Royal British Legion Spain North September 2017

THE ROYAL BRITISH

LEGION SPAIN DISTRICT NORTH

M agazine In this Edition Introducing the District President ***** Poppy Appeal and Launch ***** Benidorm re-enactment ***** Branches come together ***** Murcia Entertainment Night ***** Pinoso Branch News ***** Hondon Summer Party ***** Torrevieja Remembrance Service ***** Benidorm’s Dutch Marine ***** Web Editor for District North ***** Calling all Members ***** It’s what we’re here for! ***** La Val d’Albaida Branch ***** Camposol Fiesta success ***** Selected Viticulture of Bodegas Faelo ***** Women at War ***** A Poppy World Record ***** Model Expo pulls in the crowds ***** All in a night’s work ***** Poppy Golf

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Benidorm re-enactment pulls in the crowds The Poniente beach in Benidorm was transformed into a surreal sight recently, becoming a battlefield for the re-enactment of the D-Day Normandy landings. More than 300 members of

Codex Belix took part – an association dedicated to recreating historical events, traveling not only from various parts of Spain but also from across Europe to participate. (Continued on page 4)

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Spain North welcomes new District President In

June of this year I not only celebrated my Birthday but I was elected as President of your District. I consider this to be an honour and it is my intention to be pro-active in this role and to serve you to the best of my ability.

I may have great experience from my past endeavours but I still learn something every day and I am humble enough to acknowledge that I am fortunate to have in the District individuals that I admire and who will support me in the years to come.

Together we have to ensure that we keep moving forward and we must never lose sight of the fact the Cause that we all support needs to flourish and that our deserving Beneficiaries are catered for in their time of need. The calls for our support will continue to increase for a variety of reasons and we must be prepared for the future challenges that will confront us .We will achieve!

I am appreciative of the fact that one of the greatest challenges that we face is recruitment coupled with retention and we must all work vigorously to build our membership base.

We do have some rather unique difficulties in this sphere of our activity particularly bearing in mind the enormous geographical spread of our area. I have always subscribed to the view that all problems are solutions in disguise and we must be vigorous in our endeavours to unearth a solution. Failure to recruit and expand is truly not an option.

In a few short years our wonderful Charity will celebrate the Centenary of its founding in May 1921.

What vision was shown and what a milestone! I have undertaken on behalf of us all within the District the responsibility of organising a fitting celebration and

tribute. I will keep you informed as this project moves forward.

May I suggest that you all regard my role as that of colleague and advisor and remember that I am always willing to listen and help in any way that I can. Please do not feel shy to communicate with me to air any concerns that you may have or advice that you may require. I am here for you and I really do enjoy being involved. (president.rbl.dns@gmail.com)

Sincerely

Nigel Hamilton-Hails

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TO THE MEMORY OF THE FALLEN AND THE FUTURE OF THE LIVING

The Royal British Legion in Spain Poppy Appeal 2017 B etween October 14 and November 15 the poppies will be blooming on the Costa Blanca. The members of the Royal British Legion in Spain will be out and about with their collecting boxes and poppies.

We are aware of the importance of remembering those who died in the World Wars to protect their homeland but we should also be very aware of the importance of the Legion's help for the young fighting men of today: The Royal British Legion has been in existence for 97 years, that is more than the life time of virtually every British person. The Legion can be said to be part of the very fabric of our lives, often in the background unless needed and in the foreground every November with the Poppy Appeal and Remembrance Sunday.

I think we all know how The Legion began and its main objectives: the welfare of members of the armed forces and their families and what was true 97 years ago is just as true today.

THE POPPY APPEAL LAUNCH The Poppy Appeal Launch 2017 will take place in Benidorm on Friday October 27th.

It begins with a march along the last 300 metres of esplanade towards the Rincon de Loix where there will be a stage with important speakers, anthems from the band and there are seats for the audience.

The march begins at 12 noon with the drums and pipes band leading the way. The event has always proved a very emotional one as residents and tourists alike – mostly British – are reminded of the great and ever present need to look after our members of the armed forces who died or were injured while defending our democracy and for those who were left behind.

