Supportive Expat Community In Costa Del Sol Rewarded By Royal Wedding Event

Being an expat in a strange land isn’t roses all the way, but having a supportive community on hand can save the day.

The British expatriate community in Spain’s Costa del Sol have been there when they were needed endless times over the past decades, often finding out about other expats having a hard time via local English language media. Once the story has been told, an upsurge of friendly faces and supportive gestures is invariably the result. In a way, it’s a reminder of earlier days in expats’ home countries when neighbours were friends rather than ships that pass in the night.

Recently, one retired British expat couple returned from a few weeks away to find squatters had invaded their Torremolinos home. Before the unidentified group fled, they ransacked the house, took everything they could and trashed the rest, leaving the devastated couple heartbroken and not knowing where to turn. Their sad tale was published in a weekly online paper, sparking a campaign of support by neighbours, other Torremolinos residents and even local suppliers. Readers and clients of the publication rushed to donate everything from household items through clothes, bedding and a 32-inch flat screen TV, replacing their stolen TV which had been a gift from their son.

The newspaper is now giving back to all its generous readers and advertisers by organising a free celebration of the Royal Wedding to be held at beautiful Mijas’s Restaurant Villalinda amid a stunning setting. Charities, businesses and volunteers have all stepped up to make this an event to remember, and Harry and Meghan’s big day will be projected onto a giant screen for all to enjoy. Musical entertainment will be provided along with a light lunch, cava and a raffle with great prizes donated by local businesses. For the lonely, those without transport and the disabled, volunteers are ready and willing to make sure you don’t miss any of the festivities, and everyone’s encouraged to dress for the occasion!