Gran Alacant Advertiser August 2013

FRalwaays EE s

WHAT’s INSIDE

CONTENTS

4-5-6-8-10 NEWS IN ENGLISH 11-14 NEWS IN SPANISH 16 BRITISH LEGION

30 BLUEMOON COMPUTER PAGE 52 GA PLAZA 52 GA BUS

53 GA TRAIN

54 GA BOWLS 57 EASYCARE

58 FRIENDS OF GA

60 SANDRAS COOKBOOK 61 TOURIST INFO 61 BIG UN

62 PETS IN SPAIN 62 K9 PETS 64 GA VET

65 WHATS IN THE CLOT

Hello everyone

Wow is it heating up? Thank goodness for the sea and swimming pools, at least they can cool you down.

We certainly know it´s the holiday season, so many cars parked on the streets and supermarkets very busy.

Gran Alacant really does come alive in July and August.

Our front cover shows the opening night to the Gran Alacant fiestas in July.

No room to include pictures this month, but they will be in our September issue.

Lots of news in this August issue, if you would like us to talk with the Council about any issues you have, please email us.

Three new venues opened up and are advertising with us this month. Vinoteca at the GA Commercial Centre, La Cigale in Arenales and new management have re-opened Molly Malones at the Carabasi Complex. We wish them all well.

Take it easy and keep safe in the sun.

66 WORDSEARCH

Have a good month Sandra & Barry

68-69 GA MAP

Our little dog from the front cover has hidden herself away in the magazine, can you find her?

Last month she was on the sudoku page.

67 SUDOKU

70-71 BUS TIMES

STILL the BEST ADVERTISING PRICES & SERVICE ON THE COSTAS

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15 euro per month for a 40mm x 60mm advert

95 euro per month for a 153mm x 202mm advert

35 euro per month for a 90mm x 60mm advert

110 euro per month for a 153mm x 232mm advert

55 euro per month for a 128mm x 92mm advert

including artwork and

free advertising on our website!!

(exact location o

(exact location on the GA map at back of this magazine) 3

We at your Gran Alacant Advertiser continue to bring you all of the news, including that from our Gran Alacant Councillor, Loreto Cascales, as we have since May 2005.

It is our perogative at the magazine, NOT to update this 2005 picture, as we all looked a great deal younger!!!

Any Ladies looking for a coffee morning, to meet and chat with others

Hi Barry I have been given me your email address, so I am dropping you a line giving you some info on our get togethers on a Tuesday.

We are very informal, we are not a club, just a bunch of ladies (mostly English) but anyone is welcome, who get together on a Tuesday morning for a natter.

I organise various events, we play bingo, have quizes, I have two ladies who come several times a year (they were with us this week) with clothes from their boutique in Villa Martin, and with help from some of my ladies, they model the garments, and encourage the other ladies to buy some of the clothes. I also have other ladies who sell underwear, casual wear and jewellery.

We try to ring the changes, but are limited, as a lot of my contacts have gone back to the uk. We are always open to suggestions, and welcome anyone who wants to come and bring their wares.

About 3-4 times a year we organise a coach trip, which will include lunch and a day out.

I charge the ladies 1 euro 50 a week, we use the money mainly to finance the coach for our days out, but we also take out expenses for printing and prizes from this. Most of the coach trips will be from September to June, we try and avoid it when it is too hot. My ladies ages range from 45-93 so we are mindful of the hot season We also get together for a lunch now and again, and also have a Christmas meal out together. On the days out and the meals, we are quite happy for husbands, partners and friends to come with us.

We have been together now for 7 years, this started originally at the Monte y Mar bowls club, as a place for the ladies to go while their husbands played bowls, but for one reason or another, we found we could not stay at the bowls club so have been meeting at the carabassi bars ever since, originally at Marie Jose, until she closed, then at Las Belgas, we are now meeting in our new home The Sunset Bar. We meet from 9.30 until 12 every tuesday. We do not arrange anything over August, due to many of us having families visiting us, but we say if the ladies want to keep coming for coffee fine, they just won't find any entertainment. We will recommence again in September, on the 3rd, and we will be kicking off with our ladies from Villa Martin and a fashion show. As I manage to fill the calendar up, I will inform you, but for now it gives you a bit of an insight into what we do. We stress we are not a club, as we have been told that we have to be registered, so we just meet for coffee.....

My telephone number is 966699635. and email valerie_dolphin @yahoo.com

Regards Val Dolphin -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hello again Barry & Sandra!

Concerning the palms on the new market place I have read the answer from Loreto with some wonder, but hope that they will recover in the near future (for the moment it is not any bigger change)!!

Now I want to open a new question and that is how people are using the different waste bins on the Avenida Escandinavia (but I think that the problem are wider spread than only on “our home street”). I have learnt many years ago what the different colors on the container means, so it can be a proper recycling otherwise it is complete meaningless.

As an example - today I found the yellow container (meant for plastic garbage) loaded with pillows and other bed equipments and of course the blue one for paper etc. with different

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plastics, because the yellow one was totally filled with wrong waste.

Is it really so that people (residents and visitors) don’t understand how the system works with different colors. I can understand that all people don’t understand the Spanish word VIDRIO for glass but PAPEL Y CÁRTON must be easy to figure out!!

I hope that it can possible that the Ayuntamiento could put some extra decals in English on the containers to help confused people to make a correct decision!! Gran Alacant has many foreign visitors during the year and most of them understand English.

Finally I also want to mention that the “white vans” visiting GA all the days are not perfect trying to “reload” items from the bins. Many times they are spreading uninteresting garbage outside on the pavements and in the green areas around the bins. What is the standpoint from Loreto concerning this very special activity?

The reason writing these mail is, that we are living here the year around and of course want that Gran Alacant can be a place to show for visiting friends with pride.

Best regards Nils

The Town Hall will not label the bins, they say it is up to everyone to know which bins are for what.

It is pretty obvious that pillows and bedding should not go into the round holes meant for plastics. Some people are getting their children to take rubbish to the bins. As many children cannot open the bins, it just gets left on the floor. It is just down to thoughtless people who are only here for a short time and are not to bothered.

The cars/vans rummaging through our bins are being pulled up by the police.

Waste bins are a nightmare for the Town Hall. Everyone wants them moved away from their house, then no one will walk far to the bin, throwing rubbish on the pavements instead.

The Town Hall is pleading to you to use the correct bins, do not throw rubbish on the floor when there is an empty bin. The refuse men can hardly keep up with the amount of rubbish during the summer, so please help them by keeping areas around the bins, in a tidy state.

The Town Hall show terrible photos of areas around bins that they are confronted with on a regular basis. They try to do their bit, we must do ours.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Elche Council are responsible for the telegraph poles and wires being used as extra lighting between Gran Alacant and the first Arenales roundabout. These are the people to complain to.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------A press release to us at the magazine Given the important action that had to be carried out in Gran Alacant, specifically in the village of Monte de Santa Pola, to eliminate a large number of dog excrement, the councilors Loreto Serrano, Vial Cleaning mayor and Municipal Solid Waste, and Loreto Cascales, Gran Alacant Councillor, wanted to publicly say "enough" to "the absence of such an act of civic attitude."

"Not enough," explained Cascales, "that we have fenced the area and continually cleansed, since the vast accumulation is leading to health problems, especially because of the stench of excrement mentioned." Therefore, Serrano added, "the City Council has decided to start a strong campaign for future sanctioning offenders. Not because we think it is the most appropriate way, which is the education and civic responsibility".

