2023-
Back Row Left to Right:  Joe Sherring, Tony Bratschitsch, Mark Mainprize, Sergeant-at-Arms Jim Byron, Colour Party Commander Greg Sherring, Gord Kennedy, Chris Slote, Steve Holgate
Seated Front Row Geoff Hodgson
Missing from picture:  Dorothy Foord, Gary Jamieson (RIP - 3 days after picture)
http://br36dundas.org/2023FebruaryColourPartyZoneMeeting/2023FebruaryColourPartyZoneMeetingpics/DSC_7281%20(2).JPG
Picture courtesy Paul Wright 2023
 
 
 
2018-2022
Back Row Left to Right:  Joe Sherring, Chris Slote, Colour Party Commander Greg Sherring,
Sergeant-at-Arms Jim Byron, Geoff Hodgson and Tony Bratschitsch
Front Row:  Dorothy Foord
Missing from picture:  Jan Whiting, Mark Mainprize, Gary Jamieson
http://br36dundas.org/colourparty/20182019ColourParty.JPG
 
Picture courtesy Paul Wright 2018

 

Valley City Branch 36

    Colour Party

 

Click here to see 2024 Dundas Cactus Festival Parade

 

Click here to see House of Providence Picnic Pictures

                                             

  Click here to see Colour Party Event Pictures

 

Click to see pictures of Colour Party at 2023 February Branch 36 Zone Meeting

2023 - Branch 36 Colour Party Members

 

 

 

   
Click    pictures to     enlarge       
 
                            
 
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http://br36dundas.org/comittee/execpics18/_DSC6700GregSherring.JPG

Colour Commander

Greg Sherring

(905) 385-5539

 

Colour Party Report - November 2024 - No Report this Month

 

Colour Party Report - August 2024

The Colour Party will be joining the 2024 Cactus Festival Parade on Thursday, 15th August.  We will be behind the Dundas Pipe & Drum Band who will be leading the

parade.

The parade will again be forming up at the Dundas Drive-In Park where the band will head out the park gates and proceed down Cross turning east on Park turning right

on York and turning right on King where the parade will follow to the Lions Community Center then turning left on Market past the G.L. Grightmire Arena to Mill Street. 

The parade will disburse there.

Branch 36 will be having a tented table on King Street during the festival weekend, stop by, ask about the Colour Party, they are always looking for members to join or just

come out to see what the Colour Party does in the community and at parades.  Ask about the “Catch the Ace”, inquire about the workings of the Legion, ask about the sports

that Legion members are involved in such as Darts, Pool, Shuffleboard, Golf and 8 Ball - there are competitive and fun leagues for all.

The next big event will be Monday November 11 for the annual Remembrance Day Parade.  For more information about the Colour Party call me at 905-537-5995.

Greg Sherring - Colour Party Commander

 

Colour Party Report - May 2024

The Colour Party will be just as busy this year as they were in 2023.  Parading the Colours at many local and not so local indoor and outdoor events in April, May,

June, August and November.

Local Events:

Sunday - 7th April - Honours and Awards Banquet at Branch 36, Dundas

Saturday - 20th April - Allan Cup at the J.L.Grightmire Arena, Dundas

Sunday - 5th May - “Liberation of The Netherlands” 80th Anniversary Celebration at

CWH (Canadian Warplane Heritage) at Hamilton Airport.

Sunday - 2nd June - “D - Day” & Church Service at St. James Anglican Church, Dundas.

Wednesday - 26th June - “House of Providence” Parade & Picnic at St. Joseph’s Villa, Dundas

Thursday - 15th August - Dundas Cactus Parade.

11th November - Remembrance Day Parade, Dundas

Anyone wishing to join the Colour Party please see one of our members or contact the

Branch office at 905-627-7221 or myself @ 905-537-5995

Greg Sherring - Colour Party Commander

 

Colour Party Schedule item:  Added 31st January, 2024:   The Colour Party will be appearing in the opening and closing ceremonies of the Allan Cup

in Dundas - Starting Friday, 19th April, 2024 - times TBA.

