2022 Raffle Winners

We are pleased to announce the winners of our 2022 Raffle.

Congratulations to our 2022 winners. Many thanks to everyone who supported us and helped make this year’s raffle possible!

BMW i3 Electric Car – Ticket Number: 1004 – Winner: Jacob Estis

Pedego Bike – Ticket Number: 0738 – Winner: Carol Feathers

Lindo’s Voucher – Ticket Number: 0118 – Winner: Mark & Helen Orchard

Belco Voucher – Ticket Number: 356 – Laura Amaral

If you see your name and have not been contacted please reach out to Jordan Smith at jsmith@bnt.bm or call 236-6483 x 215.

Royal Gazette: Thousands throng to St George as National Trust Christmas Walkabout returns

All eyes were on St George’s last night as thousands of revellers took in the sights of the Old Town at the return of the Christmas walkabout.

Restaurants, bars and shops were open late with historic Bermuda National Trust properties at their festive finest.

Karen Border, executive director of the charity, said the Trust had been gearing up for “a big crowd” after the pandemic put the popular event on hold.

The crowd did not disappoint, according to George Dowling III, the Mayor of St George, who strolled among guests to the East End with Rena Lalgie, the Governor.

“Turnout is absolutely fantastic,” said Mr Dowling just after 6.30pm yesterday.

“It’s actually exceeding my expectations at this point – the parking lot at Tiger Bay is full, and right now we are walking through a sea of humanity.”

The Trust eased traffic this year with a free shuttle bus service taking guests from Ferry Reach just before the Swing Bridge.

The new arrangement worked well, according to Dorte Horsfield, the Trust’s head of development and engagement.

“Absolutely phenomenal – it is just an utter success,” she said as entertainment kicked off at 6pm.

“The Town Crier is just starting introducing the night’s events. There will be three hours of beautiful performances – everything’s looking very festive and people are very excited to be here.”

King’s Square had music and dance directed by E Michael Jones, the Town Crier – culminating with the Bermuda Island Pipe Band, the Highland Dancers and followed by the Royal Bermuda Regiment Band.

View full article 

Bernews: Photos & Video: 2022 BNT Christmas Walkabout

The Bermuda National Trust Christmas Walkabout event was held last night in [Dec 2] in St George’s, with a large crowd coming out to enjoy the always popular event.

A spokesperson previously said, “For over 40 years, this highly anticipated event has signaled the start of the festive season in Bermuda.

“BNT historic homes including Tucker House, The Old Rectory, Bridge House, Buckingham, Reeve Court and Stewart Hall will all be beautifully decorated and open free for the public to enjoy. Join us at the Globe Museum for some Christmas cheer, where you can also browse our Trustworthy Gift Shop.

“Many other buildings and cultural sites in the Old Town will also be open to the public and providing entertainment on the night, including St Peter’s Church, the St George’s Historical Society’s Mitchell House, Stella Maris Church, State House and more.”

View full article

Royal Gazette: Planned development puts Devonshire Marsh at risk

Letter to the Editor 

Dear Sir,

Bermuda’s environmental organisations continue to do all we can to advocate for conservation of our island’s environment, but sometimes we lose – and Bermuda loses too.

The latest casualty is property on Devonshire Marsh zoned Open Space at 79 Middle Road, Devonshire, owned by Island Construction Services. For more than 20 years the Trust has been battling to uphold the protective zoning at this site, despite its history of industrial use, because of the ecological importance of the marsh in which it sits and Bermuda’s largest freshwater lens beneath its soil.

Despite having turned down previous versions of this development application three times before and an application for rezoning under the 2018 Bermuda Plan, the Development Applications Board has recently given the go-ahead for extensive additional development at this sensitive site, including three two-storey maintenance and storage buildings and five one-bedroom staff apartments, parking (for 55 cars and 44 bikes), and a driveway. All of this is on a three-acre site on the Marsh.

The Bermuda Audubon Society, Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce and the Bermuda National Trust have jointly submitted an appeal against the decision.

The proposed development well exceeds what would be permitted on protectively zoned property; in fact, this intensity of development would not even be allowed under the terms of land with “industrial” zoning. Ironically, permission has been given on the basis of the historical sifting of aggregate on the property. And yet, aggregate sifting is not the proposed use for the site. It will now be a mix of industrial use (a base for trucking services including shipping and container haulage), and residential use that would not normally be allowed on an industrial site.

Devonshire Marsh is the largest area of open space in Bermuda, with the largest peat marsh habitat, notably one of the few marshes that was never used for dumping trash. It sits above the island’s largest freshwater lens. The marsh assists in purifying rainfall run-off from the roads, to become our drinking water. To allow the intensification of industrial use on this site threatens the marsh with increased fire risk, and increases the risk of environmental pollution in the marsh and water contamination.

To say we are disappointed with this decision is an understatement. We hope that the Minister of the Environment will heed our appeal and choose to turn down this expanded development, in the interests of the whole Bermuda community.

View full article

Royal Gazette: Environmental Groups appeal to minister to stop Devonshire Marsh plans

Environmental groups have called on the Minister of Home Affairs to overturn a decision to allow development on Devonshire Marsh.

Island Construction was given the green light by the Development Applications Board in August to erect three two-storey warehouse buildings near the company’s Middle Road headquarters by the junction with Parson’s Lane.

However, a coalition of the Bermuda National Trust, the Bermuda Audubon Society and the Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce have launched an appeal hoping to halt the project.

View full article

Bernews: BNT Christmas Walkabout Set for Tonight

The Bermuda National Trust [BNT] Christmas Walkabout will be held today [Dec 2] from 6.00pm to 9.00pm in St. George’s.

A spokesperson said, “The World Heritage Site of St. George’s is the place to be tonight for the Bermuda National Trust Christmas Walkabout from 6.00pm to 9.00pm.

“BNT historic homes including Tucker House, The Old Rectory, Bridge House, Buckingham, Reeve Court and Stewart Hall will all be beautifully decorated and open free for the public to enjoy. Join us at the Globe Museum for some Christmas cheer, where you can also browse our Trustworthy Gift Shop.

“Many other buildings and cultural sites in the Old Town will also be open to the public and providing entertainment on the night, including St Peter’s Church, the St George’s Historical Society’s Mitchell House, Stella Maris Church, State House, and more.

“Musicians and dancers of all ages will entertain the crowds from the stage at King’s Square, with Town Crier E Michael Jones acting as MC for the evening.

“Local shops will be open on the night, so you can get some Christmas shopping done too. When you need refreshment, there are several local eateries and bars to choose from or you can head over to Ordnance Island, where there will be a food court featuring Four Star Pizza, Ashley’s Lemonade, De Graff’s food truck, Funnelicious, and Casa Acores.

“Goslings will have a bar with festive cocktails on Ordnance Island and in the Globe Museum garden, and an opportunity for wine tastings at various stations in the town.

“The event is sponsored by HSBC, Goslings, Butterfield & Vallis, the Department of Culture and Belco, and supported by the Corporation of St. George.

View full article

Royal Gazette: Christmas is coming to St George’s

St George is getting into the Christmas spirit with a series of activities promising to bring new life to the old town.

The St George’s Stakeholder Committee has released a schedule of events to take place in the town in the coming weeks including annual favourites such as the Bermuda National Trust Walkabout on December 2 and the town’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Tonight, Long Story Short will continue its Story Time event series with a performance by local singer and songwriter Sinead the Flower.

Activities continue tomorrow with the return of the town-wide Shop n Stroll event with Christmas shopping, dining and more between noon and 4pm. The event series will continue every Sunday until December 18.

The St George’s Dance Studio will host movie and karaoke nights from 7pm until 10pm on December 2 and 16 offering family-friendly fun.

Santa will make a visit to the East End on December 3 for the Corporation of St George’s Santa Comes to Towne event between 6pm and 9pm.

The schedule also includes a variety of workshops hosted by LaGarza, Green Tara and Cirqle Circus, all located on Somers Wharf, along with Helen Sawden Flowers.

View full article

Royal Gazette: National Trust completes building series with Southampton Book

The architectural heritage of Southampton has been highlighted in the latest – and final – edition of the Bermuda National Trust’s Architectural Heritage book series.

The series, which started in 1995, took a parish-by-parish look at the island’s buildings and the people who built, lived and worked inside them.

Southampton was written by historian Edward Harris, edited and co-written by Alistair Border and features photographs by Robin Judah and Katie Berry along with plans and historic illustrations.

The book is the tenth edition of the series, sponsored by Bacardi, which now covers all nine parishes and the City of Hamilton.

A BNT spokeswoman said: “In its entirety, it is a fascinating record of Bermuda’s architectural heritage that records the continuous historical process of modification and transformation of Bermuda’s landscape from the time of settlement.

View full article 

Bernews: BNT Christmas Walkabout Set for December 2

The Bermuda National Trust [BNT] Christmas Walkabout is set to take place next Friday, December 2 in St George’s.

A spokesperson said, “St. George’s is the place to be on the evening of Friday 2 December to enjoy the magic of the Bermuda National Trust Christmas Walkabout in the World Heritage Site. For over 40 years, this highly anticipated event has signaled the start of the festive season in Bermuda.

“BNT historic homes including Tucker House, The Old Rectory, Bridge House, Buckingham, Reeve Court and Stewart Hall will all be beautifully decorated and open free for the public to enjoy. Join us at the Globe Museum for some Christmas cheer, where you can also browse our Trustworthy Gift Shop.

View full article

Royal Gazette: Ascot staff put corporate muscle into museum clean-up

Staff from a reinsurance firm rolled up their sleeves to help spruce up a St George landmark.

Volunteers from Ascot Bermuda Limited joined the Bermuda National Trust during the Trust’s volunteer day last week to clean out all four floors and the gardens of the Globe Museum.

Charlotte Andrews, the BNT’s head of cultural heritage, who led the team-building exercise, said that the group was instrumental in offering ideas to reimagine the space.

Dr Andrews added: “With our volunteer days designed to connect the corporate team more deeply with one another, and with Bermuda’s heritage, we hope the Ascot team got great value out of their day, which they generously supported with a corporate donation.”

The teams helped clean out exhibit cases, weed the gardens and cleaned out the cellar space.

Ian Thompson, Ascot CEO, said: “I was delighted to learn that Ascot was the largest corporate group hosted by the Bermuda National Trust at their museums.

“This strong showing by the Ascot team illustrates our ardent willingness to get involved with community initiatives.

“I am also grateful to the BNT for their hospitality – it was a very enjoyable day, and we were honoured to play our part in preserving Bermuda’s rich heritage.”

Brittany DeMelo, who helped co-ordinate the volunteer day, added: “The Bermuda National Trust plays an important role in preserving Bermuda’s heritage.

“Dr Andrews delivered an enlightening talk about the World Heritage Site and its value to Bermuda and all of humanity.

“Every Christmas I attend the Christmas Walkabout in St George, and it will be even more special this year knowing our Ascot team has played a part in supporting our World Heritage Site.”

View full article

Bernews: New Southampton Architectural Heritage Book

The Bermuda National Trust is launching ‘Southampton,’ the tenth and last in its Bermuda’s Architectural Heritage series.

A spokesperson said, “The series, begun in 1995, covers every parish and the City of Hamilton. It highlights the architecture of the most interesting buildings on the island and the people who built, lived and worked in them. In its entirety, it is a fascinating record of Bermuda’s architectural heritage that records the continuous historical process of modification and transformation of Bermuda’s landscape from the time of settlement.

“The entire series has been sponsored by Bacardi, which will host the launch of the Southampton book at its Bar under the Stars on Friday, 25 November.

“Southampton was written by Dr Edward Harris and edited/co-written by Alistair Border. Its production was managed from research to publication by Linda Abend and Margaret Lloyd. The modern photographs were taken by Robin Judah and Katie Berry but there are also many plans and historic illustrations.

“The book includes information about the history and architecture of Southampton’s most interesting houses, including some, such as those on the former Naval Operating Base, which sadly have disappeared. It also covers a wide range of other topics such as farming, fish ponds and whaling. The cover features a painting of Waterlot Inn and the Lighthouse by W F Snow.

View full article

Bernews: Ascot Staff Volunteer at Globe Museum

Some 30 employees of Ascot Bermuda Limited took part in volunteering to provide a “corporate lift” to the Globe Museum.

A spokesperson said, “Ascot Bermuda Limited came out in force for Bermuda National Trust’s latest corporate volunteering day, just in time to help prepare for the Christmas Walkabout happening in the World Heritage Site on Friday, December 2.

“Some 30 staff stepped away from their desks at this especially busy time of year to give another corporate lift to the Globe Museum, which is part of the Outstanding Universal Value of the UNESCO Site. The Ascot team worked across Globe’s four floors and gardens, cleaning exhibit cases, preparing the cellar space for new heritage and tourism uses, and weeding and planting in the garden.”

View full article 

Royal Gazette: Ascot step up for corporate lift to globe museum

About 30 Ascot Bermuda Limited staff stepped away from their desks to give another corporate lift to the Globe Museum, which is part of the Outstanding Universal Value of the Unesco Site.

It was in support of the Bermuda National Trust’s latest corporate volunteering day, just in time to help prepare for the Christmas Walkabout happening in the World Heritage Site on Friday, December 2, 2022.

The Ascot team worked across Globe’s four floors and gardens, cleaning exhibit cases, preparing the cellar space for new heritage and tourism uses, and weeding and planting in the garden.

Trust Head of Cultural Heritage Dr Charlotte Andrews, who led the team building day, said: “The Ascot team gave us another round of corporate muscle to continue our overhaul of the Globe Museum for visitors to the World Heritage Site and contributed ideas to help us reimagine this important space located right at King’s Square.

“With our volunteer days designed to connect the corporate team more deeply with one another, and with Bermuda’s heritage, we hope the Ascot team got great value out of their day, which they generously supported with a corporate donation.”

Ian Thompson, CEO of Ascot Bermuda Limited, who was at Globe with his team for the day, said: “I was delighted to learn that Ascot was the largest corporate group hosted by the Bermuda National Trust at their museums.

“This strong showing by the Ascot team illustrates our ardent willingness to get involved with community initiatives. I am also grateful to the BNT for their hospitality – it was a very enjoyable day, and we were honoured to play our part in preserving Bermuda’s rich heritage.”

Brittany DeMelo, who coordinated the BNT volunteer day for Ascot with fellow committee members, added: “The Bermuda National Trust plays an important role in preserving Bermuda’s heritage. Dr Andrews delivered an enlightening talk about the World Heritage Site and its value to Bermuda and all of humanity.

