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
It's a Local Affair!
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.
SOCIAL SERVICES IN SAN FULGENCIO
The Social Services Department of San Fulgencio Town Council plays a central role in supporting the welfare of local residents - assisting individuals and families in vulnerable situations, providing care for dependents and older people, and improving overall quality of life within the community. The service is located on the first floor of the Civic Centre at Calle Lepanto 9, 03177 San Fulgencio. Open: Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Appointments can be arranged in person at the Library on the second floor of the Civic Centre, by calling 966 794 517, or online at www.sanfulgencio.es under “Sede Electrónica → Cita Previa → Servicios Sociales”.
The team comprises: a social worker (Base Social Team); a social worker specialised in dependency care; a psychologist; and an officer responsible for school absenteeism (SEAFI).
The department provides a broad range of services:
• Assistance for families and individuals facing social or economic hardship.
• Assessment and coordination of care for people with difficulties looking after themselves.
• Psychological support for individuals, couples and families.
• Preventive and corrective measures for school absenteeism.
• Free legal advice for women through a connected advisory service.
• Collaboration with regional and local entities to provide accommodation and support for vulnerable families.
Given that a significant portion of the population in San Fulgencio is aged 60 and above the Social Services Department gives particular attention to this group. Older residents experiencing frailty, health issues, loneliness or financial hardship may request a needs-assessment appointment. Social workers will evaluate their situation and may arrange:
• Home-help services or places at daycentres.
• Tele-assistance and welfare checks.
• Referrals to regional dependency-care programmes.
• Guidance on grants for home adaptations, mobility aids or domestic support.
To apply, residents should contact the Social Services office and bring identification (DNI/NIE), proof of residence (padron) and documentation about income or health status. Older residents may qualify for various forms of financial assistance depending on their circumstances:
• The regional dependency allowance under the Sistema para la Autonomía y Atención a la Dependencia (SAAD) for those needing help with daily living activities.
• Subsidies for home-help or teleassistance services.
• Small grants for home-adaptation work.
• Emergency financial aid for unexpected hardship.
Residents aged 65 or older may also apply for the Tarjeta del Mayor (´pensioners card´). The card grants access to a benefits like: transport discounts, cultural activity reductions and other service fees.
In addition to support for older people,
Social Services also assists families and young people:
• Help for households facing economic or social stress.
• Counselling for parents and family units.
• Preventive work tackling school absenteeism.
This range of services ensures that children and families receive support, which in turn aids overall community well-being.
In 2025, San Fulgencio’s Social Services faces several important challenges. The area’s diverse and multilingual population includes many older residents living alone. Rising dependency levels demand closer coordination with health services. Detecting risks such as isolation, falls and school absenteeism remains a key priority. However, opportunities exist to improve service delivery through expanded digital access, enhanced tele-care systems, new inclusion programmes for foreign residents, and stronger partnerships with volunteer groups and non-profit organisations.
In the next article I will be explaining how to go about obtaining a pensioners card and also how to apply for subsidised holidays through the social services department.
My La Marina
with Taylor of Livewire Electrical
When, and why, did you come to La Marina?
I came to la marina with my grandparents at the age of 8. I´d always spent the summer holidays in Spain, and then one year my mum allowed me to make the move with my grandparents. My mum planned to follow shortly afterwards but after a few circumstances wasn’t able to.
At first I struggled with the language but after starting school here I picked up the language fairly quickly – I went to school San Fulgencio and then, when I was older I gained an electrician qualification from a college in Torrevieja
Where were you living previously and what were you doing?
Previous to living in la marina I lived in Ruislip, Middlesex. I used to attend Southbourne Gardens primary school. Being so young when I made the move I have very very few memories of living in the UK!
What do you do now?
After completing my college course in Torrevieja, and becoming a fully qualified electrical engineer, I worked for a business, gaining work experience and learning the trade. After doing this for over 2 years, I returned to the UK to work as an electrician for a maintenance company. After a year doing this I decided to return the La Marina where I now have my own electricians business called Livewire Electrical. Livewire has now been trading for just under 4 years and is the best thing I have ever done! At Livewire Electrical we do our very best to offer a great service at very competitive prices and we cover all kinds of domestic and commercial work.
