News

Auction & Jumble 2026

Stop by the Jack King Building & Commercial Slat House Thursday and Friday for our annual Auction Preview & Jumble Sale — thousands of items are seeking a new home!

Jumble Sale & Auction Preview:

• Thursday, 26 February 8:30 am – 6:30 pm
• Friday, 27 February 8:30 am – 2:00 pm

Auction:

• Saturday, 28 February 10:00 am – END

There is something for everyone, from affordable jewellery and unique treasures to household décor, books, china, furniture, children’s goods, and more.

In the Treasures section, you’ll find many exquisite items such as silverware, china, glassware, wood carvings, and figurines. In addition, the Jumble Sale features a large variety of kitchen items, books, picture frames, sporting equipment, DVDs, toys, cushions, tons of furniture, Christmas décor items, and much more.

Be sure to take a look at all of our auction items and collect an advance bid form if you are unable to attend the auction on Saturday.

This year, our auction features an eclectic mix to suit all budgets. Of special interest is a variety of Bermuda cedar furniture and small items, including a Bermuda chest of small proportions, a rare Bermuda cedar sugar chest, an antique mahogany secrétaire in excellent condition, two attractive antique crystal hurricane shades, a selection of carpets, and Bermuda art, including an encaustic painting by Sharon Wilson, a South African oak dining table, and much more. Many of the antique furniture pieces are extremely well made and represent an opportunity to own a piece of Bermudian craftsmanship and heritage. Download the auction catalogue below!

Advance bids may be placed at the auction preview on Thursday and Friday, or advance bid forms may be emailed to palmetto@bnt.bm, by Friday, 27 February at 3:00 pm.

Download the 2026 Auction Catalogue

Download the advance bid form

Parking: We kindly ask that you park in the area where the large green water tank once stood (Department of Parks yard). Staff from the Department of Parks will be present to direct traffic, and parking signs will be posted for guidance.

Royal Gazette: Charities call for plan to guide heritage in St George

Conservation charities have called for a co-ordinated approach to protect and highlight St George’s as a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Charlotte Andrews, the head of cultural heritage at the Bermuda National Trust, said there was a need for high level leadership and management to safeguard the site, not only for visitors but for the island.

She said: “We are unique. We can show the world and Unesco as an oversight body how we can make a quantum leap in management of the site but we cannot waste time.

“We are 25 years in and it is time to get the infrastructure, the management plan, the co-ordinator, the co-ordinating capacity, the funding. It is time to get all of that in place.”

Alison Outerbridge, the St George’s Foundation manager, added: “We are looking for leadership, collaborative leadership.

“For those of us within the Unesco World Heritage Site, it is important to us.

“It doesn’t matter if you work at the post office or a museum or you have a shop down here or whether you just live in the town. We really are a community here.

“We always have been, historically, different. We have a desire for this as St Georgians and we would love for the Government to put in place what they essentially started.”

Read article online

Royal Gazette: UK outlines OT biodiversity strategy

Britain is preparing to discuss with Overseas Territories the next steps in a blueprint designed to conserve, protect and restore biodiversity.

The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, in partnership with England’s Joint Nature Conservation Committee, will speak with countries including Bermuda “in early 2026” on implementation, monitoring and reporting of the UK Overseas Territories Strategy, published in November.

A spokeswoman for Defra told The Royal Gazette: “To ensure the strategy remains fit for purpose, the UK Government will chair an annual round table with territory environment ministers as part of a three-year review phase.

“Using this forum to understand and maximise impact, the UK Government and governments and administrations of the territories will agree updates to the strategy to ensure its goals and actions remain fit for the future.

“Implementation will be measured in such a way that minimises administrative burden on the territories.”

Local environmentalists have largely welcomed the development of the strategy but said they would have appreciated being consulted on the issues.

Defra explained that it ran an online call for evidence from December 15, 2022 to March 24, 2023 to gather views globally on the former 2009 UK OT Biodiversity Strategy.

The spokeswoman said an initial questionnaire was circulated to the Bermuda Government in July 2023, seeking thoughts on OT priorities, a former 2009 strategy, and future desires and needs from a new strategy. This was followed up with a number of discussions.

She said: “The Government of Bermuda was subsequently consulted through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Experts from the department inputted to the consultation and sign-off process.

“The Bermuda Government was encouraged to engage local stakeholder representatives in developing its responses and/or priorities.”

A spokesman for the Ministry of Public Works and Environment said in response to questions from the Gazette: “In January and February [2025], two DENR technical officers examined the document and provided their feedback.

“As a result of that feedback, two additional national priorities were added to the document and minor adjustments were made to the information on Bermuda.

“Beyond this, Bermuda had no further involvement in developing the overall strategy.”

The spokesman did not specify which priorities were added.

Read article online.

Royal Gazette: Environmental charities share ambitions for 2026

The Bermuda National Trust plans to plant more than 2,000 native and endemic plants throughout the island in 2026.

Myles Darrell, the organisation’s head of natural heritage, said volunteers would continue planting Bermuda cedar, palmetto, yellowwood and other trees at local nature reserves.

He explained: “These trees are adapted to Bermuda’s windy, salty and shallow-soil conditions and stabilise soil, reduce erosion, protect freshwater resources and improve resilience to storms and climate change.”

He added: “Planting efforts will continue at Gilbert Nature Reserve, Sherwin Nature Reserve, Paget Marsh, Spittal Pond and High Point Nature Reserve, while also extending to other reserves throughout the island.”

Low-growing plants such as Bermuda bedstraw, St Andrew’s Cross and shield fern will also be planted in these areas this year.

Mr Darrell said these plants “help prevent erosion, improve water infiltration, build healthy soils and support insects and other wildlife”.

He added: “Ground cover plants also help suppress invasive species and protect tree roots by moderating soil temperatures.

“Together with trees and shrubs, they complete the natural structure of healthy ecosystems and make restored habitats more resilient over time.”

BNT will also continue work at the ten-acre High Point Nature Reserve in Southampton, which opened to the public in April.

The Buy Back Bermuda campaign, co-managed by BNT and the Bermuda Audubon Society, raised funds for the High Point project and plans to raise an additional $250,000 to complete ongoing work.

Read article online.

Royal Gazette: Call for update on work to protect World Heritage Site

A charity has called for an update on efforts to safeguard St George’s World Heritage Site status in the wake of the 25th anniversary of its designation.

The Bermuda National Trust said in a statement that it had requested a meeting with the Government and stakeholders to support a “co-ordinated path forward” after a Unesco report highlighted key gaps in the management and governance of the site last year.

However, the charity said that as of yesterday it had not received a response.

Charlotte Andrews, the head of cultural heritage at BNT, said the anniversary marked an opportunity and a challenge that it should be both a moment of pride and a catalyst for action.

Dr Andrews said: “Unesco has provided clear guidance, and effective stewardship requires timely communication and government leadership alongside active partnership.

“Protecting our World Heritage Site’s outstanding universal value is a responsibility we all share.

“Many partners contribute expertise, resources and community engagement, but progress depends on Government establishing the framework and direction needed for genuine collective stewardship — to protect our heritage for generations to come and support our unique cultural tourism product.

“This anniversary should mark not only 25 years of recognition, but the beginning of a more sustainable future for Bermuda’s World Heritage Site.”

A government spokesman did not respond to a request for comment as of press time.

Read article online

BNT 2025 Raffle Winners

We are pleased to announce the winners of our 2025 Raffle.

Congratulations to our 2025 winners. Many thanks to everyone who supported and helped make this year’s raffle a great success!

• Electric Mini Cooper  – Ticket Number: 0973 – Winner: Louise White
• Vespa – Ticket Number: 0258 – Winner: Nancy Wadson
• $1,000 Lindo’s Voucher – Ticket Number: 0402 – Winner: June Patterson
• $500 BELCO Voucher – Ticket Number: 0932 – Winner: Robin
• Two Round-Trip Business Class Tickets on BermudAir – Ticket Number: 0089 – Winner: Kizzy Spence

Thank you to Bermuda Motors, Scooter Mart, Lindo’s, Belco and BermudAir for their support of this year’s raffle.

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

Royal Gazette: Walkabout brings thousands to celebrate in St George

The streets of St George were bustling with activity last night when the Bermuda National Trust Christmas Walkabout returned.

Thousands of people descended on the town for the longstanding festive event, exploring historic homes, visiting shops and enjoying a wealth of entertainment options.

Addressing the crowd in King’s Square, Andrew Murdoch, the Governor, said he was honoured to be a part of his first walkabout, stating that the Town of St George looked fantastic.

He said: “This place is special. It is a [Unesco] World Heritage Site for good reason, and we are all very fortunate to be here in this absolutely gorgeous town.”

Adrienne Smatt said the event was a great opportunity to gain exposure for her business, Adrienne Smatt Designs, and showcase some of the handcrafted items she has for sale.

She said: “I don’t have a storefront, so it’s great when people like Kristin White invite us out to sell our wares and show our faces and what we are good at.

“People are in the holiday spirit. They are liking the cedar ornaments and the cedar magnets. I make it all myself and I think people like that.”

Ms Smatt added that she was impressed by the turnout to the event, saying: “We have a lot of foot traffic. It’s a great location here outside of Long Story Short and the Arcades and there is a tonne of people.

“I don’t know if this is the largest walkabout yet, but there are a lot of people and really just a good, happy crowd.”

Read article online.

Royal Gazette: Walkabout Images

Royal Gazette: Olde Towne to come alive with holiday cheer

St George’s will be filled with festive fun as the Bermuda National Trust’s Christmas Walkabout makes its return.

The much loved family event, now in its 45th year, invites the community to celebrate the holiday season this Friday in a “magical evening of history, culture, community and entertainment”.

Guests can explore several beautifully decorated historical homes in Bermuda’s Unesco World Heritage Site — The Old Rectory, Bridge House, Buckingham, Reeve Court and Stewart Hall — all open free of charge.

At the Globe Museum, visitors can learn about Bermuda’s earliest settlers, discover ongoing archaeological work and admire needlework by the Bermuda Guild of Stitchery.

The museum’s gift shop, Trustworthy, will offer unique holiday gifts.

Additional historical and cultural landmarks will welcome visitors throughout the town, including St Peter’s Church, Mitchell House, Hannibal Lodge, Ebenezer Methodist Church and Pilot Darrell House.

A spokeswoman for the trust said: “The BNT extends its sincere appreciation to the many tenants who open their homes and to the dedicated volunteers whose contributions ensure the event’s continued success.

“For the third year, BNT is partnering with Butterfield Bank’s Toys for Tots programme. Attendees are encouraged to bring unwrapped toy donations, which can be dropped off at designated collection points during the event.”

Read full article

Royal Gazette: Deloitte supports eight charities on Impact Day

One hundred Deloitte staff stepped away from their desks recently to participate in Impact Day, the firm’s signature volunteer initiative.

Various groups did helpful things for eight local charities.

One of the projects was assisting with refurbishment of community space at Transitional Community Services in Pembroke.

A group also worked with Keep Bermuda Beautiful for a central clean-up, beginning with a tour of the Tynes Bay Waste Treatment Facility in Devonshire followed by an art session at the K. Margaret Carter Centre, also in Devonshire.