“Every Christmas, I attend the Christmas Walkabout in St George’s, and it will be even more special this year knowing our Ascot team has played a part in supporting our World Heritage Site.”

View full article

Royal Gazette: Free Shuttle bus to operate as St George’s walkabout returns

The traditional start of Christmastime in St George’s, put on hold by Covid-19 since 2020, returns next month with free shuttle buses serving the East End for the night.

The Bermuda National Trust’s Christmas Walkabout, bringing guests to the World Heritage Site on December 2, will offer three shuttles running on a loop from parking at Kindley Field from 5pm to 9.30pm.

No parking will be permitted in the centre of the town.

The walkabout, a favourite across more than 40 years, gets under way at 6pm with the public invited free into Trust-owned historic homes including Tucker House, The Old Rectory, Bridge House, Buckingham, Reeve Court and Stewart Hall, as well as the Globe Museum and Trustworthy Gift Shop.

Visitors can enjoy Christmas decorations and entertainment at cultural sites including St. Peter’s Church, the St George’s Historical Society’s Mitchell House, Stella Maris Church, and the State House.

King’s Square will be the scene of music and dance directed by Town Crier and MC E Michael Jones.

The shops of the town, along with bars and restaurants, will open for the walkabout, as well as a food court on Ordnance Island with Four Star Pizza, Ashley’s Lemonade, De Graff’s food truck, Funnelicious and Casa Acores.

The night out comes with prepaid parking offered at Tiger Bay and Penno’s Wharf at $20 per car.

Tickets required for parking are now on sale to BNT members, and can be purchased by the public from Friday.

Free parking is available at St. George’s Prep and East End Primary.

But spaces are limited and likely be filled by 5.30pm, with parking at Kindley Field advised.

Questions on the night’s events can be e-mailed to palmetto@bnt.bm.

The Trust thanked its sponsors HSBC, Goslings, Butterfield & Vallis, the Department of Culture, and Belco.

View full article

Royal Gazette: Tree planting to recognize ‘incredibly generous community and their response to covid 19’

The first tree has been planted as part of an annual initiative to recognise Bermuda’s philanthropists and the help they provided during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals of Bermuda recently partnered with the Bermuda National Trust to plant the tree in the Royal Naval Dockyard Cemetery in honour of AFP’s National Philanthropy Day.

Ann Spencer-Arscott and Katie Bennett, AFP Bermuda co-presidents, said: “This year, the AFP Bermuda wants to recognise our incredibly generous community and their response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Over the past two and a half years, individuals, community groups, and corporate and foundation donors have stepped up to help our entire island face an unprecedented pandemic.

“From charitable donations to food supplies and volunteer hours to the work of local non-profits, we celebrate this year’s National Philanthropy Day honourees – everyone who has been working hard since March 2020 to support Bermuda.”

Karen Border, executive director of the BNT, added: “As a local non-profit, we rely heavily on donations from many supporters, both private and corporate, in order to fulfil our mission to protect and promote Bermuda’s unique natural and cultural heritage for everyone, for ever.

“Planting a tree a year seems a most appropriate way to honour the generosity of the Bermuda community.”

AFP Bermuda invests in supporting the mentoring, training and development of professionals involved in raising funds ethically in Bermuda.

For information, visit https://afpglobal.org/

View full article 

Royal Gazette: National Trust announces student art competition winners

The winners have been announced for the Bermuda National Trust’s student art competition, sponsored by the insurance firm Sompo International and entitled “Bermuda Roots”.

Artwork from primary, middle and senior school students was judged by artists Jahbarri Wilson, Jill Amos Raine and Tiffany Banner.

The judges also included Meredith Ebbin and Vincent Chaves, of the Bermuda National Trust, and representatives from Sompo International.

Anna Stevenson, the Trust’s heritage education coordinator, thanked the competition sponsor for supporting the island’s young artists and said the judges were hard pressed to choose the winners.

Interpretations of the theme encompassed both natural and cultural heritage.

Along with the first, second and third places, there were several honourable mentions in each age group.

In the 9 to 12 year age group, first place and a prize of $300 was awarded to Tallulah Morris, who is home-schooled, for her mixed media piece entitled Stories the Cedar Sees.

In second place, with a prize of $175, was Amaris Munya of Warwick Academy for her multifaceted portrait depicting the varied heritages of Bermuda’s people.

In third place, with a prize of $75, was Isabella Goodall of Bermuda High School for Restriction of My Roots.

Honourable mentions went to Seri Fisher, Connor Miskiewicz, Turi Philpott, Quincy Ratteray, Julia Stoppa and Legend Robinson.

In the 8 to 13 year age group, first place and a prize of $500 went to Samantha Rance from BHS for her earth-tones painting of 1920s Front Street.

In second place, with a prize of $300 was Chelsea Scarth from Mount Saint Agnes Academy for her artwork entitled Bermuda Then & Now.

In third place, also from MSA, was Liana Franco, who won $175 for her piece entitled Portuguese in Bermuda, 1849.

Honourable mentions were awarded to Reece Percy, Callum Adams, Brianna Jones and Ivanna Young.

The winning artwork will be exhibited in the lobby of Waterloo House at 100 Pitts Bay Road, where Sompo is headquartered, from November 14 to 25.

All entries to the competition can be viewed on the Bermuda National Trust’s website.

View full article

Bernews: BNT ‘Bermuda Roots’ Art Competition Winners

A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda National Trust is pleased to announce the winners of its student art competition sponsored by Sompo International. This year’s theme was ‘Bermuda Roots.’

“Submitted artwork from primary, middle, and senior school students was judged by artists Jahbarri Wilson, Jill Amos Raine and Tiffany Banner; Meredith Ebbin and Vincent Chaves of Bermuda National Trust; and representatives from Sompo International.”

BNT Heritage Education Coordinator Anna Stevenson said, “The Bermuda National Trust is extremely grateful to Sompo International for sponsoring this opportunity for Bermuda’s young artists to display their talent.

“The quality of the entries was again truly impressive and there were a wide range of interpretations of the ‘Bermuda Roots’ theme that encompassed both natural and cultural heritage. The judges had a very hard time choosing the winning pieces. In addition to the first, second and third places, there were several honorable mentions in each age group.”

The spokesperson said, “In the 9-12 year age group, first place and a prize of $300 was awarded to Tallulah Morris, who is home-schooled, for her mixed media piece entitled ‘Stories the Cedar Sees’. In second place with a prize of $175 was Amaris Munya of Warwick Academy for her multi-faceted portrait depicting the varied heritages of Bermuda’s people.

“In third place with a prize of $75 was Isabella Goodall of BHS for ‘Restriction of My Roots’. Honorable mentions were given to Seri Fisher, Connor Miskiewicz, Turi Philpott, Quincy Ratteray, Julia Stoppa and Legend Robinson.

“In the 13-18 year age group, first place and a prize of $500 went to Samantha Rance from BHS for her earth-tones painting of 1920s Front Street. In second place, with a prize of $300 was Chelsea Scarth from MSA for her artwork entitled ‘Bermuda Then & Now’.

“In third place, also from MSA, was Liana Franco, who won $175 for her piece entitled ‘Portuguese in Bermuda, 1849’. Honorable mentions were awarded to Reece Percy, Callum Adams, Brianna Jones and Ivanna Young.

“The winning artwork will be exhibited in the lobby of Waterloo House, 100 Pitts Bay Road, where Sompo is headquartered, from November 14-25. All entries to the competition can be viewed on the Bermuda National Trust’s website.”

View full article

https://bernews.com/2022/11/afp-bermuda-bnt-honor-bermudian-philanthropists/

The Association of Fundraising Professionals [AFP] of Bermuda recently partnered with the Bermuda National Trust [BNT] to plant a tree in the Royal Naval Dockyard Cemetery.

A spokesperson said, “The tree will become part of a larger plot for an annual planting by AFP Bermuda to recognise Bermuda philanthropists in honour of AFP’s National Philanthropy Day.

“National Philanthropy Day [NPD] celebrates the charitable work that everyone does to make a difference and impact their communities through donations of time, talent and financial contributions.”

AFP Bermuda Co-Presidents Ann Spencer-Arscott and Katie Bennett shared: “This year, the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Bermuda wants to recognise our incredibly generous community and their response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past two and a half years, individuals, community groups, and corporate and foundation donors have stepped up to help our entire Island face an unprecedented pandemic. From charitable donations to food supplies, and volunteer hours to the work of local non-profits, we celebrate this year’s National Philanthropy Day honorees: everyone who has been working hard since March 2020 to support Bermuda.”

“The Bermuda National Trust is delighted to partner with the AFP on this tree-planting to recognize Bermuda philanthropists,” said Karen Border, Executive Director of BNT. “As a local non-profit, we rely heavily on donations from many supporters, both private and corporate, in order to fulfill our mission to protect and promote Bermuda’s unique natural and cultural heritage for everyone, forever. Planting a tree a year seems a most appropriate way to honour the generosity of the Bermuda community.”

The AFP Bermuda Chapter is committed to investing in and supporting the mentoring, training and development of professionals involved in raising funds ethically in Bermuda. For information about the AFP, visit afpglobal.org.

View full article

Bernews: Bermuda National Trust to hold Archaeology Talk

Archaeologist Dr Michael Jarvis will discuss the discoveries from the Smith’s Island Archaeology Project at a Bermuda National Trust event on Monday [November 21].

The Trust Talk, After the Dig: Smith’s Island Archaeology Project, Discoveries and Myths, starts at 6 pm, costing $20 for members and $25 for non-members.

The Trust Talk flyer reads: “Come and hear about this hidden side of heritage studies and the exciting work involved in making sense of a fragmented past, and that relating to the Smith’s Island Archaeology Project in particular.

To sign-up, visit bnt.bm.

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Winners of ‘Bermuda Roots’ art competition

The Bermuda National Trust is pleased to announce the winners of the student art competition “Bermuda Roots”, sponsored by SOMPO International.

Click here to view all entries!

Royal Gazette: Environmentally friendly scheme launched to rent a Christmas Tree

An environmentally friendly programme offering live cedar trees for rent over the Christmas season has been launched for the second year by the Bermuda National Trust.

The trees, grown by Bermuda Green Thumb on Brighton Hill, are just under 4ft. Once returned to the trust in January, they will be replanted in nature reserves across the island.

Myles Darrell, BNT’s head of natural heritage, said: “The trust will plant your returned cedar in one of our 13 publicly accessible nature reserves across Bermuda.

“You will be able to visit your Christmas tree for years to come and watch it grow, knowing that you have also helped mitigate climate change. Why purchase a cut and imported Christmas tree this year, or a plastic one, when you can choose a real, sustainable local option?”

A spokesman for the Bank of Butterfield, which is sponsoring the event, added: “Butterfield is pleased to support the Bermuda National Trust again and provide a more sustainable holiday tree tradition in Bermuda.

“Last year, having sponsored the pilot programme, we took the opportunity to dedicate a Butterfield cedar tree in memory of Marcia Woolridge-Allwood and her contribution to the success of the island’s financial services industry.

“The tree was planted at the new Eve’s Pond Nature Reserve in Hamilton Parish with a special plaque and is a fitting example of how the programme can benefit the present and the future as a lasting tribute.”

The trust has 120 trees to rent at a cost of $125, of which $50 will be refunded when the tree is returned. Care instructions will be provided.

To reserve a tree and for further details, click here. Tree pick-up will be from the BNT headquarters on Pomander Road on Saturday, November 26.

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Royal Gazette: Letter to the editor: Planning regulations are there for enforcing

Dear Sir,

A landowner cuts down a swath of protected nature reserve, including mature and dense native and endemic species, to create a “viewing corridor” to the sea. Against the decision of the Development Applications Board and the recommendation of the Director of Planning, the minister responsible for the environment allows him to get away with just a stern warning not to do it again. What kind of message does this send to other landowners who would seek to remove “inconvenient” areas of nature reserve or protected woodland on their property?

The Bermuda National Trust is extremely disappointed that the minister has allowed the retroactive application for “remediation of unauthorised woodland clearance” at Lot 9 Tucker’s Point.

Bernews: BNT & Clarien Tree Planting in Sandys

Clarien employees embarked on their tree planting initiative in partnership with the Bermuda National Trust [BNT] with an aim to “plant 100 native and endemic trees per year for the next three years”

Michael DeCouto, Clarien’s EVP, Chief Marketing & Digital Officer, previously said, “We are extremely pleased to be able to partner with Bermuda National Trust and help in its mission of protecting and promoting Bermuda’s unique natural and cultural heritage.

“Through this three-year tree planting initiative, we look forward to planting trees and shrubs – not only to increase wildlife habitat and improve air quality, but also to ensure the future sustainability of the Island’s native and endemic species.”

Myles Darrell, Head of Natural Heritage, previously said, “Bermuda National Trust is delighted to partner with Clarien for this initiative. As the owners of a significant amount of open space in trust for Bermuda, much of it publicly accessible, we believe these plantings can benefit the whole community.

“Drawing on our woodland management expertise, Bermuda National Trust will assist Clarien with the planning, appropriate species selection, planting and after-care, all of which are critical to ensure this long-term project is a success.”

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Royal Gazette: Tree-planting drive launched as expert says ‘go native’

Turks & Caicos, a sister jurisdiction to our south, has offered lessons for Bermuda in bringing about regrowth from ecological disaster.

On the eve of a three-year tree-planting drive to be launched tomorrow by Clarien Bank with the Bermuda National Trust, a leading conservationist from the Caribbean island group shared what real environmental recovery looked like.

Bryan Naqqi Manco, assistant director of research and development for the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources in the Turks & Caicos Islands, said the islands had been scourged just as Bermuda lost much of its endemic cedar forest to the scale insect blight from the 1940s.

View full article

Bernews: Rent a ‘Christmas Tree’ Programme

Noting it is a “sustainable local option,” the Bermuda National Trust is offering a Christmas cedar tree rental programme, allowing people to ‘rent’ a tree for the holiday season, which can be returned in January, when it will be planted in a nature reserve.

A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda National Trust’s [BNT] popular live cedar tree rental programme piloted last year is back again, sponsored by Butterfield.

“BNT has 120 beautiful, healthy Bermuda cedar trees to rent for Christmas this year. In January, the tree can be returned and you will get your deposit back.”

