The event was to benefit two very worthy causes - The Royal British Legion and local dog charities, with ALL the proceeds of the afternoon being split in half. It was decided that the dog charities which would benefit from the money would be Benidorm, La Nucia and Busot Dog Homes - they would each get an equal third share.

 

Representatives of the RBL Benidorm branch included Chairman John Derrick, Vice Chairman Pamela Dawson Tasker and Social Secretary Marilyn Rogers - pictured with hosts Des and Wayne who were all overwhelmed with the turnout and support from both local ex-pat residents and holiday makers. I spoke with John and he told me that since the Poppy Appeal launch the profile and support of the RBL has increased considerably and thanks to events such as today will continue to do so. 

 

There was a terrific line up of top entertainers, who all gave up their Sunday afternoon to support the event thanks to Wayne´s persuasive charm. Some of those that kept the crowds entertained included the fantastic voice of Jill Ryan, Ruby Rocks and The Dreamgirls, The Beatlettes, Deb n Her as well as comics Gary George and Tony Scott. He knows everyone worth knowing and is a fantastic organiser of such things, and together with partner Des managed to also get some fabulous prizes for the raffle. 

 

Alan Skelding and partner Paula both work at the La Nucia Dogs home - Alan is employed there and Paula is a volunteer... in addition working at the Riviera hotel where she is a dance teacher for the hotel guests. They spoke to me at length about the La Nucia home, which has now been open for 8 years and currently houses 250 dogs! 

 

Alan is on call from 8am till 8pm and although the home is not open until 10am, he and Paula arrive every morning at 8am to clean, hose and bleach the kennels down - whatever the weather, before it opens to the public. They also return during the day to administer any medication which poorly pooches may require, 365 days a year.... it is certainly a vocation for them both. They are open from 10am until 1pm Monday to Saturday and they are always looking for volunteers to take the dogs for walks, so if you have a few spare hours and obviously are a dog lover then pop down to see them - they are located just beside the l´Alberca Industrial estate in La Nucia (contact number 648 100 640).

 

When the home is closed there is an open kennel where dogs can be left and without fail there is hardly ever a day when someone hasn´t left one. Although partly funded by the Town Hall there is never enough to cover all the costs which is where donations are vitally important. The vet bills alone can run into thousands every month - any dog which is adopted is vaccinated, sterilised and microchipped before leaving. They are always on the lookout for any olds towels and blankets which as you could imagine, for so many dogs is a difficult job - in fact, all of the homes would welcome any if you have spares. Faithful volunteers Val Bloom and Mal Snelson have a stall on El Cisne rastro every Saturday to help raise funds for the La Nucia refuge - pop along and have a word with them if you would like any further information.

 

The afternoon raised a total of 2500 euros - 1000 euros went to the Royal British Legion and 500 euros went to each of the 3 local dog homes - the money was rounded up so that each of the 3 dog charities got an equal amount. A huge thank you on behalf of Wayne, Des and all the recipients - the money will be put to very good use and they are all truly grateful for the generosity shown by everyone. Don´t forget that Wayne is still collecting Christmas gifts for the children of Emaus and any donations can be dropped off at the Showboat - ideally before 23rd November.