Deloitte employees also helped the Bermuda National Trust to restore High Point Nature Reserve in Southampton, one of the island’s last-remaining untouched open spaces and the latest site acquired through Buy Back Bermuda.

Read the full article

Royal Gazette: BNT names student art competition winners

Young artists delivered an “amazing” range of work when they entered an art contest that highlights the talents of schoolchildren.

The comments came as the Bermuda National Trust announced the winners of its 2025 student art competition, which ran under the theme “Wild Bermuda”.

Savana Walters took first prize in the junior age group while Solomon Turner was the winner in the senior category.

The BNT said it received 249 entries from primary, middle and senior school students across the island for the annual competition, which was sponsored by Sompo International.

Well-known local artists Jill Amos Raine and Heidi Cowen were involved in initial judging for the contest.

They were joined this year by Shanna Hollis, the chairwoman of the Bermuda Arts Council and a graphic designer responsible for many of the island’s vibrant murals.

Her brother, Nahshon Hollis, who in 2009 featured in Oprah Winfrey’s World’s Most Talented Kids and who won top honours in the 2024 Charman Prize, also judged the event.

“They had the challenging task of selecting the finalists from which Sompo employees voted on the winning entries,” the BNT said.

Read full article online

Royal Gazette: Global activists inspire action at climate change summit

Two activists whose engagements have inspired action over climate change on the world stage have added an “impactful” boost to an environmental forum.

Lesein Mutunkei and Sarah Goody said they intend to share insights and stories from their individual experiences at the fifth edition of the annual Youth Climate Summit.

The weeklong forum at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, which started on Monday with virtual sessions, ends tomorrow.

Mr Mutunkei and Ms Goody are among a host of speakers who are to address participants at the summit, which brings together more than 200 people aged between 13 and 22.

Ms Goody, a social entrepreneur from California, runs Climate Now, a youth-led organisation focused on educating and empowering young people to take climate action.

She said: “I think the Youth Climate Summit is everything I would have wished, had I been a younger person.

“To have a place where you’re not only provided with facts and information to understand climate change, but with tangible, hands-on experiences and with the understanding of how you actually go out take action, is great.”

She said the forum “inspires awareness” and brings “actionable insights” into climate change.

Mr Mutunkei, from Kenya, who runs the football-themed nature plan Trees4Goals, said: “The importance of these youth climate summits is really to help structure and develop children’s ambition towards addressing climate issues.

“When I started my initiative, Trees4Goals, I had a lot of struggles in the sense of feeling as if what I was doing was making an impact.

“These spaces really inspire children to take action, whether it is within their local community or internationally.

“It gives them that opportunity to create ideas or to take the first step.”

He said his and Ms Goody’s presence will allow participants “to see themselves in our shoes”.

Mr Mutunkei, a footballer who has relocated to New York from Nairobi to pursue environmental studies, said the duo intend to present “very unique stories” at the forum.

They participated in mixers at events yesterday that included a showcase featuring climate panels and local environmental organisations.

Mr Mutunkei said: “I think it allows us to share experiences and give inspiration on how to keep going.

“They will see that there is a point in taking a little action, no matter how small — you will feel that you’re making a change.

“I think that is really important for the youth, especially when they are just beginning their journey in recognising their action will make a big difference.”

Ms Goody added: “It is hard to get involved or to feel like your voice matters if you aren’t able to see other people that have been recognised or validated in their experiences.

“I think our presence could be really motivating to other young people.”

As they are from different backgrounds, Ms Goody, who is pursuing studies in law and policy at the University of California, Berkeley, said their presence at the forum will also have a positive impact.

Read article online.

2025 Art Competition ‘ Wild Bermuda’

2025 Art Competition ‘ Wild Bermuda’

Thank you to everyone who took part in this years Art Competition, sponsored by SOMPO International.

We are pleased to announce the winners of this years Student Art Competition. This year’s theme was ‘Wild Bermuda.

In the Junior Group:

• First Place: Savana Walters  – ‘Feral Family’
• JOINT Second Place: Julia Stoppa  – ‘Lost and Found’
• JOINT Second Place: Amouri Hollis – ‘Real World’
• Honourable Mention: Sa’Mya Campbell –‘The Mask of Bermuda’

In the Senior Group:

• First Place: Solomon Turner –‘The Cave and the Storm
• JOINT Second Place: Fergus O’Connell –‘Backyard Wilderness’
• JOINT Second Place: Jayce Fough– ‘Wild Hibiscus’
• Honourable Mention: Mackenzie Lewis – ‘A Storm at Spittal’
• Honourable Mention:  Skye Ferguson –‘Echoes of Southlands’
• Honourable Mention:  Amelie Mulder-Powell –‘Wild Beach Day’

All entries to the competition can be viewed online.

Royal Gazette: Visiting scientist delivers training on invertebrate life

A visiting research scientist has strengthened the island’s knowledge base on insects and other invertebrate life.

Danni Sherwood, a senior conservation officer for the Supporting Atlantic Territories Invertebrate Conservation Project, has been in Bermuda since November 3.

She has led hands-on identification sessions and museum curation training, as well as collaborative work with conservation officials to improve local capacity to study and protect land-dwelling invertebrates, including insects and spiders.

Dr Sherwood delivered training at the Natural History Museum and the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, and led workshops at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources headquarters.

Sessions covered endemic species, conservation action planning and the drafting of a national invertebrate strategy document to guide species management and research.

She shared skills ranging from protecting native species to recognising new invasive pests before they pose a problem.

Geoff Smith, the director of the DENR and an environmental scientist, said: “Dr Sherwood has provided structured guidance that will help Bermuda refine technical methods for identifying, assessing and conserving local invertebrate species.

Read full article online.

Royal Gazette: Creepy crawlies take centre stage in free workshop

Residents can learn about the importance of invertebrates and the threats they face at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources tomorrow.

Danniella Sherwood, professor of zoology at the University of Pristina, in Kosovo, will lead the workshops and said most of the 65 living species of land invertebrates endemic to Bermuda were critically endangered.

Invertebrates, such as worms, insects and spiders, lack a backbone and make up more than 95 per cent of all animals on Earth.

Dr Sherwood explained: “We’re still doing exact mapping work for that, but I would say the vast majority of endemics here are under very, very serious threat.”

She believes pollution, habitat loss and invasive species pose the biggest threats to the creatures’ survival, and highlighted their importance on the island and worldwide.

Dr Sherwood said: “Invertebrates outnumber vertebrates by many, many orders of magnitude … so they are tremendously important, and endemic invertebrates, being that they only occur one place in the whole world, are even more important.

“If you lose that, not only is it screwing with the environment and will help bring more invasive species here and more imbalance in the ecosystem, it’s a loss of your heritage here as well — without bugs, the entire ecosystem of Bermuda would completely collapse.”

Dr Sherwood is also the senior conservation officer at the invertebrate conservation charity Buglife and her research in Bermuda is being funded through the British Government’s Darwin Plus grant.

She said: “Invertebrates in Bermuda have not been properly studied since the 1990s, so my project is the first for a very long time, working with the Government and Bermuda National Trust to actually redo the baseline and see what the situation is.

“Once we know that, which is basically the purpose of this trip, then we can start to think about, how do we save this bit of land or how do we control this invertebrate species?”

The free workshop tomorrow, which was organised by Dr Sherwood, the BNT and DENR, is open to everyone and will address which endemic invertebrates are the most endangered in Bermuda and how they can be protected.

Dr Sherwood said small steps, such as planting indigenous flora, leaving fallen leaves in gardens and placing creatures outside homes instead of killing them, can make a big difference.

She added: “It’s very difficult for members of the public to tell the difference between an endemic and an introduced spider, so I would say save any and all spiders.”

Resident Clare Russell captured the first-ever photograph of the Bermuda sac spider last year.

Ready full article here.

Royal Gazette: Living Green Expo seeks to double in size

An event celebrating Bermuda’s “growing commitment to sustainability, natural wellness and environmental innovation” is to return next month.

Greenrock’s second annual Living Green Expo is scheduled to take place from 10am to 6pm on November 23 at the Bermuda Botanical Gardens.

It will include a host of environmentally focused vendors and organisations, family-friendly activities, artistic performances and educational talks and demonstrations.

Introducing the line-up, Eugene Dean, the executive director of Greenrock, said the expo aimed to deliver something bigger and better than the first event held in Dockyard last year.

He hopes to double the number of attendees after the 2024 event attracted between 1,200 and 1,500 people.

Speaking at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute yesterday, Mr Dean added that the expo was intended as “a catalyst for change”.

“This initiative is designed to represent the interests of the country as a whole,” he said.

“We talk a lot about the loss of nature and wildlife and biodiversity. The increase in waste and pollution. The need for more natural food and the chemicalisation of our food systems and agriculture.

“We’re constantly on the hunt for solutions and this whole initiative is solution driven.

“It’s meant to be an immersive experience that allows everyone who participates to feel what it’s like to live naturally and think sustainably.”

Organisers and vendors provided details of their offerings.

Representatives attending from environmentally focused groups included the BUEI, Keep Bermuda Beautiful, the Bermuda National Trust, Bermuda Is Love, the Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce and Greenrock.

Read the full article.

Royal Gazette: Roadside rally against Southlands development

Dozens gathered in front of Southlands Park on Saturday to rally against proposed developments within its grounds.

Participants waved signs such as “save our parks”, “planet over profit” and “stop $elling our future” while supportive motorists honked their horns.

Ben Smith, One Bermuda Alliance MP and the Shadow Minister of Education and Sport, said: “We have nothing against an entrepreneur, but there are so many other places they can put what they’re trying to do.”

A plan submitted by the Department of Lands and Buildings proposed placing a café and a parking lot at the Warwick property, which the Government acquired in 2012 and designated an amenity park five years later.

Escape from Devil’s Isle Bermuda submitted a separate application to install a series of zip-lines in the park.

Mr Smith said: “There are a lot of places that you can go if your desire is for a tourism product, but if you come to a place where it is quiet and surrounded by nature, this already does it. You don’t need anything else. Mother Nature already did it for you.”

Click here to read the full article

Royal Gazette: Rewards reaped as sport stars score for planting project

More than half of the 130 ecosystems targeted for introduction in an environmental scheme based on sporting success have been covered thanks to the achievements of cricketers.

The project was established as the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute teamed up with the Bermuda Cricket Board and the Bermuda Football Association in the run-up to the island’s fifth Youth Climate Summit in November.

Named Trees4Scores, it was described by the BUEI as “a highly impactful environmental and community service programme” and launched during Cup Match.

The Bermuda National Trust is also involved in the project, which was designed to restore and preserve the island’s biodiversity and promote climate action.

In phase 1 of the “transformative programme”, the BUEI aims to install 130 ecosystems that are native and endemic to Bermuda on November 22.

Comprising 390 trees, plants and ground coverings, the calculations to achieve the ecosystems are being tallied through cricket and football matches.

The BUEI said: “Just like native and endemic species thread through the unique environmental landscape of Bermuda, cricket and football are woven into the fibre of our culture.

“Trees4Scores provides the ultimate framework to bring the two together — sustainable sporting initiatives that produce significant environmental impacts.”

In cricket, every 50 runs scored or every ten wickets equates to one complete ecosystem of native and endemic trees, plants and ground covers, to be planted during the YCS community action day in partnership with the BNT in November.

