Gran Alacant Advertiser January 2024

JANUARY 2024 ISSUE 228

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 info@granalacantadvertiser.com

NEW YEAR’S WISH FROM OUR COUNCILLORS Dear Neighbours and Friends, On this first Christmas together as councillors of Gran Alacant, we would like to convey our best wishes of happiness, joy and excitement for these special Christmas Holidays. We trust that you will enjoy them in the company of your families, friends and loved ones. We also hope and wish that the coming year 2024 will be full of success, health, love, work, projects and fulfilled dreams for all of you.

As councillors but above all as neighbours of Gran Alacant who have known the neighbourhood for more than 3 decades, we hope that in the coming year we will continue to make progress in projects and improvements in services that will make our environment a special place where we can live happily in peace and harmony. In this sense, among others, the imminent inauguration of the Gran Alacant Police Station, the improvement in the cleaning service which will include the replacement of all the rubbish containers, progress in the construction of the second school in Gran Alacant, the improvement in the gardening services and the beautification of the entrance to Gran Alacant will become a reality.

Your councillors (and neighbours) - always at your disposal and service,

Oscar Valenzuela & Borja Merino Díaz

Q: Rubbish Hola, I visited Gran Alacant in October 2023.

I enjoy hiking and bicycling in the area and this time I was alarmed to see more plastic litter all over the place. Particularly bad areas were along Avd. Mediterraneo from Gran Alacant Commercial Centre to Avd. Escandinavia. There were literally hundreds of plastic bottles scattered along the side.

Who is responsible for removing those?

The community or voluntary people?

Perhaps you have an idea who? I really hope somebody will take care of this unsightly problem.

Kind regards, Iver A: Oscar Valenzuela The new cleaning contract with URBASER will soon be up and running. Urbaser need a few more months to prepare, re-organise and start replacing broken bins. We should see great results very soon.

LARGE ITEMS COLLECTIONS

Tuesdays and Thursdays ONLY. Please Whatsapp only this number 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.

Q: Tourist Train Hello, I have an idea for the GA Tourist Train and I hope that you can help me.

The Gran Alacant Tourist Train has a stop at the bottom of Avd. de Noruega, opposite all the restaurants and bars there. After that, the train goes up past the school to the roundabout and then continues Avd. de Noruega until Gran Alacant Centro Commercial.

My suggestion is that the train instead turns right onto Avd. de Polonia and then left at Avd. de Carabassi, up the hill and then right onto Avd. de Noruega then continue as before.

The advantage of my proposal is that many more residents in the area would have closer access to the train and thus more travellers.

Sincerely, Thomas A: Tren Turístico Gran Alacant Good morning, thank you for contacting us and for sending us your suggestion. We are going to study it.

LATEST NEWS FROM THE GA COUNCILLOR OSCAR VALENZUELA

LOCAL POLICE WALK 100KM FOR CIELO DE COLORES ASSOCIATION Santa Pola local police walked 100km to raise funds, collect used lego pieces and raise awareness for Cielo de Colores Association. The objective is to help people with cognitive and physical diversity to develop therapies that enhance their social skills.

Lego-based therapy is a therapeutic workshop aimed at boys and girls who need to strengthen their social skills, participating in groups to do common projects, where each one contributes a specific role to achieve a goal.

The Santapoleros police officers walked for two days to cover the 100 kilometres

Reader Spotlight Foggy night Hi, some interesting photos around Gran Alacant the other night when the fog decended.

Enjoy, David King A: GA Advertiser Thank you David for sending us your eerily beautiful photos of Gran Alacant!

Beach Cleanup!

Reader’s email that will hopefully inspire others: Hello, My name is Francois. I am a new visitor and resident to Arenales Del Sol. Living close by to those beautiful beaches where I walk every day, I discovered how dirty the beach is.

I decided to take my garbage bag and gloves to do cleaning sessions around the different beach access bridge, and the results in a short time are quite impressive (see attached photo).

I am bringing it to your attention in case you wish to make a short note in your next magazine edition to potentially organise a public collection day.

Feel free to contact me if you think this could be a good idea.

Best regards, Francois A: GA Advertiser If anyone is interested in a beach collection day, please email the GA Advertiser on info@granalacantadvertiser.com with your name and contact number and we will pass your details to Francois.

CO-RESPONSIBILITY COURSE FOR MEN

SANTA POLA TURISMO

Social Services have launched a ‘Training in Co-responsibility for Men’ financed by the Ministry of Equality.

The training will cover five talks up until 25 January 2023. The first two were taught in December by Lorenzo Pérez: ‘Attachment, Good Treatment and Child Resilience’ and ‘Attachment in Adolescence.’ In January, the three remaining talks will be given by Natalia Martínez: ‘Gender and Conciliation’ on the 11th, ‘Concept and Characteristics of Conciliation’ on the 18th and finally ‘Men and Masculinity’ on the 25th.

Registration is free and more information can be obtained at the Civic and Social Centre or by calling 661 544 641.

Want to keep up to date with events in the Santa Pola area? Check out Santa Pola Turismo Facebook Page or go to www.turismosantapola.es where you can subscribe to your very own newsletter in English or Spanish.

EAT & SLEEP Accommodation, restaurants and gastronomy WHAT TO VISIT History, castle fortress, museums, heritage, port, viewpoints, food market and pier TO DO Sunsets, leisure, shopping, with children, with your pet, inclusive tourism, parties, weekend, guided visits and surroundings NATURE The salt flats, the sierra and the cape and birdwatching BEACHES Urban beaches, natural beaches, dog beach and accessible points SPORTS TOURISM Nautical tourism, active tourism, sport ports, sports facilities, gyms, sports clubs and events

UPDATED AMOUNT: FUNDRAISING AT DICK TURPINS RAISED SATS ANIMAL RESCUE Thank you everyone for participating and supporting the Dick Turpin’s Christmas Fete in aid of SATS Animal rescue.

