Remembrance
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.
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The Zurgena and district Branch held its Service of Remembrance on Monday 11
November 2013 at the RENFE building La Alfoquia.
The service was conducted by the Rev Pauline Williams.
The reading's were by Mrs Chrissy Maywood
Then followed the laying of the Wreaths by Mr. Ken Simpson and
Mr. Dennis Hibbert and the placing of personal crosses at the Altar.
The Last Post was played by Mr. David Sharp followed by the Exhortation
and 2 minutes silence,Reveille and the National Anthem the reading of
Kohima Epitaph brought the service to an end.
Approximately 100 members and guests attended and then enjoyed a buffet.
The Committee would like to thank the Rev Pauline Williams for officiating at the
service, Mr.Johnny Slade for providing the music and Mr David Sharp for playing
the Last Post and Reveille also members who provided the refreshments.
We would like to express our appreciation to Mr. Phillip Waddington the Branch
Standard Bearer, Branch Members, visitors and especially representatives from the
Town Hall who attended, strengthing the bonds between the Spanish and Ex-Pat
communities.
Remembrance is a very personal thing.
For members of The Royal British Legion wherever we are in the world Remembrance is part of our lives.
The phrase "We will remmber them" said at the start of every meeting is an opportunity for everyone present to remember people lost or injured in conflicts over many years.
Here in Spain , we should also remember all those Spanish people who lost their lives during Spanish conflicts.
Members of the RBL Zurgena Branch, have dedicated a Tree of Remembrance in
La Alfoquia as a point of remembrance for everyone. Somewhere, where we can all go on a special day, to give thanks for the sacrifice of family members and friends on our behalf.
The Alcalde of Zurgena Snr. Luis Raz Garcia planted the tree on Thursday 3rd October and said " I am pleased to be asked to be apart of of this Act of Remembrance and I fully support the idea of communities becoming closer.
Also present where Snr Trebalon Fernandez and Mr. Jim Simpson from the Council in Zurgena and Mr. Ken Davis, Chairman of The Royal British legion Zurgena Branch.
Many other members of the Branch attended the the ceremony. All hoped that the tree of Remembrance wou;ld help to bring the two communities of Spanish and Ex-Pats closer together.
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Service of Remembrance, Thursday 11 November 2010
With the kind permission of Padre Manuel Herada and the Zurgena & District Royal British Legion Branch held their second Service of Remembrance on Armistice Day Thursday 11th November in SAN RAMON NONATO CHURCH Zurgena..
The service was well attended with over 60 people from the local branches, Jim Simpson our Local Councillor with Apologies from the Zurgena Mayor.
The wreaths were laid by Des and Joan Riley and personal crosses laid by members of the congregation.
The poem of Flanders Field was beautifully read by Sheona Wheeler
The lessons were read by Betty Simpson branch membership secretary.
After the service members then retired to Latinos for a buffet.
The branch would like to send their thanks to the Mayor, Padre and villagers of Zurgena for their hospitality and use of their church for this occasion
The personal crosses which our members laid in the church have with kind permission of Ken Simpson been placed in a quiet secluded part of his garden.
SERVICE of REMEMBRANCE, FRIDAY 11 NOVEMBER 2011
SAN RAMON NONATO CHURCH, ZURGENA
At ten forty a.m. our service of Remembrance commenced with the branch standard being carried in to the church while the congregation sang "Onward Christian Soldiers" this was followed by the Welcome from our Branch Chairman Mick Gardiner.
Then came the laying of the wreaths at the steps in front of the altar performed by Ken Simpson and Christina Friend followed by the placing of personal crosses.
There then followed a reading by Sheona Wheeler of the poem "In Flanders Fields."
The Lesson was read by Mrs.Betty Simpson, this was followed by the singing of the hymn "Amazing Grace."
THE ACT OF REMEMBRANCE
The sounding of "The Last Post" and the dipping of the standard in homage to the fallen
Then came "The Exhortation" after which the Two Minutes Silence and time for reflection.
The sounding of "Reveille" and the standard raised.
The congregation then sang the National Anthem during which the standard was dipped in Royal Salute then raised at the end of the Anthem.
A few words of thanks to the congregation were spoken by Mick Gardiner after which he followed with the "Kohima Epitaph.
The service ended with the congregation in procession being led from the church by the branch standard.
Unfortunately, due to being called away on an emergency, the local parish priest Padre Manuel Herada was unable to conduct the relegious ceremonies.
Following the service there was a buffet luncheon held at Bar Latinos, La Alfoquia.
Finally, the Branch Committee would like to thank all those who helped and to all those who attended the service.
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Service Of Remebrance Sunday 11th November 2012
RENFE Building La Alfquia.
The Service started with the hymn "Onward Christian Soldiers"
Mick Gardiner welcomed the congregation and invited ken & Betty Simpson to lay the wreaths on behalf of the Branch, members then placed personnel crosses.
Sheona Wheeler read the poem "In Flanders Fields".
After The Act of repentance and The Lords Prayer, the lesson was read by Sheona Wheeler.
THE ACT OF REMEBRANCE
The sounding of the "Last Post", was followed by "The Exhortation" and quiet reflection during the 2 minutes silence.
The Reveille was sounded and The National Anthem sung.
The service was concluded with thanks from Mick Gardiner and the "Kohima Epitaph"
A buffet was provided by the members themselves and over 60 attended the event including some non members.
