When the First Vice President of the Port Rowan Legion General Blacklock Branch 379 arrived at the station for our interview, we first thought that there was no way that such a young gentleman could be not only the First Vice, but also the Poppy Chair, a member of the Bursary Committee and a Service Officer… But Derick Biddle quickly showed us that while he may be young, he has a keen interest in his Legion and in supporting the community he lives in.
We started the interview by adding another title to his list: historian.
And while those names and the story harkens back to days long gone, there are very strong ties to the present-day Port Rowan community and Norfolk County.
And when it comes to present day, there is one group in particular that Biddle feels should be stepping up to support their community.
While they welcome members of all ages, he recognizes that younger people may be able to bring unique perspectives to the table, and to carry the legacy of the Legion forward.
And for anyone under the age of 18 who is interested in being a part of the things the Legion is doing but are too young for a membership, they welcome students and can assist them in obtaining their 40 hours of community involvement through volunteering.
With the support of the members, volunteers, and the public the Legion is able to support not only Veterans, but also their local community.
Another way they support the community and local youth is through their Bursary Program, which sees students from Valley Heights Secondary School eligible for a bursary through Branch 379. In fact, the evening before our interview Biddle had attended a graduation ceremony on behalf of the committee to award one such financial hand to a student.
Coming up at the Port Rowan Legion is their Christmas Turkey Raffle next month, and a Breakfast with Santa, which is not the only way their members and volunteers make sure that local children have a magical Christmas.
As previously mentioned, Biddle is also the Poppy Chair, where he oversees their branches Poppy Campaign, and he spoke a bit about where the funds raised through this campaign will go.
This interview took place last Saturday, which was also the day before the Port Rowan Legion’s first Remembrance Day Service, but you can also find them at both the Port Rowan Cenotaph and then the St. Williams Cenotaph on November 11th; a day which Biddle stresses the importance of.
To hear the full interview with First Vice President, Poppy Chair, Bursary Committee Member and Service Officer of the Port Rowan Legion General Blacklock Branch 379, Derick Biddle:
Written by Robynn Beazley