Your generosity helped raise 463€ in TOTAL!!!

Thank you everyone on behalf of Helen, Neil, Bobbie and all the staff from SATS.

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ANNUAL 4 BY 4 EVENT The fifth annual exhibition of cars 4 by 4 event took place over 3 days in December. The event was organised by Nos Gusta el Barro “We like mud” and attended by many Gran Alacant residents. Staff at Bernar’s Place provided refreshments and snacks.

UPDATE: GRAN ALACANT LOCAL POLICE CHECKPOINT

CONTROL OF THE PROCESSIONARY CATERPILLAR Work is being carried out in Gran Alacant for the biological control of processionary in public pine forests.

Experts recommend using pesticides to combat the pests towards the end of the year. The toxic pesticide is sprayed directly into the trunk of the affected trees. In this way, only the caterpillars themselves are damaged, but not the tree or other animal species.

Landscaping work is being carried out on the plot around the new local police checkpoint, located between the shopping centre and the main road.

Encarni Ramírez and Trini Ortiz, the councillors of Parks and Gardens and Infrastructure, respectively, have visited the area to complete the implementation of the new checkpoint.

The first phase of this work will consist of clearing the surroundings, placing new gravel, repairing the irrigation and planting creeping rosemary along the median of the access road.

The execution of this landscaping work is expected to be completed before the end of the year.

NATIVITY SCENE MADE BY BELENISTAS SANTA POLA Found in almost all Spanish cities, these displays representing the birth of Jesus seem to be for Spaniards what Christmas trees are in other places.

Visit it on the facade of the Castillo Fortaleza, Santa Pola, up until 7th January.

VISITOR ATTRACTION This is the giant Nativity Scene in Alicante, which holds the Guiness record for being the tallest in the world at 17 metres.

You can visit the Belén at the Plaza del Ayuntamiento de Alicante until 7th January.

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

COUNCILLOR OF GRAN ALACANT & EDUCATION Oscar Valenzuela

POSITION

MEET OUR COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES Full Name

OSCAR: Oscar Pedro Valenzuela Acedo. Married for 15 years, daughter 12 years, son 11 years.

Councillor of Gran Alacant (2nd legislature) Councillor of Education 4th Deputy Mayor

BORJA: Borja Francisco Merino Diaz. Single

Day Job

OSCAR: Head of Service for the Iberia Airline Company at Alicante Airport since 1995.

BORJA: Vascular Surgeon, Chief of Service of Angiology and Vascular Surgery at IMED Hospitals since 2013.

Hobbies

RESPONSIBILITIES

Resource Management Projects & Infrastructure Education (Primary, Secondary and Adult Education) Personnel Maintenance

STAY UPDATED

www.santapola.es

OSCAR: Sports, music, cinema and painting.

BORJA: Music, cinema, DIY and sports.

Why does Gran Alacant have two Councillors

OSCAR: This was a recent development and started at the end of the previous legislature. Gran Alacant continues to grow and develop and we feel it is important to create better links between the City Council and the residents of GA, which are represented by different neighbourhood associations, groups and committees.

BORJA: Due to the current growth and development of Gran Alacant as well as the upcoming scheduled investments. Our Mayor Loreto Serrano wanted to strengthen the management and resources for our neighbourhood with the presence of two councillors who are also reside in Gran Alacant.

Why did you decide to become a Councillor when you already have a busy day job OSCAR: My involvement started as a neighbourhood representative of GA with a keen interest in Educational issues. The Mayor wanted me to get involved in a Project giving new focus on the management of the neighbourhood as a neighbour.

COUNCILLOR OF GRAN ALACANT, TOURISM, HEALTH & ANIMAL WELLFARE Borja Merino

It seemed like a great opportunity to help improve GA for me, my family and for my neighbours. Today I am very happy with all that has been achieved in the years that we are governing. Improvements in all areas such as cleaning, education, security, sports, infrastructures.

We hope to continue to make great improvements to the place we live.

BORJA: My vocation of service to the people in order to contribute to improve our environment, my neighbourhood and thus make Gran Alacant and Santa Pola a real Mediterranean Paradise.

POSITION

Councillor of Gran Alacant (1st legislature) Councillor of Tourism, Health & Animal Welfare 5th Deputy Mayor

What do you like most about being a Councillor

OSCAR: I feel very privileged to be a part of this exciting project. We are all united as friends, family, neighbours, associations, government team and city council. I feel very proud that we all work together to achieve great things.

RESPONSIBILITIES

BORJA: Dealing with the neighbours and being able to listen to their needs and proposals as well as being able to carry out new projects for our neighbourhood.

Resource Management

Most Prized Possession

OSCAR: My pet Dragon Iguana.

BORJA: A necktie my father gave me, it has a lot of sentimental value.

Projects & Infrastructure Tourism Pest Control & Sanitation Health & Animal Welfare

New Year Resolution

OSCAR: Healthier work/life balance. More time to do Sports and stay healthy.

BORJA: Spend more quality time with my family and friends.

THANK YOU

A BIG thank you to Oscar and Borja for all your hard work, for keeping the GA Advertiser updated on developments and for answering our Reader’s Emails.

