Branch Awards presented at the District's Annual General Meeting (AGM) in January 2026
"The Fallen Hero Award"
The Royal British Legion (RBL) Spain District North Fallen Hero Award is a prestigious honor presented to branches demonstrating outstanding efforts in the Poppy Appeal, often awarded for the highest percentage increase in collections or significant fundraising totals. It is a limited edition piece of artwork.
Key details regarding the award include:
• Purpose: The award recognizes branches that excel in raising funds for the Poppy Appeal, which supports beneficiaries and veterans in Spain.
• Award Structure: It is a, signed, limited-edition art piece by Sue Evans, depicting a brass artillery shell turned into a soldier’s forage cap on a bed of poppies.
• Context: The award is presented during the District's Annual General Meeting.
The Branch has been part of the larger Spain District North which was recognised for its progress at the Maurice Cup. At the AGM we had the honour & privilege of being presented the Fallen Heroes for most money Raised.
The Recruitment Kukri

As a branch we was also presented with the Recruitment Kukri for most new members joining the branch within the year. The Recruitment Kukri is presented to the Branch that has achieved the most Membership percentage increase across District North Spain within the twelve months preceding the conference. Presented February 2025/6. This is all to the credit of new members joining the Orihuela Costa & District branch, our numbers continue to raise and this award reflects the dedication and commitment of all members of the branch.
Considering that we were under District administration for a period of almost 3 years. a massive well done in recognition for the branches commitment and belief.
(Julie & Mark Benton (Chairman) - Wendy & Geoff Thomas)
The Lewis Shield
What a glorious day for Spain District North, our largest haul of awards ever. Showing that all the hard work is paying off and is recognising the efforts of our members, Branches and branch committees working together.
The district was awarded the Maurice Challenge Shield a huge recognition of the work done by District & Branch Committee Members as we move forward.
Our own, Katie Jane Matthews of Orihuela Costa & District Branch received a well deserved recognition award for her work towards the Poppy Appeal & was awarded second place in the Lewis Shield.
As District Chair, I think we can all take a pat on the back before we all get down to what we are here for looking after our Beneficiaries.
Our own Katie Matthews - coming runner up in this years award
Certificate of appreciation awarded to "John Harper - From the Havana Bar"
Thank you for your support and hospitality
from all the members of the Orihuela Costa & District Branch
Certificate of appreciation awarded to "John Harper " March 2026
In March the branch had the honour and privilege on hosting Hugh Ramsey from Northern Ireland, He was very kind enough to present the branch with the pendent showed below, we hope to forge a relationship between both branches
Spain District North Presentation of the Fallen hero award
BR 3600 on tour November 2025
RBL Standers on Parade 2025
Wreath Laying at the La Gunna Tavern Nov 2025
Kathy Bennett's continued to support to the branch, raising 106 Euros for this event. and many events for then Vega Baja Veterans social group raising funds for the poppy a 
Geoff Thomas & Kathy Bennett in receipt of 106 Euros from the Vega Baja Veterans Group
