La Marina Advertiser January 2026

JANUARY 2026 ISSUE 21

722 45 39 47 Richard info@lamarinaadvertiser.com @LaMarinaAdvertiser

La Marina Advertiser brings you news and views on local issues in La Marina Urbanisation, La Marina Pueblo and San Fulgencio.

If you have any QUESTIONS for Samantha about local issues, please email Sam on info@lamarinaadvertiser.com

a Local Affair s ' t I with Samantha Hull !

San Fulgencio Councilor

Answering all your questions about local issues as well as exploring life and culture in Spain as a San Fulgencio local.

BECOMING A SPANISH CITIZEN: A GUIDE FOR BRITISH RESIDENTS For thousands of Britons who have settled under the Spanish sun, taking the step from resident to citizen represents more than a legal formality — it is a declaration of belonging. Whether you arrived decades ago or more recently, becoming a Spanish national offers stability, full participation in Spanish life, and the return of European Union rights lost after Brexit.

Understanding the Path to Nationality

Spain offers several routes to citizenship, but for most British residents the relevant one is naturalisation by residence (“nacionalidad por residencia”). This route is open to foreigners who have lived legally and continuously in Spain for ten years.

There are shorter time frames for some — five years for recognised refugees, two years for citizens of Ibero-American countries or those of Sephardic descent, and just one year for applicants with close Spanish family ties, such as those married to a Spanish national. For British citizens, however, the ten-year rule usually applies.

Crucially, residence must be both legal and uninterrupted. Extended absences or periods without the correct documentation can reset the clock, so maintaining a clean record of residence is essential.

The Brexit Factor

Before 2021, British nationals enjoyed the privileges of EU freedom of movement,

allowing them to live and work in Spain without restriction. Since the UK’s departure from the EU, Britons are treated as thirdcountry nationals, meaning the same rules now apply to them as to Americans, Canadians or Australians.

That said, those who registered as residents before the Brexit transition period ended and hold a TIE card under the Withdrawal Agreement retain their right to live in Spain indefinitely. The years they have already spent legally in the country still count towards the ten-year requirement for nationality.

Integration into Spanish Life

To qualify for citizenship, applicants must show that they are integrated into Spanish society. This is assessed through two official exams administered by the Cervantes Institute:

•

The DELE A2 exam, demonstrating basic Spanish-language proficiency.

•

The CCSE test, covering Spanish society, history, geography and constitutional values.

Both are multiple-choice and relatively straightforward for residents. Exemptions exist for those educated in Spain or with certain disabilities, but most British applicants will need to take both.

The Paperwork

Applications are submitted electronically through the Ministry of Justice’s website, accompanied by a range of supporting documents: •

A valid passport and residence card (TIE).

•

A recent empadronamiento certificate (proof of registration at your local town hall).

•

Evidence of continuous legal residence, usually provided by the immigration authorities.

•

Criminal record certificates from both Spain and the UK, apostilled and officially translated.

• •

Proof of payment of the administrative fee (around €100).

Certificates showing your exam results from the Cervantes Institute.

All foreign documents must be translated by a sworn translator accredited in Spain.

How Long It Takes

Applications can take anything from 18 months to two years to process. You can check progress online. If your application is approved, you will receive formal notification and must then swear allegiance to the Spanish Constitution and the King at your local Civil Registry within six months.

Only then does nationality officially take effect.

Life as a Spanish Citizen

Once naturalised, you enjoy all the rights of a Spanish citizen, a Spanish passport and freedom to live and work anywhere in the EU! A Worthwhile Journey

Becoming a Spanish citizen is rarely quick and never effortless. Yet for many British residents who have built homes, families and businesses here, it represents a natural next step — a way to anchor their future firmly in the country they now call home!

My La Marina with Florencia from AguaFlo

Florencia and her business Aguaflo have been supplying, maintaining and repairing hot tubs, jacuzzis, saunas and swimming pools in La Marina and further afield for more than 12 years...here´s more information about Florencia, the lady behind it all!

