News
Remembrance Day 2024
On this solemn 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we paused to honour those who have served and continue to serve for peace and freedom, at home and abroad. We invited you to take a moment of purposeful reflection in honour of Canada’s veterans, pausing to remember the sacrifices made by those who served with courage and dedication. Today, despite the weather, we were honoured to host hundreds of people at our Remembrance Day Ceremony in Tara to watch, listen, and pay tribute to their enduring legacy.
This is a difficult day for veterans and their families; which greatly speaks to the need to continue gathering on an occasion like this and serves as a reminder to always stay in touch with one another so we can provide support when necessary.
V-E Day Trip Donation to SDSS
On October 28th, 2024, Branch 383 presented a cheque to the Saugeen District Senior School (SDSS) in Port Elgin to support their upcoming trip to Europe in 2025 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of V-E Day (Victory in Europe) and learn about this world conflict “beyond the classroom.” V-E Day celebrations are scheduled to take place on the anniversary, 8 May.
It was great to see the students so encouraged to assist the branch on Sunset Strip canvassing for poppy donations on October 26th.
2024 Poppy Campaign
Ontario Command Fact Sheet
The following Facts are gathered from a Branch Survey conducted for the Fiscal Year of 2022-2023. These were released on October 7th, 2024.
See the full version of the details gathered from the survey conducted below.
Owen Sound District Secondary School
Early this year, we assisted the OSDSS in fundraising for a school trip to Europe to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of D-Day.
On September 26th, as our General Meeting, the class returned to the Branch and provided our membership with a post-trip briefing about their adventure to France for the 80th Anniversary of D-Day and battlefield tour. Thank you Ryan M., Lachlon S., and Parker D.; you provided an outstanding and informative report!
Branch Annual Golf Tournament
The Annual Branch Golf Tournament took place on September 7th, 2024 and the golfers had to deal with some cooler weather, which kept scores within reach of each other but didn’t keep the golfers from attending. There were 18 teams of 4 golfers that were competing for the win.
In the end, the team of Julia McGregor, Garrett McNabb, Kim Legge, and Jason Legge took the prize with a round of -6. Congratulations to all the golfers who participated.!
Bursary Assistance Program
The Bursary Program is designed to assist those students who are entering or continuing their post-secondary education (including courses and training programs of a technical and vocational nature) and pursue the same course throughout their academic years.
Approved bursary assistance is not based upon academic standing but rather on the successful admission status to a post-secondary institution or successful completion of one or more years leading to a recognized degree, diploma or certificate.
The Program is funded through the Ontario Command Branches and Ladies’ Auxiliaries Charitable Foundation.
If you are currently attending high school, you cannot apply until you are physically on campus in the fall.
Donation to the Tara Food Bank
Together, we can empower our community and create a lasting change by donating to your local food bank. When you support the Tara Legion you support your local community. The Tara Legion and Ladies Auxilary donated a total of $1500 in food items, and funds to purchase their most needed items. All food banks are in need; please consider donating within your means.
Photographed accepting the donation on August 15th, 2024 is Ken Gunson from the Tara Area Food Bank. Presenting are Anita Horning and Debbie Barclay from the Tara Legion and Ladies Auxiliary, with Robert Bertoldi from the Owen Sound Foodland.
Dedication Day - Flags of Remembrance
Thank you to all the volunteers who braved the potential for bad weather to pay their respects and honour 200 veterans buried at the Hillcrest Cemetery on June 7th, 2024.
We had a large volunteer crew that had fun spotting the landscape at this beautifully kept cemetery with Canadian flags without getting too wet, all in about an hour. It’s an awesome sight, and we would like to share this in some of our photographs.
Thank you Mary, for your work in putting this dedication event together to assist the community of Arran-Elderslie in honouring and remembering our local veterans! Click on photos to enlarge.
Cenotaph Gardening Project
A special thank you to all the volunteers who came out on May 28th to help out and support the Legion. Many hands make light work, and it was evident today. The volunteers were able to clean up the garden after the tulip blooms finished and place new mulch throughout the garden. If you are in the area, stop by to pay your respects and observe the improvements made to the area.