What is your favourite thing about La Marina?
There are many things I love about living in Spain - the culture, the people, the food... the list is endless! One of the things I love about La Marina is the sense of community that you feel whilst here. It really is a great and there´s always someone here to help you out if you are ever in need. But one thing I will say is, coming from a younger generation , I feel that La Marina needs to start catering a little more for that younger generation (children, teenagers and younger adults).
And the future?
As for the future of la marina I am excited to see what may come. I hope we still continue to have a welcoming and helpful community and as already stated I hope we can start to cater a little more for the younger generation. This could be regenerating the kids play areas, putting more stuff on over the weekends for kids to play and enjoy. Even maybe a nightclub for the older teenagers or young adults!
Tel: 604 145 242 Facebook: Livewire electrical Instagram: livewireelectrical
Local Police 696 46 54 81 For local non-emergency issues such as noise control, lost property, non-violent crimes, pet and parking regulations
San Fulgencio Townhall 966 794 201
Urb. La Marina Townhall 966 795 699
Centro Cívico 966 794 517 Tourist Office 966 790 021 24H A&E Hospitals Elche Public Hospital 966 616 900 Alicante General Hospital 965 933 124
Consulate Alicante 965 21 60 22
BUTTERFLY CHARITY BALL 2025!
Oh what a night! €6,000 raised for DEBRA at this years Butterfly Charity Ball held on Friday 26th September at La Marina Camping Resort.
The evening started with a Poolside Champagne Reception and a photo call on the Red Carpet for all our guests. This was followed by a fabulous 3 course meal & wine in the newly refurbished Origins Restaurant.
The event was organised by Mary Chambers & Sue Rogers, and Tommy Rogers continues to Compare the evening by encouraging our guests to dig deep for our cause. Richie Sparks from BIG FM Radio who was our DJ for the evening and got us all dancing to music we had not heard for a long time, great play list.
We would like to THANK everyone who came to the event and helped raise this fabulous amount of money and extra thanks goes to our guests who gave personal donations to help us obtain this amount. Many guests who were unable to attend the event gave us generous donations beforehand to help us on our way, which were greatly appreciated.
A VERY BIG THANK YOU goes to our sponsor NEWSTART, Estate Agents - Inmobiliaria for sponsoring our Entertainment and giving a very generous €1,000 donation to the charity.
We would also like to thank La Marina Camping & Resort for all their hard work and contributing both raffle & auction prizes. DEBRA thanks Mary & Sue for continuing to organise this event, Tommy for comparing the evening and everyone who helps on the night. Also, everyone who obtained raffle & auction prizes beforehand and all the business from Benidorm to Marbella who continue to give generous prizes to this event so we can achieve the amount raised on the night.
If you would like to attend this event next year which will be held on Friday 25th September 2026, please contact Mary on 616 076 072 or pop into the DEBRA Charity Shop on Consum Square, Urb. La Marina.
STARTERS
Leek and potato soup, Pate or Mini Goats Cheese Salad
MAIN
Vegetable Quiche, Turkey or Gammon
All served with Roast or Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing, Yorkshire Pudding, Cauliflower Cheese, Peas, Carrots, Sprouts
Gran Alacant & La Marina Royal British Legion
UNDERSTANDING THE HISTORY, SIGNIFICANCE, AND CONTEMPORARY OBSERVANCE OF REMEMBRANCE DAY
Poppy Day, more formally known as Remembrance Day, is one of the most significant commemorations in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries. Observed annually on 11th November, it marks the armistice that ended the First World War in 1918. The poppy, a resilient flower that grew on the battlefields of Flanders, has become an enduring symbol of remembrance and hope - representing both the bloodshed of war and the promise of peace.
Historical Origins
take place at memorials, cenotaphs, and churches across the UK, Ireland, and the Commonwealth. The Sunday nearest this date, known as Remembrance Sunday, features parades, wreath-laying, and national services, most notably at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London, attended by the royal family, political leaders, and veterans.
