La Marina News
INCREASED DISTRICT FUNDING SUPPORTS LA MARINA
Elche Council has announced a district budget of €850,000, with €600,000 allocated to the maintenance of public spaces and community activities, and €250,000 dedicated to infrastructure improvements.
In recognition of their distance from the urban centre, districts including La Marina will receive a proportionally higher share of funding. This approach aims to support continued investment in local facilities and ensure services remain accessible for residents.
SAN FULGENCIO CONTINUES MAINTENANCE EFFORTS
In February, San Fulgencio Council highlighted its ongoing work to maintain and improve the municipality. Recent efforts have included clearing sidewalks, cleaning waste containers and carrying out fumigation treatments to control the mosquito population.
URB. LA MARINA GAINS IMPROVED AIRPORT CONNECTION
Following a period of planning and coordination, the airport bus service has now been extended to include a stop in Urb. La Marina, San Fulgencio.
The updated timetable, provides convenient travel options for both residents and visitors, further enhancing the municipality’s accessibility.
FROM MONDAY TO SUNDAY
My La Marina
with Mark Lewis of Pets In Spain
When, and why, did you come to La Marina?
It was in 1984 we came here on an inspection trip from the UK to look at new off-plan properties for sale all along the Costa Blanca. The coach brought us to a proposed new development. There were no houses built here then, just three Masa show houses and some roads marked out across the plateau that was to become La Marina Urbanisation.
We fell in love with this location, the fantastic views all around, the fresh air and cooling breeze blowing in from the sea, we were were told there will be no more than 500 houses built here! They showed us plans of a detached house called a Lola, offered at a price of £13,600, we chose a site on the forest road (Ave San Fulgencio) overlooking the pine forest, and paid the deposit. A year later we visited again to see the completed house. We used it as a holiday home until in 1995 when we decided to move from the UK to live here permanently.
My passion was music, in the UK I was a part time musician playing guitar and keyboards in bands. I decided to go solo and this was our main reason to move to Spain, the idea of performing outside from April to September during beautiful evening’s, no better place to make the most of your hobby and for my wife and I to enjoy Spanish living.
Where were you living previously, and what were you doing?
Before moving to Spain we lived in a small village called Lowton in Lancashire, just a 20 minute drive from the centre of Manchester, which is where I commuted to my day job as assistant managing director for a North American insurance company. I travelled a lot then to meetings and seminars up and down the country and abroad. It was intensive and quite stressful.
After leaving my day job and moving to Spain I was then travelling up and down the Costa Blanca entertaining as ’Markzone’ at many different bars and restaurants, my beautiful wife Liz always with me, my inspiration and also my roadie! We did this for 10 years before another passion enveloped us, a passion for helping people with stray and abandoned animals. In the UK there was the RSPCA, but in Spain there was no similar
organisation. The authorities here did not have any decent animal welfare protocols and so I became involved in local politics in an effort to improve the way rescued animals were treated within the municipality I was first elected as a councillor in 2007 and I was determined to change the way animals were dealt within the municipality. I persuaded local people to help me rescue and rehome animals. Despite set backs over the years I am happy that I was instrumental in establishing two animal rescue associations based here on the urbanisation, both still active today.
What do you do now?
My enthusiasm for life has not waned. I am still committed and doing what I can to promote proper animal care and welfare through my volunteer work with the Pets In Spain animal charity working alongside other like minded people. I am enjoying the simple things in life too, going out to a local cafe/ bar for breakfast, meeting and socialising with people of many different nationalities, being at home most evenings with my wife of 57 years, our daughter and our pets. I still listen to music every day but no more live gigs and tinkling the ivories for me, only for my own enjoyment at home.
What is your favourite thing about La Marina?
The climate, the lifestyle, the scenery, the relaxing views and the fresh air. Being able to drive just a few minutes down the road to La Marina pueblo, or to Guardamar and up to San Fulgencio to experience the true Spanish lifestyle and culture, having the amazing long sandy beaches close by is a real pleasure.
And the future?
I’ve never been one for sitting down for long periods or sunbathing, I like to keep busy in my retirement. So more of the same for me, good health, enjoying the amazing gourmet meals my wife cooks for me and making the most of every day.
