Pat (Shillington) asked me to write about my first L.R.I. reunion lunch at Portmeirion on 24th June. It was a perfect summer’s day on the beautiful LLyn peninsular surrounded by the grandeur of Snowdonia with the enchanting Italianate village of Portmeirion perched on the cliffs. Near the water a gathering of dear friends sat sharing memories. Some sad, some joyful. We(1962) remembered our dear friend Margaret Green (nee Williams) who died a short time ago. We enjoyed lunch in the Art Deco dining room and continued our reminiscing outside in the glorious sunshine.
Some of us stayed overnight which was a bonus, as there were few people about and the ornate buildings and splendid gardens in the quiet of the night and following morning lent a mysterious ambience to the place. We, Dot (nee Simms) and Heather (nee Lowe) and myself, awoke to magnificent views overlooking the still waters – quite breathtaking.
It was a very special experience seeing friends from a long time ago and chattering together as though it was only yesterday – going back to being 18 years old again! We all have varying life experiences and yet the common theme of the Liverpool Royal Infirmary still runs through our veins.
Thank you to all those who organised such a lovely day and especially to Dot Williams who gives such a lot of her time and effort in enabling the lunch to continue.
Val Turner (nee Lonney)
59 ex L.R.I. nurses attended this years lunch. Is this a record? Next year, the lunch will be on June 30th. Contact Dot during May 2011 if you wish to attend. Her contact details will be in the journal.
First timers at the Portmeirion lunch. L – R Kathy, Jean, Val, Mary and Elizabeth