The Royal British Legion and the Poppy Appeal
The Royal British Legion remains central to Poppy Day, distributing millions of paper poppies each year through the Poppy Appeal, which supports serving and ex-serving personnel and their families. Alongside the traditional red poppy, white poppies represent peace, while purple poppies commemorate animals that served in war - reflecting evolving perspectives on remembrance.
Contemporary Relevance
The wearing of the red poppy began after Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae’s poem “In Flanders Fields”, which described poppies growing among soldiers’ graves. Inspired by this, Moina Michael, an American academic, adopted the poppy as a symbol of remembrance. The idea spread to Britain and the Commonwealth, and in 1921 the Royal British Legion began selling poppies to raise funds for veterans and their families - an initiative that continues today.
The Symbolism of the Poppy
The poppy’s vivid red petals evoke the lives lost in conflict, while its resilience amid destruction embodies hope and renewal. Over time, the symbol has expanded to honour all who have served and suffered in war, reflecting both remembrance and the enduring human desire for peace.
Poppy Day Traditions and Observance
At 11am on 11th November, a two-minute silence is observed to mark the moment the guns fell silent in 1918. Ceremonies
Though born from the First World War, Poppy Day continues to resonate as new generations face the realities of conflict. It fosters reflection, unity, and gratitude, while prompting dialogue about peace and reconciliation. The poppy - simple yet profound - remains a powerful reminder of sacrifice and a lasting emblem of hope for a more peaceful world.
Remembrance Sunday
Sunday 9th November at 1pm in Masa Square, Gran Alacant
The Gran Alacant & La Marina Royal British Legion invite you to join us for a very special event on the occasion of Remembrance Sunday.
On Remembrance Day, we come together to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice by laying their lives in two world wars and recent conflicts.
La Marina Street Cats Update by Lorraine
Our work continues apace! We´ve been going for 3 years and have sterilised 478 cats under the Trap, Neuter, Release scheme and even though we are not officially a re-homing group we have homed 73 cats and kittens this year alone!
Right now we have these two beautiful little kittens and an older cat (Marge), pictured here, looking for a home. If interested in adopting these beauties or if you´d like to know more about our work email me at: lorrainjohnson123@yahoo.com or visit the La Marina Street Cats Facebook page.
THY WILL BE DONE
Paul Blackmoore (Practice Principal) with little helper Benny, his rescue French Bulldog
I do not know about you but this year seems to have flown by?
The years do seem to go past faster as we get older don’t they?
Do you know the Christmas number one 40 years ago was ‘’Merry Christmas everyone’’ by Shakin’ Stevens?
And 40 years ago the last thing on our minds was:
• I need to ensure I have my Will up to date;
• I need to organise a Power of Attorney in case I get dementia in the future;
• I need to consider my funeral arrangements.
WHERE HAS THIS YEAR GONE? - CHRISTMAS IS ALMOST UPON US
But here we are, and who would have thought back then we would be living in Spain now?
So, this is really a reminder that before you know it, another year will have gone by, and it really is important to make sure that we:
1. Have a correctly written Spanish Will in place containing an EU Succession Clause 650/2012 so our wishes will be guaranteed to be adhered to;
2. Correctly designate within that Will that the law of England and Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Jersey and Guernsey or the Isle of Man to govern the succession of our estates (there is no such thing as British or UK law);
3. Ensure we have a Spanish Power of Attorney in Spain organised, appointing our loved ones to take care of our finances if we are unable to ourselves;
4. Have a Spanish Advanced Directive for health organised so our wishes regarding how we want to be treated
(or not), if we cannot speak for ourselves, are affected;
5. Have a Lasting Power of Attorney registered with the appropriate Office of the Public Guardian in the UK to cover any finances (including bank accounts) that we hold there, again, appointing our loved ones as our attorneys;
6. Have the appropriate funeral plan arrangements decided upon in Spain so we do not leave our nearest and dearest a financial and logistical burden when the time comes;
7. Make arrangements for our beneficiaries to inherit easily without the worry of having to deal with Spanish speaking authorities and agencies (we usually do this for them).
So, before another year flies by, give us a call on 865 756 058 or enter your details in our contact form on or website www.thywill.es and ensure you and your loved ones have nothing to worry about.