“The Trust will plant your returned cedar in one of our 13 publicly accessible nature reserves across Bermuda,” said Myles Darrell, BNT’s Head of Natural Heritage.

“You will be able to visit your Christmas tree for years to come and watch it grow, knowing that you have also helped mitigate climate change. Why purchase a cut and imported Christmas tree this year, or a plastic one, when you can choose a real, sustainable local option?”

“Butterfield is pleased to support the Bermuda National Trust again and provide a more sustainable holiday tree tradition in Bermuda,” said a Butterfield spokesperson.

“Last year, having sponsored the pilot programme, we took the opportunity to dedicate a Butterfield cedar tree in memory of Marcia Woolridge-Allwood and her contribution to the success of the island’s financial services industry. The tree was planted at the new Eve’s Pond Nature Reserve in Hamilton Parish with a special plaque and is a fitting example of how the programme can benefit the present and the future as a lasting tribute.”

The spokesperson said, “The cedar trees, grown by Bermuda Green Thumb on Brighton Hill, are just under four feet high including the pot. They rent for $125 [$100 for Bermuda National Trust members] of which $50 will be refunded on return of a healthy tree. Care instructions will be provided.

“To reserve a tree and for further details, go to www.bnt.bm [click on Events]. Tree pick-up will be from BNT headquarters, “Waterville”, on Pomander Road on Saturday 26 November.”

See full article

Built Heritage: Temperance Hall

BUILT HERITAGE |Temperance Hall, 93 North Shore Road, Hamilton Parish | OCTOBER 2022

By Linda Abend and Margie Lloyd, Bermuda National Trust

This is part of a series of architectural articles by the Bermuda National Trust that will highlight some of Bermuda’s endangered historic buildings.

The Hamilton Parish Friendly Temperance Society was founded in 1846 and its first meetings were held in a building opposite Burchall’s Cove. On August 13, 1850 the corner stone was laid for a new building which was to be erected a little further north and across from Davis’ Pond. The land was conveyed by the Hon John William Foggo for the token sum of one shilling. Members of the Atlantic Phoenix Lodge No. 271 joined in the ceremony. The Society’s trustees were six dedicated Hamilton Parish men: Benjamin Hill Sr, George Burgess, Daniel Bascome, Thomas Smith, Richard Augustus Burrows and Benjamin Hill Jr.

In May 1851 the building had reached to the wallplate when the Society’s funds ran low and it was necessary to appeal to the community. Among those who came forward was Governor Charles Elliot with the very generous donation of £20.

Read the full Built Heritage article on Temperance Hall

Royal Gazette: Volunteers from two firms help out the National Trust

A nature reserve and a museum run by the Bermuda National Trust were recently bolstered by volunteers from two firms.

A team of 45 staff members from Walkers (Bermuda) Limited spent a day planting trees, removing trash and clearing pathways at the BNT’s Gilbert Nature Reserve in Sandys.

Meanwhile, eight staff members from Markel Bermuda Limited helped to spruce up the Globe Museum in St George by cleaning windows and storm residue, clearing debris and planting donated roses.

Rachel Nightingale, the Walkers charity committee chair, said: “This was a fantastic day out for the Walkers team and we are proud to support the national trust in its wonderful work in conserving and enhancing Bermuda’s special natural landscape.

“The team very much enjoyed spending time outdoors and working together on something tangible that will hopefully be of real benefit to the local community and environment.”

Miles Darrell, head of natural heritage at the BNT, said the charity was delighted to receive support from corporate groups to maintain their various nature reserves.

“With over 250 acres of open space in the Trust’s care, this support is very important to us,” he said.

Charlotte Andrews, the BNT head of cultural heritage, said the support for the charity’s museums was equally valuable.

“These corporate teams provide capacity to help us manage our museums, enhancing the experiences offered to visitors,” Dr Andrews said. “Companies benefit by furthering their ESG goals and team building, so it is a win-win for all.”

Companies interested in corporate team building with BNT should contact Dorte Horsfield, the BNT head of development and engagement, at dhorsfield@bnt.bm or 236-6483.

View full Royal Gazette 

Bernews: Walkers, Markel Teams Make Difference For BNT

A Bermuda National Trust [BNT] nature reserve and a museum have benefitted from the time and energy of teams from Walkers Limited and Markel this month.

A spokesperson said, “A team of 45 staff from Walkers [Bermuda] Limited spent a day tree planting, removing trash and clearing pathways at BNT’s Gilbert Nature Reserve in Sandys.”

“We are always delighted to have corporate groups help us to maintain and enhance the nature reserves that we hold in trust for the Bermuda community,” said Myles Darrell, Head of Natural Heritage. “With over 250 acres of open space in the Trust’s care, this support is very important to us.

“During the day we planted more than 100 native and endemic trees, shrubs and ground covers. If you are in the Somerset area, enjoy a walk through the Anita Wingate trail and take in the diversity and splendor of this lovely green space.”

“This was a fantastic day out for the Walkers team and we are proud to support the National Trust in its wonderful work in conserving and enhancing Bermuda’s special natural landscape. The team very much enjoyed spending time outdoors and working together on something tangible that will hopefully be of real benefit to the local community and environment,” said Rachel Nightingale, Walkers Charity Committee Chair.

View full Royal Gazette Article

Royal Gazette: Bank and charity pair up for tree-planting project

Hundreds of trees will be planted in a three-year partnership between a financial institution and a preservation charity.

Clarien Bank announced that it will team up with the Bermuda National Trust to add native and endemic specimens as well as shrubs in public places.

A company spokesman said that 100 trees would be planted each year for the next three years.

He explained: “The tree planting initiative, which launches next month, is a core part of the values of Clarien+ – a premium banking service and product offering for qualifying clients – as well as part of Clarien’s wider efforts to support ecological sustainability on the island.

“Clarien’s total commitment of $10,000 a year, for three years, includes the cost of the plant specimens – 50 trees including cedars, palmettos and olivewoods, and 50 shrubs – as well as labour and materials for planting and aftercare.

“To ensure this project will benefit the entire community, the plantings will be in three spaces that are all open to the wider public – primarily Scaur Lodge Nature Reserve, which can be accessed by individuals and groups at any time for relaxation, wellness and family activities.”

The spokesman said that the property, in Sandys, had three open-space areas including nature, woodland and agricultural reserves.

He added: “According to BNT, the plan is to increase the presence of native and endemic flora within the reserve, which will help to reduce the effects of climate change as well as increase biodiversity.

“Some invasive species removal will also be required to enable planting, which is why Clarien employees and several Clarien+ clients have stepped up to give of their time on two upcoming dates: Friday, November 4 and Friday, March 31, to get this project off the ground successfully.

“Other locations for the plantings include Royal Naval Dockyard Cemetery and Watford Island Military Cemetery.”

View full Royal Gazette Article

Bernews: Clarien & BNT To Plant Native and Endemic Trees

Clarien Bank announced a partnership with the Bermuda National Trust to “plant 100 native and endemic trees per year for the next three years.”

A spokesperson said, “The tree planting initiative, which launches next month, is a core part of the values of Clarien+ — a premium banking service and product offering for qualifying clients — as well as part of Clarien’s wider efforts to support ecological sustainability on the Island.

“Clarien’s total commitment of $10,000 a year, for three years, includes the cost of the plant specimens [50 trees including Cedars, Palmettos and Olivewoods, and 50 shrubs], as well as labour and materials for planting and aftercare.

“To ensure this project will benefit the entire community, the plantings will be in three spaces that are all open to the wider public – primarily Scaur Lodge Nature Reserve, which can be accessed by individuals and groups at any time for relaxation, wellness and family activities.

“Known for its beauty, the Scaur Lodge property is comprised of three open space zonings: Nature Reserve, Woodland Reserve and Agricultural Reserve. According to BNT, the plan is to increase the presence of native and endemic flora within the reserve, which will help to reduce the effects of climate change as well as increase biodiversity.

“Some invasive species removal will also be required to enable planting, which is why Clarien employees and several Clarien+ clients have stepped up to give of their time on two upcoming dates: Friday, November 4th and Friday, March 31st, to get this project off the ground successfully.

“Other locations for the plantings include Royal Naval Dockyard Cemetery and Watford Island Military Cemetery.”

View full Bernews Article

Bernews: Fashion Show Fundraiser at Verdmont

A fashion show fundraiser last Saturday [Oct 1] at the Bermuda National Trust’s Verdmont property.

A spokesperson said, “Verdmont, a Bermuda National Trust historic house and garden, was the splendid setting for a one-of-a-kind fabulous fashion show on Saturday October 1st. Most likely for the first time in its 300-year history it hosted a Fashion Show Fundraiser!

“Sharon Nannini of Nannini’s Fashion showcased a variety of garments from European designers from Italy, France, Spain, Portugal and Ukraine. Eleven Bermuda models showed off more than 50 outfits beautifully to a group of women interested in elegant yet comfortable and relaxed fashion. All outfits were designed and made in Europe with only natural fibers such as raw linen, cotton and viscose.

“Donna Pink moderated the event in the most entertaining fashion and brought her locally made custom jewelry to complement the outfits of the models. The garments and jewellery were on sale after the show and part of the proceeds were donated towards the Bermuda National Trust’s cultural and natural heritage programmes by Nannini’s fashion. Gosling’s kindly donated refreshments for the afternoon.

Head of Development Dr. Dörte Horsfield stated, “This was such a well-received and fun event. The guests, many of whom had never set foot into Verdmont, loved the elegant setup, the warm autumn breeze blowing through the open windows and doors, the cool Prosecco and the beautiful models walking through the rooms showcasing the fabulous pieces Sharon Nannini selected for the show. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect afternoon!”

If you are interested in renting Verdmont for your next even, please visit here.

Click here to read Bernews article.

Built Heritage: Nonsuch Island

BUILT HERITAGE |Nonsuch Island | September 2022

By Linda Abend and Margie Lloyd, Bermuda National Trust

This is part of a series of architectural articles by the Bermuda National Trust that will highlight some of Bermuda’s endangered historic buildings.

The mention of Nonsuch Island spontaneously brings to mind images of the Bermuda cahow, or petrel, especially their oh-so-cute fluffy chicks. The island however has played other important roles in Bermuda’s history.

The 15½ acre island of Nonsuch is marked on the 1636 map drawn by Willem Blaeu using Richard Norwood’s 1616/1617 survey. With its high cliffs and difficult approach it is not the most accessible of islands and remained part of the ‘common lands’ of St George’s, which generally meant for the use and maintenance of the governor, until 1759 when its lease was sold to Jonathan Burch for £25 plus an annual ‘quit rent’. By 1811 the lease had been acquired by Henry Todd who forbade persons from landing or bringing dogs as he was planning to raise deer. It doesn’t look as if this venture was successful and Nonsuch may have gone through a few more lease owners before being purchased for £15 in 1856 by barrister Duncan Stewart who lived at Ardsheal in Paget.

The yellow fever epidemic that began in the 1850s hit St George’s the hardest. Crewmen and passengers from arriving ships had to be isolated and treated. By 1862 there was a need for a Quarantine Hospital at the East End, and Nonsuch Island, with its elevated situation open to the sea breezes and remoteness from the mainland, was chosen. Duncan Stewart had died in 1861 and it wasn’t until 1865 that his widow sold the island to the Colonial Government for £300.

Click here to read the full Built Heritage article on Nonsuch Island

Royal Gazette: Groups hope government RFP will breathe new life into Southlands

A conservation group has expressed hope that a recent government procurement notice would mean new life for empty buildings at the Southlands national park.

However, the Bermuda National Trust echoed concerns voiced by the Bermuda Audubon Society about plans for an event lawn and parking area on the southeast corner of the property.

Karen Border, BNT executive director, said: “BNT is pleased that there is finally a focus on renovating most of the buildings at Southlands, in particular the Grade 2 listed main cottage, which was allowed to deteriorate to a very bad state.

“We hope that any approved redevelopment of buildings will indeed be complementary to the park, as stated in the request for proposals.

“Southlands is a wonderful community amenity and as a very large site it offers the potential for the public to enjoy it many ways while still protecting its natural and undeveloped appeal.”

The charity also said the proposed siting of a café and parking area to the west of the beach entrance was appropriately placed on brownfield land.

“However, we continue to be concerned about the potential for an events lawn and parking area being built on woodland immediately west of the Bermudiana Beach Resort,” Ms Border added.

“A previous planning application for that development was rejected, but another application has since been submitted.”

That application, submitted in August, was listed yesterday as “on hold” with no documents attached.

View full Royal Gazette article

Royal Gazette: National Trust to open pop-up shop at Paget headquarters

Furniture, art and housewares will be on sale at “affordable prices” when a heritage charity reopens its second-hand pop-up shop this week.

The Bermuda National Trust will welcome customers from Thursday, when they are invited to “seek out ‘treasures’ ranging from glassware and china to artwork, antiques and curios”.

Dörte Horsfield, the charity’s head of development, said: “We are excited to reopen the shop again this autumn with a fabulous selection of items for sale, generously donated by members of the public.

“The shop fits perfectly into our natural and cultural heritage mission.

“It helps the environment by finding new owners for items that certainly shouldn’t be thrown out, and we have a specific focus on Bermuda-related items such as cedar furniture and old Bermuda books.

“Everyone in the community benefits from the opportunity to buy beautiful housewares, furniture, artwork and other decorative items at very affordable prices.”

Items on sale will include crystal, porcelain and ceramics, silver, jewellery, rugs, ornaments, antique chairs and tables, Bermuda books and bound sets of classics.

Donations can be dropped off at Waterville, 2 Pomander Road, Paget, on weekdays from 9am to 5pm, or on Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.

Trust Treasures will be open for sales at Waterville every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm until the end of November.

Funds raised will go towards the care of historic buildings and nature reserves that BNT holds in trust for the community, as well as its education and advocacy programmes

Click here to view Royal Gazette article

Bernews: BNT To Re-Open ‘Trust Treasures Shop

The Bermuda National Trust is reopening its second-hand pop-up shop on Thursday [Sept 29] and invites the public to come and seek out ‘treasures’ ranging from glassware and china to artwork, antiques and curios.

A spokesperson said, “Trust Treasures” at Waterville, 2 Pomander Road will be open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm until the end of November. All funds raised by the shop go towards caring for the historic buildings and nature reserves that BNT holds in trust for the community, as well as its education and advocacy programmes.”

