News

BNT Art Competition Sponsored by Sompo International

Young artists can win cash prizes in an art competition held by the Bermuda National Trust.

The trust yesterday opened its doors to applications for their 2021 Student Art Competition, whose theme this year is “My Bermuda”.

Karen Border, the executive director of the BNT, said: “We are delighted to invite Bermuda’s young people to use their artistic skills to communicate what Bermuda means to them – whether that be aspects of the island’s natural heritage or cultural heritage, their own local connections, hopes for the island’s future, or whatever inspires them.”

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Garden club donates $10,000 to help Eve’s Pond restoration

The Garden Club of Bermuda gave the cheque to the Buy Back Bermuda (BBB) group to help them complete the restoration of Eve’s Pond in Hamilton Parish.

Jennifer Gray, the chairwoman of BBB, said: “We are incredibly grateful to be the recipient of a 100th anniversary gift from The Garden Club of Bermuda.

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Auction & Jumble Canceled

We are very disappointed to announce that our Auction & Jumble Sale, due to take place at the end of September, has been cancelled. We felt that we must do our part to prevent the potential further spread of the Delta variant through such a large in-person event and took the decision to cancel this morning. Shortly afterwards, we received notice from the Bermuda Government that our large group exemption has in fact been withdrawn.

This is a serious blow to our fundraising efforts, so we are now planning to set up a pop-up shop at Waterville. We have many beautiful items which were kindly donated to us over the past few months, and they need a new home. Stay tuned for more information on ‘treasures’ available at a pop-up shop at Waterville next week. Please note that we are still accepting donations for this shop.

We would very much appreciate your support!

Cultural Heritage Expert, Dr. Charlotte Andrews appointed to BNT role

A new post of head of cultural heritage will help boost the island’s appreciation of its past, a Bermuda National Trust spokeswoman said yesterday.

She was speaking as it was announced that Charlotte Andrews, the former executive director of the St George’s Foundation and a former curator of the National Museum of Bermuda, would fill the role.

Dr Andrews said: “It’s been my honour over the years to work with many people and organisations who protect, promote and create Bermuda’s heritage and culture.

“Now, I am thrilled to join the BNT team in this critical cultural heritage role for the island.”

Dr Andrews will manage the Trust’s museums and collection, lead programmes to celebrate Bermuda’s cultural heritage and help the BNT campaign for the preservation of the Island’s heritage.

She added that she looked forward to working with BNT volunteers and other organisations.

Dr Andrews said: “Bermuda’s cultural heritage is a living reflection of our connections, needs and dreams as a unique people part of a wider world, and so I am truly excited about the possibilities ahead.”

She earned a master’s degree and doctorate in heritage and museum studies at Cambridge University in the UK.

Dr Andrews was chairwoman the St George’s Unesco World Heritage Site management committee as the body reviewed its management plan.

Karen Border, the BNT’s executive director, said: “Dr Andrews brings an enormous amount of knowledge and experience to this key role.

“Her passion and enthusiasm for Bermuda’s heritage is very inspiring and we are delighted to have her join the BNT team.”

Click here to view the full article.

Built Heritage: Dubloon Hill Farm, formerly Brown’s Farm

BUILT HERITAGE: September 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. 

Dubloon Cottage, as it’s now called, with roughly 12 acres was purchased by the Bermuda Government from the James estate around 1993 to enlarge what is today Hog Bay Park. The creation of the 32.23 acre park began in 1986 with the acquisition of the Freeland and Mayor estates. The three properties cost $7.925 million. The park consists of agricultural fields, woodlands, an ancient lime kiln and several abandoned cottages. The steep coastal hillside slopes down to the shoreline of Brown’s Bay.

The first recorded landowner was Sir John Heydon of the Sommer Islands Company with 140 acres in 1663. By 1789, Colonel Henry Tucker owned 75 acres which included his residence called The Hermitage located nearby. In 1852 the property was purchased by William Richard Outerbridge whose daughter Eliza had married Captain Richard Anderson of the 56^th Regiment of Foot. The Andersons sold 25 acres to farmer James Brown in 1871. It is believed he built the house shortly thereafter.

Read the full article on Dubloon Cottage

Built Heritage: Montpelier

Built Heritage: Montpelier

BUILT HERITAGE: August 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. 

Montpelier is a listed building owned by the Bermuda Government. Built in the middle to late 1700s, Montpelier is perched on the hillside and once would have enjoyed a fine view of Hamilton Harbour. During the next century there were additions and alterations that surrounded the original T-shaped cottage.

The first owner of record is Bermudian Richard Jennings Peniston who, with his wife and first cousin Rebecca Jennings, took up residence when they returned from the Dutch island of St Eustatius in 1781 after it had been captured and looted by British Admiral George Rodney. The story goes that it was Rebecca’s idea to sew their gold into the upholstered seats of the cedar chairs and so were able to escape without their fortune being detected and seized by Rodney. Richard died in 1810 and Rebecca in 1816 and Montpelier was inherited by her nephews, the sons of her sister Mary, and eventually by Mary’s grandson, Richard Jennings Peniston Darrell.

Read the full article on Montpelier 

Government urged to act over state of historic home

The Government has been urged to take action to prevent a historic Devonshire home from falling into disrepair.

Montpelier, a listed building owned by the Bermuda Government, had been the official residence of the Deputy Governor.

But it has been empty since 2018 and the building has started to deteriorate.

The Bermuda National Trust said: “There have been comments that the police use the house for firearms practice and that the cottage is being used as a gang graffiti platform.

“Whether this is true or not, Montpelier today is in a sorry state due entirely to wilful neglect – so sad for a once-treasured family home.

“One wonders why, if the Bermuda Government no longer has a use for the house, it is not sold to someone who would restore and appreciate it.”

Montpelier was built in the mid to late 1700s and the building was originally a T-shaped cottage.

Click here to read the full article.

DEEP learning for interns at Deloitte

Since June, Deloitte Bermuda has welcomed 13 interns into their DEEP [Deloitte Exclusive Experience Program] Internship Program.

DEEP provides young Bermudians with the opportunity to develop new skills and gain hands-on experience in the financial services industry.

The program is available for students interested in Accounting, Actuarial Science, Financial Advisory, Risk Advisory, Technology, Tax, Talent and Marketing and runs each summer from June through August.

The DEEP internship provides a unique environment for students to learn from skilled professionals while gaining work experience at an internationally recognized company. Interns are connecting with like-minded young people who are passionate about kick-starting their careers.

https://www.royalgazette.com/international-business/business/article/20210721/deep-learning-for-interns-at-deloitte/

A Tribute to Pauline Powell

The Bermuda National Trust is deeply saddened by the death of Pauline Powell, who passed away on Sunday 11 July. Pauline worked at the Trust from 2002 to 2016, as the Executive Assistant. She is survived by her husband John and daughters Lynette and Andrea.

“Pauline was the smiling public face of Waterville for many years, and an absolute treasure to the Trust. She will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her,” said Karen Border, Executive Director.

Amanda Outerbridge, who was Executive Director at the Trust when Pauline first started working here, said: “This is incredibly sad news. Pauline contributed enormously to the Trust and she was wonderful to work with. Always professional and calm, with a great sense of humour, she provided vital support to the entire team, notably operationally with revenue collection, administration and fundraising events. She was particularly good with people – including members and volunteers. Pauline was devoted to the work of the Trust and passed this on to her family, including her husband John who was a valuable supporting volunteer. Condolences and warmest wishes to Pauline’s family and friends at this time of loss.”

Jennifer Gray, Executive Director from 2008 to 2016, said: “Pauline has taken with her a piece of my heart. Never was there a more loyal and dedicated member of the Trust family. From the day she welcomed me into Waterville and became my right hand, confidant, and indeed a good friend to the day we both took the next step together in our life’s journey, there was never a single second when her love for and commitment to the Trust and her family faltered. She was exceptional and by example instilled in the team the importance of a positive attitude, order in life and a respect for each other. With an open heart and ear for all, Pauline was understanding, nurturing, and loved by all. I always imagined she would spend so many more years tending her beloved garden and resting on the Trust bench she was so proud to receive when she retired. I now imagine her beloved John longing for her company in the empty garden with an empty bench, robbed of precious time with Pauline. My sincerest sympathy goes out to John and her children for their great loss. We have indeed lost a stylish angel in ballerina shoes who will always be remembered as a good friend and Bermuda National Trust treasure.”

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Trust in memory of Pauline:

Account Name:               Bermuda National Trust

Account Number:           HSBC 010 003259 001

Memo ref:                         IMO P Powell

Built Heritage: Former Parks Department Headquarters, Botanical Gardens

BUILT HERITAGE: July 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. 

Surely, in the 21^st century, a solution can be found to the problem of old buildings affected by mould and mildew. Rather than simply abandoning and subsequently demolishing them, they should be revitalised and made useful again. A good example is the Parks Department headquarters in the Botanical Gardens – a Grade 3 Listed Building – formerly the Director of Agriculture’s residence.

Under the Public Garden Act 1896, ten acres in Paget East were purchased for the purpose of establishing and maintaining an experimental station to assist farmers in the development of agriculture and horticulture. Responsibility for its supervision and control was handed over to the Board of Agriculture and George Arthur Bishop, recommended by the Director of the Royal Gardens at Kew, arrived in May 1898 to take up his position as its first superintendent. A notice for tenders to build a cottage within the grounds had only been advertised a few weeks earlier so it is not surprising that Bishop and his family were obliged to live temporarily at nearby Seabright.

Click here to read the full article on the Parks Department Headquarters

Garden Club makes $10,000 donation to National Trust

Planning renovations at the historic home of Verdmont will benefit from enhancements thanks to a $10,000 donation from The Garden Club of Bermuda.

The donation was made to the Bermuda National Trust museum and gardens as part of the Garden Club’s 100th anniversary celebrations.

Karen Border, executive director for the BNT, described Verdmont as “a national treasure of Bermuda’s built heritage”.

She said: “Like all old buildings, it costs a lot to maintain and keep open for the enjoyment and education of Bermuda residents and visitors, so we are deeply appreciative of their support.

“On behalf of the Trust, I offer warm congratulations to the Garden Club on their 100th anniversary and look forward to continuing the excellent relationship between our two organisations.”

Jan Macdonald, president of The Garden Club of Bermuda, added: “We feel it is an extremely worthwhile project and we are delighted to support it with a gift of $10,000.”

https://www.royalgazette.com/environment/news/article/20210720/garden-club-makes-10000-donation-to-national-trust/?fbclid=IwAR3PLGwv3YQ1ju4QPcL4gCOu4VLgH4PHD3wfNc60YWpgWeuwBzcW4pbeGIc

US Coast Guard Cadets Volunteer at Bermuda National Trust

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Development must be balanced, says new National Trust leader

The new executive director of the Bermuda National Trust has called for a slowdown in land development proposals.

Karen Border said last week that she recognised that land development proposals were a way of stimulate the economy after the Covid-19 pandemic had brought the economy to a halt.

But the new head of the Island’s largest conservation charity added that, while she understood its value: “There must be a sustainable balance.”

Ms Border said: “We’re at the point now where there is so little open space left in Bermuda that we really can’t afford to sacrifice any more of that open space to development.”

She added: “I’m particularly concerned about the continuing pressure to build on the coastline despite the risks from sea level rise and increased hurricane activity due to climate change.

“Once you allow building right on the coastline the next thing you know you get is an application for building an ugly seawall or a retaining wall to protect that coastal development.

https://www.royalgazette.com/environment/news/article/20210720/development-must-be-balanced-says-new-national-trust-leader/

Volunteers at Sherwin Nature Reserve

Volunteers from a law firm helped clean out a nature reserve so it could open to the public after years of closure.

A team of about 25 Appleby employees visited the Sherwin Nature Reserve in Warwick last Friday to help clear invasive species and overgrowth and plant endemic trees.

