RBL Remembrance,
THIS year’s Act of Remembrance will take place at the Old British Cemetery, next to Mercedes Kombos, in Girne, on Sunday November 8, it has been confirmed.
Attendance at the event has been limited, however, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, as reported by CyprusToday earlier this month.
“Those attending must wear masks throughout unless we are guided differently by the authorities [and] hand sanitiser will be available in various locations around the cemetery,” Royal British Legion (RBL) Kyrenia Branch chairman David Horsfall said in a statement on Tuesday.
“Temperature tests will be completed on all guests entering the controlled area. All guests must maintain social distancing and no group photographs are to be taken. There is also to be no hand shaking and [Civil Emergency Service Volunteers] 112 will be at the ceremony.
“Those wishing to attend may do so at their own risk and must abide by police and zabıta [municipal police] instructions.
“We must stress that seating is only available for those invited and will be in a controlled area.”
The proceedings will begin at noon when “all wreath layers are to be signed in at the entry points for Covid-19 tracking purposes,” Mr Horsfall said.
At 12.30pm the Union Flag will be raised and the Book of Remembrance placed in position, with the Act of Remembrance Service starting at 12.40pm.
The ceremony will conclude with a two-minute silence beginning at 1pm.
Meanwhile 1,760TL was raised for the RBL Kyrenia Branch Poppy Appeal last Saturday at an “Alternative Quiz” night at Mushy’s Cafe in Alsancak.
A total of 30 people took part in the event that saw Mr Horsfall take on the role of quiz master and Jean Bradley acting as the
“Trolley Dolly”. Malcolm Griffiths provided assistance at the charity fundraiser.
Participants paid 40TL each for a set meal, with teams of four paying 40TL to enter the quiz.
Prior to that a breakfast fundraiser was held on Wednesday, October 21, at the Road House Bar and Bistro in Alsancak, although the amount raised has yet to be confirmed.
“It was a fantastic morning event where people collected specially made [poppy] face masks as well as donating to the Poppy Appeal,” Mr Horsfall said. “Many chose to have a Full English breakfast.” A “Poppy Launch 2” event was also held at Tim’s Café and Bar in Ozanköy on Thursday from 11am to 2pm. Attendants were able to purchase poppy masks, donate to the Poppy Appeal and meet RBL Kyrenia Branch officials.
On Tuesday, a “Remembrance dinner” event will be held at the Eagles Nest in Küçük Erenköy at 7pm. There will be a three course dinner and “Prosecco on arrival, canapés, coffee and port” followed by a disco.
The night will also feature a talk from “Soldier J, MM, MID” on “what remembrance means to him” and an “auction of promises” in aid of the RBL Kyrenia Branch. Tickets, which are limited to 40 places, cost 250TL per person and can be purchased by calling Mile on 0533 842 4807.
On Wednesday, November 11 – Armistice Day – a quiz and dinner will be held at Azra Claire’s Asian Restaurant where doors will open at 6.15pm. The quiz will start at 7pm and costs 70TL per person. The fee includes food and entry to the quiz .
Mr Horsfall added: “Despite the difficulties related to the Covid-19 restrictions, we are still receiving great donations for the Poppy Appeal that will go towards the RBL and the welfare of ex-servicemen and women and their dependants, as well as those of the Cyprus Regiment.”