When and why did you come to Spain?

I came to Spain 32 years ago! I used to come here when I was young, for holidays and I finally got the opportunity to move here when my partner was offered a job with a Spanish business.

Where were you living before and what were you doing?

I was living in Bora Bora (a French island in the South Pacific, not far from Tahiti, well known for holidays and upmarket tourism) with my family. We owned a restaurant and boat excursions business there. We stayed on the island for 6 years and then we moved to France and lived in a place called Niza, on the Costa Azul, for two years.

What do you do know?

I am, for twelve years now, the owner of a jacuzzi and hot tub business (saunas and pools too!) called AguaFlo and I love what I do! My customers are mostly foreigners. I advise them on what hot tub or jacuzzi would be best for them, organise delivery and installation and explain to the customer how the product works. Any doubts or questions customers have I always address...I want

any and all customers who come into our shop to feel comfortable, well-informed and cared for. I never pressure anyone and never speak badly of other businesses in the same field – it´s up to the customer to decide where to buy from.

What do you like most about living in Spain?

It´s a different way of life to, for example, France...and I like it a lot and have found it easy to fit in! This is perhaps because I have Spanish blood...my great grandparents were Spanish (from Busot and Adra). Also I live in a small, relaxed place with a calm and tranquil pace of life! I also love Spanish food...particularly tapas.

And the future?

Hmm...I live in the present...and te future?... the future is yet to be written!

AGUAFLO Call or email Aguaflo or visit their showroom: Ctra Cv 945 Partida Lo Blanc nº3B 03187 Los Montesinos Mobile: 605 09 03 88 (Florence)

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Home of LA MARINA BOWLS CLUB NEW MEMBERS ALWAYS WELCOME! Tuition will be given if required.

RING BARRY ON 641 873 985

Pop in on one of our 'ROLL UP'days - every Tuesday & Thursday

JOIN LA MARINA BOWLS CLUB! Location: at The Sports Complex just off Satellite Roundabout.

Practice sessions: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays 10.30am – 1,30pm.

Everyone welcome: All ages, all nationalities, with or without experience.

We compete in winter and summer leagues against clubs throughout the Costa Blanca.

It´s coming to the end of our Xmas break, and our first match on January 12 th at home against San Miguel Dolphins. Prior to Xmas, we held a festive fun day game at the club, followed by a buffet and drinks at the pool bar (see pics).

We´re also conducting a recruitment campaign for new members... so... join La Marina Bowls Club:

Great social scene: Pool Bar for meet ups and refreshments. Cabaret shows, Sunday lunch trips, weekly afternoon board games!

Contact Club Captain Barry on 0034 641 873 985 or membership secretary Norman on 0034 634 337 822. Come and join us!

Presentation at Magno International School

By Mark Lewis

I was already well known as the dog man for my animal charity work so unsurprisingly in 2007 when I was elected as a councillor in San Fulgencio, one of my direct responsibilities was councillor for animals. It was then that I was exposed to the extent of animal abuse and cruelty in the region, responding to calls and appeals from people to help animals in distressful and sometimes life threatening situations. I soon realised that there was a difference in attitudes towards animals with different generations of people.

So when I was recently invited by the Magno International School for children aged from 3 to 18 in Monforte Del Cid to give a lecture on the Pets In Spain animal charity work and animal welfare laws to two different groups of students I was happy to do so! I saw it as an excellent opportunity to update and inform a new generation of future adults and their teachers.

I spoke about the animal welfare laws introduced in September 2023, a major change being that animals are now officially classified as sentient beings that can experience emotion,

pain and loss, whereas previously they were classified as an object or thing without severe punishments from the courts for convicted animal abusers.

Now there are more severe penalties.

I also spoke of the benefits to people who are involved with animals, how animal companionship can help to reduce loneliness and depression, increase your well being and boost your mood. It was interesting to see the reactions of the students to live rescue videos that I showed during my presentation and at the end when I introduced them to two of the featured rescued dogs live on stage.

