Gran Alacant Advertiser June 2023

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

Q: DOG MESS & ALLOTMENTS

Hi Lou

I was going to email about the dog mess along Carabassi and Polonia but saw last month’s issue where it had been mentioned again along with an article from the vet. I just wanted to emphasise the problem as a first time visitor to the area recently said, “the place is lovely, shame about the dog mess”.

Q: ALLOTMENTS

Hi Lou and Ged

I have attached a photo to show what the allotments used to look. It would be great if we could get them back to this state.

On another matter, several issues ago the local council said they were adopting “greener policies” yet there seems to of been no change in the Carabassi allotments situation. In fact, the area looks even worse now that the place has graffiti.

Could Oscar please push this along? Thanks, Bob

Regards, Patrick

Oscar Valenzuela’s reply:

I have visited the allotments together with the Mayor and the Councillor for Cleaning. We have plans to improve this area.

Q: COMMUNICATION SIGNAL

Hi Lou,

We have been living at Avd. Polonia for the past 3 months. It is a beautiful place however the mobile signal is very poor. This poses security issues, as our alarm does not even work.

If you know anything, can you please reply or mention it in your magazine?

Greeting, Thomas

Oscar Valenzuela’s reply: Thank you for your question.

We are planning to install a similar communication mast in lower GA as was recently installed at the top of GA next to the Sports Centre.

Q: BINS

Hi Lou & Ged, I am sending this information regarding the broken grey bin outside Med 3. I have mentioned this before, sent pictures, and listened to Oscar talk about new contracts being discussed.

This is just to let you know that it is now a YEAR, yes a YEAR next month and this bin is still broken and now has graffiti on it. Trying to contact Urbaser is pointless as nobody answers the phone or replies to messages. Our basura payments are taken from our accounts quickly enough to supposedly empty and clean the bins. I will be interested to hear the council’s latest excuses for this.

Yours, Patrick

Oscar Valenzuela’s reply:

A new cleaning contract has been completed that will meet all the needs of a growing population of Gran Alacant. This contract is worth 56 million euros over a 10year period and is one that is sorely needed in GA.

Many companies submitted tenders for this contract and unfortunately, the tender process is a bit slow. We have had a look at trying to replace this bin but there are no new bins available until the new cleaning contract comes into effect.

Q: MARKET RELOCATION

In last month’s magazine, it mentions that the market is moving to “CJ5”. Can Oscar clarify where CJ5 is?

Kind regards, Lynne

Oscar Valenzuela’s reply:

Thank you for your question Lynne. CJ5 is around Avd. Noruega where Gabe, Aldi and the Church is located.

SCHOOL

Work has begun on the new Early Childhood and Primary Education Center.

Councillor Valenzuela said, “It is an important milestone for Gran Alacant and for me personally. The improvement of educational facilities in the area has been one of the reasons I decided to enter into politics.” The works are expected to take 18 months with a €12.5 million budget and will be carried out by the company Acciona.

An educational facility desired and demanded by the local residents, it will be located on Monte de Santa Pola Street, in the upper part of GA (in front of the Pharmacy, on the right hand side as you go up to the Monte-Faro Urbanization). Although a somewhat complex plot, on which significant unevenness must be overcome, it has enough space should further expansion be necessary.

The urbanization of the area is the responsibility of the City Council and such aspects of the works will be complete simultaneously in readiness for the school opening.

NEW CITYPAQ

SERVICE FOR THE POST OFFICE

Correos improves its provision in Gran Alacant with a new Citypaq service.

This new ticket office improves the service for the residents of Gran Alacant allowing the collection or deposit of shipments in a safe, simple and effective way. This Citypaq facility consists of 18 postboxes of different sizes to accommodate a variety of size and shapes of the packages. It also offers the possibility of depositing and collecting shipments 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

As indicated by Ana Blasco, Head of Public Safety, the objective is to ensure that vehicles are up to date with their technical inspections, to control points on public roads where there is a high risk of accidents and to provide evidence in the event of any accident.

The main objective of this service is to make life easier for residents, so that they can collect, send and return purchases without having to wait for the postal worker to arrive.

