Reprinted from The Packet, June 1987
Clarenville – Members of the Vardy family are planning a large family reunion at Clarenville on July 10 and 11. Over 200 relatives are expected to attend.
The family members are descendents of George Vardy who came to Newfoundland from Christchurch, England, in 1840, as a J.P. Medical Missionary. Mr. Vardy married Mary Martin of Grates Cove and they had eight children.
Two of his children were Moses and James. Most of the descendents of Moses reside in Clarenville while the descendents of James live at Hickman’s Harbour, Random Island. Most of those attending the reunion are descendents of these two families.
Two of James Vardy’s children are living today. They are Herman Vardy, aged 74, of Hickman’s Harbour and Gwen Gledhill, age 77, at Peterborough, Ontario. [Note: Herman and Gwen were grandchildren of James Vardy. Their father was John Vardy, son of James.]
Major Robert Vardy, retired, at St. John’s, has researched the history of the Vardy family. He now has a chart with about 1,000 names and information about the family’s ancestors.
He travelled to England in April of this year and spent three weeks researching family history. He is currently writing a book on the history of the family. He contacted Ivy Thistle, formerly a Vardy from Hickman’s Harbour, of Shoal Harbour to discuss the idea of holding a family reunion.
A get together has been planned for Friday, July 10, at the Oddfellows Hall in Shoal Harbour. There will be a large family history chart for relatives to view.
Family members will travel to Claypits near Little Heart’s Ease on Saturday, July 11, to view the spot where George Vardy arrived at Newfoundland, and to visit his gravesite. Mr. Vardy built the first Anglican Church in Little Heart’s Ease.
A dinner and dance will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion at night.
Mrs. Thistle says that relatives contacted thus far have seemed very interested. Letters have been sent to many people to let them know about the reunion, and they have in turn contacted other relation in the family tree.
It is expected that Vardy relations from New York, Ontario, California, Virginia, Georgia, Corner Brook, Pasadena and St. John’s will attend. Arthur Vardy, grandson of Moses, who lives in California will attend the reunion along with his five children.
Mrs. Thistle says she is still seeking addresses of the many Vardy descendents to contact them about the reunion. Any Vardy descendent interested in attending can contact her at 466-7427
Caption under picture: George Vardy came to Newfounland in 1840. His descendents will hold a family reunion at Clarenville on July 10 and 11.
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Transcribed by Wanda Garrett, November 2024
These transcriptions may contain human errors. As always, confirm these as you would any other source material.