The teacher who invited me to the school, Felix Francisco, has just told me that the pupils I gave my presentation have been fund-raising for Pets In Spain and have so far raised 350 euros! Thank you!

Pets & Vets need your ongoing support to help repeal the most at recent law change in January last year that is adversely affect pet owners and veterinarians. Please use the QR code on this page to go to the online petition in support of Pets & Vets. The vital target is 500,000 to secure a complete reversion of the new restrictive laws on vets.

Visit the Pets in Spain Charity Shop in Urb. La Marina (on the lower level of Consum car park, next to Hortons). Open Monday to Saturday 10am - 2pm.

Tel/Whatsapp: 645 469 253 | REGISTERED CHARITY NO. CV-01-050123-A

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SPANISH TIPS WITH CHRISTIAN A monthly feature with useful and effective tips about speaking Spanish and Spanish culture

SPANISH EXPRESSIONS OF SURPRISE AND DISBELIEF If you´re ever in a situation where you need to express surprise or disbelief in Spanish about what somebody is saying to you or has just done (that annoying neighbour of yours, perhaps?)...well... here´s a handy little guide to help you do just that!

EXPRESSIONS OF SURPRISE Are you sure? = ¿Estás Seguro?

Is that true? = ¿Es verdad?

Is that the truth? = ¿Eso es la verdad?

Really? = ¿De verdad?

How did that happen? = ¿Cómo pasó?

When did that happen? = ¿Cuándo pasó?

Why? = ¿Por qué?

But...what are you saying? = ¿Pero...qué dices?

Why are you telling me this? = ¿Para qué me dices esto?

What? = ¿Qué?

He said what? = ¿El dijo qué?

Are you joking? = ¿Estás de broma?

What are you talking about? = ¿De qué hablas?

Here at La Marina Languages we have been helping many students learning Spanish for the last 4 years. Check out our website and say “hola”.

Christian is based in La Marina and offers one-to-one Spanish lessons at all levels (on-line or face to face). He will also accompany you as a translator for visits to doctors, lawyers, notary – whatever you need!

Tel/Whatsapp: 623 279 074 lamarinalanguages@gmail.com www.lamarinalanguages.com You´re talking nonsense! = ¡Dices tonterías!

Shut up! = ¡Cállate!

That´s not possible! = ¡Eso no es posible!

What are you saying? = ¿Qué dices?

That´s impossible! = ¡Eso es imposible!

Who told you that? = ¿Quién te ha dicho eso?

Oh my God! = ¡Dios mío!

EXPRESSIONS OF DISBELIEF I don´t believe it! = ¡No me lo creo!

I don´t believe you! = ¡No te creo!

You´re lying! = ¡Mientes!

Nonsense! = ¡Tonterías!

Liar! = ¡Mentiroso!

You´re wrong! = ¡Estás equivocado/a!

Say that again! = ¡Dilo otra vez!

You´re insane! = ¡Estás loco!

You´re joking! = ¡Estás de broma!

Never = ¡Nunca!

Keep studying, keep practicing. ¡Bien hecho!

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By Jennifer Dawson

Sunshine Singers are a group of ladies and gentlemen who meet every Thursday, 2-4pm, at La Marina Sports Complex to sing and to socialise.

Under the direction of our fabulous musical director Mick Higgins we sing a large variety of songs and styles and we are looking for new members

– no audition is required, you just need to enjoy singing!

We do from time to time perform for charity events but this is not compulsory, the group is about friendship and singing not just perfoming.

If you'd like to know more come along to the Sports Complex any Thursday between 2pm and 4pm or email me at: Jenniferdawson80@yahoo.com

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THE WRITING GROUP GOODBYE

A Short Story By Bob “Come on Charlie love, we went through all this last night.”