The firm also made a $5,000 donation to the Bermuda National Trust, which maintains the nature reserve, to help in its work of preserving Bermuda’s natural heritage.

Tim Faries, the Bermuda managing partner of Appleby and the chair of their charities committee, said: “We honour and share in the Bermuda National Trust’s mission to protect the island’s natural heritage and we are delighted that our team’s contribution will allow the community to enjoy the picturesque beauty of the Sherwin Nature Reserve once again.”

Several employees brought family members to assist in the clean-up effort, while others signed up for future clean-ups and tree planting.

Myles Darrell, the conservation officer of the BNT, thanked Appleby for their help and confirmed that the Sherwin Nature Reserve was open again to the public.

He added: “This huge accomplishment has benefited the Bermuda National Trust, the neighbourhood and Bermuda as a whole. Thank you.”

Read the full Royal Gazette article here.

A legacy under threat

Built Heritage: Ocean View (Formerly East Camp)

BUILT HERITAGE: JUNE 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. 

Tucked away off South Road in Warwick is an old farmhouse, one of the many properties that once belonged to Captain John Lightbourn. He lived at Fruitlands but maintained a residence and second family on Turks Island. In 1871 John’s son, Robert Lightbourn, by order of the Bermuda Defence Act 1865, sold the southern four acres of land bounding on the Atlantic Ocean to Her Majesty’s Secretary of State for War. In 1891 Robert’s heirs sold the farmhouse and remaining eight and one-half acres to planters Samuel and John Frederick Ingham and in 1897 the brothers sold to the Secretary of State for War.

By 1911 the property was being used by the Bermuda Volunteer Rifle Corps (BVRC) who would march from Fort Hamilton and pitch their tents for both their annual and musketry camps. Various branches of the British military, such as the Royal Marines from HMS Constance, would also use the camp for musketry practice. It became known as Warwick East Camp or simply East Camp to differentiate it from Warwick Main Camp which was located a little further to the west. The Bermuda Cadet Corps was established in 1922 and they too held their annual week-long camps at East Camp until 1926. Unfortunately, that summer many of the boys became sick. The next summer the Cadet Corps moved to Warwick Main Camp where there were permanent buildings, cooking facilities, good sanitation and a certain amount of shade, all of which were lacking at East Camp.

Click here to read the full article on Ocean View

Built Heritage: Somers Pride of India Lodge

BUILT HERITAGE: April 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. 

Somers Pride of India Lodge No. 899 in St George’s was the first of the lodges established by the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows when it was founded on 10 May 1848 with schoolmaster John Gilbert Allen as secretary and later Grand Master. Alexandrina Lodge No. 1026 in Hamilton and Victoria and Albert No. 1027 in Somerset followed. By 1860 the three lodges had over 200 members.

In April 1850 the trustees of Somers Pride of India Lodge, all of whom were residents of St George’s, purchased land on Cut Road from mason Peter Tucker. It wasn’t until 14 January 1862 that, with much pomp and ceremony, the cornerstone was laid for their first hall. A gale in October 1870 blew down the upper walls of both sides of their not-yet-completed hall but did not discourage them. The Odd Fellows celebrated their 25^th anniversary in May 1873 with a service and procession to their new building where the foreman of the Building Committee, John Cornelius Bascome, gave the welcoming address.

The rapidly growing membership saw the need for a larger building and in 1903 a more prominent parcel of land was purchased. The Somers Pride of India Lodge Trustees Act 1909 allowed the trustees to sell their building on Cut Road and on 13 November 1913 at what was described as “one of the greatest ceremonies of its kind” the cornerstone was laid for their new lodge building on York Street and St George’s Avenue (now Wellington Street and Rose Hill). Work parties were held with bus loads of members from sister lodges across the Island arriving to help with the construction.

Click here to read the full article on Somers Pride of India Lodge

Karen Border Appointed BNT Executive Director

The Bermuda National Trust (BNT) is pleased to announce that respected environmentalist and communications professional Karen Border will take up the position of BNT Executive Director on 28 June.

Karen has spent her adult life contributing to the conservation of Bermuda’s unique environment and natural heritage. Having been a member of the BNT for almost 30 years, she formerly chaired the BNT Environmental Committee and currently serves as a member of Council. Karen is also President of the Bermuda Audubon Society (BAS) and a member of the managing committee of Buy Back Bermuda.

BNT President Alana Anderson says: “Karen’s understanding of the sector and her experience make her uniquely qualified for this role, at a time when conservation and climate change have become critical issues worldwide.

“The past year has been challenging for the nonprofit sector, including the BNT. While the Trust has demonstrated resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity, we will need Karen’s skills and leadership to move the organisation forward as Bermuda works its way out of the pandemic. Having been closely involved for so long, Karen is fully aware of the priorities for the BNT.”

Karen graduated from Oxford University after gaining her International Baccalaureate at the United World College of the Atlantic. She will be stepping down from her current position as communications manager at Conyers law firm to join the BNT. Previously she held senior communications positions at Coopers & Lybrand UK and was a freelance communications specialist working for clients including PartnerRe and XL.

Preparing to join the BNT team in her new capacity she says: “I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed Executive Director of an organisation so close to my heart. The National Trust plays such an important role in Bermuda, in far more ways than many people realise – from its preservation of open spaces, historic buildings and artefacts, to its inspirational education programme and activities that celebrate the Island’s cultural heritage. The importance of each of these aspects of the Trust’s mission has been thrown into sharp relief by the Covid-19 pandemic, which has forced all of us to focus on our own 22 square miles and what it has to offer. I look forward to leading the Trust team in continuing the organisation’s valuable work and finding new and exciting ways in which to engage the whole Bermuda
community.”

Built Heritage: Skittle Alley

BUILT HERITAGE: March 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. 

Skittle Alley is a Grade 2 Listed Building yet very few of us know of its existence. It is located on a small island and is connected to the mainland by a footbridge leading from the former residence of the Captain-in-Charge, the most senior officer at the Dockyard. The captain’s residence, known as The Cottage, was built in 1827 for the Naval Storekeeper who in 1837 became the Dockyard Superintendent. When Joseph Balingall retired in 1857 this post was abolished and Captain Frederick Hutton became the first Captain-in-Charge of HM Dockyard.

Skittle Alley was built as the bowling alley for Captain John Moresby RN who arrived in April 1878. It was during Moresby’s tenure that the Sailors’ Home, now demolished, was built. It too would boast of a bowling alley. Although Captain Moresby spent only three years in Bermuda, that he was highly respected is clear from the fact that his name survives to this day with Moresby House, built in 1899 for the Officer-in-Charge of Works, and Moresby Plain, the naval recreation and parade ground, today used by the public for large events.

Click here to read the full article on Skittle Alley

Capital Improvements at Verdmont Museum

We are excited to announce that our capital project of improvements at Verdmont Museum has officially begun.

Click here to read the full Press Release

Built Heritage: The Former Cottage Hospital on Happy Valley Road

BUILT HERITAGE: March 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. 

Citing the steady increase in the population, the lack of accommodation for those with complicated diseases and needing surgical operations, Dr Eldon Harvey spearheaded a group of his fellow physicians and community leaders and in 1886 lobbied the Governor, Lt Gen Sir Thomas Lionel Gallwey, for a cottage hospital. At the time there only existed two Royal Navy hospitals and the so-called Lunatic Asylum in Devonshire.

Click here to read the full article on the Former Cottage Hospital

British baroness vows to help protect Bermuda’s heritage

A British member of the House of Lords who visited the Bermuda National Trust while on holiday said she would help Bermuda protect its cultural heritage.

Baroness Andrews of Southover also praised theTrust for its conservation of the island’s heritage, as well as the Government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic. She said: “I think Bermuda has set a world-class example in the management of Covid – I’m really, really impressed.” Baroness Andrews added: “When I came I’d been greeted by nothing but efficiency and kindness. I’ve had all my Covid tests on time and I watched those figures falling day in and day out while being so terrified of what’s happening in the UK. Although it’s a small island and it’s easier to reach people, my goodness, it could have gone terribly wrong.”

Baroness Andrews, a Labour life peer, arrived in Bermuda last December to visit her son and his family, who moved to the island last summer.

She said that she met the Trust to see how the Trust had handled the Covid-19 pandemic. She added that she was impressed by the Trust’s approach to conservation and that she was aware of Bermuda’s “global heritage”.

Baroness Andrews said: “Those trust properties and the landscape itself, as well as what it represents, is really of universal significance, I think.  I’m very excited by the scale of the impact that Bermuda makes and the way that the trust is responsible for that.”

Baroness Andrews said that the UK had a “moral obligation” to help islands such as Bermuda protect their cultural heritage. She admitted that there were not many organisations that had the money to help, but that it was worth exploring. Baroness Andrews said: “I think it’s worth having a conversation about and it’s a conversation I can certainly start.”

She added: “There’s a lot of people who would be interested in the question – where anyone would want to give you a straight answer, I don’t know.

“It’s quite a delicate question because there is a balance with the Territories about wanting them to absolutely do their own thing in their way, as they know how, and having this historic connection and responsibility.”

Kay Andrews was made Baroness Andrews of Southover in 2000. She was the chairwoman of English Heritage from July 2009 to July 2013 and was the first woman to lead the organisation.

Baroness Andrews said that she was “totally overwhelmed by the beauty” of the island after she arrived. She added that she was pleased by the Government’s cultural heritage strategy announced during the Throne Speech last November. Baroness Andrews said: “I have not come across anything like that and I think to find that in the middle of the Throne Speech was really exciting.

“That was one of the first things I saw when I came and I thought ’wow, this country has got it – it actually knows that heritage is wealth’.”

Baroness Andrews said that many conservation organisations around the world had to close their sites to the public because of the coronavirus and had lost income. But she added she was impressed by how well the Trust had handled the coronavirus, as well as their “innovative” efforts to promote the island’s history.

Baroness Andrews said: “In Bermuda you have the experience of having a beautiful environment, but also less lockdowns, even though you’re facing the same problems as everyone else.”

She added that Bermuda would have to rebuild its economy in the wake of the pandemic, but she had faith that the Government’s “highly intelligent” economic recovery plan would create a “very good foundation”.

Baroness Andrews said: “I’m very optimistic that Bermuda is going to come out of this and the visitors will come back for all of this.”

Baroness Andrews was the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Communities and Local Government between 2005 and 2009.She was earlier the Government Whip and spokeswoman in the House of Lords for Health, Work and Pensions, as well as for Education and Skills. Baroness Andrews was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1998.

Built Heritage: Wantley

BUILT HERITAGE: December 7, 2020 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. 

Wantley, located on Princess Street, has a rich social history and was built by prominent businessman Samuel David Robinson.  One of the founders of Berkeley Educational Society, Samuel David and five other men met in 1879 at his newly-built home to discuss the feasibility of establishing a school that would become the Berkeley Institute.  The Robinsons were influential family in the then Town of Hamilton.  Younger brother Joseph Henry Robinson built The Emporium on Front Street and lived at the elegant Finsbury on Court Street.

Click here to read the full article on Wantley

Wilkinson Quarry Objection

Click the link below to read more the objection regarding the proposed demolition of an unstable mound with a subterranean void in Wilkinson Quarry, Hamilton Parish.

Wilkinson Quarry Cave Objection 

Wilkinson Quarry Objection

Wilkinson Quarry Objection | June, 10th 2020

Click the link below to read more the objection regarding the proposed demolition of an unstable mound with a subterranean void in Wilkinson Quarry, Hamilton Parish.

Wilkinson Quarry Cave Objection

BUILT HERITAGE: Southlands

BUILT HERITAGE | May 8, 2020

By Linda Abend, Bermuda National Trust

In conjunction with the National Museum of Bermuda, the Trust is going to run a series of short articles about the buildings that we consider most at risk in Bermuda and the most worth saving. 