ORDER OF THE DAY The Exhortation (Delivered by the District Chairman) Last Post 2 Minutes Silence Reveille Prayers - Revd. Ray Andrews Speeches by the following: President - Nigel Hamilton-Hails District Chairman - Don Cubbon National Vice Chairman - Mrs Una Cleminson District Poppy Appeal Co-Ordinator - Robin Hargrave Alcalde de Benidorm - Sr. Antonio Perez Perez Kohima Epitaph - Don Cubbon The Spanish National Anthem The British National Anthem

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Continued from front page:

Restored vintage American and German military vehicles paraded through the resort and along the promenade, attracting much attention from holidaymakers sunbathing on the beach. All the participants dressed the part, with even military nurses at the ready to tend to the injured.

Dove Park, a favourite with the Spanish was transformed into a military camp, where each division set up base with their tents. There were also information points and retail stalls selling military memorabilia.

For children it was a far more interesting history lesson than any they had been given in a classroom!

On Saturday evening an original Higgins boat was used to bring troops from the sea onto the sandy beach to recreate June 6, 1944 – the

Normandy Landing. Some of the rifles were covered in plastic to protect them from the seawater – obviously not what really happened but these were expensive originals so understandable.

It was made very realistic, with the sound of bombings and gunfire played over loudspeakers and the troops firing at each other from bunkers, letting off grenades and canons. Sunbathers stood and watched on in awe at the scenes unravelling before them, not quite sure what to make of it all.

On Sunday afternoon the beach landings were once again repeated – this time re-enacting Operation Avalanche – Salerno 1943. It was finished off with the Spanish Air Force parachuting down onto the beach to mass applause. It was certainly unique but enjoyed by everyone.

With thanks to Irena - www.benidormallyearround.com

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BRANCHES COME T OGETHER IN SUPPORT OF THE RBL IN SPAIN

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ver a hundred members and friends attended The Royal British Legion BBQ held at Vistabella Golf recently, for what turned out to be a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon of song, dance, food and not a little alcohol.

Former RMP’s totting up their arrests

The afternoon’s entertainment was provided by local entertainer TJ Jones while the BBQ, served in the best RRF tradition, was cooked to an absolute delight. All those extra duties in the Sergeants Mess kitchen were not wasted after all Chef!

Jointly organised by Torrevieja and the Orihuela Costa branches, the bulk of the planning was left to Torry Chairman Gerry Lynch who just wasn’t quick enough to take a step back, and what a wonderful job he did despite all those misspent years in the Royal Air Force.

The bulk of the attendance came from the two host branches but it was a delight to see the Chairman of the newly formed Murcia Branch, Steve Carne, below right, who came along from Calasparra with a handful of his loyal members. The branch is only a little over 3 months ago but, already with a membership in excess of 60, it is certainly going in the right direction.

Gran Alacant and La Marina Branch was represented by Chairman Robin Hargrave, white shirt below, while District Officers, Pamela Twissell Cross and Susan Shaw, travelled down through bandit country from our Northern outposts.

Little and Large flank the Chuckle Brothers

Proceeds from the raffle raised 450 euro which was donated to Spain (District North) funds.

If you live on the southern Costa Blanca and you would like to join or to learn more about The Royal British Legion you can find all the information relating to the branches mentioned on the website: http://counties.britishlegion.org.uk/counties/spain-north/branches Or simply search the net for ‘RBL Spain.’

Is that Jill at the front of the queue?

Entertainment night’s in Murcia The Royal British Legion Entertainment Nights With Rob Sweeney

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he beginning of July saw the Murcia Branch of the Royal British Legion have two entertainment nights starring the fantastic vocal artist Rob Sweeney.

The first was held in the Bombay Restaurant, Calasparra where Sidhu and his staff provided us with another superb Indian buffet.

Always a popular choice with our members and guests.

Once the buffet had been eaten and the raffle tickets sold, Rob Sweeney started the first of two sets. Such a versatile singer, he entertained us with an assortment of songs that everybody enjoyed.

After the break and Rob started his second set. Everybody had had a great meal and the drinks were flowing nicely.

The choice of music by Rob encouraged people to get up and dance which they did wholeheartedly.

It was a great night and raised the brilliant amount of €526.

