue is dealt with promptly.

•

Budget for the Football Pitch - this project is initially being carried out by municipal staff (as the Gran Alacant Councillor told us) and the first half of the budget has already been approved.

The second half is included in the next budget and in principle there is no reason for it not to happen quite soon.

•

Status of the Police Station - this project has been hit with an increase in the costs of the raw materials needed and the budget has had to reformulated twice since it was approved. Tender of this project is imminent.

•

Second Primary School - The current budgets are approved and they will be paid out at the agreed periods during the construction.

If you would like to supply news or info for our next edition, or have a question for Gran Alacant Councillor Oscar Pedro Valenzuela, please email: info@granalacantadvertiser.com THIS MAGAZINE IS NOW IN ITS 17TH YEAR. TRUST US. WE MAKE YOUR ADVERT WORK.

SNEAK PREVIEW OF OUR NEW GABE MARKET

Thank you Les Mahoney for your great photos!

GIANT LEMON :)

NEW ALDI

Has anyone got a lemon tree like ours ?

Can’t believe how big!!! Julie x

The site of the building that use to house the Gabe market has been completely cleared now and the construction of a new Aldi Supermarket has currently started.

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MONTEMAR BOWLS & SOCIAL CLUB

Sponsored by The Pub, Gran Alacant Insurances, Dialprix, The Belfry & Sunrise Builders

Happy New Year from Monte Mar Bowls Club ELVIS TRIBUTE ARTIST After having to been cancelled twice Elvis (Gary Foley) finally appeared at the Alonai restaurant. What a wonderful afternoon enjoyed by all who attended, well waiting for !!!!! Even better Elvis will be back at the Alonai 13th February 2022, there is information on the notice board at the bowls club.

ends we had a break and held a spider which Lynne Armitage won.

Following the two sessions Lynda Saunders and Ronnie Cairns were the winners, they were presented with the trophy by Cindy.

After the presentation we all enjoyed lunch in the Rincon Restaurant. Well done to the winning pair and all who took part.

Thank you to Cindy for organising another successful competition.

RACE AFTERNOON As the last race afternoon was so successful the social committee decided to organise another one. Once again it was enjoyed by all who attended. Thank you to Kevin and Tony for organising the races and Dave for his kind donation to the club.

LADIES INVITATION DAY On Wednesday 24th November we held our annual Ladies Invitation day. Twelve couples took part, each couple played two games of nine ends. After the first nine

TURKEY CHASE The annual Turkey chase was well supported, everyone wore something relating to Christmas and enjoyed a fun morning. Des Freeman won the ladies

turkey and Jack Burrell the mens, the eggs were won by Jean Chamberlain and Paul Saunders. Thank you to Joan and Chris PLAZA MAYOR

Harding, Jean and Rod Chamberlain who donated the Turkey Crowns, Julia and Ian Hamilton who donated the eggs. The football card was won by Cindy Bedford with Rotherham.

Crawford with Celtic. Thank you Cindy for organising a lovely fun day.

FUN COMPETITION & CAROL SING ALONG

On Wednesday 8th December we played a fun competition of trips over twelve ends.

After the competition Cindy presented the winning team Sue, Mick and Jack with a Christmas pudding and brandy well done to all. We enjoyed a few drinks in the Rincon followed by a Carol sing along and nibbles. The football card was won by Neil

PORTICO MAR On Saturday 11th December bowling and social members enjoyed lunch at the Portico Mar restaurant. After a delicious lunch the Christmas raffle took place the winners of the hampers were, Pat and Bill Winterburn, Sheila and Stuart Swallow, Caryl and John Williams. Thorton Chocolates and Cava Rita Towle, Belfry Vouchers. John Freeman and Terry Nafzegar. Christmas cake, Pudding and wine-Chris Harding.

Thank you to everyone who participated and thank you to the ladies of the social club for organising such a wonderful afternoon.

For further information about Monte Mar Bowls and Social Club check out our website www.montemarbowls.com or email us at info@montemarbowls.com We are also on Facebook PLAZAATMAYOR READ THE MAGAZINE EVERY MONTH www.granalacantadvertiser.com

15

PLAZA MAYOR

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C/Holanda 9, bajo 8 Gran Alacant

www.familydoctors24h.com info@familydoctors24h.com

T: 865 789 554

GENERAL MEDICAL CHECKUP IN APPARENTLY HEALTHY PATIENTS are a result of lifestyles, environmental or genetic factors, the doctor plays an important role on preventing diseases by selecting the study methods, and giving the appropriate counseling.