Colour Party Report - February 2024

An exciting year 2023 turned out to be as we attended 2 new parades for us.

We joined the Chippawa Branch from Niagara Falls where we lead the Annual Welland Rose Parade in June and our inaugural entrance in the Dundas Cactus Parade

and again having the Colour Party from Chippawa join us on our home turf.

Last November’s Remembrance Day Parade was a big success with many changes and additions that occurred before, during and after the parade.

The Colour Party would like to thank everyone that participated in the draws after the Remembrance Day Parade and during the Christmas Eve afternoon get-together

in supporting the branch Colour Party’s expenses.  Just so you know, the support that you're giving us helps immensely, because we are now the only operating Colour

Party in our Zone.

From the Colour Party to each and every one of you - Happy New Year.

Watch for us in 2024 as we will be present at:  Honours & Awards Banquet(5th April), Branch Election(1st May), “Liberation of The Netherlands” 80th Anniversary Parade

at the Hamilton Warplane Heritage Museum(5th May), D-Day Church Service(2ndJune), Welland Rose Festival Parade, Brantford Military Museum Open House, Dundas

Cactus Parade(15th August), Sobeys (Ancaster) for the Poppy Champaign and our Annual Remembrance Day Parade(11th November).

Greg Sherring - Colour Party Commander

 

Colour Party Report - November 2023

August 17 the Colour Party marched the flags in their first Cactus Parade.  Joining the Colour Party were Officers CO 2Lt(N) Michael Sweika, TO 2Lt(N) Michael Harris with 5 of their sea cadets from RCSCC Dundas.  Four members of the Br.396, Chippawa Legion from Niagara Falls and Veteran John David from the Dundas Air Force Club.  It was a memorable experience, as we will join in this parade for years to come.

Our next parade will be the annual Remembrance Day Parade on Saturday, 11th November to begin at the Dundas Firehall, parading up King Street to the War Memorial at the Community Centre.  After the ceremony the parade will continue up King Street, passing a viewing platform, which will have one of our Vets, Leo Shaidle who is 100 years of age, then parade up to the Dundas Legion for comradeship, awards, and draws.

Interested in joining the Colour Party?  Enquire at Br.36 Dundas Legion, or talk to any member of the Colour Party.

Greg Sherring - Colour Commander 905-537-5995

 

Colour Party Report - August 2023

The Colour Party participated in the Welland Rose Festival Parade on Sunday 18th June.  4 members attended the last-minute invitation. 

Steve Holgate participated in his first major parade since getting his medical permission to return to his duties.  Well done, Steve.


The Colour Party has been given the Executive Room to expand our operations as we have outgrown our previous accommodation - “Room to breathe”.


The Colour Party will be parading in this year’s Cactus Festival on Thursday, 17th August, beginning at 4:30pm marching off from the Dundas Drive-In Park.


The Remembrance Day Parade on Saturday, 11th November will have all Colour Party members are in training for our major event of the year.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Greg Sherring - Colour Party Commander

 

Colour Party Report - May 2023

The Colour Party is well on their way to getting back to pre-covid parades and are available when asked to carry the flags for most worthwhile occasions.

The Colours were carried for the February 28th Zone Meeting at Branch 36.

The Colour Party was also on hand for our General/Executive Meeting on March 21st as well as this year's Honour & Awards Banquet which was held on Sunday March 26.

Upcoming events for the Colour Party:

Saturday April 29th:  The 100TH Birthday celebration for Veteran Leo Shadle at our Legion Banquet Hall.

Friday May 5th:  Attending the Annual "Liberation of the Netherlands" church service with wreath laying, guest speakers and Parade at St. Elizabeth's Village at Hamilton's west mountain location on Rymal Road at Garth Street.

Wednesday May 31st:  Invited with the Dundas Drum and Pipe Band for a “House of Providence Picnic” at St. Joseph's Villa at 12:30pm on Overfield Street. in Dundas.

Sunday June 4th:  At St. James Anglican church for the Annual D-Day Service.

Thursday August 17th:  The Colour Party has been accepted to march right behind the Dundas Drum and Pipe Band in this year's Annual Cactus Parade starting at the Drive-In Park.

