Rtn Francis Whitbread: My recent visit to Spain

Unfortunately the person originally scheduled to speak to us today had to pull out at short notice because of illness. Our Secretary and Immediate Past President Francis Whitbread stepped in.

He spoke about the latest holiday he and his wife Jackie, and their dog Poppy, had in Spain, where they have a house.

They travelled by ferry to Santander. Driving off the ferry, they found themselves at the back of the queue of people going through immigration control. When they were eventually processed they asked the Guardia for directions to the nearest toilet. The Guardia said they could use theirs and showed them where it was. Francis became concerned when Jackie failed to return. On investigating, he realised that the Guardia squad they had spoken to had gone off duty and locked the interconnecting door! Fortunately the incoming squad soon turned up, unlocked and let Jackie out.

They spent that night in a parador and drove on to their house the following day. They woke up early each morning in order to take Poppy for a walk before it became too hot. Francis speaks very little Spanish, so was pleased when a Spanish neighbour called out “Good morning!”

The photographs Francis showed us included a number which showed his bike in front of stunning hills. They also showed the lovely scenery around.

When they arrived back at Santander to catch the ferry back Poppy started yapping. The Guardia quickly waved them to the front.