In London, they marked the first coronation since 1953 with the crowning of King Charles – a magnificent event that stirred every emotion. I am sure most people were glued to the television to watch the day unfold and the pomp and circumstance that the UK is so good at. ( ...and naturally waiting for the adorable Prince Louis to misbehave!)
The Coronation was supported by four thousand members of the armed forces. The Portugal Branch of the Royal British Legion also had a bit of their own ‘pomp and circumstance’ at a lunch held to celebrate the Coronation, thankfully in rather better weather. It was held at Restaurante Zé Do Norte and it was a great day. We started with a sipster of port to toast our new King and then we had a fabulous lunch followed by a parade by those that attended in their red, white and blue attire. The winner was Marina Starte who had made her own tutu and wore it with style. We had an auction and a prize draw and fun time was had by all.
Our next event is planned for Wednesday 7th June at Quinta da Tor in Loule. It will be a guided tour and wine tasting with tapas to wash down the wine down and is €21 a head. Should be a fab event and EVERYONE is welcome – you don’t need to be a member of the RBL, or be an ex serviceman or woman. Come along and enjoy...
To book please contact Mary McClay maryestoi@gmail.com.
At that event, there will be a prize draw to support the Royal British Legion Poppy Apeal. 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.
