Lincolnshire couple moved abroad for the ‘good life’ - now they face a daily battle to survive

Greg and Sandra Perry once lived in the small village of New York, near Coningsby.
Greg and Sandra Perry outside their B&B business in Italy.Greg and Sandra Perry outside their B&B business in Italy.
Greg and Sandra Perry outside their B&B business in Italy.

Their son went to New York Primary School before completing his education at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Horncastle

Life was good.

However, in 2004, the couple decided it was time for a change...and a pretty drastic change at that.

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They ‘upped sticks’, said farewell to Lincolnshire and moved to central Italy to establish a bed and breakfast and olive oil business.

That was 17 years ago.

As they settled into their own slice of ‘Italian paradise’ they could not foresee the immense suffering their ‘adopted country’ is experiencing now.

Covid-19 has devastated communities. Death rates are the highest in Europe.

The couple - Greg,who once taught at Boston College and local schools - have revealed how the Italian lockdown is affecting daily life.

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They said: “Since it (lockdown) began, there has been an eerie atmosphere with the lack of cars, people, even no contra trails above as flights dwindle and the nervousness of those venturing outside their homes.

“Cingoli is our nearest small town which has already suffered eight Covid-19 deaths, including a doctor, aged 67 who was treating the sick in a care home.

“He and his wife owned farm land and olive groves next to ours.”

The couple went on to explain residents have two fears - the virus and the sanctions to keep people at home.

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They add: “There are lots of police forces so the lockdown is easier to enforce.

“Fines start at 206 Euros and finish at 3,000 Euros with three months imprisonment for serious offences.

“Recently, a man in the seaside resort of Civitanova Marche was stopped by police. He could not supply a valid reason for being away from his home and was fined 400 Euros.

“It is difficult to contest fines and they keep doubling every seven to 15 days if they are not paid.”

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Residents have to fill in a self-declaration (permit) to leave the house and only one person is allowed to leave.

Greg and Sandra said: “You have to stop in your own comune (council) area and only essential shops, supermarkets, chemists, garages and filling stations are open.

“Banks, some filling stations and post offices, although open , have sometimes closed due to strikes because employees have no protection against the virus.

“Our local comune has introduced the law where the number of shoppers/customers at any one time equals the number of employees working in the shop.”

Greg only shops once every seven to 10 days.

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They add: “There is a ticketing system at the local supermarket and the wait is from 30 minutes to two hours before access and then only 10 customers can shop at any one time.”

According to the couple, there is no panic buying, shelves are full,

People are advised to buy ‘long-term’ products and 
supermarket employees wear face masks and gloves.

Ominously, they add, prices are starting to rise with less offers and discounts.

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