Beachville Legion held a picnic Sunday afternoon as part of the 75th anniversary of the Legion. Shown here playing football in no particular order are, Shea Pellow, Michael Nadalin, David Fruin, Jagger Pellow, Candice Bousfield, Amber Bousfield, Jessi Bousfield, Samantha Ceaser and Hillary Ceaser all from Ingersoll, Tillsonburg and Woodstock Areas. (Jennifer Vandermeer photo)

Legion picnic fun for all

By YVONNE HOLMES MOTT

For The Ingersoll Times

The 75th Anniversary Zone B2 picnic, held at the Beachville Branch Sunday afternoon was an outstanding success.

Some 200 Veterans and Legion members from all eight Branches within Oxford County, family members and friends spent the sunny afternoon in games, contests, conversation and reminiscing. And then there was the food – barbecued beef, salads from all the Legions and ice cream cones!

Zone Commander Bruce Julian was elated with the success of the event. "It has been great," he said early Sunday evening as things were winding down. "We are so pleased with the response and with the camaraderie that was experienced here today."

Julian added that a great deal of planning and work went into the picnic, "and it certainly paid off". He had special thanks for Bill Hawkins, who barbecued and carved the beef. "What a contribution that is," he observed. "People will come from far and wide just for Bill’s beef alone." The Zone Commander also praised all members of all the Branches who worked together for the fantastic picnic fare. He especially noted Beachville Past President Dee Pellow, who co-ordinated the arrangements and Deana Ceser who organized the games for the children.

The event is one of several scheduled for this year within the county as the Royal Canadian Legion observes its 75th anniversary. Earlier this month a special Legion church service was held in Ingersoll. Oxford County’s Zone B2 Branches include Tillsonburg, Embro, Norwich, Tavistock, Woodstock, Thamesford, Ingersoll and Beachville.

"This is a very important year for Legion Branches right across Canada" states Julian. "I am very proud that this 75th anniversary is being so well observed in our Zone. We hope not only to show our appreciation for our veterans, but to show the public what the Legion is all about – and that is looking after veterans and their famillies, patriotism, teaching children about our proud heritage, and serving our country and our communities in many different ways."