They are seven middle age women who eleven years ago split from the Twillingate community choir because it was too large to lend itself to traditional Newfoundland and sing-along music. The plan was to play together as long as it was fun and to break up when it wasn’t fun anymore. Now eleven years later, the group made up of two nurses, a social worker, a retired loans officer, a housewife who plays a mean accordion, a shop worker and a church organist are still going strong. It’s not only still a lot of fun but the Split Peas have become one of the most important things in their lives.

But the Peas have developed into more than a group that have become good friends; they’ve become a celebration of traditional music while giving back to the community they love. Ada Percy Jenkins is the songwriter for the group and one of her originals “Toutons and Tea” inspired the theme of the Split Peas’ summer shows. Three years ago the Peas approached the Orange Lodge with an idea of a music show where toutons and tea would be served. You can’t get anymore Newfoundland than toutons (a bread dough pancake) and tea. The plan was the group and the Lodge would split the door. The series was so successful, the Lodge was able to save its old building that desperately needed to be repaired.

Each of the women brings something unique to the group. Ada feels her songs would not be so good if not for the harmonies and instrument playing by the rest of the group. The others feel that Ada’s lyrics capture the emotions they all share about Newfoundland. But mostly, they all agree the group is one of the best things that ever happened in their lives and that they are there for each other no matter what life serves up for them.