2010 Bemister Family Reunion - Carbonear, Newfoundland

2010 Bemister Family Reunion - Carbonear, Newfoundland
Draft - open for suggestions

Game Plan - First Draft -
Schedule of events for the Carbonear Reunion.
Our objectives are:

∙ to celebrate the history and heritage of the Bemister family rooted in Carbonear and Freshwater, Newfoundland expressed through the lives of the ancestor as reflected in stories, artifacts, grave stones and historical documentation
∙ to provide an enjoyable and informative occasion to meet family members from far and wide
∙ to expand our knowledge of family genealogy and to disseminate this to our participating family members; to engage family members of all ages in building the family tree
∙ to show off some of Newfoundland’s historic sites, communities, local culture, and beauty spots with particular attention to the ancestral connections to same
∙ to enhance our knowledge of the West Country connection to Carbonear and the Bemister connection to it; to develop an appreciation of why the Bemisters came to Carbonear 200 years ago and why over time so many of them left
∙ to have one hell of a good time

Tentative Program of Activities

Most activities are scheduled for the Royal Canadian Legion

Friday, Aug 6, 2010

11:00 am Meeting of organizing committee
12:00 noon Lunch for organizing committee
1:00 pm Registration begins and continues through the day, sale of T-shirts etc
NL tourist info available, info on Carbonear
2:00 pm Activities;
∙ Roots, Trunks and Branches; how to read the family tree,
exchange of genealogical information
∙ Local bus tour; Carbonear, Harbour Grace, Freshwater
∙ Short bus tour to Brigus/Cupids
∙ Boat ride to Carbonear Island
∙ Walking tour of Carbonear; or self guided tour
∙ Youth program (?)
5:00 pm Free time
7:00 pm Reception
Meet and Greet
to Grand Opening
Greetings by public officials (Mayor, MHA, MP etc)
12:00 pm Newfoundland Time - Kitchen Party

Saturday, Aug 7, 2010

7:00 am Traditional Newfoundland Breakfast Buffet
8:00 pm Registration
8:30 pm Long bus tours
A. to North Shore
B: to Brigus and Cupids
Box lunches provided
9:00 am Activities
∙ Boat ride to Carbonear Island
∙ Workshop; The Bemisters and the Carbonear Fishery
(could include panel of knowledgeable people - eg Alan Perry who could be invited as our guest - and be guest speaker!!!
∙ Walking tour of Carbonear

12:00 noon Lunch
2:00 pm Activities
∙ Story time: who were the Bemisters? Show and tell, the Bemister’s Travelling Museum on display
∙ Bus tour of Carbonear, Harbour Grace and Freshwater
including Bemister’s Hill, Sheila’s grave, museum etc
∙ Boat ride to Carbonear Island
∙ Youth program

5:00 pm Free time
7:00 pm Dinner and Social Evening
Group Photo (?)
Traditional Newfoundland dinner - banquet style
Choice of seafood or turkey
Toasts
Stories
Guest Speaker (who?)
1:00 am DJ ?

Sunday, Aug 8, 2010

9:00 am Boat tour to Carbonear Island
11:00 am Bethany United Church Service

12:00 pm Lunch at the Church (pay as you go)

2:00 pm Activities
∙ Cemetery Tour
∙ Boat tour of Carbonear Island
∙ Boat tour Dildo Island Archeological Site
Cog jigging if possible

4:00 pm Formal end of reunion