Like everyone in the room at our April General Assembly I was fascinated listening to Don and Katherine from Euro Goat Trekkers tell the remarkable and moving story of how they and their animals all first survived and then recovered from the devastating fire which destroyed their home outside Tarbena two years ago. I was also struck by how much help they received both from friends and people they had never known previously.
This and the many other more everyday stories we hear of good neighbours made me think in turn how lucky we are to live in a community of a size where people can, and still do, look out for each other. For me this is one of the most attractive aspects of our lives here on the Costa Blanca.
On the other hand, the unfortunate story of one of our members being mugged outside her home recently was a reminder that there are also people out there who will not hesitate to take advantage of their victims and any perceived vulnerability. In a different way the recent phishing email that appeared to be sent out in my name (see newsletter) and encouraged the recipients to spend money on Apple cards and other items, with the promise of reimbursement, is another example of the same tendency.
Therefore, my message this month is that we should count all our blessings and continue, where possible, to be good friends and neighbours to those less fortunate than ourselves, while at the same time remaining vigilant, but I hope not to the point where suspicion and mistrust spoil our own pleasure in our good lives.
Best wishes
Chris