The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command LEST WE FORGET 131 a second Branch at Alsask. Alsask Branch operated from 1962 to 1967, and then rejoined the Flaxcombe Branch. The Branch purchased a school and moved it to its present site in Marengo, renovated it and built on an addition. At Her Majesty's consent, the name and badge were changed to "The Royal Canadian Legion" in 1960. In 1979, President Russell Denney and Eric Coutts, on behalf of Branch No. 98, presented the former Alsask Colours to the Saskatchewan Hospital Branch No. 249 at North Battleford to replace their’s lost by fire. Branch No. 98 continues to be active, holding their regular meetings, Remembrance Day Services and Poppy Day campaigns. They assist in sponsoring Athletic Training programs, bursaries and other community programs. Today, there are 28 members, seven of whom are Life members. At the present time, and in 2004 and 2005, Flaxcombe Branch 98, with members from Flaxcombe and Marengo and Alsask, meets in the Legion Hut in Marengo during the warmer summer months and meets in Comrade Denney's basement during the colder winter months. By not heating the 'hut' during the winter, a great financial burden has been eliminated. Thus, through resourcefulness and plain common sense the Branch survives. Some items of special note should be recorded: Two members have received the Meritorious Service Medal. Comrade Eric Coutts received the medal in 1992, was Secretary of the Branch for many years, held many positions in the Legion District as well as in the community. Comrade Tom Harkness was also awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in 2006. Comrade Tom is presently District Commander and has held many positions in the Legion, served on many committees and served the community in many capacities. In 2003, the ladies of the Auxiliary amalgamated with the male members. In the year 2006, the President, Secretary and Treasurer are female. By amalgamating, Flaxcombe Branch No. 98 continues. In 2005, Comrades George Proud and Jack Callsen were nominated by the Branch and received the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal from the Lieutenant Governor of the Province, Dr. Lynda Haverstock. The Ladies Auxiliary was formed in 1960 and it continued to be active until 2003, when it was dissolved and the members joined the Legion. The charter meeting of the Ladies' Auxiliary was held on November 23, 1960, with Legion President William Armstrong presiding; the meeting was then handed over to Mrs. Knox, Zone Representative from Eston, Saskatchewan; her companion, Mrs. McAlister acted as Recording Secretary; the aims and purposes of the Ladies’ Auxiliary were read. It was then moved by Lottie Cook, seconded by Evelyn Murray, that a Ladies’ Auxiliary to Flaxcombe Branch No.98 be formed. Twenty-two charter members were enrolled. Over the years from 1960 to amalgamation with Branch No.98 in 2003, the Auxiliary supported and gave much assistance in many ways to Branch No.98. To mention a few ways: financially, with furnishing, with provision of food, with organization, with sports, with entertainment and wherever assistance was required. In 2005, the Auxiliary was reduced to five active members. Fortunately, what they lacked in numbers, they made up for in determination. In 2005, four of the five active lady members were eligible for and received a Certificate of Appreciation. This history of the Branch was compiled by Comrades George Proud, Jack Callsen and Eric Coutts. History of the Ladies’ Auxiliary was compiled by Comrade Doris Denney. FLAXCOMBE BRANCH 98 (...Cont’d) The impressive Cenotaph in Flaxcombe - 1936
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