BRANCH HISTORY –  From 2008 - To Present

The Orihuela Costa and District Branch 3600 of the Royal British Legion was first approved by the Board of Trustees from its Headquarters in Pall Mall London on the 18th of January 2008.

In January 2026 following a period of nearly 3 years absence due to being placed into District administration, was are now back with a new committee, new focus and new ideas, we also have the backing from Spain District North.

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.

Meetings are held at the " The Captains Table" on the 1st Friday of the month.

Many of the previous events of the branch were not fulfilled regarding AFD 24/25 & Remembrance 24/25. In January 2026 thanks to our new branch officers and  committee members in-particular our treasurer we were able to regain control of our branch Bank account can confirmation that we are now out of administration.

Key Historical Events;

inauguration,

Inauguration 2008; the branch held its first inaugural meeting on February 27th 2008, electing Ann Faulkner as it first chair, followed by Keith Carter and then Kevin Reardon 

Branch Standard

The Branch dedicated its official branch standard on September 18th 2008 provided by members.

Remembrance Services:

The first major remembrance service was held in November 2008 at the Church of Mil Palmeras becoming a corner stone of the branch activities.

Growth & Awards,

The Branch has been part of the larger Spain District North which was recognised for its progress at the Maurice Cup. The Royal British Legion (RBL) Maurice Cup Challenge is a prestigious award presented to a County, District, or Section that demonstrates outstanding compliance, membership support, and promotion of the RBL within its community. It is one of the highest honors awarded to RBL administrative levels for progress, efficiency, and furthering charitable objectives. 

Key Details regarding the Maurice Cup (RBL):

• Purpose: Recognizes progress, efficiency, and commitment to RBL goals.

• Award Criteria: Evaluates compliance, support for members and beneficiaries, and positive promotion of the RBL in the community.

• Nomination: County committees nominate branches, while Membership Council Representatives nominate counties.

Branch Awards presented at the District's Annual General Meeting (AGM) in January

"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.