So, violators would face fines of 150 euros for the first offence and 750 euros thereafter.

This, unfortunately, is a problem that we detected in the nucleus of the town of Santa Pola and, thanks to the awareness, has been declining gradually. " Meanwhile, Loreto Cascales asked the cooperation of citizens "since without it, it is impossible to detect offenders because without collaboration, every effort is made by the City Council will be insufficient."

"We can clean one day and another, but unfortunately, the day after we cleaned the place was full of excrement again, as evidence by the photos taken."

The Town Hall asks dog owners to clear up after their dog to keep the urbanisation free from dog mess. Owners are being caught and issued with big fines. Areas are continually being cleaned up, but as fast as this is done, more and more dog mess appears.

It is up to the people of Gran Alacant to keep the urbanisation tidy and dog dirt free.

-------------------------------------------------hi Barry, a reminder from O.A.P about a request for extra seats on the 2 steepest hills in G.A Have you made any headway on maxcoop hill or cardiac beach hill ? Also any news of the new

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market opening? I will be back in Sept so hopefully it will be open along with some seats on the hills. regards ian/irene

We mentioned this AGAIN. On the Maxcoop hill, would you believe there is an environment issue as the land beside the path is protected, but Loreto has this in hand.

As you may have read in an earlier edition, we at the magazine have offered to pay for a seat on this hill, in recognition of the 100th issue of our publication.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------A press release sent to our magazine 1131 swimmers had an appointment at the XVIII edition of the Swimming Crossing Tabarca - Santa Pola.

Marcos Rivera Miranda was proclaimed winner with a time of one hour ten minutes, eighteen seconds. Three minutes later Puche Alberto Torres, then only 35 seconds after, the third-placed Luis Goñi Iradi came in.

The first classified was the promising young Roman Garcia Ainhoa grenadine CHURRIANA Swimming Club http://www.cnchurriana.es/ an hour and twenty minutes.

The good weather times have improved from the previous year, the winner of the previous edition needed one hour and eighteen minutes to claim victory.

As in the last edition has awarded a Trophy "Steel Boat" (courtesy of our partner Boat Steel) for their efforts and strength to first disabled swimmer: Raul Fenoll with a time of 1 hour, 46 minutes and 56 seconds.

Moreover, with the increasing number of participants, and always ensuring the safety of the swimmers there were over 30 boats and 120 paddlers volunteering support.

This year's donation of 1000 euros solidarity has been created for "Diego Race" a Santa polero child with a brain injury.

Alone Swimming Club would like to thank all aid received: volunteers, canoeists, Local Police, Police, Fire Alicante City Council Civil Protection, Red Cross, SAMU, Regional Directorate of Ports and Customs, Club Nautico Santa Pola, sponsors and collaborators for the test is a success each year. Not to mention the collaboration of HE. City of Santa Pola and Tourism Competitiveness Plan of Santa Pola.

We are very pleased with the outcome of this issue since 998 swimmers have completed "the crossing" .

Now begins the countdown to prepare next year's event.

Already available on our website, photographs at:www.clubnatacionalone.com We thank Área Comunicación y Marketing Club Natación Alone for sending us report and pictures. See www.clubnatacionalone.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Dear Sandra and Barry

Hope you are both fit and well and enjoying this lovely weather!

With reference to your comments in the July issue of your magazine. We would like to make one or two comments of our own about the gating of the Community.

The Community of Altomar 2 wanted the Urbanisation gated for various reasons and at the last AGM the vote was passed with a two thirds majority. We would like to point out that Altomar 2 has not been closed completely and it is still open to anyone who wants to or needs to visit, it is not being closed to pedestrians. Altomar 2 is only being closed to traffic for the following reasons:

1. Cars have been dumped here and it has taken time and money to have these cars removed.

2. People visiting shops and bars during the day and also the evening have shown no respect for residents and have taken parking places - including double parking and parking in front of residents gates so people have been unable to get out of their gates - that rightfully belong to residents who have paid their dues and then cannot park due to high numbers of people visiting Altomar 2, not to mention the high level of noise from these cars whose owners have their car radios blaring out at all times of day and night.

3. Thirdly, if Altomar 2 is not gated, where would all the visitors to the market park? As Altomar 2 is directly opposite the new market it does not take much imagination to work out where people would park?

At the time of writing the gates are still being installed and are not yet operational! Hopefully the gates will be tested on Friday 5th July and if passed for Health and Safety will then be closed in due course, therefore giving people time to obtain their keys etc. initially it is hoped to close only a few and to keep others open until people are used to using them. You also mention that some business's have already been affected by the gating of the community but how could they have been affected if the gates are not yet operational? Yes, the business's in this area have been suffering but this has been the case since the crisis started with some business's starting up only to close down soon after. This cannot be contributed to Altomar 2 being gated but to the present climate. Also provision has been made for a loading bay for lorries to park so they can service the business's safely.

Six gates went operational mid July for the first time and the other eight will be operational at a date to be agreed to give people a chance to get used to the system Kind regards from us on Altomar 2

Thank you from the magazine for the information.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------GAS MAN CALLED The paperwork from the gas men was given to the police and they have asked us to tell our readers that these businesses are illegal. The paperwork looks perfect, but do not be fooled If you are approached at your door or on the phone, give the particulars to Loreto, do NOT let them into your home or give them any money.

If you are telephoned about anything, or have someone at your gate supposedly collecting money for this or that SEND THEM ON THEIR WAY!!!!!!

In the same way, if anyone comes to your gate asking for money for charities, do not give them anything. If you want to donate to a charity do so through official sites in Santa Pola, or of course, ask for advice at our Council office.

The police said to tell our readers the only gas callers who would be legal are Repsol, Gas Legal or similar companies. Check at the Council Office first!!!

Below is an exampled sent to us.

Sandra & Barry, I am usually reading you magazine as soon as it is released but have been away and only back today. Still wondering where they got my works number in the UK from anyway?

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10 years ago my daughter and son-in-law were taking a break with their new baby for a week in our apartment on Gran Alacant Urb. A rousing knock early one morning brought my son-in-law to the door to be met by a Gas man. He had by-passed the security gates and down stairs door by telling people he had an appointment and could not get an answer. He replaced all our new pipe work from the gas bottle to the cooker, all of 4 metres of rubber pipe. On completion he gave my daughter the bill 169 Euros. They did not have this sort of money in the flat. He drove my son-in-law to the bank to draw out the money. We did not need this work done our boiler had just been serviced along with all the pipe work. Today, here in England at my place of work I had a call from the Natural Gas supplier asking me why I was not going to tap into the gas pipe installed on Gran Alacant Urb a couple of years ago outside my kitchen window. I told them 4 Gas bottles a year is all I need to heat, cook and hot water for our apartment a lot less than their service charge. I had no reply. Please be very careful Chris Saull -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------MARKET OPENING The new market will NOT open until after the summer. There is no way the re siting can take place in the busy season.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------More news next month, Sandra and Barry

ITV SERVICES +PRE INSPECTION €40+ITV COST

CALL JOE 966698791 MOB. 634419039

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Hola Barry Me han dado su email, así que voy a darle más información sobre nuestras reuniones de los Martes.

Somos muy informales, no somos un club, simplemente unas cuantas señoras (casi todas Inglesas) que nos juntamos los Martes por la mañana para charlar un poco.

