In the News ...
BC Legion Highland Gathering, Squamish, June 19th, 2010
Taking part in this years Highland Gathering with be the Whalley Legions known Cedar Hills Caledonian Pipe Band with members taking part in the solo drumming and piping events as well
as the band then entering the Grade 5 band competition.
The Legion Highland Gathering is held on the third Saturday of June each year. The hosting of the "Gathering" rotates each year between participating RCL Branches from all over the province.
Over the years there has been more than 20 Legion Pipe Bands and Colour parties competing. Currently there is in addition, to the Legion Pipe Bands an invited list of
non-Legion bands that have a strong affiliation to the LHG
October 23rd, 2009 - Veterans Week
Our Veterans are ordinary men and women who did extraordinary things to protect our freedom and build a safer world to live in.
There are many ways you can show that you remember and honour our Canadian Veterans:
* Pin a poppy above your heart.
* Attend a local Remembrance Day ceremony.
* Visit a friend or relative who just returned home from Afghanistan or who served elsewhere in the world.
* Listen to Veterans talk about their experiences.
* Visit the Veterans' Week fan page on Facebook, write on our wall and share how you remember.
* Change your FaceBook profile picture with a poppy, write on your wall about how you remember, or create your own remembrance fan page.
* Write about remembrance on your blog.
However you choose to remember, be sure you share with a friend, a family member or a colleague. Encourage them to take up the challenge too.
This Veterans' Week How will you Remember?
September 5th, 6th & 7th, 2008
This year marks the 60th Anniversary of the Whalley Legion and Ladies Aux. we would like to welcome everyone to come and join us to help celebrate
60 years in the community.
| Friday Sept 5th |
Free Appetizers |
5:30 - 6:30 PM |
| |
Vaudeville Show by “Vaudevillans” |
6:30 - 7:30 PM |
| |
Dance to the “Aspens” |
8:00 - 12:30 PM |
| Saturday Sept 6th |
“Langley Ukulele Band” |
2:30 - 3:30 PM |
| |
Extended Meat Draws |
3:30 PM onward |
| |
Buffet Dinner |
5:00 - 7:00 PM |
| |
Dance to the “Aspens” |
4:00 - 11:30PM |
| Sunday Sep 7th |
Sing-A-Long 40’s songs |
1:30 - 2:30 PM |
| |
Formal 60’s Program |
3:00 - 4:00 PM |
| |
Dance to “Stardust” 8 piece Big Band |
4:00 - 8:00 PM |
| |
Ladies Auxiliary Salmon BBQ |
5:00 - 7:00 PM |
| Sunday Sept 7th |
Recognizing the “Battle of Britain” |
All Day |
NOTE: DRESS IN THE 40TH FASHIONS ALL WEEKEND - LOADS OF FUN AND PRIZES!
October 23rd, 2007 - Veterans Week
Each year, Canada marks Veterans' Week from November 5 to 11. Veterans' Week is a time to honour and remember all those who served Canada in times of war,
military conflict and peace. Throughout the week, commemorative events and activities will be held in communities across Canada.
This year, we call upon all Canadians, especially youth, to take an active role in commemoration. Taking part in remembrance events develops a deeper
understanding of the sacrifices and achievements of those who have served and continue to serve our country. As Canadians, we have endless opportunities
to become involved in remembrance. We can talk to a Veteran, visit a local cenotaph or monument, read a book or attend a Remembrance Day ceremony.
When we take an active role in commemoration we become part of a legacy of remembrance and gratitude. We also set an example for future generations
so that the torch of remembrance continues to burn brightly.
September 16th, 2007 - Battle of Britain Open House
Whalley Legion Branch #229, will be hosting an Open House for The Battle of Britain Day.
The Branch will be open to members, their guests and the public Sunday, September 16th from 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Dance to the music of the era with an 8 piece band, STARDUST from 4:00 – 8:00 PM. The Cedar Hills Caledonian Pipe Band will also entertain the crowd.
British fare will be available as well as the regular menu from the Legion kitchen.
A brief account ...
The Battle of Britain is known for two very important reasons in the annals of modern history. First, it was the only battle to be staged in military
warfare what was ever fought entirely in the air, even to this day. Second, it was to turn the whole tide for the whole future of the Second World War,
because if the Battle of Britain had been lost, German forces would have invaded Great Britain and would have had total domination of Northern Europe
and possibly have succeeded in being a world power.
After successful invasions of Poland, Denmark, Norway, Holland, Belgium and France, Adolf Hitler’s Nazi rule needs only to succeed with Great Britain.