The general medical examination has been considered as one of the most important practices in preventive medicine. It has been called "periodic medical examination" since its period can vary between one and five years, depending on the age. However, some people call it "annual examination" because of its annual periodicity.

In children, the periodic examination needs to be frequent as it is accompanied by other preventive measures, such as vaccines.

Nonetheless, in adolescents and adults it is common to go to the doctor when there are any symptoms of illness. Occasionally, a medical examination is required to determine the state of health to obtain a job, a trip, a driving license, studies, or to engage in some risky activities.

Since a large percentage of serious diseases

There are levels of prevention. The first one is to prevent a disease before it occurs: vaccines, for example. The second one consists in detecting diseases at the earliest stage of their development, such as mammography in breast cancer.

The third level of prevention prevents complications when there is already a disease, for example, medication for high blood pressure or diabetes.

The medical examination plays an important role in the detection of diseases, since the lifestyle, the symptoms of the patient and the physical examination often detect conditions or diseases at the beginning. A follow-up is important as many times the doctor can see changes in the patient over time, which the same patient may have not noticed.

In adults, one of the most important fears is the appearance of cancer, which is why much of the medical checkup in adults is aimed at the early detection of malignant tumors. Another important aspect that worries adults is the early detection of

PLAZA MAYOR

THIS MONTH’S PROMOTIONS: GENERAL CHECK 85€

Consultation , Blood Test, ECG (normally 130€)

FAMILY PLAN CARD 160€ 2X1

160€ annual fee - two members for the price of one and you will receive: * GP consultation 20€ (normally 60€) * One FREE dental polish & check up per year * Monthly offers and promotions

COVID PCR TEST 89€ - ANTIGEN 40€ DENTAL POLISH & CHECK UP 2X1 LED WHITENING 150€ chronic diseases, such as diabetes, osteoporosis, lung diseases in smokers, etc.

Based on what has been stated before, the recommendation of a routine checkup of an apparently healthy person with no symptoms of illness has been stratified by age and gender groups. The guides say what are the tests that a healthy person must have, of certain age, every certain time (usually it is annual).

The doctor, with their criterion, will state if more tests are necessary.

PCR COVID 89€

YOUR HEALTH IS OUR PRIORITY

The medical review is the best way there is to prevent any type of disease, as well as to treat it in time.

Here we have only a few examples: A general medical checkup should include: Basic blood test that includes cholesterol and glucose, weight control, blood pressure, electrocardiogram, tumor markers from a certain age. As well as chest x-ray and / or abdominal ultrasound in some cases.

GYNECOLOGICAL REVIEW Women aged 18 and over must be checked once a year. From about 25 years of age, breast ultrasounds are recommended. Meanwhile, after 40 years should include a mammogram.

PROSTATE: Men older than 50 years have to be tested annually. The PSA value is the most important to control the prostate and is determined by tests.

If you want to know what tests are necessary for your age, you can call us and ask for an appointment. The doctors of Gran Alacant Family doctor 24h, are accredited professionals, dedicated and very close to you, trustworthy.

PLAZA MAYOR

OUR SPECIALITIES: • • • • • •

GENERAL MEDICINE DENTAL CLINIC PEDIATRICS CARDIOLOGY GYNECOLOGY GENERAL SURGERY

• • • • • •

PSYCHOLOGY PHYSIOTHERAPY BLOOD TEST ULTRASOUND HOME ASSISTANCE 24H AESTHETIC MEDICINE

PLAZA MAYOR

We would like to wish everyone a happy New Year 2022

We are now closed for holidays & we will re-open on Tuesday 25th of January for the first quiz in 2022 “Burns Night” at 4pm We look forward to seeing you all ...

