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.
DRIVING LICENSES IN SPAIN: GUIDANCE FOR UK RESIDENTS AND OTHER NATIONALITIES
I have been asked this month to talk about driving licences for foreign residents.
If you become resident in Spain with a nonEU/EEA licence, you can drive for a limited window and then must either exchange your licence or obtain a Spanish one. The rules below reflect the official position in 2025.
The general six-month rule (non-EU/EEA)
Once you acquire residency in Spain, a thirdcountry licence is valid for up to six months. After that, you must either exchange it (if your country has a bilateral agreement) or obtain a Spanish licence by passing the tests, plus the medical (psicotécnico).
EU/EEA licences remain valid while in force; exchanging is optional until renewal or if you prefer to hold a Spanish card.
United Kingdom
Spain and the UK have a bilateral agreement allowing a straight exchange of UK licences for Spanish ones. From the date you become resident, you may drive on your UK licence for six months, after which an exchange is required to continue driving legally.
What to expect:
• No theory or practical test for ordinary categories (A/B); heavy-vehicle categories may have extra requirements.
• You must bring a DVLA/DVA check code so DGT can verify your licence.
• On submission, DGT keeps your UK licence and issues a provisional permit so you can drive while the Spanish card is produced; typical delivery is about six weeks by post.
You can start the process online (Cl@ve/ certificado) and only attend the Traffic Office to hand in the original licence and collect the provisional document or local ´gestors´ such as The Mobile Office (Calle Madrid, telephone number 699 037 725) can handle the whole process for you.
Countries with an exchange agreement Spain keeps an updated list of agreement countries (e.g., Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Morocco, New Zealand, the
Philippines, Turkey, Ukraine, Uruguay, Venezuela, etc.). Where an agreement exists: drive for six months after gaining residency, then exchange; for A/B categories, exchanges are typically without tests, while C/D often involve additional practical (and sometimes theory). Check your country’s entry for the exact conditions and current fees.
Much of the exchange is now digital-first for agreement countries (online application; brief office visit to hand over the original and collect the provisional). Some issuing authorities require prior verification of your licence, which can extend timelines.
Countries without an agreement (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia)
You may drive for six months from the date you become resident. After that, you must obtain a Spanish licence from scratch: pass the theory and practical exams and the medical. Most people use a driving school for preparation.
International Driving Permit (IDP) and car hire
An IDP is not a substitute for the exchange and does not extend the six-month window.
It can, however, smooth short-term situations—especially with car-hire firms that set their own policies. If you need to drive outside Spain while waiting for your Spanish card, note that the DGT provisional permit is only valid within Spain; an IDP may be needed for travel.
Documents and fees
(what DGT typically asks for)
• Proof of identity and residency (TIE/ registration).
• Your original licence (must pre-date residency and, for most cases, the agreement date).
• Medical fitness certificate (psicotécnico) from an authorised centre such as Clinica Mar Serena (in the Commercial Center, not far from Mercadona, telephone number 613 127 143).
• Fee (e.g., tasa 2.3 for exchanges; different where tests are required).
• For the UK: the DVLA/DVA check code.
When you file the exchange, DGT issues a provisional permit immediately; the final card is posted to your address (you can track the status online).
My La Marina
with Boris Wielinga of VZM Real Estate
When, and why, did you come to La Marina?
My girlfriend Ciska and I have been wintering in La Marina since 2021 because of the beautiful, warm (compared to Belgium certainly!) winter temperatures in Spain. Since taking over the VZM real estate agency with Wessel Snoek, I´ve been living in La Marina permanently - since last August in fact, and I´m very happy with it!
Where were you living previously, and what were you doing?
I lived in Belgium for a long time, but I spent the last 25 years before coming to La Marina in Arnhem, in Holland. My work there consisted of managing a company that helps entrepreneurs with financial problems. However, it grew too big and I encountered so much hardship that I wanted to do something else, something fresh and positive! So, on March 1st, I resigned from the company, put my house in Holland up for sale and and began to prepare prepare for my emigration to Spain.
What do you do now?
A few months ago, we (Wessel and myself) received the offer to acquire the VZM real estate agency here in La Marina, both Wessel and myself thought it was a wonderful new challenge and a great opportunity – and we absolutely accepted the offer! I´ve been an entrepreneur since I was 18 and have always been successful by distinguishing myself through quality and honesty. That´s what I´m now eager to do with VZM.
What is your favourite thing about La Marina?
I love the dunes and the beach, but also the
USEFUL NUMBERS
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
fantastic selection of cafes and restaurants. I find it remarkable that you can eat so well at such reasonable prices in almost all the restaurants in La Marina. La Marina is also conveniently located, and you can reach so many beautiful and interesting places within an hour.
