The Duck Is Calling

Each year around this time I receive a letter from The Duck. He has a real name but for 65 years or longer he was known simply as The Duck. Now he is long retired as we all are and he keeps our group together with phone calls, pictures and letters about the upcoming reunion. This is rather special as it is our 55th and a special program is assured.

Our particular class of Normal College has been getting together without fail for every year since our graduation. He and a faithful few work to plan an interesting program for all who attend. This year we are going to seek out entertainment in the little village of Parrsboro. A play by a noted company, dinner and several visits to local cottages will fill in the time before the real reunion in Truro, N.S.

For some of us it is the only time we see each other but for the gang who live nearby they get to see each other frequently. Our group is getting smaller as death has taken a few of our number each year. I personally feel the reason we get together is to keep up with the latest gossip and to feel that special bond we have created over the years. It is fun and Theresa and I manage to attend quite often although we are far away from the main group.

I have attended many reunions for schools and groups but I never get the feeling I enjoy with the PNC Gang. Together we experience happiness and joy from the renewal of friendship and a little sadness when one of us is missing from the festivities. There will be much communication before the event and sharing of pictures after but the important reason will be experienced through the hugs and kisses and exchange of stories on the weekend when The Duck will rule the roost in his basement in Truro.

PNC Reunion

I received my letter today from a friend known as the Duck. He is one of the organizers of the annual Teachers College reunion. We are the class of 1954-1955. Nova Scotia used to train their teachers in a educational institution called Normal School. It was anything but normal as the leaders of that school had the responsibility for turning out qualified teachers in one year . Their students were grade eleven and twelve youngsters , wide eyed and as green as the grass they played on only months before.

Truro was the home of this establishment and I was one of these green ones only I was brown.We as students were serious about our calling and strive to do our best. One thing we did well was bond as a group. So much so that we still get together every year and celebrate our friendship and remember the ones who did not make it back this year.

After 55 years we still look forward to see if Eric looks as young as last year or Bunkey has learned a new song to entertains us or to see which of the ladies has new grandchildren. There is always lots to talk about. Eric and the Duck live in Truro and lived most of their life there so they are called upon to be the hosts. There are more and all add to the most successful reunion I have heard of in my travels. The amazing thing about this group is the way it embraces new members. New spouses or friends are welcomed and become part of the group immediately.
Theresa and I do not attend every year as we have further to travel but it is worth it when we do attend .We are looking forward to the trip this year as we co-ordinate it with a visit with my family in Cape Breton and Theresa with hers in New Brunswick.

Our beloved PNC has been closed for years but whatever happened back in those days to unite us as a group of old retired teachers was somewhat magical and I hope it continues until we get together many more years.