Anna, the wife of Montreal merchant James Morgan, bought 31½ acres and an old Bermuda house from the heirs of Thomas Dunscomb in 1913. The core of the house can be traced with certainty to 1820 but is thought to date as far back as 1745. The property was already known as Southlands and it became James Morgan’s retirement project. Using stone cut from his quarries, he almost immediately began to extend the house. With the help of Bermudian architect Edward Tucker, the integrity of the original U-shaped house with its three uniquely-positioned butteries was not compromised. The quarries were turned into individually themed gardens with a variety of exotic imported plants. The Egyptian quarry for instance contained a pool of water lilies fringed by papyrus. Morgan purchased several nearby properties, eventually owning over 80 acres.

A philanthropist in Canada, James Morgan was generous in Bermuda. In 1920 he gave money to his neighbourhood school, Warwick Academy, which allowed them to complete the wings and build the assembly hall. He was a member of the Warwick Parish Development Committee set up in 1917 to tackle the deficiency in the food supply by encouraging home gardening and the cultivation of all available land. The Morgans held fundraisers at Southlands to help with the cost of equipment needed for the newly opened King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

Click here to read the full article

To learn more about the history of Southlands see our newest book from out Architectural Heritage Series: Warwick, available for purchase.

BUILT HERITAGE: Independent Order of Odd Fellows’ Loyal Irresistible Lodge

BUILT HERITAGE | MARCH 19, 2020

By Linda Abend and Margie Lloyd, Bermuda National Trust

In conjunction with the National Museum of Bermuda, the Trust is going to run a series of short articles about the buildings that we consider most at risk in Bermuda and the most worth saving. This is the first article.

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.

Designed by John W Greig as a two-storey building, 56’ x 29’ x 14’ 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 More

New Nature Reserve, Eve’s Pond

PRESS RELEASE: Joint Statement: Buy Back Bermuda, The Bermuda National Trust and the Bermuda Audubon Society: Breaks ground for new nature reserve

March, 9th 2020 – A new nature reserve in Hamilton Parish will be open to the public this suBmmer. Ground was broken on Friday for the restoration of Eve’s Pond, a project by Buy Back Bermuda, the joint initiative of Bermuda National Trust and Bermuda Audubon Society. In 1941 Eve’s Pond was filled in with sand dredged from Flatts Inlet. Funds raised from the community enabled Buy Back to acquire the 3.5-acre property in 2012, and prepare for its restoration as a sanctuary for wildlife and public enjoyment. Stay tuned for updates on this important conservation project.

Eve’s Pond Press Release

Open Space Quarrying Proposal

PRESS RELEASE: Joint Statement: Bermuda National Trust and Bermuda Audubon Society on Judkin Lane, Hamilton Parish, Open Space quarrying proposal

February 11, 2020 – The Bermuda National Trust and Bermuda Audubon Society are extremely disappointed with the decision of the Minister of Home Affairs to approve the proposed commercial quarrying on the lot north of 9 Judkin Lane in Hamilton Parish, against the recommendation of the Independent Planning Inspector appointed to review the appeal.

As noted by the Independent Planning Inspector, this decision overturns the protection of Bermuda’s open space afforded by the Bermuda Plan 2018 and would result in the permanent destruction of a large section of woodland on a highly visible hillside in an area of significant environmental value.

We urge the Government to put in place a long-term plan for the provision of slate from acceptable development zones, for present and future use. The current approach is too damaging to our long-term future.

The ongoing piecemeal loss of Bermuda’s places of natural beauty, so essential to the wellbeing of the entire community, including our tourism product, is alarming. It flies in the face of the growing global understanding that we must do more, not less, to protect woodlands as part of the global fight against climate change.

Joint statement BNT BAS- Judkin Lane.pdf 

BNT Appeals the Decision to Approve

PRESS RELEASE: BNT Appeals the Decision to Approve PLAN-0082-19

The Bermuda National Trust has appealed the decision of the Development Applications Board to approve a large six-storey quarry on Judkin Lane (planning application PLAN-0082-19) and has received great support from both the Bermuda Audubon Society and BEST.

The proposal for a quarry, and that of an enormous house proposed in same location under a separate application, will have significant detrimental effects on a pristine natural area including three of our properties which we are charged to protect: two Nature Reserves, HT North and Mangrove Lake, that support many endangered species, and a wooded property with a house – the old Hamilton Parish Post Office – that today accommodates two residences. This proposal poses an unacceptable risk to the tenants’ safety and quality of their lives and would have a harmful effect on the Reserves.

As a charity with the primary goal of preserving the island’s built heritage and building methods, we in no way object to the quarrying of slate and we have much sympathy for members of the public who have been unable to acquire slate to repair their houses after Hurricane Humberto. However, we have been informed, as has the Government, that the owners of a historic slate quarry, not 300ft away from this site, offered that their quarry, in an unobtrusive location, be reopened to meet the current need – as it was in 2014 following Hurricanes Fay and Gonzalo – but to our knowledge, the owners did not receive a response or the proposal given the appropriate consideration.

We objected to this application for the following reasons:

• The proposal is for a six-storey quarry accessible only from a private driveway that is the only access to two of our residences;
• The site has permission only for a 1,000sqft house on the site of an existing ruin that necessitates no significant excavation;
• The site is designated by the 2018 Bermuda Plan entirely for conservation and the proposal is in no way compatible with this or the surrounding natural environment;
• An application, PLAN-0023-19, that has not been decided yet, for a 6,000+sqft house (12,000+sqft including hard landscaping) was erroneously presented to the Board as a fait accompli; we and a host of other concerned neighbours and conservation groups have objected to the house and its inappropriate scale and massing – not one house in the area exceeds 2,000sqft;
• This type of commercial and industrial process is only permitted in a development area, which this site is not;
• The Conservation Management Plan for the site was seriously flawed, provided no opportunity for public input, and inexplicably was given the go ahead, facilitating the deforestation of the entire Woodland Reserve on a steep and highly visible hillside;
• The clearing of this woodland encroached onto our property and removed a significant section of National Trust protected woodland;
• The applicant did not comply with the conditions of Planning and the Conservation Management Plan;
• The fact that no protected woodland remained onsite (due to the above) was perversely used as grounds to approve the development;
• The site was subject to an outstanding Planning Enforcement complaint as the owner misused the site’s Agricultural Reserve to store industrial equipment;
• Allowing Judkin Lane, a very narrow and curving single-track lane, for the use of heavy vehicles for an intense industrial process is not only environmentally unsound but poses a real threat to other road users;
• The real impact of traffic was not adequately presented to the Board;
• The application was not advertised as normal, nor were the details clear, meaning that many of the neighbours and other concerned conservation bodies were denied their right to provide input;
• We submitted our objection on the deadline on the afternoon of Wednesday, October 23, and the Board approved the application less than 48 hours later – meaning that its contents and concerns could not have possibly been given the proper scrutiny, analysis or consideration;
• The impact of noise, vibration, dust, traffic, air quality and runoff on our residences, neighbours and on the Nature Reserves HT North and Mangrove Lake and the wildlife they sustain was not established;
• The quarry will have an unacceptable impact and pose a threat to safety of the residents of one of our houses; 40ft from the garden of two small children;
• The operation licence will not mitigate the impact of noise, vibration etc. on our residences;
• The noise assessment submitted with the application is for a different property so has no bearing on this application as it is for a completely different site in a different environment;
• The applicant recently operated another quarry that was subject to stop orders and a retroactive planning application for quarrying in Woodland Reserve and this was not presented to the Board;  conversely the operation of the proposed quarry, PLAN-0082-19, was represented to the Board as an operation that would be carried out in an orderly manner and for a limited duration;
• The dismissal of the visual impact as being only ‘temporary’ is wrong. No dwelling will be able to obscure a six-storey quarry and the scarring of this important prominent hillside will be an eyesore to the public forever.

  Press Release.pdf 

BNT Summer Update 2019

The Bermuda National Trust hopes that everyone is having a lovely summer. In case you missed it, the Regulatory Authority of Bermuda (RAB) recently published an Integrated Resource Plan which lays out a plan to meet the island’s future electricity demand through a variety of sources. 

The plan can be found here Bermuda Integrated Resource Plan and there is an executive summary that we encourage everyone to read

The Bermuda National Trust is delighted to see that the RAB has selected option (1D) that aims to have at least 75% of Bermuda’s future energy use come from renewables by 2035, and is also one of the options with the lowest carbon emissions.

While there are still feasibility studies to be done, we certainly welcome this direction for the island as it is an important move away from fossil fuels towards more sustainable electricity.

We would like to congratulate the RAB and all the public and private bodies that were involved in the consultation process to ensure Bermuda is not too heavily reliant on fossil fuels.

Also in July we submitted an objection to a planning subdivision application for the former Riddell’s Bay golf course that seeks to create 19 additional building lots and would result in the loss of 20+acres of conservation land including the development of a 0.66km section of pristine coastline.

The application did propose the creation of an open space and nature reserve area. However, this is not set in stone and as such, we feel, cannot be considered alongside the subdivision as a positive aspect.  

Annual Children’s Nature Walk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 3, 2019 – Hundreds of children are expected to head out into nature tomorrow (Thursday, April 4) when the Bermuda National Trust’s annual children’s Nature Walk takes place at Spittal Pond.

This firm favourite for many holiday camps and families takes place from 9.30am until noon, starts from the eastern end of Spittal Pond and is free thanks to the sponsorship of Arch Re.

It is primarily aimed at children aged between 5 and 12, but parents, grandparents and teachers are welcome.   

Participants walk the length of the park in small groups and stop at eight points where experts on everything from birds to geology to history share their knowledge with the children.

Bermuda National Trust Executive Director Bill Zuill said: “Last week we were thrilled to host filmmaker David Bond in Bermuda to screen “Project Wild Thing” which explored ways to get children out from behind their computer screens and into nature. The Children’s Nature Walk is a perfect way to get children into the open air and into nature for fun and learning.”

He added: “Our education team has worked hard to provide Bermuda’s children with a fabulous experience at Spittal Pond this Thursday.

 “The 1.5 mile walk will have 8 points where resident experts are eager to share their knowledge with the children. This year’s experts include members of the Audubon Society; Dr David Wingate, Eric and Janice Hetzel and Jennifer Gray who will be bringing their telescopes and are ready to tell everything you want to know about the resident and migratory birds in Bermuda.”

The BNT’s Director of Education Dr Dörte Horsfield will be providing a short introduction to one of Bermuda’s largest and most important nature reserves, Dr Jamie Bacon will be explaining interesting facts about the pond and its biology and Dr Alex Amat will introduce children to water chemistry. Ronnie Chameau will tell the story of the runaway slave Jeffrey at Jeffrey’s Cave, BNT Conservation Officer Lawrence Doughty will explain the geology of the Checkerboard formation and Rui Desa from Bermuda College will bring the story of Portuguese Rock and the early sailors to life.

Bermuda Government Agricultural Officer Tommy Sinclair will be located by the dairy farm and will talk about cows and dairy farming in Bermuda.

Although no one will be turned away, the BNT encourages participants to register in advance. For more information visit our website www.bnt.bm or e-mail Dorte Horsfield at dhorsfield@bnt.bm

-ends-

Media Inquiries: Bill Zuill at 236-6483, 535-7477 or wzuill@bnt.bm

Children’s Nature Walk 2019 Press Release.doc 

International Conference of National Trusts 2019

Arms Wide Open: Strategies for Engaging with Diverse Communities

Bermuda chosen to host major conservation conference

December 18, 2018 – A successful bid by the Bermuda National Trust has resulted in Bermuda being chosen as the venue for a major conservation conference next year. The International Conference of National Trusts 2019 is expected to include 150 representatives of conservation organisations from around the world.