Reaching across the breakfast table and taking my hand, Susan continued. “You know it’s for the best, love, there comes a time when you just have to say goodbye and let it go.”

When my gaze fell on the bulging bag sitting on the chair next to her, Susan took it and put it on the floor, tucking it under the table, out of sight.

“It just feels so wrong,” I said. “Five years of being together.”

“Actually, it’s been seven years, Charlie,” she said.

“Okay, seven good years together, it’s not something that I can simply let go without fighting for it.”

“Please don’t do this, Charlie,” she said.

“Why make it harder on yourself, it’s been good, yes, but as I say, it’s time to let it go.”

Susan stood, and coming round the table to give me a hug, she said. “Now, you get off to work and try not to worry.”

It wasn’t easy to concentrate on my job, and although I had friends, it wasn’t something I could talk to them about.

Chances are, they’d tell me to pull myself together and move on, it’s not that they wouldn’t care, it’s just that they wouldn’t understand.

When I arrived home, the bag was sitting on the table, flat, crumpled and devoid of its precious contents. Hope billowed in my heart at the thought that maybe Susan had changed her mind, music was playing, and as usual there was the smell of something delicious coming from the kitchen.

I had just removed my coat when Susan appeared from the kitchen. She must have seen the pleading look on my face because pulling me close, she said. “I’m sorry Charlie, I know we spoke about it, and

The Writing Group

is a friendly mix of local creatives who meet every second Tuesday at 11am in The Palm Tree Bar, La Marina, to share ideas, write for fun, and enjoy supportive, relaxed company.

For more info, email Paddy at paddychristie7@gmail.com or call/ whatsapp him on 634 343 956 believe me, I did try, but I couldn’t hurt you like that, and I must admit that after seven years together, it has worn well.

Handing me a glass of wine and pouring one for herself, she said. “But I don’t want to go through all this again, Charlie. I’ve boxed up that tatty old jumper and put it away under the bed, you haven’t lost it, or given up on it, but you’ll never wear it again. Okay?”

ALL SAINTS DAY

By Breidge

Ghouls , ghosts , noise , and fright always remind me of that night .

Ritual dressing , hold soul´s at bay.

Who come to haunt , all Hallow´s day.

Bobbing apples , blindfold games.

Predicting fortunes foul or gain.

Feasts of brack and apple cake´s.

Rings , buttons and money to make.

Groups of five , six or more, roam to knock on every door.

Trick or treat they shout with glee.

Bags of treats brought home for tea.

Crackling fires burn into the night .

Tradition and ritual of this night .

Home to scare with stories bold.

Ghostly tales for young and old.

The dead are close this pagan night .

Hand and hand with the living until first light Then all is still as morning morning breaks.

Safe at last .

All Saint´s Day.

DID I FORGET TO REMEMBER

By Carol Garrett

Memory is a wonderful thing until it all goes amiss.

When we run upstairs to get something then forget what that something is.

We leave the house buying weekly goods but when we get inside the store this is where the problem begins because that’s where we forget once more.

But now I’m ready, it won’t catch me out a long list I have for myself.

I can’t believe it, its happened again left the list at home on a shelf Birthdays are no more a problem they are all written down in my book.

But I can‘t recall where the safe place is and where is the best place to look.

The appointments with doctor or dentist a diary much safer than mind.

The problem comes when the most favoured place is a place you forget where to find.

Nothing is ever lost though I feel the strange thing I admit shamefully.

Is I’m never late for drinks or a meal so what does that say about me.

When we sit with our friends just chatting we all have something to say.

Told never to talk over others but if we don’t the words fade away.

Is this memory a lack of me thinking of having too much time on my own.

Or is it really an age thing well, everything else is I groan.

So my answer is try not to worry my friends of this age are the same.

And if they can laugh and be merry then I too will be playing the game.

TULISA´S TALES Bark! Hullo hooman and doggy friends!