The BUEI said that matches played from Cup Match through all county and league games so far have resulted in scores to cover more than half of the ecosystems for the planting project.

Cricket runs and wickets will continue to be counted, with the BFA joining the process at the Charity Cup, the official start of the football season this weekend.

The game on Sunday will take place at the North Village Community Club field at Bernard Park.

Throughout September and October, Premier Division and First Division teams in the BFA will accumulate one ecosystem for every two goals scored, the BUEI said.

Mark Wade, the BFA president, said: “The BFA gladly takes up the friendly challenge issued by our BCB counterparts as we aim to surpass our goals for Phase 1 of this programme.

“Like cricket, the local and international football communities are prioritising sustainability and increasing awareness around the vital importance of caring for the environment.”

He added that the project will “transform the protected landscapes of today and provide greater long-term benefits for future generations”.

Calvin Blankendal, the executive director of the BCB, said: “The Bermuda Cricket Board is committed to enhancing Bermuda’s ecosystems through the support of our member clubs and external stakeholders.”

He added: “We will let the scores tell the story at the end of October as to which national sporting body accumulates the greater number of ecosystems for this inaugural planting event in November.

Royal Gazette: Rewards reaped as sport stars score for planting project

Bernews: BNT Waterville Building Struck by Lightning

The Bermuda National Trust‘s Waterville head office was struck by lightning, causing damage to the chimney.

Bermuda National Trust posted the image below and said, “Our head office ‘Waterville’ at the foot of the lane was struck by lightning in the storm this morning! All staff and campers are fine, but the Grade 1 listed building had a nasty shock and the chimney is damaged.

“Internet and phones are down presently, so please be patient if you are trying to reach us.”

Bernews: BNT Waterville Building Struck by Lightning

Royal Gazette: Lightening sets boat ablaze as several locations hit

A fishing boat in Pembroke was engulfed in flames after lightning struck in several locations across the island yesterday.

The thunderstorm dealt hits to the Bermuda National Trust’s office, Waterville, in Paget, as well as Lindo’s Market on Brighton Hill in Devonshire, although staff at the supermarket said there was little damage.

Some electronic equipment was blown out, but there was no structural damage.

However, the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service received reports of the blaze aboard Hunter’s LunaSea in Queen’s Cove, Mill Creek, Pembroke, shortly before 10.30am.

Mark Taylor, BFRS division officer, confirmed that the vessel had been struck by lightning and said firefighters were able to control the flames within ten minutes.

However, the boat, owned by Alex and Rachel Wilks, was still smouldering more than an hour after the flames were extinguished.

Mr Taylor added: “We plan to take it to a slip at Mills Creek, pull it up, get it on dry land to minimise any more environmental impact and fully extinguish it.”

An emotional Mrs Wilks said the couple used the three-year-old boat to catch fish for their new restaurant, Two Fish in a Barrel.

She explained: “We went out yesterday and there is a cooler full of fish on board.

“We have to find a new boat, but this definitely isn’t going to stop us.

“The fishing community is really tight and we’ll do some sort of fundraising event — we will rise from these ashes. Just watch what we do.”

Other lightning strikes likely caused residents in Smith’s, Pembroke and Devonshire to lose power this morning.

A Belco spokesman said: “Belco crews have been dispatched and are investigating the cause in order to make repairs.

“However, should overhead line crews need to make repairs they must wait until the weather subsides before they can begin restoring power safely.”

As of 2.30pm, all Belco customers in Smith’s had electricity, but 21 in Pembroke and three in Devonshire were waiting to have power restored.

The Bermuda National Trust’s Waterville head office in Paget was also struck by lightning during the storm, but no one was injured at the Grade 1 listed building.

Karen Border, the BNT executive director, explained: “The west chimney was struck and is badly cracked with some interior damage in adjacent rooms, which were unoccupied at the time. It took out the communications in the building.”

Royal Gazette: Lightening sets boat ablaze as several locations hit

Royal Gazette: Southlands Verdict: Pause and reassess

Dear Sir,

Many of you will have read that our Southlands Park is being considered for commercial development. What the Government is planning for the park is listed on the website forum.gov.bm and there is a link to a draft copy of the long-awaited Southlands Park Management Plan, which was only very recently published. (Management plans for every park must be confirmed within five years of any park designation. This one is three years late.)

The development proposal includes a zipline adventure course, repurposing existing buildings, a new oceanfront café and large parking lot. We have been invited to “have our say” as to the future of this park and that “say” has been limited to a three-week period, from July 21 to August 12.

The people have already posted plenty of suggestions and objections on what — and what not — should be done with our Southlands Park, and the overwhelming majority agree that it should be maintained and improved as a tranquil nature park, but with some essential structural improvements, limited commercialisation and even suggestions that it be given to the Bermuda National Trust to ensure it remains out of bounds for further development.

There are also formal submissions from the Bermuda National Trust, the Bermuda Audubon Society, the Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce, and their letters of objection and concern have been uploaded to the Department of Planning website under the relevant development application for Southlands.

The National Parks Commission is our body of park “protectors”, which has a primary responsibility to advise the appropriate minister on matters affecting the long-term conservation and management of the national parks system. It was disbanded in December 2022 and finally resurrected just last year.

The National Parks Commission was recently asked to vote on this zipline proposal. The following comments are from their formal letter of objection which, as of July 16, is an attachment to the application for the “Proposed Zipline Adventure Course in Southlands Park”.

The vote was as follows: three in favour, four against and two abstained. The commission provided the following feedback:

• We are concerned that Southlands Park is becoming too commercialised and that the public consultations are not being respected, as the majority of responses indicate that the public want little to nothing done with this park

• We are concerned that efforts to revitalise the park are too piecemeal and therefore not comprehensive

• Some members are not satisfied that the zip line would pose little risk to the environment

• We are concerned about the noise of the zipline activity impacting users of the park that want to enjoy a relaxing space

• With the above information, the National Parks Commission will not provide our advice of approval to the minister for this project

The Government asked for our feedback and they are certainly getting it. The public and all of our respected environmental groups have given reasonable and constructive feedback on this proposal, and there is no doubt that further consultation in the form of a “pause and reassess”’ action is needed.

I do find it disingenuous that the Government is reaching out to the people in what seems to be an effort of collaboration when in reality, it is “all systems go”.

Why do I say this? Because on the Department of Planning’s website, the application for the Southlands Zipline Adventure Course — ie, Plan No P0086-25 — is described as “Final Planning Application For Development. Status: In Review.”

Royal Gazette: Southlands Verdict: Pause and reassess

Royal Gazette: Runs and Goals to count towards planting project

More than 100 ecosystems are expected to be established across the island as sports players score in the run-up to the island’s fifth Youth Climate Summit.

The Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute said it is celebrating the YCS by teaming up with the Bermuda Cricket Board and the Bermuda Football Association.

Their partnership will focus on Trees4Scores, described by the BUEI as “a highly impactful environmental and community service programme” that will launch during Cup Match.

The Bermuda National Trust is also involved in the project, which was designed to restore and preserve the island’s biodiversity and promote climate action.

It is anticipated that 130 native and endemic ecosystems will be planted in November.

The BUEI said in a statement: “The 130 ecosystems are comprised of 390 trees, plants and ground covers, which are being provided thanks to the generous support of Roots Imperative, a Loren Hotel non-profit initiative, Conduit Re and Catalina Re.

“Planting locations will be co-ordinated at three sites on November 22 — Spittal Pond in Smith’s, Sherwin Nature Reserve at Warwick Pond and High Point Nature Reserve in Southampton.

“Additional sponsors are welcome and volunteers are encouraged to participate in the planting activities.”

The YCS promotes youth leadership and empowers Bermuda’s young people to find their voice and advocate for their future.

Royal Gazette: Runs and Goals to count towards planting project

Bernews: Groups on Proposed Southlands Café & Park

The Bermuda National Trust, Bermuda Audubon Society and BEST raised concerns over the Southlands café proposal.

A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda National Trust, the Bermuda Audubon Society and BEST are deeply concerned about the proposed café and car park development outlined for Southlands Park. While investment in Bermuda’s public spaces is essential and a small car park for Southlands in this location is appropriate, this particular application represents a troubling example of overdevelopment, inadequate planning, and disregard for public input.

“Before any new planning application is approved for Southlands—especially one of this scale—the Bermuda Government must fulfill its legal and ethical obligation to present a comprehensive management plan for the entire park. This is not a minor administrative detail; it is a clear requirement of the National Parks Act, which demands cohesive, long-term planning for all designated National Parks. Piecemeal applications undermine public trust and the very foundation of park governance in Bermuda.

“Moreover, this development stands in direct contradiction to feedback received during previous public consultations. At every opportunity, members of the public have emphasized their preference for light touch, conservation-first approaches at Southlands—yet this application proposes substantial infrastructure including:

• A large café structure – 5238 sq ft with potential seating for 120
• 51 car parking spaces
• 76 cycle parking spaces
• 9 minibus and taxi bays

“There is no publicly available business case or park visitation analysis justifying the need for such extensive development, nor any discussion of how these facilities will be maintained long-term.

“Before this application moves forward, the public deserves answers:

• What is the total cost to taxpayers for the planned amenities?
• What is the operational and maintenance model for these facilities?
• What are the concession details and terms for private business use of the café and amenities?
• Has a transparent value analysis been completed to show benefit to Bermuda?
• What assessments have been made on the impact to neighbouring residents and existing local restaurants?

“Equally concerning is the absence of input from the National Parks Commission, a statutory body that ensures that the voices of park users, the Bermuda Tourism Authority and environmental organisations are considered when making decisions about our Parks. The Commission has not been reconvened since the February election and has not had the opportunity to review these plans.

“This proposal is also happening in a broader context of declining park standards island-wide. The Department of Parks is operating with roughly one-third fewer staff than needed, according to previous estimates. Many of Bermuda’s “priority” beaches suffer from broken, unhygienic, and frequently unusable facilities. Surely it makes sense to direct funding to improved and regularly maintained amenities at these sites rather than over-development at Southlands.

“There are also serious concerns about promoting increased used of Southlands Beach. As many people know, it is not a safe swimming beach; it is frequently subject to rip currents and there are many dangerous submerged rocks. An expert safety evaluation should be conducted before even considering encouraging increased use of this shoreline.

“We support investment in public parks—but only when it is guided by strategy, consultation, and ecological responsibility. Southlands is an exceptional green space with unique natural and historical value. It should not be overbuilt to meet unclear or unfounded objectives.

“We urge members of the public to speak out if they agree with us and submit their objections to Planning Application P0157-25 by the 4 July deadline.

“Bermuda does not need more underfunded, overbuilt public parks. What we need is responsible stewardship, transparency, and meaningful investment in the natural spaces we all treasure.”

Bernews: Groups on Proposed Southlands Café & Park

Royal Gazette: Government acting unethically on Southlands

Dear Sir,

The Bermuda National Trust, Bermuda Audubon Society and Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce are deeply concerned about the proposed café and car park development outlined for Southlands park. While investment in Bermuda’s public spaces is essential and a small car park for Southlands in this location is appropriate, this particular application represents a troubling example of overdevelopment, inadequate planning and disregard for public input.

