The Royal British Legion District North Span Magazine - January/February 2019

THE ROYAL BRITISH

LEG ION

SPAIN DISTRICT NORTH Edition 1 - January/February 2019

Featuring Remembrance reports from across the District

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REW RD By Don Cubbon

am deeply honoured and grateful to have Don Cubbon, the opportunity to write the foreword in Chairman District this, our first printed District Magazine.

North Before continuing I must offer my sincere thanks and congratulations to all those who have contributed to the creation of this publication, most notably Kevin Reardon, Chairman Orihuela Costa Branch, his editorial team and all who have contributed articles.

I would also, on behalf of the District, offer my sincere thanks and gratitude to our many sponsors whose contributions will assist us in continuing to fund the many welfare demands placed upon us.

Recorded in May 1971, almost coinciding exactly with our 50th Anniversary, "Imagine�, a song co-written and performed by John Lennon, was released. The best-selling single of his solo career, its lyrics encourage the listener to imagine a world at peace without the barriers of borders or the divisions of religion and nationality and to consider the possibility that the whole of humanity would live unattached to material possessions.

Sadly, most of us would agree that, we are forward. Our nation’s participation in conflicts large and some significant way from achieving this somewhat small over the last eight decades has resulted, for those Utopian aspiration. who survived, in many challenges; medical, mental and Our world remains a troubled and dangerous place and therefore our young men and women will, as they have in financial.

We, as members of the Royal British Legion and in conthe past, continue to put themselves in harm’s way to junction with our many sister organisations, are here to protect our Nation, our values and our way of life. We all provide help and assistance where needed. We will also, must stand with them. always, remember the fallen.

At its creation in 1921, the main purpose of the Legion The success of this publication and its sister, electronic was straightforward: to care for those who had suffered version, is down to you, so please, keep sending your as a result of service in the Armed Forces during the war, articles. whether through their own service or through that of a husband, father or son, (and now increasingly, daughter).

I am immensely proud and humbled by the contributions The suffering took many forms: the effect of a war wound made by you, our members, in all of our Branches and I wish you all, every success throughout the coming year. on a man's ability to earn a living and support his family, or a war widow's struggle to give her children an education. It is worth remembering also that this was still some 27 years before the creation of the National Health Service.

Almost one hundred years on our aims and objectives remain largely unchanged and will remain so as we move

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Yours Sincerely Don Cubbon

CONTENTS A day in the life of a Caseworker

by Sandie Coates One of the last of the very few

by Tina Graham Blooming Benidorm

by PDT News from Gran Alacant Remembrance Gran Alacant Calpe Bowls Club Happy New Year from Mojacar Charity Calendar

by Mireille Toddington Benidorm Poppy Power

by PDT There’s Pride in the Hondon Valley Pinoso Remembrance and Constitution Day News from Mojacar International trombonist joins RBL Concert Band Pinoso best foot forward

4 5 6 8 10 10 12 12 12 13 14 16 17 17

Gandia full circle Remembrance on the Orihuela Costa Hondon Valley Remembrance Camino de la Cruz Torrevieja Remembrance Murcia Christmas Ball Plenty to smile about in La Val d’Albida The amazing dog Voltio Gandia Christmas lunch Torrevieja Petanca Orihuela Costa’s Big Reveal One of life’s true greats

by Kevin Reardon Murcia gathers momentum

by Billie Graham-Thomas Camposol’s Memorial to the Fallen The Unknown Warrior

By Ted Marsh Costa roundup The RBL on Facebook Branch Directory

18 20 24 25 26 27 28 28 30 30 31 32 34 36 37 38 38 39

A day in the life of an RBL Caseworker in Spain

Life is never boring as a Royal British Legion volunteer.

The SatNav has me in the middle of a field again!

My boss, Pam, phoned me a week ago and asked me to visit Mrs. Smith. A Caseworker visit was required to complete an application for assistance.

Armed with the basic details and, hopefully, the right address, I phone Mrs. Smith, make the appointment and prepare all the documentation.

She has now made decisions for her future.

We say a cheerful farewell and we have made an appointment for the Attendance Allowance form to be completed, and the mobility scooter quotes to be ready.

Life is never boring as an RBL volunteer. Off early this morning as I have to drive an hour into the Spanish countryside.

We complete the information that the RBL need so that an application for assistance can be submitted.

Laura says she is now in charge of her life again and just needed support and assistance to focus on HER future.

The SatNav has me in a field again! Thankfully I see the property! Thank heavens for Google Satellite. There are 3 separate sets of numbers on the entrance (quite normal in Spain).

We agree an Action Plan.

I leave Laura’s property in the hope the SatNav won’t lose me in the countryside again.

Mrs. Smith makes me very welcome. I show my I/D and I’m offered a cuppa. We sit and chat. She tells me of John, her husband. He’d been in the Royal Navy and had proudly kept all his records, memorabilia etc which enabled me to verify his Service Record.

John had died 3 years previously and Mrs. Smith missed him terribly.

Her son wants her to move back to UK, she doesn’t, but can’t manage on her own any more. She doesn’t have any savings, only a funeral plan.

Can the RBL help?

We discuss her options and she is amazed at the support available.

Mrs. Smith doesn’t receive Attendance Allowance as she’s been told by a friend that she can’t get it in Spain. I inform her she can.

The Medical Reports Mrs. Smith has will support a successful application! Money to help her pay a cleaner and a friend’s fuel when she’s taken shopping.

Laura (for by now we were on first name terms), decides to put her property on the market and move to the nearby town and get an apartment.

She can’t walk far so we look at maybe applying to the RBL for an electric mobility scooter.

The RBL will assist Laura in an application for Attendance Allowance.

Laura is putting her property on the market.

Laura is going to get two quotes for a suitable mobility scooter to support her application to the RBL for assistance.

Two hours ago Laura was lonely and unsure of her future.

I enjoy meeting such interesting people and feel privileged in being able to represent the Royal British Legion in such a supportive and positive role.

Sandie Coates Caseworker – The Royal British Legion

One of the last of the very few Menorca Community Support Presentation for Recognition of Service

By Tina Graham As the Centenary celebrations and commemorations have now come to an end a very special resident in Menorca was recently honoured for his service during his time in the RAF (who also celebrated their 100th anniversary in 2018).

Maurice Mounsdon, who was 100 years old last February, is one of the last surviving members of “The Few”. He fought dogfights over Southern England in the Battle of Brittan as a hurricane pilot with 56 Squadron based at RAF North Weald.

Maurice was presented with a beautiful glass plaque bearing the coat of arms of the Royal British Legion and the Royal Air Force Association,

by Tina Graham the RBL Welfare Officer in Menorca. She passed on the heartfelt thanks and best wishes of the Chairman, the District North Committee and all of the District members.

Tina making the presentation to Maurice on behalf of Spain District North

In a spectacular display over Menorca, where Mr Mounsdon has lived since his retirement, they carved out ‘100’ in the sky in red, white and blue smoke trails.

Now frail and unable to walk unaided, he watched the 30-minute show from a friend’s apartment as nine Hawk jets twisted and turned above them at speeds of up to 360mph.

Wing Commander Andrew Keith, leader of the Red Arrows, said the squadron came to Menorca to pay tribute to Mr Mounsdons contribution during the Battle of Britain. “It is a special moment, as the RAF marks its centenary and Mr Mounsdon has celebrated his 100th birthday, to come and do this display in tribute to him and all he did for his country,” he said.

As he helped Mr Mounsdon leave, WCdr Keith joked to his fellow pilot: “You would have made it into the cockpit in 20 seconds in your day.”

Captain Mark Fieldsend, the defence attaché at the British embassy in Madrid, also presented Mr Mounsdon with a sector clock, which were used during the Battle of Britain to organise which squadrons would be sent up to fight the Luftwaffe, and to raise the alert about approaching enemy aircraft.

The tributes came about because the RAF sent the Red Arrows to Menorca for centenary celebrations and to help a campaign to restore a former British naval hospital on the island. When they discovered that Mr Mounsdon lived there, they decided to dedicate their display to one of the last survivors of ‘The Few.’ Tina’s husband, Brian, took along a book “So Few” which is a compilation of the memoirs of 25 pilots who served in the Battle of Britain. Brian and Maurice talked through the list of contributors, many who Maurice knew and had served with.

He discussed how he escaped from his plane when he was shot down by a Messerschmitt 109 and was severely burnt, resulting in him being hospitalised for 2 years.

Maurice also identified in the book one pilot who was in the next bed during his time in hospital.

Brian has since left the book with Maurice as it brought back so many memories and will visit him again in a few weeks’ time to learn more.

Maurice said that The Royal British Legion presentation completed his own personal centenary celebrations

The dashing figure of Flt Lt Moundson in his days as a Hurricane pilot “We are all very proud of Maurice and the service he has given. He is a shining example that we all hold very dear.”