Todo el mundo es bienvenido a unirse a nosotras.

Yo organizo algunos eventos, jugamos al bingo, hacemos juegos de quiz, tengo a dos señoras que vienen varias veces al año (estuvieron aquí esta semana) y nos traen ropa de su boutique en Villa Martin, y con la ayuda de alguna de nuestras socias, hacemos un pase de modelos. También hay señoras que venden ropa interior, ropa in formal y bisutería.

Llevamos reuniéndonos 7 años ya, esto empezó en el Club de Bolos de Monte y Mar como lugar de reunión de las mujeres de los jugadores, por una razón u otra nos encontramos con que este no era el lugar para nosotras así que nos reunimos en los bares del Carabasi, primero en el restaurante María José, hasta que cerró y luego nos reunimos en Los Belgas, y ahora nos reunimos en el Sunset Bar. Nos encontramos desde las 9.30 hasta las 12 cada Martes. No organizamos nada durante el mes de Agosto ya que muchas de nosotras recibimos visitas de nuestras familias y amigos. Volveremos a vernos el 3 de Septiembre con un pase de moda de nuestras amigas de Villa Martin. Volvemos a decir que no somos un “club”, sólo nos reunimos para tomar café y pasarlo bien. Mi teléfono es el 966699635 y mi email valerie_dolphin @yahoo.com Saludos Val Dolphin -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hola otra vez Barry y Sandra!

Respecto a las palmeras moribundas del nuevo mercadillo, leí la respuesta de Loreto con cierto asombro, espero que se recuperen pronto (por ahora no hay ningún cambio significativo) Ahora quiero abrir una pregunta sobre cómo la gente está usando los contenedores de basura en la avda. Escandinavia. He aprendido hace años el significado de los diferentes colores en los contenedores para poder reciclar de forma correcta. Como ejemplo, hoy encontré el contenedor amarillo (para basura de plástico) lleno de cojines y sábanas. Es realmente tan difícil entender cómo funciona el sistema de los diferentes colores.

Espero que el Ayuntamiento pueda poner unas pegatinas en Inglés para que los extranjeros no se confundan de contenedor! Gran Alacant recibe muchos visitantes extranjeros, la mayoría entiende el Inglés. Finalmente me gustaría mencionar que las “furgonetas blancas” que visitan G.A. Muchas veces se meten y desparraman la basura por doquier. ¿Qué dice Loreto acerca de esto? Nosotros vivimos en G.A. todo el año y queremos que sea una zona limpia.

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Saludos, Nils

El Ayuntamiento no pondrá etiquetas en los contenedores, es obligación de todos saber dónde corresponde depositar los residuos.

Es bastante obvio que los cojines y sábanas no deberían ir en el contenedor de plásticos. Algunas familias mandan a los niños a tirar la basura, como los niños no llegan a las aperturas, acaba la basura en la calle. También hay casos donde los visitantes sólo están durante un período corto y no se molestan en mantener la limpieza de la zona.

Los contenedores están siendo una pesadilla para el Ayuntamiento, la gente no quiere los contenedores cerca de sus casas pero tampoco están dispuestos a caminar hasta el contenedor… de forma que a veces nos encontramos bolsas tiradas en las calles.

La policía está vigilando y multando a las “furgonetas blancas”.

El Ayuntamiento pide por favor un uso correcto de los contenedores. El servicio de recogida y limpieza no puede con la cantidad de residuos que se generan en verano, por favor intenten mantener libre de residuos las zonas de alrededor de los contenedores.

El Ayuntamiento nos ha enseñado fotos asquerosas de algunos contenedores de G.A. Ellos intentan hacer su trabajo, nosotros tenemos que hacer el nuestro.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------El Ayuntamiento de Elche es el responsable de la nueva iluminación en el trecho que va desde el Clot hasta la primera rotonda de Arenales. Si quieren quejarse tienen que dirigirse a ellos.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Nos han pasado una noticia… Dada la importante acción que se está tomando para mantener Gran Alacant limpia de excrementos , las Concejales Loreto Serrano (Limpieza vial y Mantenimiento Municipal) y Loreto Cascales (Concejal de Gran Alacant) quieren decir públicamente que “ya basta la falta de actitud civil” y que “no es bastante que hayamos vallado la zona de Monte de Santa Pola, continuamente hemos estado limpiando la zona de excrementos, la acumulación puede llevar a problemas de salud y el obvio problema de olor” Loreto Serrano ha añadido que “el Ayuntamiento ha decidido empezar una nueva campaña para multar a los infractores, no porque creamos que sea la mejor forma (que sería educación y responsabilidad civil” “Así que los que no recojan los excrementos de sus perros, se enfrentarán a multas de hasta 150 (si es la primera vez) y 750 si vuelven a hacerlo. Este es desafortunadamente un problema que tuvimos en el centro de Santa Pola, y que gradualmente ha ido mejorando” Mientras, Loreto Cascales pidió la cooperación de los ciudadanos “ya que sin su ayuda, es imposible detectar a los dueños que no cumplen su responsabilidad, todos los esfuerzos del Ayuntamiento serán insuficientes” El Ayuntamiento pide por favor a los dueños de los perros que mantengan la zona libre de excrementos. Ya están multando. Las zonas se están limpiando continuamente, pero tan pronto como lo limpian, aparecen nuevos excrementos.

Es responsabilidad de los residentes mantener nuestras urbanizaciones y espacios verdes limpios.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hola Barry, un recordatorio sobre una petición que hice… a ver si es posible colocar unos bancos para poder descansar a medio camino en las dos cuestas de G.A. ¿Saben algo? Y también, ¿Qué saben sobre la apertura del nuevo mercadillo? Somos

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jubilados y volvemos en Septiembre así que esperamos disfrutar de una paradita a medio camino cuando subamos la cuesta.

Saludos, Ian e Irene.

Volvimos a mencionar este tema, OTRA VEZ. En la cuesta del Maxcoop, las tierras de alrededor están protegidas, Loreto está en ello. Como puede que hayan leído en una edición anterior, nosotros queremos poner un banco para conmemorar nuestras 100 publicaciones.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Otras noticias que nos han llegado….

1131 nadadores se reunieron en la XVIII edición de Cruce a Nado Santa Pola – TabarcaMarcos Rivera Miranda fue proclamado ganador con un tiempo de 1hora 10minutos 18segundos. Tres minutos más tarde, Puche Alberto Torres y 35 segundos más tarde, el tercer puesto se lo llevó Luis Goñi Iradi.

El primer clasificado fue un joven Román García Ainhoa del club Churriana (www.cnchurriana.es) con 1hora 20minutos.

El buen clima ha mejorado los tiempos del año pasado, el ganador del año pasado necesitó 1hora 18 minutos para llegar a Tabarca.

Para el participante con discapacidad Raul Fenoll, que hizo un tiempo de 1h 46minutos, se llevó el trofeo “Barco de Acero” Con un incremento en el número de participantes, y siempre manteniendo la seguridad de los participantes, este año había más de 30 barcos y 120 botes para vigilar y ayudar a los nadadores.

También este año se han donado 1000€ al niño Diego Race que tiene una lesión cerebral.

El club de Natación Alone quiere dar las gracias por todo el apoyo y ayudas recibidas: voluntarios, Policía Local, Protección Civil, Cruz Roja, SAMU, Puerto Regional y al Club Nautico de Santa Pola.