We look forward to keeping the residents and business owners of Gran Alacant informed in 2024.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

STAY UPDATED

www.turismosantapola.es

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MONTEMAR BOWLS & SOCIAL CLUB Sponsored by The Pub, Gran Alacant Insurances, Dialprix, The Belfry, Skippers and La Piedra

Happy New Year 2024 from Montemar Bowls Club CHICKEN RUN Sunday 26th November

VISITING TEAM Saturday 18th - Sunday 19th November

The last chicken run of 2023 was well supported by twenty six members. We played three rinks of trips and two rinks of pairs.

We had a very enjoyable weekend bowling with nine male members from Middleton Hall Bowls Club. As there were only nine members we played three rinks of trips each day. After the game on the Saturday we enjoyed lunch at James’s followed by drinks and plenty of friendly banter. On Sunday after playing the winners were Monte Mar, but it’s the taking part and enjoying that really matters.

The Captain of Middleton Hall presented Cindy with a trophy promising to return next year with more members. Thanks to Cindy for organising an enjoyable weekend competition.

The chickens were won by Des Freeman with forty shots and Neil Crawford with another high score, forty three shots. The eggs were won by Pam and Tony.

Thank you Cindy and Colin Bedford for donating the chickens, Ian and Julia Hamilton for donating the eggs. As the chickens were - on ‘strike’ Ian bought the eggs.

The football card was won by Chris Harding with Chelsea. The chairman thanked Joan, Sue and Howie for organising another successful chicken run.

CHRISTMAS LUNCH Sunday 10th December

TURKEY CHASE Sunday 17th December

The annual Christmas lunch at Portico Mar was as usual thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. Thank you to Julia for organising the lunch, Joan and Sue for doing the raffle.

The winners of the hampers were Janet Leonard, Des Freeman and Joan Harding.

Another very successful turkey chase played on a beautiful December morning.

The turkey crowns were won by Diane Horsington and Bill Winterburn, the eggs

by Jean Chamberlain and Steve Hindle.

Thanks to Joan and Chris Harding, Sue and Les Bounds who donated the turkey crowns, Ian and Julia Hamilton (not forgetting the chickens) who donated the eggs. Instead of sending Christmas cards the members donated to the Orihuela Orphanage which raised 325 euros. Andrea Dimech from the orphanage came to the club to receive the donation, thanks to Joan and Sue for organising the collection. The football card was won by Mick Soars with Coventry. The Spider competition was won by Ken White.

Chris thanked Joan, Sue and Howie for organising the turkey chase.

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

MASA SQUARE

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Skipper Bar Christmas Sing Along GA Singers fundraising for Royal British Legions raised 106€ from the raffle and 24.08€ from the collection tin for the books

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Book of the month by Beth A story that will pull at your heartstrings

My Recommended Book of the Month

Two by Two

By Nicholas Sparks Russell Green has it all; a loving family, a successful career and a beautiful house. But underneath his seemingly perfect world, cracks are beginning to appear... and no one is more surprised than Russ when the life he took for granted is turned upside down.

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.

Finding himself single-handedly caring for his young daughter, while trying to launch his own business, the only thing that Russ knows is that he must shelter his little girl from the consequences of these changes. As Russ embarks on this daunting and unexpected new chapter of his life, a chance encounter will challenge him to find happiness beyond anything he could ever have imagined. I really enjoyed this book.

It is a beautiful story of heartbreak, strength and unconditional love that will capture your heart.

JOIN OUR CLUB Wednesday 31 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

MASA SQUARE

MASA SQUARE

CARABASSI CENTRE

CARABASSI CENTRE AVDA.NORUEGA

CHRISTMAS AFTERNOON TEA PARTY AT THE LONDON TAVERN

GA Advertiser Christmas Lunch - with Lou and Lynne, along with GA Councillors Oscar Valenzuela and Borja Merino Huge thanks to Oscar and Borja for keeping us updated with all the developments in Gran Alacant throughout the year, and BIGGEST thanks to our WONDERFUL Advertisers and Readers.

GALS FUNDRAISING AT JAMES BAR AND GRILL GALs lunch raised 116€ for Elche Children’s Care Home, bringing the total raised for the year to 1,410€.

Would you like to dedicate a message to your Valentine in next month’s issue? Email a photo and message to us at info@granalacantadvertiser.com

CARABASSI CENTRE

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CARABASSI CENTRE

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Fundraising in Gran Alacant...

ASPETGA’s annual “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” Christmas event was a resounding success, raising a commendable sum of nearly 500 euros for our pet food bank!

Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to our cherished friends, neighbors, and generous donors who made ASPETGA’s Santa Claus meet and greet event at Molly Malone’s Irish Pub a resounding triumph.

Thanks to your overwhelming generosity, we surpassed last year’s total, amassing 490.89 euros—nearly 100 euros more! Economic hardships often force families to surrender their pets, a heartbreaking reality we aim to combat.

These funds will enable us to assist more struggling families in Santa Pola and Gran Alacant, ensuring they can keep their beloved pets during challenging times.

A special acknowledgment goes to Molly Malone’s for graciously hosting our event, and our esteemed sponsors Gran Alacant Properties and Astro Networks Gran Alacant TV for their dedicated efforts in organizing the festivities.

Our sincere thanks extend to the individuals and local businesses that contributed prizes to our raffle, including La Galguita Amelie and Retratos Natalia. This holiday season, let’s remember to support our local businesses!

A warm thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello, snapped a selfie with Santa Claus, and to Santa Pola Town Councilors Gela Roche, Encarni Ramírez Baeza, Borja Merino, Trini Ortiz Gomez, and Angel Piedecausa who graced us with their presence.

Your support is invaluable, and we look forward to continuing this festive tradition next year! Santa reminds you to stay on the nice list and wishes everyone a joyful New Year!