And the future?
Our goal with VZM is to build on its solid and long record of success, to truly distinguish ourselves through quality and honesty in all we do. Every client must be 200% satisfied after buying or selling a house through us. It´s a great challenge in this region with so many real estate agents, but I´m really looking forward to doing this in this beautiful setting. And of course, enjoying the relaxed Spanish lifestyle!
Tel: +34 654 36 79 45 www.vzmmakelaar.com
Tourist Office 966 790 021 24H A&E Hospitals Elche Public Hospital 966 616 900 Alicante General Hospital 965 933 124 British Consulate Alicante 965 21 60 22
Boris (left) and Wessel (right)
K9 animal shelter is now situated in Callosa de Segura in 11,000sqmt of lemon trees. We have 10 kennels each housing 1 large or 2 smaller ones. The dogs have a large area to play in which includes plenty of grass to roll in. We are in the process of constructing 2 isolation kennels for dogs which will be used as the dogs come into our shelter. We have a large cattery and isolation cattery for the cats and kittens we rescue. Should you need any support regarding an animal or would like to adopt one (all the furryfriends shown in this piece are currently looking for a home!) please call 711075305
CLUB
THE WRITING GROUP
I Am
By Paddy Christie
1) I am of the sod, earth’s lavish crust. White washed thatched farmhouse the place of my birth The cobbles so shiny on mam’s kitchen floor, a welcome for everyone who knocked on the door.
2) I am of the shamrock and prickly thistle too, the cows and the sheepdog, the horse with worn shoe. The hearth and the fire, bringing comfort and warmth, as neighbours flock in like a honey bees swarm.
3) I am of the stories, the gossip, the craic. Fresh bread and the sweet things, especially Barn Brack. The world given meaning ’round this open turf fire
Silent Witness
By Lifa Jolly
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
as neighbours and young ones think, no one a liar.
4) I am of the sparks flying when bellows are turned, we laughed and we jumped when someone got burned. The howl then the smirking could surely be seen, the anguish of the victim being treated quite mean..
5) I am of the tobacco my father did smoke. Garryowen thick jots kitchen into his pipe he did poke. The aroma and magic we all did embrace as all in the kitchen continued to trace.
6) I am of the friendship, and helping hand too, that all in that were willing to do. Everything must be eaten, sure it will not last, no fridges or sealed packages, or use by date passed.
In deathly silence, two by two, Faded, muddied and torn. They lie guarded in this briny grave, Trapped, languishing, forlorn. Work shoes, stilettos, oxfords, Buckles and bows claimed by rust. Midst watches, water tight gear, Held prisoners in this wet dust. A sudden blow, an icy hammer, Hard, cruel, brutally savage. Lives, hopes, crushed to smithereens, That fateful night of total carnage. Shock, horror, mayhem. Swimming, drowning all confusion. Clambering lifeboats, lifebuoys, flotsam, Crying to heaven in desperation. Many a heroic act that night, Mankind rose to be his best. Band played on, as they all went down, Duty and sacrifice excelled the test. These shoes bear silent witness, Sentinels to noble and selfless deeds. Men and women surrendered their lives, Loved ones and strangers may live.
for that smoky twang fat and lean in equal parts mixed up with green cabbage and mothers’ cornflour sauce digesting it, to produce many great farts.
8) I am of the horse trap as we went to mass best clothes were worn we couldn’t wear trash up to communion we all did dash
starved with the hunger from the night before fast hoping the priest would say his last.
9) I am of the ash corner behind dad’s fireside chair The ashes, dust and eggshells hidden discretely there. The cippins, sods and papers gave great cover too. When the fire needed tressing my dad used his shoe.
7) I am of the fletch of bacon from the rafters did hang some from the chimney
The Spider
10) I am of the old stock, who made many mistakes. They call us old fashioned Sure, that’s all it takes. Nostalgia is grand, for us looking back, but, for the youth of today life’s much harder to hack.
A short and silly poem by Bob Cox
One day I saw a spider sitting on my wall, I thought, spiders must have sticky feet, if not they’d surely fall, The spider climbed and walked the top then hurried down the side, beneath a broken brick he walked upside down and found a place to hide.
Now, I could walk on top of the wall and stand up feeling tall, but if I tried to walk the side, well then, I know I’d fall.
Walking upside down would be impossible for me, but not so for the spider…Sticky feet you see.
