Soltalk September 2017 | Page 47

British Legion News from the Royal British Legion, Nerja Branch In June, a 24-year-old veteran called Matt came to tell our members about his experiences and injuries which happened in Afghanistan last year. At this early age this young man had experienced the horrors of open warfare, suffered injuries himself and watched while two of his comrades had been killed by an improvised explosive device. popular members. Nick, a former chairman, treasurer, membership secretary, and PR person, and his wife are leaving Spain to return to England. They will be missed, but we wish them all the very best for the future, and thank them most sincerely for all their work and support during their time here. Our next event aside from the lunches will be the Poppy Walk, where members and friends do a sponsored walk from the hotel in Maro to the El Puente restaurant on the bridge at the far end of Nerja at the end of October. Following that will be the Poppy Ball at the Caves Restaurant which is always a great evening with food, wine, music and fun company. And following that will be the Remembrance Day event. On September 18 there is a concert at the Caves Restaurant by the Cowbridge Male Voice Choir. If you are interested in joining us, or would like further information about our events please find contact details below. Vera Osborne - Tel: 95 296 7200. Email: [email protected] David Graves - Tel: 654 085 811. Email:[email protected] Nerja Branch Veterans 2017 To look at him, apart from the hearing aid which he now wears, you would be unaware of his other injuries. But he will suffer for the rest of his life with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This condition can and is being controlled but periodically it may manifest itself without warning. Matt himself is now out of the Army and has his life sorted. He is working and making friends, socialising and looking after himself. Many others are not so able and will need the help and support of the Legion throughout their lives. It is for men and women like them that the Legion exists and has done since its inception in 1921, and why these people should never be forgotten. We owe them a huge debt and should never forget it. They fought for our freedoms, to ensure that our values and way of life continues. We also heard from Major Hamilton about the work that continues at the PRC in Edinburgh which we support and Matt was able to reassure our members that their contributions to the PRC are very gratefully received and put to the very best use. It is always good to hear that straight from the horse’s mouth, so to speak. Here in Nerja we have a very sociable membership. We meet at the Nuavas Arenas restaurant in La Herradura on the first Friday of the month. (The first this year being on September 1) and at the Al Andalus hotel in Maro on the third Thursday of the month. (Next one on September 21.) While members will be looking forward to meeting up again after our summer break, we would love to welcome new friends. You do not have to be British, ex-service, of any particular religion or creed, just have a wish to join us and help support the great work of the Legion. I am sad to tell you that after many years of invaluable service to the Nerja branch we are about to lose two of our most 45