Before any new planning application is approved for Southlands — especially one of this scale — the Bermuda Government must fulfil its legal and ethical obligation to present a comprehensive management plan for the entire park. This is not a minor administrative detail; it is a clear requirement of the National Parks Act, which demands cohesive, long-term planning for all designated national parks. Piecemeal applications undermine public trust and the very foundation of park governance in Bermuda.

Moreover, this development stands in direct contradiction to feedback received during previous public consultations. At every opportunity, members of the public have emphasised their preference for light-touch, conservation-first approaches at Southlands — yet this application proposes substantial infrastructure including:

• A large café structure — 5,238sq ft with potential seating for 120

• 51 car parking spaces

• 76 cycle parking spaces

• 9 minibus and taxi bays

There is no publicly available business case or park visitation analysis justifying the need for such extensive development, nor any discussion of how these facilities will be maintained long term.

Before this application moves forward, the public deserve answers:

• What is the total cost to taxpayers for the planned amenities?

• What is the operational and maintenance model for these facilities?

• What are the concession details and terms for private business use of the café and amenities?

• Has a transparent value analysis been completed to show benefit to Bermuda?

• What assessments have been made on the impact to neighbouring residents and existing local restaurants?

Equally concerning is the absence of input from the National Parks Commission, a statutory body that ensures that the voices of park users, the Bermuda Tourism Authority and environmental organisations are considered when making decisions about our parks.

The commission has only just been reconvened after the February election and has not had the opportunity to review these plans.

This proposal is also happening in a broader context of declining park standards island-wide. The Department of Parks is operating with roughly one-third fewer staff than needed, according to previous estimates. Many of Bermuda’s “priority” beaches suffer from broken, unhygienic and frequently unusable facilities. Surely it makes sense to direct funding to improved and regularly maintained amenities at these sites rather than overdevelopment at Southlands.

There are also serious concerns about promoting increased use of Southlands Beach. As many people know, it is not a safe swimming beach; it is frequently subject to rip currents and there are many dangerous submerged rocks. An expert safety evaluation should be conducted before even considering encouraging increased use of this shoreline.

We support investment in public parks — but only when it is guided by strategy, consultation and ecological responsibility. Southlands is an exceptional green space with unique natural and historical value. It should not be overbuilt to meet unclear or unfounded objectives.

We urge members of the public to speak out if they agree, and submit their objections to Planning Application P0157-25 by the July 4 deadline.

Bermuda does not need more underfunded, overbuilt public parks. What we need is responsible stewardship, transparency and meaningful investment in the natural spaces we all treasure.

Royal Gazette: Government acting unethically on Southlands

Royal Gazette: Environmental Groups Concerned at Parkland Plans

Environmental groups have claimed that a proposed development at Southlands is “a troubling example of overdevelopment, inadequate planning and disregard for public input”.

In a joint statement, the Bermuda National Trust, the Bermuda Audubon Society and the Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce said this week that the scheme to build a café and adjoining car park at the site was put forward without input from the National Parks Commission, which has oversight of any development on parkland.

The Government said this evening that the NPC was consulted and provided feedback, which was incorporated into the proposed plan.

The Department of Public Lands and Buildings submitted an application to the Department of Planning last month.

The main structure would be 5,238 sq ft and could seat more than 100 diners in a combination of indoor and outdoor arrangements.

It was proposed that the adjoining car park would have 51 car bays, 76 cycle parking spaces and nine minibus or taxi drop-off spots, a traffic impact study showed.

A spokesman for the public works and environment ministry said that the plan had been carefully considered and had undergone revisions after consultation with the three environmental charities, noting that the site had been “underutilised and largely neglected for more than a decade”.

He added: “These organisations were provided with the initial proposal and invited to participate in virtual meetings during which they shared feedback.

“Their input led to detailed follow-up correspondence and an on-site visit to clarify aspects of the proposed improvements.”

The spokesman said that the café’s footprint had been scaled back by almost 50 per cent and other “meaningful design changes” were made as a result of feedback from the organisations.

The planning application stated that on behalf of the parks department and the Government, the aim was to improve Southlands, which was designated as an amenity park in 2017 under the National Parks Act.

It noted a separate proposal for a “zip-line adventure experience”, which also involves the renovation and repurposing of one of the derelict buildings at Southlands.

The Bermuda Audubon Society has filed a formal objection to the development with the planning department.

The proposal has also been condemned by one restaurateur as excessive and not needed.

In a letter to the Department of Planning copied to The Royal Gazette, Delvin Bean, the owner of the Lost In The Triangle eatery nearby on South Shore, said: “It would essentially be the Government competing with private Bermudian businesses, as it will be built on government land, harm our businesses and potentially force us to close.”

In the joint statement, the three environmental charities said: “While investment in Bermuda’s public spaces is essential and a small car park for Southlands in this location is appropriate, this particular application represents a troubling example of overdevelopment, inadequate planning and disregard for public input.”

They added: “Moreover, this development stands in direct contradiction to feedback received during previous public consultations.

“At every opportunity, members of the public have emphasised their preference for light-touch, conservation-first approaches at Southlands, yet this application proposes substantial infrastructure.

“There is no publicly available business case or park visitation analysis justifying the need for such extensive development, nor any discussion of how these facilities will be maintained long-term.”

The groups said that the Government was required to “fulfil its legal and ethical obligation to present a comprehensive management plan for the entire park” before any new planning application is approved for Southlands.

Royal Gazette: Environmental Groups Concerned at Parkland Plans

Bernews: BNT Announces 2025 Heritage Awards Winners

The Bermuda National Trust honoured contributions to Bermuda’s natural, cultural, and built heritage at the 2025 BNT Awards at Verdmont Museum.

A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda National Trust [BNT] Awards are an annual celebration of individuals and organisations that have worked to protect and promote Bermuda’s natural and cultural heritage. The 2025 awards were presented on 19 June at BNT’s Verdmont Museum by Minister of Public Works & Environment Jaché Adams and Trust President Mark Orchard.

“The Michael Darling Shield for Heritage Education went to Saltus Grammar School for the Saltus Grove, a nature-based classroom established on the Maycot property within walking distance of the Saltus Cavendish Campus. The Grove provides an immersive educational environment rooted in sustainability, play and inquiry, where students can connect with nature and learn about stewardship.

“The Bermudiana Award for Natural Heritage Impact was awarded to Stuart Smith, for many decades of commitment to Bermuda’s natural heritage. Stuart has been the driving force of the Bermuda Bluebird Society for 26 years, advising on and installing boxes and monitoring Bluebird box trails across the island. He also formerly ran Save Open Spaces, growing thousands of native and endemic plants.

Read full article

Royal Gazette: Protectors of island heritage awarded by BNT

Awards were presented by the Bermuda National Trust to recognise work that protected and promoted the island’s natural and cultural heritage.

Jaché Adams, the Minister of Public Works and Environment, and Mark Orchard, the president of the BNT, presented the honours at the Verdmont Museum on Thursday.

Among the awardees was Stuart Smith, a veteran behind the Bermuda Bluebird Society.

He received the Bermudiana Award for Natural Heritage Impact for his commitment.

Mr Smith has been the “driving force” of the society, the BNT said, providing 26 years of service by advising on and installing boxes and monitoring bluebird box trails across the island.

He formerly ran Save Open Spaces, growing thousands of native and endemic plants.

Kim Dismont-Robinson received the Cedar Award for Cultural Heritage for her transformative 20-year career at the Department of Culture, where she served as folklife officer and later as director.

The BNT said that through her visionary leadership, Dr Dismont-Robinson revolutionised the island’s cultural landscape by championing underrepresented voices.

Her work helped to foster literary arts and preserved traditional knowledge through groundbreaking documentaries and publications.

The BNT’s highest honour, the Palmetto Award, was presented to past president Alana Anderson.

She was recognised for giving more than 20 years of dedicated service to the BNT.

Ms Anderson served as president of the charity from 2017 to 2024, and the organisation said that she spent many hours of her time volunteering to keep it on track during some “difficult periods” without an executive director at the helm, as well as through the Covid-19 years.

Jennifer Gray received the President’s Award for leadership of Buy Back Bermuda, particularly through the acquisition and restoration of the new High Point Nature Reserve in Southampton, which opened in April.

Alfred Spearing and Eldon Trimingham were recognised for more than a decade of voluntary service for the annual BNT auction and jumble sale, raising thousands of dollars for the organisation.

Kirk and Judy Kitson were honoured for their decades of “very generous” financial support to the BNT.

Saltus Grammar School received the Michael Darling Shield for Heritage Education for the Saltus Grove, a nature-based classroom established on the Maycot property within walking distance of the Saltus Cavendish Campus.

Lisa Greene and David Wingate were presented with the DeForest Trimingham Awareness Award for their Practical Guide to Garden Management in Bermuda.

Read full article

Royal Gazette: Kings Birthday Honours recipients revealed

Seven people have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours.

Andrew Murdoch, the Governor, was appointed a Companion of The Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George.

Mr Murdoch was saluted for his services to British foreign policy.

His tenure included the role of legal director at the Foreign Office.

Mr Murdoch joined the Royal Navy in 1990 and in 2000 was Called to the Bar, completing naval legal and operational roles, including deployment overseas.

He served as the International Law Head in the Directorate of Naval Legal Services, before joining the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 2011.

His experience includes law of the sea, ocean policy, climate change, national security, sanctions, international criminal law and development issues.

He headed the delegation to the International Criminal Court, chaired the Britain national committee on International Humanitarian Law and has been involved in multiple international negotiations.

Mr Murdoch said: “I’m incredibly honoured to be appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George.

“It was such a wonderful surprise to be told — I’m very grateful to all those that have supported me throughout my career, including my family, without whom this would not have been possible.”

Read full article

Royal Gazette: Open House explores island’s cultural heritage

One of the island’s historical and cultural gems opened its doors to the public yesterday for the commemoration of International Archives Day.

The Bermuda Archives partnered with the Bermuda National Trust to give guests the rare opportunity to view a special selection of curated artworks by early illustrators Thomas Driver and Edward James.

The collections spans nearly a century of visual documentation, giving an artistic record of Bermuda’s evolving landscape.

Among the highlights was the trust’s latest acquisition, St George’s from Barrack’s Hill, a watercolour by Mr James, dated 1867.

The piece is believed to be a recreation to an earlier work by Mr Driver, painted more than 30 years earlier.

Also on display was a family bible with other personal items donated by the descendants of Thomas St George Gilbert.

June 9 was set as International Archives Day to commemorate the date in 1948 that the International Council on Archives was founded under the auspices of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.

It has been celebrated throughout the world since 2008.

Read full article.

Royal Gazette: Author takes fresh look at Captain Cook in talk at BUEI

A talk in celebration of World Oceans Day will present a modern perspective of Captain James Cook.

Hampton Sides, an historian, author and journalist, will deliver a talk in the Tradewinds Auditorium of the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute on June 9.

The event, which will start at 6pm, is a collaboration between the Bermuda National Trust and BUEI Talks.

Mr Sides will present The Life and Death of Captain Cook, Re-Explored, based on his book The Wide Wide Sea.

The BNT and BUEI said: “Captain James Cook was arguably Britain’s greatest navigator and his three ambitious voyages around the world were among the most consequential in world history. But his legacy has become controversial today, as island communities around the globe have begun to view the vaunted explorer as a symbol of colonialism and the tip of the imperial spear.

