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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Brussels Post, 1981-09-02, Page 17To the members of Brussels Legion Branch 218 Betty and I join in warm congratulations to the IN members of Brussels Legion for fifty years of distinguished service to the veterans of Brussels and area and to our community at large. As an honorary member of Branch 218, I take great pride in my association with the activities of Brussels Legion and its dis- tinguished history. During half a century of service to the veterans of two world wars and the Korean conflict, Brussels Legion has been a major force in the general life and well-being of the community in peace as Well as in war. Those absent friends to whose initiative we owe the founding of this Branch would look with pride upon the activities of their successors who carry on the tradition of service which they began. We salute their efforts even as we pause to celebrate this occasion and show our appreciation to the ongoing spirit of Brussels Legion. Well done. Murray Cardiff MoP, Huron-Bruce BRUSSELS'' LEGION ANNIVERSARY SUPPLEMENT BS BRUSSELS LEGION PIPE BAND — The Brussels Legion pipe band plays a big part in Legion activities. The band led the parades in 1961 when honour rolls with the names of those who fought in the two World Wars were presented to various churches in Brussels. The Legion Band is popular throughout the area. (Frank Phillips Photo) Legion pipe band wears the MacFarlane tartan BY TOM MacFARLANE AND ELIZABETH PROCTER In 1952, George Elliott and Gordon Krauter had the idea that Brussels should have, a pipe band. After some discus-- sion and a couple of meetings the Brussels Legion Pipe Band was born. Only Legion members were allowed to belong, and the first mem- bers of the band were George Elliott, Orie Elliott, Gordon Krauter, Calvin Krauter, Ken Coleman, Tom MacFarlane, Jack Willis, Ross Duncan, Ross Bennett, Ray Bronson, Walter MacFarlane and Dave Hastings. For the first year, the pipers and the drummers travelled to Lochalsh once a week to take lessons from pipe instructor D.A. MacLen- nan with Mac McKenzie instructing the drummers. Each member paid 50 cents a week travelling expense as well as 50 cents per lesson. Each member bought his own instrument. Money to buy uniforms was raised by sell- ing tickets on draws, social functions, and private dona- tions. The MacFarlane tartan was chosen for the kilts. In the spring of 1953 an election for Pipe Major was held and George 'Elliott be- came the first Pipe Major of the band- a position which he held until 1965. Pipe Ser- geant, Tom MacFarlane then took over as Pipe Major in 1965 and has held the position ,ever since. There are only two of the original members that still remain with the band. They are Ross Bennett and Toni MacFarlane. Other members that have participated in the band are: Charlie Doll, Ron- ald MacFarlane, Murray MacFarlane, Ivan Campbell, Robert Bremner, Charlie McLean, Gail White, Carol Raymond, Susan Langlois, Gwen Bernard, Frank Olhei- ser, Wendel Richards and Archie Mann. Frank Okheiser and Jim Mclean spent many hours teaching the present band pipers while the late Wendel Richards taught the drum- mers. PRESENT MEMBERS The present band members are: Pipe Major, Tom Mac- Farlane, pipe Sergeant Charles Proctor, Jim McLean Gwen McLean Donald Mar- tin, Garner Nicholson, Albert Cook, Donald Dunbar, Rev. Ken lnnes, Nelson Howe, Please turn to page 14 On Behalf of the Province of Ontario myself and my family,Congratulations to the members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 218, Brussels. Your service to your country as members of our Armed Forces has been well commemorated in the community activities of Branch 218. Your par- ticipation is a fitting tribute to your comrades and our friends and family members who died in service to Canada. Best wishes on your 50th Anniversary and may Branch 218 continue to prosper and provide leadership in the Community, Murray J. Elston M.P.P. Huron Bruce