It is the group’s 18^th conference and was last staged in Bermuda 30 years ago. In addition, the fourth Caribbean Conference of National Trusts will take place at the same time to enable national trusts in the region to discuss their specific issues. 

The conference takes place from March 27-30, 2019 and will take place in St. George’s, Dockyard and at the Fairmont Southampton Resort.

“We are delighted to have been selected as the venue for the conference,” said Alana Anderson, President of the Bermuda National Trust. “It’s particularly meaningful for us as 2019 is the 50^th anniversary of the formation of our Trust.

“In addition, it’s a boost for Bermuda – not just the fact that the conference will bring visitors to our island in March, but because it attests to the fact that we are recognised as an island with a strong history of conservation and respect for our environment. We look forward to showing our visitors what Bermuda has to offer and how we have taken care and improved upon the natural beauty of the island. It will provide a valuable opportunity for us to learn from our peer organisations around the world.” 

Bill Zuill, Executive Director of the Bermuda National Trust, said the conference will be focused on diversity and inclusion “a topic of relevance to national trusts everywhere; only with the engagement of our communities can we succeeded in our conservation mission and ensure that natural and man-made heritage is preserved ‘for everyone, forever’.” 

The conference, titled “Arms Wide Open – Strategies for Engaging with Diverse Communities”, will be based at the Fairmont Southampton Resort with sessions to be held off site including at the Dockyard and St George’s World Heritage Site. 

“We have a great deal to discuss, but we want to showcase Bermuda as much as possible,” said Bill Zuill. “By locating the workshops and discussions outside the hotel, we will ensure our visitors get the a full Bermuda experience without compromising all the work we need to do.”

So far, delegates to the conference are signed up from 32 countries – Aruba, Australia, Bermuda, Cameroon, Canada, Cayman Islands, Curaçao, France, Fiji, Guyana, India, Indonesia, Malawi, Nepal, Netherlands, Nigeria, Philippines, Russia, St Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Sierra Leone, South Korea, Sri Lanka, St Helena, Tanzania, Taiwan, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, Virgin Islands, United Kingdom, United States and Zimbabwe.

Bermuda residents who wish to take part in the conference can also do so in one of two ways. They can sign up for a full delegates’ pass which includes evening entertainment for $800, or they can sign up for a Bermuda delegates’ pass, which entitles them to attend all daytime events, for $500.  Residents can register for the conference at https://into-icnt.org/

Panel discussions and workshops will be led by experts in their field from around the world, with strong representation from Bermuda. Plenary speakers confirmed so far include:

• British curator, historian and filmmaker Gus Casely-Hayford, Director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art in Washington DC since February, 2018. Awarded the OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, he is one of the world’s foremost authorities on African art, and the creator of the BBC TV series The Lost Kingdoms of Africa. Dr Casely-Hayford is a former Executive Director of Arts Strategy, Arts Council England, and advisor to the United Nations and the Canadian, Dutch and Norwegian Arts Councils and the Tate Gallery.
• Marquetta Goodwine became Queen Quet after being elected Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation. A native of St Helena Island, South Carolina, she is an author, preservationist and performance artist. In 2008, she recorded the story of the Gullah/Geechee at UNESCO headquarters in Paris for the UN archives. Her activism began with securing land rights for the Gullah/Geechee people, who often passed land down through the generations without any legal documentation to prove ownership. In 1996, she founded the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition to support the continuation of Gullah/Geechee culture.
• Gail Lord is president and co-founder of Lord Cultural Resources, formed in 1981 to address a need for planning services in the museum, cultural and heritage sector. The company has completed more than 2,200 projects in over 57 countries. Focused on creating value from “the maximisation of cultural resources”, the company has offices in New York, London, Mumbai, Beijing and Toronto, and clients in the public, private, foundation, government and nonprofit sectors.

Media Inquiries: Bill Zuill, Executive Director, Bermuda National Trust 

wzuill@bnt.bm  236-6483 ext 223

Government Land Leases to Farmers

July 24, 2018 – The Bermuda National Trust welcomes Public Works Minister David Burch’s decision to renew the lease of the Bascome family at Westover Farm, Sandys and of his intention to extend all lapsed agricultural leases of Government land to 21 years less one day.

The Trust believes that the preservation of arable land as open space, and the maintenance of working farms as a means of giving Bermuda a minimum level of food security, is vital for Bermuda’s long term sustainability.

Bermuda National Trust President Alana Anderson said: “We welcome the fact that not only will farmers see their leases renewed, but that they will be renewed for more than two decades. This means that these 13 vital open spaces will also be preserved for 20 years and will be available for the next generation of farmers.  

“We also urge the Ministry, as landlord, to encourage farmers to use best practices, and where possible, to introduce sustainable farming methods which will ensure that Bermuda’s arable land will be healthy and productive for many years to come.”

The Long Arc of Progress

One of former United States President Barack Obama’s guiding principles was this statement: “The moral arc of the universe is long, but it bends towards justice.”

That statement, first made by an American abolitionist in the 1800s, popularised by the Reverend Martin Luther King, and then taken as an article of faith by Obama, tells us that even when progress seems impossibly slow, we should have faith and hope that better times are coming.

It is sometimes wrongly criticised for being overly passive — you may think there is no need to do anything because change will come naturally, or that because progress is so slow, there is no point in trying to accelerate it. In fact, its deeper meaning is that even if the road seems impossibly long with no end in sight, you must keep moving forward — change will come.

Fifty years ago this week, 19,123 adult Bermudians, 91 per cent of registered voters, cast ballots in the first General Election held in Bermuda under universal adult suffrage — the principle of one person one vote, that right given without regard to gender, race or, for the first time in Bermuda’s history, property ownership.

It had taken 348 years to reach that point — almost 3½ centuries had elapsed between the first meeting of the House of Assembly and the 1968 election.

You can see the history of that evolution in the Chubb Gallery for the next two weeks at The Road to Democracy, a Heritage Month exhibition organised by the Bermuda National Trust with assistance from the Bermuda Archives, the Bermuda Historical Society, the National Museum of Bermuda and the Bermuda National Gallery.

As you follow the display around, you may notice that gradually it moves from a predominance of things — drawings of buildings, maps, medals, furniture and documents — to a predominance of people.

Some of the “things” are extraordinary. They include the 1834 Emancipation Act, which “utterly and forever” abolished slavery in Bermuda, Abraham Lincoln’s signature, artefacts from the women’s suffrage movement and more.

But the latter part of the exhibition consisting mainly of people reminds us that it was people who made the change that came about in 1968. People were elected to the House of Assembly who argued for a wider franchise. People joined the Progressive Group and launched the Theatre Boycott, which inspired more people to form the Committee for Universal Adult Suffrage in 1960 and 1961. Seven years later, the 1968 election took place.

For many people today, the world of pre-1968 Bermuda is, to steal the words of the song, a different world. Most of us have no conception of a government chosen by a few people to rule over many, or a world of legalised segregation.

For some of our older residents, people such as E.F. Gordon, Eustace Cann and W.L. Tucker remain living, breathing human beings — people they knew and worked with. The purpose of the exhibition and of historians is to make sure that they remain alive to us. We need to understand how we are connected to them, and them to us.

So this week we pay tribute to Dame Lois Browne Evans, to Sir Henry Tucker and to Sir Edward Richards, and to those young men and women elected for the first time in 1968, determined to make a new and better world. People such as John Barritt Sr, Eugene Cox, Quinton Edness, Austin Thomas, Roosevelt Brown, whose CUAS accelerated the change, John Stubbs, L. Frederick Wade, Gloria McPhee, Reginald Burrows and more.

And we also credit the few who are still with us today — Bill Cox, Stanley Lowe, Stanley Morton, Walter Roberts and C.V. “Jim” Woolridge — who were honoured in the House of Assembly this week.

To be sure, these people had their differences, political and otherwise. But in 1968 they recognised an essential truth: that Bermuda had to change.

There was confrontation and violence before, during and after 1968, but far less than there could have been. This largely peaceful revolution happened because far-sighted people were able to sit down and find ways to settle their differences. No one got everything they wanted at the 1966 Constitutional Conference, and today in Parliament not everyone gets everything they want, either. But they find a way to move forward. That is the essence of democratic government.

Before 1968, a small group of people made the decisions for all. Afterwards, everyone had a say. For that reason, it was a watershed year — the Bermuda we know today would not exist were it not for the events of 1968.

To be sure, the system is not perfect. But the miracle of 1968, and the lesson of 1968, is that Bermudians have the tools to change and improve on the system and they have done so. It may not always be easy, but it can be done and people can have hope that they can bring about the change they desire through peaceful and democratic means. That could not be said before 1968.

To understand why this matters, we need to go back another quarter-century.

In 1944, the issue dividing the island was over whether women of property should have the vote.

Dr Cann, whose mission is life was to end the property vote, feared, like other black politicians, that giving women property owners the vote would entrench that system, not weaken it, and he had previously opposed female suffrage.

But in 1944, Dr Cann had a change of heart when, after countless rejections, the legislation came up once more.

He said: “I shall vote for the measure today because I hate to see any group enslaved by the power of others and refused their legitimate rights.

“I call on all Assemblymen to consider these matters that would grant to others the same privileges now proposed for the Suffrage Society.”

Dr Cann argued that just as gender should not determine a basic right, nor should race, which was the effect of the property vote.

He was exercising hope; hope that the moral arc of history would bend towards justice and that his act of support would bend people towards his point of view.

It would take another 24 years, and Dr Cann would have gone to a better place when it did, but in 1968, 50 years ago this week, he saw his dream fulfilled.

• Bill Zuill is the executive director of the Bermuda National Trust. The Road to Democracy is at the Chubb Gallery until June 1. Opening hours are 10am to 4pm

Wayne Jackson Tribute

The Bermuda National Trust has learned with sadness that its former President, Wayne Jackson, passed away last week and has offered condolences to his wife Juliette and her family.

Mr. Jackson was President of the Trust from 2002 to 2005, having previously served on the Trust Council and as Fundraising Chairman. He presided over the successful launch of Buy Back Bermuda in conjunction with the Audubon Society of Bermuda, the further expansion of the Trust’s portfolio of own open spaces and nature reserves and the recovery from the devastation caused by Hurricane Fabian in 2003.

During his tenure, the Trust also expanded its book publishing activities, continuing the publication of volumes of Bermuda’s Architectural Heritage, and releasing “Rogues and Runners” on Bermuda’s role in the American Civil War. The period 2002-2005 were also years in which the Trust’s fundraising efforts were highly successful, putting the organisation on a sound financial footing for the more difficult economic years after 2008.

After stepping down as President, Mr. Jackson remained an enthusiastic supporter of the Trust, and was a frequent attendee and participant in Trust events.

BNT president Alana Anderson said: “I remember Mr. Jackson fondly as someone who welcomed me into the National Trust family with open arms.

She added: “He was generous with his time and passionate about his vision for the Trust and how important it was to get involved. I am deeply saddened by his passing and on behalf of the Trust send sincere condolences to his family.” 

Hugh Davidson, who succeeded Mr. Jackson as President, added: “Wayne was a good and dedicated friend to the National Trust. He was especially proud of the small birdseye cedar coffee table made by his ancestor John Henry Jackson which was sent to London in 1851 to be shown at the Great Exhibition.

“The table now lives at Verdmont and I think of Wayne every time I see it.”

Mr Davidson added: “We will miss Wayne’s continuous support and enthusiasm for the Trust and are deeply saddened to lose a member of the Trust family.”

ATVs on Railway Trail and in National Parks

The Bermuda National Trust is deeply dismayed and disheartened by the decision to grant a one-year license for ATV tours on the Railway Trail in Sandys.

We are particularly concerned that the Minister of Parks feels able to ignore the fact that 99.7 percent of those who responded to the public consultation objected to the proposal. Many will perceive this as making a mockery of the public consultation process and this will reduce confidence in public consultation in general.