“Items on sale include crystal and glassware, porcelain and ceramics, silver, jewellery, rugs, ornaments, artwork, antique chairs and tables, Bermuda books and bound sets of classics, and much more.

“BNT is still accepting donations for the shop. If you are moving house, redecorating or just looking for new homes for quality items you don’t know what to do with, you can drop them off at Waterville on Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, or Saturdays from 10am to 4pm. For more information visit bnt.bm.”

“We are excited to reopen the shop again this autumn with a fabulous selection of items for sale, generously donated by members of the public,” said Dr. Dörte Horsfield, Head of Development.

“The shop fits perfectly into our natural and cultural heritage mission. It helps the environment by finding new owners for items that certainly shouldn’t be thrown out, and we have a specific focus on Bermuda-related items such as cedar furniture and old Bermuda books. Everyone in the community benefits from the opportunity to buy beautiful housewares, furniture, artwork and other decorative items at very affordable prices.”

Click here to view Bernews Article

Royal Gazette: Church slated for mismanaging graveyard alterations

Retroactive plans for works at a Southampton graveyard which raised concerns about the handling of remains have been rejected by the Development Applications Board.

St Anne’s Church had sought retroactive planning approval for the addition of two gravesites and refurbishment of two existing gravesites in the church’s graveyard, along with the creation of a retaining wall and a new paved walkway.

But the application sparked an objection from the Bermuda National Trust, which voiced concerns about the disturbance of graves.

Click here to view Royal Gazette article.

Royal Gazette: Government defends Coopers Island Cup Match access

The Minister of Public Works has defended the Government’s decision to grant access to camping and vehicular traffic at Cooper’s Island Park and Nature Reserve during the Cup Match holiday.

Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch was speaking in response to calls by environmentalists to halt the practice of granting access on the basis of protections given to the nature reserve portion, and questions from this newspaper about whether protocols were followed.

Responding to questions sent seven weeks ago, Colonel Burch referenced the Bermuda National Parks Amendment Act 2017 which classifies part of the area as park and not reserve.

He said: “While the status of a portion of Cooper’s Island has been designated as a ‘park’, it continues to be managed as a nature reserve for most of the year except for the Cup Match holiday.

“This strikes a balance between giving the public greater access to a section of the island and ensuring its pristine condition and natural environment are safeguarded.

“These safeguards include locking the main entrance gate to restrict vehicular access, except for the recent Cup Match holiday period when the main gate was opened to permit vehicles to drive a short distance for drop offs and alleviate the burden of people having to carry heavy items.

“This decision also eliminated traffic bottlenecks and ensured that emergency vehicles would not be obstructed.”

The reserve portion of land – Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve – is categorised as a Class A protected area which is afforded the greatest environmental protections.

The Act states: “Class A protected areas and shall be managed to protect special or fragile natural features and provide limited public access.”

While parks are managed by the Department of Parks under the Ministry of Public Works, nature reserves are managed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

It remains unclear which ministry gave the authority to grant the access but it was Colonel Burch who issued an advisory about the access to the park and reserve.

No response was given to whether the National Parks Commission approved of the granting of access on the reserve.

Colonel Burch added: “During the Cup Match holiday, additional protective measures were enacted, including the increased presence of park rangers who patrolled the area from early morning until late at night and prohibiting bonfires and dogs.

“While the main gate to Cooper’s Island was opened and monitored by park rangers, the secondary entrance, located just after the Nasa building, was cordoned off with cones, jersey barriers and signage to prevent vehicle access and parking.

“Cars were allowed to park either along the grass verge or in the parking lot by the Nasa building.

“The Class B amenity park designation is listed under the Bermuda National Parks Amendment Act 2017.

“This change was made as the area is essentially industrial in nature, with the US space agency Nasa, the Bermuda Weather Service radar, and a compound which is shared with DENR in the old power station, the Department of Parks in the main warehouse building, and there is also a trailer that the European Space Agency operates to track rockets and satellites.

“Following its inspection of the park following the Cup Match holiday, the Department of Parks was satisfied that its procedures and guidelines successfully prevented any long-term disturbance to the island’s habitats.

“The park and nature reserve were and are always patrolled on a regular basis by units from the Bermuda Police Service, with whom the department closely works. This enables an added level of protection for the area.“

At the time, Karen Border, the executive director for the Bermuda National Trust, said: “The nature reserves have been given special protection for good reasons and it is imperative that those protections are upheld at all times.

“The Bermuda National Trust is very concerned that part of the Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve was open for camping over Cup Match. Camping is a high-impact, inappropriate use of such a space.

“We hope that this will not set a precedent for future years and that the regulations that have been put in place to protect our nature reserves will be respected and upheld in the future.”

Colonel Burch continued: “The department will continue to work with local communities to provide as much public access to protected areas as possible, while ensuring that wildlife, natural habitats and history, are preserved.

“I am satisfied that the appropriate steps were taken to allow access to Cooper’s Island Park over the Cup Match holiday.

“Those who enjoyed the site – did so with respect for nature and left the area clean.

“The Department of Parks is well aware of the risks to the nature reserve and will continue to take the necessary steps to ensure its protection.”

Colonel Burch said the BNT, this newspaper and the One Bermuda Alliance, which also questioned the use of the reserve, “got it wrong”.

He provided an excerpt from Hansard of Cole Simons, Opposition Leader, supporting the amendment act and saying he took it through Cabinet when the OBA was in power.

Click here to view article on Royal Gazette

Built Heritage: Victoria and Albert Lodge

BUILT HERITAGE | Victoria and Albert Lodge No. 1027 G.U.O. of O.F., 84 Somerset Road | AUGUST 2022

By Linda Abend and Margie Lloyd, Bermuda National Trust

This is part of a series of architectural articles by the Bermuda National Trust that will highlight some of Bermuda’s endangered historic buildings.

The Grand United Order of Oddfellows was founded in Bermuda in 1848 when a lodge building was built in St George’s called Somers Pride of India Lodge No. 899.  Brother lodges, Alexandrina Lodge No. 1026 in Hamilton and Victoria and Albert Lodge No. 1027 in Somerset, were formed in 1852. The members of Victoria and Albert Lodge met on the first and third Fridays of each month at an unknown Ely’s Harbour location.

In 1896 William Alexander Swan, Henry Thomas Cann, Henry Anderson Simmons, John Saunders Wilson and Albert Smith Gilbert, as Trustees of Victoria and Albert Lodge No. 1027 Grand United Order of Oddfellows, purchased land near St James Church for £160 from tavern keeper Albert James Williamson. On 24^th May 1899 the steamer Syren was chartered to convey passengers to Somerset for the laying of the corner stone of the new lodge building.

What was called ‘The Great Hurricane’ hit Bermuda on September 12^th/13^th, 1899. The Royal Gazette reported on the island-wide damage. “The premier wreck is that of the new Lodge of Oddfellows, the corner stone of which was laid with so much eclât on 24^th May last. The building was right up to the wall plate, and is a structure of 69 ft x 34 ft. The whole has been razed to the ground and presents a sad, sad picture. We found a few workmen around the building, completely down-hearted over the loss, and who can refrain from sympathizing with them in this rude put-back to their hard endeavours? It is estimated at £500 to place the building in its former stage. The work had progressed very rapidly; “too rapidly”, as a very prominent official informed us, and perhaps the rawness of the as-yet unplastered stones had much to do with the slight resistance against the hurricane. The work is likely to come to an indefinite standstill, as the society’s funds are not proof against so serious a loss.”

Click here to read the full Built Heritage Article on Victoria and Albert Lodge

Bernews: BNT Launches Student Art Competition

The Bermuda National Trust [BNT] and Sompo International are inviting students to explore ‘Bermuda roots’ through art.

A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda National Trust is pleased to announce the launch of its second Student Art Competition, sponsored by Sompo International.”

Karen Border, Executive Director, said, “We are delighted to invite Bermuda’s young people to use their artistic talents to explore the theme Bermuda Roots, whether that’s aspects of the island’s natural heritage, its cultural heritage or their own local connections.

“Last year we were amazed at the quality of artwork submitted and we are excited to see what this year’s theme inspires.”

The spokesperson said, “Entries can be in the form of painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, collage, multi-media and digital art [excluding video]. The competition is divided into two age groups: 9 to 12 years old, and 13 to 18 years old, with cash prizes for the top three entries in each category chosen by a panel of independent judges.

“Entries must be delivered to the Bermuda National Trust office, Waterville, 2 Pomander Road by 5pm on Friday 28 October 2022. Entry forms and information on prizes and competition rules can be found at www.bnt.bm.

“The winners will be contacted on Friday 4 November and invited to an awards ceremony at BNT’s office, Waterville, on Thursday 10 November. The artwork will be exhibited in the reception of SOMPO International’s offices from 14 to 25 November and will also be featured on the Bermuda National Trust’s website.”

View full article

Bernews: National Trust to Reopen Treasures Shop

The Bermuda National Trust is accepting unwanted items ahead of the reopening of the Trust Treasures Shop.

Items will be sold or go under the hammer at the Trust Treasures auction with proceeds going towards protecting and promoting Bermuda’s natural and cultural heritage.

Clothing, books [except old hardback books], toys, electrical goods or plastic items will not be accepted.

Donations can be dropped off at Waterville, 2 Pomander Road, Paget, from 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday and between 10 am to 12 pm on Saturday.

The Trust Treasures Shop opens Saturday, September 24.

For more details, visit bnt.bm or contact Jordan Smith at jsmith@bnt.bm or 236-6483.

View article online.

Part-Time Shop Manager

Part-Time Shop Manager

19 September – 23 December

The Bermuda National Trust is seeking a part-time, temporary manager for its Trust Treasures shop and Christmas Pop-Up Shop at Waterville, 2 Pomander Road, Paget. This job may suit a retired person with retail experience.

Trust Treasures

The shop will be open from 23 September to 26 November. It sells donated items of high quality such as artwork, fine china, ornaments, silver and brass, jewelry, rugs, general antiques and curios, especially Bermudiana. It will open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and the sales staff are primarily volunteers. The manager will work ten hours a week for this period.

Christmas Pop-Up Shop

The Christmas shop will open from 3 to 23 December, Tuesday to Saturday and is primarily staffed by volunteers. It sells Christmas ornaments and decorations, gifts and stocking stuffers, including many Bermuda-made items. The manager will work 12 hours a week for this period.

Responsibilities include:

• coordinating and overseeing volunteers, including covering for absences
• managing the finances, with weekly reconciliation of cash and credit card sales
• sorting and pricing donated items (with volunteer help)
• sourcing, ordering and pricing merchandise for the Christmas shop
• keeping the shop well-displayed and attractive

Preference will be given to those with retail, volunteer management and administrative experience. A warm and friendly personality and good customer service skills are essential.

Hours are flexible but will include times the shop is closed (for sorting and organizing) and times it is open (to support volunteers or cover shifts if necessary). Salary is $20 per hour.

Letters of application should be sent to Karen Border karen.border@bnt.bm by 5pm on Thursday 8 September. Please provide contact details for two referees.

Download the Shop Manager Advertisement

Royal Gazette: Birdies for Charity

Butterfield Bermuda Championship Birdies for Charity continues fundraising drive

The Butterfield Bermuda Championship Birdies for Charity programme is in full swing.

Tournament organisers have already partnered with 40 local charities who are now poised to benefit from the charity programme, established by the PGA Tour in 1971 as an integral part of many official tournaments to help raise millions of dollars for host communities.

Last year’s Butterfield Bermuda Championship raised nearly $650,000 for almost 50 charities, which organisers hope to exceed this year.

Royal Gazette: BNT Raises Concerns over Church Graveyard Plans

The Bermuda National Trust has raised concerns about potential disturbance of graves at a Southampton church after work was carried out in the graveyard without planning permission.

Earlier this summer, St Anne’s Church sought retroactive planning approval for the addition of two grave sites and refurbishment of two existing grave sites in the church’s graveyard.

The project also included a new 8ft retaining wall, a new concrete paved walkway with a 4ft concrete block wall and the relocation of an 8ft-high concrete pillar to the walkway.

In a letter sent to the Department of Planning, churchwardens for St Anne’s apologised for the retroactive application.

“It was our understanding that a permit to erect the two retaining walls on the edge of the newly created ramp was not required since the walls are under 4ft,” the churchwardens said.

“The purpose of the ramp was to allow for easier access to the upper level of the gravesite for burials.

“It is difficult to secure the excavating machine for this work and we felt that doing both projects – ramp and new build graves – would be efficient use of and be of least disturbance to the graveyard and all parties concerned.

“We wish to apologise for any inconvenience our actions may have caused and sincerely thank the planning department for their guidance and direction with respect to this matter.”

The Bermuda National Trust, however, objected to the retroactive plans as the work had been done on a Grade 1 listed building and raised concerns about potential impacts on human remains.

Charlotte Andrews, head of cultural heritage for the BNT, said: “We are highly concerned about the damage done to the cemetery boundary and burials, including the possible disinterment or other disturbance of human remains, as well as negative impacts to the church and cemetery setting due to the works listed above and carried out without planning permission.”

Dr Andrews added that there was no plan attached to the application on how the impacted areas of the site would be “appropriately and ethically” treated moving forward.

“In developing this plan, we recommend referencing any guidelines on human remains developed by the Bermuda Department of Planning,” Dr Andrews said.

“We also recommend a close review of the Bermuda Ombudsman’s 2014 investigation and report A Grave Error, particularly in terms of the rights of descendants and the appropriate commemoration, memorialisation or restoration of burial sites.”

The church has been asked for comment.

View full article

Built Heritage: Archlyn Villa

BUILT HERITAGE: July 2022 By Linda Abend and Margie Lloyd, Bermuda National Trust

This post is part of a series of architectural articles by the Bermuda National Trust that highlight some of Bermuda’s endangered historic buildings. 

Hiding behind a high wall on St John’s Road is a house with a lot of social history. Built in 1826 by mariner John Gibson, it was advertised for sale by public auction in 1833 to pay off his creditors. Described as “that handsome and well-built dwelling house with a good and large tank”, the original section of the house has neo-classical symmetry and impressive corner pilasters. There were several interim owners until 1871 when the house on one acre appears in Benjamin William Watlington’s estate. After a family dispute caused by the disappearance of his will, the house was transferred in 1917 to Benjamin’s son, dentist Dr Francis William Watlington. It was then named Virginia Manor after Frank’s American wife, Virginia Harrison. They lived in the Fairylands area and the house was often tenanted by officers for nearby Admiralty House, among them Commander Lyson of the Royal Navy who was secretary to Admiral Sir Michael Seymour. The close proximity to the Hamilton Golf Links on North Shore also added to its appeal. After Watlington’s death in 1941 there were two subsequent owners until 1953 when the house was purchased by Archibald and Lillian Minors.