It has been a few years since Maurice has been up in a plane, and even longer since he fought dogfights over southern England during the Battle of Britain, but in mid-September he watched with pride and mixed emotion as the Red Arrows — the elite pilots of the modern age honoured him with a tribute to mark his birthday.

Although the RBL branch has closed in Menorca, Tina Graham is very keen to stress that the community welfare work continues and goes from strength to strength.

She took over at the beginning of the year, following no referrals for a number of years, and has since had 7 referrals to date from ex-service personnel or their families requesting support, advice and assistance.

Tina said “We need to ensure that any veterans, their families or current serving service personnel who need assistance either through the purchase of equipment or adaptations or advice are able to access the service quickly.”

The RBL in Menorca can be contacted by email on: welfaremenorca@gmail.com or 676 451 780

BL MING BENID RM

through the sheer determination of its officers and members to keep the flag flying while the unfounded rumours were flying.

BY PDT

During these last two years the branch has hosted the Launch of the Poppy Appeal in Spain and in total we have organised and assisted no less than 4 Launches with the backing of the Ayuntamiento and Alcalde of Benidorm and the Tourist Office.

Not just Benidorm of course but our full title of Benidorm and District Branch of The Royal British Legion, and proud we are of it too.

Our branch worked through no less than three “reincarnations” in its history and today's branch recovered from a serious setback two years ago

I am sure that other branches can sympathise because there are always and always will be problems but it is the way we find solutions and deal with those problems that count and it shows true British grit and belief in the standards of the Legion that we do and we did.

We have produced a colourful booklet about the branch activities and the Legion's Welfare in the Community amongst other useful items, also a small card on which a person can list their medication to keep with them in case of hospital appointments etc. We attend local fairs with our stand of memorabilia to remind residents that we are here and that they are welcome to join us, a good way to attract new members.

Ciudad Patricia, a residential “village” in Benidorm is where we meet every month and where we hold our Remembrance Day Meeting in their theatre. Standing room only this year.

Again the support we have from the local Community is a big part of our strength and this is also shown with the annual poppy appeal collection. This year we had a record collection including two magnificent boxes one from Showboat 1220 euros and the other from Oliver’s. 1396.88 euros.

We support our community in return by holding our monthly lunches in the local restaurants and with members promoting them during the year and attending any special functions like St. George's day.

The local Press support us with photos and text when we supply it and this year the Costa Blanca News gave Spain District North a great amount of space over the 4 weeks preceding the Appeal and much of the material was supplied by Benidorm members We as a branch are always interested to see details and photos in the Press, and of course in the District Magazine, from other branches, this gives us ideas for our future programme.

It would be very interesting I think to read stories from the branches about their history, problems they have solved, members who lead or have led interesting lives, suggestions on how to keep members keen and interested and all the branches BLOOMING .

Would you really pay to try on a pair of shoes?

By Sam Kelly, Managing Partner, Chorus Financial. any of you will already be aware of Chorus Financial, and the work we’ve been doing here in Spain to help improve the overall quality of financial advice. Our campaigns have received recognition and major awards across Europe, and today I’m delighted to introducing Chorus to readers of The Royal British Legion’s first publication here in our local community.

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For more than a decade here in Spain, the majority of financial advisory firms have been focussed too much on their own profits, and not enough on the client’s best needs. Unknown to many of you, investment recommendations here have been heavily influenced by hidden commissions and special deals made between the larger advisory firms and certain investment providers.

Despite firms advertising themselves as ‘independent’, the reality has been that a firm’s entire client-base has been pushed into one or two products or funds, regardless of quality or performance, and this has left the client vulnerable to high fees, and low-quality recommendations – a very dangerous combination.

This practise would be illegal in the UK, but unfortunately, even firms that are FCA

regulated in the UK, carry out these practises with non-UK clients. This is not illegal when the client lives in Spain, but it really should be. Chorus have been campaigning against this for many years but, as is often the case, Spain is very much behind the curve.

Senior Partner, Tracy Storer, and I, have over 10 years combined experience working with British expats in Spain, and I have been writing articles warning of such practises for many years now.

The financial market slowdown in 2018 really highlighted the problems created by these practises, with high fees and poor advice sadly leading to unnecessary losses for many here in Spain.

Over the last 6 months in particular we have seen a major exodus of people coming to Chorus from the larger, commission

driven firms, and we expect that trend to continue in 2019.

Because Chorus operate with transparency, and only recommend investments from major institutions, including household names like The Prudential, Fidelity, Royal London and Rathbones, our clients know they are in safe hands.

We also believe that you should fully understand any financial proposal and have all charges, product/investment recommendations, tax benefits etc explained in writing, before being asked to pay any fees or sign any paperwork.

Frankly, it is our job to win your business by demonstrating why our proposal is better than any other firm, and if we fail to do that, it should be our problem, not yours.

You would never be asked in a shop to pay to try on a pair of shoes or to find out how much they cost, so why would a financial advisor expect any different?

If you are considering financial advice, or perhaps want an existing plan reviewed, please contact me on 664 398 702 or s.kelly@chorusfinancial.es to arrange a free, no obligation, consultation.

Photo GA Advertiser

40’s night Wartime singalong GA Oldies donate to Poppy Appeal at ZEST Photo Sandra Lane

The ZEST Bar/Restaurant in Gran Alacant, held a 40’s night in November in aid of the Poppy Appeal.

Some guests even arrived with their gas mask boxes and appropriate style costumes.

After an excellent meal of garden vegetable soup, sausages and mash with onion gravy followed by apple pie with custard, there was a forties quiz, and a war-time singalong.

The evening raised euro 155, which was presented to Eric Goble, who at 97 is the second oldest member of the Gran Alacant & La Marina Branch.

n 8th November 2018, the 61st session of the Gran Alacant Oldies Walking Football club, took place at the GA Sports centre.

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14 players took part plus one referee and one injured on the

sidelines.

idea.

The club had previously decided by ballot to donate some funds to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.The presentation was made by James, who suggested the

There to receive the money were Robin Hargrave and Terry Lacey, who are respectively Chairman and Secretary of the Gran Alacant & La Marina Branch.

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: m e h T r e b m e m e R l l We wi GRAN ALACANT & LA MARINA BRANCH OF THE RBL

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his year, as we commemorate 100 years since the signing of the treaty that ended the First World War, it was apposite that Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday coincided.

Gran Alacant & La Marina Branch of the RBL marked this date with a bilingual Service in San Fulgencio which is the municipality for Urbanisation of La Marina.

Around 200 Spanish and British worshippers followed this open-air service, which was conducted jointly by Father Ramon Belda, and Father Richard Seabrooke SSC, who was assisted by Father Richard Dunstan-Meadows.

The Last Post and Reveille were played by John Atkins.

Heading the list of honoured guests were the Alcalde of San Fulgencio, Manuel Gomez, and Councillors Vincente Murcia, Joel Noches, and Maria Angeles Ariorte. Plus the Jefe of the Policia Local – Manuel Bailen.

We are indebted to the Ayutamiento of San Fulgencio for providing facilites and sound system etc., and to the Wardens of the Parochial Church.

CALPE BOWLS CLUB CENTENARY ARMISTICE SERVICE

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n beautiful Autumn sunshine members of Calpe Bowls Club paused their Sunday morning roll-up just before 11:00am in preparation for the Centenary Remembrance Service.

The service started with member Andrea De Kunst playing the last post on her althorn, which was followed by a two minute silence allowing time for reflecting on all those who lost their lives in World War One and all other wars.

Club president Alan Edwards then read the poem In Flanders

Fields by John McCrae which was followed by Julien, one of our Belgium friends reading a verse for all the Belgium people in attendance.

Senior club member Ted Campbell and a Belgian representative then carried a wreath and laid it between the flags of the United Kingdom and Belgium.

The service on the bowling green, being located next to the beach promenade, was viewed by a large group of Belgian nationals as well as visitors of other nationalities.

Happy New Year from Mojacar

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Three members of Mojacar Branch, President, Secretary and Welfare Officer, having a jolly time on Christmas Day, in the company of several other slightly more camera shy members, at a local restaurant.

The month of January will be a busy one for Mojacar, in addition to the Branch Meeting with one of their members talking about his army life in Kenya, they have their usual coffee morning, a quiz and on January 25 a Burns Night Dinner, where no doubt "strange" costumes will appear once again.

Second Annual Charity Calendar

heila left the West Midlands more than 11 years’ ago to enjoy life as an expat on the Orihuela Costa. With more time on her hands, Sheila returned to her childhood passion for art and developed a love of painting.

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captured people’s hearts and spurred the first calendar.

Liking her work, friends and neighbours soon asked Sheila to paint canvases and decorative tiles for them and many a living room, hall way and terrace on the coast boast her work. It can also be seen decorating the walls of the Captain’s Table at Punta Marina.

