Welcome to the Orihuela Costa and District Branch of The Royal British Legion (BR3600)
Orihuela Costa Disritrit Branch BR 3600
Page last update Sunday 22 March 2026 at 2140hrs
May I wish you a warm welcome to Orihuela Costa and District Branch of The Royal British Legion it is the UK's leading Armed Forces charity and one of its largest membership organisations. Members get together through the network of branches and clubs all over the UK and overseas to participate in social activities, fundraising and welfare support.
The Orihuela Costa and District Branch meets at, 1600hrs on the first Friday of the month at The Captains Table, just off the N332, in Punta Marina.
The Branch was first approved by the Board of Trustees from RBL Headquarters in Pall Mall London on the 18th of January 2008.
The branch boundaries were set in place with Los Balcones at the southern edge of Torrevieja as its Northern Perimeter. The western boundary was formed by San Miguel de Salinas while the branch extended down to San Javier in the south.
Orihuela Costa & District Branch boundaries
As you maybe aware, membership is open to everyone. or any visitors to Spain, you're welcome to attend an RBL branch meeting, or an RBL event.
If you have an interest in the objectives of The Royal British Legion RBL and want to help and support those who have served and their families. We welcome men and women of all ages, whether they have served in the Armed Forces or not.
RBL membership ensures that:
- Remembrance is kept alive and that the sacrifices our brave Service men and women have made are never forgotten.
- The ex-Service community have a voice and that their concerns are brought to the public eye.
If you wish to contact us or to report any inaccuracies or omissions on this site, please email the Branch Secretary Mr Ian Connell on [email protected]
About The Royal British Legion
We provide financial, social and emotional care and support to all members of the British Armed Forces - past and present and their families. The Legion is also the national Custodian of Remembrance and safeguards the Military Covenant between the nation and its Armed Forces and is best known for the annual Poppy Appeal and its emblem the red poppy.
Founded in 1921, the Legion is not just about those who fought in the two World Wars of the last century, but also about those involved in the many conflicts since 1945 and those still fighting for the freedom we enjoy today.
Visit www.britishlegion.org.uk for details of our national initiatives.
Renewing Your Membership or Joining The Royal British Legion for the First Time. Contact our membership secretary David Blow [email protected]
or Ian Connell [email protected]
To renew your membership Online please follow link which now applies to renewals and updating membership details:
The Royal British Legion – Founded in 1921, it provides social and emotional support to those who have served or are currently serving in the Armed Forces and dependants.
• We have around 180,000 members in the UK and a further 8,000 overseas. We welcome men and women of all ages, whether or not they have an Armed Forces connection.
• District North Spain runs from the French border to Baza in Andalucía – an area larger than the size of the UK!
• The Annual Poppy Appeal raises around £50m worldwide and here in Spain District North we average around €120,000 each year to support our beneficiaries living in Spain.
• Nearly a quarter of those we help are below the age of 44: veterans can be as young as18 year so age. The youngest person we have assisted in Spain was only 6 days old, the daughter of a beneficiary.
• We campaign and lobby on a wide range of issues. Worldwide, we spend approximately £1.3m a week providing practical care, advice and support to our serving personnel, veterans of all ages, and families.
Contact Details:
Chairman: [email protected] Secretary: SpainNorth. [email protected] Community Support Coordinator:
Spainnorth.CommunitySupport@RBL. Community 9 - Welfare Officer
Tel: 676 451780–Mon to oFri 9am to 2pm
For additional information, please go to:
www.britishlegion.org.uk/counties/spain-north
The District Bugler is a member of our vis available for events, parades, church services and funerals
The Royal British Legion marks the passing of a veteran to the highest standard, each & everyone is dispatched with dignity.
The Royal British Legion District North has 14 Branches across Northern Spain
You DO NOT need to have an Armed Forces background, All nationalities welcome
The primary aim of the Royal British Legion is to support serving members of the Royal Navy,
Royal Marines, British Army & the Royal Air Force, Reservists, Veterans & their Families
We are always in the search of more branch community caseworkers across District North Spain.
Training will be provided if you can assist with any of the voluntary positions
For joining, please use:
Or you can call the UK Free Phone Number:
Please attend one of our Branch Meetings or Social Events and we will assist with either an Online Membership Application or Call the Membership Help Desk on your behalf, it's that easy.
or use the QR CODE below & then follow on screen instructions
We're dedicated to supporting the Armed Forces Community - Wherever they are.
