RBL Kyrenia Branch to be launched soon

theoddmajor


Joined: 10/05/2008
Posts: 246

Message Posted:
12/09/2011 20:38

As reported in Cyprus Today last Saturday, I am delighted to report that after a 2 year crusade permission has been granted by both the TRNC authorities and RBL HQ in London to form an RBL branch in North Cyprus and a branch number has been issued.

The Branch will be called the 'RBL Kyrenia Branch' and the official launch date will be Saturday, October 1.

There will be an information stall at the Lambousa market (next to Des's watch stall) for the next 3 Saturdays between 10.30am - 12.30pm, then in the Waterfront restaurant at the Celebrity Hotel between 12.30pm - 2.30pm.

You will be able to sign up as a member with Mary Hughes the membership secretary.

The plan is to hold a 2 hour cocktail reception on Saturday afternoon to say thank you to the TRNC authorities then later that evening there will be a launch party for all members with free food and entertainment provided by the Shy Teds and Tuxedo Junction. There will be an entrance fee for non members who wish to attend.



Bria

theoddmajor


Joined: 10/05/2008
Posts: 246

Message Posted:
12/09/2011 20:48

The base for the branch will be the Waterfront restaurant and sports bar situated in the Celebrity hotel in Lapta (Secure Turkish title deeds).



If you have any regimentalia or memorabilia that you wish to donate to the branch in order to make it feel like home then please get in touch with the branch secretary, Anne Lloyd, on: 0533 884 1517.



Likewise the branch are looking to enter teams in the winter darts, pool and bowling league and if you wish to represent the club then please get in touch with the entertainments secretary, Pamela Padden, on: 0533 873 6876 for details.



The branch website is now live and can be viewed at: http://www.rblkyrenia.com

The website has a secure information area for members only and you will be given a password via an email within 48 hours of signing up as a member.



Thank you for your patience in this endeavour, it has been a long haul but we got there in the end!



If there is a groundswell of people who want to see the info stall on the east of

theoddmajor


Joined: 10/05/2008
Posts: 246

Message Posted:
12/09/2011 20:56

Girne then please post on here and we will review our plans.



The first ever branch meeting will take place on Monday, October 3 then every first Monday in the month after that. 2 senior RBL HQ staff will be flying out for the launch weekend.



A full forecast of branch events will be promulgated in due course but look out for Bonfire night, Remembrance Sunday, Celebration of Remembrance concerts and other events in November leading up to the Xmas party period.



If any pastime/fitness & health instructors or military veteran organisations wish to use the branch facilities please get in touch with the entertainments secretary.



We hope that you can all find the time and energy to support our branch - the first and only RBL branch in the north of the island - so that we in turn can support our veterans.



Brian

theoddmajor


Joined: 10/05/2008
Posts: 246

Message Posted:
12/09/2011 20:58

Oh, and there will be a Ladies section as well for which the committee will be laying on monthly events.



Watch this space.

CarrieRBag



Joined: 23/12/2008
Posts: 1374

Message Posted:
12/09/2011 22:20

Well done Brian... the hard work and behind the scenes trials and tribulations paid off.

itfc1978


Joined: 31/03/2009
Posts: 187

Message Posted:
13/09/2011 07:19

Just had a look at your excellent website with a view to joining up.

Have clicked on email links within website but get an error message about default mail client.

Not sure if this is a fault your end or mine.



Believe it or not there are a fair few ex-pats over in the east and some retired military.

I fully intended to visit Soyz Bar to join up.

Don`t forget us we are here!

CarrieRBag



Joined: 23/12/2008
Posts: 1374

Message Posted:
13/09/2011 07:31

Some of retired military in the east have already joined......

itfc1978


Joined: 31/03/2009
Posts: 187

Message Posted:
13/09/2011 08:06

That`s super but does not really address the two issues raised.



Is there a fault on the website?