Están muy contentos con los resultados ya que 998 nadadores han completado la carrera.

Le damos las gracias al Área Comunicación y Marketing Club Natación Alone por enviarnos la noticia. Pueden ver fotos del evento en www.clunatacionalone.com -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Espero que estéis bien y que estéis disfrutando del maravilloso clima!

Con referencia a los comentarios en la edición de Julio. Nos gustaría hacer unas observaciones sobre el vallado que se ha producido en la Urbanización Altomar 2. La comunidad quería el vallado por varias razones y en el voto se gano por mayoría de dos tercios. Nos gustaría indicar que ALtomar 2 se está cerrando al tráfico por las siguientes razones: 1.

Los coches. Han abandonado varios coches y ha tardado tiempo y dinero en retirarlos 2.

La gente que visita los bares y tiendas durante el día y también por las noches han demostrado no tener ningún respeto por los vecinos, tomando sus plazas de aparcamiento, aparcando en doble fila e impidiendo la salida de algunos vecinos de sus propias casas. Estos vecinos han pagado sus tasas e impuestos y tienen derecho a aparcar donde corresponde. Además mencionar el nivel de ruido que emiten los coches con las radios puestas a todo volumen (día y noche).

3.

Si Altomar 2 no se valla, ¿donde aparcará la gente cuando se abra el nuevo mercadillo? No hace falta mucha imaginación para deducirlo…

Mientras escribo esto, las vallas todavía se están instalando y todavía no funcionan.

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El 5 de Julio van a probar todas las entradas y si pasan la inspección de Seguridad se cerrarán a su debido tiempo, dando tiempo a la gente a conseguir llaves. Inicialmente, sólo se cerrarán algunas entradas y otras se mantendrán abiertas hasta que la gente se acostumbre a su uso.

Mencionaron en la revista que ya hay algunos negocios que sufren las consecuencias de estas obras… ¿Cómo van a notar la diferencia si todavía no están cerradas?

Se han puesto zonas de carga y descarga para que los camiones puedan distribuir sin problemas a estos negocios.

Seis vallas han empezado a operar a mediados de Julio y otras ocho estarán listas para operar cuando se haya marcado una fecha límite para que todos se acostumbren a este nuevo sistema.

Saludos desde Altomar 2 Desde la Revista agradecemos toda esta información.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------EL GAS En la edición anterior les comentabamos sobre el tema del gas. La Policía recibió los documentos enviados por una vecina y nos han pedido que les digamos que este es un negocio ilegal. Los documentos parecen reales pero no se dejen engañar. Si se le acerca alguien a su puerta, no lo dejen entrar y no le den dinero!

La Policía ha dicho que las únicas compañías legales son Repsol, Gas Natural y otras compañías similares, pidan más información en el Ayuntamiento antes de hacer nada!

De la misma forma, si alguien se acerca pidiendo dinero para una buena causa o caridad, no les den nada. Si quieren donar pueden hacerlo a través de organizaciones registradas en Santa Pola.

Normalmente leo su revista y tan pronto como está en la calle consigo una copia… pero he estado fuera del país y acabo de llegar.

Hace 10 años mi hija vino con su marido y su recién nacido para descansar una semanita en nuestro apartamento en Urb.Gran Alacant. Una mañana bien temprano, les despertaron de Gas Natural. Había atravesado las vallas de seguridad diciendo que tenía una cita y que no estábamos contestando al teléfono…. Nos cambió todas las cañerías y el calentador. Cuando acabó, le pidió a mi hija 169€. No tenían ese dinero en la casa así que él los acompañó al banco. No necesitábamos estas “reparaciones” ya que el calentador había pasado una reciente revisión.

Hace poco, en Inglaterra, recibí una llamada de Gas Natural preguntándome porque no usaba el servicio que había contratado hace años… yo le contesté que con 4 bombonas al año me bastaba para calentar, cocinar y demás… por mucho menos dinero. Todavía no he recibido respuesta. Por favor tengan cuidado. Me pregunto cómo han conseguido mi número de teléfono en Inglaterra.

Saludos, Chris Saull -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------APERTURA DEL MERCADILLO El Nuevo mercadillo no se abrirá hasta después del verano. NO hay forma de poder hacer el cambio en plena temporada.

Más noticias el mes que viene, Sandra y Barry

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TO ALL OF OUR ADVERTISERS and CONTRIBUTERS Please, please, send your copy to us by the 16th of every month

"Angela and Gordon would like to thank friends and family for all the cards, presents and a super weekend of fun on their Golden Wedding.

Special thanks to Vivien and Keith and Connie and Yan for their special surprises.

Thank you all so much for making this such a wonderful occasion to remember."

Gordon

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Royal British LegionGran Alacant Branch BR 3606

This page and the next three, are adverts from

Los Arenales

almost walking distance from Gran Alacant.

Veinte Seis is on your left as you go through the promanade from Gran Alacant. Opposite the derelect hotel on the beach and up the steps is the Meeting Point.

La Cigale directions are on their advert.

DRINKS, COCKTAILS open every night except Mondays 5pm - 2am or later. phone: 96 691 07 35 www.facebook.com/MeetingPointPub

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On the Arenales seafront, walking distance from Gran Alacant.......join in the activities

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Spanish

Restaur ant i n Lo s A renales

C/San Bartolomè de Tirajane, no.40 03195 Arenales del Sol. Tel: 96 691 12 13

Menu of the Day (every day of the year) weekday menu ............................................ 9 euros menu Saturday, Sunday and holidays ....... 12 euros.

Evening menu (night only) salad fry (fish) or grill (meat) bread and beverage......(8.50 euros per person minimum two people)....... ......................17 euros.

Special menu .. salad especial starter rice with lobster food, drink and dessert ......(minimum two people).......... 17 euros.

Every day of the week, the menus will consist of 5 first courses (inc pasta, rice, and soup) and 5 main courses (meat or fish).

Open every day of the year Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, do not open at night.

WE ARE HERE

POLICE & POST OFFICE

GRAN ALACANT

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We are easy to find in El Altet. From Gran Alacant turn off the N332 signposted El Altet. Over the roundabout. Over the traffic lights and we are on the right, before the next roundabout.

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PERSONALIZED ATTENTION, I advise on the best product according to your type of driving and use.

RAPID FITTING. The largest stock & quick fitting of leading brands of tyres.

QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL, own training center.

LATEST MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGIES integral to service your car, even the guarantee of origin.

ALL YEAR SAVINGS. Exclusive savings plan through the card and follow individualized PAS Maintenance of your vehicle.

PROXIMITY, national 1Red, 667 workshops in Europe, Near your house, you have a workshop, Confort Auto.

RENEWED ISO 9001 Quality anuaimente by independent certification.

SOCIAL COMMITMENT TO USE organic products, tyres, oil etc.

Colaboration with NGOs involved in road safety

There are coffee shops next to us when waiting for that short job to be carried out. For longer jobs drive your car over to us and we will run you home, and collect you when your car is ready, if in the Gran Alacant area.

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Short but sweet Australian humour...

A man walks into a crowded local bar in Darwin brandishing a revolver yelling, "Who's the sod that's been sleeping with my wife?"A voice from the back of the bar shouts back.

"You don't have enough ammo mate!!!"

CARABASI COMPLEX ADVERTISERS on pages 22 to 29 Bar 1 Aquarius restaurant Olimpo Casanova Sandhills Gourmet Phoenix Molly Malone The tourist train and the GA shopping bus, both stop outside this complex.