The Soul Café
by Nicola Dunsford
Hello Amazing Soul,
Have you ever come away from a conversation, family gathering, or workday feeling drained, like your inner light has dimmed? This isn’t just “life happening” — it’s often a sign that your boundaries need attention.
Boundaries aren’t walls to shut people out. They are sacred agreements that protect your energy, honour your truth, and help you live in alignment with your higher self. Saying “no” to what depletes you is actually saying “yes” to your soul.
Why Boundaries Matter Spiritually
Everything in the universe is energy, including you. Your thoughts, emotions, beliefs, perceptions, words, and presence all radiate a unique frequency. Without boundaries your energy becomes blocked, stagnant, or begins to scatter. Over time, this leads to exhaustion, resentment, and disconnection from your path.
Think of your energy like a river. When the river has clear banks, it flows powerfully along its path, nourishing everything on its journey. But when those banks overflow or dissolve, the water spreads too thin and loses its strength. Boundaries are the riverbanks that guide your flow, keeping your life force steady, purposeful, and strong.
When you protect your energy in this way, you raise your vibration and begin attracting experiences and relationships that match your authentic rhythm.
Signs You May Need Stronger Boundaries
• Feeling drained after certain interactions.
• Saying “yes” when you really want to say “no.”
• Resentment building quietly inside.
• Little time for leaning into your journey of self-love.
If any resonate, your soul may be calling you to strengthen your sacred boundaries
Sacred Boundaries:
The Invisible Shield That Sets You Free
Practical Ways to Set Sacred Boundaries
• Energetic Check-In: Before committing, pause. Place your hand on your heart, breathe, and ask, “Does this expand or deplete my energy?” Honour the answer.
• Protective Visualisation: Imagine golden light around your body, filtering out what doesn’t serve you and keeping your vibration clear.
• Loving Language: Say, “Thank you, but that doesn’t work for me right now.” Boundaries can be gentle, not harsh.
• Energy Reset Ritual: After a draining interaction, clear your space with a bell, incense, or a brief meditation, releasing what isn’t yours to carry.
The Spiritual Gift of Boundaries
Boundaries are bridges back to your authentic self. Honouring your needs creates space for joy, intuition, and peace. You attract healthier connections by teaching others how to honour your energy.
Closing Inspiration
Sacred boundaries aren’t about keeping the world out — they’re about keeping your light strong. Every “no” to what drains you is a “yes” to your soul.
Try this mantra: “My boundaries are acts of love for myself and others.”
Take one small step this week, and notice how lighter and more empowered you feel.
Have a wonderful November, Namaste.
Nicola is a Spiritual Life Coach and Energy Healer who leads the Soul Café.
The Soul Café is a group of people who gather fortnightly on Wednesday morning.
For more details please call/message Nicola on 634 199 029 (phone or WhatsApp)
Dani’s Diaries
THE STORY OF LA MARINA & SAN FULGENCIO
On the fertile plains of La Vega Baja, not far from the Mediterranean coast, lies the village of San Fulgencio. Its story begins in 1729, when Bishop Luis Antonio de Belluga y Moncada, the powerful prelate of Cartagena and Murcia, launched an ambitious project known as the “Pías Fundaciones.” The goal? To drain the marshy, diseaseridden land beside the Segura River and turn it into productive farmland.
Before its foundation, the area was a soggy, unhealthy basin, prone to “intermittent fevers” and home to clouds of mosquitoes. Locals called it terreno infecto- infected land -and for good reason. The Segura’s periodic flooding, slow drainage, and stagnant pools bred both insects and illness. Belluga’s idea was to reclaim the land, reduce disease, increase food production, and create new villages sustained by both faith and hard work.
Belluga wasn’t just a bishop; he was something of an 18th-century urban planner. His Pías Fundaciones led to the creation of several new towns across southern Alicante and Murcia, including San Fulgencio and Dolores.
The techniques used were remarkable for their time. Settlers dug a network of ditches and drainage channels to carry away excess water and reclaim wetlands. Some fields were alternately wet or dry depending on the season. The Segura River was both friend and foe: canals tapped into its flow for irrigation, while engineered waterways diverted dangerous floodwaters. Even more impressive, these systems were designed using little more than rope, poles, and intuition.
