With Remembrance Day approaching, preparations are well underway for the distribution of Poppy Collection Boxes to our regular supporters. If there are any other shops, bars or restaurants who would like a Poppy Box please contact our Poppy Appeal Co-Ordinator, Dorothy Allen on 95252 8324.
The Annual Nerja Branch Poppy Ball will be held at the Caves Restaurant, Maro on Friday 9th November, 7.15pm for 8pm. The evening starts with complimentary reception drinks and canapés followed by a four course dinner with wine included. Music and entertainment will be provided by the Flying Dolphins and Barry Marx. Thanks to the Caves Restaurant management we have been lucky to be able to keep the ticket price at €35. Ticket sales are going well for this very popular event. The closing date for ticket sales is Tuesday 6th November so if you are interested in attending please contact Nick Ball on 95252 2630 as soon as possible.
We are holding a Sponsored Walk/Stroll again this year – all proceeds go to the Poppy Appeal. The walk will start at the Hotel Al Andalus in Maro on Sunday 4th November at 10.30am, going to the Puente Restaurant in Nerja via the Balcon de Europa. We are hoping to better last year’s total which was in excess of €1500, so please support us by taking part or sponsoring a walker. Everyone is welcome to join in and Sponsor Forms can be obtained from Marilyn Adams (95252 6423), Nick Ball (95252 2630) or Dave Graves (654 085 811).
Since 2008 the Branch has raised and donated over €83,000, a magnificent amount for a relatively small branch of less than 150 members. Of this total €28,913.00 has been donated directly to the Royal British Legion Annual Poppy Appeals. The membership approved a donation of €34,000.00 to the National Memorial Arboretum, going toward the building of an indoor exhibition centre for school visits which will help to raise the profile among the younger generations of the purpose and work done by the Royal British Legion. This year we have also donated €20,000.00 to be divided equally between the four Personnel Recovery Centres (PRCs) in Tidworth (Hampshire), Colchester, Catterick and Edinburgh. These PRCs have been set up by the MoD, working with the RBL and Help For Heroes, to assist in the care and rehabilitation of wounded Service men and women returning from theatres of conflict, particularly Afghanistan.
Finally, we would like to thank all those people who give their support to this most worthy charity, ensuring that the Nerja Branch continues to flourish. RBL membership is open to all, whether or not they have served in the Armed Forces. Contact any member of the Branch committee for further details.
(News/events: Royal British Legion)