For all information, advice and support enquiries, please call
Mark Benton + 34 711 040941
Our team are just a phone call or an email away. If you’re calling from overseas you can reach our helpline team on
+44 (0)20 3376 8080. Lines are open 8am to 8pm, seven days a week (UK time). You can also email us on
[email protected]Welfare & Community Support
Branch Community Support (BCS)
Branch Community Support (BCS) is a volunteering service which is delivered by The Royal British Legion (TRBL) members. The programme centres around providing one-to-one social support to those who are lonely, isolated and in need of companionship.
A weekly phone call or face-to-face chat can be an amazing way to help someone know that there is a network of people who care about them. From reliving old memories to helping someone connect with their community, BCS helps us to reach the most isolated people within the Armed Forces Community. Our supporters are the eyes and ears of TRBL, enabling us to identify and reach those who need additional help.
Telephone Buddies, Technical Social Media Support.
Our Telephone Buddying/Technical Social Media Buddies Programmes offers individuals the opportunity to connect with a trained BCS and a Welfare Supporter who can reduce loneliness, provide companionship and a sense of community.
A Telephone Buddy/Technical Media Buddy can provide meaningful support to those in need, offering regular conversations or media chats that help improve wellbeing and bring a sense of connection and happiness each week.
Home and Help Visitor
As a Home & Hospital Visitor, your help can make a world of difference. Regular check-ins with a friendly, familiar face provide comfort, stability, and a sense of routine. During vulnerable times, this consistency can offer reassurance and give individuals something to look forward to.
For more information on the above services or volunteering to help with the BCS team please contact
Mark Benton
Phone + 34 711 040941
Julie Benton
Phone + 34 711 044353
For Information, advice and support enquiries only, please ring 676 45 17 80 or email:[email protected] 10am - 2pm Monday to Friday
Outside of these hours contact the UK call centre 7 days a week 0800 - 2000 on
+ 44 2033768080 (full rate).
Welfare and Support Services
- Assistance: Offers financial aid in crises, help for homeless veterans, advice on compensation claims, and assistance with care homes or independent living.
- Support: Provides home or hospital visits and a "buddy" service.
- Coverage: Covers areas like Murcia, Alicante, and along "The Costas".
- Emergency: For urgent welfare needs outside of office hours, the UK helpline is available 7 days a week at 0044 (0)2033768080.
Key Contacts
Branch Officers & Committee Members:
A
The Orihuela Costa & District Branch of the Royal British Legion
has recently emerged from district administration, we have already been recognised with a number of prestigious district level awards, reflecting the branches renewed vitality, commitment, and success.
On the 20th of January, Spain District North held its annual general meeting (AGM) in Benidorm, where the Branch had the honour & privilege of receiving significant recognition for its outstanding achievements.
Among the honours presented was the "The Fallen Hero Award" a distinguished accolade within RBL Spain District North. This award is presented to the branch that achieves the greatest annual increase in funds raised for the Poppy Appeal, recognising exceptional dedication and effectiveness in fund raising. While distinct from individual honours such as long service awards or (unsung heroes) recognition, it embodies the same spirit of commitment and voluntary service that lies at the heart of the RBL's mission to support the Armed forces community. The Orihuela Costa & District Branch were able to raise 16.776.50 euros in aid of the Poppy appeal. every euro raised, remains in Spain.
Recruitment Kukri (Winner)
In addition, the branch was also presented with the Recruitment Kukri, one of the District's prestigious awards. this honour is awarded annually to the branch that records the highest percentage increase in membership over the preceding 12 months, acknowledging outstanding recruitment efforts and sustained branch development.
Together, these awards underline the remarkable progress made by Orihuela Costa & District branch in a short period of time and highlight the dedication and hardwork of its members and volunteers.
Remembrance Day in Orihuela Costa is organized annually by the Royal British Legion on the second Sunday of November, featuring a solemn memorial service for fallen service members. Held at Mil Palmeras Church, the event brings the British community and residents together to honour war dead with wreath-laying ceremonies and a parade.
The Royal British Legion
Key Details About Remembrance Day in Orihuela Costa & District:
• Location: Mil Palmeras Church (Capilla de las Mil Palmeras) is the traditional venue for the Orihuela Costa and District branch service.
• Timing: The service is held on Remembrance Sunday (the second Sunday in November), often starting around 10:45 am or 11:00 am.
• Events: The ceremony includes traditional elements like the 2-minute silence, the Kohala Epitaph, the playing of the Last Post, and the laying of poppy wreaths by local officials, community leaders, and members of the public.
• Poppy Appeal: The Royal British Legion Orihuela Costa branch carries out extensive fundraising throughout the area, including local bars and businesses, to support veterans.