 

The Colour Party has a new member, Robert Bolton, a Veteran of 12 years from the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders.

We welcome back Steve Holgate who has been given the medical clearance to resume his duties and carrying of Colours                                                                                              

Greg Sherring - Colour Party Commander - 905-385-5539

 

Colour Party Report - February, 2023

Your Colour Party would like to thank those that came out to the branch on Christmas Eve for an afternoon get together.  A heartfelt appreciation to those that bought raffle tickets to support the Colour Party. 

Congratulations to the four draw winners of two bottles of red wine.  Without your support, the Colour Party wouldn’t be able to function.  Carrying the flags in the Dundas and area parades throughout the year is a joy not only to the spectators, but also to the Colour Party. 

The Branch 36 Colour Party would like to give a shout out and a thank you to:  RCSCC Dundas Sea Cadets, 2865 Hamilton Wentworth Artillery Cadets, and 735 Firebird Squadron Air Cadets, as well as their past and present Commanding and Support Officers for training and allowing the cadets to stand in, and carry with the Colour Party on numerous parades.

The Colour Party needs more members. Member numbers are getting low due to health, family obligations and scheduling conflicts. Other branch Colour Parties have folded due to non-involvement.  Don’t let this happen to your Colour Party.  

Come to the Legion on the second Tuesday of most months and watch a practice, talk to the members.  If you have any questions, call me, the Colour Commander, at 905-385-5539 or 905-537-5995, or e-mail me at gregsherring@hotmail.com.  You can also call the branch at 905-627-7221.   

Greg Sherring - Colour Party Commander

 

 

Colour Party Report - November 2022

Over this past summer the Colour Party wasn’t just soaking up the sun and sweating around a pool (well, maybe some of us were at times).  We were on the football field on many Saturday evenings parading our flags at the start of the Hamilton Steel City Patriots football home games at Sir Winston Churchill Secondary High School in east Hamilton.

Sadly, September 9, we lost our Queen. Queen Elizabeth II reign for 70 years will certainly be some feat for any future monarch to match. The Colour Party along with piper Don Mueir of the Dundas Drum & Pipe Band presented the flags on Monday September 19 at 11am to mark her Majesty's Burial Service at the Cenotaph right here in Dundas. Rest In Peace your Majesty.

On Sunday October 16 the Colour Party was invited by the Six Nations Veterans Association to parade in the annual Remembrance Day Parade. The parade will form up at the Ohsweken Community Hall and advance to Veterans Park.

November 11 at 10:30am will be the return of our Remembrance Day Parade.  Starting on Memorial Square (by the Fire Hall) traveling west along King St. to the Cenotaph on Market St. There speeches from local dignitaries, Reverand Jim Sandilands as well as the Legion President with a service and wreath laying will take place before parading to the Legion Hall.Christmas Eve:

Volunteers Required:  It takes many people to keep this award winning Colour Party active, and due to age, health as well as personal commitments the active numbers are getting low.  Which means that we may not be able to show as many flags as everyone enjoys seeing on parade.  If you're not sure, come to one of our practices on most second Tuesdays of each month from September to May at 7pm at the upstairs Legion Banquet Hall. Meet and talk to our members.  We can also help Colour Party members with Legion uniforms.  Come out and see us in the Remembrance Day Parade. 

You can also contact me,

Greg Sherring - Colour Party Commander 905-385-5539 or 289-943-0166

 

Colour Party Report - August 2022

The Colour Party has been attending functions since the COVID restrictions began to be reduced

this past spring. 

On 5th June, 2022 four members of the Colour Party carried the flags into St. James church for

the annual “D-Day” church service, but no parade was held as some COVID restrictions were still in

place for the military and cadet services.

On 25th June, 2022 three members of the Colour Party carried our National flag and the Ukrainian national flag at opening ceremonies for the Steelcity Patriots football team at their home opener

at Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School in Hamilton.

On the 2nd and 9th of July, 2022 the Colour Party was invited back by the Steelcity Patriots football team to carry in our national flag for the opening ceremonies of their football games.

