Are you wearing yours?
The official launch of the RBL Spain District North Poppy Appeal took place on the Levante beach front last Friday, October 18 – an area which stretches down as far as Almería.
As has become customary, the Torrevieja Pipes and Drums, followed by the Standards led the parade, which was a truly spectacular sight.
As they made their way down the promenade, everyone stood and applauded. Holidaymakers jumped up and rushed forward when they heard the bagpipes, with mobile phones in hand snapping and recording away and no doubt uploading to their friends back home. People sitting in the bars, already indulging in a lunchtime pint – well it was noon, stood up and clapped and I even noticed a number saluting, obviously serving or former veterans, a quite emotional sight.
In addition to members of the Royal British Legion and former British military personnel, the real stars of the parade were the two Chelsea Pensioners – Wayne Campbell and Arthur “Skippy” Teasdale, immaculately turned out in their distinctive scarlet coats, who come over specially for this prestigious occasion every year and it is a real honour and privilege to have them. Over the last nine years that they have been coming to Benidorm, I have got to know the boys quite well. The gents are both resident at The Royal Hospital in Chelsea, a retirement home for British soldiers and been there for nearly 10 years now.
Chelsea and in particular the Kings Road was my old stomping ground and I recall passing the stunning building many times popping in and out of Peter Jones.
They were in their element and Skippy couldn’t wait to share the news that next year he turns 90 and will be coming back here to party! Wayne is the younger of the pair by 8 years but both rode around upon their chariots – mobility scooters, as finding it a struggle to get about nowadays. But I can assure you, there’s certainly nothing slow or clouded with their memory. They still remember a conversation I had with them on one of our first encounters when I mentioned that my daughter had been in the territorial army whilst she was at university. I told them her desire to go to Sandhurst but our hesitation and obvious fear as parents that she’s be sent off to some war zone like Afghanistan or Iraq. Selfishly, I was more than relieved that she ended up taking a different career path, but they still ask about her. In fact, Wayne asked if I come over to London and I replied I plan to visit before Christmas so he gave me his card, inviting us both for a tour of the Royal Hospital followed by lunch there! That is something we are both really looking forward to.
But back to the poppies… you will see numerous businesses around here with boxes containing the traditional paper poppies, but now also metal badges, rubber wristbands and an assortment of other poppy related items in bars, restaurants and shops – British run or owned, only asking for a donation in exchange.
Most are very generous too – in fact, last year’s appeal here managed to raise over €176,000! That money stays here – it doesn’t all get amalgamated in some central pot which many probably don’t realise, and used to help those in their time of need living right here on the coast! Some of the things it was spent on last year included furniture, stair lifts and the purchase of mobility scooters for those finding it difficult to walk. By making a donation for your poppy you are supporting those who have dedicated their lives to serving their country. Every year is a challenge to raise more, especially in the current financial climate but be assured that every single cent is spent on beneficiaries, be they serving men and women, veterans or their families who can also experience difficulties dealing with the circumstances of a loved one who is serving or who has served.
The work of the Legion is as relevant and vital today as it was in the aftermath of the First World War when the charity was founded. The Armed Forces community lives all around us and the Legion’s support happens in unexpected ways in unexpected places.
I find most ex-pats very patriotic in this respect, wearing their poppies over the next fortnight but get the impression that it is not quite the same in the UK. The changing cultural make up of Britain almost makes it feel awkward to do so. In the States they virtually put their service personnel up on a pedal stool and everyone treats them with deep respect. Yet in the UK army personnel are told not to wear their uniforms out in public to avoid being targeted… just so sad and wrong.
On Sunday, November 10, there will be numerous Re membrance services, with the main one at the Cenotaph on Whitehall in London. But they also take place right here too. One of the highlights over that weekend is the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall, which takes place on Saturday, November 9.
Wear your Poppy with Pride and give generously to help the charity’s continuing welfare work, helping support those that have fought in all the conflicts worldwide.
www.benidormallyearround.com