The Minors had married in 1934 and in 1944 they started the Archlyn Villa guest house out of their home in St George’s catering to Black tourists, many of whom were friends from their time studying in the US, who wanted to visit Bermuda but were not welcome in the island’s hotels in the era of segregation. In 1953, desiring a more central location, the Minors bought Virginia Manor, added eight bedrooms with baths and opened the new Archlyn Villa.

Click here to read the full Built Heritage article on Archlyn Villa.

Royal Gazette: Interns contribute to vision for National Trust historic house

University students interning at an accounting firm offered a community perspective and hands-on assistance to help an historic landmark.

PwC interns spoke last week with the Bermuda National Trust about the role that Verdmont Museum in Smith’s could play within the community.

The students shared their ideas of how the African Diaspora Heritage Trail site could be interpreted, such as reimagining it as a site of enslavement.

Later, the interns helped to clean the museum from top to bottom, including clearing out the attic and cellar areas.

Caitlin Bean, PwC’s senior associate of human capital, who helped to organise the event, said that the team-building exercise was “very rewarding”.

She added: “Our team was able to learn more about Verdmont and the historical importance of the property, while also assisting the trust with tasks that required multiple hands.

“When participating in our team-building days, our people are encouraged to have open communication, knowledge share and actively build more meaningful connections outside of our day-to-day working relationships.

“Through this we are able to give time and support back to initiatives that are of greater importance to our island while also building trust with each other.”

Charlotte Andrews, the BNT’s head of cultural heritage, said: “We loved working with PwC’s interns and are very grateful for all the work they accomplished.

“Such group team-building does so much to assist BNT’s small non-profit staff with both its everyday work and visionary ideas.”

Dr Andrews added: “Any company interested in corporate team-building with the Bermuda National Trust should get in touch with us.

“We have plenty of heritage team-building opportunities, including at the museums, historic cemeteries and nature reserves that we hold in trust for everyone in Bermuda.”

Opening hours for the Verdmont Museum are available at bnt.bm

Admission throughout the summer is free, though donations are appreciated.

Click here to view the article online.

Bernews: BNT To Host Talk & Book Launch On August 11

A talk and book launch featuring Dr Michael Jarvis will be hosted by the Bermuda National Trust entitled: Digging into Early Bermuda.

Dr Jarvis and a team of 15 Bermudian, British and American students have recently performed excavation work at Smith’s Islands, the long-term project’s ninth field season.

They will present their findings to BNT members and the public at Waterville, Pomander Road, Paget, tomorrow [August 11] from 6 to 7 pm.

Dr Jarvis will also discuss his recently published book, Isle of Devils, Isle of Saints: An Atlantic History of Bermuda.

Admission is $20 for members and $25 for non-members.

To sign-up visit bnt.bm.

Click here to view the article online.

Bernews: PwC Interns Assist At Verdmont Museum

Bermudian university students interning at PwC this summer made their mark on the heritage of Verdmont museum in Smith’s Parish on Friday 5 August.

A spokesperson said, “Working with the Bermuda National Trust Heritage Team, the interns provided hands-on help and insightful input for the Trust’s ongoing efforts to expand community and cultural tourism experiences at the African Diaspora Heritage Trail site.

“After touring the historic house and gardens with the Trust’s Heads of Natural and Cultural Heritage, the group engaged in a lively discussion about the site’s community uses and interpretive needs, including reimagining Verdmont as a site of enslavement. After that strategic brainstorming, the interns rolled up their PwC t-shirts and cleared out the attic and cellar, then cleaned the whole museum from top to bottom.”

Caitlin Bean, Senior Associate of Human Capital, who coordinated the teambuilding day from PwC’s end, said, “Supporting the Bermuda National Trust and their efforts to preserve Bermuda’s cultural and natural heritage while working together as a team was very rewarding. Our team was able to learn more about Verdmont and the historical importance of the property, while also assisting the Trust with tasks that required multiple hands.

“When participating in our team building days, our people are encouraged to have open communication, knowledge share and actively build more meaningful connections outside of our day-to-day working relationships. Through this we are able to give time and support back to initiatives that are of greater importance to our island while also building trust with each other.”

Click here to view the article online.

Royal Gazette: Shark Hole cliff excavation stopped

A “stop work” order has been placed on a controversial project to clear an area of Harrington Sound Road that was once protected as coastal reserve.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed that the “stop work” order was signed at the Shark Hole site in Hamilton Parish on July 22 owing to specific criteria under the Building Act 1988 23B (2) not being met.

The issue is under “active investigation” and the works – the development of a four-bedroom house and pool – will be halted pending the outcome of the investigation.

The spokesman said: “Work stopped when the owner, agent and contractor were aware of the notice.

“Concerning advising of the criteria not met, as these site issues are still under active investigation, we cannot conclusively confirm this.”

Kim Smith, the executive director of the Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce, said that she did not know the basis for the stop order but added that the organisation had questioned the Department of Planning about why there did not appear to be the required building permit number posted on the site.

BEST also shared a photograph with the department it had been sent that appeared to show evidence of either a “cave or void“.

The home affairs ministry spokesman said: “The ministry can advise that the building inspector would have confirmed that the permit sign was posted to commence work.

“Should any failures in meeting any criteria be identified, the Development and Planning Act and the Building Act have many actions that may be taken. However, as the site is still under active investigation, no decisions have been made.

“Following the investigation, work may resume once the issuing authority lifts the stop work notice.“

The Shark Hole site was rezoned as residential through the Tucker’s Point special development order more than ten years ago.

Read More..

Royal Gazette: Minister visits site of Bermuda’s ‘first capital’

The Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport, Ernest Peets, recently visited Smith’s Island, in St George’s, where archaeologists have been uncovering remnants of the possible first capital of Bermuda.

Michael Jarvis and his team of students from the University of Rochester, as well as Bermudian volunteers and a group from the University of Southampton in England, have been working on the site this summer.

The Smith’s Island Archaeological Project has partnered with the Bermuda National Trust, the Bermuda Government, the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo and the St George’s Foundation.

“[The purpose of this project] is to better understand Bermuda’s shared world history within a global, Atlantic world context,” a government spokesman said.

Dr Jarvis said that the team had a “compelling argument” that the site, spotted in April when ground-penetrating radar was brought to the island, is Bermuda’s first town of 410 years ago.

British settlers on their way to England’s Jamestown colony in Virginia stumbled upon Bermuda in 1609 when their ship, Sea Venture, got separated from its fleet in a hurricane and wrecked off the then uninhabited island.

The group managed to build two new ships and continue on to Virginia in 1610, leaving three settlers alone on Bermuda, on Smith’s Island, with the ship’s dog for company.

Read more.

Royal Gazette: National Trust says Cup Match Camping at nature reserve must not be allowed to happen again

An environmental charity has raised serious concerns over Government’s decision to grant access to a nature reserve for campers and their vehicles over the Cup Match holiday.

The reserve – Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve – is categorised as a Class A protected area under The National Parks Act 1986 and as such camping and vehicular traffic is not normally permitted within the site.

Karen Border, the executive director for the Bermuda National Trust, said: “The nature reserves have been given special protection for good reasons and it is imperative that those protections are upheld at all times.

“The Bermuda National Trust is very concerned that part of the Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve was open for camping over Cup Match. Camping is a high-impact, inappropriate use of such a space.

“Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve is one of the last preserves of the critically endangered Bermuda skink, some of the islands on which Cahows nest are just offshore of the beaches, and there are hundreds of longtails nesting along the shore of the reserve.

“Many local schoolchildren, community groups and corporate groups have given hundreds of hours of volunteer time to replant the nature reserve with native and endemic species – some of that vegetation has been trampled and damaged due to the camping activity.“

Click here to read the full article.

Help us choose Springfield’s new colour!

The community helped us choose the new colour for BNT headquarters ‘Waterville’ a few months ago. This time Bermuda National Trust property ‘Springfield’ in Somerset will have a facelift. Please help us choose one of the following colours from our palette of historic colours!

To place your vote, click here.

We’ve narrowed it down to three colours, and sample patches have been painted on the South side of Springfield adjacent to the entrance arch. Should you wish to see what they look like on the building, you are most welcome to stop by and visit before placing your vote.

In 2018, a team of experts analysed the very old paint layers on some of the Trust’s historic buildings. From this research, we were able to create a palette of historic colours based on organic materials available in the past to create different pigments.

All votes must be in by 5 pm Friday 12 August.

We are also looking for names for these colours, so please send us your suggestions for those too!

For more information on the paint analysis, please visit bnt.bm.

Royal Gazette: Government hits back over ‘desecration’ of waterfront

The Government has pushed back at allegations that it is rubber-stamping the development of environmentally sensitive land, insisting that safeguards are in place to ensure the public is consulted on any development before the bulldozers move in.

In a statement on Friday, a spokesman for the Ministry of Home Affairs, said that laws that came into effect earlier this month would “ensure openness and transparency” to Special Development Orders.

Earlier this week, the Bermuda National Trust said that the public needed to protest against “ the desecration of Bermuda’s remaining open spaces”.

Royal Gazette: Girl power unleashed to clean up west end beauty spots

A team of Girl Scouts from the US is on the island to take part in an international clean-up operation.

The group, consisting of around 100 members, teamed up with Bermuda’s Girl Guides to clear debris from a beach and neighbouring nature reserves.

The partnership came about through Troop FriendSHIP Bermuda – a five-night cruise during which US guides will be involved in a number of activities on the island.

The clean-up project – which focused on Somerset Long Bay, the Audubon nature reserve to the west of the park, the Buy Back Bermuda nature reserve to the east of the park, and the Gilbert Nature Reserve, was co-ordinated by the Bermuda National Trust.

Myles Darrell, the trust’s head of natural heritage, said: “A project of this magnitude with such a large group requires a lot of help. I’m happy to say that Keep Bermuda Beautiful, Bermuda Audubon Society, Buy Back Bermuda and Greenrock are all actively engaged.

“We will have eight groups of between 15 and 20 people working.

“This is such a great opportunity to clear up these beautiful natural spaces in time for Cup Match, which is in Somerset this year. We really hope the community will enjoy these areas over the holiday – and respect them, leaving them as they found them.”

After Cup Match, environmentalists will revisit the properties to monitor the impact of the holiday activity and record the results.

Click here to read the full article.

Bernews: Girl Guides & US Girl Scouts Clean Up

Girl Scouts from 23 US states will collaborate with Bermuda’s Girl Guides in a clean-up of west end beaches and nature reserves, and the project, coordinated by the Bermuda National Trust, scheduled for today.

In total, the environmental exercise will involve more than 150 Girl Scouts, Girl Guides and their leaders. The American Girl Scouts will be on the island as part of Troop FriendSHIP Bermuda – a five-night cruise during which they will be involved in a number of activities.

Myles Darrell, BNT Head of Natural Heritage, said that when he was contacted by the organisers with the community project request, he knew it could only be achieved through collaboration with other environmental organisations.

Click here to read the full article.

Built Heritage: Garrison Hospital

BUILT HERITAGE: June 2022 By Linda Abend and Margie Lloyd, Bermuda National Trust

This post is part of a series of architectural articles by the Bermuda National Trust that highlight some of Bermuda’s endangered historic buildings. 

Located to the east of what once was the Royal Barracks with views of the sea on one side and the parade ground on the other is the old Garrison Hospital. It was built away from the barracks to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and to benefit from the ocean breezes then thought to be essential to the recovery of invalids. The Garrison Hospital was the largest and the last of the four military hospitals in St George’s and was built around 1819 on nine acres purchased from the Honourable Joseph Hutchison. A Member of Council and the health officer for the port of St George’s, Hutchison sold the War Department another ten-acre tract in 1830 before he returned to England.

The new hospital was intended to cope with the yellow fever epidemic which was proving particularly devastating to garrison personnel. It is interesting to compare the sentiment of some then to some in our current Covid situation today. When the Bermuda Gazette of 23 October 1819 reported that the number of deaths had exceeded 250, it was accused of an “invidious attempt to exaggerate the destructive effects of fever … and having no scruples of injuring the mercantile interests of St George’s”.

Click here to read the full Built Heritage article on Garrison Hospital

Royal Gazette: Huge public outcry needed to halt ‘desecration’ of island’s green spaces says BNT

The “desecration” of Bermuda’s environment will continue unless there is a huge public outcry to stop development of green spaces, according to the Bermuda National Trust.

The comments came after work started to clear a site on Harrington Sound Road for a four-bedroom house on an area that used to be protected as coastal reserve.

The site, overlooking Harrington Sound near Shark Hole in Hamilton Parish, was re-zoned as residential through the Tucker’s Point special development order more than ten years ago.

Karen Border, executive director of the Bermuda National Trust, said: “The development of a four-bedroom house and pool on the very narrow strip of land between the road and Harrington Sound at Shark Hole is a prime example of the environmental damage that can arise from SDOs.

“Prior to the granting of the 2011 Tucker’s Point SDO, this land was zoned as coastal reserve with additional protection as a cave protection area and water resources protection area.

“The SDO removed those protections and 11 years later we see the result.”

Ms Border said that the BNT and others objected to the project, but the development was approved by the Department of Planning.

“Until there is a loud enough outcry from the Bermuda public as a whole that will sway decision-makers to rule against such developments, we are likely to keep on seeing the desecration of Bermuda’s remaining open spaces,” she said.

Ms Border said the BNT and other local environmental organisations are now keeping a close eye on the potential SDO for the Fairmont Southampton site.

A 2009 SDO for the Fairmont Southampton gave planning permission in principle for 130 fractional tourism and residential units. However, the developer, Gencom, has said it intended to propose amendments to that SDO to support investment in the hotel.

Click here to read the full article

Bernews: Emancipation Walkabout Start In Sandys

The ‘Emancipation Cup Match‘ walkabout was held in Sandys today [July 3] taking people on a route which tells the “stories of yesteryear” including pre-emancipation, Cup Match observances, the Friendly Society in Somerset, Somerset Cricket Club and more.

