The Canon Richards Tearoom was opened during Christmas on the Peninsula. We want to thank all those who came and supported us. Some great meals were served up by our very own Brenda Strong, she along with Tamara and Amelia welcomed visitors.
We look forward to seeing you all back in the Spring!
Jan. 6, 2021: John’s family along with a large number of people came together to honor the late R. John Efford. The family rang the bell at St. Mark’s Heritage Church. https://www.facebook.com/joyce.morgan.5/videos/732954131012219
A message from the Chairperson of the PDG Boat Lighting Committee on behalf of all our groups, the PDG Peninsula Heritage Society and the PDG Recreation Committee:
January 7, 2021
Christmas on the Port de Grave Peninsula 2021 has now come to an end, ending our 23rd Annual Boat Lighting. It’s a beautiful day here in Port de Grave the Christmas in the Harbour sign welcoming people to the Boat Lighting and the Merry Christmas on the Harbour Authority is now turned off and will be put away until the 24th Boat Lighting which will be held on Dec. 9, 2022. Boat owners and crews are dismantling the lights from their boats, street lights are being turned on around the harbour.
Despite the wind and rain playing havoc with the lights throughout the Peninsula, it was another great event and we want to thank all those who participated in anyway.
Special thanks going out to the following:
Port de Grave Peninsula Heritage Society for once again lighting up the Crabpot Christmas Tree and an extra having the Canon Richards Tearoom open. Many people visited the Tearoom and enjoyed a wonderful meal.
Port de Grave Recreation Committee for the Memorial Christmas Tree in the playground and hosting the 47th Annual Santa Claus Parade, plus adding some anchors around the Peninsula and kiddie activities.
Port de Grave Harbour Authority for your continued support, especially to Hr. Master Darren Kennedy and Silas Badcock, for decorating the Harbour. A very special thank you to the Hr. Authority for providing washroom facilities, it was greatly appreciated. (new pump system was installed).
To all our residents who continue to decorate their homes and properties throughout the Peninsula. From candy canes, crabpot Christmas tree, lobster pot Christmas tree, a lobster pot boat and all the beautiful lights and decorations. Visitors had the chance to view beautiful displays all the way throughout the Peninsula.
Pentecostal Tabernacle – Pastors Darryl, Shelley Lidstone and Pastor Jason and all those who participated in the live Nativity scene, it was a wonderful addition to Christmas on the Peninsula.
St. Luke’s – for the life size Nativity scene displayed in front of the church, thanks to Madeline Powell who donated it in memory of Bill. Another wonderful addition.
Bay de Grave Fire Dept. for doing traffic control for the ceremony, a great job!
To our sponsors: Powell’s Supermarket/Nan’s Kitchen, A & W, MacDonalds, Bartlett’s Irving, Amy’s Place.
Tim Hortons and Robins for their contribution during the ceremony.
Special thanks to NTV, CBC, The Current, – CBC, Rick Mercer, The Navigator, The Downhome Magazine and others who shared our event across the province, the country and the world.
Thankfully, we were able to hold an in-person Boat Lighting ceremony, and we want to thank everyone who participated in any way, singers, music, guest speakers, thank you!
A new addition this year was the Outdoor Christmas Market, which turned out to be a major event! Thank you to all who participated, the Vendors, and special thanks to all those who supported local!
This year we extended our RED ZONE and we want to thank everyone for following our parking rules, traffic flowed smoothly and there were no hang ups. Not only did it benefit our visitors but our residents! THANK YOU!!!!On behalf of all of us on the Port de Grave Peninsula we want thank everyone who helped make this possible and so successful year after year!
To all those who captured the event through photos, videos, drone footage thank you for coming and sharing.
Wishing you all a very Happy, Healthy and Safe New Year! We look forward to seeing you back again next year! To those of you who missed it, please enjoy all the beautiful photos that have been shared! Photos may be viewed at https://www.joycesphotos.ca/p814032084
Sorry for the long post but there is a lot to be said!
Joyce
The Honorable R. John Efford (January 6, 1944 – January 2, 2022)
He was Port de Grave through and through.
Independent to the core.
John knew when to collaborate and cooperate but he never lost sight of the fierce independence that drove the community of Port de Grave.
While he carried the mantle of provincial and federal governments, he knew that the people of his place had their own way of doing things, whether through the Harbour Authority, the Heritage Society, the communities of faith and their churches, or other groups. He found ways to remember that as he steered and supported investments in the community.
Salt water in his blood.
John always knew where he came from. His touchstones were this place, the people who live here and those who came before him. Those who shaped Port de Grave’s survival and its prosperity.
The fishery has always been the lifeblood and backbone of this place, and he knew that Port de Grave was the epitome of communities that cling to the rock, on the edge of rich seafood resources. From Hibbs Hole to the Grand Banks, he instinctively knew how fishers and their families could survive and thrive.
He loved the saltwater. He knew our water’s edge and the fishing grounds are just as important as the land where we built our homes. He loved being on the water in his boats.
