Help save the Billy Bishop legion branch

Few airmen know that we have a well kept secret here on the West Coast. We have a shrine to that great Canadian hero and fighter pilot archetype, Billy Bishop. Nestled in an unobtrusive building at 1407 Laburnum St. in Kitsilano, a short cab ride from downtown Vancouver, you will find 176 Billy Bishop Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.

It is also an Official Military Museum. Displayed in the ambient style of an old English pub are artifacts from the three services with special emphasis on the Air Force. For instance there are over 450 unit badges and crests (come and find yours) as well as many war paintings, photographs and other objets d’art. Libation to suite every palate is available from 4.00pm daily and a special roast beef dinner is served Friday evenings. There are also a variety of restaurants within five minutes walk.

So if your travel plans take you through or close to Vancouver this year, don’t miss the chance to have a beer and enjoy a moment of nostalgia with us at "The Billy".

During the annual Poppy Campaign, The Billy collects far more donation dollars than any other legion branch in BC. In spite of this, burgeoning municipal taxes force the branch to the edge of bankruptcy every year. Consequently contributions in the form of taking out memberships, donations or bequests are gratefully and humbly accepted.

For details contact Eric Mold sofsibc@shaw.ca or 604 408 7455.