Paul Blackmoore (Practice Principal) with little helper Benny, his rescue French Bulldog
When arranging legal documents covering the UK while in Spain, many people primarily focus on cost or location to themselves/convenience and while these are certainly factors which must be taken into consideration as part of your overall decision, they should certainly by no means, be the primary reasons for your final choice of provider. You should consider the following when choosing any practitioner in Spain to supply your UK legal documents:
BEWARE OF USING UNQUALIFIED, UNTRAINED AND UNINSURED PROVIDERS OF UK WILLS AND POWERS OF ATTORNEY IN SPAIN
1. Does the firm you are considering have SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority) regulated practitioners on the team?
2. Are the drafters of the documents themselves STEP (Society of Tax and Estate Practitioners) qualified and registered?
3. Is the advice you being given coming from a qualified and certified College of Will Writers trained individual?
4. Does the company you are considering, have Professional Indemnity Insurance covering their advice and work so that if there are any issues in the future, your beneficiaries have legal recourse for compensation if required?
5. Does the provider have a UK office that your UK beneficiaries/ Attorneys can easily liaise with? If the answer is no to any of the above,
TULISA´S TALES
This month Tulisa introduces Wendy...
Bark! Hullo readers, doggy and hooman, I´ve had an extra busy month this month –loads of walking the hoomans, chasing balls and cats, eating, digging and poohing so only a short piece this time!
This month I´m barking about my sister Wendy. Look at the pic here of her holding one of our hoomans. She´s a beauty isn´t she...look at those eyes! In fact..she does my tail in, she´s too catting pretty! When we´re walking our hoomans and we meet a fit Jack Russell bloke, it´s catting Wendy they look at first...especially that little cinched in waist of hers! !t has to be said that I am, if I´m honest, a bit of a, err, solid girl myself...but can´t you see, guys, that´s because I have puppy-bearing hips...guys?...guys?? Bark! Bark!
should you really be using them?
Peace of mind and confidence for you and your family when it comes to such matters, far outweighs any initial costs.
Thy Will Be Done pride themselves in having all of the above in place, with their PI insurance covering them for up to £2 million per claim if it was ever required.
You are strongly recommended to use qualified professionals when it comes to important legal matters and Thy Will Be Done can provide initial advice free of charge either over the phone or face to face in their offices in Benijofar, whichever suits you best.
Contact them today on 865 756 058 or by completing their contact form on their website at www.thywill.es Getting the wrong advice now could cost your family considerable time, money and stress in the future.
And. with hoomans, well, she totally gets whatever she wants! All she has to do is look at them with those eyes and then she does this thing where she rolls on her back, squirming and waving her cute little legs on the air! Bark! When she does that all hoomans instantly become cat-pooh in her paws!
But you know what? Wendy is my sister and I love her dearly and I wouldn´t have her any other way! Bark!
Dani’s Diaries
WHEN THE EARTH SHOOK: The Great Earthquake of 1829
Imagine the fertile plain of the Vega Baja del Segura on a spring evening in 1828. Citrus groves perfume the air, fishermen haul in their nets along the coast of Torrevieja, and church bells toll as families gather inside whitewashed homes. The landscape seems timelessordered fields, bustling towns, and the calm blue Mediterranean beyond.
The Vega Baja is the southernmost district of Alicante province, a rich agricultural plain watered by the Segura River. For centuries, its fertile soil had supported fields of wheat, vegetables and citrus, making it one of the most productive farmlands in south-eastern Spain. Its towns - Torrevieja on the coast, Orihuela at the river’s heart, Guardamar watching over the dunes, Almoradí at the centre, and smaller villages like San Fulgenciogrew and prospered.
But in September 1828, the ground began to stir. For months, tremors rattled the plain. Then, at 6:15 in the evening of 21 March 1829, the earth convulsed with devastating force - houses split open, church towers collapsed, and within seconds whole neighbourhoods lay in ruins. Dust clouds rose where once stood walls and cries of panic echoed through narrow streets.
The earthquake struck with a force measured at 10.5 on the intensity scale. Its epicentre lay near Rojales, but its devastation spread across at least 53 towns. Contemporary reports counted 389 deaths, but later studies suggest the toll may have exceeded 800, with nearly 400 more injured. Families were buried beneath their homes, entire streets vanished, and survivors stumbled through rubble searching desperately for loved ones.
Cox lost both its parish church and convent; Elche saw its Town Hall and the great Basilica of Santa María destroyed. Across the region, two churches, four hermitages and even bridges collapsed,
leaving the land scarred and broken. And still, the earth did not rest - aftershocks rippled through the plain until September.