Warm regards,

ASPETGA Team

“GASS - GA Single Socials” “GA singles” - Fed up with being the only single person at the table when you go out with friends!

Are you looking for like minded single companions?

Then I may have the answer “GASS - GA Single Socials”. I propose this new group specially for singles to mix and mingle and find other likeminded single companions - a meal, a coffee meet up, a day at the beach or just a trip into Santa Pola.

I have received a lot of interest following my initial post and I am happy to kick this off.

All communication going forward will be via the new FB group GASS- GA Single Socials.

Our inaugural meeting is planned for Tuesday 16 January, 11am, at the London Tavern, Commercial Centre. It is our group and I need input on what people want from this group. It’s up to us to make this work. Please share this with your single friends I look forward to a great brainstorming session on the 16 January and the opportunity to meet new friends. Onwards and Upwards!If we get this right, nobody needs to feel lonely or isolated! Looking forward to meeting you all! Shaunagh

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COMMERCIAL CENTRE

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SALFORD & CO

Happy

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@OKBRICO

SHOP ONLINE

OKBRICO.COM

FOR BARBECUES

CERTIFIED STORE

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COMMERCIAL CENTRE

SANTARA RESORT

SANTARA RESORT

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THE NORWEGIAN CLUB - GRAN ALACANT CHRISTMAS RAFFLE & PORRIDGE

Special thanks to Inga Gauslå for the photos!

On Saturday 2nd of December 49 Norwegians and 1 Swede were in the Christmas spirit and enjoyed Christmas porridge with sugar, cinnamon and butter at the club.

We had many great prizes during the Christmas lottery. Some donated, some bought by the AK (activity committee) and some giveaways from our supporting partners.The main prize was a gift basket from GA Homefinders.

Kirsten & Øyvind were the happy winners of the great gift basket from GA Homefinders Gunnar in the Christmas spirit :D

Inger & Harald the perfect hostess and host, they made an outstanding porridge this year

Ruth & Helge enjoying good company of new and old members

Happy New Year

to all our members and supporting partners!

The club reopens 25th of January with a brand new kitchen and countertop.

Maria, one of the many wine lottery winners on Thursday 23rd November

We look forward to new Monday hikes, daytrips and, of course, Thursday wine lottery!

HELP GROUP The Help Group is a partner to ARACELIA in Santa Pola who are supporting disadvantaged families.

Our members donate by filling up our box in the club with clothes, toys, dry food and by participating in quiz nights and nature walks.

This year the club has donated 600€ towards Christmas presents and 500€ for school materials for the children.

In total, the Help Group was able to give 1250€ to support the children with school material.

On the 21st of December, there was a Christmas party for the families and distribution of Christmas presents.

Grete and Roger has been Santas helpers and gift wrapped 60 Christmas presents for the children in Santa Pola.

BACKGROUND The Norwegian Club is located in the Sierra Mar Urbanisation of Gran Alacant and operates from September through to May. The club was established in 1999. We (our members) bought the property in Sierra Mar in 2001. We are a voluntary organisation with no employees.

TODAY Today we have around 500 members. Most of our members are Norwegians with a few Swedish members. Here you can meet old friends and make new ones.

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS The club runs many social activities.

Spanish Classes Spanish classes started in October and runs 4 times a week on Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 10-11.45am.

Wine Lottery Every Thursday from 12-3pm, we organise an extremely popular wine lottery. We recently had a record number of 165 members to turn up for this event.

Funds raised from the wine lottery goes towards building maintenance and other charitable activities.

Friday Activities We are open on Friday from 12-2pm for coffee and then again from 8-11pm for social gatherings.

Other activities include; bridge club, painting club, day coach trips, walking tours and evening parties.

HELPING OUR MEMBERS

Nice and warm in the sun outside the club

We aim to help our members as much as we can. If anyone gets sick or needs help translating in Spanish, we are there for them. We also hire out children’s equipment over the summer months for our members.

For more information, please check out our website and Facebook page.

DenNorskeKlubbenAlacant

SIERRA MAR

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THANK YOU! We raised 276€ and there were several bags of donations of toiletries, stationery, gifts and sweets!

SIERRA MAR

GRAN ALACANTERS ON TOUR! On Sunday, the 19th of November 2023, 102 people filed onto 2 coaches for the much anticipated ‘Dick Turpin bar’ trip to Cordoba/ Sevilla/Jaen.

Due to the success of previous trips, there had been no problem finding individuals wanting to take advantage of this extremely well-organised, economical, educational excursion.

Neil Lloyd and Alison Clark (not forgetting the supporting act of Antonio Vicens and Helen Campbell) were the guys responsible for the sourcing, planning, and executing of this very enjoyable trip.

Such is the popularity of these trips that one couple travelled 107 kilometres from Ondara to take part and another couple a mere 1,504 miles from the UK. Although Cordoba is an almost 6-hour coach journey from Gran Alacant, the coaches are modern and comfortable and entertainment in the form of quizzes, bingo and films are provided for those who wish to partake.

After 2 refreshment stops en route, our group arrived at Hotel Selu, a recently renovated hotel in the centre of Cordoba, on the edge of the Jewish Quarter.

A swift check in process and a quick freshen up for all was followed by a brief walking tour of the immediate area in order for people to get their bearings for the following day which was free time in the city.

Many of the group then chose to find somewhere to have an evening meal although 2 of the vegetarian ladies admitted to only being able to source egg and chips on their first night due to their lack of mastery of the Spanish language and a reluctance on the part of the Spanish restaurants that were open to provide anything but meat or fish!