This morning we reached out to other concerned groups who objected to the plan and we are to hold an emergency meeting to review the options open to us.

Notwithstanding the need for innovative experiences for our visitors, the safety and enjoyment of our National Parks is paramount. They are the preserves of all of us; our children, seniors, athletes, artists, differently abled, farmers, birdwatchers, walkers, horse riders, fisherman, visitors and more. Open spaces like the Railway Trail are essential to the public’s overall health and the wellbeing of our community. This tour threatens to disrupt the peace and tranquility people seek in parks and open spaces.

We do not believe that this one tour with its limited reach, nuisance and the dangerous precedent it sets, can in way demonstrate that it is in the public interest to justify overriding a number of different pieces of legislation.

Annual Auction and Jumble Sale

March 1, 2018 – The Bermuda National Trust’s annual Auction and Jumble Sale kicks off today with hundreds of bargain hunters and lovers of antiques and Bermudiana descending on the Botanical Gardens.

Two 18^th Century Bermuda cedar chests are among the highlights of Saturday’s auction, whose preview starts today. The chests, donated by a Bermuda family, are fine examples of the high standards of workmanship of Bermudian cabinetmakers.

The chests are in excellent condition and in one case, still have the staple hinges which were typical of the original chests. The Trust is very grateful for this exceptional and generous gift.

The larger chest dates back to the 1790s and the earlier, Chippendale chest is a fine example of Bermudian cabinetwork.

The auction also features other Bermuda cedar antiques, including a rare cedar tea table with a scalloped curtain and two rocking chairs.  There is also a wide selection of mahogany antique furniture, including a tilt top breakfast table and a Victorian four poster bed.

There are several outstanding pieces of art. A Charles Lloyd Tucker pen and ink drawing of a fishing boat at Front Street is one of the highlights, and there are also two Chris Marson watercolours.

A sterling silver tea urn from 1890 is in excellent condition, and there is also a full set of Royal Worcester Beaufort bone china.

There are at least three antique dining tables and there is also an excellent set of six English Rosewood dining chairs. 

At the jumble sale, which started today, there is some excellent jewellery and fine housewares, in addition to more than 3,000 items covering every imaginable category for the home.

The auction preview and jumble sale take place today from 8.30am until 6.30pm and tomorrow from 8.30am until 2pm. The auction starts at 10am on Saturday – rain blow or shine.

  2018 Auction Catalogue .pdf 

ATV Tours on Railway Trail and National Parks

The Bermuda National Trust is strongly objecting to the proposal to allow the Railway Trail and National Parks in the West End to be used for ATV tours.

And we are urging you, our members and supporters, to review the proposal, which would require changes to the rules governing vehicle access to public parks, and to send in your own objections.

The former One Bermuda Alliance government gave provisional approval for the plan. We understand that the approval was given despite a unanimous recommendation by the Parks Commission to reject the proposal.

The proposal would bring all-terrain vehicles on to the Railway Trail, Hog Bay Park, Fort Scaur Park and the Heydon Trust.  It would also run alongside the National Trust’s Gilbert Nature Reserve for part of the route.

National Trust President Alana Anderson said: “The Trust vehemently objects to National Parks being accessed by motorised vehicles as it would be wholly incompatible with the quality, character and function of these natural and historic sites.

“The National Trust supports the active enjoyment of our parks and open spaces and encourages their enhancement and new uses for them. We also welcome innovative thinking to revitalize our tourism industry and to enrich our visitors’ experiences in Bermuda.

“Nevertheless, the proposal would set a terrible precedent. Hog Bay Park is one of Bermuda’s largest and most peaceful parks which is a vital amenity for neighbourhoods in the area while thousands of people use the Railway Trial for walking and relaxation.

“The disruption from the proposed tours in terms of noise, erosion to unpaved walking and nature trails, disturbed wildlife and threats to safety would have a detrimental impact on surrounding nature reserves, parklands and historic sites and conflict with their function as places of respite, amenity, education, recreation and conservation.”

National Trust Preservation Committee chairman Robert Masters added: “There is no doubt that the use of the 150cc ATVs will pose a threat to public safety; it is nonsensical to imagine that they will remain at or below 10mph. In addition, there are already walking and bicycle tours of these areas.

“Also, this will exacerbate the problem of illegal access by motorised vehicles of these parks. Hog Bay Park has suffered from an entrenched problem with scramblers for years without any effective solution – damaging the paths, endangering the users, negatively affecting the agricultural land and disturbing neighbours. Introducing ATVs to the park will only make it worse.” 

The deadline for objections is November 14 (next Tuesday).

 Comments may be sent in writing via the Government Portal at https://www.gov.bm/proposed-change-use-scaur-hill-fort-park-and-hog-bay-park, or at: https://www.gov.bm/sites/default/files/8500_Proposed-Change-of-Use.pdf

• Submissions can be sent in to the Parks Department, via e-mail at parkspublicconsultation@gov.bm before 4pm on November 14.
• You can also mail your submissions to the Department of Parks, P.O. Box HM20, Hamilton, HMAX.
• You can also make your submissions in person by visiting the Department of Parks’ main office, Ground floor Global House, Church Street, Hamilton.

The Department of Parks will have forms available to fill out, and schematics of the proposed trail changes will be on display in their main lobby for review and consideration.

For more information regarding this proposal, you can email parkspublicconsultation@gov.bm.

2017 BNT Raffle Winners

Congratulations!!

Coming Up at the Trust

BNT 2018 Calendars Have Arrived!    Come to Waterville to pick up your copy of our 2018 calendar, available now for $10.    The 2018 calendar features stunning photography by Trust Museums Manager Rohan Shastri.   

For further information please contact palmetto@bnt.bm or call 236-6483

 

Help Us Meet Our Raffle Goal!     We’re making great headway with our 2017 raffle. There are five weeks before the draw so please return your tickets using the prepaid envelope provided.    Thank you to all who have volunteered their time selling raffle tickets at MarketPlace stores.   We still need more volunteers on Wednesdays and Saturdays so if you have some spare time please take a look at our online sign-up sheet for your preferred location. 

For further information please contact palmetto@bnt.bm or call 236-6483

Trust Talks : The Bermuda Gombey – Origins and Evolution    Join us at Verdmont for an indepth discussion on the origins and evolution of the Bermuda Gombey, hosted by Gary Phillips, chairman of the Bermuda National Gallery.  Gary will be interviewing active leaders of Bermuda Gombey Troupes, diving deep into how the Bermuda Gombey has evolved, the diverse use of semiotics across the troupes as well as what it means to be a Gombey now.   Location: Verdmont, 6 Verdmont Lane, off Collectors Hill, Smith’s Parish 
Date and time: October 8th, 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Tickets: $20 members / $25 non members / $10 under 18
Booking: 
Online: www.bnt.bm
Email: rshastri@bnt.bm 
Phone: 236-6483

 

Wednesday Walks in St George’s    Join our walking tour around St. George’s every Wednesday.   We’ll be your guides around both the Globe Museum and Tucker House where you’ll learn the fascinating history of these two iconic Bermuda buildings and explore the museum collections housed inside.   

Date and time: Every Wednesday at 11:00am starting from October 11

Location: Globe Museum, 32 Duke of York Street, St. George’s
Tickets: $10 adults / $4 under 18 Cash or card accepted at the start of the tour

For further information please contact education@bnt.bm or call 236-6483

Trust Talk: Dance Bermuda with Conchita Ming    Author Conchita Ming will be leading a talk on her new book Dance Bermuda. This fascinating work was researched over 10 years and explores the evolution of dance in Bermuda charting the history of dance on the island from the 1700s to modern day covering colonial-era classes, gombey troupes, hotel ballrooms and ballet.  This talk promises to offer unique insight into Bermuda’s dance history, of which little has been told before.  Wine and nibbles will be served.  Copies of Dance Bermuda will be available to purchase on the evening for $45. Conchita is kindly donating a portion of proceeds to the Trust.  

Location: Waterville, 2 Pomander Road, Paget
Date and time: October 12, 6pm 
Tickets: $20 to members, $25 for non-members

Booking:
Online: www.bnt.bm 
Phone: 236-6483 
Email: palmetto@bnt.bm

FarmFest 2017 FarmFest is a fun-filled family day on the grounds of our stunning 10-acre property “Devondale”.    We’ll be highlighting the best of the season and hosting game stalls, arts and crafts, food stalls, tractor rides, 3-legged races, a fortune teller, pony rides, a Halloween costume parade, a scarecrow competition and much more!  Come along and discover this beautiful open space flanked by farm fields and an historic home, all protected by the Bermuda National Trust.   

Location: Devondale, 33 South Road, Devonshire
Date and time: Saturday October 28, 10:00am to 4:00pm
Free Admission! Tickets will be available for games, food, stalls and rides
For more information please visit www.bnt.bm, call 236-6483 or email palmetto@bnt.bm 

BNT 2017 Raffle

The 2017 Bermuda National Trust Raffle has launched and we need your support! We are recruiting volunteers to help sell raffle tickets at various MarketPlace locations across the island. If you are able to spare two hours of your time for a good cause please sign up today using the following link: http://bit.ly/2xLPpit

Our top prizes include a a Bermi 200 electric car, a $5000 travel voucher, $2500 in vouchers at the MarketPlace and a whole lot more. All proceeds go directly towards helping the Trust preserve Bermuda’s unique natural and cultural heritage.

In addition to MarketPlace stores, you can pick up your tickets at Waterville and the Globe Museum.

#BNTRaffle2017

Johnnie Bread : Interactive Theatre Coming Soon to Verdmont

Smith’s Island Talk and Boat Trip – July 20th & July 22nd

All are welcome to attend Professor Michael Jarvis’s update on the University of Rochester Archaeology Field School’s work on Smith’s Island where, investigations continue into the early inhabitation of this island in St George’s Harbour.

Professor Jarvis, whose dig is sponsored by the Bermuda National Trust, will be speaking at 7pm on Thursday, July 20 at the St George’s Heritage Centre on Penno’s Wharf.

Tickets for the talk are $20 for BNT and St George’s Foundation members and $25 for non-members. Children and students may attend for $10.

Professor Jarvis, the author of Bermuda history book “In the Eye of All Trade” and a leading expert on Bermuda history and buildings, has been conducting archaeological field schools at Smith’s Island since 2010 – exploring remnants of settlements dating back to 1610 when survivors of the Sea Venture wreck were left in Bermuda.

Professor Jarvis will speak on the most recent digs on the Island, including progress on the 2017 Field School. This work includes:

• Completing the excavation of the artifact-rich cistern and finding a hypothesized main house,
• Greatly expanding the uncovering of the Smallpox Bay site to map what is believed to be Governor Richard Moore’s brief 1612 town; and  
• Making maps and preliminary assessments of two new promising sites at the West End. 

Those interested in the Smith’s Island dig will then get a chance to see the dig itself with a boat trip on Saturday, July 22. The boat will leave St George’s at 2pm. A maximum of 40 people will spend the afternoon exploring the island with Professor Jarvis and learning more about their work and their finds. Tickets for the boat trip are $30 for BNT and SGF members and $35 for non-members. Children and students may attend for $10. Tickets can be obtained by calling 236-6483 or emailing rshastri@bnt.bm. 

Alana Anderson elected as President of the Bermuda National Trust

The Bermuda National Trust is pleased to announce that it has a new President.

Alana Anderson was elected President by the Council of the National Trust after its annual General Meeting and Awards Ceremony last Thursday, June 22^nd.

Mrs. Anderson has been a member of the Council since 2008 and has been Vice President since June, 2015.

Currently employed at Sompo International as an Assistant Vice President and Associate Underwriter, Mrs. Anderson has had a deep interest in the environment and Bermuda’s heritage and culture since childhood.

As a Council member, she has been Chairman and the Governance Committee and has served on the Executive Committee and Finance Committee.

