Fall River Woman Reunites with Classmates After 75 Years

On September 23, 2023, Elizabeth Myers made a heartfelt return to her old elementary school, Urmston Primary School in Manchester, for a reunion with classmates from 75 years ago. This emotional gathering brought together nine members of the 1950 graduating class, marking a significant milestone in their lives.

Reflecting on the experience, Myers remarked, “I’ve come back a different person,” during an interview at her home in Fall River, Nova Scotia. She described the reunion as “heartwarming” and “life-changing,” emphasizing the profound impact it had on her and her former classmates.

The journey back to their roots was not just a nostalgic trip; it was a remarkable occasion that highlighted the vast changes in their lives since they last walked the halls of their childhood school. When Myers first attended Urmston Primary in 1944, Great Britain was still grappling with the effects of the Second World War. “There was rationing, air raid shelters, bombs dropping,” she recalled, noting that such circumstances were just part of life for children at that time.

With the end of the war in September 1945, Myers witnessed a shift in her surroundings. “Everything changed and just got better and better,” she said, as rationing eased and communities began to rebuild. Growing up in the nearby town of Flixton, Myers eventually moved to London at the age of 20 for work, where she met her future husband. The couple later emigrated to Canada in November 1964, settling in Toronto.

Despite the geographical distances that separate them, the former classmates have maintained their connections through monthly virtual meetings. As they approached the 75th anniversary of their departure from primary school, the group decided it was time for a reunion. Classmates traveled from Canada, Spain, and various locations across the United Kingdom to attend the event.

“We’ve all aged considerably,” Myers said with laughter, reflecting on the passage of time. The day was filled with warmth and camaraderie, as hugs and laughter permeated the atmosphere. “Humour is a big part of it,” she noted, highlighting their ability to reminisce about old times while acknowledging their shared experiences as they navigate the challenges of aging.

During the reunion, the group also had the unique opportunity to interact with a class of 11-year-old students from Urmston. Myers described this as a special experience, as the younger generation felt almost like their great-grandchildren. “We each told our individual stories briefly, all nine of us, and the children asked lots and lots of really good questions,” she shared.

The reunion sparked memories, including a childhood game called “curb or wall,” which involved racing to either the curb or the wall. Myers recounted a moment when she ran too fast and collided with the wall, resulting in a hospital visit for stitches. “I still have the scar on my head,” she said, smiling at the memory.

Expressing gratitude for the reunion, Myers reflected on the unpredictability of life. “Life throws all kinds of punches at you,” she said. “And I feel very fortunate, as they do, to still be here … still of sound mind and curious.” The group has plans to reconvene in three years, continuing their monthly video calls in the meantime.

“I’m so glad that this has happened, to know that this is possible as an aging person,” Myers concluded. She encouraged others to seek out their old elementary school friends if given the chance, emphasizing the value of reconnecting with shared histories and friendships.