Monday, in glorious weather, was a full day of free time and sight-seeing. Many opted for a walk around the Jewish Quarter and visits to the Roman Bridge and the fabulous Mezquita – A unique building with a history spanning eight centuries. Once a Mosque and now a Roman Catholic Cathedral. A world Heritage Site dating back to AD710.

SIERRA MAR Monday evening saw birthday celebrations. The hotel kindly opened the bar early so that we could all wish Helen a Happy Birthday. Glasses were raised (more than once) and although blue wigs were not compulsory, many joined in to ensure a good night was had by all.

Despite a few sore heads, Tuesday morning saw us travel to Seville, the largest city in the autonomous community of Andalucia and the 4th largest in Spain. The Old Town with an area of 4 square kilometres contains another UNESCO World Heritage site comprising 3 buildings the Alcazar Palace complex, the Cathedral, and the general Archive of the Indies.

The city is situated in the fertile valley of the river Guadalquivir and Seville Harbour, located 50 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, is the only river port in Spain.

Tuesday evenings return trip to Cordoba produced hair-raising moments for people on one coach, when a fault developed in the driver’s emergency exit resulting in him having to drive for a time holding the door shut with one hand!

Nerves were calmed on the return to the hotel with the help of pats on the back, a few prayers, and the odd tipple!

Prior to returning to Gran Alacant on Wednesday, a short stop off in Jaen was scheduled. This city is known for its Olive Oil production – a mere 66 million Olive trees grow here, and several of the party took advantage of the opportunity to visit an Olive Oil factory to learn about processes and to sample the produce. The temperature in Jaen dropped considerably from our experience in Cordoba and Seville and whilst some were in the Olive Oil factory, others were scrabbling in the Chinese shop for scarves, hats, and gloves!

The return coach trip to Gran Alacant was uneventful and incredibly quiet – everyone exhausted after a fabulous 3 days exploring this wonderful part of Spain. Best news ever – 102 clambered aboard the coaches on Sunday morning and 102 were safely delivered back to Gran Alacant on Wednesday evening. Looking forward already to the next trip.

For further information about upcoming trips please see the Dick Turpin Facebook page.

The Christmas Fair in MASA Square raised 502€ for The Gran Alacant and La Marina Royal British Legion on Saturday 9th December 2023.

We were blown away by the support from our community.

We had entertainment provided by Lynne Lowe Fitness with her Beatcamp drumsticks, Gran Alacant Singers with a few festive songs, Emma Dance Fusion Foley with her amazing Burlesque dancing and Sue Shepherds line dancing.

20 stalls attended and all have confirmed they would like to come back next time we have a fair. We think at one point there wasn’t a seat to be had anywhere in Masa Square.

Thank you so much Lou for taking photos and for your support.

Jackie x

AVDA.MEDITERRANEO

AVDA.MEDITERRANEO

Home Turf Follow us on Instagram: juanruano.oficial & archiemaddan

One more present before wrapping up the Christmas season?

We have written before about the Mediterranean Garden Society (“MGS”) which we joined almost three years ago.

Recently, the Costa Blanca branch of the society held its annual branch meeting and end of year social event in Javea and we thought that it would be a good idea to write a little about this society and possibly encourage some new members!

As its name suggests the society exists for the purpose of spreading knowledge regarding the pleasures and challenges of gardening and horticulture in areas of the world which enjoy Mediterranean climates.

The society has members in 38 countries but mostly in the Mediterranean, Australia, California, Chile and Southern Africa.

The society was founded in 1994 and next year will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a programme of events in Greece where it was founded. Non-profit and staffed by volunteers, the society has grown in statute to become recognised and respected for its contribution to horticulture. In the last year the society’s headquarters garden in Sparoza, Greece has been the subject of newspaper articles and a BBC film by the God of gardening Monty Don! The garden in Sparoza in fact has a far longer history stretching back to the 1960s when it was established by an Englishwoman Mary Tyrwhitt. She was an urban planning professor by profession but had a passion for gardening and was keen to investigate which plants would thrive in the challenging Mediterranean climate. Following the founding of the MGS in 1994 it took over the garden from Professor Tyrwitt and has continued her work. Since the 1960s what was originally an isolated rural location has

been surrounded by the Athenian suburbs, something which Professor Tywitt, wearing her urban planning hat, herself predicted.

As someone who briefly lived in Athens, Archie can vouch for the importance of any green space in that wonderful but busy city!

We are entering a period of great change in our climate with new patterns of heat and rainfall. The work of organisations such as the MGS is becoming more important in helping us to preserve both natural flora and our own precious cultivated gardens and parks. In ways that could not have been foreseen in the 1960s, the work of the gardeners at Sparoza is increasingly precious to us all. The MGS provides information and guidance to anyone trying to grow and enjoy plants and gardens in our climate. The society receives no public

funding and relies upon its membership fees and donations to continue its work.

We have written articles in these pages criticising our local council’s lack of interest in “greening” Gran Alacant - however the time is soon coming when urban planning without “greening” will seem as wrong as building towns without proper sewers! There is a clear choice facing us as individuals and as society; either we start to respect and harmonise with nature or we will find ourselves trying to live in desolation.

Letting the enjoyment and knowledge of gardening into your life is one small step that every individual can take, even window boxes or terrace pots bring life and pleasure.

We make no apologies for using this article to invite our readers to join the Mediterranean Garden Society in 2024 and to support its work. The Costa Blanca branch has a full programme of events including visits and lectures. In the three years that we have been members we have been welcomed by the existing members who come from all backgrounds and nations.