So, thank you to everybody who came, enjoyed the evening and gave so generously.

Our second entertainment night took place a week later in Camposol. This was held outside on a warm and balmy evening. The American Diner & Bar along with Oscar’s Bar sponsored the evening and it was a great turnout.

Again, Rob Sweeney was at his best and had everybody singing and dancing in no time. In the meantime raffle tickets were being sold and lots of people were enjoying the meals from the bars.

Again, everybody attending gave so generously to the Royal British Legion that we raised an amazing €317 and £1!!

Our thanks go to the Bombay Calasparra, American Diner & Bar, Oscar’s Bar and of course, the fantastic Rob Sweeney.

To everyone that attended either night of entertainment, the Murcia Branch thanks you for your never ending generosity so that the total tally was €843 and not forgetting the £1.

Our next Branch meeting will take place on Thursday 28th September at 7pm at La Tapizzeria, Av. Cuidad de Matero, No 12, Cehegin.

WHAT’S ON IN PINOSO

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The Royal British Legion in Spain, has been very active during the annual fiesta.

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n Wednesday 2nd August Members attended the gigantic Paella party. They enjoyed food and drink followed by the traditional water fight.

On Saturday 6th August the Branch together with Donna's Zumba group took part in the Pinoso Fiesta and received huge cheers from the large crowds along the way.

Also on Monday 8th August representatives attended the Flower Offering and presented flowers and donations of food for the poor and needy. Later in the evening Members joined in the festivities dancing to Orchestra Athenas.

Future events include :Monthly Menu del Dia see our website for details.

Monthly Quiz, see our website for details.

A Car Treasure Hunt & meal on Sunday 24th September.

October Evening meal with entertainment, date to be confirmed.

Remembrance Service on Sunday 12th November followed by Lunch.

December Christmas Party Please remember, you do not have to be an ex Member of the Armed Forces to join. Meet people, make new friends and raise money to help the armed forces of yesterday, today and tomorrow.

N.B. Monthly Meetings held the last Tuesday of the Month 19:30 at Meson Tonet restaurant in Pinoso.

For more details, please contact: Email: robinson.sandra60@gmail.com : (0034) 693 790 843 Visit our updated website at http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/pinoso

Where does the P opp y M one y go?

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By Pamela Dawson Tasker

200,000 pounds is the amount of money The Royal British Legion spends daily on providing support to those who have served, or are currently serving, in the Armed Forces, and their dependants.

Yes, every day this amount provides practical care , advice and support to those who need it among the approximately 9 million eligible to receive it.

25% of those who receive Legion help are below the age of 44 which includes all our returning heroes.

The Royal British Legion in Spain District North has 19 branches covering an area larger than the UK! And this is how we help our members:

Assistance with mobility equipment or home adaptations Immediate needs grants for food, repairs and essential bills Bereavement support Replacement of washing machine or fridge Emotional Support and Advice Assistance with accessing the Spanish Social services War Pensions

WHERE DOES THIS MONEY COME FROM? From donations and legacies, events, lotteries and trading, care home fees, grants, membership subs, investment income and of course The Poppy Appeal.

The Poppy Appeal is where we, the ex-patriate residents here in Spain, can do our bit. 50% of the 136 million pounds raised last year year was spent on Welfare alone and that includes those in need amongst us here in Spain.

One last statistic: the money raised in the District for the Poppy Appeal last year was over 165, 000 euros. Can we do better this year? We hope so!

From mid-October the poppies will be blooming somewhere near you in supermarkets, clubs, bars, meeting places, in seniors resorts, Alicante airport – wherever a box is accepted.

If you would like to help us? order a box for your establishment from your local Legion branch.

Our website is: www.britishlegion.org.uk/counties/spain-north from there you can find the contact for your nearest branch.

Poppy Appeal money raised in Spain is spent on welfare here and any surplus is returned to the Benevolent Fund in UK.

Poppy Appeal Coordinator is Robin Hargrave: poppy.rbl.dns@gmail.com

It was very interesting to note when I received last year's figures that just 1% was used for governing the charity.