As the keepers of remembrance, we love “Keeping Tara Beautiful.” Watch on our Facebook page for future opportunities to help your community!
Roadside Cleanup - 2024
Once again we would like to give a shoutout and pass on a BIG thank you to the organizer and volunteers who came out on 4 May to help with the Roadside Cleanup. Legion members, friends, and Silver Spur Saddle Club members all showed up with their hometown Tara Pride.
The 20 volunteers spent an hour of their time “Keeping Tara Beautiful,” and do not regret assisting their community. Tara is the heart of the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie, and we must keep it that way. Thank you for helping.
A Legion of Athletes
The Royal Canadian Legion’s Track & Field Program has existed for over 50 years. It’s designed to provide training and competition at District, Provincial, and National levels for young Track & Field athletes 12 to 17 years of age. Many of the athletes that have participated in our program have gone on to become Olympic athletes.
Athletes qualify for the Provincial Team by attending the District Track & Field Meet, where they compete with approximately 350 other athletes. This year, up to 400 athletes will attend the Provincial Meet where they can qualify to attend the National Meet.
The District Meet is held in June, with the Provincial in July and National in August, and athletes are funded by their local Legion branches, the Provincial and Dominion Commands. Athletes can register here. The deadline for registration is midnight on June 11th.
Tara Horticultural Society
As the Tara Horticultural Society prepares for its 100th year, you are invited to participate in the celebration activities. Check out their Facebook page for more info and updates.
New Members Welcomed
At the General Meeting held on 28 March, the Branch President, Gary Miller initiated and welcomed our newest members into Branch 383. Welcome to Comrades Pat Gold, Danielle Thede, John Gowan, Bonnie Gowan, and Harry Biermans (click on photos to enlarge).
District Euchre Event
Congratulations to all who participated in and assisted with the District Euchre Event. We have a team that made it through to the Provincials which take place on 4 May at Fergus Legion Branch 275. Awesome teamwork goes out to Steve Hollingshead, Art Malton, Ben Angel, and Jack Patterson. These guys are on fire!
Free Admission to National Parks
2024 Meeting Schedule
We are making it easier for you to schedule the General Meetings. You may also download a PDF version so you can print it out.
5-Year Increment Pin Donations
Remembrance Day 2023
On Saturday, November 11th, large crowds gathered in Tara at the local cenotaph for the 2023 Remembrance Day Service. Residents young and old assembled to pause and reflect on the lives lost in wars gone by. The Service was led by the Branch Chaplain, Barry Smith, and veterans, students, members of the community, the Girl Guides of Canada, as well as a contingent of soldiers from the 4th Canadian Division Training Center in Meaford. For those who’ve served our country, the annual day of remembrance is always a sombre one as memories of those lost and time spent abroad come flooding back. It’s important we don’t forget why we have the freedoms we have today. Thank you to the community for your continued support! Click on the photos to enlarge them.
Honours & Awards Presentation
On 11 November 2023, the Honours and Awards Chairmen, Comrade Robert Pawley presented numerous awards and long-service recognitions to members of Branch 383. For a full list of recent presentations, check out the Honours and Awards page.
New Members Welcomed
At the General Meeting on 26 October, three (3) new members were initiated into Branch 383 by President Gary Miller. Please welcome our newest members into Branch 383 of the Royal Canadian Legion, welcome Comrades Beverly Koecher, Michael Danalyk, and Greg Thorn. (click on photos to enlarge)
2023 Poppy Campaign
The Tara Legion, Branch 383 would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to all the volunteers who assisted with the Campaign. Its success would not have been possible without you, and everyone who donated in support of honouring and supporting our veterans.
All funds raised through the Poppy Campaign directly support Veterans, serving military, RCMP, and their families. Your donations support programs and assistance for veterans and their family, medical training and research, housing, and care facilities for disabled and homeless veterans, and more. Thank you!
Denny's Dam Crew Make a Donation
Thank you Ron & Ken for the continued support of the best crew on the Saugeen River!
New Opening Hours
Branch 383 Remembrance Church Service
This year our Remembrance Church Service took place at the Keady United Church. It was memorable and very well attended. Chaplain Barry Smith was able to speak on the importance of Remembrance Day and why church services are an important part of Remembrance Day.
