Whilst much is made of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal leading up to Remembrance in late October and November the actual Legion fundraising goes on all year round.

On the Orihuela Costa there are many regular campaigns, events and activities that take place throughout the year, both by the branch organisers themselves and by other clubs and businesses.

One such organisation is Alfies Golf Society in Lomas de Cabo Roig where the Poppy Appeal was chosen as the Annual Charity during 2017. 

Members always donate an absolute minimum of 200 euro during every appeal, last year being no different, but as the Society Captain’s chosen charity, monies were still being counted up to the very end of the year.

Last Thursday, on the occasion of Burns Night, and following on from the Society’s successful outing to Villamartin, the former Captain, Ian Connell, used the opportunity to announce details of the monies raised and to present a cheque for 800 euro to the Poppy Appeal Organiser Eddie Coleman.

Ian said that he was absolutely delighted to support the charity which, as a former Royal Engineer, had always been close to his heart. Eddie Coleman responded by thanking the society for their generosity saying that it was a magnificent sum that would get the 2018 campaign off to an extremely good start.

In 2017 the branch raised almost 45,000 euro which is now in the hands of the Welfare Officer, Spain, where it is already being put to extremely good use.

The Orihuela Costa Branch of the RBL meets at the Olympia restaurant, Mil Palmeras, on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7.00 for 7.30pm. The branch enjoys many social functions, and everyone is welcome.

The District has 19 Branches and all arrange varied social events, as well as raising money for the Poppy Appeal and supporting our beneficiaries. New members are always welcome and you do not need to have an Armed Forces background to enjoy all the Branch has to offer.

Locations and details of all Branches can be found on the website: www.britishlegion.org. uk/counties/spain-north. For support and information, please email assistance.rbl.dns@gmail.com or call 676 451 780.