Many British residents, especially those who have lived in Calasparra for a few years, will remember Antonio with his perfect English accent matching his perfect English appearance, notwithstanding the fact he was Spanish through and through.
As it is customary in Spain to bury their dead within 24 hours of their dying we often miss their passing and only discover their absence months afterwards. This was the case with Antonio Moreno Lopez, known locally as «el Piroña» who died in June this year, following a short spell living in Cehegin.
Antonio was a great friend and supporter of Nexo and was an indispensable source of local news and information during the paper´s bilingual years. But he was much more than this.
Antonio loved to speak English, with his impeccable accent, and loved to relate stories of his experiences in the UK and in America.
Like so many other Spanish people he left Spain as a young man to go to the UK looking for a better life. He earned his living as a servant and a butler before finally working as a pattern designer for one of the most important textile companies in the UK.
He was a massive fan of art, telling with pride of an encounter with Francis Bacon who found him «exotic», and of the cinema and particularly of Hollywood. He spun many yarns of his long friendship with Bing Crosby.
Nexonr only heard about his death weeks after he died and missed the opportunity to meet his family and friends and pay tribute to this perfect gentleman. Now we are delighted to report Calasparra has mounted an exhibtition in his memory in the Exhibition Hall in Calle Mayor.
We will certainly be paying the exibition a visit to pay a belated tribute to our friend.
See Full Christmas Programme for details.