On March 1, Correos also increased the public opening hours for the Gran Alacant office and it is now open from 9 am to 2 pm Monday through Friday. In addition, this Post Office has 24/7 post office boxes for ordinary mail. The 60 boxes are operational and located in front of the Gran Alacant office for easy parking and mail collection and with full guarantee for the security of shipments.

SECURITY CAMERAS

Santa Pola City Council will install surveillance cameras in Gran Alacant to reduce driving offences.

The Department of Security indicate that this pilot project could be extended to other areas of the urbanisation such as the entrances of municipal buildings or spaces of interest to help deter unlawful acts of vandalism.

POLICE STATION

The construction works of the new local Police Station for GA has begun.

FOOTBALL PITCH

The construction works of the football field 7 in Gran Alacant are progressing at a good pace. In the coming weeks artificial turf will be placed. The work has a budget of 387 thousand euros.

The new structure is located at the commercial centre and is expected to take 4 months to complete with a total cost of 118k euros.

LA VUELTA FEMENINA

Hotel AJ in Gran Alacant played host to the La Vuelta women’s cycling team.

GALS (GRAN ALACANT LADIES)

GALs held their monthly social at GRAN MUNDO on Friday 28th April raising 110€ for our chosen charity Elche Children’s Home (ECCH) with a raffle.

The 2023 La Vuelta Femenina was the first edition of a women’s cycling race which takes place in Spain. The race took place from 1 to 7 May 2023 and was the 15th event in the 2023 UCI Women’s World Tour.

Sports Councillor Julio Miguel Baeza Andreau said, “Congratulations on the great work that is being done to attract teams of this level to our city. It gives us great satisfaction to be able to attract quality sport tourism.”

FUNDRAISING IN GRAN ALACANT

CANCER CHARITY

Twenty-five people from GA did the 10km walk for Cancer Charity “Bruised but not Broken” in El Campello on Saturday 6 May.

We are so proud to have so many ladies of all nationalities in our friendly group which now stands at 450. Any lady with a connection to Gran Alacant is very welcome to join us. Please check out Gals (Gran Alacant Ladies) on Facebook.

Joanne Whearity, GALS

RBL (ROYAL BRITISH LEGION)

The Royal British Legion organised a great day celebrating the Coronation of King Charles 3rd on Saturday 6 May.

On behalf of the charity and all of us at Quicksave, we would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who raised €775 (and still counting). Many people are affected by this horrible disease and we believe this is a great charity to support.

Claire & Lee, Quicksave

Paul, RBL said, “Thanks to all who helped set up the sea of red white and blue flags throughout Masa Square. Thanks to Jane and Joan for the welcome food stalls for organising great entertainment form Alex Tipping and his Jersey Boys partner.

A total of €720 was raised for the RBL. Thanks to the newlyweds Steve and Karen for hosting us at The Pub plus the magnificent bar staff who worked their socks off.

To everyone who attended, we appreciate your support!”

Paul Kean, Royal British Legion

Mayor of Santa Pola, Loreto Serrano, began in politics as a Councillor in 1991. From 1991 to 1999, she was in government as mayor in both legislatures, from 1999 to 2003 in the opposition and working in the Provincial Council. Loreto Serrano returned to politics to head the Popular Party in 2019 and is standing for re-election for the next term of office 2023 to 2027.

On a recent visit to Masa Square to speak with local business owners, Mayor Loreto Serrano took time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions for the Gran Alacant Advertiser.

What has been your biggest achievement for Gran Alacant?

“We have many projects underway in Gran Alacant including the construction of the new school, new police station, improving drainage systems, improved roads and a new traffic park for children, to name only a few. Every project we work on is special to me particularly given the obstacles we have had to overcome to achieve them.”

(If you would like more details on all projects, please refer to Councillor Oscar Valenzuela’s interview in our March edition).

What has been the most challenging aspect of your role?

“It has been a very complicated legislature. The City Council structure was a mess and hiring guidelines were so strict that it caused delays getting things done. Added to these difficulties were the lack of personnel and lack of budget to be able to carry out the necessary projects. Then the pandemic hit us and everything stopped. The war in Ukraine also brought challenges and resulted in significant cost increases for projects.”

How do you manage your work/life balance?