“The Wide Wide Sea: Imperial Ambition, First Contact and the Fateful Final Voyage of Captain James Cook reassesses the eminent seafarer through a modern lens.

“With a vivid slide show, Hampton Sides will narrate his own travels in documenting Cook’s epic final voyage around the world, while also deconstructing the complex circumstances that led to Cook’s dramatic death in Hawaii on February 14, 1779.”

Read full article

Royal Gazette: Protecting the future of our World Heritage

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Unesco World Heritage status for the Historic Town of St George and Related Fortifications. With May being Heritage Month, this is a time for celebration — but it is also a time to take an urgent look at how we are managing the World Heritage Site to ensure that it retains this very special status for the future.

Securing Unesco status was no small feat; thanks to the vision and commitment of many individuals and organisations, St George gained global recognition for its “outstanding universal value”. But World Heritage status is not just a badge of honour; it comes with responsibilities and Bermuda needs to do better in living up to those responsibilities.

Last year’s joint report by the World Heritage Centre and its advisory body, the International Council on Monuments and Sites, laid out clear recommendations for how Bermuda can better manage, protect and promote the World Heritage Site.

Read full article

Royal Gazette: Government must lead in revitalizing derelict buildings, says planner

When it comes to revitalising derelict buildings, the Government has to lead the way, the assistant director of planning has said.

Speaking at the inaugural Bermuda Infrastructure and Development Summit, Paul McDonald said: “With only 21 square miles of land in Bermuda, focusing on previously developed sites is very, very important.”

He is involved in a survey of derelict buildings on the island, some of which belong to the Government.

“Government has to lead the way and be a good example for everyone else to follow,” he said.

He found it hard to see some buildings falling into ruin in a seemingly short amount of time.

“They have been allowed to degenerate to a stage where you might as well demolish them now because they are not worth retaining,” he said. “We do need to look at ways in which we can protect these buildings.”

Architect and head of OBMI’s Urban Lifestyle studio, Colin Campbell, said Bermuda is at an “interesting” point where it has both an increasing need for accommodation and a declining population, in certain sectors.

“There is an increasing need for good quality housing in areas where the quality of housing is not very good at all,” Mr Campbell said.

Cynthia Millett, counsel in Conyers’ Bermuda property practice, said: “Some Bermudians want a property their family can stay in for ever, even if they do not have the means to develop it.”

She said when people do want to revamp old buildings on family property, they sometimes lack clear title.

Read full article

Royal Gazette: Dilapidation building in Sandys faces possible demolition

A building in Sandys that once housed a dental surgeon could be torn down after falling into a state of disrepair.

The demolition of Crawl House on Lagoon Road was proposed in a planning application submitted by the public works ministry after a structural assessment found that the property was in “severely dilapidated disrepair”.

“All that can be salvaged from this structure are the foundations and walls,” the assessment said.

“We consider that the most appropriate course of action is to demolish the entire structure as we do not see the value in saving walls that are at least 120 years old and constructed out of Bermuda stone and considering all of the other issues that trying to save the walls would entail.”

The assessment said that Crawl House was included as a yellow fever hospital on a 1901 map and records indicated that the structure could be closer to 200 years old.

However, according to the Bermuda National Trust, the building was built in 1899, the same year as the Zymotic Hospital, and was the dental surgeon’s residence

While documents said the building received some repairs “several years ago” to address hurricane damage, the new ceilings were found to have patches of mould and damp, indicating that water had come in through the new roof and on to the new ceilings.

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Bernews: BNT Launches Verdmont Tour Experience

The Bermuda National Trust invites the public to “experience Verdmont historic home anew, with a live, interpreter-led tour that explores the property’s past as a site of enslavement.”

“Verdmont, a beautifully preserved 325-year-old historic house and garden in Smith’s, is part of the African Diaspora Heritage Trail. “The new tour offers a deeper, honest look into Bermuda’s complex and often untold past”, said Dr Charlotte Andrews, Head of Cultural Heritage at BNT. “It thoughtfully reimagines the lives of the enslaved men, women and children who lived and laboured at the house, alongside the enslaving merchant families who once owned the property and the post-emancipation families who later lived there.”

The spokesperson said, “Led by expert interpreters, visitors explore carefully recreated period rooms and lush gardens overlooking Bermuda’s spectacular south shore, hearing the remarkable stories behind Verdmont’s rich collections of furniture, art, porcelain, archaeological finds and other artefacts.

“Verdmont Museum is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, with the guided tours [bookable on PTix] at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. It is accessed from Sayle Road off Collector’s Hill.

“Meanwhile, BNT’s Globe Museum on King’s Square in St George’s has also had a refresh. New additions to the exhibit on Bermuda’s early settlement include the recently acquired portrait of Sir Thomas Gates [on loan from the Bermuda Archives] and archaeological artefacts relocated from Tucker House Museum [which is currently closed for essential building conservation and a reimagining of the museum]. Visitors can also explore the Rogues & Runners exhibit upstairs, which focuses on the role of Bermuda and St George’s in the US Civil War.

“These enhanced museum experiences have been made possible through support from the Bermuda Tourism Authority, allowing BNT to enrich its interpretive offerings across both sites.”

Read full article.

Royal Gazette: New Tours Tackle Enslavement history of Verdmont

The Bermuda National Trust is launching a new tour delving into the history of Verdmont as a site of enslavement.

Charlotte Andrews, the head of cultural heritage at the BNT, said the interpreter-led tour will offer a “deeper, honest look” into Bermuda’s complex and often untold past.

“It thoughtfully reimagines the lives of the enslaved men, women and children who lived and laboured at the house, alongside the enslaving merchant families who once owned the property and the post-emancipation families who later lived there,” Dr Andrews said.

Verdmont, a 325-year-old historic house and garden in Smith’s, is part of the African Diaspora Heritage Trail.

A BNT spokesman said the new tour will allow visitors to explore carefully recreated period rooms and lush gardens overlooking Bermuda’s South Shore and learn more about Verdmont’s furniture, art, porcelain, archaeological finds and other artefacts.

Verdmont Museum is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 3pm, with the guided tours at 11am and 1pm. Tickets for the guided tour are available through ptix.bm.

Read the full article

Royal Gazette: Steps to protect Paget Marsh from Invasive Species approved

A conservation management plan aimed at safeguarding the Paget Marsh Nature Reserve has been approved by the Department of Planning.

The CMP, produced by CK Landscape Architecture and Consultancy for the Bermuda National Trust and the Bermuda Audubon Society, proposes measures to remove invasive species and bolster native and endemic plants in the reserve.

“This plan will be reviewed and updated every five years as necessary to reflect changing conditions and challenges,” the CMP states.

“It should be noted that Paget Marsh Nature Reserve represents an area of immense environmental importance to Bermuda.

“It is an intrinsic window into the natural heritage of the island and how the island’s vegetation would have evolved prior to the arrival of mankind.”

The plan stated that the site consisted of four major habitats — a tidal pond, mangroves, sawgrass and a palmetto-cedar forest — along with areas of agricultural land, guava and dry secondary forest.

Read the full article.

Bernews: Buy Back Opens Nature Reserve

Buy Back Bermuda has opened the new 10-acre High Point Nature Reserve in Southampton, which was made possible by a $2 million donation.

A spokesperson said, “Buy Back Bermuda is delighted to announce the public opening of the High Point Nature Reserve in Southampton. The purchase of this stunning 10-acre piece of land was possible thanks to a $2 million gift from a private anonymous donor and funds from our acquisition account including $300,000 donated by PartnerRe in 2008.

“Buy Back Bermuda is a joint initiative of the Bermuda National Trust [BNT] and the Bermuda Audubon Society [BAS], working together to conserve the island’s precious remaining open space, natural heritage and biodiversity for the benefit of present and future generations.

“The reserve was officially opened today, 22 April [Earth Day] by His Excellency the Governor Andrew Murdoch, who planted a tree to mark the occasion.”

Environment Minister Jache Adams sent the following message, “As Minister of Public Works and Environment, it brings me great satisfaction to see the work of Buy Back Bermuda so vividly on display through the official opening of the High Point Nature Reserve. In a small, densely developed island like Bermuda, protecting open spaces is not just a conservation priority—it is necessary for our environmental resilience, community well-being, and national identity.

“The opening of High Point Nature Reserve on Earth Day is a testament to what can be achieved when vision and stewardship come together to serve the public good. I applaud the Bermuda Audubon Society and the Bermuda National Trust for their dedication to safeguarding our natural heritage for generations to come. I look forward to seeing the people of Bermuda—young and old—enjoy all that this nature reserve has to offer.”

The spokesperson said, “High Point is the fourth Buy Back Bermuda nature reserve. Somerset Long Bay East Nature Reserve was the first, opened on Earth Day 2007. Vesey Nature Reserve in Southampton was opened on Earth Day 2013. Eve’s Pond Nature Reserve in Hamilton Parish was opened on Earth Day 2022.

“Accessed off Alton Hill, High Point features incredible panoramic views of the South Shore and the Great Sound. The coastal portion has the largest nesting colonies of Longtails on mainland Bermuda and caves that provide critical nesting habitat for Barn Owls. Mixed woodland across much of the reserve offers habitat for local and migratory bird species. Three acres of the reserve is farmland in active use.

“In accordance with a Conservation Management Plan, trails have been created, invasive casuarinas have been removed and trees have been planted, all with the help of volunteers and contractors.”

“While there is much work still to do to replant with natives and endemics, create an additional coastal trail and install more interpretive signage, the reserve is now ready for members of the public to enjoy,” said Jennifer Gray, Chair of Buy Back Bermuda. “We are delighted to have created another beautiful natural space for the benefit of the Bermuda community and our visitors. A great deal of work has gone into making it a wonderful place for a family day out. We urge everyone to come and enjoy this new nature reserve.”

According to Janice Hetzel, President of the Bermuda Audubon Society, “Research has shown that time spent in nature improves our physical and mental wellbeing. By creating a new nature reserve, we’re not only protecting habitat, but also investing in the health of our community. High Point offers a tranquil refuge from the demands of modern life — a place where people can slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the sights, sounds, and rhythms of the natural world. At the same time, the reserve will serve as a sanctuary for plants and wildlife, persevering vital habitat where nature can truly thrive.”

“Bermuda owes a huge debt of gratitude to the anonymous donor who provided the funds to preserve this open space from private development,” said Karen Border, Executive Director of the Bermuda National Trust.

“Thanks to their amazing generosity, combined with the vision of the Buy Back Bermuda team and the hard work of many dedicated people, present and future generations of Bermuda residents will be able to enjoy this spectacular green oasis.”

For more information on Buy Back Bermuda visit www.buybackbermuda.bm.

View full article online.

Royal Gazette: Conservation Group opens a Southampton Nature Reserve

A ten-acre nature reserve was unveiled to the public this afternoon.

High Point Nature Reserve on Alton Hill, Southampton, drew a crowd of about 50 people who strolled through fresh trails to welcome the new open space.

Andrew Murdoch, the Governor, christened the compound with an official “vine-cutting” ceremony and planted a tree on the grounds.

He said: “It is genuinely a very magical place.

“There is still a need for more to support the work — financially or through labour or expertise, or just being a voice in the community — to ensure that our generation and future generations continue to benefit from all that Bermuda’s nature has to offer.”