A Friends of Sandys spokesperson previously said, “The route will include sites which tell stories of yesteryear…times pre-emancipation; the story of Emancipation Day and Cup Match observances from 1834 to 1947; the story of the Friendly Society in Somerset which was directly involved in the creation of Cup Match; the story of the earliest years and locations of the Somerset Cricket Club; the story of the first Cup Match, the story of the relationship between West End Primary School, the Somerset Cricket Club and Cup Match, and a few highlights of Somerset Cricket Club’s more recent Cup Match history, bringing us to the 120th anniversary of the Annual Cup Match Classic in 2022, July 28, 2022, Emancipation Day and July 29, 2022, Mary Prince Day.”

If you missed the event this morning — and please note our video is just a small snippet and in no way represents the full walk — you can attend the next one, as the organisers will be hosting the event again on July 17th.

The walk, which will take place from 8.00am to 10.00am, is free and for more information, please email friendsofsandys@gmail.com.

Click here to read the full article 

Bernews: BNT’s Annual Heritage Awards Winners

The Bermuda National Trust heritage awards were recently presented after a two-year gap.

A spokesperson said, “Larry Mills, Richard Spurling, Chaplain Dr. Kevin Santucci and 15-year-old Luke Foster were amongst those receiving top awards for their contribution to Bermuda’s cultural or natural heritage.

“The annual awards, sponsored by Butterfield & Vallis, recognise individuals, organisations or groups which have worked for the benefit of Bermuda and its people, to preserve places of beauty, environmental significance or historical interest, buildings or artefacts, or animal and plant life, and to promote their appreciation.

“The top Environment Award, the Bermudiana trophy, went to Chaplain Dr. Kevin Santucci for the Grow-Eat-Save Programme, which he started in 2015. Since that time over 500 Bermudians have learned to grow their own food and reconnected with nature in the process. Chaplain Santucci was recognized for “making a very positive contribution to a more sustainable Bermuda”.

“The Outstanding Young Environmentalist award was presented to Luke Foster, a 15-year-old student who has shown exceptional commitment and contribution to the preservation of Bermuda’s natural environment. Luke is a driving force within the Warwick Academy Natural History Club and an active member of the Bermuda Audubon Society. He has already made significant accomplishments as a local birder and has been tipped by David Wingate as likely to become one of Bermuda’s foremost conservationists.

“Richard Spurling, and the St. David’s Island Historical Society which he chairs, were awarded the DeForest Trimingham Awareness Award for exceptional heritage conservation and interpretation at Carter House, St. David’s. In recent years there have been major enhancements to the museum and its exhibits, as well as a conservation project to replant the grounds with endemic and native trees and plants to recreate the early settlement environment. Rick Spurling has been the driving force behind ensuring that Carter House remains an extremely interesting and informative place for locals and tourists to learn about Bermuda’s – and particularly St. David’s Island – heritage.

Click here to read the full article.

Royal Gazette: National Trust honours work of people benefiting Bermuda

A chaplain who has taught people how to grow their own food has been honoured for “making a very positive contribution to a more sustainable Bermuda”.

Kevin Santucci was one of several people recognised at the Bermuda National Trust heritage awards, which were held on Wednesday after a two-year gap owing to the pandemic.

The annual awards recognise individuals, organisations and groups which have worked for the benefit of Bermuda and its people to preserve places of beauty, environmental significance or historical interest, buildings or artefacts, or animal and plant life, and to promote their appreciation.

Dr Santucci, who also a pastor, picked up the Bermudiana trophy for developing the Grow-Eat-Save Programme, which he started in 2015. More than 500 residents have learnt to grow their own food and reconnected with nature in the process under Dr Santucci’s guidance.

The Outstanding Young Environmentalist award was presented to Luke Foster, who has shown exceptional commitment and contribution to the preservation of Bermuda’s natural environment.

A trust spokeswoman said that Luke, 15, “is a driving force within the Warwick Academy Natural History Club and an active member of the Bermuda Audubon Society”.

“He has already made significant accomplishments as a local birder and has been tipped by David Wingate as likely to become one of Bermuda’s foremost conservationists.”

The St David’s Island Historical Society and its chairman, Richard Spurling, were awarded the DeForest Trimingham Awareness Award for exceptional heritage conservation and interpretation at Carter House in St David’s.

The spokeswoman said: “In recent years there have been major enhancements to the museum and its exhibits, as well as a conservation project to replant the grounds with endemic and native trees and plants to recreate the early settlement environment

Click here to read the full article.

Built Heritage: Watlington House

BUILT HERITAGE: May 2022 By Linda Abend and Margie Lloyd, Bermuda National Trust

This post is part of a series of architectural articles by the Bermuda National Trust that highlight some of Bermuda’s endangered historic buildings. 

Watlington House has been much altered and it not known exactly when it was built. However a house on the site is believed to have been built by Francis Watlington whose grave is located behind the house. The inscription on the tomb reads ‘Sacred to the memory of Francis Watlington – Native of Wales – 1679’. Francis’ father came to Bermuda in 1622 as Provost Marshal (an early term for chief of police). By the early 1800s it was the home of mariner William Watlington and his wife Elizabeth.

In 1867 the Watlingtons, along with many other Devonshire families, had to sell their ancestral home to the War Department under the Bermuda Defence Act of 1865. Benjamin William Watlington’s house and 11¾ acres of wood and arable land was just one of the many Devonshire properties that appeared in The Royal Gazette of 17 December 1867. Many more followed and although properties were taken throughout Bermuda, Devonshire, the most centrally-located parish, was the most heavily affected. John Cox, in his book The Best of Old Bermuda, shares a letter by Aubrey Cox in which he wrote “about a third of the parish was taken by the War Department for the use of its garrisons and the families concerned loyally gave up all they had had for the betterment of the empire and tried to build their lives afresh in new places…. It was the beginning of the end.” John Cox explains that this expropriation effectively split the parish and had a tragic impact on Devonshire’s whole make-up, both physically and socially.

Click here to read the full built heritage article on Watlington House

Built Heritage: Convict Bathhouses

BUILT HERITAGE: April 2022 By Linda Abend and Margie Lloyd, Bermuda National Trust

This post is part of a series of architectural articles by the Bermuda National Trust that highlight some of Bermuda’s endangered historic buildings. 

When the building of the Dockyard began in 1809 the British Admiralty had a desperate need for labourers. So, 74 English and 54 Bermudian craftsmen were hired along with 164 labourers and an unspecified number of enslaved persons who were hired from their Bermudian owners. In 1823 it was decided that employing convicts from the over-populated English prisons would be a better solution. The HMS Antelope was fitted out to accommodate 300 convicts to be employed at Dockyard and other fortifications on the island. In 1826 the Dromedary arrived with another 300 convicts, followed by the Coromandel in 1828 with yet another 300. By the end of 1846 the Tenedos and Thames had arrived and the convict population totalled 1,759. In total, some 9,000 convicts were employed and were quartered in old warships known as ‘hulks’.

At Boaz Island and at the southern end of Ireland Island are the remains of some of buildings erected by the convicts in hard Bermuda limestone for use as bathing houses. They appear as small towers, in effect cells open to the sky, but walled in so as to form a room on the water’s edge. They were designed to have sea water flow into them through holes at such a height that there was always water for bathing. The buildings had a single entry consisting of steps down into the water, and convicts were therefore confined during their ablutions. This prevented escapes that might occur if the men were allowed to bath directly in the sea. While most were circular structures, square shaped bathhouses were also built.

Click here to read the full Built Heritage Article on the Convict Bathhouses

Help us choose Waterville’s new colour!

Bermuda National Trust headquarters “Waterville”, at the Foot of the Lane, is due for painting and we would like your help to choose the colour.

In 2018, a team of experts analysed the very old paint layers on some of the Trust’s historic buildings. From this research, we were able to create a palette of historic colours, which were based on organic materials available in the past to create different pigments. We want to choose from that palette to repaint Waterville in an authentic heritage colour.

We’ve narrowed it down to two colours similar to those known to have been used on Waterville in the past, one more bold than the other.  To help us choose, visit this link to see the choices and vote for your favourite.  Sample patches have also been painted on the north side of Waterville. Should you wish to see what they look like on the building, you are most welcome to come and visit before placing your vote. All votes must be in by 5pm Wednesday 18 May.

We are also looking for names for these colours, so please send us your suggestions for those too!

Built Heritage: The Convict Bathhouses, Boaz and Ireland islands

BUILT HERITAGE: April 2022 By Linda Abend and Margie Lloyd, Bermuda National Trust

This post is part of a series of architectural articles by the Bermuda National Trust that highlight some of Bermuda’s endangered historic buildings. 

When the building of the Dockyard began in 1809 the British Admiralty had a desperate need for labourers. So, 74 English and 54 Bermudian craftsmen were hired along with 164 labourers and an unspecified number of enslaved persons who were hired from their Bermudian owners. In 1823 it was decided that employing convicts from the over-populated English prisons would be a better solution. The HMS Antelopewas fitted out to accommodate 300 convicts to be employed at Dockyard and other fortifications on the island. In 1826 the Dromedary arrived with another 300 convicts, followed by the Coromandel in 1828 with yet another 300. By the end of 1846 the Tenedos and Thames had arrivedand the convict population totalled 1,759. In total, some 9,000 convicts were employed and were quartered in old warships known as ‘hulks’. 

At Boaz Island and at the southern end of Ireland Island are the remains of some of buildings erected by the convicts in hard Bermuda limestone for use as bathing houses. They appear as small towers, in effect cells open to the sky, but walled in so as to form a room on the water’s edge. They were designed to have sea water flow into them through holes at such a height that there was always water for bathing. The buildings had a single entry consisting of steps down into the water, and convicts were therefore confined during their ablutions. This prevented escapes that might occur if the men were allowed to bath directly in the sea. While most were circular structures, square shaped bathhouses were also built.

Read the full Built Heritage Article on the Convict Bathhouses

Bernews: Eve’s Pond Reserve Opens To Public

Buy Back Bermuda said they are “thrilled to be opening the Eve’s Pond Nature Reserve in Hamilton Parish to the public today” after the “3.4-acre property was purchased with public donations to Buy Back Bermuda in 2008 and work to restore it as a nature reserve began in 2019.”

A spokesperson said, “Buy Back Bermuda is a joint initiative of the Bermuda Audubon Society and the Bermuda National Trust working together to conserve the island’s precious remaining open space, and wildlife for the benefit of present and future generations.

“The Somerset Long Bay East Nature Reserve – the first of Buy Back Bermuda’s nature reserves, opened on Earth Day 2007. The Vesey Nature Reserve in Southampton was opened on Earth Day 2013.

“Eve’s Pond, which adjoins the Railway Trail in Hamilton Parish, west of Shelly Bay, includes a rocky coastline with tidal pools, an inland valley with a brackish pond, and a wooded hillside.

“The original tidal pond from which the site got its name, was in-filled with dredgings from Flatts Inlet in 1939 and over the following decades became heavily wooded with casuarina trees. These have been removed and the pond re-excavated, leaving a small islet for nesting birds.

Read full article online

Royal Gazette: Conservation Group Target 10-Acre Property for Nature Reserve

An environmental coalition has today announced what they intend to become their fourth nature reserve – Alton Hill in Southampton.

Buy Back Bermuda – a collaboration between the Bermuda National Trust and the Bermuda Audubon Society – made the announcement as they formally opened the Eve’s Pond Nature Reserve after years of work to restore the Hamilton Parish property.

Jennifer Gray, chair of Buy Back Bermuda, said: “It is a magnificent 10-acre property at Alton Hill in Southampton that consists of woodland, arable fields and spectacular coastline.

“The purchase of this stunning piece of land was possible thanks to a major gift from a private anonymous donor and funds from our acquisition account including $300,000 donated by PartnerRe in 2008 for our next acquisition after Eve’s Pond.

“Later this year, we will be launching a campaign to raise money to turn the Alton Hill property into a publicly accessible nature reserve, and to maintain all four of the Buy Back Bermuda properties for the enjoyment of all.”

Alton Hill will become the fourth Buy Back Bermuda nature reserve after Somerset Long Bay East Nature Reserve which opened in 2007, the Vesey Nature Reserve in Southampton, which opened in 2013, and the new Eve’s Pond Nature Reserve.

Read full article online

Royal Gazette: Environmental Groups Issue Earth Day Challenge

Bermuda’s environmental charities will band together on Friday to celebrate Earth Day – and have urged the public to do their part for the environment.

Greenrock, Keep Bermuda Beautiful, the Bermuda National Trust and other groups said they will release a list of 13 different environmental actions that anyone can do on April 22 to help make a difference.

The charity has challenged the public to use reusable bags, collect trash, plant trees, go for a nature walk, use zero-emission vehicles like bicycles, reduce electricity consumption or go meatless.

Eugene Dean, chairman of Greenrock, said: “The Earth Day Challenge is an opportunity for everyone, regardless of age, to engage in some form of environmental action.”

He added: “I’m going to try to do all 13 of them, and I encourage everyone to do what they can.”

Other groups supporting the effort include the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, Beyond Plastics, the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences and the Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce.

Mr Dean said that Earth Day was launched in 1970 and is considered to be the start of the environmental movement.

He said: “Industrialisation and the smell of air pollution was linked to progress, and people had little knowledge of the harmful impact of polluted environments.

“Earth Day was responsible for raising awareness.”

Bernews: Nominations For BNT Annual Awards

After a two year hiatus, the Bermuda National Trust [BNT] will be presenting its annual Environment and Cultural Heritage Awards in 2022, and is inviting the public to submit nominations.

A spokesperson said, “The BNT Annual Awards, sponsored by Butterfield & Vallis, recognise individuals, organisations or groups which have worked for the benefit of Bermuda and its people, to preserve places of beauty, environmental significance or historical interest, buildings or artefacts, or animal and plant life, and to promote their appreciation.

“There are specific awards for School Programmes that focus on Bermuda’s natural and cultural heritage. Teachers, students and parents are encouraged to nominate their school for an award if they have a successful curricular or extra-curricular programme focused on one of these areas, such as a nature club, or have completed a project focused on appreciation of an aspect of Bermuda’s cultural heritage.

“Environment Awards are given to individuals or groups who have made contributions to enhancing and protecting Bermuda’s environment, while Preservation Awards are made to those who have enhanced or protected Bermuda’s man-made heritage, such as monuments, forts or historic buildings.

“The Outstanding Young Environmentalist award is presented to a young person [must be less than 26 years as of 31 December 2021] who has made an exceptional contribution to the preservation of Bermuda’s natural environment.