Once drained, the reclaimed land was divided into long-lease plots, a system that encouraged settlers to invest and take risks. The first arrivals were farmers from the Segura basin in Murcia- tough, sun-hardened families skilled in huerta (orchard) farming. They knew how to coax life from unpromising soil, how to build acequias (irrigation channels), and how to
make reeds, mud, and sweat into both bricks and bread.
Life wasn’t easy. Epidemics, floods, and crop failures often struck hard. In 1794, the population reached about 1,215, but by 1857, disease and disaster had reduced it to 866. Still, faith and determination kept the village alive, which was named San Fulgencio in honour of Saint Fulgentious, patron of our land.
Belluga’s achievement was not just agricultural but social. From its founding, San Fulgencio held the proud title of “Villa Real,” granted by King Felipe V, giving it special privileges, prestige, and a remarkable degree of independenceallowing the settlers, for example, to elect their own council instead of being governed by a distant noble or the church.
Over time, San Fulgencio has continued to reinvent itself, especially in the late 20th century with the rise of Marina–Oasis, or Urbanisation La Marina, which became a modern growth area that attracted foreign residents - particularly from Britain and northern Europe.
La Marina is now one of Spain’s most international locations, with around 70 percent of residents hailing from abroad. Bishop Belluga, whose heart lies buried in Murcia Cathedral, would surely smile to see his once-swampy experiment thriving beneath the Spanish sun. His legacy is still very much alive here: San Fulgencio’s municipal theatre proudly bears his name, a fitting tribute to the visionary bishop who turned feverish marshland into a flourishing community.
USEFUL PHRASES SPANISH TIPS WITH
When learning Spanish, it’s easy to get caught up in grammar and verbs, but what really helps you sound natural are the little phrases people use all the time. So, here are some useful everyday expressions, and the context in which you’d use them.
Don’t worry about memorising grammar just yet- think about when you would actually say these phrases in real life. ¿Me pones…? / Ponme… – “Can I have…?” Used in cafés, restaurants, or shops. Polite and common in everyday life.
In a café:
Customer: “¡Buenas! ¿Me pones un café con leche, por favor?”
Toma / Toma, aquí tienes – “Here you go.” When handing something to someone. Friendly and informal.
In the supermarket:
Customer: “¿Me pones una bolsa, porfa?”
Cashier: “Sí. Toma . Aquí tienes” (and hands over the bag)
In more formal settings, you may hear Aquí tiene.
In the bank:
Bank clerk: “¿Tienes el pasaporte?
Me: “Sí. Aquí tiene.”
Buen viaje – “Have a good trip.” Similar to the French bon voyage
Pásalo bien – “Have a good time.” Great for parties, holidays, or events.
Marta is going on holiday:
¡Buenas! We are Dani and Sam from the Speechless in Spain’ Language Centre in San Fulgencio, where we have lived for over two decades and taught Spanish here with over 26 years of combined experience.
Marta: “Me voy mañana de vacaciones a París.”
Juan: “¡Buen viaje! Pásalo bien.”
Nos vemos pronto – “See you soon.”, over the typical hasta pronto. A casual way to say goodbye. You can shorten it to Nos vemos, which works like “see ya”. It can replace the “hasta” in expressions like hasta luego, hasta mañana, hasta el lunes, etc.: Nos vemos luego, Nos vemos mañana…
I’m about to leave my friend:
Me: Bueno, Carmen, nos vemos mañana (as I get out of the car).
Carmen: Nos vemos (before she drives off).
Buena suerte – “Good luck.” Used before exams, interviews, or challenges. You can also shorten it to just Suerte.
Que vaya todo bien – “Hope everything goes well.” A more general, caring wish.
Carlos has a job interview tomorrow:
Carlos: Tengo una entrevista mañana.
Victoria: Buena suerte, que vaya todo bien.
Felicidades – “Congratulations,” or the equivalent of saying “Feliz cumpleaños” as “Happy Birthday.” Used for birthdays,
achievements, or good news.
It’s Juan’s birthday:
Juan: “Hoy es mi cumpleaños.”
Marta: “¡Felicidades!”