Driven by enterprise.
As a salesperson who broke Canadian records in dry goods, and a business owner, he knew the essence of enterprise. He knew that customers, real people, one by one, shaped success. He was realistic and entrepreneurial, knowing when and where there was opportunity.
Like our fishing families, who must quickly adapt to changing demands for seafood, and the best resource available at the time, he knew to fish where the fish were.
He is the essence of those of us from Port de Grave and the Peninsula.
Resourceful.
Curious with that razor wit.
Independent.
Certain.
Faithful.
Grounded.
As we close out this Christmas Season, be it known January 6th, John’s birthday, we celebrate our heritage together with John’s colorful light and joyful sound forever in our hearts.
On John’s birthday Thursday, January 6th the family will ring the bell at St. Mark’s Heritage church at 5pm in memory of John and his contribution to his community of birth – Port de Grave. We ask that you stay in your vehicle if you would like to join the family during this act of remembrance.
On behalf of Terry Dawe and his family we would like to thank everyone who purchased a cold plate and sent along a donation. It is greatly appreciated by Terry and his family. Sending all our prayers and love to Terry and his family.
Thank you to everyone who supporter this great cause!
The Port de Grave Peninsula Heritage Society is very pleased to be able to support one of our residents:
We will be having a Cold Plate Takeout on January 6th starting at 4 pm from the Tearoom. Brenda will making one of her delicious cold plates with real turkey!
Check out the poster on how to order!
Deadline to order is Tuesday, Jan. 4th at 8 pm. Pay when you pick up! Don’t be disappointed! Thanking you all in advance for supporting this fundraiser in aid of Terry Dawe.
R. John Efford; January 6, 1944 to January 2, 2022
On behalf of the Port de Grave Peninsula Heritage we would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family of the late John Efford, resident of the Port de Grave Peninsula.
We want to thank him for all that he did and his support of his community, district, the province of Newfoundland and Labrador and for our great country of Canada. We had the privilege of honoring John back before COVID entered our lives, at the 1st Annual Fishers Feast Gala John Efford was our first honoree and was so happy along with the PDG Harbour Authority to be able to name the road on the Marginal Wharf to the John Efford Drive.
Last year when we did “In Conversation with our Seniors”, John was eager to take part.
To Madonna, Jackie, John and Lee and all the family, please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. And may God bless you all during this difficult time.
Welcome to the 23rd Annual Boat Lighting coming to you from Port de Grave, Newfoundland and Labrador.
Please check on this link to view photos:
Please check out our Newsletter for all the activities that will be happening on the Peninsula!
2nd Annual Crab Pot Christmas Tree:
Come to the Port de Grave Peninsula for Largest Crab Pot Christmas Tree in Atlantic Canada!(December 8, 2021 – Port de Grave Peninsula, NL) – The Port de Grave Peninsula Heritage Society is lighting up Christmas again this year, an amazing success in 2020 – the largest Crab Pot Christmas Tree in Atlantic Canada! Over 450 pots – a typical boat load of pots brought to the crab grounds at the beginning of the crab season – are being assembled for Christmas next to St. Mark’s Heritage Church and the Cannon Richard’s Tea Room.
The area is already famous for Christmas lights – with the annual Boat Lighting in Port de Grave Harbour with its display of close to 70 fishing boats fully decked out in Christmas lights, and neighbouring Bay Roberts with its award-winning Festival of Lights.Iris Petten, Chair of the Heritage Society, is very proud of the people of all ages in the community who helped build the tree from crab pots and decorative fishing gear shared by local fishing enterprises. “This is a time to spread some joy as families and businesses show their support for the community.”
The Heritage Society is inviting sponsorship of the crab pots at $75.00 each to help support its programs. Sponsors can contact the Port de Grave Peninsula Heritage Society directly or through its Facebook and Website. The Crab Pot Christmas Tree will be in place until Old Christmas Day on January 6.
The Crab Pot Christmas Tree will be lit on Dec. 8th at 7 pm and we are very excited to announce that the Shearstown Brass Band will in attendance. Come join us!
At this time we are looking for volunteers to help construct the Crab Pot Tree.
Contact: Barbara Dawe, Port de Grave Peninsula Heritage Society pdgpheritagesociety@gmail.com 709-786-6293.
Donations can be made by cheque made payable to:
https://www.portdegravepeninsula.ca/donate
Port de Grave Peninsula Heritage Society
We now accept E-Transfers at pdgphs.fundraising
Horse shoe survives 100 years tucked away in the walls of the foyer at St Marks Heritage Church in Bareneed, NL. A rare find indeed with thanks to construction workers who were very observant in finding this horse shoe and realizing its meaning to the people back at least 100 years. It is anticipated that it will become a treasured display for next years come home celebrations!
Stay tuned for more details why the Horseshoe was placed there!
Port De Grave Peninsula Heritage Society Inc. 