• Community Support: The event is attended by many British expats and locals, often with a parade marching after the service, reflecting on those who served, fought, and died in conflicts since World War I.
• The Royal British Legion
Note on Spanish Remembrance: Separately, Spain holds a "Day of remembrance and tribute to the victims of the military coup, the Civil War and the Dictatorship" on October 31, which was commemorated on December 10 in 2025.
Date for Future Events
Friday 22nd May 2026 - Op TELIC 15th Anniversary
Thursday 18th June 2026 - Charity Golf sauciness Golf club
Saturday 6th June 2026 - Bugler - La Zenia Beach honour D Day SaturdayJUNE,
Saturday 6th June 2026 - Saltchurch, Los Montesinos 18:30hrs doors open at 1830hrs
Op TELIC, 22nd May Operation TELIC - was the codename under which all of the United Kingdom's military operations in Iraq were conducted between the start of the invasion of Iraq on 19 March 2003 and the withdrawal of the last remaining British Forces on 22 May 2011. The bulk of the mission ended on 30 April 2009 but around 150 troops, mainly all 3 services remained in Iraq until 22 May 2011 as part of the Iraqi Training and Advisory Mission. 46,000 troops were deployed at the onset of the invasion and the total cost of war stood at 9.24 billion pounds in 2010. with a loss of 179 members of the armed forces whom sadly died, around 3500 service men & women were injured.
TELIC came from the Greek Telos end purpose or goal however to all service personnel its meaning was;
"Tell Everyone Leave Is Cancelled!!"
The Remembrance Service is to commemorate the Fallen, the wounded and all members of HM forces who served on Op TELIC is the 15th anniversary.
Friday 1030 - 1100 on the 22nd May 2026
The service will comprise of a Poem, Act of Remembrance, the Last Post and the Kohima Epitaph. It is the intention of the remembrance service to commemorate the fallen, the wounded and all members of The Armed Forces who served on Op TELIC, The 15th anniversary comes as if the memories were only yesterday. Let us all pay homage and take time out to remember to show respect & dignity
Charity Concert - Saturday 6th June 2026 - Saltchurch, Los Montesinos 18:30hrs doors open at 1830hrs
to purchase the tickets (10 euro) will be made available
email - Malcolm Rusbridge [email protected]
Thank you so very much for making 2025 yet another exceptional year for the Poppy Appeal, the outstanding amount of 16.776.50 euros, Well done to everyone concerned.
This was the best ever for the Orihuela Costa and District and our thanks must go out to the general public and to the businesses of the area which have once again shown the pride and gratitude they have in our Armed Forces with their wonderful response. We must also thank "Bob the Bandit" Smith, our appeal coordinator, as well as our members who have so generously given of their time.
Thank you all again for your efforts.
Welfare work carried out by the RBL is a lifeline for thousands of serving and ex-Service people and their families, the single biggest fundraising event for which is the annual Poppy appeal.
Here on the Orihuela Costa that appeal is an ongoing operation with the 2025/26 campaign now well and truly underway.
Fundraising is carried out at a multitude of local events, which can vary from collections in local bars and restaurants, and benefit concerts, to the sale of RBL memorabilia.
Then, from the 3rd week in October we see the Launch of the main campaign of the year with the launch of the Poppy Appeal, taking us through to Remembrance Sunday on 8th November, during which time members of the public and military alike wear a poppy to remember the passing of friends and family as well as the huge sacrifices made by our Armed Forces throughout the decades.
There are many ways by which you can support the Royal British Legion. Find out more by bookmarking and regularly visiting these pages.
Remembrance Day in Orihuela Costa is organized annually by the Royal British Legion on the second Sunday of November, featuring a solemn memorial service for fallen service members. Held at Mil Palmeras Church, the event brings the British community and residents together to honour war dead with wreath-laying ceremonies and a parade.
The Royal British Legion
Key Details About Remembrance Day in Orihuela Costa & District:
• Location: Mil Palmeras Church (Capilla de las Mil Palmeras) is the traditional venue for the Orihuela Costa and District branch service.
• Timing: The service is held on Remembrance Sunday (the second Sunday in November), often starting around 10:45 am or 11:00 am.
• Events: The ceremony includes traditional elements like the 2-minute silence, the Kohala Epitaph, the playing of the Last Post, and the laying of poppy wreaths by local officials, community leaders, and members of the public.
• Poppy Appeal: The Royal British Legion Orihuela Costa branch carries out extensive fundraising throughout the area, including local bars and businesses, to support veterans.