The Colour Party is always in need of more members as age, health and mobility have caused some of our members to step aside. 

Help with uniforms is available for new members and anyone interested in joining the Colour Party is welcome to come to the practices on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, in the upstairs hall of

Br.36 Legion, or by contacting myself Greg Sherring at 905-385-5539 or e-mail at gregsherring@hotmail.com.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Greg Sherring - Colour Party Commander

 

 

Colour Party Report - May 2022

With mandated restrictions easing off and a warning that a sixth wave on the horizon most are keeping their distance and still want to wear their masks.

Again with the ease of restrictions your favorite Legion can open its doors and are booking events for the Colour Party to stretch their legs and do what they do best (not that! the other thing) carrying the flags for everyone to see.

The Colour Party is booked for three events at the Legion, one at St. Elizabeth's Village and two football games at the new Russ Jackson Football Field this spring.

Here is a list of the events that will showcase the Colour Party.

Event                               Time / Date       Location                   

Branch 36 Elections         7:30pm Wed.     Legion Br. 36                                                                                      May  4, 2022      Dundas

Liberations of the             11:00am Thurs.  St. Elizabeth's Village                            Netherlands                      May  5, 2022      Hamilton     

Branch 36 Honours          11:30am Sun.    Legion Br.36                                         and Awards Banquet        May 29, 2022    Dundas

Veterans Appreciation        TBA                 Russ Jackson Field Day                                                             West 5th St., Hamilton

First Responders                TBA                 Russ Jackson Field                              Appreciation Day                                        Wests 5th St.,  Hamilton                                                                                                    

Greg Sherring - Colour Party Commander - 905-385-5539

 

 

 

 

 

Colour Party Report - February, 2022

Happy New Year Everyone.

I would like to thank those who showed up to the 2021 Christmas Eve gathering at the Legion. 

Comrades told stories and toasted of friendships at each table.  Refreshments were inexpensive and smiles with laughter were free.  It was a good way to get some relief from the stress of dealing with the Covid virus strains over the past two years and the uncharted waters of what is to come.

The Colour Party would like to thank all those in attendance for buying tickets to the two draws.  The first draw was a bottle of wine, and the second draw was a commemorative book of Canadian coins.  Thanks to Joan Alkerton for drawing the ticket number of the first winner and it was Dave Howlett.  Dave Howlett drew the second winner and it was Ron Kowalchuk.

The Colour Party is always looking for members who would like to be a part of this award-winning group.  The Colour Party not only parades on "D-Day" and "Remembrance Day", we have also been in arenas for the start of international hockey games, and at other Legions for competitive marches.    We have also been requested by the Steel City Patriots football club to parade the Canadian and American flags when U.S. university football teams come to play games in Hamilton for games at Tim Horton's Field.

Anyone interested in joining the Colour Party is welcome to come to the practices on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, in the upstairs hall of Br.36 Legion, or by contacting myself Greg Sherring at 905-385-5539 or e-mail at gregsherring@hotmail.com.

Greg Sherring - Colour Party Commander

 

Colour Party Report - November 2021

We are in Phase 4 of this pandemic and extra precautions are now in place to allow some form of socializing.

With news this week that the Poppy Campaign will begin on October 29, means that you will be seeing members of the Legion out and about and the Colour Party will be at Sobeys, Ancaster to hand out the Poppies that everyone has missed during the first year of the lockdown of the Covid 19 Pandemic.

So, on the 29th and till November 11th, let's get a poppy knowing that we are supporting our Vets and getting to feel the same way we did back in October 2019

Greg Sherring - Colour Party Commander

 

Colour Party Report - July 2021

We, and the rest of Ontarians are back into the third wave and twenty-eight day lockdown to try and curb if not stop this pandemic. 

During the past fourteen months as time has gone by I have noticed more and more the number of private buildings and even more personal property owners flying our national flag with the whitest ,white and the redest red maple leaf and  bar on each end.   Either installing flag poles from the ground or extending on existing poles to just hanging from fences to one persons idea to make the flag out of wood and to paint them.