British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill said, “... the Battle of France is over, I expect that the Battle of Britain is about to begin. Upon this
battle depends the survival of Christian civilization. Upon it depends our British life, and continuity of our institutions and our Europe.”
Bombing Britain began on Sept 7, 1940 and on Sept 15; the largest concentration of German aircraft, Luftwaffe came across the English coast. That day
Luftwaffe lost 59 aircraft and British Fighter Command 26. Within 2days, Adolf Hitler realized that Germany had failed to accomplish the defeat,
and landing in Britain was out of the question. The blitz continued for 57 consecutive days, but on a lesser scale after the 15th. The Battle of
Britain continued until Oct 31, 1940. In total, 2,936 pilots took part in this historic battle and 544 lost their lives.
We must never forget what this battle did for the cause for freedom, and the men who played their part to rid the world of dictatorship power. We must
teach today’s generation that a handful of men fought for the freedom enjoyed today. Wars and conflict will continue to happen, but our western world
is a place of freedom and democracy.
June 3rd, 2007 - Dedication of Veterans Way
A few streets and avenues were blocked by the RCMP on Sunday June 3, 2007,
surrounding the Royal Canadian Legion, Whalley Branch # 229, not because of
an incident, but for a special dedication re-naming 106th Avenue in Surrey, BC
to 106th Avenue/VETERANS WAY.
The Legion, Whalley Branch #229 filed an application with the City of
Surrey to commemorate the long history of the location of the Whalley Legion
Branch #229 on 106th Avenue and to honour the Veterans.
The day, June 3rd was Veterans Day and selected as the appropriate day for the dedication.
Local dignitaries, Veterans, Legion members and friends looked on as two
RCMP officers, MP Penny Priddy, Whalley Legion President, Gary McIlwaine,
Surrey City Manager, Murray Dinwoodie, and Jim Holland co-author of the idea,
cut the ribbon officially dedicating 106th Avenue to 106th Ave/Veterans Way. The
Legion Colour Guard, veterans, representation from all branches of the Armed
Forces, the Cedar Hills Caledonian Pipe Band and Air, Navy and Army cadets paraded on 106th
Avenue/Veterans Way to the front of the Legion cenotaph for the remaining
ceremonies.
Surrey Mayor Diane Watts, represented by, City Manager, Murray Dinwoodie,
said that the Legion Whalley Branch #229 was very progressive in their
submission to the city, saying that the Legion was a valued part of the
community.
MLA's Bruce Ralston, Sue Hammell, Jagup Brar and Dave Hayer congratulated
the Whalley Legion Branch #229 for their initiative and complemented the
contributions to the City of Surrey; amazingly most had connections with
Veteran through their fathers. Representing Veterans Affairs Canada was
Martin Mac Donald expressing his congratulations on dedication of the 106th
Avenue/Veterans Way.
Whalley Legion President Gary McIlwaine said that this avenue dedication was
a long process from the time of the application to this day and he thanked
the Veterans who worked diligently to initiate and bring about this project.
The committee members, lead by Jim Holland were, Art O'Neill, Harry Glowachuk
and Bill Woolf. President McIlwaine thanked them and presented each with a
special pin for their work and effort in pursuing this initiative.
Wreaths and candles were laid, followed by and afternoon of entertainment,
dinner and dancing for veterans and their invited guests.
Thousands of dollars each year are contributed to the community by the fund
raising efforts of the Legion and the Ladies Auxiliary. Some of the groups
who receive support are MS Society, Cedar Hills Caledonian Pipe Band, Meals-on- Wheels,
Heart & Stroke, Surrey Memorial Hospital, Amos Gordon Ferguson Manor, George
Derby Long Term Care Facility, Brock Fahrni Pavilion Veterans Hospital,
Surrey Youth Programs, 767 Dearman Air, Army, Navy Cadets, and some
Secondary School Scholarships.
Check out the services of the Whalley Legion, hall rental, veterans
services, fun, fellowship and availability of membership by calling
604-581-3441 or visit the location at 13525 - 106th Ave / VETERANS WAY, Surrey,
BC or the website www.whalleylegion.org
April 8th & 9th, 2007 - The Great War on CBC
As part of the Great War Project, one of our Legion members, Garth Newlands, Pipe Major of our
Legion Pipe Band was selected to take part in this remarkable television project marking the
90th Anniversary of Canada and the First World War. This series is set to air on CBC on
April 8th and 9th followed a few days later with behind the scenes footage 1 hour special.
Be sure and visit the Great War web site for additional information.
|
