Hello Guddi and Battle Harbour Group, Today is a celebration of a great piece of NL History, and a celebration of the many hands and minds that have shaped this place since its commercial inception of the 17th century. I truly wish I could have been there today, as most of you know Battle Harbour is my home and I have so many fond memories of growing up at Great Caribou Island, trips from our tiny village of Indian Cove to Battle Harbour was a real treat back then, as we sailed through southern tickle in the Old motor boat, Pop Rumbolt would be at the tiller and we would be very excited children to visit the General Store. I worked at Battle Harbour as a student writing the early history as a summer job. Then later for Memorial University as I compiled the oral histories of Battle Harbour, most of what you read today on sign boards as you tour the site. I remember in 1989 when I became part of the group to lobby for funds to restore the church, a project iniated by Ford Rumbolt and others, however none of us could stop there, so much more history had to be salvaged at Battle Harbour. Today you are viewing the work of renowned artitects and modern day restoration Carpenters as each piece is preserved and utilized for future industry at Battle Harbour. Labrador can boast many great Tourism products from the World Unesco site at Red Bay, National and Provincial Historic Parks from the Torngat Mountains to the Pinware River and then there is Battle Harbour, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, its shores washed rugged by the Labrador Current where you can walk in the foot steps of many pioneers, embrace the culture of the Labrador Fishery, learn about the early inhabitiants of the Southern Labrador Inuit to 18th and 19th century work of explores like Perry and communication genius like Marconi. Today Battle Harbour is not just a show case of living history but also a tremendous Tourism Product, thanks to the work and vision of people like Gordon Slade, the Hardy family, the Earle family, Mike Earle, Jim Jones, Guddi Hutchings and so many more we are able to enjoy this place with comfort and class. I am so proud of all of the staff that work their because for them it is a mission not a job, a love and not a necessity. This summer I was able to visit several times, enjoy the spa, good food and good friends in a remarkable place, few places in the world can you experience what Battle Harbour offers. Thank you to all of those who support Battle Harbour without you this could never have been possible. A special acknowledgment to ACOA, Rex, Trevor, Ken and others for your continues support, it is deeply appreciated. As your Member of Parliament, Battle Harbour holds a special place in my heart and I know what my job is and I will work with you to make it happen. With Love and very Best wishes to all, smooth sailing on your Journey home. Yvonne Jones, MP Labrador
Posted on: Tue, 19 Aug 2014 21:09:37 +0000