Mrs. Anderson said: “The Bermuda National Trust has always held a special place in my heart. It is a great honour to be elected as its President.  I am both excited and eager to continue on the legacy of ‘for everyone forever’.”

Mrs. Anderson succeeds Lt Col William White as President. Lt Col White served as President from 2010 to 2015 and stepped back into the role in March 2015 until this month.

He will remain on the Council in a non-voting capacity as Immediate Past President.

Lt Col White was also honoured with the Trust’s top award – the Palmetto Award – at the annual Awards Ceremony that preceded the AGM. The award is given for outstanding service to the community in areas of concern to the Trust or service to the Trust itself.

Mark Orchard was elected to serve as Vice President of the Bermuda National Trust at the same meeting. A member of Council since 2013, Mr Orchard, a Chartered Surveyor and real estate consultant and agent, is the founder of Mark Orchard Real Estate (MORE) and is a long-standing member of the Trust and the Vice President of Keep Bermuda Beautiful (KBB).

Mr Orchard said: “I am honoured to be elected the Vice President of the Bermuda National Trust.  Since joining the Trust in 2013 I have been astounded by the breadth of responsibilities that this organization conducts throughout the island; overseeing many of our country’s most important cultural assets including historic homes, museums and open spaces, as well as irreplaceable icons, including a vast collection of artwork, archival books, ancient silverware and priceless cedar furniture. 

“Ensuring that our Island’s unique legacy of traditions and treasured assets is maintained and made more accessible to the public will be key to ensuring the financial well-being of this important charity.   I look forward to playing an active role in enhancing this legacy.”

Lt Col White said: “I congratulate Alana and Mark on their new appointments within the Trust. They both have a wealth of experience, and a strong team of Council, volunteers and staff. The Trust is in good hands. I am also deeply appreciative for being selected as recipient of the Palmetto Award.”

Also stepping into a new role is Robert Masters, who was elected to be Chairman of the Preservation Committee. The Head Librarian at the Bermuda College, Mr Masters is a long-standing member of the Preservation Committee and was appointed to the Council last year. He has a deep knowledge of Bermuda history, architecture and furniture.

He replaces Mr Paul Leseur as chairman of the Preservation Committee. Mr Leseur continues on the Council as Honorary Vice President and is chairman of the Patrons Committee.

Also re-elected to the Council at the Annual General Meeting were Ms Robin Mayor, who continues as chairperson of the Development Committee and Mr Stephen Kuzyk who continues as Treasurer.

Currently, the other members of the National Trust Council are: Karen Border, Hugh Davidson, Kevin Gunther, Jan Macdonald, Tim Rogers and Mariette Savoie.  

Bermuda National Trust Awards 2017

On Thursday, June 22, we gathered at the BUEI to present the Trust Awards. These accolades recognise individuals, organisations, groups and schools who have worked for the benefit of Bermuda and its people, to preserve places of beauty or historical interest, buildings, artefacts, lands and animal and plant life, and to promote their appreciation. Congratulations to all our 2017 winners!

Secret Garden Party at Waterville

Environmental Organisations Come Together to Pay Tribute to the Late Dr David Saul

Environmental organisations have come together to pay tribute to the late Dr David Saul and to offer his family their heartfelt condolences.

Dr Saul was a lifelong supporter of the Bermuda Audubon Society and the Bermuda National Trust and was instrumental in bringing those two organisations together to form the hugely successful Buy Back Bermuda joint venture.

The tremendous success of Buy Back Bermuda in saving three acres of land known as Pitman’s Pond at Somerset Long Bay from development in 2004 and converting it into a superb nature reserve and bird sanctuary was very much due to the drive of Dr Saul. That fundraising effort, carried out under the umbrella of a joint venture between the Bermuda Audubon Society and the Bermuda National Trust, was spearheaded by Dr Saul and was oversubscribed – raising almost $2.2 million.

These funds made it possible to buy the land and carry out the conversion to a spectacular park with amenities for both people and wildlife and to provide sufficient funds to maintain it. 

Buy Back Bermuda member Dr David Wingate recalled yesterday: “When I first learned that Joffre Pitman had to sell his private nature reserve at Somerset Long Bay, and that there was a buyer prepared to pay $2.4 million for it to build a beach front condo complex, I despaired, as the Bermuda Audubon Society had never tackled a nature reserve project bigger than a few hundred thousand dollars before.

“We called David for advice and it was his boundless confidence and extraordinary fund raising skills which led us to the partnership with the Trust in what came to be called Buy Back Bermuda.”

Dr Saul also chaired the fundraising in Buy Back Bermuda’s second fundraising drive, which raised a further $2.5 million, which was used to purchase Eve’s Pond in Hamilton Parish, where plans are underway to convert it into a three-acre nature reserve and bird sanctuary. The balance of the funds were used to convert the Vesey Nature Reserve into a reserve after the land was given to Buy Back Bermuda by Ms Sharon Vesey. 

“Without David Saul’s tremendous energy, vision and powers of persuasion, the success of Buy Back Bermuda would not have been so grand. His confidence and ‘just do it’ leadership created a small but effective team who finished the job with great sucess.  His knowledge and experience were invaluable to Buy Back Bermuda from 2004 until he decided to step back in 2011, after which time he continued to be a wonderful supporter and sounding board,” said Buy Back Bermuda founding member and former Bermuda National Trust Director Jennifer Gray.

Buy Back Bermuda secretary Karen Border said: “We will miss his vitality and energy and his lifelong commitment to Bermuda generally and to the environment in particular.”

Bill Zuill, Executive Director of the National Trust: “Dr. Saul has been a longtime supporter of the Bermuda National Trust and believed wholeheartedly in the value of open space to our people and our biodiversity.  He loved nature and desired that everyone in Bermuda be given the chance to reap the many benefits of our precious open spaces.  His tremendous efforts in this regard leaves a legacy to be enjoyed by future generations and we are so very grateful for his passion and care of our island environment.  He will be sorely missed by all of us.”

Bermuda National Trust Executive director Bill Zuill added: “Dr. David Saul has been a longtime supporter of the Bermuda National Trust and believed wholeheartedly in the value of open space to our people and our biodiversity.  He loved nature and desired that everyone in Bermuda be given the chance to reap the many benefits of our precious open spaces.  His tremendous efforts in this regard leaves a legacy to be enjoyed by future generations and we are so very grateful for his passion and care of our island environment.  He will be sorely missed by all of us.”

Audubon president Andrew Dobson said: “David Saul was a former president of the Bermuda Audubon Society and we have lost not only a champion of the environment but a great visionary. He was instrumental in the formation of the Buy Back Bermuda campaign and leaves a wonderful legacy to Bermuda in the form of nature reserves at Somerset Long Bay and Vesey Reserve in Southampton. Without Dr. Saul’s drive and enthusiasm the Audubon Society wouldn’t own the magnificent Alfred Blackburn Smith nature reserve in Paget. David’s talents, generosity, vast knowledge and good company will be greatly missed. On behalf of the Audubon Society, I would like to offer sincere condolences to his wife Christine and all the Saul family”.

Young Creatives of Bermuda Honoured at Earth Day Video Film Festival

The Earth Day Student Video Competition 2017, sponsored by Marshall, Diel & Myers, engaged 75 students who submitted a total of 24 videos. 1^st prize in the Primary School category went to Bermuda High School students, Lily Jones & Ella Younie, for their video titled ‘Wave Goodbye to Pollution’.

Yvé Smith, Kaylah Stamper & Layla Williams of Bermuda High School won 1^st prize in the Middle Years category for their video ‘Getting out into Nature’. 2^nd prize in the Primary School category went to ‘Family Foods’ by Daryn Fox, Harmony Seymour & Eloise Tamine of Bermuda High School and 2^nd prize in the Middle Years category was awarded to Bermuda High School students Alex Carne, Camryn Heinicke & Tàja Williams for their video ‘The Ocean around Us’.

3^rd prize in Primary School category went to India Bascome, Samantha Barbosa, Bethany Gibbons and Sumayyah Ramatar of Somerset Primary School for their video ‘Getting out into the Ocean around Us’ and 3^rd prize in the Middle Years category was awarded to Jada Davis, Samantha Knights & Taylor Sousa of Bermuda High School.

To view all the videos please click here.

Trust Regrets Passing of Anna Phillips

We deeply regret that we have been informed that Anna Phillips, who worked for the National Trust for more than 20 years and was, with her husband Fred, a lifelong supporter of the Trust, has died.

Anna came to work for the National Trust in the early 1970s and was the assistant to William S Zuill as Director until his retirement in 1990. She then continued to work for the Trust as office administrator and membership secretary until she retired in 1996.

She and Fred were Life Members of the Trust and gave an enormous amount of time to the organization before and after her retirement. Fred is well known as one of Bermuda’s best cabinet makers and furniture restorers and many of the Trust’s artefacts have benefited from his expertise over the years.

The Trust offers its sincere condolences to  Fred Phillips and to Fred and Anna’s son Keith and his wife Vivian.

Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.

Palm Sunday Walk 2017

Photos from bernews.com

More than 2,000 people turned out yesterday to participate in the Bermuda National Trust Palm Sunday Walk through Paget and Warwick.

Walkers were able to explore areas of the parishes that are usually closed to the public as part of the annual five-mile walk.

This year’s event, which was sponsored by Sompo International, began and ended at the Bermuda College — with participants guided along a course that passed Elbow Beach, Coral Beach and Tennis Club, Alfred Blackburn Nature Reserve, Billy Goat Hill, the Poorhouse on Spring Road, Warwick Academy, Ship’s Inn, Salt Kettle, and the historic buildings of Bamboo Gate, Beverley and Horizons.

Bermuda National Trust Children’s Nature Walk 2017

More than 285 children, teachers, camp leaders and parents had a whale of a time when they flocked to Spittal Pond to learn about Bermuda’s environment and history through the Bermuda National Trust’s annual Children’s Nature Walk. 

Many of the schoolchildren had the added experience of seeing – often for the first time in their lives – humpback whales breaching and playing off the South Shore in Smith’s Parish. 

Taking in the sights of one of Bermuda’s most spectacular open spaces, walkers experienced nature firsthand with help from BNT volunteer guides and an inspiring group of Bermuda College Environmental Science students.

Local experts Peter Drew, Amy Harvey, Claire Grenfell, Karen Border, Erich Hetzel, Janice Hetzel and the Trust’s Conservation Officer, Lawrence Doughty were on hand to share their knowledge on nature reserve management, migratory birds, pond biology and plant species. Children and adults alike discovered local cultural and historical tales from Bermudian artist Ronnie Chameau and the Trust’s Museums Manager Rohan Shastri and learned about the varied species that inhabit this 64-acre wetland including the elusive American Eel and the Bermuda Skink.

The Governor, Mr John Rankin CMG, Minister of Youth Development and Sport Nandi Outerbridge, JP, MP and Minister of Environment and Planning, Sylvan Richards, JP, MP, joined the walk and interacted with the participants.

Bill Zuill, Executive Director of the Bermuda National Trust said: “The turn-out was wonderful despite the slightly blustery weather. This has been an amazing opportunity to introduce one of our most beloved nature reserves to so many of Bermuda’s new generation and we hope that they will remember this experience for years to come.”

Gladys Morrell table bought by Bermuda Historical Society

The Gladys Morrell table, a key symbol in the fight to get the vote for women in Bermuda, will go on public display tomorrow (Monday) after the Bermuda Historical Society successfully bid for the item at the Bermuda National Trust Auction on Saturday.

The table fetched $6,000 after Mrs Morrell’s family chose the annual Auction as the venue for its sale, along with other items which had belonged to the civil rights icon.