Or for further information about the appeal or the RBL in general, call Pam: 96 686 0735 pdawson802t@cv.gva.es

Hondon’s Summer Party 12

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he Hondón Valley Branch of The Royal British Legion held a Summer Party on 6th July at Bistro Rikki in Aspe.

It was a newly opened venue and the owners were very supportive.

120 members and friends attended and enjoyed a delicious meal followed by entertainment from member Dave Sparks ie. Sparky DJ Disco Roadshow and presenting the Dee Show - local female vocal artist. Dave as Captain Horatio amused us with ancient mariners songs and the like. A real treat.

Thanks goes to Lucy and Neil for organising such a great evening and for their Bazaar where you could charm a snake or two, throw a spear and win a mystery prize.

Arrangements are well advanced for the Branch Poppy Ball to be held at Ya Restaurant in Aspe on Friday 3rd November.

Superb menu available together with great entertainment. For more information please email Neil on neilucy30@gmail.com To find out more about the Hondón Valley Branch, please contact the secretary on secretary.hondonvalley3577@gmail.com or go to our website: www.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/hondon-valley

NEWS FROM TORREVIEJA

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he Torrevieja Branch will be holding their Annual Service of Remembrance on Saturday 11 November 2017.

The Service will be held at ‘La siesta Church’ in Torrevieja, and will commence ay 10.45am. Pleased be advised that seating inside the church is limited: seating will also be available outside at the front of the church entry.

A parade will be held leaving the medical centre (located at the side of the church) at10.40am and will be marching along the road to the church. The Pipes and Drums will lead the parade followed by the Standard Bearers of the Torrevieja and Orihuela Branches, the RNA, RM and RAFA. You are welcome to follow the parade if you wish to do so. Standards Bearers will march into the church at 10.45am. The last post will be rendered at 11am, by Ian Gibson. The Service will be officiated by Father Richard Seabrook SSC. After the Service wreaths will be laid at the Cenotaph.

Shown across the page are some photos of last year’s wreath laying ceremony at the Cenotaph.

All are welcome to attend.

Your Local Remembrance Services 2017 Branches are busy putting the final arrangements together for their Services in November.

Although a full list is not yet available, in mid October the District Website will contain a page of the various services, locations and timings.

Alternatively if you want to check dates now, please contact your local Branch.

Please go to: www.britishlegion.org.uk/ counties/spain-north

BENIDORM GO DUTCH OUR DUTCH MEMBER GERRIT SCHOTTE, VICE-CHAIRMAN BENIDORM & DISTRICT In September 1964, I started my training for one year to be a Marine in the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps (RNMC). , In January 1968, I went on the Petty officer course for one year.

Then I served in Europe, Carribbean and USA. After 10 years with RNMC I started my duty in August 1974 as a civil servant with the Ministery of Defence, department Royal Navy. Close to my roots.

While with the Ministery of Defence I had the opportunity to study and develop myself in different directions. From Librarian with the Royal Navy Hydrographic Service, ICT worker with the Royal Navy Computer Centre and working with the Military Social Service as Co-ordinator, Staff Business Administrator and more. On the 10th of december 2003 after almost 40 years of service with the Ministry of Defence, I retired.

I bought an old farm in Torremanzanas with 3 hectares of ground and 500 trees. 100 trees were Olives and the rest were almonds..

I became an olive farmer. to create, with my fellow farmers, the best olives and we worked to produce the best olive oil we could. We were proud of our "Oli de La Torre" Aceite de Torremanzanas.

I sold the farm in 2009 and since then I have lived on the coast in Altea, Alicante by a small harbour.

From that time I have worked with a number of clubs and associations and many times functioning as a committee member. In 2010 I came in contact with the Royal British Legion through my former function as secretary of the Association of Netherlands Veterans and Armed Forces. And later became a member of the Legion I am member of the RBL - branch Benidorm and District and am proud to be of service to them.

Gerrit was asked to elaborate on his basic information: What do you think of the work of the RBL and how do you like being a Branch Vice-Chairman?

The work of the RBL is important for the present, wounded, ex and

Former Royal Netherlands Marine, Gerrit Schotte, is the Vice Chairman of the Benidorm & District Branch retired service men and women and their families. The support that the RBL can give for those who need it and give them the right aid. It is a honour that the members will have the trust in a foreigner to be their Vice-Chairman.

