Benidorm Mayor Agustin Navarro and Deputy Gema Amor arrived in time for the 12 Noon start - but the real stars of the parade had to be the two Chelsea Pensioners, immaculately turned out in their distinctive scarlet coats who had come over specially for this prestigious occasion. 
As was to be expected for ex service personnel, the procession started bang on time. The wonderful sound of the Torrevieja Pipes and Drums at the head attracted plenty of attention, especially from those sunbathing on the beach. The route was lined with both locals and holiday makers who cheered and clapped as they passed by. In addition to members of the Royal British Legion and former British military personnel there were also representatives from the Dutch Veterans.
When the procession arrived at the Rincon de Loix everyone made their way to the stage which had been erected by the Town Hall. Royal British Legion District Chairman Chris Wyatt made the opening speech and introduced each speaker, the first of which was Gema Amor - with translation made by Yolanda, Director of the Tourism Foundation. 
British Consul Paul Rodwell followed onto the lectern, having made the journey from the consulate in Alicante. He spoke about the huge importance and hard work that the RBL do, quoting quite an astounding figure in the process. In 2002 the poppy appeal here in Spain raised 23,000 euros... last year, 2012 it raised an incredible 171,000 euros! Virtually everyone present wore a poppy... and with great pride too.
The Standard bearers stood on either side of the stage, in the full sun and unfortunately the 30 degree heat became too much and one passed out - but has recovered now. They looked jolly smart in full dress and a credit to the RBL. 
Chris Wyatt then spoke about the significance of the poppy and explained its significance. The poppy was chosen because it was the flower that was prolific in the war fields and read out the beginning of the moving poem by John McCrae "In Flanders Field" - In Flanders Fields the poppies blow, Between the crosses, row on row...Robin Hargrave, the poppy appeal Co-Ordinator said a few words followed by the Mayor Agustin Navarro. He was presented with a plaque by Chris Wyatt on behalf of the RBL and made his speech in Spanish, with a few hiccups but to the cheers and applause of everyone, including the Mayor!
There were lots of lovely ladies (and one man, Peter) rattling buckets on behalf of the poppy appeal, to which everyone was more than willing to give - well done ladies, you all did a great job - and special mention was made by Consul Paul Rodwell of one, Lesley who looked fabulous in her union jack sequin dress!
A very moving moment came when "The Last Post" was played by a soloist on the stage - all the Standards were lowered and everybody stood up. At the end of this official ceremony the Pipers played both the Spanish and British National Anthems - and I noticed that the National Police stood to attention and saluted to both. 
I managed to sit down and have a much needed drink and chat with the two stars - the Chelsea Pensioners after the official ceremony had finished. I/P Arthur "Skippy" Teasdale, aged 84 and Wayne Campbell aged 76 and what charming and funny gentlemen they were. Skippy - everyone calls him that he told me, had only last week been at number 10 Downing Street as guest of Mrs Cameron and this week here they were in Benidorm... life couldn´t get any better!Both of them have been resident at The Royal Hospital in Chelsea, a retirement home for British soldiers for 3 and 4 years respectively - they are regarded as the "new boys" apparently!
They recounted many tales, telling me about their lives and even attending the Chelsea football matches at nearby Stamford Bridge - what an amazing pair they are and made special mention of a Christmas tradition. The world renowned chef Gordon Ramsey has his restaurant, aptly named "Restaurant Gordon Ramsey" literally a stones throw away on Royal Hospital Road. 
For the last 18 years on a Saturday just before Christmas he invites 50 of the Chelsea Pensioners for lunch at his Michelin starred restaurant - treating them to the full works including champagne and on the way out he places a miniature bottle of brandy in each hat! He closes the restaurant to the public and gets all his staff in to help - what an incredible gesture and one that is never publicised. Respect and well done Gordon is all I can say...So the 2013 Poppy Appeal is now officially launched - many bars in Benidorm will have collection tins.... please give generously to this very worthy cause to help support those that have fought in all the conflicts worldwide.