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About the BranchThe Toronto Association was actually formed by World War One members from the imperial side of our family in 1921. In 1935 the Association opened a club on Wellington Street and the Saturday and Wednesday night dances were very popular. The Saturday night dances continued until the close of the clubrooms. The first Red Hackle Dinner was held on January 12, 1928 in the King Edward Hotel. With our move to York street as described below, the Dinner moved to the Royal York Hotel and remained there until 1987 when we moved the venue to the 48th Highlanders Sergeants' and Warrant Officers' Mess in Moss Park Armouries. Until the 40's, all Regimental members were from the Imperial Black Watch. The first "Canadians" (to which the new Regimental members were referred) did not arrive until the Second World War. From Wellington, we moved to York Street across form the Union Station in 1969 and had at our peak 550 members (mostly associate) possibly attracted by the delta in beer and liquor prices between ourselves and the Royal York Hotel directly opposite. However, all members knew the meaning of Regiment and family; for it was in those days we would have as many as 200 members on the annual November 10th evening Remembrance Day Parades. Alas, the building on York Street was put up for sale in 1982 and although we had a large general membership, the managers of the Club had to be Black Watch Regimental personnel. This group was getting few in number, so the decision was made to close clubroom operations. However, we did go out in a blaze of glory in that on February 22, 1982 (the day after our last meeting), the electrical vault under the street outside blew up and the building went on fire. It has subsequently been demolished. Since the loss of the formal clubrooms, we have been meeting in the Naval Club and in the Sergeants' and Warrant Officers' Mess of the 48th Highlanders of Canada. The current branch executive is as follows: Immediate Past President: William "Bill" Davis Directors: Johan Draper, John Furlong, Ray Joseph, William Landry
Active Service Fund:Although the majority of our soldiers at back on home soil, we still have a small contingent on operations in Afghanistan and Haiti. These soldiers all received packages in a down sized Operation Santa 2009. All 2010 membership dues have been allocated to boost the ASF. This money along with your donations will be targeted to support our next rota of troops overseas in the Fall of this year. For those of you who have supported our Active Service Fund, we thank you. For those of you who might be considering supporting our Black Watch Soldiers on operations by sending them some creature comforts, you may send your donations to: TBWA Active Service Fund Be assured that 100% of the money or product donated to the ASF stays with the ASF. It can NOT be spent on any other activity. Any questions regarding the Active Service Fund may be directed to the President via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Branch News:BBQ 2010: The BBQ was a great success with 115 people in attendance. The TBWA Pipes and Drums made their first official appearance and played two Sets for a very appreciative audience. The Band was presented with four kilts. Gerald Achtenberg, William Landry and Colin Grinstead (the latter presented for him by David Willard) and Drum Major (retired) Cal Wilson for Pipe Major (deceased) Hannah (presented for Cal by Bill Carlisle) formally loaned their kilts in trust to the Band, the TBWA and the Regimental Family. The Band in turn presented the TBWA with a ceiling tile that will be installed in the ceiling of the RCL Branch in which they practice. The tile is in tribute to all who served in the Black Watch RHC. In addition, President Gord Ritchie from the MBWA hosted a whiskey tasting of the 150th Black Watch Anniversary Whiskey and Brendan Boyle brought his award winning history project telling the story of our Regiment to the BBQ for all to enjoy. All this was preceded by "select members" being awarded T Shirts focused on their personal milestones over the 2009/10 BBQ Season.
Chef Kevin Brackley and Sous-Chef de Cuisine Mike Boire surpassed themselves with a fantastic spread ably supported by the TBWA Catering Corps of Cathy Ferdon, Linda O'Brien, Margaret Carlisle, Mary Hauschild, Peggy Furlong and Bill Landry who supplied precooked chicken, salads, fruit, cakes, cookies, fudge and rolls. Despite a rain shower but thanks to our tent, everyone managed to stay dry (relatively) to enjoy the raffle and draw prize activities after dinner and have a good time amongst old and new friends. Appropriately, LCol. Plourde and family won the two tapestries which were amongst the many items raffled off to help the TBWA Band get kitted out. One tapestry was of the Black Watch Armorial donated by Linda O'Brien and the other won by the CO's son was of the Black Watch Battle Honor donated by William Davis. Yet again we are in debt to Colonel and Mrs. Angus for allowing us to invade their home for this annual event. CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF THE 2010 TWBA BBQ Upcoming EventsRed Hackle Dinner 2011 will take place on January 15, 2011 at the York Reception Centre located at 1100 Millwood Road in Toronto. Watch this space for further details in the next couple of months.
Joining the Black Watch Association (Toronto Branch)Please contact the Branch Secretary at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
We were privileged to have a number of special guests at the BBQ, not the least of which was our Honorary LCol. Dan O'Connor who along with our Commanding Officer, LCol Bruno Plourde said a few words to the newly formed TBWA P&D and presented the traditional whiskey Toast to the Band.
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