HAVE A BALL

It’s November, which means it’s, once again, time for the Poppy Ball, one of if not the only remaining ball on the Kingdom’s social scene.

Organiser, the Bahrain British Business Forum (BBBF) has announced that the fundraising event will take place on November 10. And it’s a much-awaited piece of news as the ball was put on hold for three years during the pandemic. The event, which is one of the most popular on the island, will be held at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel’s Grand Ambassador Ballroom. Chelsea Pensioners James David Lycett (Warrant Officer Class 2), 77, and William Kenneth Knowles (Warrant Officer Class 2), 68, will be in attendance as VIP Guests of Honour, as well as the UK’s Red Arrows. During their visit, British forces veterans, James and William, who represent The Royal Hospital Chelsea, will also be making school visits, attending British Embassy functions and touring local attractions. The highlight of their visit will be laying a wreath at the Memorial Service to mark Remembrance Day, as well as the Poppy Ball.

The ball has been organised in support of the Chelsea Pensioners Appeal and the Mother and Child Welfare Society Bahrain, which has been a leader in voluntary work in the Kingdom since 1953 and has played a dominant role in empowering the women and children of Bahrain.

The Poppy Ball will begin at 7pm with a welcome reception and a buffet dinner will be followed by music from 9pm onwards with DJ Daniel and a live performance by the band The Pastmasters. The dress code is evening or cocktail dresses for ladies and dinner suits with black ties or national dress for gentlemen.

A raffle will be organised during the ball with many exciting prizes up for grabs, including two British Airways World Traveller Plus return tickets to London.

The Chelsea Pensioners’ visits to Bahrain have become a yearly custom. BBBF Chairman, Khalid Al Zayani OBE, attributed the success of their arrival to the generosity of local companies saying: “The Pensioners immensely enjoy their visits to Bahrain and always comment on the kind-hearted and generous welcome they receive. I would like to thank our main sponsors Cebarco, Gulf Brands International, British Airways, Euro Motors Jaguar Land Rover and The Diplomat Radisson Blue Hotel for their generosity.” ✤

GO: VISIT THE MAIN RECEPTIONS OF THE BRITISH CLUB, BAHRAIN RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB OR THE DILMUN CLUB OR CONTACT THE BBBF ON BBBFEVENTS@BATELCO.COM.BH FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TICKETS.