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FOR TAKE AWAYS, ENQUIRIES & BOOKINGS PHONE: 966 699 601 or see us upstairs at Carabasi or email Angie on: aquariusgranalacant@gmail.com

RIBS

STEAKS

BURGERS

COMBO’S

CAJUN

FISH n CHIPS

CURRY

HOMEMADE STEWS & SOUPS

LAMB

Chef says..

We now have a menu to suit all tastes.

Our meals can be served with, rice, chips, jackets, or new potato’s.

Our menu includes; chilli, lasagne, wraps, great starters, and desserts.

1/2 CHICKEN ROAST

Parties catered for.

Chef

Wi fi - T.V. - Views - Printing - Air Con - Weatherproof outside terrace 23

Casanova is the perfect choice for you to enjoy a freshly prepared meal made to our own special recipes.

Old favourites PLUS new additions for the Summer Season Not forgetting our ever popular Sunday Roast.

Full children's menu.

Takeaway available.

Open every day Mon - Sat from 5.30pm Open Sunday from 1pm For reservations Tel: 966 697 567

GREAT SWIMMING POOL PRICE OFFERS For offers, go to: 24

www.olimpopool.com

AT THE CARABASI COMPLEX

a subsiduary of Olimpo Construction & Reforms. open 10am-1pm and 5.30pm-8.30pm

visit our showroom visite nuestra sala de exposición bezoek onze showroom

OFFERS ON AIR CONDITIONING Mitsubishi class A Fujitsu class A Daitsu class A Panasonic class A

600 euro 580 euro 550 euro 620 euro

Prices include IVA, fitting and a 2 year guarantee *more models available, just call to our showroom

Alex: 669 397 896

Julián: 660 65 18 27

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Live Entertainment every weekend Food

Every day, inside, or out on the terrace

Sport

All major sporting events shown on BIG screen

Drinks and food on our

Yterrace N N

NEW

GA &

CU

SU

Pictures on the right from the Re-opening night in July

Molly MALONE’S for good food 26

W OWNERS,

AVIN DAVID

UT THE TAPE

d, DRINKS and entertainment 27

phone: 966 698 963

EAT IN or TAKE AWAY Open every day from 1pm

Ribs Sirloin steak Curries Authentic Indian& chips Fish Kebabs etable Lasagne eg v or al n io it d Tra Beef burgers wiches Baguettes - Sand

ORIGINAL ITALIAN PIZZA’s Took the other half to a Disco last night. There was a bloke on the dance floor giving it large, breakdancing, backflips, moonwalking the works.

Other half says " That guy proposed to me 20 years ago and I turned him down" I replied " looks like he is still celebrating"

THE PHOENIX RESTAURANT The in place to be.....

Don and Ann would like to welcome you to our restaurant upstairs next to the ramp at the Carabassi Centro, where our restaurant is your dining room.

5 AST 2.9KF ly €EA onBR

1 0 .0 Day and l 0am - 4.

B from 2.25€ urgers ite-bite m 00pm , Om en T shly cookedo,asties, B lelettes, f u available - Fre Special set price menu available aget ish & tes, chi ducts pro10.99€ 5 starters, 8 mains,&all 6 desserts Curr English only y & C ps hilli Sunday Carvery every Sunday from 12.30pm Help yourself to fresh veg, mash, roasties only 7.90€

from akfast e r B h Englis

Full evening menu Note: Mondays closed 2.00pm -5.00pm

Tel: 966 698 364 for reservations Opening Hours Everyday 9.30am until 10.30pm

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DON’T FORGET every 3rd Sunday in the There is a Mass held at the library on month all of the bargain stalls set up on the Gran Alacant Every Sunday at 12.30pm car park outside the Council Office in GA

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I dialed a number and got the following recording: "I am not available right now, but thank you for caring enough to call.

I am making some changes in my life.

Please leave a message after the Beep. If I do not return your call, You are one of the changes."

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Welcome to the area of Gran Alacant that includes the Commercial Centre.

As you leave the N332 to come on to Gran Alacant this area is on your right.

Our advertisers in this area are:MARITAOS KITCHEN IV upstairs VIVALDI upstairs EURONICS, HOMEFINDERS, HYPER POOL CENTER, VINOTECA and on page 3 GRANNET

3 COURSE MENUS €9.95

SPECIALS from €4.95 to €6.95

Open 12.00 till 24.00 everyday.

Phone: 966 699 775.

Our fourth restaurant since 2005 (see GA map in this magazine).

Professional chef, Considerate service, Quality healthy food. Take aways SUSHI Asian restaurant that is that NOW “little bit different”.

AVAILABLE Big venue ideal for Special functions Menus and prices on our website at:- www.maritaoskitchen.com

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PROPERTY OF THE MONTH

Urb: Monte y Mar GA0055 Detached villa with private pool. Un furnished. 3 bed, 2 bath, plot size aprox 640, aircon/ heating and solarium.

310,000 euro

143,000 euro

139,500 euro

Townhouse, 2 bed, 1 bath, garden, part furnished, gated complex, parking and a communal pool.

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125,000 euro

D L O S

SOL 85,000 euro

D

245,000 euro

Call at our office in the GA Centre

For our location, see the GA map at the back of this magazine.

Easy to use web page updated daily in Spanish and English.

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we accept visa and mastercard

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L MONTEOSS INOS

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Important information from ORKE Services

SPANISH DRIVING LICENCE

Tel: 648 81 20 55

DESPUES DE TANTO TIEMPO VIVIENDO EN GRAN ALACANT Y SIN ENCONTRAR UN SITIO DONDE TOMARSE UNA CANA CON UNA TAPA Y UN BUEN VINO HEMOS DECIDIDO ABRIR La Tasca Tapas Bar. ROSI, TONI, OSCAR, MANOLO Y MARIO

AFTER LIVING IN GRAN ALACANT FOR SEVERAL YEARS, WE HAVEN’T FOUND A NICE PLACE TO HAVE A BEER WITH A TAPAS OR A GLASS OF WINE, SO WE DECIDED TO OPEN La Tasca Tapas Bar. ROSI, TONI, OSCAR, MANOLO and MARIO We are on the right, up the hill, just before the new market.

Marked on the GA map at the back of this magazine.

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Masa Square and Sierra Mar A clutch of adverts on the next seven pages are in two traffic free squares on Gran Alacant.

See the map at the back of this magazine for the exact locations At Sierra Mar are Patagonia, La Paletta and Not Just Desserts At Plaza Mayor (Masa Square), you have, Hole in the Wall, Times Square, a second Patagonia, Rumours, Big Al’s, & Azafran Indian restaurant.

The GA bowls club, is adjacent to the square.

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Four pages of advertisers at the Masa Square marked on our Gran Alacant map at the back of this magazine.

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Azafran Indian Restaurant, Times Square, Rumours, Big Al’s, Hole in the wall, all in the traffic free square for your enjoyment.

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Bar - Chill out terrace & Ambience

Monday - Friendly darts

Live Sports Shown

Tuesday - Quiz with Peter Harris and

Play your cards right 9pm

Wednesday - Karaoke with Tony Hall 9pm

Friday - Quiz with Peter Harris and

Play your cards right 4pm

Friday - Disco with the one & Only

DJ Tony Hall 9pm

BAR FOR SALE

Bar for sale in one of

the best squares in Gran Alacant (Masa Square)

Full karaoke, PA & Music System 3 TV’s with Full sky, JMC, and AD sports systems.