“At the moment, I do not have much in the way of a personal life. This is a particularly busy period work wise for all the team. Sometimes we can work up to 12 hours a day.”

What do you do to relax and unwind?

“I enjoy playing padel, mountain climbing and walking in and around Gran Alacant and Santa Pola. Best of all, I love spending quality time with my daughter and beautiful 18-month-old granddaughter.“

Is there anything you would like to add for our readers?

Regarding her candidacy, Mayor Loreto Serrano assures, “I believe we have demonstrated we can get things done and in my humble opinion, we have no rival. However, I would like to ask for the support of the residents, through their vote, in giving us their confidence to create four more years of growth in Gran Alacant. Going forward, there will not be just one mayor; there will also be two dedicated Councillors for this neighborhood. GA requires tailor-made solutions to suit the needs of the urbanisation.”

Thank you very much for your time Mayor Loreto Serrano

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MONTEMAR BOWLS & SOCIAL CLUB

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CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS

Saturday 15th April

Great result for Monte Mar Bowls Club at the Champion of Champions, Lynne Armitage and Neil Crawford won the Mixed Pairs. It was a nail biting final, on the last end Lynne and Neil were three down but they managed to win by one shot!!! Also the mixed rinks team, Gina Hindle, Steve Hindle, David Eades skip Phil Goble played in the final against a team from Greenlands. They got off to a very good start but the Greenlands team gradually caught up and won the game. Well done to both teams.

SAINT GEORGE’S DAY

Sunday 23rd April

St.George’s Day

Thirty players took part in the Saint Georges day competition. We played trips on five rinks the winners were decided by the highest score. After an enjoyable morning bowling Cindy presented the winning team Gina, Lynne and Iain with a bottle of wine each. Iain also won a prize for the best dressed player the football card was won by Gina with Manchester City. After the presentation we enjoyed a lovely buffet and drinks at James’s Bar. Well done Cindy for another successful competition.

CHICKEN RUN

Sunday 30th April

The monthly Chicken Run played in lovely sunshine was well supported. The chickens were won by once again Rita with twenty nine shots and Paul Dodds won with 40 shots. The eggs were won by Marilynn and Ken. Thank you to Lynne and Sheila who donated the chickens and as usual Julia and Ian not forgetting the chickens who donated the eggs. The football card was won by Kevin with Sheffield United. Thanks to all who attended making it another successful club day.

SOCIAL EVENTS

We now have a new social committee, Julia Hamilton, Gina Hindle, Rita Towle and Marilyn March. We look forward to all the future social events and hope you all enjoy your new roles in the club. The first event is a Summer Barbeque at The Santara Resort 1st July at !5.00pm. All information is on the Social Club Board at the bowls club.

We would like to thank the previous social committee for all the work they did in the past, Sue, Joan, Sheila, Diane and Angela.

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

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Murcia

In early April we headed down to our neighbouring province of Murcia to enjoy the spring festival in the capital city Murcia. The city was alive with music and people dressed for the parades that are the centrepiece of the festivities. The old town provided a beautiful backdrop with its squares, lanes and magnificent buildings lending an atmosphere of casual elegance to the occasionally somewhat frantic celebrations. Seeing throngs of young people “dressed” for brazilian carnival sambering their way through tight medieval spanish alleyways is not a sight easily forgotten!

We took the opportunity to slip into Murcia’s cathedral for a little peace and quiet and were rewarded with unexpected marvels.

The cathedral of Murcia traces its history back to the great mosque or Alamia that was the centre of muslim worship in the city when it was capital of the powerful and highly cultured mediaeval muslim kingdom of Murcia. When the city was conquered by christian forces in 1266 the great mosque was converted into a church consecrated to the Virgin Mary. The current building was started in 1385 and completed in 1467. Since completion however the cathedral has undergone alteration resulting in an extraordinary hybrid that is mostly a spectacular baroque exterior combined with a largely untouched late gothic interior.