Simona & the staff MASA SQUARE, CALLE HOLANDA 9 T: 865 940 448 I 603 102 235 KITCHEN OPEN: Monday -closed I Tue - Friday 10:00 -16:00 SAT & SUN 11:00 - 16:00 BAR OPEN: Monday - closed I Tue - Fri 10:00 - close I Sat & Sun 11:00 - close PLAZA MAYOR

PLAZA MAYOR

PLAZA MAYOR

BOOK CLUB GRAN ALACANT TRUST US Book of the month by Beth I loved the way this author portrayed these 2 families and produced a book full of compassion heartbreak and truth My Recommended Book of the Month

Celeste Ng Little Fires Everywhere

Beth worked as a Qualified Librarian in Aberdeen for 20 years. She loves reading and delights in finding exciting new authors as well as reverting back to favourite writers of all genres. Beth has lived in Gran Alacant for the last 15 years.

In Shaker Heights everything is meticulously planned from the layout of the winding roads, to the colour of the houses, to the successful lives its residents will go on to lead.

No-one embodies this spirit more than Elena Richardson with her lawyer husband and 4 teenage children.

Enter Mia Warren – an enigmatic artist and single mother – who arrives in this idyllic town with her teenage daughter Pearl, and a disregard for the status quo.

Celeste Ng nails mother/daughter tensions perfectly.

A wise, compassionate story about the choices you make and their consequences.

NEXT BOOK CLUB MEETING

Wednesday 26 January 2pm, Skipper Bar MASA Square We meet up once a month, discuss the books we are reading now and suggest new ones. Anyone interested in joining us or looking for more information please contact Beth on Whatsapp +44 7853 363060

CWW Electrical Services Qualified electrician All electrical work undertaken Tel: 617 872 405 *** Contact Clive or Wendy

PLAZA MAYOR THIS MAGAZINE IS NOW IN ITS 17TH YEAR. TRUST US. WE MAKE YOUR ADVERT WORK. CARABASSI CENTRE

PLAZA MAYOR

PLAZA MAYOR

TRUST US

Happy New Year Everyone!

THIS MAGAZINE IS NOW IN ITS 17TH YEAR. TRUST US. WE MAKE YOUR ADVERT WORK.

CARABASSI CENTRE

CARABASSI CENTRE

Fundraising in Gran Alacant ...

ASPETGA Raised almost 400€ Thank you to all of our friends, neighbours and donors who helped ASPETGA with our Santa Claus meet and greet event at Molly Malone's Irish Pub. We've raised almost 400 euros thanks to you and your generosity!

Economic pressure is the leading cause of pet abandonment.

The loss of a job or home often leads to people surrendering a beloved pet to the shelter, a heartbreaking situation. The unlucky ones are simply dumped on the streets. These funds will allow us to help more needy families in our community and to help keep those families together.

We wish you a very happy New Year.

A big thank you to Laura from Gran Alacant Properties & Rosa from Astro Networks for their time and effort to organise the event as well as all partners El Cookie, Retratos Natalia, Galguita Amelie, Gran Alacant Family Doctors, the Dog Lady, Gran Alacant Advertiser, and our hosts at Molly Malone's.

Thanks to Encarnación María Ramírez Baeza, town councilor for parks and gardens, who joined us along with her lovely pup, Messi.

CARABASSI CENTRE

CARABASSI CENTRE

CARABASSI CENTRE

CARABASSI CENTRE

TERRY TALKS

Alcohol free opinion & Chat terry@montelinvestments.co.uk

HERE WE GO AGAIN ...

At the time you’re reading this Christmas is over for the Brits, but here in Spain it continues a bit longer. Three Kings here is bigger than Xmas day for many Spaniards.

The cities are full of people and the people are full of life. If you have never been to Alicante to witness it, you have to go. The parades are beautiful and the atmosphere is one to remember. 5th January is the night to be there.

It has at least been a Xmas a bit closer to those we have been used to, albeit once again COVID raised its ugly head, making travel just that bit more difficult and expensive. Governments know they cannot ban travel so as long a s a few more quid is made out of it they’re happy. Just as deep down they don’t care about smokers as long as they make money from it, or plastic shopping bags, as long as they make 10p a bag.

On that subject again, why all the new COVID restrictions? Surely Vaccinations are the answer, that’s what we were told.

Well I have my view!

All the lockdown, all the restrictions were about keeping people out of hospital. Filling ICU beds, depriving those patients that really need those beds. Vaccination does not prevent you from carrying the virus, but carriers only suffer minor symptoms, or non at all.