Apologies I didn´t do my column last month but my time was taken up investigating rumours on doggy social media about disturbing sightings of bunny cats – imagine that...the teeth and claws of a cat and the speed of a rabbit. Scary! Anyway, more of bunny cats next month, this month I´m handing things over to my Jack Russell step-mum, Misty, as she wants to bark out a tribute for Piggy (also known as Piggy Pee Pee, Pigerella, Tiny Dancer and Piggy Lawson).

Piggy was another doggy (see her picture on the page) who lived here in Villa Misty with Misty and her two hoomans before me and my sister Wendy came along, we never met her as she´d crossed the Rainbow Bridge (To That Which Lies Beyond) before our arrival...here´s what Misty has to say about her (don´t forget, readers, that Misty has a very strong Nawthun Ingerland accent!). Bark! Over to you Misty..

“Eh oop, she were a reet star were our Piggy! Now me, like, I´m a well good ball chaser, me..and that all comes from what our Piggy taught me...by heck...I learnt at t´ paws of master, me! I still ain´t as good a she were, though! Piggy would chase and chase and chase, up´ill, down´ill... everywhere! And it were maybe all that chasing that gave Piggy ´er amazing shape...eee...she were all muscle were that girl!...in fact when she were at ´er peak she

lived in a place called Lundon and when she were walkin´ in parks there hoomans passing by would see ´er and you could ´ear ;em sayin´ (in that funny whiney noise they make) Bark me, look at t´ barkin´ muscles on that dog!"

Summat else about our Piggy. Totally barkin´ mental! Mad as a box of cats!

Anythin´ could set ´er off and she´d be barkin´, runnin´, jumpin´ growlin´ and dancin´...that´s reet, our Piggy could dance, one of her nicknames were ´Tiny Dancer´. And she were fierce. Barkin´ well fierce. Now our Piggy were a reet good lookin´ girl and got loads of attention from bloke dogs. She were all reet wi´ it up to a point, but if the bloke dogs tried too go far she would, like, totally lose it – she´d spin round to face ´em, stand up on her back legs, wave her front paws in the air and roar!! Poor bloke dogs wunt know what were going on and would just run away!

She were maybe like this ´cos t´only time she did let a bloke dog to near ´er were that Mister Soho (another doggy who used to live wi´ my hoomans) and she ended up a single dog mum wi´ five puppies!

And apart from Piggy being a reet star at ball chasing, dancing, being fierce and looking gorgeous, well, bark me!...could that girl eat! Aye, by barkery she could... she could eat reet, reet fast and in huge quantities...at times she´d eat so much she´d swell up like a football! And it wunt bother ´er...she´d be ball shaped but still out there barkin´, chasin´ and dancin´.

Oh, I miss that Piggy, I do...what a girl she were! In fact, she were a star, a legend and a mother!”

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Soul Notes

by Nicola Dunsford Hello Amazing Soul, January carries a quiet kind of magic - a tender threshold between what has been and what is yet to unfold. As the old year exhales its final breath, a new frequency begins to shimmer around us. It’s an energetic opening, a subtle invitation from the Universe to pause, soften, and listen.

Before rushing into doing, achieving, or planning, January invites us into a moment of stillness; a space where we can hear the whispers of our soul more clearly.

Beginnings are first felt in the unseen, in the delicate ripples of intuition, before becoming something we can hold.

The Sacred Power of Intention Intentions aren’t goals; they’re energetic seeds. They hold vibration, resonance, and possibility. When you set an intention, you are sending a soft signal into the Universe, saying: “This is the frequency I choose to live from.”

Intentions open the heart. They clear the path. They realign us with the version of ourselves we’re gently growing into.

Unlike resolutions, which often come from pressure or self-judgement, intentions arise from soul-wisdom - quiet, steady, and deeply loving.

Clearing the Field: A Ritual of Release Before planting anything new, we must honour what we’re ready to release. Not with force, but with grace.

Try this simple spiritual clearing: Place your hand over your heart and breathe slowly.