High Point Nature Reserve was financed by Buy Back Bermuda, a joint effort between the Bermuda Audubon Society and the Bermuda National Trust to preserve the island’s natural spaces.

The $2.3 million property was bought with the help of a $2 million anonymous donation and $300,000 donated from PartnerRe in 2008.

Mr Murdoch said it was fitting to host the opening on Earth Day.

He added: “I can see, from the history of your Buy Back Bermuda scheme, using this day to illustrate that is a classic example of exactly what this day is meant to signify.”

Buy Back Bermuda purchased the Somerset Long Bay Nature Reserve in 2007 and the Vesey Nature Reserve in Hamilton Parish in 2013.

The most recent purchase was Eve’s Pond Nature Reserve, also in Hamilton Parish, in 2022.

Jennifer Gray, the chairwoman of Buy Back Bermuda, said that the group still needed to complete the walking trail along the coastline and install more signage.

She said that it also wanted to replace more invasive casuarina trees with a low-maintenance fruit orchard and plant nurseries, as well as adding bird houses.

Ms Gray said these renovations would require more donations and encouraged others to contribute what they could.

She added: “We are delighted to have created another beautiful natural space for the benefit of the Bermuda community and our visitors.

“A great deal of work has gone into making it a wonderful place for a family day out.

“We urge everyone to come and enjoy this new nature reserve.

“Together, we can make High Point a shining example of what’s possible when community and conservation come together.”

Ms Gray gave a word of congratulations on behalf of Jaché Adams, the Minister of Public Works and Environment, who was unable to attend.

Mr Adams wrote in his speech that it brought him “great satisfaction” to see the success of Buy Back Bermuda’s efforts.

He added: “In a small, densely populated island like Bermuda, protecting open spaces is not just a conservation priority — it is necessary for our environmental resilience, community wellbeing and national identity.

“The opening of High Point Nature Reserve on Earth Day is a testament to what can be achieved when vision and stewardship come together to serve the public good.

“I applaud the Bermuda Audubon Society and the Bermuda National Trust for their dedication to safeguard our natural heritage for generations to come.”

David Wingate, a renowned Bermudian ornithologist who came to the opening, said he was happy to see so much effort being put into restoring the environment.

He added that he had not seen so many longtails in one space since he was a child.

Dr Wingate attributed this increased visibility to better control of predators such as loose dogs, and other conservation efforts.

He added: “The crowd that’s been here today makes me realise that people care more than they did when I was a youngster.

“This is what we needed to do to keep the environment healthy.”

Royal Gazette: Conservation Group opens a Southampton Nature Reserve

Royal Gazette: BNT Celebrates 50 years of walking

More than 700 nature enthusiasts gathered in the East End yesterday to take part in the annual Bermuda National Trust Palm Sunday walk.

Marking its 50th anniversary this year, the five-mile course began at Clearwater Beach and took in Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve, St David’s Lighthouse, Great Head and Little Head Parks.

The route was designed by Myles Darrell and Ronald Burchall, of the trust’s natural heritage department.

Karen Border, the executive director of the trust, said: “We were very fortunate that Mother Nature moved the bad weather through a day early and blessed us with a beautiful afternoon.

“Some humpback whales put in an appearance off Great Head, to the delight of many. The magnificent Figurehead Memorial to those lost at sea was another highlight of the walk.

“Thank you to everyone who turned out to walk and support the trust, and also to our many volunteers who helped keep the walkers safe and on the right track.”

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Bernews: Palm Sunday Walk

The Bermuda National Trust’s 50th annual Palm Sunday Walk is set for April 13, featuring a scenic five-mile route through St. David’s.

A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda National Trust’s [BNT] much-loved Palm Sunday Walk is back for its 50th year, offering an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes and hidden treasures of St. David’s. As always, this popular community event is expected to attract thousands of residents and visitors eager to explore Bermuda’s natural beauty, National Parks, and historical landmarks.

“This year’s five-mile [8 km] route begins at Clearwater Beach in St. David’s, with a flexible start time between 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm. Parking is available at Clearwater car park, and participants can expect to complete the walk in two to two and a half hours.”

The carefully planned route, designed by Myles Darrell, Head of Natural Heritage at BNT, will take walkers through Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve, Great Head and Little Head Parks, and along the charming, winding streets of St. David’s.

“The Palm Sunday Walk is a wonderful spring tradition that invites the community to step outside, enjoy fresh air, and discover parts of Bermuda they may have never explored before,” said Mr. Darrell. “This year, walkers will experience dramatic coastlines with soaring longtails, scenic nature trails, and fascinating points of natural and cultural heritage, highlighted on our official event map.”

The spokesperson said, “Walkers are asked to register and donate at runsignup.com/palmsundaywalk to help the Trust cover the cost of organising the event and to support BNT’s year-round work promoting and protecting Bermuda’s natural and cultural heritage. Full details and the registration link can be found on the website at bnt.bm.

“The registration fee is $20 for BNT members, $25 for non-members, $10 for children ages 6 to 12. Registered participants can pick up their bibs at Waterville, 2 Pomander Road, during business hours on Friday 11 April, or on Saturday 12 April from 10:00 am – 12:00 noon. To avoid long lines on the day, early registration is strongly encouraged.

“To mark the 50th anniversary of the event, special T-shirts will be available for purchase with the familiar Walking Palmetto logo.

“Participants are advised to wear sturdy shoes for rugged terrain and to bring their own water bottles. Water will be generously donated by John Barritt & Son Ltd to refill the bottles, but no single-use plastic water bottles or cups will be available. Hot cross buns and orange quarters will be available along the route for a small donation. The route is not suitable for strollers and dogs are not permitted.”

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Royal Gazette: easter tradition to explore hidden gems of East End

An annual classic known for bringing out thousands of walkers to enjoy the island’s natural and cultural heritage marks its 50th anniversary this year.

The Bermuda National Trust Palm Sunday Walk, set for April 13, will take participants through the open spaces and winding lanes of St David’s.

Registration is now open through the trust’s website, where details and links can be found.

The five-mile route begins at Clearwater Beach, where parking is available, with a flexible start time between 1pm and 2pm.

The route this year, which participants can expect to finish within 2½ hours, was designed by Myles Darrell, the head of natural heritage at BNT.

It will take walkers through the Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve and up to the striking overlooks at Great Head and Little Head Parks.

Mr Darrell said it offered the community a chance to come out and experience some of the East End’s hidden treasures.

He added: “The Palm Sunday Walk is a wonderful spring tradition that invites the community to step outside, enjoy fresh air and discover parts of Bermuda they may have never explored before.

“This year, walkers will experience dramatic coastlines with soaring longtails, scenic nature trails, and fascinating points of natural and cultural heritage, highlighted on our official event map.”

Walkers are asked to register and donate to help the trust cover the cost of organising the event, and to support BNT’s year-round work promoting and protecting Bermuda’s natural and cultural heritage.

The registration fee is $20 for BNT members, $25 for non-members and $10 for children aged 6 to 12.

Registered participants can pick up their bibs at “Waterville” on 2 Pomander Road in Paget during business hours on April 11 or from 10am to noon on April 12, with early registration encouraged.

To mark its 50th anniversary, commemorative T-shirts will be available for purchase with the familiar Walking Palmetto logo.

Participants are advised to wear sturdy shoes for rugged terrain and to bring their own water bottles.

Water will be donated by John Barritt & Son Ltd to refill bottles, but no single-use plastic water bottles or cups will be available.

Hot cross buns and orange quarters will be available along the route for a small donation.

The BNT said the route was not suitable for strollers and dogs are not permitted.

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Royal Gazette: Children Enjoy BNT nature tour at Spittal Pond

Young people were given an opportunity to connect with the environment during an annual tour of the Spittal Pond nature reserve today.

About 200 children, parents, grandparents and camp leaders took part.

They were offered engaging insights into the pond’s ecosystem as well as its animal and plant life during the free, guided tour organised by the Bermuda National Trust.

In small groups, the visitors walked at 15-minute intervals throughout the morning and gained insights into the island’s rich cultural heritage at key landmarks such as Portuguese Rock and Jeffrey’s Cave at the site.

Karen Border, the BNT’s executive director, said: “This annual event is a wonderful opportunity for children to immerse themselves in nature and explore Bermuda’s largest nature reserve.

“We are thrilled to see so many families and camp groups eager to learn about our island’s unique habitats and wildlife.”

The BNT said that throughout the walk, the children engaged environmental experts including Myles Darrell, its head of natural heritage, who introduced them to the reserve.

Dörte Horsfield, of the BNT, provided insights into pond life, while Mark Outerbridge of the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo explained pond ecology and conservation.

Erich Hetzel and Janice Hetzel of the Bermuda Audubon Society guided the children in spotting and identifying local and migratory birds.

Spittal Pond is one of Bermuda’s most spectacular open spaces, the BNT said, protected in trust for the community by the charity.

The 64-mile reserve is the island’s largest bird sanctuary and the BNT said it provides a diverse range of habitats that attract a variety of birds, especially during migration seasons.

Portuguese Rock ― the oldest known evidence of human presence on the island and Jeffrey’s Cave ― where an enslaved man is said to have hidden for several weeks to escape captivity, are among the standout sites at the reserve.

The significance of Jeffrey’s Cave was highlighted by Kim Dismont-Robinson and during the event Ronald Burchall of the BNT spoke about Portuguese Rock.

Robbie Smith, of BAMZ, explained the geological forces behind Spittal Pond’s striking “checker board” rock formation.

The visitors were treated to a special moment observing humpback whales spouting and surfacing offshore while talking with whale researcher Andrew Stevenson.

The reserve is jointly managed by the BNT and the Government of Bermuda.

• For more information about Spittal Pond, private tours, or volunteer opportunities with BNT’s nature reserves, e-mail Myles Darrell at myles.darrell@bnt.bm

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Bernews: BNT’s Annual Spittal Pond Walk

The Bermuda National Trust’s annual nature walk for children took place at Spittal Pond today [April 1].

A spokesperson said, “Sponsored by Arch, this free guided tour aims to inspire young people with a love for Bermuda’s natural and cultural heritage.

“Around 200 children, parents, grandparents, and camp leaders participated in the event, setting off in small, guided groups at 15-minute intervals throughout the morning. Along the route, expert guides provided engaging insights into the pond’s ecosystem, local plant and animal life, and Bermuda’s rich cultural heritage at key landmarks such as Portuguese Rock and Jeffrey’s Cave.”

“This annual event is a wonderful opportunity for children to immerse themselves in nature and explore Bermuda’s largest nature reserve,” said Karen Border, BNT’s Executive Director. “We are thrilled to see so many families and camp groups eager to learn about our island’s unique habitats and wildlife.”

A spokesperson added, “Spanning 64 acres, Spittal Pond is one of Bermuda’s most spectacular open spaces, protected in trust for the community by the Bermuda National Trust. As the island’s largest bird sanctuary, it provides a diverse range of habitats that attract an incredible variety of birds, especially during migration seasons. The site is also of significant historical importance, home to Portuguese Rock—the oldest known evidence of human presence on the island—and Jeffrey’s Cave, where an enslaved man is said to have hidden for several weeks to escape captivity.