Mark Lewis & his wife, Liz
Home of
LA MARINA BOWLS CLUB
NEW MEMBERS ALWAYS WELCOME! Tuition will be given if required. RING BARRY ON 641 873 985
Pop in on one of our 'ROLL UP'days - every Tuesday & Thursday
JOIN LA MARINA BOWLS CLUB!
The Bowls Club is looking for new members! Join us! Our club is not only about bowling, we have a very active social scene catering for all. Cabaret shows, trips out, luncheon dates, games afternoons, and much more. As I said, The Bowls Club is not just about bowls – it´s an excellent way to meet new people and improve your social life!
We compete in leagues in both the winter and summer periods, and play teams throughout the Alicante area.
If you´re interested in joining us or knowing more about us, then just pop in to the club at the Sports Complex, near the satellite roundabout any Tuesday or Thursday morning from 10am and make yourself known to any Cowls club member who will point you in the right direction.
If you require any more information, then please contact Barry, Club Captain on 0034 641 873 985 or email robertsbarry801@ gmail.com or Norman, Membership Secretary on 0034 634 337 822
On the league bowling front, another winter league season is coming to an end, it goes so quickly!!!
On Monday´s, we play in the A.division and we should maintain our status in this division. On Friday´s, we play in the B.division, and are currently in second spot behind Country Bowls who we play next Friday at La Marina, and with our last game of the season also at home against Vistabella, the league title is ours to lose. By the time you read this in March, our fate will have been decided. Results in April issue.
PAPAGAYO DARTS CLUB
The end of February saw the Papagayo Darts Club tournament. When it came to attendance and fun had by all... well... it really hit the bullseye. Check out the pics.
If you wish to join the Papagayo Darts Club just call Sander on 711 084 813 for more details toernooipapagayo2026@gmail.com.
There will be a SPECIAL COUPLES DARTS TOURNAMENT ON SUNDAY 15TH MARCH
Call and register your place now!
THE WRITING GROUP
NEW BEGINNINGS
By Janet McSeveney
A new day dawning, bright and clear, the air is vibrant, full of cheer.
The trees are glistening, wet with rain the sun is trying its best to gain.
A foothold in this brand-new day, it struggles hard, clouds rush away.
To find the wind and start again, return the tempest, more rain.
Trees are strewn across the roads, leaves swirling round the doors. I shiver as I look around destruction heaped upon the ground.
Where did it come from this mighty storm?
Raging the night through, causing alarm. Did it sweep over mountain tops, then dip to the sea, causing, lifting waves to toss ancient debris.
The sun is weakened by the darkening sky, the clouds still now not rushing by. It feels like an omen of things to come, people fleeing like ants, -- on the run.
Escape to their homes, warm and secure, how much longer will this weather endure? The scene is changing, yet again here comes the thunder with lashing rain.
The wind is lifting, starting to howl, the sky is black now, weather foul. I watch it unfold from my window, safe, new beginnings, are cancelled, for another day.
The Writing Group is a friendly mix of local creatives who meet every second Tuesday at 11am in The Palm Tree Bar, La Marina, to share ideas, write for fun, and enjoy supportive, relaxed company.
For more info, email Paddy at paddychristie7@gmail.com or call/ whatsapp him on 634 343 956
BEING HUMAN
By Paddy Christie
Being human is an endurance course, challenging, frustrating, even painful at times, with periods of happiness and elation to soothe our minds.
Being born into the human race not by one’s own choice but the primal attraction of two other humans who’s love may have receded to hate before the moment of birth, can be challenging.
Being human gives us, emotions feelings and needs individual and distinct to us and us alone. Sometimes creating a roller coaster of function and dis-function which truly exposes our human nature and separates us from the Gods and the supernatural.
We are born, we grow, we live, we die, as we grow, we gain experience and learn. As we learn we question. As we question, we form opinions. As we form opinions we make decisions. These decisions shape our lives and allow others to evaluate us as human beings.
Being part of the human race means we have responsibilities to ourselves and our fellow human beings.
But, being human we often ignore these, and through selfish and wilful acts make the world a more dysfunctional and challenging place for others around us.