With every exhale, imagine a soft light loosening old attachments, outdated beliefs, or energies you no longer wish to carry.

Hum softly, allowing vibration to loosen what words cannot touch.

Whisper, “I let go with love. I release with trust.”

Clearing our energetic field creates space for clarity, guidance, and new blessings to enter.

Listening for Your Intention Instead of choosing your intentions from your mind, let them rise from your inner

New Beginnings:

Setting Energetic Intentions for the Year knowing. Sit quietly and ask: What is my soul calling me toward this year?

What energy feels nourishing, supportive, or expansive?

What frequency do I wish to embody?

Allow the answer to emerge gently, as a word, an image, a feeling, or a quiet sentence that lands in your heart.

Your intention may be as simple as: I choose peace.

I welcome expansion.

I walk with trust.

I return to my inner light.

I honour my soul’s rhythm.

Choose what feels alive in your body, not what sounds impressive to the mind.

Tending Your Intention Daily An intention is a living energy. Nourish it daily with presence: Light a candle with your intention in your heart.

Use Reiki, breath, or sacred sound to awaken it each morning.

Repeat it softly before sleep, letting it dissolve into your field.

Each time you return to your intention, you strengthen its vibration and weave it more deeply into your life.

Closing Reflection January is a sacred doorway; a moment when the Universe leans close and invites you to step forward with clarity and devotion. May this month guide you gently toward your highest frequency and help you remember the radiance that has always lived within you.

Blessings for a luminous, soul-aligned New Year, Namaste.

Nicola is a Spiritual Life Coach and Energy Healer who leads the Soul Café.

The group gathers fortnightly on Wednesday mornings. For more details, please call/message Nicola on 634 199 029 (phone or WhatsApp).

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My La Marina with Alex The Plumber Man If you´ve had plumbing problems in La Marina you may well have used the services of Alex The Plumber Man so this month´s My La Marina is...all about Alex!

Where were you and what were you doing before you became Alex The Plumber Man?

Well, I was born in Elche and I guess things were fairly conventional in my life up until 2014 when I decide to go travelling.

My travels took me through Thailand, Indonesia, Fiji and finally Australia...I loved that time... so many new things and the exposure to new cultures and new ideas and new ways of doing things! I eventually settled for a while in, taking a job there, and I gained good experience there of working in an English-speaking environment and perfected my English language speaking skills!

I returned to Spain in 2020 with a new business mindset based on the model I worked with in Sydney. I also came back because I had a child and wanted him to grow up close to family. My goal was to bring that Australian work style to Alicante and the Costa Blanca to offer a service that truly supports English speakers here, treating them as if they were back home.

What do you now?

Right now, as it says above, I work as a plumber in the Alicante area, covering from El Campello to Guardamar. I focus mainly on urbanisations like La Marina (lots of customers here!) and Gran Alacant, where I’m putting into practice the project I mentioned earlier. I’m offering a service designed especially for English-speaking residents, bringing that same professional approach I learned in Australia.

What is your favourite thing about living in Spain?

For me, living in Spain is the best choice because I love seeing my son grow up close to his family. I feel completely at home here: the climate, the beach, the food and the Spanish lifestyle are a big part of who I am. At the same time, Spain gives

me the professional niche I need to grow independently and offer real quality to my clients. My family, my wife and my home are here, and although I’m very Spanish, my time abroad has given me a more open mindset compared to people who haven’t left the country.

How do you see the future?

I see my future in a very positive way, especially professionally. I believe that I´ve been successful, and will continue to be successful, because I’m filling a gap that, in my opinion, hasn’t been covered properly—not just by speaking English, but by working with a real focus on excellence and customer satisfaction. I see myself with a strong base of English-speaking clients—British, American, Swiss, northern Europeans—who trust me completely.

I imagine my future as being that of a successful business owner, known for honesty, quality and dignity, always doing good work for the people I serve, especially the English-speaking community I’m committed to helping.