It is the playful and frankly theatrical exterior that most visitors first notice, in particular the main facade on Plaza del Cardenal Belluga is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of baroque in Spain. The real architectural gems however are within. The cathedral largely preserves its

late gothic interiors including rare metal work screens on many of its 23 side chapels. The most impressive part of the cathedral is the chapel of Los Velez completed in 1507. This was an extension to the main building and is almost octagonal in form. The quality of the stonework and carving is exceptional both on the exterior and interior surfaces. The style is late gothic Spanish Plateresque but its execution is spectacular and probably the most impressive we have yet seen in Spain. The design includes recognisably gothic elements as well as humanist and classical motifs in a building that shows the transition from medieval to renaissance styles. The ceiling is formed by a ten pointed star vault lit by lantern windows which stream soft light down to the interior stone box of the body of the chapel. The chapel was also a statement of aristocratic power and prestige by the Chacons Fajardo family; the striking carved stone chain encircling the entire exterior of the chapel building is a stark symbol of power and control that seems to have little Christian content!

The chapel was declared a national historical monument as early as 1928.

Follow us on Instagram: juanruano.oficial & archiemaddan

The cathedral also includes other side chapels of equal importance. Of particular note is the Junterones Chapel of 1525. This little gem of a space is a perfect renaissance design showing the full transition from the gothic style of Velez Chapel only 20 years earlier. The Junterones Chapel is particularly notable for the wonderful

one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Spain.

vaulted ceiling over the altar space which is entirely encrusted with renaissance classical and pagan motifs. Again, the quality of the workmanship is exceptional.

We strongly recommend a visit to the Cathedral of Murcia which contains real architectural marvels that astonish just as they did when they were constructed several centuries ago; we believe it to be

Our visit to Murcia wasn’t entirely cultural and we included a little shopping in the excellent shops that line the narrow alleyways of the old town, purchasing shoes by southern spanish companies. Lunch was at a recently opened restaurant serving a fresh and inspiring menu de dia specially planned for the festival.

Afterwards we walked off lunch with a stroll through the delightful streets around the Plaza de Santo Domingo and Plaza Julian Romea which are dotted with more historic buildings.

The city of Murcia never disappoints and delivers culture, shopping and cuisine of a high standard, that is perhaps not as well known as it deserves to be.

TERRY TALKS

Alcohol free opinion & Chat

Many of you drive regularly and some maybe only when you hire a car for your holidays. I thought I would offer my view and what obstacles you will come across, how to keep your sanity and your sense of humour.

Firstly, you will be happy to know the condition of the roads far exceed those of the UK. Unless you drive down a very quiet country lane, you are unlikely to see a pothole. Tyres are safe!

If you want to get somewhere on a motorway you know you will do 120kph consistently. Traffic jams are rare. What will you do with all those swear words we habitually use on the M5 or M25? Save them for the UK, you will not need them here.

Speed cameras are nowhere near as common here. That doesn’t mean put your foot down, it just means your unlikely to be penalised without your knowledge for accidentally drifting into an 80 kph zone at 85kph.

There are however things you need to be aware of.

Crossings. You will find these at the entrance to most roads. You see a gap in the oncoming traffic to make your left turn; you go for it only to find a little old lady halfway across the crossing. How anyone survives those crossings God only knows. If they had a minister for creating dangerous crossing points, he would be doing a fabulous job.

Signage too leaves a lot to be desired. It either does not exist, or is so small you need a prescription windscreen to read it. Last minute swerves to not miss the exit are not uncommon. There must be so many places that lose out on business because we give up after 3 hours of searching.

Beware slip roads. Unlike the UK they are often very short, and the right of way lies with cars already on the main road. Therefore, you may find yourself having to stop on the slip road to join the fast moving traffic. So maybe a car with more 0-60 performance than a FIAT 500 maybe useful.

For many years we thought bumper cars were a thing to be found in fun fairs. Well you can find them here in Spain every day. My car shows the scars of many encounters. Your holiday is not complete until you’ve sat at a roadside café watching a local happily ‘creating’ a parking space. After all, why are they called bumpers if not for that purpose?

Turning left across traffic is often a standoff between 2 cars who do not quite understand how to do it. One going behind the other seems quite alien to most. It is up there and as common as the lack of use of indicators and rear view mirrors. I do believe that psychic ability is part of the Spanish driving test.

How could any advice about driving in Spain be incomplete without talking about roundabouts? We love them here. They keep everyone on their toes. My advice is keep your eyes closed and if you happen to be catholic, clutch that rosary tightly there is always a chance you will survive.

