AT A time when it is fashionable in some sections of the English Press in Spain to ‘knock’ or ‘mock’ the Spanish and their country, it is encouraging to hear a genuine good news story. Paul Whitelock reports on many acts of kindness shown following the sudden death of an English friend in Montejaque last month.

We couldn't believe it! Our friend Bill, although turned 60, the fittest man hereabouts, had died in his sleep of a heart attack. It rocked the local community. The outpouring of grief and support from locals as well as British immigrants was remarkable.

Apart from many acts of kindness by Spanish neighbours, for example offers of meals for Bill’s widow, Jill, in the immediate aftermath of his passing, the support of Montejaque Town Hall was unprecedented. Not only did they put themselves and the village services at Jill’s disposal, they didn’t charge her a céntimo. They donated a nicho, or niche, in the village cemetery and provided all their funeral facilities free-of-charge.

The funeral parlour in nearby Ronda also prepared the body and provided a coffin and agreed to waive their charges.

The support of Bill’s friends and relatives has also been excellent. Despite the short time between death and burial here, 24 hours, several managed to fly out from the UK in time, to join the several dozen mourners of six nationalities, who live in the Serranía de Ronda.

British neighbours have also helped Jill immensely by providing practical, as well as emotional support since the death two weeks ago. They are currently contributing donations towards a marble lápida, or headstone, for the niche, so that there will be a permanent memorial to a man who enriched the lives of so many in our quiet village.

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Locals Come Up Trumps After Sudden Death Of British Man
Tuesday, 08 December 2009
AT A time when it is fashionable in some sections of the English Press in Spain to ‘knock’ or ‘mock’ the Spanish and...

© 2012 - Secret Andalucia - Guadiaro Valley, near Ronda

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