The job is not over by putting up a flag pole and raising a flag on it. Wear and tear happens to these flags. The sun's rays bleaches out the colour as well as thinning out the stitching. The wind, as great as all flags look when the wind blows and flags "fly" takes its toll on the "heel" of the flag as the stitching rips off and the flag frays. Then it's time to replace the flag.

No matter how you or anyone else is dealing with this on again, off again lockdown, there is some glimmer of hope to just look at our maple leaf  flying above the roof tops or just at eye level. 

We are all united by one thing that Mother Nature shows us each and every year, "red maple leaf". 

So, no matter where you go, if you happen to see our National Flag regardless of the height.                      

                        "Enjoy, knowing it's your home"

Greg Sherring - Colour Party Commander – 905-385-5539

 

 

Colour Party Report - February, 2021

Here we are, the first month of a new year and still dealing with the Corona-19 virus.

We are now in the midst of the second wave and are back into another lock down.

Last Remembrance Day, there was a small gathering at the Cenotaph to pay ones respects as

wreaths were laid and salutes were given. It was a far cry from ceremonies of years gone by, but on that day everyone had a thought of the fallen.

With a new year on the horizon and everyone doing their part to stop or at least curve this virus, we can always keep a glimmer of hope that brighter days are ahead so we can get back to our normal way of life.

Until then - Smile and say hello to someone. The power of a smile and a friendly hello can brighten somebody's day.

Happy New Year from your Branch 36 Colour Party !

Dorothy Foord, Geoff Hodgson, Chris Slote, Gary Jameson, Jan Whiting, Tony Bratschitsch, Mark Mainprize, Joe Sherring, Steve Holgate and myself, Greg Sherring.

Greg Sherring - Colour Party Commander - 905-578-2758

 

Colour Party Report - November 2020

After the Colour Party last met for the Honours & Awards Ceremony back on Sunday, March 1, we heard of this virus that had been sweeping across this planet.  No one understood the impact that it would have on our society, as well as our lives in the coming days.

The Colour Party had been training and preparing for one of the busiest years of parading our flags in recent memory.  In just eight weeks, after the Honours & Awards Banquet, the Colour Party was booked for five parades in six days in the first week in May, the D-Day Church Parade and Service on June 7, and our first time to be included in the Cactus Festival Parade on Thursday, August. 20. 

By the end of the first week in March, the country had pretty much been put mostly into a lockdown.  The COVID-19 pandemic hit North America by storm.  A pandemic that hasn't been seen since 1918 just after WW I ended, when a Spanish Flu pandemic gripped the world.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all gatherings were cancelled, and still to this date, we have not been able to hold any service functions. 

We must wear our face coverings, and maintain social distancing while we practice, so that when we can get back to normal functions such as parades, whether indoors or out, your Colour Party will be ready for them. 

Stay healthy - Wear your mask       Stay safe - Keep 2m apart

Greg Sherring - Colour Party Commander

 

Colour Party Report - August 2020 - No report dud to COVID-19 pandemic

 

Colour Party Report - May 2020 - No report due to COVID-19 pandemic

 

Colour Party Report - February 2020

With a new year and decade, the Colour Party would like to wish everyone a safe and prosperous 2020.  We would like to thank everyone that bought tickets during our raffles after the Remembrance Day Parade on November 11, 2019 as well on last Christmas Eve.  The generosity of everyone that bought tickets helps fund the Colour Party with expenses such as uniforms, flags, travel expenses.  Congratulations to the winners.

The Colour Party has many events planned so far for this year.  The Honours and Awards Banquet, Branch Elections, D-Day and Church Parade, 2020 Dundas Cactus Festival Parade, Supporting the Poppy Campaign and the Remembrance Day Parade.

The Colour is asking if anyone has photos of the Colour Party during any of the Remembrance Day Parades, if they would be so kind, to please send a copy of them to gregsherring@hotmail.com or if you have hard copies, I would be glad to come and pick them up.