Sheila said: “If my paintings can make someone happy by raising a smile and help someone in need by raising a euro, then the calendars will have done everything I hoped.”

Despite creating beautiful seascapes and the contemporary ‘By moonlight’ range, it is Sheila’s imaginative and carefree poppy interpretations that have

The 2019 calendar also features some of Sheila’s most popular recent poppy paintings but also images from her ‘By Moonlight’ collection.

If you would like a copy of Sheila’s Charity Calendar please call her on 608 795 095 to arrange collection and payment; the calendar’s are priced at just 5 euro.

By Mir eille To ddingt on

Poppy Power brings great results A fantastic turnout all round for Poppy Appeal 2018. Benidorm and District branch had a great result perhaps the best ever and I am waiting for the final total.

Members met up at Ciudad Patricia in Benidorm to count the boxes that were collected from all over their area.

With good amounts in each box there were two that really proved the support our local branch have in the area.: Showboat in Benidorm's owners Diane and Gary put on a meal and a variety show on Remembrance Sunday and their contribution amounted to 1220 euros! All the acts on that day gave their time free.

A box opened by the new Chairman on Counting Day brought gasps of surprise from us all as it was tightly packed with notes. A total of 1396,88 euros.Well done Olivers!!

Counting Day takes time and effort but this year we were loaned a counting machine which certainly helped. Thanks to all the helpers on the day and especially Treasurer Trevor and his wife Pat the membership secretary who spent many hours later that evening on the paperwork to make sure all receipts are ready for distribution.

Just two of Benidorm’s Poppy Collectors supreme - BY PDT

There’s Great Pride in the Hondón The AGM of the Hondón Valley Branch of The Royal British Legion was a well attended evening, with both a new President and Chairman being elected.

The President is Lt Col Peter Lodge MBE and he gave a very interesting and poignant speech on his time in the Army and commended the Legion for its work with those leaving the Armed Forces but suffering from PTSD. Just one thread of the Legion’s support for its beneficiaries.

The Chairman, Neil Pavitt remarked on an amazing year, commencing with a District Award for Recruiting new members. In August he and Roger Kingham, as Branch Standard Bearer, attended the GP90 Commemoration Ceremony in Belgium; and he then talked of all the social activities and fund raising events of the year.

Neil paid tribute to the Committee and all the members who had helped support the Branch during the year in so many differing ways. The Branch members showed their pride by loudly applauding our Standard which now displays the Ypres Scroll – being one of only two Branches in the whole of Spain who attended the event. The other Branch being our colleagues from Mojacar.

For Branch activities, please either visit the website: www.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/hondon-valley or contact the secretary on: hondonvalley.secretary@rbl.community.

For Community support enquiries, please ring 646 45 17 80 Our photo shows - President: Lt Col Peter Lodge MBE, Standard Bearer Roger Kingham and Chairman Neil Pavitt – with the official GP90 Certificate.

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Pinoso Remembr ance 2018

In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the end of hostilities of the First Word War, the Pinoso branch held its annual service of remembrance, and was joined once again by members of the Murcia Branch who also took part in the parade with their standard and in the service.

dards of the RBL and the Trefoil Guild being played into the Church by local piper Chris Evans.

The day commenced with the parade starting from the theatre and led by the town band, the Union Lirica Pinosense, with members of both branches, representatives of the Ayuntamiento, and the ladies of the Pinoso branch of the Trefoil Guild along with their standard to the Parish Church of St Peter.

Before entering the church the band played a short concert of military music.

The readings were carried out in both languages, by Pinoso and Murcia Branch members and Councillor César Pérez. Also included in the service was a poem by Yorkshire Prose, “Remember” read by branch standard bearer Steven Kilgallon, a solo by Margaret Hindmarsh, “Wherer you Walk” who also conducted the choir of branch members in the leading of the singing of the hymns, and organist Jonathan Trehair setting the mood with the playing of Nimrod whist the congregation entered the Church.

The service was held in both English and Spanish and officiated by the Parish Priest Fr Manuel Llopis, and by the Pastor of the Pinoso Vinyard Christian Fellowship, Jim Allan, with the national flags and the stan-

We were also very fortunate in having ex bandsman Les Barratt in coming from the UK especially to take part in the service and play the Last Post and the Reveille.

In the months leading up to the service, members of the local Sculpture Group of the

Constitution Day s has been the custom during the last few years, in the days leading up to the Día de la Constitución on 6th December each year, the Ayuntamiento of Pinoso organised the reading and live broadcast of the Articles of the Spanish Constitution read by the leaders of various local groups and by invited members of the public.

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December in the recently constructed Centro Cultural, and following an introduction by the Alcalde in which he spoke of the progress achieved over the last 40 years, the invitees, some 50 in total, ranging from primary school children, teenagers, adults and senior citizens, followed the Alcalde in each reading an article of the constitution.

2018 is the 40th anniversary of the acceptance in a referendum of the Spanish Constitution following the election the previous year of the first elected government since the 1920s.

The Pinoso branch is very fortunate in having a very close working relationship with the towns Ayuntamiento, with councillors and the Alcalde taking part in, and providing the printing of the programmes for the annual Remembrance Day Service, and by keeping the Pinoso Branch and its members informed of forthcoming local events and celebrations organised by the Ayuntamiento and other organizations.

This year the Pinoso branch of the RBL were honoured by the branch chairman, Colin Hindmarsh, being invited to read one of the articles, fittingly, “The Rights of Foreigners” The event took place on 4th

Girasol Studios, based in the nearby village of Encebras, made 100 ceramic poppies, which the week previously were displayed in the new exhibition building in the square opposite the Church, and following the service were donated to the Pinoso RBL in aid of the 2018 Poppy Appeal, which so far they have raised in excess of euro 500.

Also as part of the exhibition and donated to the Poppy Appeal was a painting by local artist Celia Von, “Soldiers Legacy”.

Three of the ceramic poppies were incorporated into the service, and brought to the altar by senior and younger members of the branch who were followed by the piper playing the lament, and laid along with the wreaths.

Following the service, members and guests, as has become the custom, held our annual post service meal at the local Restaurant, El Timón.

Branch Chairman, Colin Hindmarsh reading one of the articles, “The Rights of Foreigners”

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ABOVE: Lenka and Chris of the Los Conteros restaurant raised over 2067 euro for the poppy appeal.

RIGHT: Mick and Chris Coote, representing the branch at GP 90, carried a wreath to which two poems were attached.

They were written by Inara and Caleb Sunshine, aged 9 and 8, who also read them out at the Branch Remembrance Service

EVENTS IN AND AROUND MOJACAR

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local shopping centre/café-bar on the two Saturdays leading up to Remembrance Day. On the second Saturday, 10, the public were also entertained by Lady Ellen, a professional singer, who kindly gives her services free to support poppy appeal and the Branch.

he Branch enjoyed a wonderful evening at their annual Poppy Appeal Dinner Dance in October, this year held at the Continental Hotel in Mojacar.

One favourite song is always “Bring him Home” from the show Les Miserables. The public were most appreciative and this encouraged them to donate.

They were well entertained by Driftwood who were joined by friends singing WW1 songs for all to join in with, dancing and singingas they went along. The magnificent sum of 818€ was raised at the event.

This summer a local restaurant in Villiaricos, Los Conteros, chose to support the Poppy Appeal through the Mojacar Branch with their “Triple 11” collections, the aim being to achieve this figure by 11am on 11th day of 11th month, a figure they even exceeded, finally raising 2067.23€

As with the previous year, the Branch had a display table of poppies and poppy items in a

The Mojacar Branch would like to thank Lenka and Chris of the restaurant for their fantastic effort.

We have had a good year and look forward to a better one in 2019.

There have been many well attended fund raising quizzes in addition to the social events and these are set to continue with other additional fund raising events involving local venues.

We have a full programme of interesting speakers organised for the Branch Meetings.

Coffee mornings in differing cafes on Mojacar Playa continue to be extremely popular, bringing in more existing members and hopefully new members aare also attracted by our presence.

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Gandia Branch, Poppy and Branch Community Support, Full circle.

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ldona has been a Poppy Collector for The Royal British legion here in Spain for over 25 years and is very proud of her achievements on behalf of TRBL. She is a member of the Gandia branch near Valencia.

She recently became unwell and was worried she would miss this year’s event but no, despite still recuperating she has managed to deliver all her box’s and is very proud of this.

Branch Community Supporters from the Gandia Branch went to visit her this week to check she was doing ok and were pleasantly surprised at just how well she is and how motivated she still is to deliver on her promise to collect for the Poppy Appeal this year. She has a record of all the amounts she has raised for every year she has collected, we are very proud of her achievements. Thank you Aldona for all you have done for our beneficiaries.