Do you think it important for ex-servicemen of different armed forces to meet up?

Yes I think it is important because, only they know how important it is, to be there when your mate/buddy/comrade or how you want to name them, asking for help/understanding and support. That is a part of your skills as service men and women. You don´t just drop that when you leave the service in my opinion.

New Web Editor for RBL District North

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he new Web Editor for RBL District North is Nick Keen, a new member of the Javea Branch, who has been recently coopted onto the District Committee to take over from Peggy Wyatt, allowing her to concentrate more fully on her recruiting and retention efforts.

Nick spent 34 years as an officer in the Royal Corps of Signals, the last 6 at NATO in its HQs in Brussels and Mons, where he was a Committee Secretary, which included running web portals for the NATO Staff and the He tells us that he has no intention of making any radical changes to the excellent work Peggy has been doing however, he does ask those Branches that maintain a web page under the main RBL site, that that they have the right people in post, and of course that he is advised of their email addresses.

He says that he is always on the look-out for articles of wider interest that would be worth featuring on the District page - so send anything to him that you think might fit the bill - either as a stand alone article, or as a link to your Branch page Nick adds that some of the Branch pages look as though they haven't been updated for a while. “It's a bit late in the year for "spring cleaning," he says, “but I'm sure you get the idea - please take a few minutes to look at your pages and make sure that all the details of your

Branch Committees etc are up to date and that you have recent articles at the top of your "news feed".

He would also encourage all Branches to maintain web pages with which he will be delighted to assist. Likewise, those branches that might wish to move across their own ‘stand alone sites’ are encouraged to get in touch.

You can get in touch with Nick by email at: webeditor.rbl.dns@gmail.com

Calling all Royal British Legion Members in Spain North We invite you to join the team that administers our District.

Nomination forms to join the District Committee will be distributed soon along with the District Conference items so this is your chance to be part of the men and women volunteers who help to run the District.

You may wish to be considered for a ‘Specialist’ role such as Training District Chairman Officer, Community Support, Don Cubbon Fundraising, Public Relations etc.

The elections to the Committee are held at Conference and the term of office is for 1, 2 or 3 years. A summary of member responsibilities is available on request.

The Secretary’s role, which is a yearly appointment, becomes vacant from the close of Conference in January so members are invited to consider applying for this vital job. Again, a job specification is available.

Members with administrative, financial, fundraising or event organising skills will be welcome although full training for any role within the Committee will be given.

Come and join us, Contact the Secretary for further information: secretary.rbl.dns@gmail.com

WHAT WE’RE HERE FOR The Legion is at the heart of a national network that supports our Armed Forces community through thick and thin – ensuring their unique contribution is never forgotten. We’ve been here since 1921 and we’ll be here as long they need us.

OUR COMMUNITY As the country’s largest Armed Forces charity, we couldn’t be prouder of our national network of 220,000 members and over 100,000 volunteers. Without their passion and dedication, our work would not be possible.

We also work with many partners and other charities to direct support wherever and whenever it’s needed, so we can help everyone who approaches us.

SUPPORTING THE ARMED FORCES COMMUNITY THROUGH LIFE We support serving members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, Reservists, veterans and their families. Our support starts after 7 days of service and continues long after life in the Armed Forces.

We help veterans young and old transition into civilian life, helping with employment, financial issues, respite and recovery, through to lifelong care and independent living. From rehabilitation courses, to tailored personal support for recovery, homelessness and financial advice – we’re by veterans’ sides, every step of the way.

Every year we even take thousands of families on breaks, so they can spend some much needed quality time together. We also support older veterans with home adaptations, nursing services and through six dedicated care homes, run just for ex-service men and women.

La Val d’Albaida Branch This year we celebrate our 10th Anniversary, the Branch was formed in November 2007, with just 16 members, almost all had a Committee Position. Today we have 86 members.

Our claim to fame over those years is winning the District Recruitment and Retention award on 2 occasions, and weathering the new Membership system, only losing 2 members because of it.

Our disadvantages are that our Branch area is vast, meaning most members must travel considerable distances for our Monthly Trips, Meetings and Special Events.