The social events are a delight and the opportunity to visit private gardens is a special treat. We have learnt about far more than just gardening; the history and culture of our region is tied upon with the plants that have been grown, cultivated and harvested along our coast. At the meeting in Javea in

November we were treated to a short talk by young Spanish garden designers who are reaching back to historic Iberian garden forms and native species to use in their 21st century projects: Trying to bring a truly Spanish stamp to their contemporary work.

The MGS is keen to involve new members: Whether your interest is plants, historic gardens, climate change issues or simply a bigger social life the MGS Costa Blanca branch can offer it all. In 2024 the MGS Costa Blanca branch has organised four garden visits, which we will write about and perhaps see some of you at. So as we look forward to 2024, plant a seed and join this special society! Please feel free to reach out for further information and how to become a member.

AVDA.ESCANDINAVIA

AVDA.ESCANDINAVIA

AVDA.ESCANDINAVIA

TOMMY'S

Christmas Sing-Along 163€ raised for the Association of Pet Owners of Santa Pola and Gran Alacant!

Tommy’s bar fundraising for Aspetga charity

AVDA.ESCANDINAVIA

AVDA.ESCANDINAVIA

AVDA.ESCANDINAVIA

AVDA.ESCANDINAVIA

AVDA.ESCANDINAVIA

Wishing Everyone a Happy New Year!

READ THE MAGAZINE EVERY MONTH AT www.GRANALACANTADVERTISER.com

CLINICA VETERINARIA GRAN ALACANT EXOTICS Calle Holanda 9, MASA Square I T: 966 698 569

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

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

WHAT’S NEW IN 2024?

As ancient Romans used to say: “mutatis mutandis”, changing the things that must be changed. There are some things that are going to be modified next year, for example, owners’ access to microchip local database (RIVIA). So far, pet owners could enter the website intranet.rivia.org/propietarios, where you can check all your details and your pets details, modify some of them (postal address, email address and phone number), notify your pet has died or it’s moving to another area, and also, and this is very important, report a lost or stolen pet, via the microchip number and a password which is owner’s DNI, NIE or passport. From 2024, apart from this, it will be required a confirmation code that will be sent automatically to the owners email address every time you want to access to the web. This 6 number code is valid for just 2 minutes. If it takes you longer to fill in the blanks, you’ll need to apply for a new one. This additional security verification is being implanted because RIVIA website was hacked some months ago.

A important implication of this would be for owners whose pet was microchipped a long time ago (when an email address was not mandatory), it should be updated as soon as possible, because it’s the only way to access your pet details at RIVIA, and also because RIVIA is no longer going to notify owners when it’s time to renew rabies injection via SMS. From 2024, all RIVIA notifications will go via email exclusively.

Other innovations are technological ones: GPS trackers, and automatic troughs. It’s true that GPS trackers have been available at the market for years, but the old models were big and heavy devices which were useful just for livestock guardian mastiffs, or hunting dogs, but they were too heavy for small dogs (not to mention cats). The new trackers are small enough to be used in cats, and for this reason they are very useful for those cats which love to spend hours - or days - away from home.

Thanks to this device, you can know real-time where they are. It’s also useful for indoor cats, in case they go out and are unable to find the way back home, or maybe they get trapped somewhere.

About automatic troughs: imagine you have two dogs at home: one of them is overweight, but the other one is not. The heavy one should be in a low calories diet, which would be not enough nutrition for the thin one. What can we do? We can program the automatic trough to remain closed unless it detects one microchip, the one we decide. Of course, the ideal would be to have two troughs, but because they are expensive, we can put a normal bowl with low calories diet, and the automatic one with the high energy food: the trough will remain closed till the thin cat gets close, and this way, the heavy cat will not steal high energy food.

Of course, this is also valid when we have at home a healthy pet and an ill one that must be on a prescription diet (for example, a digestive problem that requires a hypoallergenic food.

The normal food will be accessible just for the healthy pet, but not for the ill one).

Another interesting application would be to stop street cats to steal food from our cats bowl. This mechanism is similar to automatic cat flaps, which open only when they detect the electronic collar our cat wears, and will stop street cats from entering our home.

Another interesting device for pets would be automatic water bowls for cats. As anyone knows, many cats don’t trust stagnant water, so there are some devices which pour water in the bowl when they detect the cat is approaching. The fact that the water is not stagnant stimulates cats to drink, which is very important, especially when they consume dry food (most of them) to avoid urinary problems.

In case of dogs, which love to drink and play with the water in their bowls, these devices are normally not necessary.

The list of technological gadgets for pets is almost infinite: dog beds with cooling effect, self-cleaning cat litters, sophisticated toys, etc. The ones we would recommend are GPS trackers. We think they are really useful, and they can save you the bad experience of losing a pet.

Happy New Year!

SANTA POLA

LA MARINA

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LA MARINA

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Gran Alacant’s ELCHE CF SUPPORTERS GROUP A group of football fans in Gran Alacant have their own Elche CF supporters club to attend home games at the stadium and watch away games in local bars around Gran Alacant.

Home games see the group move around different bars in Gran Alacant as their meeting place, with the usual bars used being Happy’s at the GA Centre while Tommy’s is the regular spot up the hill.

From there, the group, which is primarily made up of 19 season ticket holders who sit together, arranges car-sharing to get up to the ground in time for some pre-match beers and food before returning to Gran Alacant afterwards.

Travel to the ground is problematic with no easy public transport links. With the group sharing driving duties, they have managed to shift larger groups of fans to games.

Tickets are always easy to come by this season with the club being in the second division. They can be purchased via the club website at www.elchecf.es and there is also the occasional spare ticket available through the group as well, with a number of new attendees coming along having read this column.

