The Armistice, an agreement to end the fighting of the First World War as a prelude to peace negotiations, began at 11am on 11 November 1918.

To this day we mark Armistice with a Two Minute Silence at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month.

Just for the next Trivial Pursuit challenge you may have: Armistice descends from Latin sistere, meaning "to come to a stand" or "to cause to stand or stop," combined with arma, meaning "weapons." An armistice is an agreement between countries who are at war with one another to stop fighting and to discuss ways of making peace.

Well, the Poppy fairies, including myself, were out in force this week as it is the start of the Poppy Appeal. Since its inception in 1921, the Poppy Appeal has always had a dual purpose – to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and to raise money for those who have been left disadvantaged by their time in Service. The Poppy Appeal is the Royal British Legion's biggest fundraising campaign held every year in November, during the period of Remembrance. Please support The Royal British Legion and wear a poppy.

This year, in the Algarve, approximately 158 boxes will be distributed. This number varies year on year as venues close and new ones pop up. We are always on the lookout for new venues and new distributors/collectors so if you have a spare couple of hours, please get in touch.

On Sunday 12th November The Royal British Legion Portugal Branch will hold a service at the beautiful St Lukes Church, Monte da Palhagqueira, Gorjoes, Santa Barbara de Nexe. The service will commence at 10.45 promptly at the memorial outside of the church, before moving inside after the wreath laying and two-minute silence. Everyone is also invited for drinks and ‘nibbles’ in the church hall after the service.

We are honoured to have as our official guests this year Simona Demuro, British Consul, Portugal and Cabo Verde along with Clive Jewell, British Vice Consul based in Portimão.

If you haven’t been to a Remembrance Service, please come along, it is a lovely occasion.

There is also a service taking place in the West of the Algarve at St. Vincent’s Chaplaincy, Church of Nossa Senhora da Luz, R. Luz Bay Club, 8600-150 Luz.

by Jo Tarling, Media Rep The Royal British Legion, Portugal Branch