Tribute to the Hon. R. John Efford 1944-2022

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.

Cold Plate Fundraiser THANK YOU!

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.

Honorable R. John Efford

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.

2nd Annual Crab Pot Christmas Tree

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

A Priceless Find!

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!

The Anchor

Introducing our very first newsletter     The Anchor!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE! On this Thanksgiving weekend we are very thankful for all the blessings and good things that are happening here on the Port de Grave Peninsula! We thank you for your support. We are very excited to be able to share our very first Newsletter with you “The Anchor” Edition #1. HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE! If you would like a copy delivered to your email please send me a request at joyce@pdgphs.com.  

Good Time Gospel Series

Check out our Good Time Gospel Series from 1996. We are sharing one video per day until we have uploaded seven. These videos were made 25 years ago at Hibbs Cove School by Port de Grave Productions – owner Harris Porter. The show featured a number of singers and groups from around the area including some from the Port de Grave Peninsula. The show was hosted by Robert Ball.

We want to thank Harris Porter for allowing us to share these videos on our YouTube channel with you.

Please check out our Youtube channel by clicking on the below link:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC20bYUTksRfOAhIXPrwjQPQ/playlists

While you checking out this don’t forget to check out our series

“In Conversation” and “Music and Friends!