The tragedy even inspired a novel, “Los terremotos de Orihuela ó Henrique y Florentina: historia trágica”, in which the young lovers Henrique and Florentina are separated by the earthquake, navigating destruction and despair as they struggle to reunite, blending a romantic tale with real accounts of the disaster.
Explanations varied. Some writers claimed earthquakes were electrical in origin. Others, with surprising foresight, observed that towns outside the Segura’s alluvial plain suffered less - an early recognition of how unstable soil amplifies seismic damage.
Yet out of ruin came resilience. Engineers and officials planning not only repairs but renewal. Almoradí was rebuilt with broad squares and straight streets designed to withstand future quakes - a 19th-century model of disaster planning. Other towns too adopted safer, more orderly layouts .
The 1829 earthquake lives on in the history of the Vega Baja - not only as a tragedy of loss, but as a moment of rebirth, when destruction forced renewal and resilience. It is more than history; it is a living lesson, woven into the streets, the rebuilt walls, and the memories of the people - a reminder of that fateful day when the earth shook. www.speechlessinspain.com
SPANISH TIPS WITH CHRISTIAN
A monthly feature with useful and effective tips about speaking Spanish and Spanish culture
HOW TO GREET IN SPANISH DEPENDING ON CONTEXT AND FAMILIARITY
Greetings in Spanish are not simply words of courtesy; they reflect cultural values such as warmth, respect, and social awareness. The way you greet someone often depends on the degree of familiarity, the level of formality required, and whether the situation is official, professional, or casual.
At the most informal level, among friends, classmates, or peers, greetings are usually short and relaxed. A simple “Hola ” (“Hello”) works in almost any situation. Younger people may also use phrases like “¿Qué tal? ” (“How’s it going?”) or “¿Cómo estás? ” (“How are you?”), often accompanied by a kiss on the cheek or a friendly hug. Another similar expression would be “Hola, guapa ” (to a lady) or “Hola guapo” (to a man)...roughly the English equivalent of ´Hiya, sexy´...so very informal!
When addressing someone in a semiformal or polite context , such as speaking to an older neighbor, a teacher, or someone you do not know very well, Spanish speakers often choose slightly more respectful expressions. For example,
“Buenos días” (“Good morning”),
“Buenas tardes” (“Good afternoon”), or “Buenas noches” (“Good evening/night”) are commonly used. These greetings acknowledge the time of day and sound more considerate. Handshakes are also common in these situations, especially among men or in professional contexts.
In formal or professional settings, particularly when interacting with colleagues, clients, or in business meetings, greetings must show respect. Phrases like “Encantado” or “Mucho gusto” (“Nice to meet you”) or “Es un placer ” (“It’s a pleasure [to meet you]”) are appropriate when meeting someone for the first time. In these contexts, the use of usted (the formal “you”) is expected rather than tú, which is reserved for informal situations. A firm handshake, sometimes combined with direct eye contact, conveys professionalism.
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
When addressing authorities or figures of high status, such as government officials, professors, or religious leaders, greetings become even more formal. One might say “Muy buenos días, señor/señora ” (“Very good morning, sir/madam”) or use professional titles like doctor, profesor, or señor alcalde (“Mr. Mayor”). This level of greeting emphasizes hierarchy and respect, and physical gestures are usually limited to handshakes rather than hugs or kisses.
In summary, greetings in Spanish adapt to the relationship and the social setting. From the affectionate hola with friends to the respectful buenos días with strangers, and the highly formal greetings with authorities, Spanish culture demonstrates its sensitivity to context. Knowing how to greet properly not only avoids misunderstandings but also helps build positive and respectful connections.
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
Back in June, we played the first leg of the Friendship Trophy against Montemar Bowls club. The match was played at La Marina, and the home team won by 43 shots. The second leg was played on Monday September 8th., at Montemar and despite two winning rinks for La Marina, Montemar won four rinks and a overall win by 12 shots, making the overall score a 31 advantage. A nice meal was enjoyed by both teams after the match.
The Winter League commences on Friday October 17th, with a visit to Montemar, and in the Monday Enterprise League we travel to San Miguel in an afternoon match at 2pm.
Captain Barry Roberts receiving the Friendship trophy from Montemar match secretary. Also pictured our own match secretary Margaret Finlayson.
We are currently looking for members to swell our ranks. If you would like to try Bowls, then please come to the Club at the Sports Complex, 10am for 10.30am on any Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday, where you will be made most welcome. The club has Bowls for use, and coaching will be available. Apart from bowling, we have an active social scene, with trips out, lunch dates, and cabaret shows. Take that step, and come and join us – a warm welcome awaits!
