Submitted by Gerry Tilmans,
Branch 202, 1st VP, Public Relations Officer
Remembrance Day is quickly approaching. Poppy canvassing began on Saturday October 24 allowing three weekends for us to raise money for the poppy fund at the Lion’s Head Legion. We will be stationed at the LCBO and Hellyer’s Foodland again this year and we are grateful for their support. We have not yet adapted to wireless payment so if you plan to donate please remember to bring some old-fashioned “cash” with you.
The Colour Party will lead the Remembrance Day parades starting at 9:30am at Monument Corners cenotaph for a 9:45am service. At the Lion’s Head cenotaph, the parade will march at 10:50am for an 11:00am service.
Just a reminder that if you’ve been thinking about becoming a legion member, this year membership is free, and we have welcomed over thirty new people into our branch (and counting). If you renew for 2027 by December 15th you will automatically be added to the draw for a free Ford F150 pickup truck.
We are also looking for bartenders. If you wish to join the legion and tend bar, the Smart Serve costs will be covered if you don’t already have this.
At this fall’s Honours and Awards luncheon, one of the special honorees was George Bowman, who received a Lifetime Membership award. We are so proud of him!
Please keep in mind that the third Friday of each month we host a free matinee movie on a large screen. Doors open at 1:00, movie starts at 1:30 pm.
Our address is 6 Hellyer Road. Contact me at branch202pro@gmail.com for more information about our Branch.
Remembering Sapper Herbert Bridge
In this issue we are highlighting another veteran whose banner is on display in Lion’s Head. The following information is courtesy of Noreen Bridge.
Sapper Herbert Bridge was born on January 29, 1895, son of Albert Bridge and Mary Hayes, and was raised on a farm near Lion’s Head with 10 siblings. He enlisted at Lion’s Head on March 24, 1916, with the 160th Bruce Battalion C Company, trained with his local platoon in Walkerton and then London. His rank was Sapper.
Herbert sailed to England to continue his training at Witley and Bramshott Camps. He served in England and France with the 1st Engineers. He was slightly gassed at Bourlon Wood. He also had a gunshot wound over his right eye and shoulder on August 16, 1917.
On May 17, 1919, he was discharged and returned to Lion’s Head/Ferndale where he took up farming. He also farmed at Miller Lake. He married Belle Wardrop in March 1927 and raised nine Children.
~ Lest we forget ~
