Looking Forward And Back At The Sydenham Legion

Julie Druker | Sep 18, 2013

Though many Royal Canadian Legion branches across the country are finding it difficult to make ends meet due to declining memberships and lack of funds, the Sydenham Legion Branch 496 is one example of a rural Legion striving and finding success in its goal to offer Sydenham and its surrounding communities a family-friendly place to meet, lounge, play games and enjoy a meal and/or a beverage.

First began as an organization solely to help veterans, their families and dependents, many Royal Canadian Legions like the Sydenham Legion have expanded their membership to include all members of the community.

That being said, history still holds a special place at the Legion in Sydenham. Hanging on the back wall of the downstairs meeting area in a wooden oval frame is a photo of Robert Miles Richardson, for whom the branch was named. A note beside the photo tells of Bob Richardson, who was born March 18, 1875 and died May 31, 1949. He served in the First World War and went overseas with the 146 overseas battalion before joining the 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles on November 3, 1916 while serving there in the field. He served both at Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele and on December 21 his regiment occupied the trenches in Loos, France and remained there for one month.

On December 22, 1917, Richardson was struck in the temple by a bullet that lodged itself part way into his skull and on December 31, he was struck off the regimental strength and repatriated to Canada. Deemed to be inoperable, the lump on his forehead was visible until the time of his death.

While remaining proud of its history, the Sydenham Legion’s executive are actively striving to debunk the idea that Legions are dark, somber places where only those associated with war veterans are apt to gather.

I recently met with John Pickernell at the Sydenham branch, now in his tenth year as Legion president, and he explained how he and his executive are actively striving to attract newcomers and younger members who may in the past have stayed away. The Sydenham Legion offers up what Pickernell describes as a friendly, “Cheers”-like environment where people go to meet up with friends and/or family on a regular basis and enjoy a game of cards, pool or shuffle board free of charge. Every day of the week, staff, members and volunteers offer visitors and members a wide range of activities.

On the third Mondays of every month members gather for regular meetings. Wednesday night is pool night and a local league of six teams get together to shoot a friendly game of eight ball. Every second Thursday is Wing Nite, when hungry folk can enjoy a pound of wings in a flavor of their choice for $8.99.

When I was visiting many groups were gathered downstairs, some chatting at tables and chairs and others leaning on the central bar, where long-time bartender Cindy Van Luven was serving up beverages to a number of regular customers.

The Sydenham Legion, like many other Legions, also strives to assist an array of local charity groups and organizations in the community. Last year alone they offered up the hall for free 81 times for various local fundraisers, which included events for the Canadian Cancer Society. They have also held Tai Chi classes in the past, as well as meetings for the local Girl Guides.

Membership over the years has continued to remain strong and currently there are 177 paid members. In their particular zone, the Sydenham Legion is the fourth largest. Pickernell says that is the case because, “We strive to attract younger people by offering our games free of charge, free music picks on Friday nights and free WIFI for those looking for free internet access … Basically we try not to be too strict. We have an open door policy here, unlike some other branches, where members are required to sign their guests in. We chose not to do that and feel that if people want to come and check us out first before they join up, they can.” Kids are also welcome.

Pickernell says also that part of the Legion’s success is because the building is entirely paid off, which makes the costs of running it much less than it would be otherwise. The Legion also boasts a “stellar executive board”, many of whom have long-time professional experience in their fields of expertise. One example is their financial officer, Jay Sheff, who has been a chartered accountant for over 40 years. Other long-time members like Marv Ostopovich, owner of Eskerod Signs, donates all of the organization’s event signage free of charge. Member Derrick Anderson, who is the entertainment director, is able to attract big name entertainment to the branch, like the band Ambush, who will be playing at their upcoming Halloween Dance on October 26 at 8pm.

Also upcoming is the Legion’s Car Rally/Dinner and Dance event, which will take place on October 5 (please register as soon as possible). For more information about membership or about any of the upcoming events contact Cindy Van Luven or Phil Somers at 613-376-6808. The Sydenham Legion is located at 4376 William Street in Sydenham and the hours are Monday to Thursday from 3 – 11pm; Fridays from noon till closing (which varies depending on the turnout) and Saturdays from noon to 8pm.