Father English, mother Spanish (Galicia). The Spanish side of her family are from, and most continue to live in and around, the area of Ferrol in Galicia. She spent all of her childhood summer holidays in Ferrol and has continued to spend 2-4 weeks holiday in Spain during her adult life.
Spanish family members have lived on the island of Ibiza for 25 years (aunt, uncle and cousin).
Prior to joining the Consular network, Maria spent 7 years working for the Scottish Government as Manager for International Trade for the South of Scotland, responsible for a team providing specialist support and advice to companies looking to trade internationally.
She also held the position of International correspondent for a specialist paper mill and International and Technical assistant for a major drilling contractor for the Oil industry.
She is now an experienced Consular officer, and over the years has developed excellent relationships with members of Central Government, Consell, Guardia Civil, Policia Nacional, hospitals and the airport.
She remains an active part of the Community, which included dressing up as part of the Carnival Parade this year (member of the winning group). She participated in the International Fair organised by the Consell last year and will be there again this year.
Maria’s personal interests include football, amateur dramatics, music and learning to dance Flamenco and to play the Gallego gaita (Gallego bagpipes).
So it looks as though we are in good hands and that the recent changes should be of benefit to all residents and tourists, especially those who make use of the Consulate. We were particularly pleased to hear about the proposed visits by the DWP (Department of Work and Pensions). We know of several people who aren’t fully aware of their retirement situation and benefit entitlements, if any, plus quite a few who work, shall we say unofficially, who really need to face and plan for the future. This visit will be very important and we urge people to go along to talk about their situation. We hope to be able to give you more information nearer to the date. The more we support it the better chance we’ll have of gaining further help and advice in the future.