However latest estimates show up to 6 million Brits have not been vaccinated.

Some for medical reasons, others because of conspiracy theories, or just cant be bothered.

These are the ones the vaccinated are now having to protect, because 6 million contains enough potential serious covid infections to once again put health services

under strain. So please get vaccinated.

Worried about what’s in the vaccination?

Do you know what’s in your Burger? Or your Chicken nugget? No. Do you know what’s in that tablet some people take before hitting the disco on a Saturday night? NO. So do everyone a favour and get vaccinated. As someone vaccinated I’ve counted, and I still only have 1 head and 10 fingers!.

Lets not give politicians the excuse to keep using this weapon rather than do something about an NHS that needs huge reform.

2022 I hope will be a further step towards final recovery, don’t be afraid of Spain, Outdoor life is the best protection if you’re worried. People seem to be following any protection guidance. Don’t let the scaremongering press worry you. We are waiting with open arms. The sun will shine and the laughter loud.

Many bars and restaurants have undergone major refurbishment, a commitment to a Gran Alacant that has a fantastic future, but we need you all.

The Hotel has weathered the storm well.

It has always been difficult to book summer here, because so many private homes are booked often many months ahead. Now you have a hotel as an option. We all look forward to welcoming you.

I have made a few new year’s resolutions (or as I prefer the term “casual promises to myself that I am under no legal obligation to fulfil”).

1. Never to take sleeping tablets and laxatives on the same night 2. I resolve to drive past the Gym twice a week 3. A. Stop making lists

TERRY TALKS

Happy New Year, Health and Happiness to you all ...

TRUST US

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The Reiki Room A Very Happy New Year to everyone!

I am looking forward to what is in store here at he Reiki Room and sharing it all with you throughout 2022 We will be closed until 10th January 2022 …

Holistic Therapy to work you from the inside out located in Gran Alacant

Book your appointment to get your New Year off with some self care!

May your year ahead be a fabulous one!

Love Jackie x

TREATMENTS ON OFFER TO SUIT EACH INDIVIDUAL I offer combinations of all natural integrated therapies E MASSAGE THERAPIES including relaxing, deep, remedial ...

E ADVANCED REFLEXOLOGY E CLINICAL AROMATHERAPY E KINESIOLOGY E FACIALS

THIS MONTH’S SPECIAL OFFER Full Body Aromatherapy or Swedish Massage for only 35euros Add a Reflexology Foot Treatment for an extra 10€

E ENERGY HEALING E HEALTH, DIET & NUTRITION E CLINICAL HYPNOTHERAPY E NEURO - LINGUISTIC PROGRAMMING E LIFE COACHING E HOLISTIC COUNSELLING Also available online at www.canaletherapy.com for all hypnosis, coaching, special mind needs ...

CONTACT US:

TEL: 693 018 046 Email: thereikiroom40@gmail.com www.canaletherapy.com I www.mydoterra.com/jackiereikiroom

You can also find me at SIMPLE SOCIAL HUB

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SANTARA LIFE RESORT

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SANTARA LIFE RESORT

SANTARA LIFE RESORT

SANTARA LIFE RESORT

33

The Lowedownwith Lynne INTERVIEW with Helen King

Hi, my name is Lynne and I have been lucky to call Gran Alacant home for the last 5 years. People fascinate me and I love to hear about their adventures and life stories. Over the next few months, I will be sharing some interview with GA’s very own Superstars!

This month’s interview is with Helen King.

Helen is a busy working mum with 2 beautiful girls Lily (11) and Sophia (7). She has lived in GA with her Spanish husband Roberto for the last 11 years.

HELEN, WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO SPAIN? I moved to Elche in 1999 in my mid 20’s with the sole intention of staying for a year to learn Spanish and to teach English.

DID YOU FIND IT EASY TO LEARN THE LANGUAGE? I completely immersed myself in local culture. I house-shared with Spanish girls and socialised with Spanish people. In order to integrate fully, I had no option but to learn, to listen and to speak the language.

HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR HUSBAND ROBERTO? I moved to Alicante City in 2001 to enjoy the beautiful city and the amazing nightlife.

I met Roberto on a night out on 2 June 2002. We communicated in Spanish and French, as Roberto did not speak English.

