The Layou Reunion (final)

 

After years of toying with the idea, Jimmy Antoine and Clem Dopwell finally got it all together and the first ever Layou Reunion became a reality in December 2006. 

 

Mostly from the USA, the group also included residents from England, Canada, Trinidad and Barbados.  We descended on Layou just before Christmas. 

 

At the church services we attended, we gave thanks to God for bringing us together again.  We also remembered all those who are no longer with us. 

 

We were entertained in the homes of several residents in the town.  We went to a picnic at Darkview Falls. 

 

The highlight of the reunion was a dinner in the Golden Years’ Hall in Buccament Bay.  It was a fun filled evening.  We were about 100 in total.  Stories from the old days, jokes, anecdotes, mirth and laughter flowed freely.  

 

We were honoured by the presence of His Excellency the Governor General Sir Frederick Ballantyne, His Honour the Deputy Prime Minister Sir Louis Straker, Dr. Cecil Cyrus and Dr. Charles Gaymes. 

 

Words were spoken in honour of former leaders of the community.  Milton Findlay and Duff James for scouting, Cynthia Mason and Ishbel Young for their work in the Girl Guides, Stanley Morris, Teacher Rosie, Lamont Phillips, Eva Patrick, Linda Charles, Verna Douglas, Alf Brown and Ray Young our dedicated teachers, Herman Young our M.P. and many others who made a difference and contributed to the growth of the town.  There was a reading of The History of the Town of Layou and the poem, “The Best School of All”. 

 

One significant reunion activity was the donation of medical equipment and supplies to the Layou Health Centre.  Reunion attendees pooled their resources together to bring the much needed supplies back home.  Sir Louis referred to those who give back to the community as “light bearers” and we encourage other former residents to follow this example.   

 

It was great to be back home.  We enjoyed the weather, socializing and the simple act of walking the streets of Layou again. 

 

Based of the positive feedback we’ve had so far, the Layou Reunion was a brilliant and timely idea. 

 

We say a heart felt thank you to Jimmy, Clem and all others involved in making the event happen.  We also say thank you to all the folks who entertained and made us feel so very welcome. 

 

It is our sincere hope that as the years go by, many more reunions will occur and that they will grow in scope and international appeal. 

 

The next reunion is being planned for Christmas 2008.  Let’s do it again.  Please make plans to attend. 

 

Contacts: -  Jimmy Antoine       jantoine800@aol.com

                        Clem Dopwell         cmacx@hotmail.com

                        Frankie Daniel         fdaniel@hotmail.co.uk

                        Milton Douglas       mdouglas-svg@rogers.com

 

 

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