While we were visiting we took the opportunity to present her with her long overdue 25-year achievement award. She received a certificate from TRBL and her 25yr pin which she can be seen wearing with great pride. It is a great honour to have such a dedicated lady in our branch. Aldona is Polish and met her husband who served in the British Army during the war when she went to work in a hospital in Kent many years ago. They were married in Poland before returning to the UK. They decided to move to Spain over 30yrs ago and were living the dream. Aldona lost her husband 17 yrs. ago but continues to live the life they wanted in Spain. She is already planning what she will do next year for the Poppy Appeal and is an inspiration to us all.

We wish her a speedy recovery and can’t wait to welcome her back to our monthly meetings, first Wednesday of every month at Bar Pelut, Oliva. Contact Mark, the branch secretary, on 961 17 5990 for more details.

Lyn Cubbon (Branch Poppy Appeal Organiser) with Aldona

Special significance as Centenary Armistice commemorations are held across the District T

he National Service of Remembrance was held at the Cenotaph on Whitehall, London, to commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women involved in the two World Wars and later conflicts.

This year, with Remembrance Sunday falling on the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, the event held a special significance, no more so than here in Spain where the first local event took place on Friday 9 November as children, staff and parents, from the Phoenix International School in San Miguel de Salinas, joined with members of The Orihuela Costa Branch of the Royal British Legion to pay their respects to the fallen.

Accompanied by The RBL Band the children sang a selection of hymns and songs from the period, after which they read poems written by and dedicated to First World War veterans. The outdoor service was led by the RBL Chaplain of Spain District North, Pastor Keith Brown.

On Saturday the commemoration moved to Torrevieja where the Branch held a ceremony in a packed La Siesta Church, into which the RBL standards, as well as those of RAFA, RNA and RMA, were escorted by the Torrevieja Pipes and Drums.

As they formed up in front of the altar the service got underway with a prayer from Father Richard Seabrook, officiating chaplain, followed by the RBL Exhortation and then, most significantly of all, the Last Post played by Ian Gibson of JB Brass Band.

The music was provided by the Royal British Legion Band in Spain led by David Last and the Crescendo International choir.

In his sermon, Fr Richard spoke of his connection to WW1 through his grandfather who served in the trenches in France. He proudly held aloft his campaign medals and photographs.

The lessons were read in English and Spanish by Branch President Gill Burden and Debbie Winston after which a poem to the fallen was read by Carol Stockwell.

Continued - Page 22

A poppy display on the playground fence at the Phoenix International School

Outdoor Remembrance at the Phoenix International School

The Torrevieja service with Eduardo Dolรณn of the Diputaciรณn de Alicante and Councillor Rosario

The District Chairman with Standard Bearers in the recently refurbished Orihuela Costa Garden of Remembrance

Angelina and Leticia take forward the peace candle

The lament played by the Torrevieja Pipes and Drums Over 700 people attended the Orihuela Costa service which was also relayed outside on a large screen

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District & Branch Chaplain, Pastor Keith Brown, with Stephen Treseder FROM PAGE 20 ........ Andy Kirkbride sang ‘Bring him home’ after which the standards, followed by dignitaries and wreath holders, moved to the cenotaph located in the church garden area, where the wreath laying ceremony was led by the Branch President.

Sunday morning’s focus was at the Capilla de las Mil Palmeras where the Orihuela Costa and District Branch held its annual service led by Pastor Keith Brown, with the event being relayed on a large screen and by sound to a congregation of over 700.

Guests included the British Vice Consul Sara Munsterhjelm and the Chairman of the RBL Spain District North, Don Cubbon. They were joined by the mayor of Pilar de la Horadada, Ignacio Ramos, and his councillors along with Orihuela councillors Sofia Alvarez and Luisa Boné.

Gerald Turner of Blevins Franks, who sponsored the Order of Service, represented the business community, along with Anne Martinez Hoth, of Quiron Salud Hospital.

Pastor Keith Brown was assisted by lay preacher Stephen Treseder while lessons and readings were delivered by Don Ignacio and Dña Sofia, along with Sara Munsterhjelm, Gerald Turner, Branch Vice chairman Walter Shatford and Councillor Pilar Samper.

The RBL Band in Spain again provided the musical accompaniment to the hymns led by their MD David Last.

Prior to the service, the RBL standards, as well as those of RAFA, RNA and RMA, were led to the church by the splendid Torrevieja Pipes and Drums.

As the service got underway the congregation was addressed by Mayor Ignacio Ramos. He said how pleased he was to have such a close relationship with the RBL and how much he, and the people of Spain, shared with their thoughts and sentiments at this time.

Pastor Keith Brown responded by thanking the people of Pilar de la Horadada and Orihuela for the wonderful support they have provided in the staging of this event.

The last post was performed by Ian Gibson while the lament, ‘Lock Rannoch’, was played by the Torrevieja Pipes and Drums. Stevie Spit then brought the house down with his solo of the classic remembrance melody from Les Miserables “Bring him home.”

The grandchildren of the Branch Chairman, Angelina and Leticia Reardon, carried the peace candle to the altar, reciting a short prayer which was also warmly received.

The service was concluded with the National Anthems of Spain and the United Kingdom after which the ceremony moved out to the brand new Garden of Remembrance, completely refurbished by the Ayuntamiento of Pilar de la Horadada, where dignitaries and guests laid their wreathes in remembrance, after which branch and members of the public added their own poppy crosses in memory of family members and lost friends.

Flanked by a large number of the general public the Pipes and Drums then led over a hundred and fifty members of the congregation from the church to the Mil Palmeras Olympia Restaurant where members and guests enjoyed a delightful buffet lunch.

It was on to Campoverde for the final event of the weekend where, on Sunday evening, where once again the event was well supported and following the last post, reveille and the laying of a wreath, many of the congregation stayed behind to enjoy refreshments in the church garden.

The National Service of Remembrance was originally conceived as a commemoration of the war dead of the First World War but after the Second World War the scope of the ceremony was extended to focus on the nation’s dead of both World Wars, and in 1980 it was widened once again to extend the remembrance to all who have suffered and died in conflict in the service of their country and all those who mourn.

But of course Remembrance is not just about those who fought in the last two World Wars, it is also held in respect of those involved in the many other conflicts worldwide and those who are still fighting for peace and freedom even now.

It is also about all of us learning from the past and resolving to make the world a better place in which to live, and with so many more children becoming involved in the event here on the Costa Blanca we are now rather more assured that the future of remembrance is in increasingly safe hands.

An 18 minute video of the Orihuela Costa Remembrance Service is available on YouTube by searching for “Remembrance 100 Orihuela Costa.”

Mayor Ignacio Ramos of Pilar de la Horadada with Cllr Pilar Samper

Councillors Sofia Álvarez and Luisa Boné from Orihuela

H ondón Valle y R emembrance S ervice C ommemorates the C entenary of the Armistice.

T he Hondón Valley Branch Remembrance Service took place in the Catholic Church in the village of Hondón de los Frailes. The beautiful Church was full – with standing room only.

Father Don Witts officiated and welcomed Elizabeth Bell MBE, Vice Consul from the British Consulate in Alicante and the congregation to this special service of Remembrance and Commemoration of 100 years since the end of the Great War. Victor Ramirez Segura, the local European Councillor, read the Lesson in Spanish. Also taking part was the Spanish choir – CorroParroquial Inglesia San-Pedro Apostol de La Romana.

They had written a hymn especially for the Branch – We will Remember Them- and performed it during the Service.

To commemorate the centenary, Branch members read extracts from “Forgotten Voices of the Great War” covering each of the four years until the time the Armistice was announced.

These were very emotional and often harrowing accounts of life in the trenches at that time.

(These readings will be displayed on the Branch website) At the

end of the Service, Father Witts blessed the Branch Standard – recognising the new Ypres Scroll following attendance at the Great Pilgrimage 90 in Belgium in August this year.

Hondón Valley Branch was one of only two Branches from the whole of Spain who attended this event and Branch members are very proud that their Standard was one of over one thousand Standards from all over the world.

The Branch Standard and National Flags, together with Piper, Tony Dolphin then led the parade from the Church to the Ayuntamiento garden where wreaths and Memorial crosses

The Camino de la Cruz

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or the second year running our Branch star runner and trail runner, Steve Rooney, took on the challenge of the Camino de La Cruz, which is run each year from Murcia to Caravaca de la Cruz.

Last year Steve ran the marathon , and of course we all thought he was mad! However, this year he decided to go one step further and run the 90kms. Now we definitely know that Steve is mad!!

It started off in the dark at 6am in Murcia and followed the twists and turns and undulations of the Via Verde.

I met up with Steve at the drinks station at Banos de Mula mid morning. A lovely warm day and Steve looked as comfortable and easy as though he was out for a jog in the park.

The day started to really warm up and by the time Steve reached the drinks station at Bullas, the temperature had risen to 32 degrees. It was starting to take its toll on a lot of the runners. However, Steve was optimistic, even if a little slower than he was hoping for.

