Retired teachers tour the County

Gilles Miramontes lead a tour of Picton for about 100 retired teachers visiting the County last week. At Shire Hall, PEC Mayor Leo Finnegan greeted the visitors. Amber Martin photo

Larry and Gail Richardson welcomed more than 100 fellow retired teachers to the County recently.
“The group of just over 100 people consisted of teachers (and spouses, better known as Dependent Wives, a term they weren’t overly fond of) who were in Germany teaching in the Canadian Department of National Defense school system in Lahr,” said Richardson, a retired County principal. “We were there from about 1977 until 1984, each of us lucky enough to have two to five year experiences, depending on how long our Canadian school boards allowed us to be there.”
Since 1983, the group hosts reunions every three years to catch up on the latest, and recall adventures.
“We started in Halifax, then Vancouver in 1986, and have since gone to St. Catharine’s, Ottawa, London, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Vancouver again, and Halifax again,” says Richardson. “At the last reunion, in Edmonton, Gail, my wife and I volunteered to head up a committee that would put together a program that would showcase Prince Edward County.”
The two organized a four-day program that included a welcome dinner, an historical walk around Picton, led by Gilles Miramontes, followed by lunch at the Legion. Participants then scattered to do one of four things: golf, cycle, go on a wine tour, or go shopping. The day finished with a choice of dinner at the Picton Golf Club or the Blumen Restaurant. The third day featured a car rally in the County, followed by a dinner and dance at the Ramada in Belleville.
“The next day, we had our farewell breakfast, after which a good number of participants went on a 1000 Islands boat cruise, followed by a barbecue at the home of a committee member in Kingston. Everyone had a great time, and really enjoyed the opportunity to explore the County. They were here from all over Canada, and it’s very possible that many of them will return to enjoy the County again.”