Cupids Cove Chatter

Valentine's Celebration

A special Valentine event for Cupids 400 was held on Saturday, February 13, 2010 at Holiday Inn in St. John’s.  The special guest Emcee was Amy House, one of Newfoundland´s most talented and prolific comediennes. Dinner music was provided by Karen Gill, harpist and soloist.  After dinner, guests danced to music by Billy and the Bruisers, a ten piece dance band from St. John’s.

The Honourable Edward Roberts and his wife, Eve attended.  They have been major supporters of Newfoundland culture, both when Mr. Roberts was a cabinet member in the provincial government and when he was the 11th Lieutenant Governor of the province.  Scott Andrews, MP for the district of Avalon, also attended.

After months of anticipation and hard work, all the people who have been behind the scenes organizing Cupids 400 took advantage of the evening to relax and enjoy the celebration.

For photos see:  Cupids 400: Love & Lore Valentine Celebration

Large Union Jack over Cupids

Their Royal Highnesses, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall arrived in historic Cupids on Tuesday, November 3rd. The Royal Couple greeted enthusiastic crowds on the town’s streets flowing in full colour with Cupids 400 commemorative banners and signs lining the roadways. Close by, they could not miss one of the largest Union Jacks in the world, a replica of the Union Jack flown at the 1910 Ter-Centenary celebrations.

Tour of Archaeological Site

Mayor Ron Laracy had the honor of presenting the town to Their Royal Highnesses. Their tour featured a visit to the Cupids Cove Plantation archaeology site guided by Chief Archeologist William Gilbert. The collection of structures featured in the tour mark the heart of John Guy’s colony established in 1610, the first English speaking settlement in what was to become Canada. Through hard work and determination over the past fifteen years, Gilbert has led a team to uncover and catalogue a rich collection of artifacts from Canada’s earliest English settlers. The Royal Couple appeared to relish the brief tour.

Construction of Cupids Legacy Centre

The Royal Couple then proceeded to the construction site of the new Cupids Legacy Centre, a state of the art facility being constructed to house the cultural and archaeological heritage of Cupids slated to open in late spring, 2010 as part of the Cupids 400 celebrations. They viewed the building site as well as displays highlighting both renderings the new facility and homage to the Cupids Ter-Centenary celebrations in 1910.

Enjoyable and Inspirational Event in Cupids United Church

Because of the visit,  thousands were attracted in hopes of shaking hands with Royalty. The main event also brought Prime Minister Stephen Harper back to the community, where he again praised the efforts of Cupids to commemorate its past. Premier Danny Williams was also in attendance for the ceremony and added his voice to the chorus of celebration, prior to an inspiring keynote address from HRH Prince Charles, who emphasized the importance of environmental awareness.  Entertainment was provided the Hot Earth Ensemble, who played early 17th century music,  and  Cantare Youth Choir  directed by Ms. Deanne (Delahunty) Hiscock with soloist Heather Dawe, and  piano accompaniment by Gordon King.

A plaque, commemorating the Royal Visit, which has become the  Cornerstone of the Cupids Legacy Center. was  unveiled. Mr. Trevor Smallwood, Master, Society of Merchant Ventures from Bristol, the same group with founded the colony in 1612 unveiled one side, while  Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall unveiled the other.  The unveiling was a testament to the endurance of   human endeavour, since both Mr. Smallwood and Prince Charles could represent their forefathers to  celebrate an historical legacy 400 years in the making.

Two children from the community presented the Royal Visitors with flowers, which were graciously accepted.  The final formal act of the day came when Mr. Lloyd Kane of the Cupids Historic Society presented of a print of Hilary Cass’s painting “Cupers Cove in 1612″ to the Royal Couple.  Everyone left the Cupids United Church feeling that they had participated in a celebration worthy of the occasion.

Other photos of the event, including photos of the Hot Earth Ensemble, who played early 17th century music, and Cantare Youth Choir directed by Ms. Deanne (Delahunty) Hiscock with soloist Heather Dawe, and piano accompaniment by Gordon King can be found on Flickr > >

Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador

Cupids 400 Inc and the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador hosted a group exhibition of contemporary craft that reflects the 400th anniversary of Cupids in dynamic and diverse ways. The launch took place at the Craft Council Art Gallery on Duckworth Street, St John’s, NL.  The exhibit was entitled, “400” and ran from August 30 – October 4, 2009.

Roy Dawe, Chair of Cupids400 Inc. stated, “We want to engage the rich talent of the artisans of this province in helping us portray, in unique and inspiring ways, the significance of the 400th Celebrations. We are pleased by the response from the artisans and very proud to be partnering with the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador in this project.”

In the spring of 2009, Cupids400 Inc. and the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador issued a call for expressions of interest to artisans throughout the province inviting them to submit pieces for inclusion in the 400 exhibit. The result was an exhibit that celebrates our rich history and 400 years of community-building with reverence, insight and humour.

Women Drying Fish by Anne M. Kirby

Sharon LeRiche, Gallery Director, says “Craft Council members have clearly been stirred by the theme of this exhibition as the responses are strong and reflective. Works in textile, metal, paper, wood and even concrete have been inspired by the history and artefacts of Cupids and by the importance of community. This meaningful partnership with the Cupids400 project is a great example of contemporary community initiatives.”

An exhibit is also planned for Cupids in 2010 as part of the 400th Celebrations Cultural Initiatives.

More photos of the exhibits can be found on the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Online Gallery “400! Celebrating Cupid’s Anniversary.”  > >

Cupids 400 Bears - Hand Made & Embroidered