ALEX THE PLUMBER MAN La Marina - Gran Alacant - Arenales del Sol - Santa Pola

Tel: . 611 620 443 hello@alextheplumberman.com www.alextheplumberman.com

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Cooking with Sue Sue has been making us delicious home-made dishes at Sue´s Kitchen, here in La Marina, for over 3 years... and we´ve persuaded her to share some of her secrets with us!

Sue´s Kitchen Home-made Coffee Sponge Cake Instructions Preheat the oven to 180c (Fan oven 160c, gas mark 4).

Ingredients Cake

225g of self-raising flour 225g of caster sugar 225g of butter 4 large eggs Two heaped teaspoons of instant coffee granules Icing

225g of icing sugar 75g of butter One tablespoon of coffee essence

Grease two sandwich tins and line with grease proof paper.

Place the instant coffee in a bowl and dissolve it with one tablespoon of boiling water, mix until smooth.

Place the butter, sugar, flour into a large bowl add the four eggs and beat until you have a well-blended, smooth batter.

Divide the batter evenly between the two sandwich tins and bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until well risen.

Leave the cakes too cool in the tins for a few minutes then turn them out and leave to cool further (peel off the baking paper).

Make your icing by blending together the sugar, butter and coffee essence until smooth then add the icing between the cakes and on top.

Then....enjoy!

Sue's Kitchen | Centro Comercial Bahia De Las Dunas, C/Mar Mediterraneo 8, Unit 4, La Marina 03177 | Tues to Sat 9am – 4pm | Tel/Whatsapp 660 850 464

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Christmas Fundraising Andrea Dimech, a La Marina resident, led a heart-warming effort supporting children at the San José Orphanage in Orihuela. Organising fundraisers every Christmas and Easter to help local children at the centre - this year, Andrea joined forces with local knitters in Gran Alacant, led by chief knitter Pam, who sold handmade items at Tommy’s Bar, Quicksave and Molly Malone’s.

With wonderful community support, including a Christmas Sing-Along at Tommy’s, €1,110 was raised along with hundreds of donated gifts and vouchers, all delivered in December to help make a Christmas special for the children.

A fantastic cross-community effort in the true spirit of Christmas. Special thanks also go to Clair from Quicksave, Tommy’s Bar Wednesday Morning Club, Molly Malone’s Tuesday Morning Ladies, and everyone who knitted, donated, purchased, attended events, and supported this wonderful act of kindness.

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1. Which Russian girl was Elton John singing about in 1985?

2. What volcanic peak can you see from Naples?

To solve the puzzle each 3 x 3 box, each row and each column must contain all the numbers 1 to 9.

For hints and information visit www.sudoku.org.uk

7 Difficulty Rating: EASY

Quiz time

SUDOKU

3. What gift reputedly outlived Captain Cook by 300 years?

3 5

7 1 9 8 3 8 9 3 1 2 4 8 9 5 9 2 7 9 6 5 6 3 2 7

under the Queensberry Rules?

6. Who had a top 20 hit in 1986 with “Because I love You”?

7. What nut is used in the

manufacture of dynamite?

Difficulty Rating: MEDIUM

5. What sport was standardised

4 6 7 1 6

4. What percentage of the earth’s water is drinkable?

8 5

5

1 6 9

4 2 7 1

6 3

6 5

8 6 3

1 6 4 4

9

8. Who played Lund Laszlo in

6 2

8 4 3

1 9

Casablanca?

1

Suspension Bridge?

10. What is the practice of training Hawks called?

Difficulty Rating: HARD

9. Who designed the Clifton

9 9

2 3 1 2

6 7 7 8

8 3 6 2 1

5

2

6 4 8 9 4 3

Answers: 1) Nikita 2) Mount Vesuvius 3) A tortoise 4) One percent 5) Boxing 6) Shakin Stevens 7) Pea Nut 8) Ingrid Bergman 9) Isambard Kingdom Brunel 10) Falconry

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