Standing Proud

This lunchtime, I attended The Royal British Legion Benidorm and District dedication of a brand new standard (flag) at a special ceremony held at Cuidad Patricia and conducted by the Revd Canon Peter Edwards.

This is quite an achievement for the branch as in the last few years numbers had dwindled drastically but under the guidance of Branch Secretary Pamela Dawson Tasker, membership has grown to surpass the 50 mark.
Father Peter conducted a short service and the 4 Standard Bearers - Helen Lloyd, Eddie Coleman, Jim Haythorpe and Rick Sheils stood proudly at the front - 2 came from Orihuela and 1 from Torrevieja to stand alongside the newly revealed Benidorm & District Branch one.

John Derrick, Deputy Chairman gave a short speech as did Pamela, both thanking all those that attended the occasion, but more importantly to those that support the Royal British Legion throughout the year.

Marilyn Rogers, Events Co-Ordinator dedicates many hours to organising fundraising events to raise money for the association, which helps both serving and ex service men & women wounded through service to their country. The main objective of the Benidorm branch is to raise money for the poppy appeal, which will be launched in October. They are planning on a big ceremony complete with marching pipes and drums and the newly dedicated Standard.

At the special service today

You do not need to have been a serving member of the forces to become a member of the RBL - something which I didn´t know, but with a daughter who is a member of the Territorial Army I shall certainly take an active part in the poppy appeal this year. The poppy is a symbol of remembrance for those who died serving their country, not only in the two World Wars, but increasing in the numerous current conflicts across the globe.

The British should wear their poppy with pride and NOT made to feel uncomfortable by certain outspoken Muslim fanatics, as happens so often in the UK now.


The group welcomes all to attend their monthly general meeting, held at The Cuidad Patricia Resort in Benidorm on the first Thursday of every month at 1pm. If you are a visiting Legionnaire and would like more information, pop by The Geordie Bar and speak to Stuart.