A Touching Christmas Gift

A remarkable couple, Graham and Susana decided to  retire in San Sebastian De Los Reyes. They spread good cheer wherever they went and not just during the season of good cheer that is Christmas, but all year round.

Graham came to one of our gatherings quite recently. He was not quite sure what to expect of us, but he introduced himself to the group. Soon the conversation flowed and he regaled us with lots of stories. 

He had been  looking forward to discussing Oscar Wilde as his students of English had performed The Importance Of Being Earnest in Nebrija University in the Nineties and it was warmly received. We did, in fact, start reading Wilde's clever play the following week.

Graham met Susana in Sweden where both worked as professors of Hispanic studies. Graham, an English gentleman and Susana, an extrovert Argentinian lady from  Mendoza, the land of  sunshine and good wine got to know one another at the meetings of mother language teachers in Sweden. 

Here in San Sebasián De los Reyes they  joined local cultural associations including the French workshops of la Universidad Popular.

Graham wrote a beautiful short story that recounted his commitment to Spain and its democracy. He entered it in the Certamen de Relato Corto Sobre Memoria Histórica Democrática where he won the Accésit award.

Sadly, Graham passed away on the 7th October this year at the age of 87.

Susana, who reads in Spanish, Swedish and French offered to donate his superb collection of books in English to this association.

We are tremendously happy and proud to accept her generous offer and to be able to take care of and share them with you, our good friends.