Poppy Appeal Launch 2017

The Annual Launch of The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal in Spain took place in Benidorm last Friday.  Once again the parade was lead by the Torrevieja Pipes and Drums and their music brought holiday makers from the beach to watch the parade at the Rincon de Loix. Following the Band were the many Legion Branch Standards as well as a number of other military organisations.  Marching in the parade beside the veterans, were people representing a number of different nationalities.

The Alcalde of Benidorm, Sñr Antonio Pérez Pérez, welcomed everyone to the city . Other guests included Elizabeth Bell MBE, Vice Consul at the British Consulate  in Alicante,  Sgt. Michelle Kadshaw RAF from Madrid, representing the Defence Attaché  and Mrs Una Cleminson,  the Legion National Vice Chairman.   Regular attendees from the Royal Hospital, Chelsea were the very popular Arthur “Skippy” Teasdale and Wayne Campbell MBE looking splendid in their scarlet coats.

The Parade finished in the Rincon de Loix where Mr Donald Cubbon, Chairman of District North, led the various speeches ending with a presentation to Sñr Pérez Pérez of a framed Certificate in appreciation of the tremendous support from the Benidorm Ayuntamiento.

The ceremony concluded with music from the Torrevieja Pipes and Drums, to much applause from those gathered. A truly spectacular day.

This year's Poppy Appeal Launch will take place in Benidorm on 27 October, starting at 12.00 noon.  Further details can be found on the poster below.