17 January 2008

The Royal British Legion Orihuela Costa and District Branch was formally inaugurated lastThursday at a meeting held at the Olimpia Restaurant, Mil Palmeras.

Approximately 60 prospective members attended what was to be a social evening with a talk on The Royal British Legion in Spain by the District Recruiting Officer David Young. At the meeting the audience then decided that this was the time and place to form the branch.

Volunteers for the main officers of the branch were agreed by those present and the resolution passed.  Kevin Reardon volunteered to serve as Chairman, with Colin Middleton offering to be his Vice Chairman. Sally Conway who is currently a caseworker with Torrevieja Branch, assumed the role of Welfare Chairman while her better half, Dick Conway was happy to take on the financial side of the branch as Treasurer.

The post of Secretary was filled by Eric MacDonald who was tasked to carry out his first duties immediately by signing membership applications from the 30+ applicants. George Faulkner offered to take on Entertainments for the branch and spoke about possible events.

Welfare cover by the 3 caseworkers in the Branch is now provided from Punta Prima to Mazarron and Camposol, reducing the strain on Torrevieja Branch. La Manga Branch who were established last week, just days before Orihuela Costa, will take over responsibility for San Javier to Mazarron and Camposol when their Welfare Chairman Davina Nicolson, completes her training in the near future.

The branch agreed, after returning a short questionnaire, to hold their meetings in Olimpia Restaurant, Mil Palmeras on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7pm. 

The Branch has a website already running at www.orihuelacosta-rbl.co.uk where information can be found regarding The Royal British Legion and the Branch.

District North of Spain now has 19 Branches covering from Perpignon in the extreme North to Roquetas de Mar in the south. More information on Branches and Welfare cover can be found at http://spainnorth.legionbranches.net

The photo shows the new committee from left George Faulkner, Sally Conway, Kevin Reardon, Dick Conway, and Eric MacDonald, with David Young rear left and Colin Middleton rear right. (Photo still being sought...have you got a copy?)

Anyone can join the Royal British Legion no matter what colour, creed or nationality all they have to do is agree to the aims and objectives of The Royal British Legion.