We currently have no UK owned businesses in our Area, making the Sale of Poppy’s most difficult, in as much our Poppy Appeal starts the day after it ends.

We celebrated the occasion with our Summer Ball in July, with a great Dinner, entertainment by “That’s Life” Raffle and Mystery Prize.

Raising 713 euros for the Poppy Appeal. A big thank you to all the Members and Guests who attended.

We look forward to the years ahead, supporting The Royal British Legion. “Onwards and Upwards”

Do you have an unusual way of supporting the Poppy Appeal? Nicola Louden does it on her bike!

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CAMPOSOL FIESTA

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great morning at the Camposol Fiesta with the Royal British Legion Murcia Branch.

This was the first event like this that the Murcia Branch had attended so really didn’t know what to expect.

Pam Twissel-Cross from District came down to help and support us and gave some great advice to passing visitors.

Thank you to all who stopped by and generously donated to the Poppy Appeal.

Why We Do It

Billie E Graham Thomas, Murcia Branch

"If we think for a second that being part of the RBL doesn’t matter then let’s all think again," Last night I wore my RBL t-shirt to do some more advertising, as a committee member and that there is RBL in Spain, and now a Murcia Branch.

I was out with friends who were visiting from the UK, and my Hubby Carl was introducing the acts on the stage as part of the Total Star radio team.

I had 2 young men come up to me to shake my hand and say thank you for me for being part of the Royal British Legion Spain and for being there for their dad if he ever needed us, who was a veteran, and for them and that they didn’t even know Spain had an RBL Branch until they had seen our stall on the Saturday at the Camposol Fiesta.

Then they saw that I was a veteran and they said "thank you for your service" I’ve never been thanked for doing something that I loved doing or for being part of a fabulous team that are all dedicated to helping our past and present service personal.

Pamela’s interview on Camposol’s local radio station

So to our Committee members, if for a second you doubt what you’re doing, just remember what you have just read, as those 2 young men were serving soldiers with the Irish Guards.

Well done Team xxx Despite not knowing what to expect, we had a great day at the Camposol Fiesta

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Wayne and Skippy with guide Maria and owner Jaime

The Selected Viticulture of Bodegas Faelo What a wonderful day out on 12 September for fifty members and supporters of the Orihuela Costa and District Branch of The Royal British Legion.

Not quite the ‘high road’ but we nonetheless travelled north along the AP7 motorway to the city of Elche, where we enjoyed a fantastic visit and tour of the family owned and run winery, Bodega Faelo.

The wine tasting and food were both excellent as we had a wonderful experience, with everyone agreeing that it was most certainly well worth the visit.

Our guide, Maria, spoke very good English, as she shared with us the passion of the wine making process in this third generation, traditionally run family vineyard, which produces only organic wines.

We were greeted at the gate by Maria and owner Jaime who made us all most welcome

as they immediately guided us to the shade on a very hot September day.

Maria explained how Grandfather Rafelo started making wine in the 1930s for his family, how it was then extended to friends which has now grown into a successful local wine business based purely on tradition, lunar grape cultivation and innovation.

The history of the bodega was fascinating and we would have loved to be there at harvest time treading the grapes.

Unfortunately we missed it by just one week.

The picnic wine-tasting was a delicious way to savour the local flavours of wine and food. From 4 different styles of meats and sausage with manchego cheese, fresh bread and olive oil and then onto a luscious mixture of oranges, dates and fig cake. We really enjoyed the food.

Jean and Pam treading the grapes The wine complemented the flavours starting with a really nice chardonnay, L’Alba del Mar, followed by a rosé, L’Alba de Faelo,. We then moved on to La Dama, a red crianza and then Palma Blanca, a surprisingly good sweet muscatel. Although we tasted the standard Palma Blanca, when I left I purchased the ‘Especial Oro’ edition, which is the very same muscatel incorporated with flakes of gold, symbolising, we were told, happiness and prosperity, to be shared during those special moments.

This is most certainly not a mainstream winery but one that is run with passion and with soul. We spent a great time experiencing the whole process, and it is a visit that we would recommend to you all.

