April 2023 Lunch

30 members and guests enjoyed a fabulous lunch at Sofia's restaurant in Javea. A huge thanks to Drew and the team for providing great service and delicious food. Thanks also to Jay and Claudine for organising this event.

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Christmas Luncheon - 15 Dec 23 2022

Javea branch Royal British Legion (RBL) held its Christmas luncheon at Restaurant La Cocina, Javea on 15th December 2022. The restaurant, once again, did the branch fantastically well, providing a warm and friendly atmosphere. From the moment of stepping across the threshold, to leaving, everyone had a wonderful occasion. Thank you La Cocina.

The event was, once again, organised by Pam and her body of willing helpers. A big thank you to you all. Everything seemed to go smoothly, but this was reflected in the amount of organising that must have gone into preparation for the event.

It was nice to see so many members, and friends of the branch together. It was also a time to remember those that have been lost, including those lost from the branch this year.

Prizes were awarded to each member and guest.

Some more photos of the event may be seen here.

Remembrance Service 13 November 2022 - Fisherman's Church, Javea.

A service of remembrance took place in Fisherman's church, Javea, sponsired by RBL Javea Branch. It was well supported, including many members of the local community.

The event was opened by the branch president, Roger Dawes, with readings taking place by a number of people form the branch, and one from a representative of the Airfoce Association here in Javea. During the service some wreaths and crosses were laid by the congregation, and a wonderful performance by the choir of Lady Elisabeth school was enjoyed imensely by the congregation.

More photos of the ocasion can be found here.

Poppy Appeal Luncheon - 2022

After the branch AGM a luncheon was attended at Barnaby's restaurant, Javea. It was well organised by Bobby and Tony Edmynds; well done, and thank you.

During the meal a raffle was carried out with proceeds going to the branch Poppy Appeal fund.

Barnaby's kitchen pulled out all the stops and presented a very nice meal for everyon, dependant on their individual choice.

Queen Elizabeth 2 Jubilee celebration:

The Royal British Legion, Javea branch, took part in this event which was held at Javea park in the grounds of Digby's, a local bar/restaurant in Javea.

The branch provided a stall, detailing it's banner and merchandise. The branch was present to provide it's continuing promotion of the RBL in Javea; it's membership, camaraderie, and above all it's continued development in recruitment and support in the local area(s). Raising awareness not only indicates to the locality that the RBL has a presence in Javea but, helps to develop outlets for the Poppy Appeal, and teach the aims of the Poppy Appeal.

Javea branch has a thriving social scene, and more of the past events we have held can be seen below. Up coming events can be seen here.

As well as the RBL Javea being present it was also an occasion for others within the community to display stalls at the event.

The bar/restaurant did a lively trade ranging from tea, coffee, to soft drinks and beers. There was also food on offer.

People were very generous in donating funds to the Poppy Appeal which the branch was collecting for. RBL literature was available describing the role of the RBL, and it's  aims.

Some photographs of the event can be seen here.

Ibiza Trip - 19th to 22nd May 2022

Well, as the saying goes, been there, done that.

The Branch ventured on it's long anticipated visit, and stay, to hotel La Cala, Santa Eulalia, Ibiza. 23 people set off from Denia port on Thursday 19th May, later than planned due to a ferry operator issue but, all were in high spirits, and looking forward to what lay ahead. The ferry was a pleasant experience mainly and took 2 hours from sailing to docking. On arrival at the port of Ibiza, the coach was waiting, we boarded, and a very short period later, we were at the hotel La Cala. Reception was handled smoothly, and we were all able to occupy our various rooms to freshen up before dinner, which was in operation as we arrived. The restaurant at La Cala deserves a special note as it was well presented, with the various food stations filled with choices to suit everyones taste. A theme throughout our stay.

