RBL News
Madrid Branch news is further down the page
Veteran Card approved as voter ID in the UK
Tuesday 15th October 2024
The government has backed the armed forces community by allowing HM Armed Forces Veteran Cards to be used as Voter ID in forthcoming British elections, while a wider review of the Voter ID policy takes place to understand its impact on citizens.
The government has laid a statutory instrument in Parliament to put the HM Armed Forces Veteran Card on the list of photographic identifications accepted in polling stations as Voter ID, in addition to the already accepted MOD 90 ID card.
A thorough review of the Voter ID rules is currently underway with firm proposals on the policy set to be brought forward in due course. However, while this takes place the government has taken immediate steps to address gaps in the current provision by including the Veteran Card on the list of acceptable IDs.
Source
RBL names new National President
Tuesday 1st October 2024
We welcome Vice Admiral (Rtd) Paul Bennett CB OBE to the RBL as our next National President. We know he is a passionate advocate for those who serve and have served and will bring his insights and significant experience to our work during his term. He joins us ahead of this year’s Remembrance period to represent the RBL at this year's Remembrance events and beyond, and we very much look forward to working with him in his new role.
His first duties as National President will be to represent the RBL at key ceremonial events, including the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph and our Festival of Remembrance in November.
The First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Ben Key KCB CBE ADC, said: “I am delighted that Vice Admiral Paul Bennett has been appointed as National President of the Royal British Legion. Paul had an exemplary career in the Royal Navy, culminating in roles of Commander of the UK Maritime Forces, and Chief of Staff of NATO Allied Command Transformation. Positions requiring significant oversight and leadership to deliver complex outputs across multiple organisational domains. I am sure that his experience and passion will be hugely valuable in his position as RBL National President.”
Vice Admiral Bennett joined the Royal Navy in 1985 and enjoyed an extensive career at sea, including several roles ashore. He was recognised with an OBE for his work as a Capability Manager in Navy Command for Above Water Capability and Maritime Security. His final role before retiring from services in 2021 was as Chief of Staff for Allied Command Transformation in Norfolk, Virginia, after which he took up role as a NATO Senior Mentor.
Vice Admiral Bennett’s appointment follows the passing of Sir Clive Johnstone KBE CB who held the role from May 2023 until May 2024.
HM King Charles Ⅲ is RBL’s new patron
Saturday 4th May 2024
The charity has held Royal patronage since it was founded in 1921 and The King will be the fourth monarch to serve as patron of the RBL following his mother, Queen Elizabeth Ⅱ, and George Ⅵ and Edward Ⅷ before her.
The King has his own record of service with the British Military and following the death of Queen Elizabeth Ⅱ, King Charles became Commander in Chief of the British Armed Forces and now leads the nation in Remembrance at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday.
The King has been a long-standing supporter of the RBL’s work, attending the Royal British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance for the first time just days before his 20th birthday in 1968, joining the charity’s membership as an Honorary Serving Member in May 1976 whilst serving in the Royal Navy, and frequently undertaking engagements with the charity as The Prince of Wales.
The Legion is extremely grateful for His Majesty’s ongoing support as our new Patron.
Madrid Branch News
RBL news is at the top of the page
New Poppy Tin in Madrid
Friday 18th October 2024
We are very happy to welcome Shimada Kemp Peluquero y Estilista MULTItextural stylist - Hair Salon into our network of venues that support the Poppy Appeal in Madrid. Their Poppy Tin is located at Calle Cardenal Cisneros 8, 28010 Madrid, near Metro Bilbao. See the complete list of locations..
Preparing for the Campaign
Sunday 29th September 2024
A number of Branch members worked throughout Sunday afternoon and evening preparing tins and boxes for the upcoming Poppy Appeal campaign.
NATO Families Day
Saturday 28th September 2024
We had an RBL Madrid team at the CAOC in Torrejón Air Base and €78.84 was raised for the Poppy Appeal.
TGI Monday
Monday 23rd September 2024
Our Monday evening social meetings are going strong and we are often joined by a number of members of Brits in Madrid. Check the Events page for future dates and venues. There is also a chat group for live updates.