Being from Cehegin, there were more supporters to cheer Steve on when he reached La Estacion in Cehegin, then it was onwards and upwards (literally) for the last leg of the 90kms.

Steve reached the finish at Caravaca de la Cruz in

style, with a finishing time of 12:15:56.

He was 119th out of 527 runners, a massive achievement.

Steve said he kept motivated because he didn’t want to let any of the sponsors down and we are all glad that our sponsorship helped, because Steve raised a huge sum of 1,105 euro for the RBL. Well done Steve Rooney

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TORREVIEJA BRANCH

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he Torrevieja Branch held its Remembrance Service on Saturday 10 November 2018 at La Siesta Church in Torrevieja.

Because this year is the 100th anniversary after the end of WW1, Gerry Lynch, the Branch Chairman wrote a special Order of Service.

This Service encompassed the RBL Concert Band, The Torrevieja International Choir and a Vocalist.

Father Richard Seabrook: officiated at the Service.

The Church was full to capacity, and there were no vacant seating outside, which left many others standing. A total of 250 chairs together with a PA system were provided by Torrevieja council.

The Branch offers their sincere thanks to the Mayor and representatives for attending the ceremony, and providing the extra equipment.

It is estimated that over 400 people attended the Service.

Before commencement of the Service, the Pipes and Drums played outside whilst attendees took their seats. At 10.15am, the Pipes and Drums and Standard Bearers formed outside the medical center

and then followed by the Standard Bearers proceeded to march to the front of the Church. At 10.45 the Standards entered the Church.

After the introduction by Father Richard: Ian Gibson played the “The Last Post”. The band played throughout the Service and the Choir joined in with the hymns in addition to their own renditions.

As the Service came to an end, Andy the Vocalist sang “Take me Home”. Father Richard gave The Blessing and the Standards marched out to the sound of the RBL march played by the band.

The Standards then marched to the Cenotaph followed by, Father Richard, local dignitaries and the wreath layers.

Many wreaths and personal crosses were laid. Father Richard gave a short prayer and the Service ended.

The Branch Chairman then thanked all the participants and all those who attended after which many members and guests retired to the Club in Quesada where they enjoyed a wonderful Sunday Carvery.

Murcia Christmas Ball

The Ca laspar ra table

his year saw the 2nd Murcia Branch Christmas Ball being held, following a very successful Branch event last year.

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50 people attended in their Sunday best with Bucks Fizz to start the evening off. That was something we had to explain to the Spanish venue we were using. I am still not sure whether they think we are just mad or totally mad mixing fizz with orange juice!

Onto an elaborate Spanish menu to suite all tastes, including baby eels with mushroom and ham, prawn cakes with pepper sauce, red fruit salad with goats cheese, marinated artichokes with a wine reduction and a real favourite - caballitos (battered prawns).

That was just for starters. The main course contained a choice of pork sirloin, sea bass or curry, finished off with a selection of mixed sweets. All totally delicious.

Although we had background music playing whilst eating, we then had the delights of music from the Starbeats, Best of British. This is a four piece live band playing songs from the 60’s, 70’s, rock and roll and just about everything else in between. This is music that everybody knows the words to and entices everyone up onto the dance floor.

If you want a great group for an event I can’t recommend them enough.

(Contact Rae Daniel on: lamarina123@hotmail.com) As always a raffle was held with some very kind donations from local business and members alike.

The total raised on the night for the RBL came to an amazing euro 520.20

Wot! N o Hand bags?

La Val d’Albaida

Bill and Liz Shaw laid a wreath at the Menin Gate

had plenty to smile about in 2018 2018

has been a good year for the Branch, with monthly Events, including Bowling and Shopping in Benidorm, Alcoy, Albufuera Boat Trip, Gandia Palace, Picnic in the Park, all events well attended followed by Lunch.

We also enjoyed a Summer Ball, Poppy Dance, Remembrance Service, Christmas Lunch, which were all excellent.

Our membership has increased to the Mid 90’s. Considering for most of the year we did not have a Poppy Appeal Organizer we still managed to raise in excess of 3,000 euros, which for an inland Branch is not bad, considering most of it came from the members. (Next to no British outlets, in our area).

On November 11th we held our Annual Remembrance Service, which this year, was even more poignant because it coincided with Armistice Day.

A very moving Service carried out by the Branch Chaplain, Ken Cornforth, and for some this was followed by Lunch.

This took place as always at El Pansat, Albaida.

While we held our service, two of our members were at the Menin Gate in Ypres, laying a wreath on Behalf of the Branch. Thank you to Bill and Liz Shaw.

Our year concluded with a Christmas Lunch at Meson del Rey, Ontinyent, on the 5th of December, great turn out, Good Food and Service and a Raffle to start our 2019 Poppy Appeal campaign.

The Remem brance Servi ce was held at El Pansat, Albaida.

Hondon Valley Branch - The Amazing Dog Voltio Danny and Voltio (wearing his poppy)

The Hondón Valley Branch of The Royal British Legion met on a very wet and windy evening in October, and even that didn’t dampen the spirits of the members and guests who came along.

Following the general meeting we were entertained by a remarkable Chocolate Lab dog Voltio.

Danny de Castillo, the acclaimed Assistance Dog Trainer, asked Voltio to demonstrate an amazing range of obedience and skills including, switching on lights, opening drawers and taking items out, as well as opening the fridge door (and removing items) and helping his master undress.

Danny trains dogs to assist those with mobility problems and Legion members were “spell bound” by the different ways Voltio was able to help.

Danny told us that Spain is one of the few countries which give assistance dogs free to those in need, which is a really vital service.

At the end of the evening Voltio was presented with a reflective poppy for his collar – which he wore with Pride!.

Steadying the wheelch air and helping owner un dress Opening and taking out items from the fridge

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GANDIA BRANCH CHRISTMAS LUNCH 30

37 members of The Royal British Legion Gandia Branch got together for their Annual Christmas Lunch at Bar Pelut in Oliva.

There was a very short Chairman’s talk followed by lots of lovely food and drink.

There were 2 raffles, one which raised 37 for the home-made Christmas Cake, gently kissed with Brandy, and a general raffle with prizes generously donated by the members which raised a further 113 , all funds raised going into the branch Poppy Appeal Fund. The excellent afternoon was

Torrevieja Petanca Sponsored by Seagate Wealth Management The annual Petanca Match was held in October to raise money for the Poppy Appeal. The match was held at the Thader Rojales Petanca Club. The event was organized by Allan Budd and Pat Perrin with the assistance of the club committee.

Over one hundred people attended the event and the teams consisted of three mixed between branch members and the Petanca Club members. Because of the excellent turnout, the games were divided into two sessions for playing and the BBQ. The winners received The Royal British Legion Cup. Gold medals were presented to the winning team: Janet Cartidge, Richard Pringle and Andrew Mole.

Silver medals were presented for second place to: Phyliss Seddon, Peter Wilson and Bob Read.

Third place bronze medals were presented to: Sue Green, Peter Ward and Colin Fear. All winners also received a bottle of wine.

The event was sponsored by Seagate Wealth Management who presented all medals and prizes.

rounded off with a rousing selection of Christmas Carols, much to the amusement of the Spanish patrons in the bar. We would like to wish all the RBL members of The Royal British Legion in District North Spain a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Branch meetings are the first Wed of every month with the first one in 2019 being held on Wed 5th Feb at Bar Pelut, Oliva, all are welcome and for more information contact Mark on 951175990.

The Branch Chairman Gerry Lynch, also presented the manager Chris Shaw with a Branch Certificate of Appreciation.

Finally, the Chairman thanked Allan, Pat and all the committee for organizing the event, the kitchen staff for providing an excellent BBQ, and those who attended, which made this a very successful event; raising 925.00 Euros for the Poppy appeal.

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O R I H U E LA C O STA’S B I G R EVEAL number of significant events on the Orihuela Costa in December, the ‘Big Reveal’ of the total amount raised by the 2018 Poppy Appeal, the very first appearance of the RBL Concert Band at the Town Hall Carol Concert and the Branch Christmas Party at Eduardo’s Restaurant.

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A super evening also at the Playa Flamenca Town Hall on Saturday where the RBL Concert Band were out once again, under the direction of David Last, to play a selection of Christmas Carols, along with approximately a hundred people of mixed nationality.

Organised by the Councillor for Foreign Residents, they played a dozen or so popular carols including the Spanish classic Fum, Fum Fum, although many of the traditional moves associated with the song were sadly lacking, presumably as a result of the gathered ensemble being 50 or 60 years older than the children who usually act them out.

This was the first such gathering of carols organised by the town hall but it certainly won’t be the last.

Perhaps the absence of a P.A. system will also be addressed for 2019 although, with a small choir provided by the Studio 32 Theatre Group encouraging the gathering to join in, it still proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

A year of fundraising comes to an end.