“Awareness Awards are presented for projects, programmes or initiatives that serve to inspire appreciation and stewardship of Bermuda’s unique natural, built and cultural heritage. For example, films, videos and books about Bermuda’s environment, history or culture would be considered in this category.

“Architecture Awards are given for new buildings or additions that show particular sensitivity to Bermuda’s traditional architecture or are appropriate restorations of old buildings.

“Both the owner/builder and architects can be nominated for these awards. If you are proud of the traditional home that you have built, or think that the addition/renovation that you have carried out upholds Bermuda’s architectural traditions, please send in your own nomination.

“Nominations must be submitted by 9 May and will be accepted in all categories for the period June 2020 to May 2022. Nomination forms can be downloaded from bnt.bm, or can be picked up at BNT’s office ‘Waterville’ at 2 Pomander Road.

“All nominations will be carefully researched and considered by BNT committees. The award presentation ceremony will take place on 16 June, 2022.”

Read article online

Palm Sunday Walk 2022

Thank you to everyone who participated to St. George’s this year for the Palm Sunday Walk! After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, it was fabulous to see so many walkers enjoying the walk.

As always, this event could not be possible without our volunteers who help in making the walk go smoothly, landowners and residents of properties who allow us to pass through, John Barritt & Son Ltd for supplying water and many more. We hope to see you all again next year!

The two participants who won this year’s door prize are as follows;

• Oliva Gaugain
• Elspeth Dunlop

View PSW 2022 images

Bernews: BNT Hosts Annual Palm Sunday Walk

After being on hiatus due to the pandemic, the Bermuda National Trust’s annual Palm Sunday Walk took place yesterday [April 10] with crowds of people taking part.

A spokesperson said, “The walk was in St George’s Parish this year. It started outside the former World Heritage Centre at Penno’s Wharf headed up Khyber Pass to the north shore and along to Ferry Reach and back. It took in many sites of natural and cultural interest including historic cemeteries and forts, Ferry Reach nature reserve including Lover’s Lake, and Stokes Point Nature Reserve.

“It was a wonderful afternoon, bright and very breezy. We had over a thousand walkers, with more than 900 pre-registered and more signing up on the day. The Trust is delighted that this long-standing tradition on Palm Sunday came back so successfully after two years. We are grateful that so many were willing to support the event and the work of the organization by registering for the first time. Thank you to everyone who came out! We are also especially pleased that the walk brought hundreds of people into St George’s to support the restaurants and shops – a much needed boost for the Old Town.”

View full article.

Royal Gazette: Hundreds turn out as annual Palm Sunday walk returns after Covid enforced break

Hundreds of people visited St George’s yesterday as the Bermuda National Trust’s annual Palm Sunday Walk returned to the East End.

While the walk was cancelled in both 2020 and 2021 because of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, crowds got back in step today as they trekked from Penno’s Wharf to Ferry Reach and back.

The route, organised by Myles Darrell, the BNT’s head of natural heritage, brought participants past historic buildings, old military cemeteries and hidden beauty spots.

View full article.

Royal Gazette: Fears that Fairmont Southampton plan will ‘saturate property with villas’

A plan for “well over 300” units at the Fairmont Southampton was presented to environmental groups last year, a conservation charity said.

The Bermuda National Trust added that the scheme would “saturate the property with villas” if it went ahead.

Gencom said earlier that a level of residential development was needed to support investment at the iconic hotel, which it acquired in 2019.

A consultant for the company highlighted yesterday that the Government knows about the firm’s intention to propose an amendment to an existing Special Development Order.

But she did not confirm whether plans had changed since they were shown to environmental groups last May.

Karen Border, the BNT’s executive director, highlighted the 2009 SDO for the resort that gave planning permission in principle for 130 fractional tourism and residential units.

She said in a statement run as an Opinion article today: “Until a planning application has been submitted, we won’t know the full extent of the new proposal.

“However, the master plan discussed at a preliminary scoping meeting between Bermuda Environmental Consulting – on behalf of Gencom – and environmental NGOs in May 2021 showed well over 300 units planned.

“If this is still the plan, it seems very likely that a further SDO will be sought and granted allowing for this increased number, which will saturate the property with villas, and related driveways and car parks.

“Just the golf course – or part of the golf course – and a tiny amount of manicured garden around the hotel itself will be left undeveloped.”

Ms Border said that the BNT “absolutely understands the need to revive our tourism industry”.

Read full article

Bernews: Children Enjoy Nature Walk At Spittal Pond

Spittal Pond Nature Reserve was bustling with over 200 children, parents and camp leaders on the Bermuda National Trust’s Annual Children’s Nature Walk on Tuesday [April 5], sponsored by Arch Re.

A spokesperson said, “The 64-acre reserve is one of the Bermuda National Trust’s most spectacular open spaces held in trust for the Bermuda community. It is Bermuda’s largest bird sanctuary providing a diversity of habitats and an amazing variety of birds, especially during the migration seasons.

“It is also a very important cultural heritage site, with Portuguese Rock, the oldest evidence of humans on the island, and Jeffrey’s Cave, where an enslaved man was said to have hidden from his enslavers for several weeks.

“Groups of excited children, with their parents, grandparents or camp leaders, were guided by volunteers to several different stations in the reserve, where they learned about its different habitats and features from local scientists and educators.

Read full article.

Royal Gazette: The Annual Children’s Nature Walk

View images from the BNT Annual Children’s Nature Walk.

Built Heritage: Department of Fisheries Cottage

BUILT HERITAGE: March 2022 By Linda Abend and Margie Lloyd, Bermuda National Trust

This post is part of a series of architectural articles by the Bermuda National Trust that highlight some of Bermuda’s endangered historic buildings. 

Because of its recent use by the Department of Fisheries we’ve called this otherwise unnamed house Fisheries Cottage. Not only is the building’s early history unknown, there is also the discrepancy as to which parish it belongs, with one government department placing it in Hamilton Parish and another in St George’s.

Although the exact date of the cottage’s construction is uncertain it appears on the 1898/1901 ordinance survey map. The Grade 3 listed cottage has many decorative features such as raised gable ends, corner pilasters and a small parapet on the south end. An architrave over the front door helps to deflect rain water. There is a large tank built into hillside.

As early as 1620 there was a little footbridge which led from the main island to Coney Island where there was a horse ferry that went across to Ferry Island where then a short wooden bridge led to St George’s Island. Before the 1871 construction of the Causeway there was steady business transporting people, horses and carriages to Ferry Island. Located close to the Coney Island pier is the Old Ferry House (now also used by the Fisheries Department) which was rented out, presumably to the ferry master who was required to keep all the buildings in good repair and to paint them inside and out every year.

Read full built heritage article on Fisheries Cottage

Bernews: BNT To Host Spittal Pond Nature Walk On April 5

The Bermuda National Trust will host its Annual Children’s Nature Walk at Spittal Pond in Smith’s Parish on Tuesday, April 5.

A free event for families, teachers, students, and children aged five to 12 years old, will learn all about the diverse nature reserve.

Groups will leave the eastern parking lot every 15 minutes from 9.30 am, with the last walk departing at noon. The walk will last approximately 90 minutes.

To register, contact Anna Stevenson, the Bermuda National Trust Heritage Education Co-ordinator at anna.stevenson@bnt.bm or 236-6483 ext.217.

For more details visit here.

Visit online article.

Royal Gazette: National Trust Palm Sunday walk back after two-year absence

The Bermuda National Trust’s popular Palm Sunday Walk is back after two years on pause because of Covid-19.

On April 10, the five-mile walk sets out from Tiger Bay in St George’s.

Hundreds are expected to explore the World Heritage Site, setting out at 1.30pm, or 2.30pm at the latest.

Parking will be available at Tiger Bay but participants are encouraged to take the ferry from Hamilton if it is available.

The route is expected to take two-and-a-half hours.

Walkers will pass sites of national significance, old military cemeteries and secluded beauty spots as well as historic buildings and monuments.

The route was planned by Myles Darrell, the trust’s head of natural heritage.

He said: “This year we are asking participants to register and donate, to help the trust cover the cost of organising the walk and to support our year-round work protecting Bermuda’s natural and cultural heritage.”

Walkers can register online here or at the trust’s website.

Read full article 

Bernews: BNT Palm Sunday Walk Will Be Held in April

After a two-year hiatus, the Bermuda National Trust’s Palm Sunday Walk will be held in April of this year.

A spokesperson said, “This year’s Palm Sunday Walk is expected to draw hundreds of residents and visitors to explore the World Heritage Site in the East End on Sunday, 10 April 2022. The walk will start from Tiger Bay in St. George’s at 1:30pm, [latest start 2:30 pm].

“The route is about 5 miles and should take two to two-and-a-half hours to complete. Parking will be at Tiger Bay although participants are also encouraged to take the ferry from Hamilton, if available.

“As always, the route will take participants to places that the public does not regularly get to explore. A map will highlight points of cultural and natural interest in Bermuda’s World Heritage Site along the way. Walkers can enjoy breathtaking views, and will pass sites of national significance, old military cemeteries, secluded beauty spots and many historic buildings and monuments.

Read the full article.

Royal Gazette: End-to-End

The Convex End-to-End celebrated a return to normality at its launch for this year’s event last night.

Organisers gathered with sponsors at the Hamilton Princess Hotel to announce the 35th Annual Convex End-to-End would be held on May 7 after the event was blighted by two years of Covid-19 restrictions.

Mandy Shailer, the End-to-End safety officer, added that favourites such as cycling, paddleboarding and the Fun Walk would return.

She said: “We are good to go.”

Ms Shailer added an electric vehicle to lead the way when participants set off at 7am from St George would be a new feature this year.

Ashley Stockwell, the chief marketing officer of Convex Insurance, said the firm’s inaugural sponsorship of the massive charity event was “a marriage made in heaven”.

The three charities that will benefit from fundraising from the event are the Inter Agency Committee for Children, Families and the Community, Transitional Community Services and the Bermuda National Trust.

Read full article

Bernews: National Trust To ‘Reinterpret’ Heritage Sites

22 February, 2022

The Bermuda National Trust said they are “embarking on a long-term effort to reinterpret the heritage sites and collections under its care related to the enslavement, resistance and empowerment of Black Bermudians, other people of African descent and the local and global majority.”

“Telling more of Bermuda’s story and involving more of Bermuda in that process is critical to fulfilling the Trust’s heritage mission,” said Dr. Charlotte Andrews, BNT Head of Cultural Heritage.

BNT is participating in Re-imagining International Sites of Enslavement [RISE], a year-long programme jointly hosted by the International National Trusts Organisation [INTO] and the American National Trust for Historic Preservation. According to INTO, RISE is a ‘knowledge-sharing programme that brings together managers of sites around the Atlantic with a connection to the slave trade.’

Click here to read the full article 

Royal Gazette: BNT signs to be changed to better reflect grim history of enslavement

22 February, 2022

The way sites of significance in the island’s history of enslavement are presented is to be “reimagined”, the Bermuda National Trust has revealed.

The charity announced the move after it replaced the word “master” with “enslaver”, among other reinterpretations, on signs that set up to explain the importance of Jeffrey’s Cave at Spittal Pond in Smith’s.

Charlotte Andrews, the BNT’s head of cultural heritage, said it was “the first BNT site to be reinterpreted”.

She explained that the changes were decided after “concerns were expressed by the public about the original signage” and consultation with historians, tour operators and others. Other changes in interpretation will also occur in the future.

Dr Andrews said she had seen attempts made to scratch off the word “master” from the old sign.

Click here to read the full article

Press Release: Bermuda National Trust works with partners to reinterpret sites of enslavement

Bermuda National Trust (BNT) is embarking on a long-term effort to reinterpret the heritage sites and collections under its care related to the enslavement, resistance and empowerment of Black Bermudians, other people of African descent and the local and global majority.

“Telling more of Bermuda’s story and involving more of Bermuda in that process is critical to fulfilling the Trust’s heritage mission,” said Dr. Charlotte Andrews, BNT Head of Cultural Heritage.

BNT is participating in Re-imagining International Sites of Enslavement (RISE), a year-long programme jointly hosted by the International National Trusts Organisation (INTO) and the American National Trust for Historic Preservation. According to INTO, RISE is a ‘knowledge-sharing programme that brings together managers of sites around the Atlantic with a connection to the slave trade’.

Dr. Andrews shared, “Our RISE cohort is exchanging professional experiences and best practice. Sessions so far have focused on appropriate uses of language and marketing, and we’re exploring a variety of topics. Inspiration and knowledge shared by our African, European, North and South American, and Caribbean peers can be applied to Bermuda’s unique heritage and community. Critically, we are also forging relationships and working closely with local partners, particularly in the Black community.”

Dr. Andrews added, “This work is about treating heritage as an intangible process in which we make conscious choices to combat racism and support community healing, as opposed to perpetuating heritage as fixed, exclusive or traumatising. This involves being honest and open about where we are, and choices made in the past. By acknowledging the work to be done, and undone, we hope to contribute to the structural change needed and build trust with the community. The sites and collections entrusted to us are indeed ‘for everyone, forever’, and so we must more fully represent and engage those to whom they belong.”

Jeffrey’s Cave—an African Diaspora Heritage Trail and UNESCO Slave Route site at Spittal Pond Nature Reserve—is the first BNT site to be reinterpreted. Responding to concerns expressed by members of the public about the original signage, BNT further researched and revised the interpretation in collaboration with RISE and Bermuda partners, including local historians, curators and tour operators. Replacement signage is now in place and reinterpretation is also being considered for nearby Portuguese Rock, which is understood to be linked to the slave trade.

“Over time and with thoughtful heritage processes in place, BNT will also be reinterpreting and reimagining other major sites of enslavement, resistance and empowerment, including Verdmont Museum in Smith’s and Tucker House in St. George’s. Like heritage and its management, interpretation is an ongoing process that should involve community participation, reflect social change, and respond to collective needs,” said Dr. Andrews.

To learn more about the evolving interpretative plan for the Trust’s historic house museums and other heritage sites and collections please visit https://www.bnt.bm/heritage/interpretation-awareness.

Built Heritage: Camden

BUILT HERITAGE: February 2022 By Linda Abend and Margie Lloyd, Bermuda National Trust

This post is part of a series of architectural articles by the Bermuda National Trust that highlight some of Bermuda’s endangered historic buildings. 

