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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. 1st 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 1st prize in the Middle Years category for their video ‘Getting out into Nature’. 2nd prize in the Primary School category went to ‘Family Foods’ by Daryn Fox, Harmony Seymour & Eloise Tamine of Bermuda High School and 2nd 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’.
3rd 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 3rd 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 18th 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 22nd 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 24th and the deadline for submittal is April 7th (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.
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.
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- 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 50th 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 18th 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