Branch Week in Virden
Branch Week for Royal Canadian Legion in Virden, Dec. 2 – Dec. 7, starts off with a church service Sunday morning, then Santa Brunch. The brunch is a fundraiser for Virden’s Cadet Corps. Branch No.8 sponsors the brunch with help from the Legion Ladies Auxiliary. It’s a week filled with activity at the Legion.
BRANCH NO. 8 LEADERSHIP
A new executive is in place following RCL’s annual meeting, Wednesday, Nov. 21. They will take their oaths Wednesday, Dec. 19 to then officially take the reins of leadership.
President: Comrade Shae Apland
1st Vice: Comrade Curtis Smith
2nd Vice: Comrade John Davidson
Executive Directors for two years: Comrade Marc Savy, Comrade Shelly Savy, and Comrade Linda Smith.
Executive Directors for one year: Comrade Herb Warkentin and Comrade Kel Smith;
One space for another Director (1 year).
Executive Support Staff: Secretary - Comrade Kevin Procyk; Treasurer - Comrade Hank Kyle; Sgt. At Arms - Comrade Geoff Logue; Chaplain - Padre Matt Koovisk.
XII MANITOBA DRAGOONS
Cadets meet Monday evenings, 6:45 pm. The Branch sponsors the youth group. The cadets run a co-educational programme for 12 to 18-year-olds.
Join early to enjoy the benefits of being a cadet, as every year in the five-year program is different with new levels to achieve. There are no fees except for canteen money. Summer camps are available deserving cadets.
Virden’s Army Cadets are named after the XII Manitoba Dragoons, the local regiment located here until it was disbanded due to defence cuts.
REMEMBRANCE INCLUDED RESTON
With no Branch in Reston now, this year the Reston K-12 School became the responsibility of the Virden Branch.
The school took part in the Remembrance Day Poster and Prose competition. The town of Reston was also part of the Poppy sales area, which is new.
In Virden at the Remembrance Day Luncheon, the Ladies Auxiliary presented a cheque for $5,000 to Br. No. 8.
The Branch rang the Bells of Peace (100 years since Armistice) with the help of Saint Paul’s United Church and the Town of Virden (fire tower bell).
Scouts Canada First Virden Troop laid small Canadian Flags by the tombstone of each war veteran in the Virden Cemetery. A Canada Wreath was laid at the War Memorial in Victoria Park and at the Legion Memorial in the Cemetery. Beside the Legion Memorial a new flag pole flies the Canadian flag.
Community Santa Parade
The XII Manitoba Dragoons Cadet Corps Colour Party will be leading the Dec. 1 Santa Claus parade. The Legion Santa Float will follow them, with the Legion Ladies Auxiliary providing candy for the children watching along the parade route.
