The Members Lounge is the main event room at 305 Morrish Rd.
By Kathryn Stocks
The new Legion Branch 258 has moved from Lawson to Morrish Rd. and is now open to the community.
The branch had a “soft opening” when members got to go inside for the first time and meet old friends after a long hiatus. After nine months of waiting, the liquor licence was finally approved in October and Branch 258 is back to business as usual. Their hours are Wednesday to Saturday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
I met with Past President David Adamson and President Richard Viles for a tour of the new building. As you go in the doors, the foyer has glass showcases for some of the memorabilia that’s been collected by the branch over the years.
A short staircase takes you into the Members Lounge and the first thing you notice is how bright and spacious it is. This room is filled with tables, chairs, dart boards, a shuffleboard, and pool and billiard tables.
This is where Branch 258 members can hang out with friends and where they will be holding their popular events like Pub Sundays twice a month with food, music and dancing. Karaoke and Meat Rolls will also be held here. This room has an official capacity of 285 people.
Downstairs they have the Party Room, which has a capacity of 119. It has two garage-type doors opening onto a patio that will allow people to easily walk outside when the weather is fine. This room and the Lounge will be available for rent and should be perfect for things like birthdays, anniversary parties and celebrations of any kind.
The building also has a Memorial Room for small groups to rent, this one seats 15 people comfortably, as well as an outside deck off the Lounge.
The official opening of the new building will take place in the new year. No date has been set yet because it requires planning and invitations to Legion superstars, local politicians and community members.
Before they get to that point, they “still have a lot of work to do,” Richard said. There are boxes to be unpacked, pictures to put up and “stuff” to be dealt with. Like anyone who moves, they’re wondering what to do with all they’re acquired over the years.
On Remembrance Day this year, the branch held its usual service at 2 p.m. on November 11 and the Poppy Campaign started the last Friday in October. Poppy boxes were at the branch, in liquor stores, beer stores, libraries and schools.
Remember that they’re not selling poppies, they’re asking for donations to support their work in the community supporting youth in education programs, sports teams and other worthy causes.
David and Richard are hoping more people will join Branch 258 as members. There are four categories, each with different qualifications. For more information, visit rcl258.com and search for “Membership.”
Hours of Business: Wednesday to Saturday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.