Can show any live Premier matches and all sports.

Full outside terrace with furniture included.

Very low overheads

Turn key operation ready to go from DAY ONE Phone Peter on 680 478 191 or email: peteis2002@yahoo.co.uk for more details

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49

I made my girlfriends dreams come true and married her in a castle. You wouldn’t have thought it though from the miserable look on her face as we were bouncing around!

Calipso

Pola Mar hotel

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51

An American tourist asks the village idiot: "Why do Scuba divers always fall backwards off their boats?"

To which the idiot replies: "They have to go backwards.

If they fell forwards, they'd still be in the boat."*

THE GRAN ALACANT SHOPPING BUS which drops off and picks up, all around Gran Alacant :Mornings start at 09.30 from shopping centre, and every 30 minutes until 13.30 ending also at shopping centre.

Afternoon: Shopping centre from 17.30 to 19.00 and finish at shopping centre a 19.00

LOG ON TO YOUR LOCAL FORUM Join in the general discussions, or just read and learn more about the area.

There are direct links from this site to our magazine website.

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TIMETABLE & ROUTE FOR THE GRAN ALACANT TOURIST TRAIN

Timetable

June to end of September From Monday till Sunday Mornings from 10:00h to 14:00h Evenings from 16:00h to 24:00h The last days of September we will probably finish at 23:00h or 22:00h.

New prices from 3rd June for 2013-2014.

Adults.- 3,00 € Children.- 2,00 € Children under 4 years free.

This year we will have a bonus ticket for 10 trips for 25,00 €, each trip is 2,50 € and return is included. This bonus ticket is especially designed for residents that love the train.

A Day on Tabarca

One of the things quite often said about Gran Alacant is that there is nothing to do other than beach, bars and restaurants.

I came across Dive Academy Santa Pola via google, rang them up and booked on a Snorkel Safari to Tabarca Marine reserve. Damon the owner lives in Gran Alacant and was happy to pick us up on route to the Dive Centre 10 minutes away in Santa Pola. We were teamed up with a mixed group of English and Dutch families and after putting on our wetsuits (mostly back to front) fins and masks (scuba divers frown on them being called flippers and goggles apparently) and headed off to the island on the taxi speedboat.

After arriving on Tabarca, Jake our ‘divemaster’ gave us a quick brief on how to put the gear on correctly, safety procedures and marine life we were likely to see. The first site we visited was called the black skull a small rock island about 100 meters from shore. Initially the water is only 1 to 2 meters deep which was great for the kids to gain confidence and the wetsuits actually helped them float. As soon as your mask breaks the surface you can see literally thousands of fish much to the kids and big kids delight. Around the back of the black skull the water is a little bit deeper and the more adventurous amongst us were ‘duck diving’ to the octopus holes Jake expertly spotted.

After a quick break we headed to another site and went in the limestone caves, I was a little apprehensive about this at first but the caves turned out to be breath taking and not at all claustrophobic. Again the marine life was spectacular and the water as clear as a swimming pool.

We headed back on the boat about 2pm with a boat load of smiley, tired kids and adults alike. It was a great day rounded of nicely with a cold drink in Marina Miramar.

Dive Academy runs Snorkel Safaris every day.

Tel 965 414 510 or 648 463 310 www.diveacademy-santapola.com email: info@diveacademy-santapola.com

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MONTEMAR BOWLS AND SOCIAL CLUB (Sponsored by Super Valu) SABA Summer Trips Hurricane league The final three games in this league has seen the Torros lose two and draw one.

Away to La Marina pilots they lost by 6 points to 8.

Away to La Siesta Wasps they lost by 4 points to 10.

At home to La Marina Navigators they drew 7 points each.

However they have managed to finish second in this league to Vistabella Fairways.

Kings Cup South Division Red With one game to play the Lords are currently second in this league.

Of the last 7 games they have won 5 and lost 2 At home to El Rancho they had an impressive 11 points to 1 win.

Away to the leaders La Marina they lost by 2 shots to 10.

At home to Quesada Tigers they lost again by 2 shots to 10.

Away to Horadada they won by 10 shots to 2.

Away to Country Bowls B they won by 8 shots to 4.

At home to La Siesta they won convincingly by 12 shots to love.

In the penultimate game of the season at home to San Luis Whites they won by 10 points to 2.

Premier 20 Summer League With two games to play Montemar are currently in fifth place.

They have won two, lost 2 and drawn 1 of their last 4 matches with one bye when Emerald Isle withdrew from the competition.

Against La Siesta they won by 12 points to 6.

Against Quesada they lost by 8 points to 10.

Against El Rancho they won by 10 points to 8.

Against Greenlands (Who up till now had not won a game) they embarrassedly lost by 6 shots to 12.

Sue Bounds with Bill Judd

Dedicated followers of fashion

Chris Merry presents Alan Ashberry with the winners trophy Babs Caiger winner over Mick Soars in a singles match

Saturday 13th July 2013 Internal 4-3-2-1 competition Today, the bowlers at Montemar contested the annual 4,3,2,1 event under the sweltering July sun.

30 players in six teams took part and the event involved the teams playing singles, pairs, trips and fours disciplines. Even though the conditions didn’t get any cooler by 5pm all the scheduled events had been completed and we had a winning team.

Everyone adjourned to the bar where the team of Alan Ashberry, Denise Ashberry, Dave Melville, Rowena Good and Harry Dobson were presented with the trophy by Club Vice Captain Chris Merry.

Chris thanked the organisers, markers and everyone who had taken part in the event in spite of the ‘trying’ conditions.

4-3-2-1 Winners

Please visit our web site at www.montemarbowls.com for more info about our Bowls and Social Club. New members are always welcome.

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La Marina..La Marina..La Marina..La Marina..La Marina..La Marina 56

The DENTAL PRACTICE and CUTS R US are on the La Marina Urbanisation.

Tel: 966 797 119 659 728 128

IN THE VILLAGE

Tel: 966 797 119 or 659 728 128

WANTED volunteers

for The Easy Horse care Rescue Centre

The Easy Horse care Rescue Centre in Rojales are looking for volunteers and donated goods furniture, brica Brac etc.

Or just want to give to this worthwhile charity.

It was founded in 2008 with the mission of rescuing mistreated horses, ponies and donkeys in the Alicante region of Spain, Books, clothes, furniture, bikes, bric a brac and large furniture items can be collected If you go to the website at www.easyhorsecare.net you can see the work these people carry out for the welfare of horses in the area.

Please contact Vicky for volunteer work or collection or donation of goods.

Tel: 636 062 000 HOW TO FIND US: Turn off the N332 to Guardamar.

Where the CV910 Guardamar road and the CV860 Rojales to San Fulgencio road meet, go under the CV910 flyover in the direction San Fulgencio.

Immediately passing under the flyover,at the island, take the 'Rojales Este'turning to the right. Carry on for 1 km and at the next island go straight over signposted 'Camino de servicio'. Take the left fork after 0.2km and carry on for 1.1km.

At the junction you will find EHCRC in front of you. If you are unable to locate us please do not hesitate to contact us for direction.

I was always taught to respect my elders, But it keeps getting harder to find one.

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FERAL (animals) FRIENDS OF GRAN ALACANT & nearby areas Bank account details: 0073 0100 54 0486406431 Iban ES94, Swift OPENESMM There are many Vet bills/animals in need. You can help by: Sponsor an animal for an amount per month or puntual donations.