We must continue to remember. If we do not, the sacrifice of thousands of Canadian lives will be meaningless. They died for us, for their homes and families and friends, for the freedom we so well enjoy today; they died for Canada and we owe it to them.
Tara Maple Leaf Masonic Presentation
Tara Memorial Banners - 2023
This year the Tara Legion was able to secure permission from Hydro One to place additional banners between the bridge in town right up to Veteran’s Memorial Park. What a fantastic new addition for Tara.
The Veterans Banner project allows families and the community at large the opportunity to honour and remember local men and women that have served our county to protect our freedom. (click on photos to enlarge)
Join our Mailing List
If you are not already receiving email from the Branch and you would like to be added to our communications, please consider subscribing. You’ll receive great information, updates, and bulletins about upcoming events and more.
New Members Welcomed
At the General Meeting on 28 September, four (4) new members were initiated into Branch 383 by President Gary Miller. Please welcome our newest members into Branch 383 of the Royal Canadian Legion, welcome Comrades Paul Diebel, Gavin Hemstock, June Byron and Bill Smith. (click on photos to enlarge)
Zone C-4 Fall Conference
It was our pleasure to host the Zone C-4 Fall Conference this year on September 17, 2023. The Legion was packed and all branches were represented. The Council’s fall agenda was full and so my awesome work was done for the Zone Council.
We would like to thank all Zone C4 Branches, including the volunteers, and our awesome Ladies Auxiliary who helped put this together.
Arran-Tara Fall Fair
Supporting Ruck 2 Remember
2024 Legion Membership
Renew your Legion membership at the Tara Branch before 30 November 2023 and pay the Early Bird rate of $55.
If you miss out, renewing on 1 December or later is still available at the normal rate of $60. This early bird rate is available at your local branch only. E-transferring your membership is now available. Contact us for more details.
We Need Your Assistance
We have a volunteer opportunity for you, no matter how little or much you can give. As a volunteer, you have the opportunity to make a lasting impact beyond just your community. Whether it’s by serving a meal, helping to organize an event, or even if you have the skill to give, you can be part of this meaningful organization that continues to help change lives around the country.
If you have the heart to help out veterans and our community, reach out to us here and we will be in touch with you.
Tara Splash Pad
July 16, 2023 is a special day for the town of Tara, and all those who have supported the fundraising for the Splash Pad with its official opening. Thank you to everyone who has contributed and supported to help make this possible.
Legion Member Sports
Have you checked out the Branch Sports page for the up-to-date events taking place at the Branch and around the Zone?
If not, there is a lot going on so don’t forget to stop by and sign up for your favorite activity.
2023 District C Track and Field Results
The New Executive is Initiated
The 2023-2025 Executive Team was Initiated on 25 May 2023 at the General Meeting by Zone Commander, Rob Butchart and Deputy Commander, Steve Rice. A full list of the new Executive Committee is listed on the Branch Executive page here.
Some initiation photos are not available because the photographer was being initiated at the time. You may click on the photos to enlarge it.
Roadside Cleanup
We would like to give a shoutout and pass on a HUGE THANK YOU to the organizers and volunteers who braved the rainy weather and embraced the hardship on 29 April to get our Roadside Cleanup done. Thank you for helping to keep Tara beautiful.
Pin, Badge & Patch Project
We have had several military pins donated to the Legion lately, and we would like to begin a project to assemble a larger display of these items for everyone to enjoy. If you have any ship, squadron, or regiment pins, badges, or patches, including those from the RCMP, we would love to display them for you. If you know the history of the item, you may also include that. Items with local interest are key, and they can be donated or loaned to the Legion for this display. You can drop them off at the bar addressed to Robert Pawley with your instructions, or you can email him at rcmpaw@hotmail.com for pick-up. This photo is just one example of a recent donation made to the Legion, and click here for a bit more history regarding this item.
