A COMMUNITY THAT CARES
Royal British Legion
By Paul McMahon, President, Royal British Legion - São Paulo Branch | rblsaopaulo@hotmail.com | britishlegion.org.uk
RBL churrasco
Poppy appeal
RBL golf
Due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation we had to cancel our October Churrascos. We will keep you updated about when we can resume the churrasco. We realise these social events are greatly appreciated, enjoyed, and that everyone misses them.
The Remembrance Service and Poppy Appeal this year resulted in a total all-time record collection. We received a large amount of donations both financially and of physical materials. The initiative of the Happy Hour boxes and Afternoon Tea boxes provided by Beeby’s Gourmet really helped us a lot, not only to raise funds but keep the memory of our Remembrance Day gatherings alive.
Due to Covid-19 all golf activities are still on hold. Hopefully very soon these golf matches and events will start once again.
Ecumenical service The Branch was represented at the Força Expedicionária Brasileira (FEB) São Paulo Ecumenical annual service on November 1, 2020, which was held at the FEB mausoleum in Cemitério Vila Alpina.
Remembrance Day service Our traditional service, which in 2020 celebrated the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, was transmitted from St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral on Sunday 8th November at the normal time of 10 o’clock via TV-Anglicana and the various transmission options including their YouTube channel called “Catedral Anglicana”.
Thank you to everyone who donated and contributed to the 2020 Poppy Appeal. All the donations and effort are not only appreciated by the committee but also received recognition by the Royal British Legion in the UK.
Armistice service We participated in the French Armistice service to remember the end of the First World War on the 11th of November 1918. This very poignant service is always held on Armistice day at 11 o’clock at the French First World War grave plot in the Araca cemetery.
RBL update As a committee we have not been able to have our traditional face-to-face meetings and we have continued using an online format to carry on our committee work. Our Annual General Meeting was also held virtually this year. As a priority, we continue to ensure that our assisted members are cared for in these difficult times. Over the past couple of months some new members have joined us and we look forward to meeting them in person at the first possible opportunity. Please remember that anyone can join us as a member. We welcome everyone whether you have a connection to the Armed Forces or not. ◼
The service was shortened but it followed the format of our normal service. Due to the local Covid-19 rules in place at the time and RBL guidance the service was limited to RBL committee members and essential cathedral staff, with church team volunteers, Major Nelson Wakai from the Salvation Army, and our Chaplain Bishop Roger Bird. All Covid-19 procedures were followed during the service. We remembered the service and sacrifice made by so many peoples, communities and nations 75 years ago, and we reflected on the service and sacrifice of so many today.
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Attendees at the Força Expedicionária Brasileira (FEB) Mausoleum | Convidados no Mausoléu da Força Expedicionária Brasileira (FEB)
British Society São Paulo | Fundação Britanica de Beneficência | Spotlight N° 130