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Women at War Sourced from www.britishlegion.org.uk

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elebrations have been held all over the United Kingdom marking 100 years since women were allowed to join the armed forces.

On 7 July 1917 the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) became the British Army’s first all-female unit.

It was giant step for womankind: More than 57,000 served from July 1917-1921, including 10,000 in France. Its historic success was secured by two women ahead of their time: Alexandra “Mona” Chalmers Watson and Dame Helen Gwynne-Vaughan. Scientists, suffragists, pioneers; the WAAC controllers fought to convince patriarchal Edwardian society that women must have a more equal place in the world.

WAACS FIRST COMMANDERS They were cut from the same Scottish cloth: Mona Geddes, from a high-achieving Edinburgh family and Helen Fraser, product of an ancient line of Ayrshire and Aberdeen aristocrats. Yet their personalities could not have been more different; Mona was goodhumoured and encouraging while Helen was statuesque and abrasive. They complimented each other perfectly.

Mona was born in India in 1872, her father a civil engineer and her mother a trailblazer for women’s education. Mona was the first woman at Edinburgh University to qualify as a doctor, delaying her wedding to Dr Douglas Chalmers Watson so she could write MD on her marriage certificate. She was a suffragist but never involved in direct action, believing

that women should simply show they could equal men. The war was her perfect chance.

In December 1916, the army asked for 12,000 behind-the-lines roles to be filled by women.

Mona was chosen to lead the new WAAC but, with two young sons, was unwilling to go abroad.

Helen Fraser, by then Helen GwynneVaughan, a 38-year-old widow, was made overseas controller. Helen had military in her blood. Born in London in 1879, her father was a Scots Guards captain. She studied botany at King’s College, London, and, while campaigning as a moderate suffragist, became an expert on fungi. When she met Mona in February 1917 she said it was “the realisation of a dream”. Despite opposite personalities, the two became friends.

The WAAC was formally established on 7 July 1917. Mona said: “It is an advance of the women’s movement and a national advance.

Women have a direct share in the task of our armies.”

The 57,000 WAACs served in a variety of positions including drivers, clerks, signallers, cooks, bakers, orderlies, waitresses, codebreakers, printers, gardeners, domestics, typists and phone operators.

Mona resigned in early 1918, citing too many commitments. That year the WAAC was renamed Queen Mary’s Army Auxiliary Corps.

Disbanded in 1921, it paved the way for the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) in which 190,000 women served during the Second World War.

Helen led the Women’s Royal Air Force in 1918 before returning to academic life.

Between attempts to become an MP, she served on government committees and became one of the most distinguished women of her age.

When the Second World War came she was made head of the ATS, stepping down in 1941 amid allegations that she was out of touch.

After the war she continued in public service and died aged 88 at a Sussex RAF nursing home.

Mona, one of the first women CBEs, continued to campaign with many organisations. In 1923, she and her husband pioneered TB-free dairy herds using methods which were adopted across Europe.

She died in Kent in 1936 aged 54. Mona told a friend: “It’s been an honour to have lived through such great times for women and know the generation after us will not have the same fight for liberty.”

NOTABLE DATES In November 1917 the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS) was founded. It was disbanded in 1919 but reformed in 1939 at start of Second World War The Women’s Royal Air Force (WRAF) was formed on 1 April 1918 On 29 May 1918 nine QMAACs become the first British women to die on active military service when their trench is hit by a German bombing raid on Abbeville, France

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Military model expo pulls in the crowds The Military Model Exhibition attracted hundreds of visitors over the weekend at the MOE HQ, Detachment Teniente Morejón, in Cabo Roig, the military barracks just along from the Cabo Roig Marina.

Early visitors included Eduardo Dolon, the Valencian Minister for Tourism and two Orihuela Councillors, Sofia Alvarez and Damasco Aparicio.

The Royal British Legion was also well supported with the Orihuela

Costa’s two representatives from the Chelsea Royal Hospital, Skippy Teasdale and Wayne Campbell, along with local Branch Chairman, Secretary and Poppy Appeal Coordinator, Kevin Reardon, Jean Heald and Eddie Coleman.