New Members Welcomed
At the General Meeting on 27 Apr, seven (7) new members, and on 25 May, one (1) new member was initiated into Branch 383 by President Brenda Funston. Please welcome our newest members into Branch 383 of the Royal Canadian Legion, Comrades Jeff McLean, Kerri McLean, Norm Gilbert, Karen St. Amand, Michael Gordon, Bill Cartwright and Jane Cartwright, and Chris Herbert. (click on photos to enlarge)
Membership Renewal Awards
At the General Meeting held at the Tara Legion on 27 April 2023, 1st Vice President Gary Miller presented two membership renewal awards to the Branch. On behalf of Branch 383, President Brenda Funston accepted these awards. The first Achievement Award (on the right) is presented to the Branch from Ontario Command in recognition of attaining 100% or more of the previous year’s (2022) membership. The second award presented (on the left) is an Early Bird Award, which is presented to the Branch in recognition of attaining 70% or more renewals so far for the year 2023.
Comrade Barry Smith
At the General Meeting held at the Tara Legion on 27 April 2023, President Brenda Funston presented the Chaplain stole to Comrade Barry Smith.
The stole is a liturgical vestment of various Christian denominations, which symbolizes priestly authority.
The Legion stole is part of the dress for a Chaplain, and it’s what identifies them as a Legion Chaplain.
Honours & Award Committee
The Honours & Awards Chairman is looking for a Branch Member or two that could spare some time to help out. If you are interested please contact Comrade Bob Pawley at rcmpaw@hotmail.com or leave a note at the Legion Bar with your name and contact information. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Girl Guides of Canada - Cenotaph
Clean-up
The local 1st Tara Embers, Guides, and Pathfinders helping to keep Tara beautiful. On 27 April 2023, Comrade Mary Trelford organized and led this fine group of young volunteers in cleaning up the area around the Tara Cenotaph among other areas in town. Thank you for keeping your promise to “take action for a better world.”
New Digital Membership Card Now Available
Over 10,000 Legion Members have already signed up for the Digital Card!
Members can now choose a traditional plastic card or a Digital Card. Learn about the Digital Card technical requirements, how to request a card, branch notification and more!
Youth Remembrance Day Contest 2023
Thank you to all the participants and for the support from the Arran-Tara Elementary School (ATES). The number of applicants from ATES was huge and would not have been possible without their support. Congratulations to all the winners.
The 1st place winners of each category will be sent to zone level.
Should you wish further information on the Poster and Literary
Contest, please contact the Branch at rcltara383@bmts.com or click here.
Poster credit to Sommer M. of Arran-Tara Elementary School.
1st Place in the Intermediate Class, Black and White Poster contest 2023.
Please excuse the sound issues we experienced during the video recording.
Remembrance Day 2022
On November 11th, large crowds gathered at the cenotaph in Tara for Remembrance Day. Veterans, students, and members of the community all took the time to show gratitude for the freedom we have. We were also honoured to have Veteran and our Member of Parliament for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound Mr. Alex Ruff participate in the Tara Remembrance Day Service.
Having the crowd back brought some emotion to those who gather to pay their respects to the men and women who served and continue to serve. We have a duty to remember, as they defended our values of freedom and democracy.
Arran-Tara Elementry School
The Royal Canadian Legion is a non-profit organization, and one of our goals is to help the community. On November 7, Branch 383 presented a cheque for $1300 to the Arran-Tara Elementary School to assist with their music program. Mary Trelford is presenting the donation to a number of the Tigers.
Tara Splash Pad
On 23 September 2022 the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 383 further supported this project and presented the Tara Splash Pad committee with a cheque for $2500 and the Ladies’ Auxiliary presented a cheque for $2000. Simply amazing!
Grey Bruce Hospice Donation
The community hospice is a centre of excellence with a multidisciplinary team, providing compassionate, dignified, patient-centered care to individuals with a progressive life-limiting illness, empowering them to live well while dying. The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 383 recently presented them with a donation of $500.
Legion applauds Juno Beach decision
We Remember
On November 11th each year, we remember those brave members of the armed forces who fought and died in the line of duty at home and aboard. This year we will conduct the annual Remembrance Day Ceremony at the Tara Cenotaph. The cenotaph in Tara, Ontario stands in Memorial Park, next to Ann, Main, and Yonge Streets.
Lest we Forget