Wars, famine, poverty and destruction of mother earth are man-made and ultimately avoidable. In this modern age, humans possess the tools, but, usually not the will to make a difference. Being human is not a perfect state, it is flawed, but ultimately by our actions and choices we can create a better world for all to live in or, choose to live in the bubble we create for ourselves.
THE LA MARINA SENIORS FRIENDSHIP ASSOCIATION IS NOW
ONE MONTH OLD!
What a month it´s been - some days it´s been standing room only at the centre plus we have had a very encouraging take-up with people becoming Members.
Our first Tech Help covered the benefits of using the GVA+ Salut App to book doctors/ nurses appointments, monitoring prescription availability and keeping an eye on when a prescription needs renewing. More advanced parts of the App give a person an idea when to expect their planned operation to take place. Many people were unaware of the useful benefits the App offers.
Blood pressure checks ( in private) with Lynn have proved very popular and she has been able to offer advice to a few members to seek further checks with their doctors. We were pleased to have a representative from the Help Association in attendance in our first month and this will be a regular slot the first Wednesday of each month. The first session of the chair based Stretch and Movement with Ray was well supported and will continue every other week.
Members are asking us to arrange some basic Spanish conversation sessions so watch this space.
Members will shortly be able to take the opportunity to have an ultra sound ,for a heavily subsidised offer, at Hospital IMED , Torrevieja. This ultra sound is for both males and females.
Are you retired and looking to make new friends and find new interests? Then the SFA is for you – membership is optional (but brings benefits!) so drop in whenever you like!
For more info: Whatsapp 711 084 903 C/Madrid 109, La Marina | Open Monday, Wednesday & Friday 10.30am to 1.00pm
TULISA´S TALES
I´m going to be an Aunty!
Hullo again dear readers, doggy and hooman! This month I have fabulous news – my sister Wendy has gone and got herself preggers so I´m going to be an aunty, Aunty Tulisa. I am so barking excited, I just can´t wait! Bark bark!
As you all know I´ve been wanting to get preggers myself for a while now so I suppose I should be jealous. I´m not though as Wendy is my sister and I love her very much, just like I will love my doggy nieces and nephews! Also...I´m not surprised that Wendy got preggers before me, I mean, I´m a good-looking, strapping young Jack Russell lady but Wendy is a real little barking stunner...beautiful little figure, lovely face and stunning eyes so it´s no wonder she got preggers first. Of course, Wendy is as mad as the proverbial box of cats with the attention span of a flea but that´s why I´m here! When Wendy weans her pups and basically forgets that she ever had them that´s when I, Aunty Tulisa, shall step in and oversee their care and upbringing. I´ll make sure they stay safe and out of harms way, I shall love them and teach them useful stuff like cat and ball chasing, barking, jumping, growling how to keep their hoomans under control and proper poohing etiquette. Bark!
Oh...and Wendy´s puppies are going to be super pretty! I know the dad...he´s a Jack called Titus and he is a well hot looking Jack Russell bloke, very well put together chap he is. And obviously Wendy is just plain gorgeous and if you look at the pic on this page you can see how pretty me and Wendy were as puppies – I´m on the left paw of the picture (tail wagging so fast it´s a blur!) and Wendy is on the right paw of the picture. Were we pretty or what?...and still are, obviously!
And...more puppy news! As of last night me and Wendy know how many puppies she is going to have and what sex they´ll be. We know this as last night, in a ceremony of doggy magic that allows communication with Sacred Doggy Spirits who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge, I laid paws on Wendy´s
stomach and asked the Doggy Spirits for a Doggy Divination. And the message came through loud and clear. Wendy is going to have four strapping pups...two girls and two boys.
In possession of that information me and Wendy had a conflab and came up with names for the pups. The two boys will called Dave and Wally and the two girls Tracy and Shakira! Bark! Fabulous names or what!
So...that´s the pup update! I shall be spending the next few weeks looking after my hoomans and my pregnant sister so I´m going to be a busy a girl. Bark! And then the pups, my nieces and nephews, will be born and, as hoomans are useless at pup rearing and as Wendy will inevitably get distracted after the pups are weaned I´m going to be extra busy being an Aunty and making sure that Dave, Wally, Tracy and Shakira get the best start in life. I can´t wait! Bark bark! Here comes Aunty Tulisa!