• Community Support: The event is attended by many British expats and locals, often with a parade marching after the service, reflecting on those who served, fought, and died in conflicts since World War I.
Spanish Remembrance: Separately, Spain holds a "Day of remembrance and tribute to the victims of the military coup, the Civil War and the Dictatorship" on October 31, which was commemorated on December 10 in 2025.
The Royal British Legion is recognised as the national custodian of Remembrance. Remembrance Sunday, the second Sunday in November, is the day traditionally put aside to remember all those who have given their lives for the peace and freedom we enjoy today.
Our most recent service was held in the Orihuela Costa on at the Capilla de las Mil Palmeras chapel.
Members Stories:
If you have anything that you would wish to contribute to these pages please email the [email protected]
In this section I am hoping to build up an archive of memories, provided by branch members, of one or more aspects of their military service, their service with the Royal British Legion, or the military service of a family member.
If you have anything that you would wish to contribute to these pages please email the [email protected].
Joyce Lee, is a 2nd World War Veteran, has just turned 101 and continues to live life with joy and energy. her big smile, reflects her kind heart, and strong spirit. Joyce was born in West Yorkshire in 1924, The daughter of Sally & Alfred Goodall. at just 16 years old, Joyce lied about her age to join the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS). after completing her training she was posted to 524th Heavy (mixed Anti-Aircraft Battery) part of the 152 mixed (heavy) Anti Aircraft Regiment, and was promoted to Lance-Corporal. Joyces military service was officially rated as exemplary. She was awarded the defence medal and the war medal 1939-1945. she served at Spurn point and stone Creek, between and hull and Spurn Heads, sites that played a key role in defending Britain during the War. these locations were part of major Anti-Aircraft Gun operation and was staffed by both Men & Women. Joyce worked there as a Radar Operator, alongside other ATC members. During the war, Joyce met her husband. together, they raised 4 children. for the past 12 years, she has lived in Spain, with her daughter Sue, continuing to enjoy life with the same strength and cheer she showed in her youth.
Pictured with Joyce is being presented a certificate of appreciation with Spain District North Chairman with our dedicated welfare team, Mr Paul Kane, Mark & Julie Benton
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The first of our 'recollections' is a story provided by Geoff Matthews, circled above, who was Petty Officer on HMS Pearl when it rescued over 50 members of the crew of the British merchant Dumfries, while on convoy duty in 1942.
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Mark Benton;
I joined the Army as an Infantry Soldier in May 1987, I was enlisted as a junior leader in Winchester, I then became a Royal Green Jacket, & was selected for promotion as a Junior Sergeant part of the Light Division following training I was assigned to the First Battalion the Light Infantry following an administrative manpower issue within the regiment's. despite the small setback 1LI - only had 6 months remaining in Northern Ireland, during this tour I had just turned 18 years old, during a routine Patrol I came into contact with members of the IRA, my patrol stumbled across a massive weapons and ammunition C'ache, following the patrol I was awarded a Mention in Despatches (MID) on completion of my tour.
I then was posted to serve a 30 month tour of duty in Berlin (then BOAR)
Berlin was a very ceremonial posting always flying the Colours of the Battalion at Armed Forces Day, Victory parades in the olympic stadium and allied forces parades. Berlin was a very memorable posting as I there lucky enough to see the Berlin Wall taken down and German reunification.
I was then posted back to the 2nd Battalion the Royal Green Jackets, who were currently based in Dover part of the ACE Brigade, training in Norway on many occasions, I was lucky enough to be posted to Belize for a 6 month tour, It was here I found my Signals & communications routes I attended the Standard 2 Signals Cadre. On return back to the UK I was then deployed back to Northern Ireland for a 6 month tour in Belfast.
I was then posted to Paderborn in Germany part of (BFG) 20th Armoured Brigade, this was home to me for 12 years, from Paderborn, Deploying to Cyprus, Poland, Canada & to Bosnia, part of the UN Rapid reaction forces, then following deployments with IFOR & SFOR. I served in Bosnia for a period of 4 tours equal to 2 years deployment. I was also deployed to Kosovo as part of a NATO peacekeeping mission (KFOR).
In total I served for a period of 28 years, Completed tours of Iraq on Op TELIC & Afghanistan on Op HERRICK, memories that will stay in my mind forever. In 2012 I had the Huge honour of meeting Her majesty Queen Elizabeth II In Salisbury during her Diamond Jubilee celebrations I was the guard Commander for the Parade & was presented my Diamond Jubilee medal. meeting the Queen was an honour and I was very privileged.
Proud & Honoured to have served
"SERVICE NOT SELF"
