Former Huddersfield gymnast and pub landlord Brian Hayhurst and his wife Elaine are ex-pats who have lived just outside Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol for 20 years. He writes every week for Huddersfield Hub.
We hear that the landlord of some of our favourite Huddersfield pubs is considering a move over here to possibly live in Spain.
Terry Rose, who runs the very busy Lindley pub The Old Wireworks, told the Examiner: “I’ve been in the trade for over 30 years and I’m ready for a rest, maybe in Marbella or similar on the Costa del Sol.”
Prior to ingeniously converting three rundown pubs, we used to see Terry working long hours at the Black Bull as a manager.
Since then he took over and invested heavily in The Old Wireworks (previously The Globe) a pub we occasionally visit when back in the UK.
He later developed Lindley Tap into a posh eatery and, just before the lockdown and subsequent lengthy closure, he spent a lot of cash on a derelict pub called The Viaduct in West Vale.
We wish him well and no doubt might have the chance to chat with him this Christmas as we visit family and friends.
Being a much-respected entrepreneur businessman, he will think long and hard at how he plans to spend his time here – occasional visitor, holiday home owner or take the plunge and become a resident which will allow him to stay for more than the Brexit-imposed 90 days.
Airports and border controls throughout the 26 Schengen countries are now imposing heavy fines for anyone exceeding the 90 days in 180 day limit.
The government is urging people to have their passports stamped as proof when entering and leaving these countries, otherwise – besides a hefty fine – their passports could be red-stamped, possibly restricting entry in the future.
There are indications from the Spanish PM that, despite the third booster jab campaign storming ahead, there has been a surge in Covid virus cases (here and across Europe) and certain restrictions may have to be reintroduced.
Amongst proposals are – reducing hours again for bars and restaurants, also Covid certificate proof for entry to gyms, stadia and other large gatherings.
Just as the cities here are gearing up for Christmas, this is not what businesses want. Current data shows Spain to be one of the most vaccinated countries in the world.
Events like the spectacular festive light to music show in the centre of Malaga (main image above) could be affected.
As if that wasn’t enough, due to staff shortages, the vital link rail service from Fuengirola to Malaga has had 36 services slashed.
Besides Christmas shoppers, this could be a problem for those heading for the airport for in and out travellers who use this method of getting to and from there.
READ MORE: Brian Hayhurst writes every Saturday for Huddersfield Hub – catch up on his previous blogs HERE
It’s hard to believe, as I glance out of our window at the bright blue sky, that nine regions in Spain remain on a yellow weather warning for snow and heavy rainfall and Britain braces itself for storm Arwen.
OK, we’ve had occasional brief downpours and temperatures have definitely plunged, but it’s crisp fresh air beneath day-long sunshine.
Meanwhile, the Spanish government has promised to invest €7.2 million in providing free internet broadband for the entire Malaga province within two years. PM Sanchez is convinced this will help stimulate trade and assist education for everyone.