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WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE YOUR BUSINESS HERE? FOR MORE INFO EMAIL US AT INFO@LAMARINAADVERTISER.COM languages various languages residencia
SPANISH TIPS WITH CHRISTIAN
A monthly feature with useful and effective tips about speaking Spanish and Spanish culture
SPANISH IDIOMS
Spanish, like English, has many ´idiomatic´ expressions – these are short expressions that are used to quickly explain whole situations, for example...´oh, that´s let the cat out of the bag´ would refer to a situation where somebody says something, usually without meaning to, that exposes the truth about something that other people didn´t want to talk about.
Here are some English idioms and there Spanish equivalents (with a literal translation).
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
Más vale pájaro en mano que ciento
volando
A bird in the hand is worth more than a hundred flying
Looking for Prince Charming
Buscar el príncipe azul
Looking for the Blue Prince
Prevention is better than cure
Más vale prevenir que curar
More value to prevent than cure
Just in case
Por si acaso
Just in case
Better late than never
Más vale tarde que nunca
More value late than never
Cost an arm and a leg
Cuesta un ojo de la cara
It costs an eye from the face
I wish
Ojala
Hopefully
Break a leg
Mucha mierda
Lots of sh*t
Easier said than done
Más fácil decirlo que hacerlo
It is easier to say it than do it
Never look a gift horse in the mouth
A caballo regalado no se le mira el diente
Don´t look at the teeth of a gift horse
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
The love of my life
Mi media naranja
My half orange
Everything is coming up rosey
Ver todo color de rosa
Seeing everything coloured pink
Cat got your tongue?
Te comió la lengua el gato
The cat ate your tongue
Curiousity killed the cat
La curiosidad mató al gato
Curiousity killed the cat
Hope you enjoyed the selection...the challenge now is to use some of the expressions in your everyday Spanish –don´t be shy, you can do it, remember that ´fortune favours the bold´!
Keep studying, keep practicing. ¡Bien hecho!
Soul Notes AWAKENING
by Nicola Dunsford
Hello Amazing Soul,
March arrives like a soft breeze after a long pause. Beneath the surface, something begins to stir. The earth warms, the light lingers a little longer, and life quietly prepares to rise again. This seasonal shift invites us into renewal, not through force or urgency, but through gentle awakening.
Just as nature does not rush its rebirth, we too are invited to unfold at our own pace. Renewal begins not with action, but with awareness. Before we bloom, we listen.
The Energy of Early Spring
Early spring holds a tender frequency. It is not yet the full expression of growth, but the promise of it. Seeds awaken beneath the soil long before anything is visible above the ground. In the same way, our inner renewal often begins quietly, through subtle shifts in energy, emotion, and intention.
March reminds us that transformation doesn’t need to be dramatic to be real. Sometimes it arrives as a soft release, a gentle yes, or a quiet sense that something new is ready to emerge.
Releasing the Weight of Winter
Winter invites rest, but it can also leave behind heaviness; stored tension, stagnant emotions, or fatigue carried in the body. Spring offers an opportunity to clear this residue, creating space for fresh energy to flow.
Try this simple clearing practice:
1. Stand or sit comfortably and take three slow, grounding breaths.
2. Imagine the weight of winter melting out of your body with each exhale.
3. Visualise your energy field gently stretching, like muscles waking from rest.
WITH THE SEASONS: A Gentle Return To Renewal
4. Whisper, “I release what no longer serves my growth.”
This gentle release prepares the body and soul for renewal without overwhelm.
Inviting New Energy In
After release comes invitation. Spring energy is light, curious, and expansive. It asks not “What should I do next?” but “What is quietly awakening inside me?”
To align with this energy:
Spend time outdoors, even briefly, allowing nature to recalibrate your field.
Use sound or vibration (a bell, hum, or singing bowl) to awaken stagnant energy.
Stretch your body slowly, following following what feels good rather than what feels productive.
Let your body and intuition lead. Renewal is an embodied experience.
Planting Energetic Seeds
Rather than setting goals, consider planting energetic seeds. These are intentions rooted in feeling rather than outcome.
You might choose seeds such as: gentle growth, renewed vitality, clarity and openness, trust in timing.
