Darren Light - Roaming Brit Blog

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Published on

September 9, 2016

Tim

Since moving to Spain, I have rekindled many old friendships, that suffered, towards to end of my life in The UK. I have realised, that after what happened to me, petty feuds and stupid arguments are no longer important. I have met, many worse people, since. Times were different then; times have changed now and time is a great healer. Nice to have you back!
Published on

September 9, 2016

1 Month!

It's been one month, since Darrell left for his home, in Australia. After being together for 21 years, apart for no longer than a week, we had to think the unthinkable. Hard choices now for a better future. Love will last wherever we are!
Published on

September 8, 2016

Masa Square - Charity Event

It was another wonderful day in paradise; a group of us went down to Masa Square for the 'Help Tasha' fundraising event. Now I don't normally go down to Masa Square; apart from anything else it is a hell of a walk from my home. Andy picked up myself and Chloe and took us down to the square, where we joined in with the festivities, to help raise money for Tasha.

I have to say I had one of the best day's I have ever had in Gran Alacant. The Square was packed, heaving, everyone there to help raise money. The atmosphere was amazing, as it always is at these events.

It is testament to the community I am a part of, that at difficult times, everyone pulls together, to do their bit for others. They are actually quite a giving lot in Gran Alacant; nothing is too much, for the residents, who reside here.

Well yesterday, everyone pulled out all the stops, to achieve great, memorable day. All those who organised the events, must surely be proud of their efforts.

I had way too much to drink, sat in the hot September sun, enjoying the day, listening to the music and watching the activities, with great friends. Chloe goes back to University in Wales soon and Andy flies to The UK, to work, on the same date. I will miss these two, but will see them both when they return. It is the nature of this place, that people, those that live here and holiday makers, come and go all the time. In order to enjoy the Spanish lifestyle, one sometimes has to make sacrifices; we all have to do that in life after all!

As the summer draws to a close, it was nice to sit, relax and enjoy a day with friends, before they leave for Britain, while the rest of us, stay behind, enjoying warm temperatures right up until Christmas and beyond!

Fundraiser in aid of Help Tasha

Tasha is a young girl, of only 23, who after being struck down and surviving meningitis, has now been left with three major life changing illnesses. She is now paralysed from the chest down and has been in and out of Torrevieja Hospital, since October 2015. Tasha is currently receiving chemotherapy, in the hope that it will stabilise her condition. We are raising funds for a bespoke minibus for her and to help pay for medication.

If you want to help Tasha, please click on the link below and give generously!
Published on

September 7, 2016

Chatter

Coming soon, you will be able to follow my Column, 'Chatter', on The Gran Alacant Advertiser website. Thank you for all your messages and emails so far, keep your opinions flowing. If there is anything you would like me to write about in this monthly column, please feel free to message me with your ideas!
Published on

September 7, 2016

Oxfam - Oxscam

Just had a message from an old work colleague; she has been reading about my dreadful experiences, with Oxfam, on a well known website. It was my pleasure, to enlighten her further. The lies this charity will tell, to preserve their tattered reputation, never ceases to amaze me!
Published on

September 7, 2016

Books!

Passion

Books are my passion! Before I came to Spain, I spent a lifetime, acquiring an extensive collection of books, running into the thousands. Of course, selling up and moving was a huge step for both myself and my partner. We sent the majority of our possessions to auctions across the UK.

The hardest collection to dispose of, was naturally the books I had. Many of the items had deeply personal significance; many of them were gifts, others were passed to me, from friends, no longer with us!

I was however, able to bring at least a small proportion of my collection. The most important items, the ones I held most dear and the books that were worth most to me. I do not intend to add to this collection now. The collecting of stuff, whatever it is, is over.

Spiritualism

Coupled with Chirology, is spiritualism. I have bought a few books on 'all things spiritual' with me. I have always had an interest in the spiritual arts and have read extensively on the subject.

From Tarot, to runes, face reading and wicca, I am stimulated by all of them. In all honesty, if one replaced spirituality with 'things that can't be explained' or the study of the ESOTERIC, one would have a more accurate word or meaning.

People always tend to dismiss things they can't understand, it helps them wrestle with their own fears!

Mrs Beeton

One of my most prized possessions is this original Mrs Beeton's. Now I have tried to cook several of the recipes from this publication. To be honest, finding most of the ingredients in the 21st century can be somewhat difficult, but really, this book isn't to be used.

Everything about it, just oozes quality and a time, long since gone. It is there, for me to observe only. Something I would never part with!

Chirology

The biggest assemblage I brought with me, to Spain, is my aggregation of books on Palmistry, or as I prefer to call it, Chirology. I have studied this practice, in great detail, since 2002 and have collected books on the subject ever since.

These books are particularly important to me, as they got me through some terrible times. I was able to block out the painful experiences I had, through reading, on a subject, that always helped me see past the turmoil that was in front of my face!

Religion

Surprisingly, I also have books on religion. Not because I am religious, but because the meaning behind such thought intrigues me. I was religious in the past, would call myself an agnostic and appreciate the subject and all it stands for.

I don't only have 'The Bible', but I also have other books from other religions. If nothing else, the stories told in these ancient documents are enthralling and have as much relevance today as they did then, for very different reasons; I obviously don't believe a man should beat his wife and other such unholy things!

My First Crush!

Actually, probably not my first crush, but up there. My most prized book I have is one personally signed to me, from Jason Donovan. He even put a heart next to his signature, as the friend who got it for me, asked him to do. She told him how much I used to fancy him, back when he was in Neighbours. I think he quite liked the compliment really. She gave the book to me one Christmas.

Books will always play an important role in my life. As a collector and of course an ex book valuer, I know their relevance

and importance to people. The books that mean most, generally have no intrinsic value, which surprises most people. They may well be priceless to their owners and should always be brought for their meaning. The value is secondary, only relevant to those who invest in them.

The books I have with me now, will always be here, no matter where I live, they are a part of me and I am in each of them. More people should read these days, it does open the mind and imagination to new and wonderous visions, that help us escape the drudgery of everyday life! Always treat them with care. The history in the pages, the hands that turned each leaf and the smell that perpetuates every word, will tell a story of its own. Happy reading!

Peace and love, always!