Madrid Branch 1st Birthday Celebration
Thursday 19th September 2024
The Madrid Branch of the Royal British Legion marked its first anniversary with a memorable evening event at the British Embassy in Madrid on September 19th. The gathering brought together veterans, serving members of His Majesty’s armed forces, and the British and local community, all joining to reflect on the branch’s achievements and to look ahead to future milestones.
The event took place in the distinguished surroundings of the Embassy, a venue that underscored the significance of the occasion. Richard Lewington, Chairman of the Madrid Branch, expressed his gratitude to the British Ambassador and his team for their generous support in hosting the event. In his speech, he reflected on the branch’s progress over the past year, emphasising the dedication of everyone involved in building a community where veterans and their families can find support, solidarity, and friendship. Lewington also highlighted the personal connections many in the branch share with military service, reinforcing the importance of remembering and supporting those who have served.
Sarah Cowley, the Deputy Head of Mission, spoke about the Royal British Legion’s enduring presence in Spain and its vital role in supporting veterans and their families across the country. She encouraged the community to continue supporting the Legion’s work and to get involved in the efforts to help those who have served.
Throughout the evening, the spirit of camaraderie was palpable as guests took part in an awards presentation, honouring individuals and organisations that contributed to the 2023 Poppy Appeal. Runnymede College, 1st Madrid British Scouts, and Kings College Soto de Viñuelas were recognised for their exceptional fundraising efforts, while committee members and community volunteers were acknowledged for their dedication and hard work.
The Madrid Branch’s first anniversary marks not just a milestone, but a testament to the strength of the community it serves. The event also launched the 2024 Madrid Poppy Appeal, with hopes to surpass the previous year’s remarkable fundraising total.
Battle of Britain Dinner
Friday 13th September 2024
We attended a dinner organised by the RAF personnel at CAOC Torrejón to commemorate the 84th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
Branch Social Evening
Sunday 8th September 2024
After our monthly branch meetings we cross the street to Los Chanquetes for a few sociables.
Celebrating Armed Forces Day
Friday 28th June 2024
We had a very successful bake sale at NATO’s Combined Air Operations Centre in Torrejón Air Base (CAOC TJ). Many interested parties came forward to learn more about the Legion and our presence in Madrid. We raised a combined total of over €106 between branch funds and poppy appeal.
Summer Fairs and Bazaars
Saturday 22nd June 2024
On the first day of June we held a recruitment drive at King’s College Soto de Viñuelas and on the same day we covered the St. George’s Church Summer Bazaar.
Fish & Chips Night
Friday 21st June 2024
We had a very lively fish and chips dinner at a Greek/German(!) restaurant in one of the old markets in Madrid. It was attended by members of the Madrid Branch together with a number of guests. We even had a surprise birthday celebration!
Runnymede College Summer Fair
Saturday 15th June 2024
On the fifteenth of June we held a recruitment drive at Runnymede College during their Summer Fair. We are very grateful to Mrs Cristina Powell who organised the event.
D-Day Commemoration
Wednesday 5th June 2024
In the afternoon of June 5th, we commemorated the 80th anniversary of D‑Day with 1st Majadahonda British Scouts. We had talks from our veterans about the Normandy landings and their own military service, the work of the RBL in Spain, and we ended with a wreath laying ceremony.
Pub Quiz
Monday 20th May 2024
We held our first pub quiz at Paddy’s Irish Tavern in Madrid. We are expanding the number of social activities organised by the branch and we had a good turnout for our first Monday quiz. We hope to hold many more.
Sundowners on the Bridge Wings
Friday 17th May 2024
We celebrated our first anniversary as a branch with a wonderful rooftop party hosted by Stephen McGlory, the British Defence Attaché in Madrid. The branch committee members attended together with members of the British Armed Forces in Madrid.
RBL National Conference
Friday 10th May 2024
This weekend, our Branch Chairman Richard Lewington and Vice Chair Fátima Díaz Béjar represented the branch at the Royal British Legion’s annual conference in Newport, Wales. As a new branch, it was a wonderful opportunity for us to meet fellow delegates, network and learn about our common objectives and goals for the future.
ANZAC Day
Thursday 25th April 2024
Our branch chairman Richard Lewington laid a wreath at ANZAC commemorations at the Australian ambassador’s residence in Madrid which was hosted by both the Australian and New Zealand embassies and led by their respective ambassadors, Ms Sophia McIntyre and Ms Tara Morton.
Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders “who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations” and “the contribution and suffering of all those who have served”.
Spring Curry Lunch
Saturday 23rd March 2024
We held a very successful Curry Lunch on the 23rd of March. We raised nearly €500 for our branch funds, mainly thanks to the many generous gifts for the raffle, and a €100 donation. Many of the prizes were British food items and treats, which are easy to get on the coast but hard to find in Madrid.
Annual General Meeting
Thursday 15th February 2024
We are delighted to celebrate our first anniversary as an official branch. This milestone marks a significant achievement in our journey, and we are grateful for the support and dedication of our members.
In addition to our anniversary, we recently conducted our first remembrance campaign. Despite facing some challenges as newcomers, we are proud to announce that we successfully raised over €3,300. This accomplishment would not have been possible without the generosity and support of our community.
Summary of our first year:
- We have four Caseworkers
- Three caseworker candidates awaiting a new training course
- We assisted two beneficiaries
- We helped repatriate a committee member
A visit to the PCMMT
Friday 9th February 2024
Members of the Madrid Branch visited the Parque y Centro de Mantenimiento de Material de Transmisiones (PCMMT) in El Pardo, just outside Madrid.
The PCMMT is the Spanish Army’s signals procurement and maintenance unit. We visited their interesting museum, the “Exposición Tecnológica de los Medios de Transmisión”.
Spain District North Annual Conference
Tuesday 23rd January 2024
We attended Spain District North Annual Conference in Jávea on Tuesday 23rd January. We received the Fallen Hero Award - Special award for “having done extremely well from a standing start in 2022”.
We are very grateful to Jávea Branch for hosting the event and also to DAR Community Centre for their hospitality.
Christmas Dinner 2023
Sunday 17th December 2023
A traditional Christmas dinner served at The James Joyce Irish Pub.
St. George’s Christmas Fair
Saturday 16th December 2023
The annual Christmas Fair was held at St. George’s Anglican Church in Madrid on Saturday December 16th. We were there raising funds and awareness.
Quite a number of people stopped by to ask about our activities, especially Spaniards who were often unaware of the work of the RBL. We even had a Viking Santa, or so it was claimed.
British Ladies Association Donate €500 to Madrid Branch
Sunday 26th November 2023
The British Ladies held their annual Christmas bazaar on the 26th of November and we were there to fly the flag.
We are extremely grateful to the British Ladies Association and their chairman Christine Hawkins for their generous donation of €500 to RBL Madrid.
Remembrance Sunday 2023
Sunday 12th November 2023
The Remembrance Sunday Service was held at St. George’s Anglican Church. It was attended by HE Hugh Elliott, HM Ambassador to Spain, the defence attachés of various embassies, the 1st Madrid British Scouts, the 1st Majadahonda British Scouts, and the Madrid Branch of the Royal British Legion among many others.
The service ended with the reading of the Kohima Epitaph and the singing of the National Anthem.
Armistice Day Lunch
Saturday 11th November 2023
After the Armistice Day Service at the British Cemetery the Branch members and guests had a curry lunch and raffle, ably organised by Gordon, our Events Secretary.
Armistice Day Service
Saturday 11th November 2023
The service was attended by the Royal British Legion Madrid Branch, British Embassy staff, international and military guests, the España Chapter of the NSDAR (National Society Daughters of the American Revolution), and members of civic organisations.
After the service, the España Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution unveiled a monolith in memory of five USAAF servicemen killed in an aircraft accident in the Sierra de Gredos in 1947.
British Scouts
Sunday 5th November 2023
On November 5th we joined 1st Madrid British Scouts to talk about the history of the RBL, the significance of the poppy, remembrance and the work of the branch to the Cub, Scout and Explorer sections.
Memorial Service
Sunday 29th October 2023
A memorial service for WO2 John Newman, 2 QUEENS, was held at St George’s Anglican Church Madrid on Sunday 29th October at 11.30am.
Meet the British Armed Forces
Wednesday 18th October 2023
We hosted an evening with representatives of the three services. Joining us was Captain Stephen McGlory RN, Major Nigel Hunt RA, and Squadron Leader David Tucker RAF.
All three were interviewed on many aspects of military life by David Price. This was followed by a question and answer session and refreshments.