“Throughout the walk, children engaged with natural heritage experts, including Myles Darrell, BNT’s Head of Natural Heritage, who introduced them to the reserve. Dr. Dörte Horsfield of BNT provided insights into pond life, while Dr. Mark Outerbridge of BAMZ explained pond ecology and conservation. Erich Hetzel and Janice Hetzel from the Bermuda Audubon Society guided the children in spotting and identifying local and migratory birds. The significance of Jeffrey’s Cave was highlighted by Dr. Kim Dismont-Robinson and Ronald Burchall of BNT spoke about Portuguese Rock. Dr. Robbie Smith of BAMZ explained the geological forces behind Spittal Pond’s striking “checkerboard” rock formation. Participants were also treated to a special moment observing humpback whales spouting and surfacing offshore while talking with whale researcher Andrew Stevenson.

“Spittal Pond is jointly managed by the Bermuda National Trust and the Bermuda Government. For more information about Spittal Pond, private tours, or volunteer opportunities with BNT’s nature reserves, please contact Myles Darell, myles.darrell@bnt.bm.”

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Royal Gazette: Rotarian honoured for putting service above self

A Rotarian who is playing a key role in the planting of 100 trees across the island this year was honoured by the Hamilton Rotary Club for his environmental stewardship.

George Cook, a director of the Hamilton Rotary Club, was recognised for his contributions to the environment, including the planting of endemic trees to coincide with the 101st anniversary of the club.

The club recently celebrated the milestone with the planting of the first six trees at the High Point Nature Reserve on Alton Hill in Southampton.

Dr Cook was honoured at a special event on Tuesday at the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club.

The project was undertaken by the Rotary club in collaboration with the Bermuda National Trust.

Dr Cook was centrally involved in the exercise and told The Royal Gazette that he believed in a quote by British scholar and author Thomas Fuller: “He that plants tress, loves others besides himself.”

A historian by profession, Dr Cook said the quote was a perfect statement, which people should keep in mind, especially Rotarians.

He has been a Rotarian for 47 years and said his spirit of being a steward of the environment “comes from within”.

He always felt at home with the organisation and noted that throughout his life, it had played an important role in his view of the world.

Dr Cook studied at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada, and later earned a PhD in history from the University of Oxford in England.

He joined Bermuda College in 1975 and was president from 1992 until he retired in 2001. More recently his focus has been on preservation of the environment.

Myles Darrell, the BNT’s head of natural heritage, and Noelle Young, a climate activist and president-elect of Hamilton Rotary, were also honoured at the club’s event on Tuesday.

Mr Darrell and Ms Young were presented with the Paul Harris Award for continuing hard work and environmental stewardship.

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Royal Gazette: Rotary Club celebrates 101 years with tree planting

The Hamilton Rotary Club celebrated its 101st anniversary in Bermuda with the planting of six endemic trees in a beauty spot soon to be opened for agriculture and community enrichment.

Rotarians and representatives of the Bermuda National Trust, along with other volunteers, planted Bermuda cedars, palmettos, all spice and olive woods in the High Point Nature Reserve on Alton Hill in Southampton .

The ten-acre property is owned by Buy Back Bermuda, a collaboration between the BNT and the Bermuda Audubon Society, which purchased the property in 2022. It was supported by an “angel” donor and BBB’s funds acquisition account including a $300,000 donation by PartnerRe.

The six trees are among the first of 100 endemics to be added to Bermuda in celebration of the Rotary’s century of service. In addition to those planted at the reserve, there is one at the Bermuda Botanical Gardens and another at Warwick Academy.

George Cook, a director of the Hamilton Rotary Club, said: “I read somewhere, ‘the person who plants trees, thinks beyond himself’. I love that idea; it’s a very Rotarian idea.

“We are helping the Bermuda National Trust with planting endemic plants in their new nature reserve and they are helping us broadcast how long we have been here and what we have been doing for 100 years — these trees will be here for many more years.

“Our objective is to plant 100 trees to celebrate the 100 years of Rotary being in Bermuda. We are now celebrating our 101st year, and for us this is a good beginning. With collaboration, the BNT and hopefully the parks department in the future, we can find some good sites.”

Cathy Bassett, the president of the Hamilton Rotary Club, said the planting on Saturday morning fell on the exact day of the anniversary.

Separately, there are 25 volunteers working with the BNT to open the nature reserve on Earth Day on April 22.

Myles Darrell, the head of natural heritage at the BNT, said: “It is beneficial to plant native endemics to protect and preserve our natural heritage.

“Perhaps more importantly in this climate crisis that we are facing, these plants are adapted to withstand those hurricane-force winds, intense rains, and depleted and lime-based soils that we tend to have. They thrive under those conditions.

“As we have more hurricanes with increased strength, we are really going to be depending on these to ensure that our island has some greenery.”

Betsy Baillie, the daughter of Tom and Betty James who previously owned the land, was in attendance for the planting. Mr James, who was primarily a poultry farmer, purchased the land in 1959.

Ms Baillie said: “My parents would be amazed that it is going to be a nature reserve.”

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Royal Gazette: BNT jumble sale and auction braces for 2,000 treasure hunters

A Georgian mantelpiece clock, antique Bermuda silver and a commode are just a few of the treasures up for grabs in the annual Bermuda National Trust Jumble Sale and Auction, which opens today at the Botanical Gardens.

Dörte Horsfield, the trust’s head of development and engagement, expects at least 2,000 people to pass through the Jack King Building and Commercial Slat House over the next three days.

The Jumble Sale and auction preview is today from 8.30am to 6.30pm and tomorrow from 8.30am to 2pm. The auction begins at 10am on Saturday.

Prices for items range from 25 cents for a mug, cup or book, to $50 for electronics, to thousands of dollars for antique furniture, china or silver. Everything has been donated by the community.

“This is the biggest repurposing event on the island,” Dr Horsfield said. “People drop off items they no longer need. Often they come back to the sale the next day and take home just as many items as they dropped off.”

A range of experts — from historian and writer John Cox to auctioneer Dana Casling — carefully examined all donations to sort the fun from the pricey.

Volunteers such as Robert Clubbe and James Decker help out every year. Originally from Canada, they winter in Bermuda.

They were part of a team of more than 50 volunteers cleaning, arranging, researching, pricing and tagging.

The night before the sale, Dr Horsfield anticipated a line of 100 people outside when the doors open this morning at 8am.

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Royal Gazette: BNT jumble sale and auction next week

Residents were invited to attend an annual auction and jumble sale events next week at the Botanical Gardens.

The Bermuda National Trust will host the events at the Jack King Building and Commercial Slat House in the Botanical Gardens.

Residents can attend the jumble sale, which will be held next Thursday and Friday for “amazing bargains and treasures”, the BNT said.

The sale on Thursday will run from 8.30am to 6.30pm while on Friday, it will run from 8.30am to 2pm.

The BNT said the auction, which will be held on Saturday, will feature “high-quality antiques and Bermudiana”.

It said the funds raised at the popular community events, which usually attract a large and diverse group of customers, help to fulfil its mission to protect and promote Bermuda’s unique natural and cultural heritage.

Dörte Horsfield, head of development at the BNT, said the events are ideal for residents to start their “spring clean-out” early and to pass on items they no longer need.

Dr Horsfield said donations can be dropped off at the Jack King Building in the Botanical Gardens from Sunday to Tuesday.

She said: “The trust will recycle it all into funding for its natural and cultural heritage programmes.”

With the exception of clothing, the BNT said, residents can donate items such as houseware, porcelain, decorative items, ceramics, Bermuda boxes and trays, antique silver items, toys, books, hurricane shades, art and good small furniture.

Oriental rugs are particularly sought after, the organisation added.

• For more information visitbnt.bm, e-mail Jordan Smith at jsmith@bnt.bm or call the BNT’s team at Waterville on 236-6483

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Bernews: National Trust To Host Auction & Jumble Sale

The Bermuda National Trust [BNT] will host its annual Auction & Jumble Sale at the Jack King Building and Commercial Slat House in the Botanical Gardens.

A spokesperson said, “Bermuda’s largest recycling event, the Auction & Jumble sale has long been a popular part of the community calendar, attracting a large and diverse group of customers, from bargain hunters to antique collectors.

“All items are donated and the money raised helps the Bermuda National Trust to fulfill its mission to protect and promote Bermuda’s unique natural and cultural heritage for everyone, forever.”

“The BNT Auction & Jumble sale is the ideal reason to start your spring clean-out early and pass on items you no longer need. Donations can be dropped off at the Jack King Building in the Botanical Gardens from Sunday to Tuesday,” said Dr. Dörte Horsfield, Head of Development. “The Trust will recycle it all into funding for its natural and cultural heritage programmes. We invite everyone to come out to the Botanical Gardens next Thursday and Friday to pick up amazing bargains and treasures, and to join us on at 10:00 am on Saturday, 1 March for the auction, which will feature high-quality antiques and Bermudiana.”

The spokesperson said, “BNT is looking for donations of everything but clothing. Good housewares, porcelain, decorative items, ceramics, Bermuda boxes and trays, antique silver items, toys, books, hurricane shades, art, good small furniture and upholstered pieces, and oriental rugs are particularly sought after.

“Donations can be dropped off at the Jack King Building and Commercial Slat House in the Botanical Gardens on

• Sunday, 23 February from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
• Monday, 24 February from 8:30 am – 6:30 pm
• Tuesday, 25 February from 8:30 am to noon.

“Please enter the Botanical Garden from South Road across from Peace Lutheran Church and exit on Berry Hill Road.

“The Jumble Sale and Auction Preview is held on Thursday, 27 February from 8:30 am – 6:30 pm and Friday, 28 February from 8:30 am – 2:00 pm. The auction will take place on Saturday, 1 March from 10:00 am to the end. For more information visit bnt.bm or email Jordan Smith at jsmith@bnt.bm or call the team at Waterville at 236-6483.

“Volunteers welcome! If you are interested in joining our vibrant and dedicated team of volunteers, please contact jsmith@bnt.bm.”

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Bernews: BNT’s Plant & Bake Sale

The Bermuda National Trust will host their Plant & Bake Sale on Saturday [Feb 15], from 8:30 AM to noon at Waterville, offering plants, local produce, and more.

A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda National Trust [BNT] is delighted to announce the return of its much-loved Plant & Bake Sale, taking place this Saturday, 15 February, from 8:30 AM to noon at Waterville, 2 Pomander Road, Paget. This highly anticipated event offers a wonderful morning for gardening enthusiasts, food lovers, and families to come together in support of a great cause.”

“Our Plant & Bake Sale is one of the highlights of the year for both the Bermuda National Trust and the community,” said Dr. Dörte Horsfield, Head of Development & Engagement at BNT. “It’s an opportunity to celebrate Bermuda’s natural beauty, promote sustainability, enhance home gardens, and indulge in delicious homemade treats. We are incredibly grateful to the local nurseries, private plant growers, farmers, and bakers whose generosity makes this event possible.”

A spokesperson added, “Attendees can explore a diverse selection of plants, including vibrant bedding annuals, native species, exotic orchids, succulents, and rare trees and shrubs. Gardening experts will be available to offer advice on plant selection and care.

“Beyond plants, the sale will feature an abundance of fresh, locally grown vegetables and fruits, homemade preserves, honey, and freshly cut flowers. For those with a sweet tooth, an enticing array of baked goods will be available, including breads, scones, cakes, cupcakes, cookies, muffins, and gluten-free options. To support BNT’s commitment to sustainability, attendees are encouraged to bring reusable bags.