Emilia tells her friend she is pregnant:
Emilia: Estoy embarazada.
Ricardo: ¡Felicidades!
Salud – Literally “health” (as in centro de salud, health centre), but also used like “Bless you” when someone sneezes (though you can also say Jesús), or “Cheers!” when drinking.
Recupérate – “Get well soon.” Said to
someone who is sick or injured.
Cuídate – “Take care. / Look after yourself” Casual, friendly farewell.
Dime – Literally “tell me,” but it’s used when someone calls your name or you answer the phone. It’s like saying “Yeah?” when you’re ready to receive the message.
Phone rings, I answer:
Me: “Dime.”
Carmen: “Hola, Dani. ¿Tienes un minuto?”
Me: “Sí, dime.”
Someone calls out my name:
Pedro: “¡Dani!”
Me: “Dime.”
Pedro: “¿Puedes ayudarme con esto?”
Me: “Claro.”
These are the kinds of phrases that make your Spanish sound warm, natural, and confident!
If you'd like to know more about Speechless in Spain, get in touch: Tel: 623 003 215
Email: info@speechlessinspain.com
The latest art exhibition from Viridium Galley Coffee work from, amongst others, Lesley Reynolds and Krisztina Bekesi. The pictures shown here are just some of those currently on display at Viridium. If you'd like to see more (and enjoy some fabulous cakes, snacks and more!) get down to Viridium now! If you're interested in buying a picture ask for Iris!
Visit Us: Viridium Gallery Coffee C/Madrid, 3, La Marina (next door to the SATS charity shop)
By Lesley Reynolds
By Kristina Bekesi
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!
Ingredients
170g caster sugar
170g self-raising flour
170g butter
2 medium eggs
3 lemons
Icing sugar to sprinkle on cake
Sue´s Kitchen
Home-made
Lemon Drizzle Cake
Instructions
Pre-heat oven to 180C (gas mark 4) or 160c for fan oven
Grease and line loaf tray
Put the sugar and butter into a large bowl and whisk together until fluffy.
Add both eggs and whisk in, then slowly add sifted flour, folding in until the mixture is smooth.
Now add the zest of two lemons and the juice of one to your mixture, gently mixing until all liquid is absorbed.
Spoon the mixture into your lined and greased loaf tray.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until well risen and golden – the top of the cake should spring when pressed lightly with a finger.
Leave to cool and the sprinkle with icing sugar.
Cut. Eat. Enjoy!
Next month from Sue... a special Christmas recipe!
THE WRITING GROUP
Remembrance
By Janet McSeveney
Sound of men, marching down the street
No, just boys, smart on their feet
Puffed with pride going on their way
Heading to war, far, far away
Mothers in tears, dads very proud
Cheering them on, amongst the crowd. Their sons stepping up, heading away
Will they return? who can say
Doing their duty, won’t be left behind
Waiting for call up, not enough time
They want to chase the enemy away
All over by Christmas, so they say.
Just like children, playing a game
No idea, the price, the pain
Unaware of horror, waiting ahead
Watching friends dying, some even dead
What do they know of this terrible strife
Fresh from school, there most of their life
Exchanging books, for a rifle and more
Ending up dead on some foreign shore
Everything to live for, so they thought
Now reality strikes, as the battle is fought
Filled with terror, as they take their place
Fighting other members of the human race
All they want, as they wait and pray
Is to be able to return home one day
To be held again, in their mothers arms
Safe once more, away from harm
Millions will be left behind
Only a medal, left as a shrine
Families heartbroken by their loss
As sons lie beneath a foreign moss
Will they be a chosen one
To die that day, or to return
To normal life, as in the past
Only, their God the dye can cast
The Writing Group is a friendly bunch of local creatives from all walks of life who meet every second Tuesday of the month at 11am at The Palm Tree Bar in Consum Square, La Marina.
It’s all about sharing ideas, writing for fun, and enjoying good company in a relaxed, supportive setting.
Looking in the Mirror.
By Don Spence
When we look in the mirror, who do we see?
Sometimes a stranger looking back at thee.
But fear not that stranger they’re blessed with good looks, brains and with style.