Although no premier has ever lived there, Camden in the Botanical Gardens has been the official residence of Bermuda’s premiers since 1979. It has instead been used occasionally for Government entertaining. The main house is surrounded by ancillary buildings which include a carriage house, stables and an arrowroot factory, the latter now the home of Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art. The whole complex is listed grade 1.

The core of the main house Camden is believed to date back to the early 1700s when it was owned by Colonel Francis Jones, one of the wealthiest property owners in Paget. The house and 50 acres remained in the Jones family until 1811 when it was sold to merchant William Durham who with his brother Josiah had offices in St Vincent where they prospered. Durham made major alterations and Camden as it now stands dates to his ownership. In 1822 after the financial collapse of his Bermuda business Durham was forced to sell ‘Camden Park’ with its 34½ acres. The sale advertised that “The house is built more substantially and on a better plan than most of the Houses of this Colony.”

The next owner was James Henry Tucker and began the long Tucker family ownership that lasted almost 150 years. Tucker was a Hamilton merchant, serving as mayor for 21 years and representing Paget in the House of Assembly. He was also a leader in agriculture, resulting in the production of arrowroot that became a lucrative export business for Bermuda. On his death in 1871, Camden was inherited by his son, Thomas Fowle Jauncey Tucker. Like his father, he served as a member of the House of Assembly and mayor of Hamilton and continued the production of arrowroot. The Tucker trade name was said to have been the guarantee in Britain and the United States that the arrowroot was of the best quality.

Click here to read the full Built Heritage article on Camden

Royal Gazette: New nature reserve to get official opening on Earth Day

8 February, 2022

A group set up to preserve and restore the island’s natural heritage is opening a new reserve to celebrate Earth Day on April 22.

Karen Border, the executive director of the Bermuda National Trust, which founded Buy Back Bermuda with the Audubon Society, said work to prepare the Hamilton Parish site had gone well.

She added: “The initial plantings are beginning to mature and a further seven palmettos were recently planted along the roadside.

“A bird hide has been constructed on the site, and we now have benches donated by the Garden Club of Bermuda.”

Click here to read the full article.

Winners of ‘My Bermuda’ art competition

The Bermuda National Trust is pleased to announce the winners of the student art competition “My Bermuda”, sponsored by SOMPO International.

In total, 172 entries were received from primary, middle, secondary and home schools across the island. Artwork was judged by representatives from the Bermuda National Trust, Sompo International and two local professional artists.

Click here to read the full press release!

Click here to view all entries!

Built Heritage: Walsingham Cottage

BUILT HERITAGE: January 2022 By Linda Abend and Margie Lloyd, Bermuda National Trust

This post is part of a series of architectural articles by the Bermuda National Trust that highlight some of Bermuda’s endangered historic buildings. 

Walsingham Cottage is located in Blue Hole Park. Until it was purchased by the Bermuda Government in 1992, the cottage was part of the Walsingham property which included a main house now known as Tom Moore’s Tavern. According to the late historian, Dr Henry Wilkinson, Walsingham was “scenically the most beautiful estate in the colony”.

The small farmer’s cottage is believed to date back to the early 1800s when the 48-acre Walsingham estate was owned by Perient Trott whose ancestor, also named Perient, was one of the original shareholders in the Somers Island Company and the largest landowner in Bermuda at the time of Richard Norwood’s 1662/3 survey.

Click here to read the full Built Heritage article on Walsingham Cottage

Royal Gazette: A once-splendid building in desperate need of restoration

07 January, 2022

Located on the corner of Cambridge and Somerset roads is the Independent Order of Odd Fellows’ Loyal Irresistible Lodge No 6587. Named after HMS Irresistible, then stationed in Bermuda, it is without a doubt the most elaborate of all the lodge buildings, best known today as Manchester Unity Hall.

Designed by John W Greig as a two-storey building, 56 feet x 29 feet x 14 feet on each floor with a side tower, the cornerstone was laid in April 1901. From start to finish the work was done on a voluntary basis by the Brethren of the Lodge and when completed was debt-free. The grand new hall was dedicated with much pomp and circumstance on May 30, 1902. Participating in the celebration were members of the other Friendly Societies who arrived from Hamilton and St George’s on the steamer Corona. The newspaper remarked that “the most important feature of the parade was the presence of the Juvenile Branches … It is to them the Odd Fellows must look to build up their Lodges in the future”.

Click here to read the full article.

Royal Gazette: Termite tent over BNT’s Waterville in bid to kill pests

07 January, 2022

The historic headquarters of the Bermuda National Trust was tented to deal with a termite infestation.

Karen Border, the BNT executive director, said the tent, put on by Bermuda Pest Control, over Waterville in Paget was expected to be completely removed today and that the building would fully reopen on Monday.

Ms Border added: “It’s a very old building and, like many old buildings, we need to tent it some times to preserve them.

“The next step is to move on to repainting the exterior – we have to do what we can to maintain these historic buildings and keep them in good order.”

Click here to read the full article.

Holiday Pop-Up Shop 2021

The Bermuda National Trust is operating a holiday pop-up shop at its headquarters at Waterville in Paget.

Held for the fifth year running, the shop on Pomander Road, across from Aberfeldy Nurseries, features a wide range of items made and designed by local vendors.

Each item is unique and created by locals, the BNT said, offering Bermuda-centric gifts, some of which are one-of-a-kind exclusive.

The pop-up shop is open daily from 10am to 4pm until Christmas Eve, when it will close at noon.

Click here to view the full article.

Built Heritage: St George’s Police Station

BUILT HERITAGE: December 2021 By Linda Abend and Margie Lloyd, Bermuda National Trust

This post is part of a series of architectural articles by the Bermuda National Trust that highlight some of Bermuda’s endangered historic buildings. 

The New Police Station Act of 1904 provided for the purchase of suitable sites for the building of new police stations in the parishes of Sandys and St George. The former was built in 1906 in what has been described as an Edwardian Style of colonial architecture. In 1910 St George’s Police Station Act authorised the Board of Works to purchase the lot on which stood the Main Guard House and Ordnance Reserve Store from the British military for £300.

Although built after the death of Edward VII, the Police Station was designed in Edwardian or British Imperial style as was the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital completed in the 1920s. All three buildings are thought to have been designed by the same Public Works Department architect or perhaps by the Colonial Surveyor himself. William Cardy Hallett is known to have designed Thorburn Hall in Warwick, the clock tower, colonnade and east tower additions to the Sessions House in Hamilton and his home Elevado in Pembroke.

Click here to read the full Built Heritage Article on St George’s Police Station

Bermuda National Trust changes backed by Senate

An organisational revamp of the Bermuda National Trust was backed by the Senate.

The legislation, which increased the number of people to be elected to the trust’s council to 13 and ended appointment to the council by entitlement, was passed unopposed by the Upper House.

The council can now run its affairs through the passing of by-laws and has been given the power to appoint its own auditor each year to review accounts.

Owen Darrell, the junior education minister, said: “The trust is an organisation that is critical to Bermuda’s sustainability and the preservation and the remembrance of our natural, built and cultural heritage.

“These changes would enable better governance and efficient administration for the trust.

“It would also provide the trust with more power and flexibility to run its own affairs.”

The opposition said it had no objections to the Bermuda National Trust Amendment Act 2021.

The BNT was founded in 1969 and looks after 277 acres of land and 82 properties.

Its portfolio includes historic houses, three museums, nature reserves, farmland and cemeteries.

The Senate also approved a fee rate for permission to live in Bermuda under an economic investment certificate.

A fee of $2,625 for the granting of ministerial permission to live on the island was set – the same price as a residential certificate under 1956 legislation.

The Government Fees Amendment and Validation Act 2021 was also supported by the Opposition.

Click here to view the full article.

Lest we forget: remembering Bermuda’s first civilian hospital

The Royal Gazette of October 21, 2021, posted an aerial view of a building on Happy Valley Road. The headline read, “Interest in disused building attracts interest from developers”. It was further described as the former Prison Service Headquarters.

Had a frontal view of this building been posted, many of our older generation would have immediately recognised it as the Cottage Hospital, Bermuda’s first civilian hospital.

Fortunately, the Bermuda National Trust researched this building for its Pembroke Architectural Heritage book which was published in 2017.

Read more…

2021 Raffle Winners

We are pleased to announce the winners of our 2021 Raffle.

Congratulations to our 2021 winners. Many thanks to everyone who supported us and helped make this year’s raffle possible!

Click HERE to view this years raffle winners

If you see your name and have not been contacted please reach out to Jordan Smith at jsmith@bnt.bm or call 236-6483 x 215.

Christmas Walkabout Canceled

After considerable thought, and consultation with our tenants and our Christmas Walkabout sponsor Butterfield Bank, the Bermuda National Trust has decided not to hold the event this year. The Walkabout is such a special event for us all that this decision has not been taken lightly, and we appreciate that it will come as a blow to many.

Our residential tenants are understandably not comfortable with opening their homes to visitors while the Covid virus is still active in the community. Although the numbers of active cases are dropping, the Trust feels it would be irresponsible to hold a large event, even if only outdoors, that might be a cause of a new spike in the community spread just before Christmas. At the same time, the ongoing roadworks in St George’s would have made the event additionally difficult to manage this year.

We are, however, hoping to hold a series of guided tours in the town on several evenings through December for groups of around 15 people. Please stay tuned for more details to come soon!

Amendments to BNT rules backed by MPs

Legislation to modernise the Bermuda National Trust was passed by MPs today with support from both sides of the House of Assembly.

Diallo Rabain, the education minister, launched the debate on the Bermuda National Trust Amendment Act.

He said the BNT looked after 277 acres of land and 82 properties, which included historic homes, nature reserves, farmland and cemeteries.

The Act allowed for an increased number of people to be elected to the BNT council, up to 13, and the removal of appointment to the council by entitlement.

The council will run its affairs through the passing of by-laws and has the power to appoint its own auditor each year to review its accounts.

Click to view full article.

Built Heritage: St George’s Parish Home, 18 Secretary Road

BUILT HERITAGE: November 2021 By Linda Abend and Margie Lloyd, Bermuda National Trust

This post is part of a series of architectural articles by the Bermuda National Trust that highlight some of Bermuda’s endangered historic buildings. 

Sarah Davenport, the eldest daughter of prosperous St George’s merchant, John Davenport, died in 1873 and left the sum of £400 to the St George’s Parish Vestry for the purpose of establishing “an eligible and healthy home for parishioners in need”. The Poor House, as it was originally known, was built in 1881 in the former Government House Park and enjoyed sweeping views to the ocean. It replaced an earlier ‘poor house’ near Penno’s Wharf. As an aside, Sarah’s sister, Jane, was married to William Penno, the Deputy Military Storekeeper for the British garrison. It was he who built the wharf and two-storey warehouse that still bears his name.

Poor houses in the 19th century were intended to care for the ‘worthy poor’ of the parish and not newly-arrived impoverished strangers. This was especially necessary in St George’s which saw large numbers of followers or ‘groupies’ who accompanied arriving British regiments and often put a strain on local charities. Although her history is not known, Margaret Smith was one of those in need. Born in St George’s in 1837 Margaret resided at the Poor House for almost 40 years until her death at the age of 83 in 1920.

Read the full Built Heritage Article on St.Georges Parish Home

BNT Online Auction Fundraiser 2021

The Bermuda National Trust will hold a virtual auction fundraiser this month instead of its annual in-person event because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Furniture and artwork will come under the hammer at the Trust Treasures auction and bidders will be able to compete for ownership on the Handbid app until November 24.

Dorte Horsfield, the head of development and engagement at the BNT, said that the auction was a replacement for the usual Auction & Jumble Sale, which sells off donated items to raise money for the trust.

Read More.

Built Heritage: The Registry of the Supreme Court Building, Formerly Customs House Warehouse and Town Hall.

BUILT HERITAGE: October 2021 By Linda Abend and Margie Lloyd, Bermuda National Trust

This post is part of a series of architectural articles by the Bermuda National Trust that highlight some of Bermuda’s endangered historic buildings. 

The Customs House Warehouse and Town Hall was one of the first buildings erected in the newly-incorporated town of Hamilton. Located on the corner of the First Longitudinal and Fourth Cross streets (now Front and Court), it was completed by June 1794 and was the first of three public buildings. The two-storey building was designed for use as the Customs House Warehouse on the ground floor and the Town Hall on the upper level. On 8 January 1795 the first election was held for Hamilton’s mayor, aldermen and councillors. From 1815, when the capital was moved from St George’s, until 1821, when the Sessions House was built, the Town Hall was also used for meetings of the House of Assembly and Supreme Court. A few years later the Customs House section was altered when two large doors replaced the one small door so that bulky cargo could easily be brought in for inspection and storage. Around the same time a two-storey addition on the northwest side was built. This was later used to house the Hand Fire Engine and sleeping quarters for the Engine Keeper.

In 1841 the third public building now known as the Cabinet Building was completed and Customs moved into new quarters. They remained there until around 1850 when, for reasons unknown, they moved to warehouses further west on Front Street. The old Customs House premises became barracks for the 20^th Regiment and grocery stores.

Read the Full article on The Former Customs Warehouse and Town Hall

Solar panels raffle prize to help National Trust raise money

A raffle winner will save money on energy bills and help the environment.

The Bermuda National Trust and BE Solar has teamed up to offer a solar panel installation as the grand prize in the draw next month.

A woman who won the eight-panel system last year – and had two additional panels installed – found her Belco bills had halved.

Funds raised in the raffle help the BNT with its work to protect and promote the island’s natural and cultural heritage.

The installation, which was also provided by BE Solar in 2020, is designed to deliver an average of $97 a month in savings.

Read More.

Bermuda to become test bed for alternative energy technology

News that the island was to become a test bed for renewable energy sources has been welcomed by environmentalists.

Karen Border, the executive director for the Bermuda National Trust, said the Throne Speech announcement was “a worthy goal”.

But she added: “Bermuda may be an excellent place to test certain wind and sea-based systems.

“However, with our tiny landmass and fragile marine ecosystem, assessing the potential environmental impact of testing such technologies would have to be a key part of any legislation, along with provision for decommissioning and removal of unsuccessful test sites.

“We certainly don’t want Bermuda’s waters littered with the rusting remains of abandoned wind, current or tidal research sites.”

Ms Border was speaking after Rena Lalgie, the Governor, said last Friday that a new Bill designed to promote green energy would boost innovation and help to pave the way for cheaper electricity.

Read More.