Bee Kind to Your Mind
With Clare Fitzpatrick of The Hive Holistic Hub
Does Therapy even work?
Not every therapy works for everyone. And that’s okay
If you’ve ever tried a type of therapy and thought, “That just didn’t help me,” please know: that doesn’t mean something is wrong with you, or with the therapy. It just means you haven’t found your fit yet.
Therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. We all respond differently. Some people love talking therapies. Others don’t want to talk at all. Some feel transformed after energy healing or a massage. Others prefer structured tools or body-focused work. Some need calm and stillness. Others need to move, express, or release emotion.
That’s why at The Hive, we offer a range of therapies, from solution-focused hypnotherapy to Reiki, massage, reflexology, sound healing, holistic counselling, and more. Because we understand that healing is personal.
Sometimes, it takes a little bit of exploring to find what really resonates with you. That’s not failure, it’s just part of the process.
You don’t need to explain why something
didn’t work. You’re allowed to try again. You're allowed to say, “Actually, this feels better.”
We’re here to support you in discovering what works for your mind, body, and soul. No pressure. No judgment. Just options, care, and guidance as you navigate your own unique path.
If you're unsure where to start, let’s have a chat. We’ll help you figure out what might feel like a good next step for you.
Because healing isn’t about fitting into a box. It’s about finding what makes you feel whole again.
THE HIVE HOLISTIC HUB
CC Bahia de la Dunas (behind Mercadona) Tel: +34 711 093 378
clare@thehiveholistichub.com www.thehiveholistichub.com
La Marina institution and much loved restaurant Bistro O´Rendezvous is now re-open and under management... here´s a recent statement from the new owners!
“My husband Fabrice and myself Edina are excited to announce we will be reopening Bistro Rendez-Vous soon.
Fabrice originally from France and I am from Hungary. We have many years of experience in the hospitality industry and our passion is great food and wine.
been our dream to open our restaurant together.
We are looking forward to meeting you all in the next few months!”
If you need to contact us with any enquiries/ bookings please don´t hesitate you can reach us at:
After several visits in the last few years we fallen love with this area of Spain and it has
WhatsApp/phone: +34 644 583 821
Email: bistrorendezvous@gmail.com
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. Here´s the recipe for one of her scrumptious cakes!
Ingredients
Sponge
225g (8oz) baking spread straight from the fridge plus extra for greasing.
225g (8oz) caster sugar
4 eggs
225g (8oz) self-raising flour
1 level tsp baking powder
Filling & Topping
½ x 370g jar of strawberry jam
300ml (½ pint) double cream, whipped
A little caster sugar to sprinkle
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
Sue´s Kitchen
Home-made
Victoria Sponge
Instructions
Preheat oven to 180C or 160c for fan oven or Gas mark 4 for gas oven.
Lightly grease two 20cm (8in) sandwich tins and line the bases with non-stick baking paper.
Measure the sponge ingredients into a large bowl and beat for about 2 minutes with an electric whisk until smooth.
Divide cake mixture between the tins and level the tops. Bake for about 25 minutes or until well risen and golden and the cakes are shrinking away from the sides of the tins. Tops of cakes should spring back when pressed lightly with a finger.
Leave the cakes to cool in the tins for a few minutes then run a palette knife around the edge of the ins to free the sides. Turn the cakes out and leave to cool completely.
Choose the cake with the best top and spread the underside with jam. Put the other cake downwards on a serving plate. Spread this cake carefully with the whipped cream and sit the other cake on top.
Sprinkle with sugar and you´re done! Enjoy!
Live music every month with Cherry K at HILLSIDE SNOOKER & BAR
(Next Cherry K night Friday 10th October)
Hillside Snooker & Bar, Calle Bilbao, La Marina, 03177
Quiz time Quiz time
1. Which major naval battle took place of the Spanish Coast on 21 October 1805?
2. Which major sporting Association was founded on 26 October 1863?
3. Who landed at Guanahani Island Bahamas 12 October 1492?
4. What ancient, pagan festival is celebrated on 31 October every year?
5. What is the name of the equivalent springtime pagan festival held on the night of 30 April?
6. Charles Cornwallis surrendered to George Washington on 19 October 1781 ending which war?
7. Which cartoon, hero captain made his TV debut on 22 October 1957?
8. October is the 10th month of the year. What month was October in the Julian calendar?
9. Name the two signs of the zodiac in October?
10. Who was the British Transport Minister who introduced the Breathalyser on 9 October 1967?
To solve the puzzle each 3 x 3 box, each row and each column must contain all the numbers 1 to 9.
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
