Submitted by Betty Wynne

The 55th reunion of UBC class of 1957 (VGH Aug ‘56) was celebrated in May with a coastal cruise on the SS Statendam.

Class of August 1956Seventeen enthusiastic classmates came from England, California, Ontario and BC. We were fortunate to connect, while in ports, with classmates unable to join the cruise. Maxine (McCracken) Nicholson and husband Dave, travelled from Seattle to meet with  us in Astoria, Oregon, to enjoy an afternoon of visiting and refreshment in the 3 Cups Coffee House. In Victoria, classmates visited Malvina (Macdonald) Eidsvik, as she recuperated, in hospital, from a fall. Great weather, food, entertainment and fellowship contributed to a wonderful reunion marred unfortunately by an accident on board. Diane Gladman fell, severley breaking her arm and requiring hospital admission and surgery. Diane came through the difficult time with her usual positive spirit and good humour. It was a reminder of our vulnerability at this time of our lives.

Some very special news from a classmate was a highlight of the cruise. Janet (Montgomery) Fernau shared her experience when she was honoured on the Queen’s Birthday List with a MBE. The Queen presented the medal at an award ceremony at Buckingham Palace, on November 15 2011, for Janet’s work in establishing and running the Haemochromotosis Society of the UK, since 1990.

We look forward to reuniting in the future as circumstances present, to celebrate the friendships begun many years ago as we learned and lived together to become nurses and the women we are today.