Spain District North Poppy Appeal Launch 2023
Saturday 14th October 2023
The Poppy Appeal 2023 was launched in Spain with a ceremony in Benidorm on Saturday 14th October.
The day started with a march in Playa de Levante led by the Torrevieja Pipes and Drums. Following the pipers, were Mayor of Benidorm Antonio Pérez, British Vice Consul in Alicante Sara Munsterhjelm, and the Defence Attaché to the British Embassy Captain Stephen McGlory RN.
It was a very special day for us as our branch standard, carried by our Standard Bearer Gordon Sands, was dedicated by Father Richard Seabrook. This marks the final stage of our inauguration as a new branch of the RBL.
Thanks also goes to our other Standard Bearer Andy Moffat who carried the Union Flag.
Full English Breakfast Fundraiser
Saturday 22nd July 2023
We hosted a fundraiser at the Camden Coffee Roasters, one of the very few places in Madrid where you can find a full breakfast. Sadly the place closed the following month.
Recruitment Drive
Saturday 17th June 2023
During the month of June we held a recruitment drive at three different fairs and fêtes. The first was at King’s College Soto de Viñuelas on June 3rd.
On June 17th we attended the Runnymede College Summer Fair and on the same day we covered the St. George’s Church Summer Fête.
Coronation Street Party
Sunday 7th May 2023
The Royal British Legion Madrid branch’s first official event was the celebration of the coronation of King Charles Ⅲ and Queen Camilla.
We started the party toasting the King and Queen and then had a quiz on the British Monarchy.
There was a plethora of entertainment and we are very grateful to Janet & Alex Esclamado, The Madrid Players, Mad Improv, Matt Tyack, and Christian Bolorinos.
We raised a combined total of €907.10 for the Poppy Appeal and branch funds.
Royal British Legion Spain District North Inaugurates a New Branch in Madrid
Monday 28th November 2022
The Royal British Legion (TRBL) has welcomed the proposal to form its newest branch in Spain District North. The formation of the Madrid branch will become the first in the Spanish capital and the district’s fifteenth branch.
The inauguration for the formation of the Madrid branch took place at The Secret Kingdoms’ bookshop in Madrid and was led by Spain District North Chairman Jack Kemp and assisted by Spain District North Community Support Coordinator Pamela Twissell-Cross MBE, supported by Community of Madrid Assembly Member Deputy Elisa Vigil González and Captain Stephen McGlory RN, Defence Attaché to the British Embassy in Madrid who passed on the support and congratulations of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Spain and RBL Spain Patron Hugh Elliott. Veterans of His Majesty’s Armed Forces, serving members, and members of the public also attended the meeting.
The formation of the Madrid branch of TRBL will become a central point that will serve the needs of those veterans who have decided to stay more inland rather than move to the coast as well as tap into the opportunities that its position in the capital offers to raise funds for TRBL, Spain District North and the Poppy Appeal to support the Legion’s beneficiaries. “The formation of the Madrid branch has been a personal resolve for me to bring the same unity that TRBL provides around the world to those who live in this amazing city,” said Madrid Branch Chairman Richard Lewington. “‘Service not Self’ is the powerful motto of TRBL. Because what it means, is doing something that is at odds with what we might want or need. It is putting the good of community and nation above oneself, the belief that there is a goodness and a rightness in serving others rather than becoming self- indulgent; it is the ultimate case against cynicism. This branch of TRBL, when formed, will live up to this motto and honour its role as a centre for all those British service personnel who are in Madrid,” he added.
Captain Stephen McGlory RN, Defence Attaché to the British Embassy in Madrid said, “The baton needs to pass onto a new generation who have the responsibility to keep remembrance alive, and I am delighted to see that new generation – younger, with energy, with ideas here today. I congratulate Richard for all his work to take forward this idea to set this initiative in motion.” Richard will be supported by committee members Vice Chairlady Fátima Díaz Béjar, Treasurer Dominic McGrath (Veteran – Royal Signals), and Secretary David Price, owner of The Secret Kingdoms bookshop where monthly meetings will provisionally take place on the last Sunday of every month. Other committee roles are still to be filled.
The motion to form a new branch of TRBL in Madrid passed with zero votes against and no abstentions. The new branch now awaits its new branch number and authorisation from the legion membership council to form the full branch committee.
Read also the article in Sur in English (external page opens in a new window or tab)