Yesterday was the day of the Poppy Ball, a charity black tie dinner and dance held to raise funds for the Royal British Legion. It’s a very worthy cause and they do a great deal of wonderful work for military families who run into hardship of any kind. We went last year and had an amazing night so were excited to be able to go again this year.
It was held at the Kaya Palazzo in Karaoglanoglu, one of the top resort hotels on the island. We shared a minibus taxi with our neighbours and arrived at about 7pm. It’s a fantastic venue. The evening began with a drinks reception and nibbles in the large downstairs reception area to the ballroom. All the drinks were included in the ticket price and they had everything you could want. Everyone looked very splendid and we had a good catchup with people we hadn’t yet seen since arrival. Poor Daisy was about the youngest attendee – most were in the over 50 age group!!!! Never mind, we were all determined to enjoy ourselves.
We were on a table for 11 with our friends, Pamela and Eddie, Deborah and David, Linda and Mike, Alan and Lesley. Pamela is the Social Secretary of the RB and played a huge role in organising the event. I’m not sure how much she got to enjoy the evening in truth.
The evening started with the presentation of the colours being marched in very smartly by a Legion member, then the Last Post played by a bugler and the reading of the poem “at the going down of the sun…” Followed by the National Anthem (first time I’ve sung God Save the King) and then the colours marched out. Pamela gave a welcome address and there was a raffle. Dinner was served – an excellent 3 course menu, including all wines and drinks. We started with smoked duck, then steaks with mashed potatoes and vegetables and then an amazing dessert plate. After dinner there was a charity auction for some amazing prizes donated by kind supporters and hotels. All proceeds go to the RBL.
Entertainment was provided by the very excellent Alper and Friends band. Alper is a professional rock musician from northern Cyprus who owns the Soulist music bar in Alsancak and who plays there a lot and also all over Turkey. Alper & Friends is a band he puts together with musician friends from Istanbul and they are totally brilliant. Fantastic musicians and he has a great rock and roll voice. We all enjoyed several hours of dancing to them.
Anyway, a very good night was had by all – home about quarter past midnight. The Poppy Ball is well worth getting your tickets for if you are in Cyprus around the beginning of November. And you will be supporting a worthwhile cause as well as having a great night out.