Friday saw a lovely bright start. The weather has gotten back to the Spain we know after an unusual March and April, which was overcast, rainy and cold. This warmer weather put everyone in good spirits to enjoy their day. No official outings were planned, enabling members of the party to do their own thing. The breakfast bar(s) were again extensive, and the restaurant was a pleasant starting point of the day with the restaurant staff fully attentive, and efficient. Again multiple choices were catered for. Members of the group dispersed to enter into their own activities; some walked, some visited the town, beach area or wandered the shops. One group decided to play cards but, whatever was entered into, people got enjoyment from the casual day. After dinner, most gathered in the bar area, where a nights conversation took place, recounting  their day, and what was planned for tomorrow.

Saturday saw an identical start to the day as Friday. This day saw a semi organised event for some of the party - a train trip to a number of locations on the island, culminating in a visit to a local market.

Others met new friends.

Saturday evening, post dinner, another evening spent recounting various activities during the day.

Sunday, departure day, ran very smoothly with the party meeting in reception to await the coach arrival. A short trip back to the port of Ibiza city and all aboard. The sail back to Denia was non eventful, and on arrival in Denia people went their separate ways home.

A lovely time was had by all, and it was heartily agreed that we should have a similar outing from the branch in 2023. Thanks must go to those organisers for arranging what was a fantastic value for money, enjoyable outing. It brought many members of the branch, and visitors together, which will only go to strengthen the camaraderie of the branch, plus enhance the branches societal commitments.

Some photographs of the occasion can be seen here.

The End

Anniversary Lunch - 28th April 2022

 Dear friends,

The Javea branch of the Royal British Legion held its annual birthday celebration on 28th April 2022, marking the 32nd year of the branch, which was formed in 1990. The Chairman and committee welcomed over 30 members to the lunch, held at Salt restaurant, Javea. A 3 course meal with all the trimmings was had by all. Good wine, beer or soft drinks were also available for diners to enjoy.

The afternoon was superbly supported, and the Chairman, Mike Huggins, thanked Sue and Dave & Pam and Roger for their organisation of the event, which was splendid. Mike further thanked all members for attending as without the dedicated support of members there would not be a branch, a branch growing in strength and popularity, demonstrated by the success of the 2021 Poppy Appeal, and presentation of The Fallen Hero Award. The Chairman lastly thanked Salt and the staff for putting on a lovely meal, and also laying out the restaurant so beautifully for the occasion, which was a closed event, for branch use only.

It was also an occasion to say "thank you, but not goodbye" to our friend, and spiritual mentor, Father Marcus and his wife Sandra. Father Marcus is retiring after a decade supporting our branch and the wider community here in Javea. Father Marcus has guided us spiritually, and morally through the past 10 years, including the Covid Pandemic, a massive achievement for such a big character in our branch. He will be sadly missed at our Remembrance services, etc. However he has left a fantastic legacy, and is ensuring the new Padre is up to speed on all our services. Father Marcus and Sandra are heading away, touring and having some time to themselves, a well earned rest after a dedicated career as a Padre. Sandra and Father Marcus will visit us, the branch, from time to time.

Car Treasure Hunt

A treasure hunt was held on Tuesday 29th March 2022 commencing from the Branch meeting address, Paris 24, Javea.

A photograph taken en route.

A more comprehensive list of photos of the event can be found Here

Javea Branch of the Royal British Legion held its annual Car Hunt, Cream Tea and Quiz on the 29^{th of} March. With five teams on the road and four in the quiz in the afternoon the day started with the first team leaving Paris 24 at 11.35 am and the last at 12.25pm, the route saw the teams travel from Javea through, Gata De Gorgos, Pedrguer, Benidoleige, Orba, Tormos, Sagra, Benimelli, Beniarbeig, El Verger and finishing for Cream tea at the El Toro Bar and Restaurant in Els Poblets, all teams were at El Toro by 13.35, sights seen/and some of the 40 question on the way included Two Large Wales, the Mongo, Caves at Benidoleige, Town and village gardens, Town Hall in Sagra, Sculptures in El Verga etc.

At Bar El Toro the food was excellent, and the ladies out did themselves on the choice and variety of cake, sandwiches and the scones, cream and jam provided plus beverages. The cream teas were laid on By Clair and her staff, at Bar El-toro including Karen, and Andria and special thanks go out to them and to the Quiz Master Gavin. The quiz was held after the cream teas and finished the day with a great competitive spirit and a few laughs, there were no losers on the day all had great fun and enjoyed the days activities finishing with all teams leaving with a small token for their valiant efforts after the quiz.