One of the most eagerly awaited events of the year at the Orihuela Costa Branch of The Royal British Legion is the ‘big reveal’, the total amount raised by the Poppy Appeal, which year on year the members try to increase, so, when the day finally arrived at the December branch meeting, local Poppy Appeal coordinator Eddie Coleman, with the assistance of nine lady members, was eager to announce the branch total.

And once again it was found that the branch had surpassed all expectations by raising the incredible sum of 49,162.80 euro, over 4,000 more than last year, which in itself was a record amount.

From small beginnings only10 years ago, when the branch was first formed, and supporters collected a little over 6,000 euro, the amount has been increased year on year, thanks to the hard work and dedication of it’s enthusiastic members.

There were recruiting and fundraising events held across the region thoughout the year, St Patricks and St Georges Days, while at the Olympia Restaurant local entertainer Stevie Spit raised valuable funding for the appeal when he brought the house down with his Autumn Spectacular.

In 2018 the sport of Golf contributed 9,000 euro to the total, thanks to the generosity of local societies and the efforts of Mick ‘the grip’ Reeves, Mick Gossage and Mike Probert, while the very first ‘Poppy Darts Competition’ organised by the local Ladies Darts League, worked hard

to raise over 800 euro. A first also for the local lawn bowls community with Horadada Bowls Club contributing toward the appeal while artist Sheila Chinnock raised funds by producing and selling her poppy calendar.

There was also a sizeable amount collected at Iceland in San Javier by Diana Wiltshire and her army of volunteers while a number of other branch members spent four days at Alicante-Elche Airport, La Zenia Boulevard and Villamartin Plaza where the poppy boxes attracted worthwhile donations in both Euros and UK Sterling.

In addition to the donations gathered from the sale of poppies fundraising has continued all year round, one valuable source of income being the bookshelves, managed by Don and June Williams, which are located in a dozen bars across the region.

On rounding up the branch achievement at the end of yet another record year, Appeal coordinator Eddie said he was a little disappointed to have fallen just over 800 euro short of the 50k mark.

And rather ironically, only 6 days after the branch closed the 2018 appeal, a further 930 euros was handed in by the appeal representative from the Deep South (the La Manga area) who, because of a family illness, had only just just collected in his tins, an amount that would have seen the branch surmount the 50k target. Nevertheless the donation will be carried over to the 2019 appeal.

Disappointed maybe but certainly off to a good start for next year and what a tremendous result for La Manga which came in addition to the 800 euro already handed in by members of the La Manga Club.

Nicola Louden making Santa’s Christmas

The branch Christmas Party took place 2 days later at the excellent Eduardo’s Restaurant in Villamartin Plaza with almost a hundred members and guests in attendance including the Councillor for Foreign Residents, Sofia Alvarez.

Eddie Coleman, Jean Heald and Councillor Sofia Alvarez

During the course of our Branch party even Father Christmas was able to pop in with a present for every single person. Judging from the broad smile across his face with the constant stream of beautiful ladies on his knee I

am absolutely sure he will be back again next year.

Thanks so much to Malcolm and Mary Rusbridge for making the evening such a success and to Carol and her staff at Eduardos Restaurant for the wonderful food and service.

With George outside the ‘Mess Hut’

George’s assistant, Kim

Meeting one of life’s true greats

By Kevin Reardon Whilst stationed with the British Army Training and Liaison Staff Kenya (BATLSK) in Kahawa Barracks, during the late 1980’s the unit was called upon to carry out many unusual tasks and as the Station Warrant Officer I was usually involved in them all.

Our main purpose was to support Exercise Grand Prix, the Infantry Battalion Group exercises and the approximately 3,000 British troops who trained in Kenya every year, but during the periods when there were no military visitors we provided assistance to virtually anyone who asked, be it adventure training or even holidaymakers who were looking to find something completely different.

We also had our share of youth groups from organisations such as The Prince’s Trust who regularly turned up seeking our help.

Additionally, outside of the exercise season, we would provide assistance and support to community projects, most notably the children’s school at Don Dol in the Rift Valley, which was built by the Royal Engineers and supported by staff from BATLSK. We would also pay regular visits to Kampi ya Simba (Camp of the Lions), in the Kora Valley, home to the World Famous conservationist, George Adamson, as well as to the adjacent Campi ya Chui (Camp of the Leopard), which was run by his protégé Tony Fitzjohn.

The journey was largely made on murrum (clay) roads over a couple of days. It was no great distance but the conditions were not the best and having to travel for the most part along tracks, many of which were in an awful condition, it was far better to err on the side of caution, so an overnight stop would usually be made in the grounds of a small Irish mission along the way.

The purpose of the visit to Kora was mostly one of good will. We would take along with us out of date ‘ten man’ packs of compo rations, which would be gratefully received as a supplement to the Kora larder.

There would be at least one REME Vehicle Mechanic, usually two, who would spend a week or so servicing George Adamson’s ancient vehicle and equipment fleet and a couple of volunteer Royal Engineer artisans who would be employed on the accommodation huts, the perimeter fence and any other structure or task that needed care or attention in either Kampi ya Simba or Kampi ya Chui.

On one such visit I was able to take along two of my sons, Neil and Stewart. It was an experience that we still often reminisce about, even today. My only

regret is that it was before the days of digital cameras so the records I was able to make were limited and now look extremely dated.

We were usually at the camp for approximately ten days to two weeks and George would often take us out during the early mornings, checking on his lions, making sure they had come to no harm. Even up to his death in 1999 George always maintained the loyalty, friendship and trust of the many lions that he had reintroduced into the wild and it was during many years of these early morning excursions that he would nurture such relationships, seeking and often finding his former wards, all of which he and his wife Joy had introduced to the area themselves.

It might only involve a few words of encouragement or a greeting for those which were clearly self-sufficient, but there were many that struggled to adjust to their new conditions following re-introduction into the wild.

Here, the support would often comprise of a chunk, or more, of dead camel meat, which was always well received by the lion and pleasingly despatched by ourselves, particularly in view of the absolutely putrid odour which pervaded the land rover for long after it had been consigned.

The remainder of the days would be passed exploring the local area. There was field craft, fishing and swimming in an adjacent river. There were the endless conversations with visitors or film crews which always culminated in the evening meal shared in the dining hut with George, John and their two or three assistants.

George would then send his daily reports to the local wildlife authorities by radio phone after which we would adjourn to the camp fire where we would listen to tales of his days as a game warden with wife Joy and their cub Elsa, the lion that not only change George and Joy's lives but, through subsequent books, movies and films, promoted an enormous interest in conservation with the general public.

Their relationship became the subject of the successful film ‘Born Free’ which of course starred Virginia McKenna and Bill Travis, who we also met, and which also won two Academy Awards.

These were days that will always be treasured and long remembered. To meet such a devoted human being as George Adamson, who truly lived in harmony with nature, was a privilege. He was a wonderful man who devoted his life to helping wildlife and to protecting the unique environment in which they lived.

Readying for an early morning excursion to feed the pride ‘Boy’ was shot by Adamson after fatally wounding an assistant

George Adamson looking out over Komunyu Hill

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Murcia gathers momentum within local community

By Billie Graham-Thomas

What a busy year 2018 has been for the Murcia Branch. Multiple changes on the Branch Committee including our founding chairman Mr Steve Carne and his lovely wife Cindy. They will be greatly missed and we wish them all the very best for the future.

Mr Carl Thomas stepped in as Vice Chairman to cover the role until a replacement was found at the AGM in November and Mr John Nichols is now stand in Chairman until the new year as Carl steps back into the role of Vice chairman.

We had a very busy and productive Camposol Fiesta 2018 getting The Royal British Legion Spain Murcia branch name out and about for all to see and we had new memberships handed out in attendance was Steve Carne the then chairman.

The ever amazing District Community Support Co-ordinator Mrs Pam Twissel-Cross (our angel of the Welfare Branch) Lyn Cubbon,

Lynn Symonds and myself Billie GrahamThomas were also doing their bit for the Branch.

A brilliant summer fayre held in Calaspara with great attendance. The support with the local community is growing as word gets around that Murcia has its own branch and Membership is slowly growing.

The Murica branch was well represented a the Poppy Appeal Launch in Benidorm on the 19th October with some of our Beneficiaries and Committee in attendance and the Branch Standard in the Parade carried by Carl Thomas.

We had a fantastic Poppy appeal on Camposol with stalls at the market on A sector of Camposol and for the second year, the Consum supermarket very graciously let us hold our stall inside their foyer. Fabulous members and helpers who helped with the stalls. Mrs Marj Reed, Mrs Kay Marks, the

always amazingly helpful Lynn Symonds and probably our youngest member Mr Jack Plant and me Billie Graham-Thomas.

We had 2 gentlemen from Condado del Alhama doing the collection there again Mr Brian Tomas and Mr Mel Beasley.