As an act of defiance against being denied their voting rights, the Bermuda Suffragettes refused to pay Parish Taxes which resulted in the seizure and subsequent auctioning of furniture belonging to the group. Remaining steadfast to their cause and refusing to back down, a band of suffragettes and their supporters attended these annual auctions where they bid on, won and returned seized items to their owners. In Gladys Morrell’s case, it was the same table every year until property owning women were granted the right to vote in 1944. That vote was a vital stage in the march to universal adult suffrage which was achieved 19 years later.

On Saturday at the Botanical Gardens, the Bermuda Historical Society was successful in bidding for the table and Society President Andrew Bermingham said it will go on display at the Society’s museum in Par-la-Ville Park on Queen Street tomorrow (Monday).

Mr Bermingham said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been able to acquire this item and I would like to thank the Bermuda National Museum for deferring this is to us as they were also interested in purchasing it.

He added: “This iconic piece will remain on public view for posterity as a reminder of the role Gladys Morrell plated in ensuring the right of women to vote. She is one of Bermuda’s national heroes and we hope people will come and see this this piece of more modern history. The table was very old and valuable in its own right but it also has huge historic value.

“Having served on the Bermuda Police in the mid-1960s, I did know Sgt George Down who was one of the Somerset policeman who would have been at the auctions in the 1930s. So for me personally it is a tremendous asset of the museum and we are delighted to have it for posterity.”

The family and the National Trust had specified that the table could only be sold to a local buyer so that it would not leave the Island.

Said Trust Executive Director Bill Zuill: “We are very pleased that our friends at the Bermuda Historical Society were successful in bidding for the table, and for a tea set that belonged to Mrs Morrell and are thrilled that the table will now be used in telling story of women’s suffrage in Bermuda.

“The 30-year struggle to get the vote for women was an important stage on Bermuda’s march to universal adult suffrage and civil rights for all, regardless of race or gender and we hope that this will illuminate this vital part of our history and the continued efforts to ensure all people enjoy human rights.”

In addition, an 18^th Century cedar chest which had been in Mrs Morrell’s family for generations – along with the table – was sold for $6,500 to a descendant of the Gilbert family, for whom it was originally made.

Some 300 items were auctioned at the BNT sale along with thousands of other goods at the Trust’s annual jumble sale held on Thursday and Friday.

“The Trust is very fortunate to have a dedicated team of more than 50 volunteers who come together every year to make this event an extraordinary success, which not only raises money for the Trust but brings people together from all walks of life,” Mr Zuill said.  “We want to thank everyone who volunteered, donated and bought items at the event, which we call Bermuda’s biggest recycling event!”

The BNT Launches Earth Day Student Video Contest

The Bermuda National Trust looks forward to celebrating Earth Day on April 22^nd with a new collection of videos about Bermuda’s precious environment made by Bermuda’s own students. Inspired by the Bermuda National Trust challenge,  students will have brainstormed, researched, interviewed, filmed and presented their  views on the environmental impact of our actions and  will have put forward recommendations for a greener lifestyle.

The Bermuda National Trust, along with our sponsor Marshall, Diel and Myers, encourages our youth to put modern technologies into play as they create environmental videos expressing their concerns for today and their vision for tomorrow.

We are inviting all students to participate in this year’s Earth Day Student Video Competition.  They are encouraged to showcase their creativity, innovation and commitment to our natural and cultural heritage as well as to the future of the planet.  Students can work individually, as a group or as part of a science/technology class, to create a two to four minute video.  The video should relate to one of the following themes: ‘Remarkable Trees’, ‘Local Food, ‘What Does Earth Day Mean to You?’, ‘Getting Out Into Nature or ‘The Ocean Around Us’.

Here are a few ideas which might help students to choose a topic for their video:
Remarkable Trees

Bermuda has many magnificent trees growing along road sides, in parks and on residential properties. Search for these trees and research their names and botanical characteristics. Ask questions such as: Where did they come from and why are they important for the Island, its people, animals and plants? What is the value of our trees?

Local Food

Today we have more imported and locally produced food choices than ever before. Research the food produced in Bermuda. You might want to interview friends and family about their food shopping and cooking. Is local food more expensive than imported food? How are the local farmers and fishermen doing economically in Bermuda? What are the traditional dishes of Bermuda? Why is it more environmentally friendly to eat locally produced food?

Getting Out Into Nature

Go for a walk or hike and record Bermuda‘s beautiful landscapes, plant and animal life. How do you feel when you spend time in nature, when you go for a walk and switch off from mobile devices? Think about how people are connecting the great outdoors? What are your favourite places in Bermuda and why?

The Ocean Around Us

Bermuda is surrounded by the Sargasso Sea. Research the importance of it and its floating Sargassum Seaweed Community. You may want to interview a Marine Biologist and get his/her view too and discuss ways to clean and protect our oceans. Another topic could focus on the value of Bermuda’s reefs or the plastic debris that is pollution the oceans.

If you are interested please contact the Bermuda National Trust by e-mail education@bnt.bm and browse www.bnt.bm/education to view videos submitted in previous years.  Registration ideas for videos and guidelines are also listed on the webpage.

The deadline for registration is extended to February 24^th and the deadline for submittal is April 7^th (education@bnt.bm).

Submitted videos will be screened at a mini film festival day before Earth Day (April 21st, 2017), and will be featured through the Bermuda National Trust’s website and on local television.

We encourage our youth to participate and Bermuda to listen to the voices of tomorrow, the future environmental stewards of our island home.

For more information, contact Dr Dorte Horsfield at 236-6483 or email dhorsfield@bnt.bm

Celebrating the Life of Trust Supporter Andrew Trimingham

The Bermuda National Trust offers its condolences to the family and friends of Andrew Trimingham, who passed away in Devon, England on Friday at the age of 82.

Andrew Trimingham was a great supporter and powerful advocate for the National Trust from the time of his return to Bermuda in the 1970s until his death. He was a long-time Council member and President of the Trust from 1985 to 1987. He was also one of a number of Trust members in the 1970s who helped to found the Bermuda Maritime Museum in 1975 and remained a supporter of the Trust’s sister organisation – now the Bermuda National Museum – throughout his life.

Andrew Trimingham’s expertise on Bermuda architecture was invaluable in the evolution of the Old House survey which was driven by his life companion John Adams, the former Government Archivist. The Old House Survey led to the development of the listing system for Bermuda’s old houses, and Andrew Trimingham was chairman of the Historic Buildings Advisory Committee. The Survey also formed the basis for the National Trust’s hugely successful Architectural Heritage Series, and Andrew Trimingham was the author of the first in the series, “Devonshire” and contributed to the second and third volumes on St George’s and Sandy’s.

Andrew Trimingham left Bermuda after his retirement and settled in Devon with his friend and life companion, former Bermuda Government Archivist John Adams. He died there on Friday, shortly after celebrating his 82nd birthday in December.

Friends of Andrew Trimingham will remember that he was a passionate advocate of Bermuda’s built heritage and natural environment. He believed that Bermuda’s organically developed style of architecture, Bermuda-made artefacts and open spaces were what made Bermuda unique and attractive to others and was determined to help to preserve them for future generations.

Protecting the Bermuda Skink

December 6, 2016 – The Bermuda Audubon Society and the Bermuda National Trust have condemned the recent practice of prising rocks from the natural formations and piling them into rock-life formations.

The practice, which has occurred on several occasions in Spittal Pond, is disturbing some of the few remaining habitats for the Bermuda Skink, which is considered to be critically endangered and is protected under the Bermuda Protected Species Act 2003.

Apart from disturbing the habitats of endangered species, prising up and moving rocks can also cause erosion and can disturb plants and ferns.

Audubon Society president Mr Andrew Dobson said: “While we understand that the creation of these rock formations or cairns is sometimes considered to be art, people may not be aware that interfering with nature in this way can have catastrophic effects on other species and can cause major disturbances to the natural environment.”

Bermuda National Trust President Lt Col William White added: “Thousands of people every year enjoy Bermuda’s parks, nature reserves and open spaces, but users need to respect the safety of the species which rely on these areas for their very survival.”

Lt Col White added: “The saying ‘Take nothing but memories, leave nothing but footprints”, is appropriate here. Nature takes thousands of years to evolve and we must take enormous care not to disturb that evolution while we enjoy these areas.”

Parks around the world are dealing with similar problems. The US National Parks Service recently launched an effort in the Southwest states of discouraging cairn-building.

The Audubon Society and the Trust are urging people to desist from this practice, Anyone with information, or who is interested in learning more about the problem, can contact info@audubon.bm or palmetto@bnt.bm

William Sears Zuill M.B.E. Director Emeritus of the Bermuda National Trust

William Sears Zuill M.B.E.

Director Emeritus of the Bermuda National Trust

Director 1972 to 1990

The Bermuda National Trust laments the passing of William Sears Zuill MBE. William Zuill was the first Director and first full time employee of the Bermuda National Trust, and served in this capacity for 18 years until his retirement in December 1990. As such, he was an integral part of the history of the Trust since its inception in 1970.

The Historical Monuments Trust was established in 1937 to safeguard Bermuda’s heritage through ownership of historically important houses and open space. William Zuill contributed to the work of the Historical Monuments Trust alongside his father and others prior to 1970.  He was instrumental in implementing the complex handover of Historical Monuments Trust properties and collections to the newly formed Bermuda National Trust. He also was integral to the rapid increase in the membership and community respect for the new organization, and its acquisition of additional properties and collections to preserve more of our natural and built heritage. I quote from the Bermuda National Trust Newsletter of January 1991 “During his tenure the Trust has grown from guardians of 12 properties and two open spaces to trustees of 60 properties of all sizes and descriptions. This increase of incredible proportions has all taken place under Mr Zuill’s dedicated guidance.“

The Christmas Walkabout was his idea in 1978. It was originally a Christmas party for Trust members with events in each of the major St George’s properties held by the Trust to engage the membership in our historic properties. The Children’s Nature Walk was also created to do the same in places of natural beauty, and the Palm Sunday Walk, started in 1974, introduced members to parts of Bermuda they could not normally reach. These annual events are now attracting so many Bermudians they are truly national events, and have far surpassed their humble origins.

William Zuill was an accomplished author, and many of his works form part of the educational publications of the Bermuda National Trust.  He contributed to the first publication of “Held in Trust” and wrote and paid for the production of “Footsteps in the Sand” to provide historical content as a companion to the 400th Anniversary of the beginning of human habitation in Bermuda. His “The Story of Bermuda and her People” is now in its third edition and his latest publication, “The Pirate Menace”, was the subject of a very entertaining talk he gave only last year at Verdmont as part of the Bermuda National Trust series of museum chats.

In addition to his work with the Bermuda National Trust, William Zuill was also very active in the development of the National Trust movement around the world. He chaired the committee responsible for hosting the fifth International Conference of National Trusts in Bermuda in 1989 which was attended by 53 delegates attending from 23 Countries. This conference was one of the many activities organized as part of the Bermuda National Trust’s 20th Anniversary. His leadership and advocacy within the international arena resulted in William Zuill becoming a founding member of the International National Trust Organisation. INTO has grown so that today it has a membership of almost 70 National Trusts from around the world.

On behalf of Bermuda National Trust members, staff and Council, past and present, I thank William Sears Zuill for his invaluable contribution to the work of the Trust, and quote again from that newsletter of 1991 “An era has ended, of that there is no doubt. And we look back with gratitude and thanksgiving, for William S. Zuill was the right man in the right place at the right time.”

Lt Col William K White

Council President, Bermuda National Trust

Bermuda National Trust response to the Throne Speech

The Bermuda National Trust welcomed the fact that Bermuda’s environment and heritage received attention in the Government’s Throne Speech on the 7th of November.

The Trust noted with interest plans to facilitate the growth of “the beach economy”.

“We hope that environmental advocates will be involved in consultations to ensure that maintaining Bermuda’s reputation for having pristine beaches is balanced against the need for growth in tourism,” said Trust President Lt Col William White.