The exhibition itself showed the Spanish Security Services, Police and Armed Forces through the years with models of air, sea and landcraft as well as complete military uniforms, lots of action photographs and dozens of lead soldiers.

Organiser Major David Vives with the Alicante Minister for Tourism Eduardo Dolon and Orihuela Councillor Sofia Alvarez

Human Poppy - Guinness World Record broken To mark the 50th Anniversary of Galanos House (TRBL Care Home in Southam), Southam College worked in partnership with the British Legion to break a Guinness World Record by attempting to get 2500 people to form a human Poppy. The event took place on 13 July 2017 and was a great success.

“We've had an incredible response to the 50th anniversary celebrations and we are thrilled to have set a new world record and mark a milestone year with a fantastic event.” These were the words of Galanos House Care Home Manager Jo-Anne Wilson after 2,609 people came together to create a giant human poppy – beating the previous record by 312! Members of the local community took part in the event held at Southam College, south Warwickshire, including local schools, Legion branches, the Women’s Institute and the Scouts.

Although Guinness is in the process of verifying the attempt, the number of people involved was a fantastic display of support for Galanos House. Jo-Anne added: “We are very grateful for the support the local community has shown us over the past 50 years – and look forward to the next 50 years!”

All in a night’s work for the RBL Chairman Don Cubbon, the Chairman of the Royal British Legion (Spain North), visited the Orihuela Costa and District Branch from his home in Valencia recently, a journey of over 250km, where he brought members up to date with ongoing changes in the organisation of the services charity, both in the United Kingdom and in Spain.

He congratulated the branch on the work that they do, saying that the Orihuela Costa is now firmly established as one of the outstanding branches in the country.

After briefly outlining his own plans for the District he spoke about recruiting and retention in the RBL generally and the steady rise in membership that it is hoped can be achieved following the appointment of the new Director of membership.

He then went on to explain his intentions with regard to the Great Pilgrimage 90 (GP90) which it is intended to be the Legion’s biggest membership event in it’s history when, on 8 August 2018, two representatives from every branch will carry their standards along the same route in Ypres to the Menin Gate, representing an entire generation that served while defending their country.

He explained that while the current organisation seems to revolve around branches based in UK he hopes to make arrangements so that members from Spain will be able to join the pilgrimage by travelling direct.

After his address, members enjoyed a buffet and a few drinks with the Chairman and his wife Lynn, prior to their long journey back to Valencia.

District Chairman Don Cubbon with Branch Vice Chairman Walter Shatford

BRITISH LEGION CHARITY EVENT Vistabella 21st September 2017 The British Legion hold a charity golf day each year and last year raised in excess of €3000 for the British Legion and Help 4 Heroes.

This year’s event will take place at Vistabella on Thursday 21st September 2017 which the LEADER are delighted to again support.

There will be 2 x shotgun starts in the day at 8.15am and at 2.15pm.

The competition will be in aid of the British Legion and the On Course Foundation which is a new charity that supports the rehabilitation of injured service personnel through golf and could involve getting them playing or finding work in the golf industry so again worthwhile causes.

This will be a 4 man team event with all four stableford scores to count.

There will be various prizes on the day along with the customary raffle and auction of green fee vouchers and competitors can book a baguette and chips for only €5 at the time of making the entry.

The price for the day is €48 each person (with a shared buggy) or €43 walking and these prices includes a raffle and a significant charitable donation and there will be an optional 2’s sweep for €2.

Spaces are limited to 60 players in each shotgun start and these places are already filling quickly.

Don’t worry if you are only a pair because the organisers will pair you up with other players to make a team.

To make an entry call Mick the Grip on 638 859 475 or Mick Gossage on 697 127 364

TO THE MEMORY OF THE FALLEN AND THE FUTURE OF THE LIVING CONTACT INFORMATION FOR SPAIN (NORTH) For all information and support enquiries only please ring 676 451 780

Or email: assistance.rbl.dns@gmail.com 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday For all other queries, please ring 648 860 251. This service is available between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Take a look at our website http://counties.britishlegion.org.uk/counties/spain-north ARTI ARTI C LE S F O R M I D D E C E M B E R E D ITI O N . To To reach reach the editor by

by Monday Monday 4 December at: office@theleader.info