So from the Murcia Branch of The Royal British Legion Spain we wish you all a Happy, Healthy and Succesful New Year.

PHOTO’S: Top Left - Poppy stall in Camposol Consum, Centre - Vice chair and Welfare Caseworker Billie at the Benidorm Poppy Appeal launch, Right - Camposol Thursday market.

Bottom left - Camposol Fiesta 2018, Right Jack Plant with Skippy Teasdale and Wayne Campbell at the Poppy Appeal Launch

Best foot forward for Pinoso On Thursday 15 th November 19 members and Guests of the Pinoso Branch R.B.L. visited The Elda Shoe Museum, reputedly the world’s largest footwear museum, underground parking was available nearby.

We paid for an English speaking guide who had a wealth of knowledge with regard to the history and origins of shoe making in the area.

RBL Band welcomes International trombonist

The Museum is housed over 3 floors with lifts available. There were collections of hand tools and vintage machinery used in the shoe Industry from its origins in people’s houses to a thriving industry still in use today.

There were thousands of shoes dating from medieval times to the modern world. There were fun and quirky shoes which were submitted to competitions,

Sam Arthur was a ‘transfer window signing’ for the Royal British Legion Concert Band in Spain.

A professional Bass Trombone player who has recently made the move to Spain, Sam initially showed little interest in music as a youngster until around the age of 8, when he began by learning the Saxophone.

After years of playing he decided to change to the Bass Trombone.

Although a late starter to the instrument it all seemed very natural and he spent years playing in youth ensembles in Artforms Leeds, including the Symphony Orchestra, the Wind Orchestra, the Big Band and the Brass Band.

The next big step for Sam was when he gained an unconditional place to study at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester and obtained a BMus (Hons) Degree, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Orchestral Studies.

During his time at the conservatoire Sam played with various ensembles and whilst still studying he gained work with the professional Symphony orchestras in the area, including the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Hallé Orchestra, Orchestra of Opera North and the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, finishing up working with the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra as well as others in and around the UK and abroad. he recently performed a solo concerto by American composer Chris Brubeck, for the weekend of the patron Saint: Santa Cecilia with the Union Musical San Fulgencio. A huge privilege for an English performer, at the Teatro Cardenal Belluga in San Fulgencio.

Sam is keen to continue a musical career over here in Spain and has already been added to the deputy lists for many of the professional Symphony Orchestras throughout Spain. He is readily available for concerts, recitals, studio work and teaching privately or group coaching.

For more information please Tel. +44 7912 369656 or Email: sam.arthurbb77@gmail.com Meanwhile, in recent months the RBL Concert band has been extremely busy. In addition to performing at the Remembrance Services in Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa they have played a number of carol concerts at local churches. They also played at carol services for local branches and charity events in Villamartin Plaza.

Their most recent appearance was a very successful carol concert outsite the Orihuela Costa Town Hall with the Councillor for Foreign Residents as a surprise conductor.

some were a real work of art.

The trip included a visit to the famous Pacco Herrero shoe outlet where bargains were available plus a preview of next years designs which become available from February.

After buying bargain shoes the trip was completed with a meal in The Asiatic Restaurant Dao in Elda.

Camposol’s Memorial to the Fallen ur garden group, Green Fingers, was set up over nine years ago on C Sector North, part of the urbanisation of Camposol in the region of Murcia in South Eastern Spain.

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It was the brainchild of resident, Bernard Holland who, together with a small group of like-minded volunteers, was disappointed that the builders had left unmade verges and weed-filled kerbs to a future of neglect because the Ayuntamiento had not then adopted the area.

Our roads looked abandoned, overgrown and Camposol was becoming a ‘lost city’, with roads that flooded every time there was heavy rain, due to poor drainage.

Volunteers were mustered, bearing their own tools and they began to turn out every Wednesday morning; one shaking a bucket for donations from passing cars and all supported by ladies providing free breakfast butties to the workers! The group became an official organisation registered at the Town Hall in Mazarron and gradually began making a difference....

They weeded the verges, laid membrane and gravel, then planted them up with donated plants.

Permanent channels were dug to cope with any

flood water - C Sector North was beginning to look a lot tidier!

The camaraderie of the workers and the generosity of monetary donations and support from all the people of Camposol meant they could buy new tools and order new plants. The homeowners saw the huge improvement each time they returned to holiday here and the residents enjoyed the benefits of living in an area which had been totally transformed.

Bernard retired after three years and returned to the UK, and John Osborne took up the Chairmanship. Under his tutelage Green Fingers created a Monday Maintenance Scheme, just for street cleaning and keeping the ‘C’ Sector roads weed-free, until the Ayuntamiento begin to send a regular street-sweeper and maintain the roads themselves (we live in hope!).

The members pay a small monthly donation to cover the cost of the Maintenance Team, this budget being kept completely separate from the Volunteer’s donations by our Treasurer. All the accounts are transparent and officially audited each year before the AGM. Projects were begun: lovely feature areas were constructed with raised beds retained by railway

sleepers, benches and ornaments (both purchased and donated) sited with planting, a handbuilt windmill and memorial trees put in around the perimeter road.

2018 saw a new Chairman, Graham Harris, elected and supported by John as Honorary President: their joint projects have since included a lovely corner raised bed with a landscaped Rose Walk before it....Green Fingers chose this bed to feature their 2018 memorial to The Fallen, as part of the Camposol tribute.

The Young Leos of the area helped with the construction of the ‘There, But Not There’ silhouettes, poppies and flags which were put in place joined by many residents who chose to place their crosses in amongst the flowers.

Everything that Green Fingers has accomplished throughout Camposol ‘C’ has been due to the wonderful community spirit and generosity of the homeowners here, most of whom are ‘of a certain age’. There are many of us who remember loved ones who served, and still serve, with the Armed Forces, and paying tribute to them each year is very important to us. Without their past and continuing sacrifice, we would not be enjoying the many benefits we are so lucky to have.

The Unkno wn Warrior

By Ted Marsh n September 7th 1920, in strictest secrecy, four unidentified British bodies were exhumed from temporary battlefield cemeteries at Ypres, Arras, the Asine and the Somme.

None of the soldiers who did the digging were told why. The bodies were taken by field ambulance to GHQ at St-Pol-sur-Ternoise.

O

There the bodies were draped with the Union Flag.

Sentries were posted and Brigadier Wyatt DSODL and Lt Col Gell went into the chapel alone and chose one body at random. A French honour guard was selected from the 8th Infantry Regiment, which stood by the coffin overnight. In the morning of the 8th a specially designed coffin made of oak from the grounds of Hampton Court was brought and the Unknown Warrior placed inside.

On top was placed a Crusaders Sword and a shield on which was inscribed 'A British Warrior who fell in the Great War 1914-1918 for King and Country'.

On the 9th of November the Unknown Warrior was

taken by horse drawn carriage through Guards of Honour and the sound of tolling bells and bugle calls to the Quayside.

Every year on the 11th of November remember the Unknown Warrior.... If you have a heart this will bring a lump to your throat."

There it was saluted by Marshal Foche and loaded onto HMS Verdun bound for Dover The coffin stood on the deck covered in wreaths and surrounded by the French Honour Guard. On arrival at Dover the Unknown Warrior was greeted with a 19 gun salute, normally only reserved for field marshals. He then travelled by special train to Victoria station London.

Above: Leaving the chapel in Boulogne bound for UK. Below: Lying in state at Westminster Abbey

He stayed there overnight and on the morning of the 11th of November he was taken to Westminster Abbey. The Idea of the Unknown Soldier was that of Padre David Railton who had served at the front during the Great War and it was the Union Flag he used as an altar cloth at the front, that had been draped over the coffin.

The intention was that all relatives of the 517,773 combatants whose bodies had not been identified could believe that the Unknown Warrior could very well be their lost Husband, Father, Brother or Son....

Iceland San Javier Poppy Appeal 2018

38

A tale of two

WALTERS

Little change at Orihuela Costa AGM The Annual General Meeting of The Orihuela Costa and District Branch of the Royal British Legion was held at the Olympia Restaurant in Mil Palmeras in late November with virtually the whole committee being returned unopposed to serve for another year.

The only changes saw the resignations of the Vice Chairman, Walter Shatford, and the Membership Secretary, Tony Blackband, who, after two or more years on the Branch Committee, both felt that it was time to sit back.

Walter Shatford was replaced by Eddie Coleman, who will combine his new position of VC with that of the Poppy Appeal Coordinator, while Tony Blackband was replaced by the youngest member of the branch, Walter Monfort Torné, who is a partner in the law firm Fernández & Monfort based in Playa Flamenca.

Being a Spanish National, and a local solicitor, with a background in charity work, it is felt that Walter will be able to open up new avenues for the branch and help it to forge new links within the Spanish Community.