Found it suprising that the Soyz Bar Info/joining stand was cancelled

theoddmajor


Joined: 10/05/2008
Posts: 246

Message Posted:
13/09/2011 08:33

itfc1978 - we are working on your two points and will get back to you today.



Brian

itfc1978


Joined: 31/03/2009
Posts: 187

Message Posted:
13/09/2011 09:39

Thank you Brian



and many congratulations on getting the Branch up and running



Mike

itfc1978


Joined: 31/03/2009
Posts: 187

Message Posted:
13/09/2011 09:42

Brian



Meant to add, if you require assistance manning a stand in the Catolkoy area let me know.

corbytown


Joined: 05/08/2008
Posts: 327

Message Posted:
13/09/2011 10:20

Brian well done.

We would be more than happy to give you a free mention in the October issue of the Kyrenia whats on where and when guide (which hopefully you have seen about). Its free to be picked up by the locals, expats and tourist in bars, restaurants, supermarkets etc etc. Check out the website Brian to see the venues that are advertising... http://www.kyreniaguide.com and where you will find our contact details if you are interested.

tom.

theoddmajor


Joined: 10/05/2008
Posts: 246

Message Posted:
14/09/2011 12:32

Apologies with the website - teething problems! Grrrrrr



Message 12 - Thanks Tom I will get a committee member to send you something shortly



itfc1978 - We intend to run the recruiting stall in the east side (probably Soyz) next Sunday. The membership secretary will be in touch with you to discuss your kind offer of assistance.



Brian

theoddmajor


Joined: 10/05/2008
Posts: 246

Message Posted:
14/09/2011 12:36

Please be aware that the RBL is open to one and all, not just serving or retired servicemen. This includes Turkish Cypriots etc...

gusanova


Joined: 23/11/2010
Posts: 187

Message Posted:
14/09/2011 12:54

If not a member, do you need to be signed in ?

R.C.T.Man.



Joined: 27/03/2009
Posts: 746

Message Posted:
14/09/2011 14:10

I to Brian will be available to help out on the recruiting side on Sunday @ the Soyz Bar.



Wayne.

GinaC


Joined: 26/11/2010
Posts: 372

Message Posted:
14/09/2011 14:12

The branch website is now live and can be viewed at: http://www.rblkyrenia.com



I get page not found error?

Lambousa Gordon


Joined: 03/11/2007
Posts: 1992

Message Posted:
14/09/2011 14:23

Re Msg 15:



Not as far as the Waterfront is concerned.



Although there are discounts for card-carrying RBL members the Waterfront remains open to all, irrespective of membership.

theoddmajor


Joined: 10/05/2008
Posts: 246

Message Posted:
16/09/2011 13:04

Unfortunately the branch website is still encountering gremlins but should hopefully be back up and running in the next few days.



A reminder that the RBL is open to all not just to ex service personnel.



The recruiting stall will be open as usual at the Lambousa market tomorrow between 10.30am - 12.30pm then for 2 hours up to 2.30pm at the Waterfront restaurant in the Celebrity hotel, and also the following 2 Saturdays.



The recruiting stall will also be manned at the Soyz market on Sunday 25 September between 10.30am - 1pm. Thank you to itfc1978 and R.C.T.Man for their kind offer to assist on the stall which is accepted.



RBL 90 Poppy Appeal wristbands and metal Poppy pins will be available for sale at the stall for 5TL or in Steve Dickinson's office opposite the Celebrity hotel.

itfc1978


Joined: 31/03/2009
Posts: 187

Message Posted:
16/09/2011 14:36

Message 19



Tried to obtain tele No. from website but seems to be down.

Confirm happy to help out



Give me a call on 0533 8397382 for arrangments



Mike

theoddmajor


Joined: 10/05/2008
Posts: 246

Message Posted:
16/09/2011 19:56

Website now back on line, thank you for your patience.

The web master will now turn his efforts on sending out passwords for members who have already joined the branch.

R.C.T.Man.



