On August 18th to August 21st, 2006, I attended my 45th Nursing class reunion. On Oct 22nd, 1958 this all began. I arrived at the General Hospital School of Nursing and so my life changed. We started out as 80 strangers in a little residence on Forest Rd. in St. John's, Nfld. Over the next 3 years 9 people left our class and one rejoined from a previous class. We arrived as strangers and on Oct 25th 1961 we graduated not only as nurses but also as friends, and we went out separate ways. Never to be forgotten was our classmates and friends.
We had our first reunion in 1971,our second in 1981 and we then decided that 10 years was too long and we have had a reunion every 5 years since. We have had them in St.John's, Toronto, St. Anthony, St. John's -Woody Island combined and this most recent one was on Little Bay Islands.
This year's reunion was a tremendous success and was organized by Doris, who lived in this small settlement with the help of our classmate Glynne, who lived in the near by community of Springdale, and also in consultation of another, Thelma, in Grand Falls-Windsor.
I left my home for the 3 hour drive on Friday pm, Aug 18th,I picked up a classmate, Kay, in Deer Lake, who had arrived from Barrie, Ontario the previous day and we continued the rest of the 3 hour journey arriving at the little Bay Islands Ferry, the Inch Arran at about 4pm. Some of our classmates were already there. We boarded the ferry for the 45 min ride and arrived in LBI at approximately 6 pm. We were met by a classmate and shown to our "houses" where we were to stay for the next 3 days and nights. Now this being a small settlement of about 100 or so people, there were no stores, no hotels or resturants, so Doris the organizer had somehow in her most charming way acquired 6 houses for her classmates to stay in. Six of us settled into a very nice older house. We had the run of the house, and everything was available to us just as if we were in a hotel.
At about 7pm we all gathered at the "big " house where two tables were laden with food. There was crab, squid, chicken, fruit platters, vegetable platters, and all kinds of little sandwiches. It makes ones mouth water just to think of it. It was fun meeting all those "old" friends again; Doris had had "baby doll" pj's made for each of us, just as we used to wear all those years ago. There was lots of picture taking, some skits and a fun time was had by all.
On Saturday am, we had a contentinal breakfast in our houses then proceeded to the days outings, which included a walk to Pole Hill and a wonderful view of the whole area with lots more picture taking. Lunchtime came and we went to the only club on the Island,"The Outport Inn" where we were served a most wonderful meal of fish and brewis. The afternoon was free and we explored the island, visited the other houses, some went out in a cabin cruiser, some including myself elected to go sailing. It was wonderful, and was like being back at my roots as I was raised on an island (Coward's Island) similar to this.
Evening came and we were treated to a delicious turkey dinner with all the trimmings. After dinner the entertainment arrived. Judy Hamilton, who provided this was absolutely hilarious and had something to say about each and every one of us present. It was great to laugh with friends. After dinner, George, Captain of the Persalis and his wife Stella, entertained us with their music and vocal talent.
Sunday arrived and we all gathered at the local United church for a service. This was conducted by Rev. Lisa Potter (Grandy)RN, who graduated with us all those years ago and is now in the ministry. Since our graduation in 1961, twelve of our classmates have passed on. At this service the names of those departed were called out and a classmate and friend went forward to light "their" candle. This was a very emotional part of the service and lots of tears were shed. I would think many though as I did, "Will I be here in the next 5 years and if not who will light my candle?"
The sermon text which was "There is always hope, never give up!" delivered by Rev. Potter was very inspirational and I am sure everyone was as moved as I was.
Following this highly emotional service we again met at the Outport Inn and had a delicious buffet lunch. Entertainment by local ladies Barbara and Gertie finished off the afternoon, then it was back to strolling through the town, lots of picture taking, more boat rides .
Sunday dinner was served at the same Inn, and consisted of a wonderful Jigg's dinner with blueberry pudding for desert. Following the dinner we all prepared to go to the beach for a bonfire and more entertainment by Ray, George and Stella.
Monday morning arrived and we all packed to leave. For the last time we congregated at the Outport Inn for a farewell breakfast. There were lots of hugs and tears as we shared one last hour together. We left for the ferry at about 9:45.Our hostess, friends, husbands, everyone involved came to see us off. It was tearful good byes with promises to meet again in 5 years.
The weather was made to order for all events, sunny and warm, day and evening, a little rain at night and just so we wouldn't forget what our Newfie weather is like; we had a bit of fog that last morning.
The ladies who made all the o'deuveors, dinners, and lunches certainly outdid themselves. Everything was perfect.
Many thanks to Doris and Glynne, and to Thelma who was the consultant. I cannot forget the ladies who provided us with such delicious meals and as Betty G said " my feet have gotten fat". A very sincere thank you to Marie,Stella,Pansy,Beverly, Pat and Jackie, you were awesome.
To George who took the gals out in his cabin cruiser, provided us with music and was always available if we needed something, and to Roger who took us sailing around the bay a great big thank you. To the last but not the least Ray, Doris' husband, you were a great asset to this reunion, whatever one of us wanted, Ray was able to find it even if he had to go beg it from the locals. He is the best of the best.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, we will never forget any of you.
  Submitted By: Lena Noftall