By Chris Abbott
Everyone is always welcome at Army Navy Air Force #255 in Simcoe.
That is the message Bruce Wilson, President of ANAF 255, wants to share with residents of Norfolk County.
“Everyone,” he stressed.
“My goal this year is to put us on the map. I always say, ‘you’ve got to sell yourself.’”
That is one of the reasons they try to keep their monthly meals - open to the public - at a reasonable cost.
“I know we can charge more (than $14) for a fish dinner, but you know, it’s not always about making money. We do have the dinners to raise funds, but the other reason is to get people in here. We want people to know we are here, that we exist. All I’m trying to do is promote ourselves – we have to get it out there.”
Army Navy Air Force #255 first formed in Simcoe in 1936, at a small house on Kent Street. But ANAF’s origins go back to 1840 when Queen Victoria gave a charter to an Army-Navy Veterans in Canada unit in Montreal. The organization added air force during the Second World War.
Today, Army Navy Air Force Veterans in Canada has 21 units in Ontario, including Simcoe, and 62 in seven provinces across Canada, as well as related units in the United States.
“We’re always going to be a veterans’ club, but we’re looking for people that recognize our veterans and know that they need help. It’s also a place of camaraderie and friendship. I am here for the people, I am here for the veterans. If I see somebody that needs something, they’re going to get it.”
Wilson has been president of ANAF 255 - Simcoe for the past dozen years, and ANAF member for 44 years, following in the footsteps of his father, Bruce Wilson Sr., who was president for two terms.
“My heart is dedicated to this ANAF family.”
Regular 19-and-older visitors to ANAF 255 are encouraged to become members – it’s $46 for a membership to join their ‘family.’
“Everybody is welcome,” Wilson added. “And the door is always open (during business hours). We’re open year-round, except Christmas. You do not have to be a veteran, or associated with a veteran in your family, to be a member here. A lot of people, for different reasons, think they are not eligible. But anybody can join.”
ANAF is not affiliated with the Royal Canadian Legion, he noted.
“We are all here for the same purpose, we just wear different uniforms. We’re all volunteers.”
Located at 53 Water Street, regular hours are 2-8 p.m. Monday, Thursday, Friday; 3-8 Tuesday and Wednesday; and 1-6 Saturday and Sunday.
“Once people get in and see ‘the look,’ they like it. We keep it fresh. We’re going for a different look, like the bar stools – they’re unique. And we’re going to have a standup bar here, made of the same stuff. We’re trying to make it more appealing.”
REMEMBRANCE DAY
ANAF 255 will be participating in Simcoe’s Remembrance Day service on Monday, Nov. 11. The community is invited to gather for 10:40 a.m. at the Carillon Tower.
ANAF 255 will be open by noon that day, and a free lunch will be served around 3-3:30 p.m., continuing a long-time tradition that in past years included visits to the Simcoe Armoury, then the Branch 79 Royal Canadian Legion for light lunch and camaraderie.
“I will be making chili, hamburg soup (old-style soup he learned from his grandfather), and we’ll have cold cuts, salads here – and everyone is welcome.”
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Fundraising dinners include a fish and chips dinner - or half-chicken dinner - the first Saturday of the month, 3-6 p.m. On Nov. 2, they served about 70-80 people.
They have a spin-the-wheel meat raffle on Saturdays.
On the third Thursday every month, they have a wing night, 4-7 p.m. ($12/pound of wings).
And every third Sunday there is an all-you-can-eat breakfast/brunch ($14 adults/teens, 12-under $5, and under 5 free) from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
“There’s everything – you can have eggs any way you want them. Home fries, beans, peameal bacon, bacon, sausages, pancakes… you won’t go away hungry.
“We get a pretty good turnout. Summertime is always slow. Fall, winter, spring is your busy times. We’ll have anywhere between 110-130 people. It’s all open to the public.
“I love to cook, so I end up cooking,” he laughed. “Next Saturday (Nov. 9), the Gentlemen of Harmony are here after their (Simcoe Composite School) show and they want chili for 60-70 people – they love my chili, so I’m going to have to make a double batch. I try to help our ladies auxiliary as much as I can.”
On Friday, Dec. 6 there will be a turkey/ham raffle starting at 7 p.m. Tickets have been reduced from $2 to $1. There will be a light lunch after the raffle.
“We donate those profits to the hospital.”
ANAF 255 (7,300 square feet) also does hall rentals for special occasions, including weddings, birthday parties and anniversaries, celebrations of life, as well as regular meetings (free for non-profits like Special Olympics).
“Everyone is welcome,” Wilson concluded.
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