Joined: 27/03/2009
Posts: 746

Message Posted:
17/09/2011 08:08

I will be there Brian, Did you mean Sunday 25 Sept or Sunday 18 Sept ?



Wayne.

theoddmajor


Joined: 10/05/2008
Posts: 246

Message Posted:
17/09/2011 09:18

Sunday 25th September Wayne

Marion


Joined: 06/03/2011
Posts: 1816

Message Posted:
20/09/2011 12:22

sorry just tried to access the web page, and no 'joy' . Has it got wrong again, or is there some nasty gremlin at work. Either way, I would love to view the page. Sorry that you seem to be having big struggles with this.

Cocklebay


Joined: 26/02/2011
Posts: 353

Message Posted:
20/09/2011 15:03

Brian Good Luck etc! Not able to join for Rembrance Sunday as I will be at the Cenotaph in London!!!

corbytown


Joined: 05/08/2008
Posts: 327

Message Posted:
21/09/2011 09:59

Brian just to let you know that we go to the printers on Friday for the October issue, so we would need your ad in by tomorrow

tom

theoddmajor


Joined: 10/05/2008
Posts: 246

Message Posted:
22/09/2011 12:38

Sorry, not had time to visit this site for a while.



Message 24 - the link to the website is down due to a malicious act and we are working hard to get it uploaded again.



Message 25 - our entertainments secretary should be in touch today Tom.



Brian

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
22/09/2011 13:00

What about RSL members?



Richard

theoddmajor


Joined: 10/05/2008
Posts: 246

Message Posted:
22/09/2011 13:07

Sorry Richard but what is RSL?



Brian

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
22/09/2011 13:17

Returned and Services League (RSL). I think there is some sort of reciprocal agreement between them and the RBL, be it all just entry to the clubs.



Richard

theoddmajor


Joined: 10/05/2008
Posts: 246

Message Posted:
23/09/2011 15:02

Richard, if you are a card carrying member of the RSL we would be happy to allow you access to our RBL events.



Brian



By the way our Kyrenia Branch membership has surpassed 150 in just one week of recruiting.

The RBL Larnaca Branch has 135 members and the Limassol Branch 450 plus.

Lambousa Gordon


Joined: 03/11/2007
Posts: 1992

Message Posted:
23/09/2011 16:31

To clarify:



The Waterfront remains open to all, irrespective of membership of any organisation. There are no restrictions to entry and no one needs to be signed in.



As an incentive to join we are offering a few discounts for card-carrying RBL members and it is envisioned that occasionally there will be events centred around the RBL.



Celebrity Hotels Ltd is honoured and proud to be able to offer the RBL Kyrenia Branch a place in which to base itself as it establishes the organisation in the TRNC

gusanova


Joined: 23/11/2010
Posts: 187

Message Posted:
23/09/2011 16:44

Gordon,



Its interesting to note that YOU are clarifying things, but YOU as owner of the establishment SHOULD not be saying this.

The RBL is not another 'watering hole' it is as it says the Royal British Legion. Where it relies on membership not just for the upkeep of the Branch but the honour of the RBL.

I am an ex serviceman and have been to many RBL Branches and Clubs and at all of them, there is a proper constitution that is based on the principles laid down from HQ in Pall Mall.



I visited the RBL in Limassol and does not surprise me to find out it says it has 450 members, but on the 4 times I visited it was just another glorified EXPAT Watering Hole, this I fear for the Kyrenia Branch.

Bona Fide RBL Members are not interested in Discounts handed out willy nilly but a properly run and organised Branch.



I am a strong believer in the core values of the RBL but do not want to see them eroded and would be grateful for members of the Committee to reply!!

theoddmajor


Joined: 10/05/2008
Posts: 246

Message Posted:
23/09/2011 17:01

Message 30 - to clarify - As Chairman I am happy for Richard as an RSL card carrying member to use the facilities on offer to the RBL Kyrenia Branch members without the need to join due to the reciprocal agreement between the two charities.