Lt Col White also welcomed the development of a National Heritage Policy.

“As the primary advocate for Bermuda’s built heritage and as the custodian of perhaps Bermuda’s largest collection of artifacts, we look forward to consultations on this vital initiative and support all efforts which help to build a greater understanding of our collective heritage,” he said.

On the environment, the National Trust supported a Green Paper to reduce the use of plastics on the Island and further initiatives to reduce invasive species like Lionfish, and also backed efforts to reduce illegal fishing around Bermuda.

The Trust also welcomed plans to remove the eyesore of the former Devon Springs Recycling Plant and to replace it with a playground and hopes that this will be expedited.

Bermuda National Trust Welcomes Bermuda Olympic Association Monument Decision

September 29, 2016 – The Bermuda National Trust today commended The Bermuda Olympic Association (BOA) on its decision to drop plans to install the Olympic Wall on the grounds of City Hall on a temporary basis and instead to place it in its permanent location at the National Sports Centre immediately.

The Trust had concerns about the placement of the Wall at City Hall but chose not to object on the basis that the location was a temporary one.

However, the Trust welcomed the BOA’s announcement, saying that the NSC was the most appropriate location for the Wall as the NSC served the whole of Bermuda and City Hall should be reserved for monuments dedicated to Hamilton. The Trust had also been concerned that the monument was to be located in the direct sightline of the Grade 1-listed City Hall and would obscure the view of the historic landmark.

Said Trust President William White: “We agree with the BOA that the site at Roberts Avenue is the most appropriate location for a monument to sporting achievement and will serve as an inspiration to the many sportsmen and women, spectators and young people who use the NSC’s facilities on a regular basis.

“We do not know all of the factors that went into the BOA’s decision, but the effect of the decision is the right one from an aesthetic and cultural standpoint and we commend the BOA and the National Sports Centre Trustees for this decision.”

2016 Bermuda National Trust Awards

We celebrated the incredible work of a number of individuals and organisations at our Annual Awards ceremony held at Elbow Beach Hotel on the 23rd of June, 2016.

The packed hall saw certificates and trophies presented by his Excellency the Governor George Fergusson, Minister of Environment Cole Simons and Leah Scott, representing the Ministry of Education.

The Trust has been presenting the awards annually for four decades to individuals, organisations, groups and schools who have worked for the benefit of Bermuda and its people, to preserve places of beauty or historical interest, buildings, artefacts, lands and animal and plant life, and to promote their appreciation.

Awards List

Education and Young Environmentalist awards

Education School Programmes Certificates: Lyceum Preschool for transforming an uninspiring concrete deck into an exciting outdoor classroom.

Wee Environmentalist Award: Southampton Preschool for the survey ‘TAG — you’re it!’ on recycling habits at the west-end primary schools.

The Education School Programmes Certificates: Somersfield Academy for their water bottle and drinking fountain initiative.

The Michael Darling Shield: Saltus Grammar School for The Saltus Island project.

Young Environmentalist awards

• JP Didyk for his passion for a healthy environment and for creating ‘Clean Habitats’

• Kairo Morton and Yassine Chentouf for creating an APP to identify and record ghost nets in the ocean

• Magnus Henneberger for his work as a youth Ambassador for Plastic Tides

Awareness Awards

• Ag Show Ltd for organising the return of the Bermuda Agricultural Exhibition

• Hidden Gems of Bermuda Ltd. for the popular and successful eco-tourism company

• Bacardi International for the sustainable initiative that provides employees bicycles to travel around Hamilton

The Deforest Trimingham Award: gassProductions for the Ocean Vet Series

Awareness and Environment Awards

• Groundswell for the popular annual Lionfish Tournament

• Bermuda Audubon Society and Deloitte for the Seymour’s Pond Nature Trail

• Bermuda Zoological Society for the Trunk Island restoration project

• Natasha Butterfield for cleaning up and maintaining the former Railway building and trail off Camp Hill in Warwick

The Patsy Phillips Bermudiana Award: Gertrude Gierlinger for 30 years of Bluebird rehabilitation

Preservation and Architecture Awards

Architecture Award: Germano Botelho — BotelhoWood Architects for the sensitive renovation of Elm Lodge Cottage, Harbour Road, Warwick

Preservation Awards

• Joy Rothwell and David Fox for the attractive restoration of the exterior of 13 Water Street in the Town of St. George’s

• Ministry of Public Works, Horsfield Landscape and Design Ltd. For building the Bermuda stone wall in the traditional style at the bus stop at the junction of Chapel Road and Middle Road, Paget

• BCM McAlpine — carpenters Hans Bruun, Kenneth Burch and Emanuel DeMelo for outstanding carpentry work on Springfield’s Verandah

• Wedco for restoring the windows of Building No. 9 Dockyard

The Clipper Award: Richard Lowry for commitment to the island’s built heritage and contributions to the Bermuda National Trust

Trust Honours

Staff Long Service Awards are awarded to acknowledge outstanding commitment to the Bermuda National Trust

5 yrs + Vincent Chaves, Donella Perinchief, Duane Symonds, Jackie Robinson

10 yrs + Randy Denbrook

25 yrs + Saleem Madyun

Service Awards are awarded to acknowledge outstanding voluntary service and support to the Bermuda National Trust:

• Connie Dey for her outstanding voluntary commitment to the Trust

• Steve Woodward for managing the Bermuda National Trust audit for 10 years

President’s Award

Awarded by the president of the Bermuda National Trust for a service, gift or contribution supporting the mission of the Trust: • The Estate of Jean Cox Spence for donating the historic house Devondale and its 10 acres of woodland and farmland to the Bermuda National Trust

The Palmetto Award is the National Trust’s highest annual honour and is awarded for outstanding service to the community in areas of concern to the Trust or service to the Trust itself

• Diana Chudleigh for enduring commitment and service to the Trust over many years and most recently, the Tucker House guide book and garden redesign

Buy Back Bermuda Round 2

Three years have gone by since we launched our first campaign, and we feel that we have enough energy and sufficient public support to save more green space from development. The Bermuda National Trust and The Bermuda Audubon Society invite you to help purchase and safeguard precious open space.

Our target this time is $2.5 million and we have identified two valuable properties – the first in Southampton, 7.6 acres next to Evans Bay Pond, and the second, 3.36 acres in Hamilton Parish, near Shelly Bay – almost 11 acres in total.

Your actions will result in ‘saving some open green space’ for current and future generations to enjoy. We hope that all concerned residents, young and old, local and international companies and even visitors, will help us with this, our Second Campaign, by making a financial contribution to this cause – regardless of how small the amount.

Please read our Brochure and complete the attached form and return it to us with your donation. All contributors will have their names recorded for prosperity on a monument to be constructed on the sites for all to see. The Committee and especially future generations of residents of Bermuda will be indebted to you for your foresight and generosity.

End To End Catlin Grant 2008

Click here for an aerial view of the current site and proposed trail.

Bermuda Slave Registers from 1821 and 1834

The Ombudsman for Bermuda, Arlene Brock, has made available two extensive databases made from the 1821 and 1834 Slave Registers which are held in the Bermuda Archives. The original hand-written Registers were created to facilitate compensation for slave-owners when the slaves would be emancipated. They provide a unique record and valuable research tool for many people who are tracing family or community history.

The databases were developed in searchable Excel format by Dr. Virginia Bernhard of the University of St. Thomas in Houston. They set out the names of owners, the total number of slaves and sex of the owners, the names of slaves, their sex, colour and work. Sadly they do not record the ages and birth places of the slaves, which are therefore only available from the originals on microfilm in the Bermuda Archives. Dr. Bernhard wanted to make these research tools available to the public, and the Bermuda Ombudsman has done so by releasing them to the Trust and two other organisations in Bermuda. In turning these databases over to the Ombudsman, Dr. Bernhard stated: “The Slave Registers are such a treasure. I have no objection to making the databases public – this is my way of saying thank you to Bermuda “. However, she stressed: “these are academic working lists. They are not perfect – there are some gaps and spelling errors”. The Archives are developing their own Slave Register database, but in the meantime the databases developed by Dr Bernhard will serve as useful tools for researchers.

• • 1821 register – pardon our progress as we are updating the data
  • 1834 register – pardon our progress as we are updating the data

International Conference of National Trusts 2019

Arms Wide Open: Strategies for Engaging with Diverse Communities

Local residents encouraged to register for international conservation conference

February 19, 2019 – A major international conference taking place in Bermuda next month will feature Bermudians among its speakers and panelists. The Island was chosen as the conference venue as the result of a successful bid by the Bermuda National Trust (BNT), which also celebrates its 50^th anniversary this year.

This major biennial conference (March 27-30) will bring an estimated 100 individuals to Bermuda, from conservation organisations in 37 countries in Africa, Asia Pacific, the Americas, the Caribbean and Europe.

It is the group’s 18^th conference and was last staged in Bermuda 30 years ago. In addition, the fourth Caribbean Conference of National Trusts will take place at the same time to enable national trusts in the region to discuss their specific issues.

Bermudian speakers and panelists will include Bermuda’s first female Premier, Dame Pamela Gordon Banks, former Executive Director of the Bermuda National Trust Jennifer Gray, former Executive Director of the Bermuda National Museum of Dr Edward Harris, Bermuda National Trust President Alana Anderson and Keep Bermuda Beautiful Executive Director Ann Hyde.

Local conservation organisations have also been invited to attend the event. “We have contacted our sister environmental and heritage organisations and hope they and other private individuals will take this opportunity to enjoy the knowledgeable participants,” said a spokesman for the BNT.

“Understanding that not everyone can commit the time for the full conference, we’re offering a number of packages to make it manageable for our Bermuda colleagues. Full conference attendance including evening activities is $800; full conference daytime activities only is $500; and the daily rate is $175.”

The CV Zuill Scholarship Trust will accept applications from local non-profit representatives who would like help with funding their conference attendance. Applications can be made at  http://www.cvzuillaward.org/

Several corporate sponsors have also given their support to the conference. They are Butterfield Bank, Chubb, Fidelity and OIL. In addition, conference partners include the National Museum of Bermuda and the St George’s Foundation, Bermuda Tourism Authority and the One World airline alliance.   The Conference hotel is the Fairmont Southampton Resort.

The conference theme is diversity and inclusion and is entitled “Arms Wide Open – Strategies for Engaging with Diverse Communities”. Sessions will take place at the Fairmont Southampton Resort with sessions to be held off site including at the National Museum of Bermuda in the Royal Naval Dockyard and St George’s World Heritage Centre.

In addition to plenary sessions, five tracks have been set up for breakout sessions. These tracks are the environment, built heritage, diversity and inclusion, education and engagement and capacity building.

International speakers include:

• Her Royal Highness Princess Dana Firas of Jordan, the President of the Petra National Trust
• Dame Fiona Reynolds, President of the International National Trusts Organisation and former Director General of The National Trust of England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• British curator, historian and filmmaker Gus Casely-Hayford, Director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art in Washington DC
• David Bond, award-winning director, producer and writer of documentary, commercial and short film projects and director of Project Wild Thing, a film about connecting children with nature
• John Orna-Ornstein, the Director of Culture and Engagement for the National Trust of England Wales and Northern Ireland – the world’s largest National Trust.
• David J. Brown, Executive Vice President and Chief Preservation Officer with the National Trust for Historic Preservation
• Author and environmental advocate Marquetta Goodwine, known as Queen Quet after being elected Chieftess and Head-of-State for the Gullah/Geechee Nation.
• Gail Lord, president and co-founder of Lord Cultural Resources, formed in 1981 to address a need for planning services in the museum, cultural and heritage sector

All questions to Bill Zuill, Executive Director at wzuill@bnt.bm or call 236-6483

To register for the conference, please go to https://into-icnt.org/

To see the programme in more detail, please go to Arms Wide Open Programme.pdf