By Diana Wiltshire

Once again, the Poppy Appeal 2018 at the Iceland store in San Javier raised a record amount of €3771 which will go towards the total raised by Orihuela Costa and District branch of the Royal British Legion for use in helping members and former members of the Armed Services, based in Spain.

Diana and her team, Graham (pictured), Sandy, Patrice, Brian and Sylvia, Walter and Sue, Michael, Malcolm and Chris, Jo and Dennis, would like to thank all the staff and especially the customers, who donated so generously to achieve the total, which is some €400 more than last year.

Possibly this was due to the effect from commemorating the 100th anniversary of the end of the first World War, but the team thinks that people were just extra generous this year and hopes that this will continue in the years to come.

Perhaps people are realising that it is not simply the families of the World War soldiers, sailors and airmen who are being helped, but also those who have, or sadly have not returned from recent wars such as Iraq and Afghanistan.

WITH OUR GRATEFUL THANKS Visited the Time Out Bar in San Javier just prior to Christmas where the outgoing Vice Chairman, Walter Shatford, presented the proprietors with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Orihuela Costa and District Branch.

They have been so good to the RBL over the years raising many hundreds of euros for our good causes.

The certificate, which is signed by the Branch President, Pastor Keith Brown, reads, “I would very much like to thank you for the support that you continue to provide to the Royal British Legion here in Spain.

It is only with the help of bars, restaurants and establishments like yourselves, the assistance of your customers and your co-workers, that the Orihuela Costa and District Branch is able to raise as much as it does for this very worthwhile cause.

Your help will continue to have a huge impact on the lives of those veterans, the families of those who have served, and those who continue to serve, in the Armed Forces.

On behalf of myself, the Chairman, committee and all members of the Orihuela Costa and District Branch of The Royal British Legion, I thank you most sincerely.

We look forward to your continuing support in the future.”

Spain District North of the RBL has 18 Branches and all of them arrange regular and varied social events, as well providing support to beneficiaries. Branches meet on a regular basis across the Costa Blanca, Costa Calida and Costa de Almeria. New members are always welcome and you do not need to have an Armed Forces background to enjoy all that they have to offer.

Many branches also their own Facebook Page on which you can more accurately follow activities and events. Those that I am aware of are listed below: The Royal British Legion in Spain - www.facebook.com/LegionInSpain/ Albox: www.facebook.com/groups/alboxrbl/ Hondon Valley: www.facebook.com/hondonvalleyrbl/ Orihuela Costa: www.facebook.com/rblorihuelacosta Gandia: www.facebook.com/groups/631370283545988/ Murcia: www.facebook.com/groups/452434074953271/ The RBL Concert Band in Spain: www.facebook.com/RBLbandSpain/ The Royal British Legion Official UK Site: www.facebook.com/OfficialPoppyLegion/ The Royal British Legion Southern Spain: www.facebook.com/TheRoyalBritishLegionSouthernSpain/ There is also a very useful British Consulate page: www.facebook.com/britsinspain/ Locations and details of all the Branches can be found on the website: www.britishlegion.org. uk/counties/spain-north.

For welfare support and information see page 18, email: assistance.rbl.dns@gmail.com or call 676 451 780.

The District has 18 Branches including three sub Branches. All contacts are listed below.

More information can be obtained on the following website: www.britishlegion.org.uk/counties/spain-north Please remember you do not need an Armed Forces background to attend and take part in any of the social activities and meetings arranged by any of our Legion Branches.

District Chairman: Mr Donald Cubbon Email: spainnorth.chairman@rbl.community

ALBOX - BR3564 Meets on the third Thursday of each month at Maloans, opposite the BP garage in Albox at 11.30am and for a coffeee morning on the first Thursday of each month at 11.00am, also at Maloans

LA FOIA - BR3621 This Branch is now a sub Branch of Hondon Valley. For further details, please contact Mrs S Shaw E: honsec.lafoia.rbl@gmail.com ***** MOJACAR - BR3485 Meets on first and third Thursday of each month at the Artisan Centre, at 11.00am Chairman Mr Andrew Richardson E: chairman.moj3485@gmail.com Secretary Mrs Christine White E: secretary.rblmojacar@gmailcom ***** MURCIA - BR3710 Meets on the 3rd or 4th Thursday of even months at La Tapizzeria de Chicho, Avenida Ciudad de Mataro 12, Cehegin.

Chairman: Secretary:

Filip Ostrowski E: albox.chairman@rbl.community Sarah Edkins E: albox.secretary@rbl.community ***** ALICANTE - BR3475 Meets on the first Thursday of even numbered months at the International Club, Camino Real de Villajoyosa 11, La Font, El Campello at 12.30pm Chairman: Secretary:

E: Ivan Beckett E: ivanmbeckett@gmail.com Mr Michael Rushbrook E: alicante.secretary@rbl.community ***** BENIDOLEIG - BR3482 This Branch is now a Sub-Branch of Javea Branch. For more information, please contact javea.rbl.secretary@gmail.com ***** BENIDORM & DISTRICT - BR3489 Meets on the first Friday of the month in the social & restaurant area of Ciudad Patricia Residencia, Calle Rumania, Benidorm at 11.00am Chairman: Secretary

Jim Thompson E: jithomson@btinternet.com Mrs Maggie Slane E: benidorm.secretary@rbl.community ***** CALPE - BR 3465 Meets every Friday at Dracula's Restaurant, Calpe Port at 11.00am Chairman Secretary

Mr Carl Gullis E: judygullis72@gmail.com Yvonne Woodham E: yvonne.woodham@live.co.uk ***** GANDIA AND DISTRICT - BR3560 Meets on the first Wednesday of each month in Bar El Pelut in the Old Town of Oliva at 12 noon.

Chairman Secretary

Mr Terry Ewers E: gandia.chairman@rbl.community Mr Mark Walden E: gandia.secretary@rbl.community ***** GRAN ALACANT & LA MARINA - BR3606 Meets on the first Monday of each month at the London Bar, Monte y Mar Restaurante complex in Avenida Luxemburgo, Gran Alacant at 6.00pm.

Chairman Secretary

Mr Robin Hargrave E: granalacant.chairman@rbl.community Mr Terry Lacey E: granalacant.secretary@rbl.community ***** HONDร N VALLEY - BR3577 Meets on the third Tuesday of each month at the Polideportivo Restaurant in Hondรณn de las Nieves - 7.00pm for 7.30pm.

Chairman Secretary

Mr Neil Pavitt E: hondonvalley.chairman@rbl.community Mr Christopher Wyatt E: hondonvalley.secretary@rbl.community ***** JAVEA - BR3457 Meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at Paris 24 Tennis Club, Avenida Paris 24, Javea Arenal at 11.30am (except during July and August).

Chairman Secretary

Mr Anthony Edmunds E: javea.chairman@rbl.community Mrs Jacky Cleary E: javea.rbl.secretary@gmail.com

District Secretary: Peter Phillips Email: spainnorth.secretary@rbl.community District Community Support Enquiries - Tel: 676 451 780 Email: spainnorth.communitysupport@rbl.community

Chairman Secretary

John Nicholl E: spainnorth.treasurer@rbl.community Mrs Lynn Symonds E: murcia.secretary@rbl.community ***** ORIHUELA COSTA & DISTRICT - BR3600 Meet at Olympia Restaurant, Mil Palmeras on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 7.00pm for 7.30pm.

Chairman Secretary

Mr Kevin Reardon E: orihuelacosta.chairman@rbl.community Mrs Jean Heald E: orihuelacosta.secretary@rbl.community ***** PINOSO - BR3614 Meet on the last Tuesday of each month at Meson Tonet, Pinoso, 7.30pm Chairman Secretary

Mr Colin Hindmarsh E: pinoso.chairman@rbl.community Mrs Hazel Porter E: pinoso.secretary@rbl.community ***** ROQUETAS DE MAR - BR3569 This Branch is now a Sub-Branch of Mojacar Branch. For more information, please contact Mike Hickman E:mikhik1@gmail.com or Jenny Hickman jen.hickman@hotmail.com ***** TORREVIEJA - BR3456 Meets on the second Friday of each month at Casa Ventura, La Siesta, Torrevieja at 6.30pm for 7.00pm Chairman Secretary

Mr Gerry Lynch E:torrevieja.chairman@rbl.community Vacant ***** LA VAL D'ALBAIDA - BR3597 Meets at 12.30pm on the second Wednesday of January, April, July and October at Wok Asiatico, Ontinyent at 12.30pm Chairman Secretary

Mr E. Tuvey E: valdalbaida.chairman@rbl.community Mrs Corinne Cornforth E: valdalbaida.secretary@rbl.community ***** ZURGENA & DISTRICT - BR Meets on the first Thursday of each month at Latinos Bar, La Alfoquia, Zurgena at 11.00am Chairman Mr Dennis Hibbert E: zurgenarblchairman@gmail.com Secretary Tony Bignell E: tbignell@hotmail.com