I was delighted to attend the Eastern Algarve Summer lunch for the Portugal Branch of the Royal British Legion. It was held at Restaurante Nora Velha in Tavira and they did us proud with a lovely selection of tapas accompanied by two superb wines. It was great to see several new faces - now targets to become our newest recruits - and of course our lovely regular attendees, some of whom travelled quite a way to attend the event.
There was a little surprise on the day for Trevor Morgan; Due to several house moves, he and his medal for Long Service & Good Conduct and his Falklands medal, had parted company. He reapplied for them and after a lot of time and hard work by many, the medals eventually arrived in the Algarve. At our lunch we had a mock presentation to mark the occasion of Trevor and his medals being reunited. Many thanks to Flight Lieutenant Dougal Gow RAF (Reserves) who awarded Trevor his medals at the lunch. In keeping with tradition, the Dolphins Wings badge, which was also a replacement, had to be passed to Trevor via a glass of rum. Trevor had to drink the brandy whilst avoiding swallowing the badge – thankfully he did but it was touch and go!! Many thanks to Stephen and Dawn-Marie for organising such a great occasion.
Our next event is our Summer Garden Party on August 27th with entertainment from Portuguese accordionist Luis Jose! It is being held in the gardens at Casa Vida Nova , Sao Bras De Alportel and it will be an ‘all you can eat posh picnic lunch’ with ice creams, cakes and plenty of drinks. It will take place from 11am to 3pm and EVERYONE is welcome. The cost is 19€ with a 2€ discount for members.
To book please contact Stephen at bland.sg@gmail.com or by phone on 967 742 930 – places are limited.
At that event, there will be a prize draw to support the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. However, what they really want to do is grow the membership. It costs around £23 a year – forget the financial or social benefits you may get for that – what you really get is that you are supporting such a good cause and you are part of a community. But most importantly, you will help provide support to the Armed Forces community and their families – they have done so much for us, it would be good to give something back. If they were needed to protect us tomorrow, they would, let’s be there for them today.
Wherever you are, please consider supporting us. Contact our membership secretary Stephen Bland at rblportugalmembership@gmail.com who would be delighted to hear from you.
Written by Jo Tarling - Media Rep for the Portugal and Atlantic Islands Branch of The Royal British Legion