We got married exactly 10 years later on the same day we met.

Roberto learned to speak English so he could converse with my family and my Spanish improved. I moved back to Elche in 2002 to be with Roberto.

WHAT MADE YOU MOVE TO GA? When our girls Lily and Sophia came along, we wanted to live in a more familyorientated area with outside space and a swimming pool for our children to enjoy.

The girls love their school here, the teachers are fabulous and I would highly recommend it.

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR WORK? In 2000, I started working for Masa International offices in Torrevieja in their accounts department doing legal/building conveyancing work. In October 2018, I joined the team at Top Alacant, which is a family run Estate Agency here in GA. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? I love that it is a small family run company.

My colleagues are fantastic, the clients are great and the job itself is so rewarding. I get to combine both sides of the business and take clients through the full purchasing process, which I think they appreciate.

I think some people have the impression that Estate Agents can be a bit ‘cutthroat’ but it is not like that at all. We are passionate about selling the dream. We live here and because we love it, we can pass all that local knowledge onto our customers.

WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME? My family time is very precious to me so I work round my busy schedule by doing three half-hour Personal Training sessions a week in my lunch break. I meet with my

THE LOWEDOWN WITH LYNNE

neighbour every week for a French/English exchange. Family time in winter is spent inland in Alcoi walking in nature. We also enjoy weekends away whenever we can.

WHAT IS YOUR NEXT GOAL? I love learning new languages, I spent 3 years learning Italian in a school in Elche.

My next goal is to learn Swedish!

I am so impressed that neither Helen nor Roberto have had any official Spanish/ English language classes. Both are selftaught and now fluent – an inspiration to us all!

Thank you so much Helen for sharing your story with us.

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Fundraising in Gran Alacant ...

ZEST RAISED 700€ for ELCHE CHILDREN’S HOME SO FAR ...

Final tea time teaser of the year at ZEST & 700€ so far raised for ECCH Thank you to everyone who has come along and contributed!

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Christmas in

Gran Alacant

Home Turf

HOME TURF - FIRST YEAR IN SPAIN 2021 was our first full year living in Spain and writing about our travels around the Alicante area and a little beyond. To wrap up the year we thought we’d bring things home and remind ourselves of the wonderful things that there are to see and do on our doorstep.

The defining characteristic of Gran Alacant is of course our location on top of a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Our community clusters around a cliffline that rises up from Arenales in the North and leads to the lighthouse (“El Faro”) crowning the highest point of the cliffs just before Santa Pola in the South. These cliffs are partly composed of ancient fossilized coral.

Below the cliffs stretches a broad sweep of beach and woodland, undeveloped except for a few temporary chiringuitos in the summer months.

top. The road ends in a dead end except for pedestrians who can walk out onto the cliff top. To appreciate this majestic setting one can venture out onto the skywalk mirador built out over the cliffs, however not a walk for the very fainthearted!

The lighthouse itself is one of a number located on headlands along the coast and visible at night. The current building was constructed in 1857-8 and originally its light was powered by olive oil. It was converted subsequently to various other power sources finally being converted to electricity in 1958 has been automated since 1984. The flashes of light are said to be visible 27 miles out at sea on clear nights.

Both ends of this cliffline offer differing worlds to explore on our doorstep.

Firstly, heading up the Avenida Escandinavia towards the Faro: This road leads to a complete world hidden away on the cliff

The lighthouse sits in a natural park that covers the cliff between Gran Alacant and Santa Pola and offers great walking and biking routes. The park also contains old military sites including shore batteries and a small barracks for troops manning the guns.

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It is possible to exit the park into Santa Pola d’Este via a flight of steps leading from an ancient watch tower built by the Habsburg monarchs. We recommend taking time to explore this hidden cliff top world up above our community, it is a place full of nature and peace.

At the other end of the cliffs, where they meet Arenales at sea level, one encounters the Carrabassi beach. Gradually restored over the last 20 years this stretch of coast is in reality a collection of small beaches, dunes and woodlands running along the base of the cliffs. The bars and nightclubs that used to populate its woodlands have been closed and nature has been slowly restored. The area has a quality quite unlike others in our province, the only development being a few old houses and the Guarda Civil barracks (which is now the oceanographic institute of Alicante University).