The Colour Party is in need of more members as health, vacations and personal commitments require us to reduce the number of flag bearers during events.  We can help with uniforms.  Any questions, please contact any member of the Colour Party or call or e-mail myself at 905-385-5539 or gregsherring@hotmail.com

Greg Sherring - Colour Party Commander - 905-578-2758

 

 

Colour Party Report - November 2019

The Colour Party would like to invite any Legion member to come out and be a part of this award winning group.  If you have any questions or are curious feel free to ask myself, Jim Byron or any Colour Party member.

Practices are at 7pm on 2nd Tuesday each month (EXCEPT on 5th Nov.) upstairs at the Branch. 

Greg Sherring - Colour Party Commander

 


Colour Party Report - August 2019

I attended the 75th Reunion Dinner for the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets on 31st May at the Dundas Golf and Country Club.

On 1st June I attended the Naval Cadet Ceremonial Review at the Dundas Community Center with Rick Valois - Cadet Liaison Officer,.

This year's D-Day Parade and church service on Sunday, 2nd June was a huge success.

On 10th June, I attended the 2019 Ceremonial Review for the Royal Canadian Air Cadets in place of Rick Valois – Cadet Liaison Officer.

On Sunday, 15th June at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery for the interment of Comrade Nelson Bolton and his wife Janet, an Honour Guard attended consisting of Jim, Joe and Greg Sherring, Robert Bolton, Chad McLean, Craig Brierly and Bruce Gilroy.  Bugler Laura Jean Falls played “Last Post” and “Rouse”.  Reverend Chisholm from Legion Branch 163 conducted the service.

On June 18th, I attended a 'Change of Command' ceremony for the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Dundas.  It was the end of Lt.(N) Melissa King’s command and the installment of Lt.(N) Derek Evans as new commanding officer.

Greg Sherring - Colour Party Commander - 905-385-5539

 

 

Colour Party Report - May 2019

The 2019 Spring season is upon us with three parades already scheduled.

They are as follows:  Wednesday, May 1st - Branch 36 Elections, Sunday, May 5th St. Elilzabeth Village's "Liberation of the Netherlans" Church Service and Parade and Sunday, June 2nd - Dundas Branch 36 D-Day Church Parade and Service.

We are always looking for members to join our award winning Colour Party.  The more members that we have helps with shortages and with personal engagements, sickeness and vacations.

We practise on the second Tuesday of the month with exceptions in November (Remembrance Day Parade and Service) and June, July and August (Summer Vacation).

Get an upfront view of the Remembrance Day Parade right behind the band, and Ceremony by joining the Colour Party.  We will also help you in getting a uniform.

Greg Sherring - Colour Party Commander - 905-385-5539

 

Colour Party Report - February 2019

We practice on the 2nd Tuesday of each month except June, July, August and November.

If you would like to join us, just come to one of our practices or talk to me or any member in the Colour Party. Help is also provided to get a uniform.

Two dates are already booked for us parade the flags this year. The first is the Honour and Awards Banquet, Sunday March 3, 2019 and the second is the annual Church Parade, Sunday June 2, 2019.  A 3rd possible date will be to parade flags at a Canadian Semi-Pro / American University football game at Tim Horton's Field in the spring of 2019.

Greg Sherring - Colour Party Commander - 905-578-2758

 

 

CoWith lour Party Report - November 2018

With a new fiscal year upon us, the Colour Party would like to invite any Legion member to come out and be a part of this award winning group.  If you have any questions or are just curioous, feel free to ask myself, Jim Byron or any Colour Party member.

Practises will be on the second Tuesday of each monthy (Except on 6th November) at 7:00pm in the upstairs hall of our Legion.

Greg Sherring - Colour Party Commander (905-385-5539) 

Please contact the Colour Commander if you would     like to serve in the Branch 36 Colour Party.

 

Colour Party Report - August 2018

As our summer is quickly coming to an end, we all get back into the swing of what we put on hold for the summer. The Colour Party is no different - another year of practices and parades.

We had a busy second half of  last year (Sept to June) - 10 practices in 9 months, Poppy campaign at Sobey's, four outdoor parades and four indoor parades as well as personnel changes.

 

2018

11th September

9th October

6th November

11th December

 

2019

8th January

12th February

12th March

9th April