Written by Timothy Webber, Past President,
RCL #219, Roberts Creek, B.C.

Roberts Creek is a large area situated on the Sunshine Coast between the towns of Gibsons and Sechelt. Officially an 'unincorporated village,' we boast a general store, post office, restaurant and cafe, hair salon, health food store, woodworking school, several retail shops and, of course, a legion.

Chartered in 1947, the first home of Branch 219 was a 20' x 20' cabin not far from the east bank of Roberts Creek itself. Although a more comprehensive history can be found in the recent B.C./Yukon Command publication "Legion Histories," we must acknowledge the dedicated effort of the two "Jacks," Eldred and Hamon, for getting it all started. Expanding several times over the years, we now have close to 4,000 sq.ft. of space with a main hall and bar, kitchen, and newly renovated bathrooms (thank you Ralph and Iris!) on the upper level, and an office and snooker room on the lower level. Most recently we added a smoking room built entirely with volunteer labour.

Through most of its hundred-year history, Roberts Creek's population was made up primarily of those whose livelihood was resource related - fishing, logging and associated businesses. Demographics and economics have changed over the years, and so has 'the Creek.' In the seventies and eighties we were discovered by back-to-the-landers, artists, and artisans. Later, numerous families moved here in order to live outside the city although many commute to the Lower Mainland to work. Most recently we were discovered again as a high-end real estate market and many large houses are being built along our waterfront.

Through it all, the "Little Legion" has been here. Our membership has risen and fallen, reflecting the economic vagaries of the years, and we currently have a solid core of about 200 members. Our only paid employees are bar staff and a janitor; everything else is done by volunteers. We would be remiss if we did not salute them once again, and thank them for their continued dedication and effort. Besides being the only pub in town for our members and their guests, we are a vibrant music venue. From Celtic to funk, flamenco to blues and rock 'n roll, our hall jumps to the beat of talented local musicians, up and comers, and well known headliners. On any given night a jam could break out, so bring your guitar!

To honour our senior citizens, we began hosting a Valentine's Tea and 2006 will be the sixth consecutive year. We dress the place up in fine linens, bone china, and silver tea services to serve fancy sandwiches, sweets, and gallons of tea. Again, it is volunteers who make it all possible, but special recognition must be given to Gail Newman who fearlessly donates her fabulous collection of antique cups and saucers (we haven't lost one yet), and to Quality Farms and Marketplace I.G.A. Wilson Creek for the flowers.

Our Ladies Auxiliary has also hosted a Veteran's Dinner each spring.
Of course, our spiritual raison d'etre is and will be Remembrance Day. For reasons we can't fully explain, attendance has increased dramatically over the past few years. The service itself is a solemn and moving affair, and CFB Comox conducts a fly-past each year.

Afterwards, fortified by the famous Ladies Auxiliary stew, we host the community, stand our veterans and members one at the bar, sing along to Bernie G and the 69'ers, and eagerly await a visit from the Pender Harbour Pipe Band.

Though not quite thriving, we are a going concern with an active recruitment that has brought a number of new members of our local community who support the mission of the Royal Canadian Legion and Br. 219 as a community organization. Despite operating fairly close to the bottom line, we have raised the money to finish our much needed new roof this spring, and we still donate what we can each year to many and various charities, community organizations, and individuals.
We proudly carry the torch of Remembrance and feel ourselves an important part of our diverse community.

If you're ever in the neighbourhood drop by!
We'll be here.

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Colour party:
Deborah G. Levy; Ben Gerwing-Levy; Richard McBride; Ozzie Cargyle

photos credited to Heather Till (member)

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2005 Seniors' Valentine's Tea: Fifth Annual

Silver services donated for the day's use, beautiful squares and sweets made by volunteer members; flowers donated by community stores (Marketplace IGA Wilson Creek), centrepiece flowers by Quality Farms and Gardens

Serving in style: Michael McGinnis and Rae Ellingham

Diana Halter and Barbara Lee Fraser performed live celtic music

Doug and Helen Roy, Berni G. (Garrison)

Guests sitting in front of pre-designated 'secret' tea cups are winners of a gift bag of goodies

Seniors enjoying the day

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The Pender Harbour Pipe Band visits RC Legion on Remembrance Day 2005