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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes-Advocate, 1980-04-23, Page 36RECEIVES AWARD — One of two branch members to receive the Meritorious medal and award in R.E. 'Ted' Pooley, often whom the branch has now been 'named. In the presenta- tion to Mr. Pooley are, from the left - the Hon. C.S. MacNaughton, President Eric Heywood, Mr. Pooley and RCAF Centralia Commanding Officer Randall. Best wishes on your 50th • We're, happy to join .with many other members of the community in saluting R.E. Pooley Branch 167, Royal Canadian Legion, Exeter. Our best wishes for a successful anniversary celebration. 11111165. 41111111MNIIIitob., -4. 41 Iiir qg0 1,1 HOME CENTRES ITN IIbIII ISE $1114 IMP warty Hwy. 83, Exeter 235-1422 Page 4 T-A Legion Special, April 23, 1980 Members welcomed airmen TOP HONOR — One of the major awards to be presented to a Legion member is the Meritorious medal and award. Reg McDonald, left, is one of the local recipients and is shown receiving the plaque- from Harvey Pfaff in 1973. The award is for outstanding devotion to the aims and objects of the Royal Canadian Legion. Poppy important in veterans' life Continued from page 3 taking a ieaa witn the Town Council in discussing and assisting in such matters as the War Effort, 5th Column activities, Savings, guard duties, and how it could assist the Red Cross. Watches were presented to persons who enlisted and cigarettes were sent to persons already in the ar- med forces. Later, it also assisted in recruiting drives for personnel for the 1st Hussars. It would now appear that after much consideration the branch had found property which would be suitable for its new hall. At the General Meeting held on October the 25th 1940 a decision was made to purchase the North part of the Lindenfield Hardware store. This portion of the store was purchased, and the price paid was $4,500. It was a two storey building and work was soon commenced remodelling the ground floor which was to be used for bingos etc, and the upper floor for recreation purposes, Shortly thereafter bingos were held on a weekly basis, and it is apparent that' funds raised in this manner greatly assisted in the paying off the mortgage. A banquet was held in April 1944 to celebrate the "bur- ning of the mortgage." and with its burning the branch became the third in the Zone to own its own building. It was also on this occasion that the, branch held its first "ladies night." With the arrival of Royal Canadian AirForcepersonnel at Centralia in 1941, the branch like many other branches throughout the country, opened its doors to them. The effort to make them welcome may not have been great, but like many small things in life, to those who received it the hand of friendship was very im- portant. It is safe to say that this welcome had a lasting effect on the relationship between base and com- munity at that time, and which may have in no small way contributed to the good will which continued until the closing of Centralia in 1966, While the most visible support in community ac- tivities would have to .be Airforce participation in Remembrance Day parades, it did take interest and assisted in other fields. War- time and peace-time per- sonnel alsofound this area a good place to live, and upon retirement many settled here. With the end of hostilities in 1945 men and women were returning to civilian life, and many were joining the branch. With increasing membership the branch now gave consideration to the enlarging of the hall, and the installation of bowling alleys, This project did not materialize and it would be some years before new quarters would be built. At this time it is perhaps noteworthy to mention that in January 1947 three ladies were initiated as members and were the first ladies to become regular members of the branch. To welcome them were approximately 90 members, perhaps one of the highest number to attend a General meeting in branch history. It was also early in 1947 that Please turn to page 5 By PAT SKINNER The Poppy plays a very important role in the life of the Royal Canadian Legion. It is a symbol of Sacrifice and Remembrance. The "Poppy Fund", serves those who were the victims of that Sacrifice. Each year about the first of November, Poppies are distributed to schools, places of business and Legion members go from door to door to replemish the Poppy Fund, so that its work can be fulfilled for another year. Before the Second World War and up to about the mid 1950's the Wreathes, Poppies and other supplies were ordered by the president and secretary of the branch. The distribution of these was done by one or two in-- dividuals. About 1956 the branch ap- pointed the Poppy Chairman to order the wreathes, pop- pies and the other material necessary for the Remem- brance Day event. It was also his job to see that the Poppies were distributed. Up to the present time there have been four Poppy Chairmen. The Legion appreciates very much the support given the Poppy Fund by the peo- ple of Exeter and surrouding area. We would also like to thank the organizations and., business places for the wreath donations. These are the tokens that make Remembrance Day a day to remember our fallen comrades. We're Proud Best Wishes of our Legion on fifty years of service Celebrations art -Camp:Leg JEWELLER Moin St. Exeter ..)