Jornadas in Spain have games all spread out with each match being televised. It is normal for the actual date and time of the match to not be announced until 2 to 5 weeks beforehand.

The only home league game in January is against Real Valladolid on the weekend of 20th/21st January - date and time to be confirmed.

Find the group on Facebook at ‘Peña Elche CF de Gran Alacant’ ¡Mucho Elche!

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)

GA MEN’S WALKING FOOTBALLL On behalf of all associated with Gran Alacant Walking Football, I would like to wish everyone a happy and prosperous 2024. As we look forward, it is always a good time to raise a little glass to ‘absent friends’.

Numbers attending the Wednesday sessions have been healthy and we welcome faces old and new to take to the field in the New Year. The Sports Centre will be closed on Wednesday January 3rd so the first session of 2024 will be on Wednesday 10th January at 12 noon, with entrance to the facility from 11.45 am via the gate from the car park where the market used to be held.

Please arrive in good time to allow teams to be picked. We remind you that we will continue to share the facility with the school and appreciate your consideration of staff and pupils from the school. Also, we can only use changing room number 3, on the left hand side as you enter the indoor centre.

Thanks to all who attended the social meet in December. We will be starting these again in February.

Remember that there is walking football available every weekday between Gran Alacant and Santa Pola.

For more info please visit our Facebook page Gran Alacant’s Walking Football Community or contact Steve on +34 642 01 05 15

GA LADIES WALKING FOOTBALLL PUTTING OUR FEET UP FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON! Gran Alacant Women’s Walking Football has had a successful first year. Only established in May 2023, we have already caught the eye of a television production company and been involved in filming for the popular TV series Bargain Loving Brits.

this sooner. It is a fun way of maintaining mobility/fitness and making new friends.

The photo depicts our post session debrief at El Tio Chato Café bar in December.

We are a multinational group, with members from Great Britain, Belgium, Argentina, and Germany. In 2024 we are hoping to increase our membership and improve our skills. John Broderick will continue to coach us. Men who play in the Wednesday Men’s Walking Football Group are most welcome to join us at our Thursday sessions.

Due to many members visiting their homeland over the winter period, we are taking a break from our sessions in the New Year. Sessions will recommence on Thursday 29 th February 11.30hrs at the Polideportivo Gran Alacant. Newcomers will be made most welcome. Many of our ladies tell us they wish they had tried

For more info please visit our Facebook page Gran Alacant’s Walking Football Community or contact Julie on +44 792 618 7469

AVISO AL PÚBLICO (22/23)

SANTA POLA - ALICANTE - SANTA POLA BUS

Se informa a los Sres. Usuarios de la línea Santa Pola<->Alicante de los horarios establecidos a partir del día 4 de septiembre del 2023.

SANTA POLA-ALICANTE (LINEA 1 y 3)