The area has an unpolished character quite different from the glamorous development to be found on other parts of the coast. The protection and restoration of this part of the coast has been a great success and has preserved a slice of the Alicante coastline both in terms of nature and the community

living there. The beach is however home to an ever changing community of caravaners who are permitted to park up and stay in the designated van sites; their comings and goings bring cheerful life to this stretch of coast even in winter.

local area has to offer. In Santa Pola and Gran Alacant we have two wonderful markets; Thursdays in the upper part of Gran Alacant, just opposite urbanización Gran Alancant and Saturdays in the centre of Santa Pola. Our buzzing and colourful markets are a delightful asset to our neighbourhood.

Looking out at night from Gran Alacant one can make out the lights of the huge ships following the main NorthSouth shipping route that runs along the horizon line off of the Alicante coast. This traffic is modern global commerce’s sinews and connects our world together. However, to stand on that cliff and look out is also to stare back in time to the most ancient recorded history that played out across the Mediterranean. Hopefully next year will bring an opportunity to journey out onto that wonderful sea and to visit other coastlines in neighbouring Mediterranean lands. Perhaps to take the ferry that runs from Alicante to Algers or maybe to visit other destinations from Denia port.

Whatever our adventures in the new year we will share them with you in our little scribbles and snaps.

God’s speed into 2022 to all the readers of the Gran Alacant Advertiser.

One more of our favourite activities in the area Follow us on Instagram: is to enjoy the seasonal fruit and veg that the juanruano.oficial & archiemaddan

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Av. Escandinavia 72, Local 12 Gran Alacant 03130 Open: Tuesday - Sunday from 17:00 - 01:30

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DUNBARS RESTAURANT

For Sale 360.000€

Celebrations, meetings, communions, weddings ... this place has a long journey !!!

Corner restaurant with two floors fully equipped, plus a terrace of about 120 meters. On the ground floor are the dining room and bar, which each have independent access. There are 2 toilets, a warehouse and two cold rooms: one of them recessed and the other for the bar and barrels. The forklift serves the bar on

Av.Escandinavia 72, Altomar II L.10 03130 Gran Alacant - Santa Pola

the first floor. There you can also find the dining room, kitchen that serves this floor, two toilets, a toilet for staff and an office.

The terrace is about 120 square meters.

The entire premises, that is, both floors, are soundproof.

This restaurant has been running for 17 years with the same owner.

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AVENIDA ESCANDINAVIA

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NEW APARTMENTS 315,000€ Bedrooms: Bathrooms:

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Christmas in

Gran Alacant

Fundraising in Gran Alacant ...

GALS CHRISTMAS FAYRE RAISED 314€ FOR SAT ANIMAL CHARITY

GALS - GRAN ALACANT LADIES UPDATE

GALS ON TOUR – Members of the Gran Alacant Ladies Group (GALs) enjoyed a bus trip to Alicante Old Town with a lunchtime menu del dia during the month of November.

Membership of the group continues to build, and new members are always welcome.

The 1st December saw the very first GALs Christmas Fayre held at the Simple Social Hub raising money for SAT Animal Charity. All the stall holders were GALs members displaying their own creations. Mulled wine and mince pies were provided to visitors and a fantastic 314 euros was raised for the charity.

Claire Williams says “If you are a female looking for friendship, support and a few laughs along the way, consider joining the GALs group – you won’t regret it”.

Ladies wishing to join can do so via the FB link https://www.facebook.com/groups/734916743616271 Joiners will be asked 3 simple questions about their links to the area.

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SANTA POLA

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EL ALTET

EL ALTET

Have you rescued a pet within the last 6 months ?

We at the Pet Hotel want to show our appreciation to all the wonderful people that have rescued a pet within the last 6 months with a €50 GIFT VOUCHER. This voucher can be used for boarding, day care services or a wellness bath at our premises.

We know that all rescued animals deserve to have the best and want to help all the new owners that have opened their arms and hearts and welcomed a new pet into

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their families. What better way to show them they are loved than with a refreshing bath and a relaxing pamper session.

Please contact us to receive your voucher and discuss how you want to use it.

We warmly welcome as well Dogs and Cats with Handicap and pets they need a special care.

