GAYLE HARTLEY

Gayle was born in Newcastle in the north east of England. In 1988 she joined the Sea Cadets and rose to the rank of "Cadet Petty Officer" in just five years. Finishing school with more A levels than I can remember, Gayle went on to University to study languages to become a teacher, during this time she spent six months in Malaga and six months in Cologne. After completion of a one year teacher training course Gayle then spent five years teaching applied modern languages to GCSE and A level students in comprehensive education.

Gayle's sense of adventure meant that when the decision was made to move to Spain, the family was fully focused as a unit. Fluent in Spanish, German and some French has proved invaluable for Gayle over the years. Accompanied with her language skills comes a drive and professionalism, she is focused on becoming a part of the community so when it came to investigating the Andalucian council for capital to realise Orce Serrano Hams, Gayle was just the person to speak to the town Mayor.

Gayle also teaches English in the local area to all abilities and has seen some real progress with Spanish students, she is recognised as "Luisa the teacher" and has gained respect from many of the locals.

Arranging Orce Serrano suppliers, promoting the village and ultimately acquiring all available assistance for Orce Serrano in the early days, could not have been done without her. As far as the renovations on the new home were concerned Gayle was always prepared to contribute to the extent of wall building, concrete mixing and laying tiles.

Over the past few months Gayle has also devised a Spanish Tapas web log - drawing from local knowledge and contributing her own recipes - from tapas, raciones and main meals. So, expert in the languages field, well versed in Spanish cooking, a hard worker and a key player in Orce Serrano!

Weblog: www.topspanishtapas.com