Anyway Happy Holidays everyone, the temperatures rising every day now. Especially behind the wheel.

ATIPICO tapas bistro celebrates its first year in business. We have invested a lot of time, dedication and training since day one and are passionate about delivering an experience for all the senses. For the whole team it has been a dream come true and we cannot be more proud & happy of what we have achieved.Thank you for supporting us on this delicious adventure & being part of our ATIPICO family.

Awards Season 2022/2023

Quickest Check Out

12 Darts Mano & Luis Zest

Highest Check

137 Kiko Tommy´s A

Most 180´s

x1 Richard Zest

Javier Zest

Lee Jolly

Klaus Dick Turpins

Chappie Dick Turpins

Oscar Dick Turpins

x 2 Luis Zest

x 3 Ray The Pub

Peter The Pub

Alan Tommy´s A

x 5 Mano Zest

Pairs

Runners Up Helen & Margaret Dick Turpins

Winners Mano & Luis Zest

Singles

Runner Up Chris F Jolly´s

Winner Mano Zest

Vase Trophy

Runners Up Jolly´s 2

Winners The Pub

Richard Keeler Cup

Runners Up Dick Turpins B

Winners Zest

League Division 1

Runners Up The Pub

Winners Zest A

Wooden Spoon Jolly´s 2

Awards Season 2022/2023

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Book of the month

by Beth

A great writer and a good book

What more could you want

My Recommended Book of the Month

Ann Patchett

The Dutch House

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 the economic boom following WW2, Cyril Conroy’s real estate investments take his family from poverty to enormous wealth. With it he buys the Dutch House, a lavish mansion in the Philadelphia suburbs. Meant as a surprise for his wife. The house sets in motion the undoing of everyone he loves.

Danny Conroy grows up in the opulence of the Dutch House with his bright older sister Maeve. Their father is distant and their mother is absent but the siblings grow and change as life plays out around them.

Then one day their father brings home Andrea, a new stepmother. Though they cannot know it, her arrival at the Dutch House sows the seed of the defining loss of Danny and Maeve’s present lives. Exiled from the house and tossed back into a world where they have to fend for themselves. Danny and Maeve have only each other to count on.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Ann Patchett is a master of storytelling.

NEXT BOOK CLUB MEETING

Wednesday 28 June 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

Kick Off for Gran Alacant WOMEN'S Walking Football

Earlier this month saw the inaugural meeting of the newly formed Gran Alacant Women's Walking Football team. Gran Alacant has boasted a Men's Team for a number of years but a Women's team is a new development in the area.

Organiser Julie Broderick says "we were looking for different ways to challenge ourselves and we certainly achieved that. It is a great way to work out with friends whilst having fun. We are grateful to all of the Men's team for their support and encouragement."

Coach David Lamb (a member of the Men's team) stated "We are encouraging women, no matter what their fitness levels or ability to have a go at walking football. The game is played in a safe and relaxed environment with the emphasis on fitness and fun”

Anyone interested in joining the team should contact Julie on WhatsApp +447926187469 or simply turn up to a session which takes place every Tuesday 11am at the Gran Alacant Sports Centre on Avda.Escandinavia

GRAN ALACANT WALKING FOOTBALL

Members continue to enjoy our weekly Wednesday sessions at 11am at the Indoor Sports Centre next to the outdoor market on Av. D’Escandinavia. We welcome all nationalities to play in the Walking Football session and join us for a drink afterwards.

The retaining wall at the rear of the new 8-a-side astroturf football pitch is complete and leveling work continues, but at a slower pace. Once construction is completed we hope it will attract even more members to our club.

Several of our members who also attend the Santa Pola Walking Football group played for the first time on Thursday 18th May on the relayed 5G astroturf pitch at the Campo de Futbol Pereira.

Our June social get-together will be in Happy Kebab and Pizzeria at the GA Centre on Tuesday 6th June from 1pm onwards. We hope Julie Broderick and some of the Gran Alacant Women’s Walking Football (GAWWF) will be joining us to hear how they are enjoying their first month of playing sessions.

John Fraser, Administrator