The Winning team for the car Hunt was After Car, Driver and Navigator Claudine and Jay, well done to them both, the day finished at approximately 4.30pm after many cakes, and light refreshments had been washed down with a glass of cava, beer or tea for the drivers. The chairman would like to personally thank the teams for taking part.

Javea Branch 30th Anniversary Dinner

After months of enforced closure, Javea Branch was able to hold its postponed Anniversary Dinner in Blackflame, Monte Pedreguer on 26^th September 2021.  Initially planned for March 2020, the Branch finally managed to celebrate 100 years of The Royal British Legion and 30 years since the foundation of the Branch itself almost 18 months late.

The event was a sell out and we were treated to some fantastic food and live entertainment in the form of DJ Mick Dennison from PureGold FM and from “The Songbird” and “The Cheeky Blinder”.  Although the restrictions in place still didn’t allow dancing, it didn’t stop us singing along to some well known tunes and a fantastic time was had by all and it proved an outstanding way to not only commemorate the double anniversary but also to welcome new members and reconnect with old friends after so long.

Our thanks go to Mike Huggins for organising such a great event and to the staff of Blackflame for looking after us so well. 

You can find the full album from this wonderful evening here.

Afternoon Tea - March 2019

On the 7th of March 19 Branch members and friends attended an Afternoon Tea at "SALT" restaurant in Javea ,we were favoured with beautiful weather, a Cava welcome, tea, cakes and sandwiches - an very enjoyable and relaxing  afternoon. You can see more pictures here.

Treasure Hunt

The Branch held a Car treasure Hunt from Javea to Nou Portet restaurant in Murla on 20th February. Seventeen people took part over a course cunningly set by the Chairman and a table top quiz.
We were blessed with beautiful weather and the course wound its way through a lot of the blossom in bloom at the moment in the Val de Pop.  We enjoyed excellent food in a friendly environment, the only black mark on the day was our President Roger and his wife our treasurer won both the Treasure hunt AND the quiz!!! More photos here.

Centenary Concert 

Under the mighty baton of Musical Director Jo Baldwin, The English Choir of Teulada-Moraira gave a moving concert  entitled “The War To End All Wars” it is in the celebration of 100 years since the end of World War 1.

The concert was held at Espai La Senieta Theatre in Moraira on 2^nd and 3^rd of November.

They also organised an exhibition of Great War memorabilia in the same building which runs from 29^th October to November 18^th much of the artwork has been provided by Lady Elizabeth School  and Javea International College  students some of whom will also be joining the choir on stage to play a part in the concert.

The choir president Susan Elles had been researching the event since January this year and she had written a truly wonderful script which is at times is very poignant, at times very joyful, telling the story of the conflict with poems and popular music of the time. The concert was held in support of Alzheimer’s Association.

For any other information about the choir or if you would like to sing with them please contact Judith on 634 348 915.

Or visit www.theenglishchoirteulada.com

Favebook.com/englishchoirteulada

MINI CRUISE TO DENIA

On Saturday 27th May, 27 members of the Branch took advantage of the spring sunshine to travel from Javea to Denia by ferry.  While most of us are familiar with the view of Cap Sant Antoni from the port itself, many of us had never before seen the impressive view of the sheer cliffs below the lighthouse as seen from the water.  After the short voyage, members took advantage of the attractions of Denia: from the interesting streets, the ancient castle, the many and varied (and frequently expensive!) boats in the marina to the sampling the wide variety of cafes and restaurants.  A great time was had by all.

More photos here.

FUND RAISING FUN DAY

On Saturday 25th April, Digby's Bar in Javea very generously sponsored a Royal British Legion Fundraiser by hosting a fun day.   There were a wide variety of stalls, activities and, of course, plenty to eat and drink.  At the end of the day over Euro 1050 had been raised towards the Poppy Appeal.  Thank you to all those who so generously donated their time and their money - especially to Loz and Jason, the "victims" of The Big Shave!