So, look them in the eye and give them a smile.
Humaneness
By Lifa Jolly
In a dark, narrow alleyway, Lay blankets of untrodden snow, Among reeking, empty dustbins, Huddled Jim, a living scarecrow.
Crouched from bitter winter winds, Sunken eyes, hollow face, A man without hope or love, Rejected by the human race.
A squirrel jumps faithfully onto Jim’s knee, Brings him apples, bread and cheese.
If you´d like to know more about The Writing Group email Paddy at paddychristie7@gmail.com or call/ whatsapp him on 634 343 956
TULISA´S TALES
Bark! This month´s piece is especially for my doggy readers. I´m barking about how to make sure your hoomans don´t ´go out´ too much – if the piece had a title it would be ´BARK HELLO, HOWL GOODBYE´! Hoomans should also read this piece as it will help them improve their behaviour...
First off, where hoomans are involved there are different types of ´going out´ . One type is when we take them out for their walks – perfectly fine. Then there´s when hoomans out to get us doggies food – absolutely acceptable!
But then there´s also a strange ´going out ´when hoomans selfishly go out for no discernible reason...leaving us doggies alone for long periods of time when they should be with us serving our needs... feeding us, stroking us, throwing balls for us, all that kind of doggy stuff! Bark!
The worst kind of hooman ´going out´ usually occurs at night when your hoomans will disappear for an unacceptably long time, returning very late, wobbling slightly, smelling odd, giggling to themselves and making some kind of strange, rhythmic noise they call ´sing-ing´ (sounds barking terrible). Apparently this odd behaviour is caused by hoomans consuming a substance called alko frol (or soemthing like that...) that makes them go a bit potty – not mad as box of cats potty but definitely a bit potty!
So – how to discourage your hoomans from this selfish going out thing? Simple – adopt the bark hello, howl goodbye strategy – a form of training your hooman reinforced by guilt and reward.
First the guilt bit. When your hoomans leave the property to go out rush to the window and stand there (like in the picture here of me, Misty and Wendy) staring at your hoomans looking all sad and pathetic with your eyes wide open with a total ´what, you´re barking well leaving me on my own!?´ expression on your doggy face. And then HOWL! And howl and howl! Bark! That´ll make your hoomans think that you are really, really upset about them leaving you and make them think twice about doing it again! Bark!
Second, the reward built. When your hoomans return from their unauthorised,
selfish ´going out´ session greet them as though you hadn´t seen them in years, run round and round barking, jump up at them, run round them in circles, lick their faces and hands...in short act as though their return was the best thing that ever happened to you. This performance will make the hoomans think ´oh dear, these poor dogs must have missed us terribly if they´re this happy to see us – we´d better not be going out again´!
So, fellow doggies, follow my simple bark hello, howl goodbye strategy (a simple strategy is all that is needed because hoomans are, after all, simple creatures) and I guarantee you that in a short period of time you´ll see a significant reduction in unauthorised hooman ´going out´ sessions and a marked increase in the time that your hoomans are with you doing what they are supposed to do – catering for your every doggy need! Bark!
Quiz time Quiz time
1. What Geographical term is the 4 th letter of the Greek alphabet?
2. What was Buddy Holly’s first UK hit record?
3. Who solves the crime on Death on the Nile?
4. Apart from the Cue Ball, how many more balls are used in snooker?
5. Which of the Great Lakes is wholly in the USA?
6. Who met the Giants of Brobdingnag?
7. Who was responsible for putting the 3000 inhabitants of Ireland’s Drogheda “To the Sword”?
8. What is the psychiatric term for Self Love?
9. Who had a No 1 hit in 1970 with Woodstock?
10. Who scripted, directed and starred in the film, The Plank?
SUDOKU
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
Invest in solar panels and reduce your monthly bills with your trusted expert, Sunrise Energy.
We provide high-quality solar panels for the best energy output. With over 11 years of experience, we offer the best value for money.
Our quotes are tailor-made, fully based on your energy usage, available space, and roof orientation. With a fast installation guaranteed!
Sunrise Energy is here for you in Dutch, Spanish & English.
Switch to sustainable energy and request your free, no-obligation quote today! Your
