User Rating: 5 / 5

Star ActiveStar ActiveStar ActiveStar ActiveStar Active
 

Ambassador Simon Manley with top 10 mayorsHer Majesty´s Ambassador to Spain, Simon Manley paid a visit to Alicante yesterday – and had a very busy schedule, attending not one but two meetings.
The first of the morning took place at the Valencian Government offices, where together with Sarah-Jane Morris, the British Consul for Alicante, they met with the Mayors/representatives, of the Top Ten towns in the Alicante province with the highest concentration of British residents. That list is made up of Alfaz del Pi, Benidorm, Calpe, Javea, Murcia, Orihuela, Pilar de la Horadada, Rojales, San Fulgencio, Teulada and Torrevieja – (there are actually eleven).


signing cruz roja agreementAfterwards the Ambassador and Consulate team headed to the Cruz Roja headquarters, where Simon Manley and Javier Gimeno – Vice President of the Spanish Red Cross signed a nationwide cooperation agreement to promote collaboration and integration of the voluntary sectors. In his speech the Ambassador said “volunteering is part of the British culture. I am extremely proud of the work we do as a consulate and of the British voluntary sector, which helps British nationals – our job would not be possible without you…This agreement brings lots of opportunities”.

cruz roja callcentreThere were many representatives from the British voluntary sector present such as Age Concern, RBL, Samaritans, Royal Airforce Association, Help at Home, MABS, Help International groups from the region, including Bill Steel of the Benidorm branch. After the signing they were taken on a tour of the headquarters, which in total is staffed by around 200 volunteers, including a 24 hour call centre.


cruz roja meetingAlicante is the third largest Cruz Roja in Spain, the first being Madrid followed by Barcelona. The Alicante branch encompasses 649 local groups, made up of 8000 volunteers and 45,000 members - last year 2.5 million people benefitted from their assistance.

This collaboration is the first in Spain and Sarah-Jane Morris then hopes to roll it out across other regions – both Malaga and Tenerife have already expressed an interest. Part of the aim will be to produce information in English, so enabling British expats to have easier access to the wide range of services available to help improve their quality of life. It is hoped that this will inspire members of the British community to volunteer for the Red Cross and to encourage those that require assistance to take advantage of the services available. The Ambassador and Consul are both enthusiastic supporters and advocates of the voluntary sector and encourage everyone, where possible to join in.

Add comment

Security code
Refresh

exchange 115

Quote of the day

Consciousness: That annoying time between naps

Latest Comments

  • The Benidorm Craic

    Irene Catherine Barl 19.03.2024 09:25
    Amazing day . Beautiful sunshine
     
  • The Benidorm Craic

    George Walker 19.03.2024 09:24
    Looks like a great time time was had every ones a Paddy in Bent
     
  • The Benidorm Craic

    Kim Kelly 19.03.2024 09:23
    Well done to everyone dressing up

Cigarette Prices

  (per carton)

B&H 50.00€
Camel 47.00€
Embassy 50.00€
JPS 44.50€
L&B 48.50€
Marlboro 50.00€
Mayfair 45.00€
Silk Cut 50.00€

Tobacco 50gm x10

Golden Virginia 89.50€
Old Holborn 90€

What People Say

  • Upto date news and reports on things we have seen featured on tv

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9