2 Moms rescued before their birth, Moms along with more family were ill, "Ojitos" ended up with surgery of one eye.

"Tintín´s" eye (the ginger one) is lots better now... poor little ones !!!Moms have been sterelized.

URGENT ADOPTION. All of them now are tamed and lovable.

Reminder. 420.000 Cats born in 7 years from 1 female not sterelized. 67.000 Dogs born in 7 years from 1 female not sterelized STERELIZATIONS should be done anytime after 4 month olds, for the sake of your animals´s health (ask your Vet).

Feral Friends does not have a shelter.

Our work is to trap ferals to sterelize them and save & attend those injured or ill.

Due to lack of funds since 2012 We are only attending extreme urgencies.

PLEASE DONATE !!

COME & SUPPORT US, PLEASE

Foster Homes & Volunteers Needed. Litter, food & material accepted (except Generic Markets brand food. Aldi is OK).

For info contact feralfriends.ga@gmail.com 697 574 199 (except Sundays)

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CCW electrical services Qualified electrician All electrical work undertaken Tel 617872405 contact Clive or Wendy

In Gran Alacant: Therapeutic massages and relaxing treatments: back pain, muscle contractures, etc….

Treatments in your own home or in my treatment room. Tel: 647 935 536

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A recipe from

Sandra’s Cookbook

which you can read online at:- www.sandrascookbook.com compiled by Sandra Bonathan (not Sandra from this magazine)

Crumble Not so Humble

British Classic, fruit crumble, with almost no effort at all. The difference is in the mixing...Just MELT the butter and fork it in.

Result, a lovely crumble and I didn't have to spend 10 minutes cleaning crumbs from my finger nails!

I used rhubarb and apple, the former being a gift from the UK. This crumble mix is enough for an 8 inch pie plate.

Ingredients

Fruit base Enough raw (chopped if needed) fruit to just fill your baking dish.

4 tbsp sugar 4 tbsp water Crumble topping 225g/8oz plain flour ½ tsp salt 80g/3 oz unsalted butter 160g/5oz sugar

Method

Base Preheat oven to 180c (fan oven) Put fruit sugar and water into dish.

Topping Mix flour with sugar. Melt butter for 30 seconds or until liquid.

Add butter to flour mix and stir vigorously with a fork until evenly mixed. Pile crumble onto fruit Bake at 180c for about 45-50 minutes.

www.sandrascookbook.com

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Hi everybody!

This month in the Costa Blanca you can enjoy so many different activities that is impossible to describe them all, however this could be a good sample.

In the Costa Blanca every day you can enjoy a fiesta or a parade in different places, main parades of Moors and Christians in Aspe, Cocentaina, Elche 9th to 12th, Verger, Castell de Castells, Benilloba, Xixona and Camp de Mirra .

Also really special activities like “Misterio de Elche” Cultural World Heritage Event 11th to 15th and “Nit de l’Alba” 13th fantastic display of fire works in Elche, not less important and impressive “Castell de L’Olla” 10th in Altea a beautiful combination with fire works and music, just to have an idea there will be burnt more than seven thousand kilos of powder.

And do not forget the cultural activities held in Santa Pola and Gran Alacant.

Bye bye

If you are going to have one, have a big “n”.

A great construction on the coast road between Arenales and Santa Pola, on the water front by the little church.

We took this picture from the sea!

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Pets In Spain is a website dedicated to the re-homing of abandoned and unwanted animals on the Costa Blanca. Whether you are looking to adopt an animal, advertise an animal or if you simply want to know more about taking care of your pet in Spain, please take a look at our site.

To view more animals for adoption go to: www.petsinspain.com If you would like to advertise an animal email: info@petsinspain.info Suki is a 11 week old Tabby/Siamese kitten and was found crying in the bushes close to a friend’s house, she is very playful and affectionate and will make a wonderful lap cat.

Call: 645 469 253

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Sammy is approx 6 months old and followed friends of ours home one evening, he is very affectionate and just wants to curl up on someone's lap.

Call: 645 469 253

Siamese cross Katarina is a 15 month old house cat. She was recently abandoned and we have had her tested for feline diseases which were negative.

She has been sterilized and now looking for a home.

Alfie is a 5 month old Fox terrier cross, he was handed into our vets after he was found wandering around La Marina Urb. He is a very happy, playful pup and now in a foster home.

He will be medium size when fully grown.

Call. 645 469 253

Call. 645 469 253

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Avenida Escandinavia 37 (Gran Alacant, Alicante) stoscan@online.no

For more information visit: doctor4energy.com

The cost for Rebosy ranges from 75 to 160 euro and in most cases it is a once in a lifetime treatment.

We do all kinds of pain treatments and prescriptions. Normal consultation from 30 euro.

The treatment is painless and lasts for one to two hours and you will be asked your opinion after the treatment.

It is successful in 9 out of 10 cases and your physical problems may disappear immediately after being treated!

During the treatment you will simply lie on a couch and relax while the doctor carries out the treatment. The treatment consists of ReBoSy by AA (Restoring Body Symmetry by Advanced Acupuncture) using very fine needles and infrared light, among other things.

Using a level measure for ReBoSy (Restoring Body Symmetry) you can see the difference - before and after treatment.

A small deviation in the level of your pelvis - which you may never have noticed - could give you back or neck problems or even headaches. Because of this you may end up as a patient who has to endure many different medical treatments.

Without knowing it, many of us suffer from instability in the Pelvis which can lead to unequal leg length resulting in a small deviation (Scoliosis) in the column.

New treatment - unknown in U.K. - for lower back pain, headache, migraine, muscular tension, muscular pain(including Lumbar pain) and many more.

ReBoSy Treatment

Tel: 966 698 569

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

ARE DOGS ALLOWED ON BEACHES?

This is a very commonly heard question at our practice. Most owners want to take their dogs to the beach in order to let them swim and play at the sand. Some other owners prefer to let their dogs swim at their own home swimming pools.

The swimming pool option has the disadvantage of the chemical treatment every pool must have (chlorine and pH buffers). In some cases, nothing happens, but in case of a sensitive animal, skin, eyes and ears may suffer a lot: conjunctivitis and ear infections would eventually appear, and even the fur may “get burnt” due to chlorine. If we shampoo the dog after letting him swim at the pool, we’ll probably make things worse. Anyway, using a garden hose and some ordinary water after leaving the swimming pool, may help for removing the chlorine.

Beach option is much healthier and natural. Some dog breeds such as Labrador and Spanish Water Dog are being bred due to their ability for sea swimming.

Sea water is a completely natural environment which is supposed not to produce any skin problem (despite the fact that, if the dog drinks sea water, he will suffer from diarrhea due to the salt within the following hours).

Another problem we may have at the beach is fishing hooks, which may be eventually swallowed by dogs and remain inside the mouth or in the stomach. In these cases, the only valid option is taking the dog to the Vet, and remember, NEVER PULL THE FISHING LINE! The fishing hook will be very easily located by X-ray, and surgically removed. This accident may happen at the beach, but also at esplanades where fishing game is practiced.

But the very main problem of taking dogs to the beach is that it’s strictly forbidden in Santa Pola, all year round and anytime.