LABORABLES

LABORABLES

SANTA POLA

GRAN ALACANT

ARENALES

ALTET

ALICANTE

ALICANTE

ALTET

ARENALES

GRAN ALACANT

SANTA POLA

6:00

6:05

6:15

6:20

6:55

7:00

7:05

7:15

7:20

7:55

7:00 8:00 8:15 9:00

7:15 8:15 8:30 9:15

7:20 8:20 9:20

7:30 8:30 9:30

7:40 8:40 8:50 9:40

10:00 11:00 11:30 12:00 13:00 13:30 14:00 15:00 15:15 16:00

10:15 11:15 11:45 12:15 13:15 13:45 14:15 15:15 15:30 16:15

10:20 11:20 11:50 12:20 13:20 14:20 15:20 16:20

10:30 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:30 14:30 15:30 16:30

10:40 11:40 12:10 12:40 13:40 14:05 14:40 15:40 15:50 16:40

7:30

-

-

7:45

8:05

8:00

8:05

8:15

8:20

8:55

9:00 10:00 10:30 11:00 12:00 12:30 13:00 14:00 14:15 15:00

9:05 10:05 10:35 11:05 12:05 12:35 13:05 14:05 15:05

9:15 10:15 10:45 11:15 12:15 12:45 13:15 14:15 15:15

9:20 10:20 10:55 11:20 12:20 12:55 13:20 14:20 14:30 15:20

9:55 10:55 11:25 11:55 12:55 13:25 13:55 14:55 14:50 15:55

17:00

17:15

17:20

17:30

17:40

16:00

16:05

16:15

16:20

16:55

18:00

18:15

18:20

18:30

18:40

17:00

17:05

17:15

17:20

17:55

19:00

19:15

19:20

19:30

19:40

18:00

18:05

18:15

18:20

18:55

20:00

20:15

20:20

20:30

20:40

19:00

19:05

19:15

19:20

19:55

21:00

21:15

21:20

21:30

21:40

20:00

20:05

20:15

20:20

20:55

22:00

22:15

22:20

22:30

22:40

21:00

21:05

21:15

21:20

21:55

SANTA POLA

GRAN ALACANT

ARENALES

ALTET

ALICANTE

PRIMERA SALIDA

7:00

7:05

7:15

7:20

7:55

ULTIMA SALIDA

22:00

22:05

22:15

22:20

22:55

SÁBADOS

60 MINUTOS

ALICANTE

ALTET

ARENALES

GRAN ALACANT

SANTA POLA

PRIMERA SALIDA

8:00

8:15

8:20

8:30

8:40

ULTIMA SALIDA

23:00

23:15

23:20

23:30

23:40

INTERVALO DE PASO 60 MINUTOS

SANTA POLA 7:00 9:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00

GRAN ALACANT 7:05 9:05 11:05 12:05 13:05 15:05 16:05 17:05 18:05 19:05 20:05

DOMINGOS Y FESTIVOS ARENALES 7:15 9:15 11:15 12:15 13:15 15:15 16:15 17:15 18:15 19:15 20:15

ALTET 7:20 9:20 11:20 12:20 13:20 15:20 16:20 17:20 18:20 19:20 20:20

ALICANTE 7:55 9:55 11:55 12:55 13:55 15:55 16:55 17:55 18:55 19:55 20:55

ALICANTE 8:00 10:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00

ALTET 8:15 10:15 12:15 13:15 14:15 16:15 17:15 18:15 19:15 20:15 21:15

ARENALES 8:20 10:20 12:20 13:20 14:20 16:20 17:20 18:20 19:20 20:20 21:20

GRAN ALACANT 8:30 10:30 12:30 13:30 14:30 16:30 17:30 18:30 19:30 20:30 21:30

SANTA POLA 8:40 10:40 12:40 13:40 14:40 16:40 17:40 18:40 19:40 20:40 21:40

*Estos servicios realizan su paso por BABEL.

INTERVALO DE PASO

TOURIST

NEW Para más información pueden visitar la web → https://movilidad.vectalia.es/rutas/ TRAIN SERVICE AROUND

*Las horas de salida desde Óscar Esplá se realizarán 10 min antes de cada salida desde la Estación de Autobuses de Alicante.

GA - ELCHE URBANO BUS AROUND GA

Santa Pola, a 3 de septiembre del 2023 GA

AIRPORT BUS

League Table Season 2023 / 2024 Gran Alacant Properties League Division 1 La Taberna B Tommy´s La Taberna A Pub A Dick Turpins A Miley´s Websters Redz Dick Turpins B Pub B

Played 9 8 7 8 9 9 9 8 8 8

Won 8 7 5 5 5 4 3 1 1 0

Lost 1 1 1 2 3 3 4 5 6 8

Draw 0 0 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 0

For 51 47 41 42 38 36 35 19 28 12

Against 21 17 15 22 34 36 37 45 36 52

Diff +30 +30 +26 +20 +04 0 -02 -26 -08 -40

Points 16 14 11 11 11 10 8 4 3 0

Results up to and Including 11th December 2023 Highest Checkout • Juan - La Taberna B x 120 Quickest Check-Out • Juan - La Taberna B 12 Darts

Most 180’s Luis (Taberna B) x 2 Robert (Taberna B) x 2 Alex (Taberna A) x 1 Beni (Redz) x 1 Rafa (Tommy´s) x 1 Neil (Pub A) x 1 Clemen (Taberna A) x 1

GA SOCIAL CYCLISTS Peter (Pub A) x 1 Ray (Pub A) x 1 Miguel (Taberna A) x 1 Brett (Turpins B) x 1

and Elche which means 12 – 25 miles per ride. Fitter, stronger cyclists can opt to take different routes but, we always meet up at a designated stop for a coffee, and importantly, a natter. Sometimes the group is just two cyclists, whilst other times it can be as many as 10-12 and as a testament to the group, in the years we have been meeting, many strong friendships have been formed.

Sponsored By

As we don’t all live in Gran Alacant we Granalacantdartsleague There is a vibrant group of social cyclists in communicate via a Whatsapp Group so it + 34 966 699 441 is best to check on the Whatsapp group Gran Alacant who meet up outside of Molly + 34 659 292 654who is around and who is going out on any Malones most days of the week at around info@granalacantproperties.com 10:00am. We ride hybrid and off road particular day. bikes, are of varying ages, fitness levels and If you want to join us please contact us both sexes and usually cycle the rural roads on Whatsapp 00353 / 87 991 6020 and paths around Gran Alacant, Santa Pola

GALS (Gran Alacant Ladies) A Year in Review Gals report a very busy 2023, and the year isn’t over yet!

Initially, the group was set up as a social network for ladies to find local friends and activities. Over the past few years since its inception, it has grown to a group of over 600 members and activities range from monthly coffees and lunches, weekly walks, and charity fundraising events such as craft afternoons.

Gals has representation from 10 counties, with ages from 20 to 65+. We are all based or connected to Gran Alacant or its immediate surrounding area.

The group now utilises their popular monthly lunches to fundraise for their chosen charity.

(Lunches have been attended by over 400 ladies). This year we supported Elche Children’s Care Home, raising well over €1100 to date with one more lunch before the end of the year.

We must thank our host restaurants this year who welcomed us warmly and supported our charity fundraising efforts by donating a free lunch as the star raffle prize. This year we have visited Get Fresh, Gourmet Indian, Bonjour, Gran Mundo, Dunbars, Il Sapore, Skippers, Tuttis, La Piedra and James Bar & Grill. A huge THANK YOU to all our host restaurants.

Our very popular monthly coffee morning is hosted by Natalie and her family at Freiduria Hispania, at the Carabassi strip.

This is a much more informal meet up, with a relaxed and chatty vibe.

Our weekly walkers take to the trails between Gran Alacant and Santa Pola every Wednesday, taking in well deserved refreshments before taking the bus back to Gran Alacant.

Our crafty members regularly get together to share hints and tips, or learn new skills.

Often their carefully crafted items are sold at the various craft markets held throughout the year in Gran Alacant.

The group forms part of a vital network of friendship and support, demonstrated when one of our members suffered an injury which limited her mobility for weeks.

Many of our members helped by visiting and picking up shopping etc.

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year from the admin team, Joanne Whearity, Selina Bruce and Claire Williams.

Any ladies wanting to join can visit our Facebook page: GALs - Gran Alacant Ladies

PART EXCHANGE

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