Delhi News-Record

Sunny skies and perfect weather proved an ideal setting for the official opening of the Belgian Hall, the beautiful recreation centre which has been completed in Delhi, and which is proving a social centre for Belgians from all parts of Norfolk County and southwestern Ontario.

Although actually completed two years ago, this is the first official ceremony to mark the completion. Headed by an accordian band under the leadership of Raymond Hoorelbeke, over five hundred people joined the parade which started at the hall on the corner of Pine and James streets, up King Street, north on Main Street, east on Talbot Street to the memorial gates of the Delhi cemetery, where wreaths were laid in memory of Belgian veterans of the first and second world wars by Camiel Pollet and Frank Saman. From there the parade returned to Belgian Hall.

Lending colour to the procession was the twenty-four accordianists making up the band, and the attractive drum majorette, Miss Rachel Vandewalle, daughter of the president of the Belgian Club, Medard Vandewalle.

Belgian veterans of both wars participated in the parade, carrying flags of Canada, Belgium and the Netherlands. Also included in the parade were banners from the Archery Club, Bowling Club and Pigeon Club.

On arrival at the hall a public ceremony took place on the steps when Medard Vandewalle accepted on behalf of the Goddav Family Fund a cheque for $125 presented by James Henderson, Simcoe, on behalf of John Blain, and from The London Free Press for $100.

Immediately following the return of the parade to the hall, Reeve Frank A. Quance, of Delhi, cut a white ribbon across the doors of the building and declared it officially open. Following a short speech by Medard Vandewalle, president of the club, the accordion band led the crowd in the singing of God Save the King and the Belgian national anthem. Constant Verschoore and Remi Lacour officiated as parade marshals.

For the delicious banquet at six o’clock which was served to over two hundred guests, Marshall Beselaere was master of ceremonies, while Mr. Vandewalle extended an official welcome. Representing the Belgian government was Major Bernhard Day, Ontario Consul for the Belgian Government, of Toronto. Other guests of honour included Senator W. H. "Billy" Taylor, Raymond E. Anderson, M. P., Charles H. Martin, M.P.P., Reeve Frank A. Quance, Deputy-Reeve A. Carter, of Delhi, Paul Vergeylen, delegate from the Belgian Club and Belgian War Veterans of Montreal, Maurice Everart, President Flemish Canadian Association of Wallaceburg. During the evening a pleasing ceremony was performed when Constant Verschoore presented a bouquet to Raymond Hoorelbeke, in recognition of his services in organizing the accordian band, which made such a hit during the day. In the large crowd were guests from Wallaceburg, Hamilton, Toranto[sic], Detroit, Montreal, and many other smaller centres.