Caniresort Domino Costa Blanca offers a full 24 hours service for you pet and a very professional team.

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WHAT’S THAT IN THE CLOT? TRUST US

by Mark Etheridge

SPOONBILL

Every birdwatcher or bird photographer will tell you that they have a bogey bird or birds – a species which they should have seen or photographed, but they never seem to be in the right place at the right time. How many times have I heard the phrase “you should have been here 10 minutes ago, there was one showing very well but it’s just flown off!”

A few years ago I was asked by Jose Manuel at the Santa Pola tourist office to provide him with some photos of the birds to be found around the area. One of the species he was particularly keen to have in his brochure was the Eurasian Spoonbill, but I had to admit to him that I had no suitable photos of one. Oh, I had plenty of distant shots taken from one of the laybys on the N332 where it crosses the salinas, but in every case the birds were just distant white blobs.

This state of affairs continued until November of last year, when after my enforced absence from the area, I visited El Hondo. Quite unexpectedly, I came across a group of three or four Spoonbills, and was able to fill an SD card with hundreds of shots as they were within easy reach.

My photo shows one of these birds, alongside the very common Black-winged

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Stilts, and the difference in size is easy to see. Spoonbills are very large birds, about the size of a Grey Heron, and bigger than most of the other white egrets to be seen in our area.

As you can see, they get their name from the spatulate beak which they sweep from side to side. The bill is very flat to minimise drag in water, while the mandibles are smooth edged without the sharp 'teeth' or cutting edges often found in fish-eating birds.

The edges are curved inwards and have tiny thin ridges at the tip and many tiny tubercles towards the face, which develop during the bird's first winter and apparently allow it to grip a variety of prey items. The bird in my picture is a juvenile – the adult birds have black bills with yellow edges.

Most Spoonbills seen in our area during the winter are northern birds, migrating down from the Netherlands and increasingly the UK where they have started to breed.

Spanish breeding birds tend to migrate further south to the southwest coastal areas of Africa.

The best places to find them locally are along the N332 as previously noted, the layby by the salt tower going south is a prime location, as well as in the El Hondo reserve where you may come across them quite by chance as I did! I haven’t yet seen one in the Clot, but with the recent improvements to the water system, it can only be a matter of time before these elegant birds find out that the Clot is an ideal environment for them.

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

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GA RUNNING GROUP

THE (CONTINUING) ADVENTURES OF THE GRAN ALACANT RUNNERS As of the time of writing the Santa Pola 21k in January is still scheduled to proceed but today Elche Town Hall cancelled their annual San Silvestre run scheduled for New Year’s Eve due to the rise in Covid infections, so fingers crossed, the Santa Pola Run is not affected as it attracts runners from across the province, other parts of Spain and many other countries where each one is readying themselves for the event. There are 7 Gran Alacant Runners entered for the event who have been training hard over the past few months, but now, the training is, or should be, almost done with three weeks to the race start.

about his running career and so I will write something about him in a future issue of the magazine.

Philippe has been in contact

Claudia, Brigitte, Andy and Rob are completing their preparations in the warmer climes of Spain, whilst Jan, John and I brave the cold and wet of the British weather. Why not come along to Santa Pola on the morning of 23 January to cheer on the runners whilst enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.

John running Park Run in Cape Town

John, and yours truly met up in Durham just before Christmas to run a 5k festive Park Run around the hilly terrain of Consett in Durham.

about him starting his recovery from his ongoing knee problem and we await to hear how his first few runs went. Good luck with everything Philippe.

Staffan and Jeanne are back in Sweden and Norway respectively, and looking at the photos of their training runs you wonder at the beauty of their surroundings, but also, how they do it in such cold conditions.

Geoff & John in Durham Graeme ran the Saltwell Harriers (Gateshead) 10k road race on 18 December and looking at his times in training I am expecting a high placed finish from him.

He was telling me some interesting stories

Jean’s & Staffan’s training conditions in Norway / Sweden & Staffan’s Snow angel

No matter what your ability, If you are visiting the area and want to run with someone, please get in touch with us.

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GRAN ALACANT GOLF SOCIETY

GAGS are now back to playing twice a week, Tuesday and Friday at 8am. We are looking forward to meeting up with our regular players and welcoming new members whether they be residents or visitors.

