November 2022 saw our third year of holding our annual service of remembrance at The Nueva Trinidad bar in Arboleas. Year on year more people were coming and more were wearing their medals, their relatives medals and some wearing their headdress too.
This year the Exhortation was recited by Keith Martin, The Kohima Epitaph by Graham Chandler, and the Poem “We stand here to remember” by Malcolm Leech. A lament followed on the pipes by Craig Badley. The turnout was in excess of 100 and was simply amazing.
We invited Almeria Radio to broadcast live, the service and Nicki Batchelor, herself a Fire Service retiree, presented the show live from outside the Trinidad, and what a great show it was too! Nicki, supported by her husband Gordy, provided music through the years, taking requests and just delivering a great moment for both MBLV and Almeria Radio. A huge thanks goes to Robbie and Cat and of course Nicki for setting up and presenting that day, it is hoped we can repeat again in 2023. Following the live broadcast Robbie even got the karaoke going for a group of well oiled veterans, retirees and guests. X Factor eat your heart out!
One thing that blew us away this year were the amount of donations towards the fundraising for the RBL. Amongst which was a lovely handmade poppy wreath made and donated by Alison Day! A big thanks must go to all involved, the helpers, those who donated, Almeria radio, the staff at the Trinidad, all of whom made the day what it was. This year with donations, the raffle and Dutch auction, a staggering €1,015.90 which was handed over on the day to Dennis Hibbert, the Chairman of the RBL, Zurgena branch.
If you came along, THANK YOU it is so important that we continue to remember our Glorious Dead and do what we can to continue to help the living.
