What a Weekend!

It all started with a few former HNME staffers deciding that the 40th anniversary of the opening of the Naval and Military Establishments (first Royal, then Historic) was perfect timing for a summer interpreter reunion... and culminated in a fabulous weekend! From the resurrected M&M barbecue Friday to the farewells after breakfast at Captain Roberts' Table Sunday -- and was anyone else reminded of those long ago end-of-summer goodbyes in the parking lot? -- the reunion weekend was unforgettable. (I do know some reunion events continued after the breakfast, but we'll have to wait for those who were there to report on them...) Credit to the various summer staff hiring teams over the years who put together such a remarkable group of amazing -- and completely ageless! -- people. If you couldn't make it to this year's reunion, have no fear: there was much talk that we shouldn't wait another 30 years for the next one! 
Thanks to all the reunion committee members for the work that went into our weekend; and for the kind words from everyone for our organizing efforts. Thanks to Peter, Karen, Paul and Nicole for starting us off on the perfect note, not to mention feeding such a crowd! And thanks to the Georgian Queen -- great service and a perfect venue.  

Stay tuned... we'll be letting everyone know about our photo-sharing plans so we can all share our weekend pics! 

Happy Reunion Weekend!

It's here! Hotels and campsites are booked, barbecues are planned, and the Georgian Queen will be packed with former summer staff tomorrow night! There are 118 people expected for the boat cruise, we've sent or received over 700 email messages, the Facebook page with its 58 members has offered 200+ posts (and counting!) and this little blog has had 3600+ page views! And now your reunion committee is ready to party. See you soon!

Excitement Builds!

Excitement for this weekend's reunion is building! Well, certainly around here it is. :P Have you RSVP'd for the Friday evening M&M barbecue yet? Of course you already have your boat cruise ticket. And just like none of the summer staff alumni have changed at all, neither has the Georgian Queen. You may never have seen it without a line-up before, but otherwise, don't these photos of the bar area bring back memories of staff boat cruises past? 

We'll have a couple of tables set up in the dining area if you have a photo album or other memorabilia you want to share, there will be tunes of the era on the speakers, and lots of time for connecting with old friends and maybe some new ones! If you have any last-minute questions, just email the reunion committee at hnme2013@gmail.com or ask on the Facebook page. You can also extend the reunion experience with brunch at Captain Roberts' Table on Sunday morning, or by attending the War of 1812 dedication ceremony at St. James-on-the-Lines. 
Can't wait!

M&M Barbecue!

Hope you're planning to get to Penetang early this weekend for the fourth annual M&M barbecue! A staple before the annual boat cruise for a few years in the 80s, Peter and Paul Mount have resurrected the tradition for the reunion. Here's Peter's latest video with all the details:




And Paul has now joined in the video fun! 




If you can come, please RSVP to Peter at pmount@rogers.com or by leaving a comment on our Facebook page. Hope to see you at Peter's on the 26th for an early start to the reunion fun! 

Sunday Plans?

What are your plans for the morning after the reunion boat cruise? The reunion committee has made a group reservation for brunch at Captain Roberts' Table for 10 am on Sunday, although you are also welcome to come later. You may wish to brave the early hour, though, and then take in a special event at St. James-on-the-Lines! There will be a ceremony to unveil plaques commemorating the War of 1812 services of Captain James Keating and Admiral John Moberly, two familiar HNME figures. All the details can be read here. 

(Image courtesy Wikipedia)

We're counting down the days now... less than a week until the M&M barbecue, and of course one week until the reunion boat cruise! 

It's Almost Time!

Just seventeen days left until the reunion boat cruise on the Georgian Queen! And just one week left if you haven't ordered your ticket. Ticket sales end on July 17, and there will be no "on the dock" sales on the 27th. We are looking forward to seeing over 100 summer staff alumni that weekend! 

Do You Brunch?

It's July, and that means the reunion is almost here! The big organized event is, of course, the boat cruise (you DO have your tickets, right?). We just wanted to let you know that an option for the morning after ;) might be meeting at Discovery Harbour's on-site restaurant, Captain Roberts' Table. 

Looks inviting!

Captain Roberts' Table is open for brunch from 10 am to 2 pm on Sundays, and some of us will be taking advantage of this to have a late breakfast following the boat cruise!