Time: on both days normally 8am so please be there by 7.40am. Occasionally the Starter may request we change the time so unless you are a regular golfer it would be best to check with us beforehand.

SOCIETY DETAILS ARE AS FOLLOWS: Where: El Plantio Golf Resort. The official address is A-79, Km3, 03114, Alicante.

Cost: usually €50 per round at peak times to include a buggy plus €1.50 mandatory insurance charge. It can sometimes be cheaper during less busy, off peak seasons.

In addition the Society requires €5 sweep money which is all paid out at the end of the round.

When: the formal Society Day is Tuesdays weekly when all golfers are most welcome.

In addition we have an informal get together every Friday which has always been a Gentleman’s Day.

We look forward to seeing you.

For more information please contact: Michael (966 698 925) Tony (966 183 004)

BICI GRAN ALACANT

We are a small group who spend most of the time here in Gran Alacant.

If you are interested in joining one of our rides look us up on Facebook Gran Alacant Road Cyclist (Bici Gran Alacant) where ride details are posted.

GRAN ALACANT WALKING FOOTBALL What a strange end to the year. December began with old friends visiting Gran Alacant again after Covid travelling restrictions with the UK were relaxed.

Then the harsh reality of the dangers of the Omicron variant became apparent with positive test results within the club.

We also had a Spanish Red Day on Wednesday 8th with all sporting venues closed.

With few people in the mood for it, we then cancelled the 15th December session, the last of the year.

We will re-start on Wednesday 12th January, assuming there are no regulations regarding indoor sporting events.

Stay safe everyone…

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CLINICA VETERINARIA GRAN ALACANT EXOTICS

Monday - Friday 10:00 -13:00 & 17:00 - 20:00 Saturday 10:00 -13:00

Tel: 966 698 569

THROUGH THE LOOKING-GLASS Birds are very popular companion animals, and most of them are psittacine birds (which includes all species of parrots), canaries and other small tropical birds such as Gouldian finches.

Companion birds owners are more and more worried about their pets welfare. They don’t want to have an encaged prisoner but a friend which has the best quality of life possible. For this reason they install at home big and sophisticated facilities with lots of elements which provide a highly enriched environment for the birds. But, what about mirrors? Are they a good idea?

Do birds know the image they see at the mirror is just their own reflection or do they think it’s a friend (or enemy)? And, what happen to dogs and cats? Do they know what a mirror is? What do they do when they watch themselves in a mirror? Some dogs approach with curiosity, some other ones look for “the other dog” behind the mirror, and some other ones get terrorized and bark. In case of cats is the same: they investigate, search for “the other cat”, or try to attack it. All these behaviours are absolutely normal.

Dogs, cats and birds are able to identify two-dimensional objects, that is, they are able to see the image of an animal at a painting, a photo or a TV screen. And most times they think it’s real. We remember the case of a Veterinary practice which had a big picture of a dog. Short time after, the picture had to be removed from the wall, because a significant number of dogs used to start barking loudly when they saw the picture, because they got scared.

So, dogs, cats and birds are able to identify the image they see at the mirror as an animal BUT they are unable to know the

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

Grooming Service Available animal they see is their own reflection. What is the reason for this? Simple: they don’t have at the brain Von Economo neurons.

These neurons are the ones that allow us to identify our own image at the mirror, and are essential for some social and empathy mental processes.

Do any other animal have Von Economo neurons? No. They have been found in chimpanzees, bonobos and other apes, elephants and whales. All of them are animals with intense and sophisticated social life, live in communities, and need to keep very strong social binding to survive.

Living in a community doesn’t always mean sophisticated social life, in some animals it’s just like people travelling together in a bus: they are not a family.

When an individual which belongs to a species which has Von Economo neurons watches its image at the mirror, is able to identify itself even if it’s its first time in front of a mirror. If you paint a white spot at the front of a chimpanzee, the animal will try to remove it immediately after watching its image in a mirror. You can try this experiment at home with your pet (of course it mustn’t realize you are painting its front. It’s a good idea to try when they are sleeping. We can guarantee you it will never try to remove the spot.

So, what’s the important thing about this?

A budgie will always think the image that appears at the mirror is another budgie, so, putting mirrors in a bird cage is not a problem, except in case of highly territorial species.

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