Author: helpinternationalbenidorm

There will be no meeting this Thursday 16th April 2025.

This is to avoid problems at passport control with the new Entry Exit System ( EES) coming into use in Autumn 2025.

This is a summary of the information from the ambassador: “This month, the European Union (EU) has published draft legislation in preparation for the EES coming into force in Autumn 2025. It states that Green Certificates will not be recognised by the EES, in Spain or any other Schengen country. It has now been made clear  that Green Certificate holders travelling in and out of Spain should expect difficulties, which could range from lengthy delays, to being denied entry, to possibly being banned from the Schengen area. There remains time for British residents to get a TIE if they act now.  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-spain#visas-and-residency . We understand that there are now enough appointments available in key areas.”

There will be membership renewal at 11.00 followed by the Anual General Meeting

at our base Centro Social Jose LLorca Linares, Calle Goya S/N 03502 Benidorm

Help will have no meetings until 9th January 2025, when we restart weekly Thursday meetings between 11.00 and 12.00 in the cafe at Centro Social Llorca Linares, Calle Goya, Benidorm. The cafe has finally reopened.

Wishing all members and service users a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

*****UPDATE*****

Eileen´s funeral will be held in the UK on 26th Nov at 11.30 if people would like to take a moment to pay their respects. The family are donating any money to https://www.mind.org.uk/ and would be happy if anyone would like to make a donation.

Eileen Stevens 06.11.2024 24.12.1944

Such sad news to hear that our lovey Eileen has passed away. Eileen was a very active and valued member of HELP for many years. Her role was predominantly membership registration but she could turn her hand to many roles when it came to fundraising. Eileen had recently returned to the UK with husband Derek to be close to her family. Whilst at HELP she always enjoyed socialising with the many friends who she had built up solid and long-lasting friendships with.

She will be sadly missed by friends and colleagues alike.

Rest in Peace our lovely Eileen

Help Benidorm has donated 1000 euros to the GoFundMe appeal orginised by the Irish Tavern Albir. They are colaborating with Valencia Food Bank and Valencia Town Hall. The hard work and dedication by our community is commendable. Pictured at the The Irish Tavern, Albir which is the hub of the organisational group.There is still a desperate need for this fundraising to continue. Visit https://gofund.me/0bbc1236 or alternatively visit the Irish Tavern. They also need wellington boots, any size which you can drop off

17.10.1941 – 14.10.2024 RIP

We are extremely sorry to announce the very sad news that Geoff has passed away. Geoff has chosen to bequeath his body to medical science for research and educational purposes. The family will hold a farewell gathering on the Monday the 21st October at Caspers bar in the Old Town (4-7pm). The family would welcome any friends to pop in and have a drink in his memory or join them to reminisce and celebrate his interesting and industrious life.

One of Geoff’s earliest memories was during the war. Although only a toddler, he has vivid memories of a banana shortage, followed by a stampede to the greengrocers to obtain them after the war had ended. Geoff was born October 1941 in Romford and lived in leafy Upminster. He has memories of his formative years as a very simple but happy time. Going on to pass his 11 plus at Palmers Grammar school in Gray’s. Geoff had an abiding passion of anything to do with public transport …namely buses … and he went on to work for London Transport. When he met Ann, he decided that he needed to get a `proper´ job and went on to obtain his first university degree and took up a lecturing post at Colchester Institute. The passion for buses never left him and to this day still had a subscription to a London bus magazine. Geoff was also passionate about equality and was a staunch socialist and a great Union man. He was a rep for NATFHE who were concerned with providing education and training opportunities, as well as treasurer of a staff association. For a man who never sat still this wasn’t enough for him and he even stood for 2 local elections.

On retirement, he and Ann moved to Almunecar and Andalusia but it soon became evident that Geoff was chomping at the bit and, taking it easy in the sun, was most definitely not an option for him. They moved to Benidorm where he joined HELP in 2007. Geoff was a person who was always willing to help and support the vulnerable and he had a knack of seeing the good in people. As usual he gave 100% of his time and his contribution to HELP became the backbone of the charity for many years after. During his time, he was productive in setting up an Inter Cambio group bringing like minded people together to learn from each other. This group forged many and long-lasting friendships. With memories of socialising together, including Vinceta , and Denny (a stalwart of HELP ). Geoff’s main role was as treasurer and ensured that everything he did, was for the good of the charity. Anne describes Geoff as a force of nature, charging through life and getting things done. Always raising his head above the parapet and never afraid to let his voice be heard. That is what she would like his legacy to be. I think it’s fair to say that anybody that knew Geoff would wholeheartedly agree with that sentiment. He was so very well respected and admired by all of his friends and colleagues alike. He, without a doubt, will be very sadly missed.

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The Help Benidorm meetings on Thursdays at 11.00 at Centro Social LLorca Linares en c Goya s/n Benidorm are suspended until 5th September 2024

All our assistance activities carry on as normal throughout the summer.

There will be no more Summer Meetings until 5th September.

The meetings on Thursday morning at 11.00 am will be suspended until 5th September. All other services continue as normal.