The Bahrain British Business Forum (BBBF) will hold its annual charitable Poppy Ball at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa on Friday, November 9.
Firmly established as one of the high points on Bahrain’s yearly social calendar, the Poppy Ball is held in cooperation with the British Business Association from the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. As previously, one of the main attractions at the Poppy Ball is the attendance of the Chelsea Pensioners as VIP guests of honour.
This year, the BBBF will host three Chelsea pensioners - John Griffiths (Late SGT), 73, Peter Henry (Late WO1), 71, and Hugh Craig (Late WO1), 68.
During their stay, the pensioners will attend many functions, including school visits, British Embassy functions and visits to local places of interest. The highlights of their visit will be laying a wreath at the Memorial Service to mark Remembrance Day and attending the Poppy Ball.
The Poppy Ball will begin at 7pm with a welcome reception and a buffet dinner, followed by music with DJ Alfie from 9.30pm to dance the night away. Dress code is evening or cocktail dresses for ladies and dinner suits with black ties or national dress for gents.
A raffle will be organised during the ball with many exciting prizes up for grabs, including two British Airways Premium Class return tickets to London.
The Chelsea Pensioners’ visits to Bahrain have become a yearly tradition. This is made possible with the generosity of local companies.
The Pensioners greatly enjoy visiting Bahrain and always remark on the warm-hearted welcome they receive. I would like to thank this year’s main sponsors British Airways, Euro Motors Jaguar Land Rover, Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa and Gulf Brands International.
The Poppy Ball is organised in support of the Chelsea Pensioners Appeal and The Children and Mothers Welfare Society Bahrain. The society has been a leader in voluntary work since 1953 and it has played a central role in the empowerment and uplifting of women and children in the kingdom.
For more details or to reserve a table, please contact the BBBF office at bbbfevents@batelco.com.bh or 17813488.
Khalid Al Zayani OBE, BBBF chairman.
Editor’s note: The BBBF was set up in 1995 and has grown to more than 470 members today. It aims to promote trade and investment between Bahrain and Britain in a non-discriminatory, non-political and non-profit making manner.
With reference to the recent Letters to the Editor debate over the use of the term girls in articles and headlines, I am offended by ladybirds and sleeping in a queen-sized bed, who do I register my complaint with?
Simple man, Saar.
Editor’s note: And now for another blow, Kleenex has scrapped its ‘Mansize’ tissues after shoppers labelled the branding as sexist. The company is changing the name to Kleenex Extra Large, despite being on the shelves for the past 60 years, said US owners, Kimberley-Clark.
I believe self check-in kiosks or at least a check-in counter for all airlines should be provided in malls, hotels and company offices to allow a hassle free journey for passengers.
The concerned authorities could also provide an option to select seats, print our boarding passes and even perhaps a baggage drop option. How attractive would that be for residents and tourists to this beautiful nation?
Making flying easier by skipping the check-in queues at the airport could prove beneficial for all.
Sunil Thomas Ranny, Manama.
Editor’s note: It would also allow more time for travellers to shop at duty-free, another potential financial bonus for the operators of Bahrain’s soon-to-be-opened new terminal.
My heart goes out to all those in Bahrain who suffered in Saturday’s heavy rain which caused flooding chaos for families and businesses around Riffa in particular.
The only bright note was the smiles on the faces of school children who were given a day off on Sunday because of the sitting pools of water around the Isa Town education district.
Awali Golf Club took a soaking too. However, it boasts the only golf course that after a downpour of rain has grass growing in the bunkers and sand on the fairways!
Tony Masters,
Riffa Views.