Hold these intentions lightly, as you would hold seeds in your palm; with care, patience, and faith.
Closing Reflection
March teaches us that renewal does not demand perfection or speed. It unfolds naturally when we honour our rhythms and trust the quiet intelligence of life.
May this season awaken your energy gently and guide you toward growth that feels true, nourishing, and deeply aligned.
Blessings for a soft and soulful spring awakening, Namaste.
Nicola is a Spiritual Life Coach and Energy Healer who leads the Soul Café. The group gathers fortnightly on Wednesday mornings.For more details, please call/message Nicola on 634 199 029 (phone or WhatsApp).
Cooking with Sue
Sue has been making us delicious home-made dishes at Sue´s Kitchen, here in La Marina, for over 3 years... and we´ve persuaded her to share some of her secrets with us!
Ingredients
For the crust:
1 sheet ready-rolled shortcrust pastry
For the Filling:
2 large onions, thinly sliced
1 tbsp butter
4 large eggs
150g mature Cheddar cheese, grated
200ml double cream
Salt and pepper to taste
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 Homemade
Cheese & Onion Quiche
Instructions
Pre-heat oven to 200C/180C fan/ Gas mark 6.
Line a 20-23cm tart tin with baking paper and add the shortcrust pasty cook for about 20 minutes or until a light golden brown in colour.
Melt the butter in a pan (medium heat), add chopped onions and cook until soft and lightly browned.
Spread the cooked onions over the cooked pastry base in the tart tin and cover with the grated cheese
Whisk together the eggs, cream and salt and pepper and pour over the cheese and onions then bake in the oven at 180C/160C fan/Gas mark 4 for 30-35 minutes or until filling is set and golden.
Leave to to rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
We are pleased to announce this years Butterfly Charity Ball will be held on Friday 25th September 2026 at La Marina Resort & Camping. Tickets for this event can be obtained from Mary on 616 076 072 or via email lamarina@debra.es
29 Years of Quality and Trust in La Marina
For 29 years, Reinhard, founder and owner of Aurea Luxe General Construction, has represented professional construction and renovation services in Urb. La Marina and the surrounding areas.
After nearly three decades of working in the region, the company is one of the longest-established construction businesses in the area. Reinhard has been living and working in Spain for almost three decades – this provides deep knowledge of regional building standards, legal requirements, and practical construction processes. As many property owners have limited technical knowledge, experience and transparency are essential foundations for trust.
Aurea Luxe operates with a carefully selected team of long-standing specialists — experienced electricians, plumbers, pool technicians, landscapers, and construction professionals who have collaborated for many years. All follow the same philosophy: uncompromising quality, reliability, and professional standards. This ensures that every aspect of a project — inside and outside the property — is executed with precision.
A key factor behind the company’s reputation is its exceptional customer feedback. Aurea Luxe ranks among the highest-rated construction companies in the Province of Alicante. Clients consistently highlight reliability,
Building Excellence
Creating Trust
communication, and clean, professional execution. A significant portion of new projects comes through personal recommendations — a strong indicator of sustained client satisfaction.
At the core of every project is the personal involvement of Reinhard himself. From the first consultation to final completion, he works directly with each client. He explains clearly what is technically necessary, which materials provide long-term durability, and how each phase of the project will be carried out.
In a sector where standards can vary widely, Aurea Luxe emphasizes clear agreements, structured workflows, and accountable execution. Quality is not defined only by the visible result, but also by reliability, durability and guarantees.
A Heartfelt Appeal for Help
"Three months ago, my dear friend Ditske sadly passed away. She lived in Gran Alacant and had a huge heart for animals. She lovingly cared not only for her own cats, but also for the local homeless cats in her urbanisation, always providing food, water and safety on her terrace.
Her five beautiful cats are now looking for forever homes. They are calm, affectionate and gentle companions between 4 and 10 years old. Older cats make wonderful pets: loving, purring, and settled.
For the past three months, I’ve been travelling to the property twice a day to care for a total of 10 cats, but sadly this situation cannot continue indefinitely."
Please, if you can open your heart and offer one of these lovely cats a warm, safe home, it would mean the world. Please share and help them find the loving families they deserve.
Contact Ria on Tel: 672 788 936
