The Royal British Legion in Portugal is planning two events in the Algarve to mark 100 years since the end of World War One. And RBL Portugal Chairman Jacquie Collins is asking people in the region to attend either one to pay their own tributes – “Lest We Forget”.
She said: “We are fortunate in having two events: an ‘End of the War Dinner Dance’ to be held at Restaurant A Cegonha at Camping Albufeira on November 10 for the Algarve region generally; and on the same date there will be a dinner dance at the Hotel Belavista da Luz for those in the west, which has as its theme ‘A Time To Say Thank You’.”
Jacquie explained: “We marked the centenary of the First World War in August 2014 with an event in Almadena, western Algarve, and have marked several notable anniversaries since then.
“The branch was proud to be represented at the Great Pilgrimage parade and service at the Menin Gate earlier this year and it is only appropriate we mark the end of the war this Remembrance Tide.
“A hundred years may have passed but we still remember the suffering and sacrifices that were made by so many. The Legion grew out of that suffering and its role is still pertinent today for our armed services personnel (current or retired) and their dependents.”
Sue Salisbury-Howe, RBL Western Algarve Events Organiser, added: “My husband is ex-Military Police and I have also been a military wife, so I have first-hand experience of army life!
“We should always be grateful for the sacrifice that was made for us, to be able to have peace and democracy.
“It doesn’t matter how long ago it was – these people need to be honoured and remembered and we can do this by helping the RBL with fundraising and awareness events.”
The Albufeira dinner, which costs €29 per person, begins at 6pm with a sparkling wine reception. Then, at 6.30pm, everyone is asked to join in a singalong of WWI songs.
The four-course dinner will be served at 7pm and the entertainment is provided by Victoria Yellop, followed by The Abba Divas and Susanne Wilson.
The three-course dinner at the Hotel Belavista in Praia da Luz is priced at €23 per person with a 7pm reception for 7.30pm start. Nigel and Sarah from Collar & Cuffs have donated the evening’s entertainment.
Early booking is recommended.
Colin Hearn (Albufeira venue) – colinhearn998@gmail.com
Sue Salisbury-Howe (Luz venue) – 969 324 117 | casahobo@sapo.pt