Message 33 - Gusanova, I can assure you that the hand picked branch committee share your views set out in your detailed email above and will actively strive to adhere to the core values of the RBL.



We take this role bestowed upon us very seriously, as witnessed by our 31/2 hour committee meeting, and aim to run the branch in conjunction with the rules and objectives laid down laid down in the Royal Charter.



Two of the senior RBL members (Head of Membership and an Overseas Trustee) are in fact visiting next weekend when we have our official launch and will be available throughout the weekend for guidance and advice, including the first ever branch meeting on Monday, October 3 when I hope that your good self and every branch member will atte

Lambousa Gordon


Joined: 03/11/2007
Posts: 1992

Message Posted:
23/09/2011 17:07

Angus,



In no way have I intended to cast, nor do I actually see any aspersions cast on the proper running and organisation of the branch, nor was I attempting to subvert any charter or constitution. All I have endeavoured to point out is that the place where the new Kyrenia Branch of the RBL is basing itself is not actually exclusive to the RBL. As owner, operator and licensee of said premises I am fully entitled to make such clarification.



Having seen how much work has gone into getting RBL properly established in the TRNC and how much care and attention is being given to its proper formation, running and organisation it is willfully prejudicial and awfully sad that you are immediately judging such a brand new branch as prone to becoming a "glorified EXPAT watering hole". Perhaps you should judge this branch on its actions rather than your prejudices - or even volunteer your services so you can witness for yourself the core values upheld.

theoddmajor


Joined: 10/05/2008
Posts: 246

Message Posted:
23/09/2011 17:07

will attend.



Ran out of words - The 2 representatives are from the RBL HQ in London.



I applaud Gordon Kent for his backing of this fledgling branch and the facilities that will be on offer to its members.



Brian Thomas

tomsteel


Joined: 22/06/2009
Posts: 482

Message Posted:
23/09/2011 17:18

Blimey guv, the carping has started and we are not even open yet. Marvellous!!

laptagal


Joined: 28/05/2008
Posts: 549

Message Posted:
23/09/2011 19:58

Just a gentle reminder that the party for members on the evening of the launch - Saturday 1st October - will include a buffet supper. In order to cater sufficiently for all who attend, it is important that we receive your 'RSVP' by MONDAY at the latest!



Events Sec.

gusanova


Joined: 23/11/2010
Posts: 187

Message Posted:
23/09/2011 21:48

Thank you to the Oddmajor and Gordon.



I am not 'Carping' as mentioned in message 37 just wanted to express my fears.

I hope that everything goes well and wish all the success that is due to the Committee Members as I know how long this has taken to set up and the Legal Side both from TRNC and the RBL.



Like I said I did not want to see all the endeavours eroded and are now sure that the RBL will start on a sound footing and long may it continue, I just do not want to see it hijacked just to get people to put their money behind the Bar!!



I shall be delighted to see the Newest Branch of the Royal British Legion in full functioning flow hwen I visit at end of November.



I am glad that I aired my views and very happy with the responses that I have received.



I now wish to read about the positives to come from this magnificent institution, and when I come over permanently will be delighted to renew my subscription with RBL and the Kyrenia Branch.

theoddmajor


Joined: 10/05/2008
Posts: 246

Message Posted:
29/09/2011 12:05

Could I politely remind people attending the branch launch party on Saturday evening that the dress is smart casual, e.g. no shorts or T shirts.



Thanks



Brian

R.C.T.Man.



Joined: 27/03/2009
Posts: 746

Message Posted:
29/09/2011 12:19

That's a fair one Brian.

tomsteel


Joined: 22/06/2009
Posts: 482

Message Posted:
29/09/2011 22:08

Thongs/flip flops not acceptable then. Planters OK?

theoddmajor


Joined: 10/05/2008
Posts: 246

Message Posted:
30/09/2011 14:24

Planters if fine old bean, with or without your bright gold thong!