We have been confirmed by telephone from Santa Pola Tourism Office, and also from Santa Pola Local Police the dogs are not allowed to go to the beach or walk off the lead at outdoor public areas (some mountains are not considered outdoor public areas). We have been recommended by Local Police to read the “Ordenanza Municipal de Convivencia Ciudadana”, which is available at the Internet and explains everything, including fines. Anyway, the person from Tourism Office who answered our call told us a signature collection may eventually make local authorities change their minds.

So, is there a place for letting the dogs swim? Yes, the Cala de la Punta del Riu Sec, at Campello, which has been recently qualified as “dog friendly beach”, where dogs are welcome all year round and are free to swim, run free and play with other dogs. In addition, there is a dog friendly park near the beach.

The nearest to Santa Pola dog friendly park is in Elche, at Altabix area (can be easily found at Google maps). In these canine parks there are safety fences, game areas, etc.

As anyone can imagine, the success of these parks and beaches will mainly depend on the good civic attitude of users, so, please, let’s don’t forget to pick dog’s mess up, to keep the area clean, and avoid annoying noises that would make the neighbors complain.

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WHAT’S THAT? IN THE CLOT?

by Mark Etheridge

Older readers may be able to recall a BBC TV sci-fi series of the 1950’s called “Quatermass and the Pit” in which the good Professor discovered a terrifying bunch of dried-up insect-like aliens in a buried cylinder in the middle of London. These poor departed aliens looked very similar to the subject of this month’s article, only a lot bigger; smaller aliens wouldn’t have had the same impact, would they?

I’m not so sure. At the time I took this photograph, my wife was suffering an attack of the collywobbles and exhorting me to get rid of this monstrous thing which was sitting in our bath. Having taken my photo, I gently took it outside and placed in into a bush in the garden.

Some of you may be surprised to learn that in doing this I suffered no terminal bite, sting, cut or abrasion, and lived to tell the tale.

It is of course a harmless Praying Mantis. Well, when I say harmless, I mean to human beings – in the insect world it is top of the food chain and deadly to all other insects, including its own species as we will see! This makes it one of the keen gardener’s best friends, it will eat all the nasty insects in your garden and should be encouraged.

The European Praying Mantis (Mantis Religiosa in Spanish) which you are most likely to encounter both in your garden and in the Clot is just one of several types of these insects in our area, but unless you are a dedicated Entomologist there is little point in trying to specify which particular one it is. It could be bright green as in the photo, or brown, or any combination in between. In size, it can be anything from ½ inch to 5 inches long (1cm to 10cm in new money).

It can turn that large triangular head through 180 degrees to search out its prey, whilst holding its front legs in the praying position. These legs are equipped with spikes for snaring prey, and the grasping response is incredibly fast, so that you see it before it catches the insect and when the insect is in its front legs. The motion is barely a blur if it is seen at all.

They only live in warm areas, but are also widely kept as pets so any reports of a Mantis in the UK is likely to be an escaped specimen. As most of you will probably know, the female Mantis is notorious for eating the male (starting with his head) during the mating process. This is the main reason why they never send each other Anniversary Cards.

See you next month.

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WORDSEARCH “Sounds” in Spanish & English

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SUDOKU Difficulty rating: medium

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

While the rules of this logic puzzle may be simple, there are numerous strategies to help you solve Sudoku.

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

Difficulty rating: hard

DOODLE AREA

Difficulty rating: very hard

ANSWERS ON GRAN ALACANT MAP PAGE

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A map to help you find places of interest, and the locaton of all of ALLOTMENTS

SCHOOL

CARABASI BARS COMPLEX (DOWN THE HILL) *PHOENIX RESTAURANT *BAR 1 *OLIMPO *SANDHILLS *CASANOVA *GOURMET *AQUARIUS *MOLLY MALONE

PROPOSED SITE OF THE NEW CHURCH

PLAZA MAYOR VET GA EXOTICS TIMES SQUARE SAFFRON HOLE IN THE WALL PATAGONIA STEAK HOUSE BIG AL’s RUMOURS

THURSDAY MA

7

PETANC AND CHILDRENS PLAY AREA

5 L’espigo

2

GA BOWLS CLUB

TOP-UP DELIVERY POINT Euronics

RED CROSS UNIT for donations

COCINARTE

3

GRANNET BOTTOM FLOOR OF THE GA COMMERCIAL CENTRE

EURONICS ELECTRICAL HOMEFINDERS /SOLEIL MARITAOS KITCHEN VINOTECA HYPER POOL VIVALDI

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PROPOSED SITE FOR A NEW HEALTH CENTRE, BLUE AREAS SUCH AS “SPORTS CENTRE” & BROWN AREAS SUCH AS THE “SCHOOL” are reserved for Council amenities, and are NOT for housing

CHIROPODY & PHYSIOTHERAPY

SUDOKU SOLUTIONS

from previous page MEDIUM VERY HARD

HARD

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our advertisers on Gran Alacant. Get your business on our map.

PARK

TOP-UP DELIVERY POINT Phoenix

NOT JUST DESSERTS PATAGONIA no.2 STEAK HOUSE TOURIST INFORMATION

La PALETTA

1 MAXCOOP SUPERMARKET 2 SUPERVALU SUPERMARKET 3 MERCADONA SUPERMARKET 4 MEDICAL CENTRE G.A. COUNCILLOR MUNICIPAL OFFICES LIBRARY 5 THURSDAY MARKET 6 POST OFFICE 7 SCHOOL

DENTIMAR

ARKET

PETANC AND CHILDRENS PLAY AREA

TOP-UP DELIVERY POINT Quicksave SPORTS CENTRE & NEW MARKET

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GA ECO RUBBISH

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GRAN ALACANT PROPERTIES

GA TV

GA farmacia G.A. SERVICES & SOL COMPUTERS LA TASCA CINEMA INN at the Life Resort

IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS Aquagest 24hr..(water co.)...902 250 170 Aeropuerto..............................966 919 000 Ayuntamiento-Gran Alacant. ............966 697 749 Alicante Bus Station...............965 130 700 Alicante Train Station.............902 240 202 Bomberos (Fire).....................085 Biblioteca (Library)..................966 692 773 Butano gas..............................966 672 222 Guardia Civil............................062 Guardia Civil............................965 411 290 Iberdrola..(electric co.)............901 202 020

Library GA............................ 966 697 110 Local Police...........................092 Local Police...........................965 411 103 Medical Health Service........966 699 081 National Police......................091 Red Cross (Cruz Roja)........965 416 936 Red Cross emergencies.....112 Rubbish collection.................966 693 955 Suma......................................965 292 000 Taxi sited at ALDI...................96 541 11 11 Telefonica..............................1004

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Santa Pola

Alicante

Alicante

TIMETABLE from 21st June to 1st September 2013

MORE INFO AT:- www.autocaresbaile.es

Bus Timetables. Baile buses Santa Pola

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Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays

Night services Friday & Saturday from 6th July to 25th August

Santa Pola to airport from 1st July to 1st September..Monday to Sunday

Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays

TILING SPECIALIST (your choice of tiles for the garden or house).

All types of

BUILDING WORK undertaken UNDERBUILD CONVERSIONS (you choose what you want.

1, 2, 3 bedrooms or just 1 large room for your own home cinema).

Coral & Serena terrace extensions.

Bring your terrace foreward gives more room Auroras & Albas Terrace extensions FROM SMALL TERRACES TO

LARGE EXTENSIONS All work guaranteed!

Give SOL a call on 606 818 442 or E-mail solbuilders@hotmail.co.uk