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Royal Gazette: Popular plant and bake sale returns

The Bermuda National Trust is hosting its “much loved” annual Plant and Bake Sale on Saturday.

The event takes place from 8.30am to noon at Waterville, 2 Pomander Road, Paget.

“Our Plant and Bake Sale is one of the highlights of the year for both the Bermuda National Trust and the community,” said Dörte Horsfield, the head of development and engagement at BNT.

Dr Horsfield added: “It’s an opportunity to celebrate Bermuda’s natural beauty, promote sustainability, enhance home gardens and indulge in delicious home-made treats.

“We are incredibly grateful to the local nurseries, private plant growers, farmers and bakers whose generosity makes this event possible.”

Guests can choose from a selection of plants, including vibrant bedding annuals, native species, exotic orchids, succulents, and rare trees and shrubs.

Gardeners will be available to offer advice on plant selection and care.

There will also be fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, home-made preserves, honey and freshly cut flowers as well as baked goods such as breads, scones, cakes and cookies. Gluten-free options will be available.

Attendees were encouraged to bring reusable bags and are welcome to enjoy their purchases on-site with a cup of coffee from vendor Rock Island Coffee or a cup of tea.

Parking is available at the Bridge Club on Pomander Road.

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Royal Gazette: Spike seen in illegal dumping at island’s open spaces

The Bermuda National Trust has decried a “worrying rise” in illegal dumping at nature reserves across the island.

In its February newsletter, the trust said it spends many hours of staff time removing waste from reserves.

The discarded items often include appliances, mattresses, bikes, bags of household garbage and horticultural waste.

Myles Darrell, the BNT head of natural heritage, wrote: “At the trust, we are on the front line as stewards of hundreds of acres of open space, apparently regarded by some in our community as empty spaces to dispose of garbage.

“We clear it away and the following week there’s another pile of rubbish.

“We can’t leave this unchecked because garbage damages the environment and perpetuates a cycle of neglect.”

A spokesman for the Ministry of Public Works said while it has not received any reports of illegal dumping at nature reserves, it would investigate the issue.

The ministry said it takes the matter “seriously” and encouraged residents to report any instances of illegal dumping by e-mail at waste@gov.bm.

The BNT said the matter posed a “serious national problem” and said it often collaborates with the charity Keep Bermuda Beautiful to address the issue.

It said while both organisations tried their best to clean up the environment, they were both under-resourced to cope with the scale of the problem.

On a positive note, the trust thanked the Somersfield Academy Rotary Interact Club for its efforts that recently led to the removal of an “astounding 2,200lb of litter” from a BNT property adjacent to the school.

The trust said: “Their dedication to preserving the beauty of our environment is commendable, and their work is a reminder of the importance of community engagement in solving community problems.

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Royal Gazette: Students explore island’s history of slavery in educational journey

More than 200 primary school students visited the Town of St George this week to learn about the history of enslaved people in Bermuda.

The initiative, a collaboration between the Department of Education, The Friends of St Peter’s Church, the African Diaspora Heritage Trail Foundation and the Bermuda National Trust, was launched in 2020 as a series of “learning journeys” for public school students.

While Covid-19 restrictions initially required the programme to be offered online, this year trustees of The Friends of St Peter’s Church secured funding for transportation through RenaissanceRe, enabling Primary Five students from across the island to travel to the East End.

Entitled “The Development of Slavery in Bermuda”, the event aimed to “deepen [the students’] understanding of Bermuda’s complex history”.

It was held in alignment with the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent, reflecting a local “commitment to highlight contributions of people of African descent worldwide and to educate young people about social justice and inclusion”.

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Royal Gazette: Prized painting added to BNT collection

The Bermuda National Trust has added a painting by a revered Bermudian artist to its collection.

The 1927 work by Hereward Watlington depicts Cluster Cottage, a BNT grade-one listed building on St Mary’s Road in Warwick.

The building belongs to the trust and is leased as a private residence.

Charlotte Andrews, the charity’s head of cultural heritage, shared the trust’s excitement about the nearly 100-year-old artwork.

Dr Andrews told The Royal Gazette: “This new acquisition to the trust’s collection is lovely to look at, but also beautifully expresses heritage as a dynamic process that connects people, places and things.

“This single object combines local architectural and artistic traditions and reveals relationships between the donating family, the artist, and many other trust collections.”

She added: “More heritage will be created as we discover other connections to the piece through curatorial research and community responses.”

In a recent newsletter, the BNT said that the building dated to at least 1727 and featured in the Warwick volume of the Bermuda’s Architectural HeritageSeries.

The painting was given to the trust by a member of the family of Harry Croyle Curtis and his wife, Elizabeth Walker Curtis.

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Royal Gazette: Arborists improve museum grounds

Volunteers supported a heritage charity by tidying the gardens at Verdmont House this week.

Karen Border, the executive director of the Bermuda National Trust, which operates the museum in Smith’s, said a team from Bermuda Arborist removed invasive trees from the historic property, opened a view to the south shore and carried out other work on the grounds.

The team was made up of David McCann, Alec Rowney, Rowdy Crockwell-Laurent, Sam Wallace and Burnel Wilson.

Mr McCann said: “We are very happy to help BNT with this project; what better way to give back than assisting with such a great cause.

“The BNT ensures these historic locations, museums and green spaces will always be available for Bermudians and visitors alike to enjoy.”

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BNT 2024 Raffle

2024 Raffle Winners

We are pleased to announce the winners of our 2024 Raffle.

Congratulations to our 2024 winners. Many thanks to everyone who supported and helped make this year’s raffle a great success!

• Electric Mini Cooper  – Ticket Number: 0249 – Winner: Jinna Johnson
• Vespa – Ticket Number: 0731 – Winner: Kelly
• $500 Belco Voucher – Ticket Number: 0042 – Winner: Linda Gurr
• $500 MarketPlace Grocery Voucher – Ticket Number: 0619 – Winner: Melissa Stambaugh
• Two Round-Trip Tickets on Bermuda – Ticket Number: 0876 – Winner: Liz Stewart

Thank you to Bermuda Motors, Scooter Mart, The MarketPlace and Belco for their support of this year’s raffle.

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

2024 Art Competition ‘ Worth Protecting’

Thank you to everyone who took part in this years Art Competition, sponsored by SOMPO International.

We are pleased to announce the winners of this years Student Art Competition. This year’s theme was ‘Worth Protecting’.

In the 9 – 12 year group:

• First Place: Milena Millett – ‘Untitled’
• Second Place: Jayla Woodley-Herbert – ‘Untitled’
• Third Place: Julia Stoppa – ‘The Book’
• Honourable Mention: Leonardo Stoppa –‘Culture, Heritage and Nature’
• Honourable Mention: Genesis Bell –‘More Than 24sq Miles’

In the 13 – 18 year group:

• First Place: Dhakiya Burch-Waldron –‘Untitled’
• Second Place: Luke Douglas –‘Untitled’
• Third Place: Mariah Matthews – ‘My Bermuda’
• Honourable Mention: Zöe Mir – ‘Bermuda Longtail Chick’
• Honourable Mention:  Mackenzie Lewis –‘Untitled’

All entries to the competition can be viewed online.

Royal Gazette: Fairmont Southampton SDO to reflect new timeline

A special development order for the Fairmont Southampton will be revised in response to the latest timeline for works at the resort, the Cabinet Office said yesterday.

Walter Roban, the Minister of Home Affairs, announced almost a year ago — when he had responsibility for the planning department — his approval for an SDO that would pave the way for up to 250 tourism and residential units at the property.

The House of Assembly heard in June that the order would be brought into force upon the completion of all matters related to the overarching transaction that governed the redevelopment project.

Westend Properties Ltd, the owner of the Fairmont Southampton, announced last month that financing for renovations at the iconic resort had closed.

The Government was asked this week when the SDO was expected to be confirmed or published in the Official Gazette.

A spokeswoman for the Cabinet Office, which assumed responsibility for the planning department last November, said yesterday: “At this time, there isn’t an update to provide regarding the SDO.”

She added that “ … since the SDO was first made, and due to the passage of time, it will be revised to reflect the new timeline for the development”.

The spokeswoman said: “This is under way and will likely be before the House sometime in November.”

Westend submitted a revised request last year for in-principle approval to add up to 159 tourism and 91 residential units in buildings of two to four storeys at the resort.

Mr Roban characterised the development last October as a continuation of a longstanding trend in Bermuda tourism.

He said then: “This is not the most unique property of this type, combining a hotel with residences.”

The minister referred to developments such as Rosewood Bermuda and The Loren, adding: “This model was well established in Bermuda over the past 20 years.”

Mr Roban said then that the public would be able to see a new version of the development plan and its conditions online “once it has been drafted — and we expect that to be done in the next couple of weeks”.

The Development Applications Board earlier agreed with a recommendation from the Department of Planning that the minister should not approve an SDO based on the proposals — with the Bermuda National Trust urging Mr Roban to “do the right thing” and reject it.

Read the full article.

Royal Gazette: Decrepit Archlyn Vila faces uncertain fate

The Bermuda Hospitals Board will determine the fate of what was one of the island’s most iconic guesthouses.

A spokeswoman said the BHB, which purchased Archlyn Villa in 1990, will decide whether to sell or renovate the building on St John’s Road by the end of this year.

The property, which the BHB planned to use as a hospice, housed hospital staff from 1990 until 2014, but outstanding repairs have caused it to be vacant since then.

The property was built by John Gibson in 1826 and had several owners before Archibald and Lillian Minors bought and expanded it in 1953.

Mr and Mrs Minors, who are credited with starting Black tourism in Bermuda, operated Archlyn Villa from their St George’s home from 1944 until relocating to Pembroke.

Archlyn Villa accommodated Black tourists during racial segregation in Bermuda and singers Gladys Knight and Patty LaBelle, poet Langston Hughes and most Black entertainers who performed at the Forty Thieves nightclub stayed there.

The Minorses and their guesthouse were featured in Who’s Who in America in 1974 and Afro-American newspapers.

Read the full article.

Royal Gazette: Plans detail future of High Point Nature Reserve

Walking trails, a fruit forest and a fernery could all be introduced to the island’s next nature reserve, according to a recent planning application.

The proposal, submitted by Buy Back Bermuda – a collaborative initiative by the Bermuda National Trust and the Bermuda Audubon Society – laid out the organisation’s plans for the High Point Nature Reserve on Alton Hill in Southampton.

A Conservation Management Plan included in the application said the first one to two years of the project would include the development of walking trails and a small parking area, as well as the instillation of a series of informative signs.

The plan said that a portion of agricultural land would be earmarked for the creation of a “fruit forest” with locally growing fruit such as pomegranate, mulberry, fig, peach and loquat.

The organisation would also start work on removing invasive plants and casuarina pines, although that work would be ongoing.

In the following years, Buy Back Bermuda hope to work with local beekeepers to bring hives to the fruit forest, develop a pollinator garden and create a fernery, which would house a variety of native and endemic ferns, including several endangered varieties.

The CMP noted that a significant portion of the site was being used for sheep grazing and the bulk of the agriculturally zoned portion of the area would continue to be used for that purpose.

Read the full article.

Royal Gazette: Trust laments demolition of Front Street Building

Efforts should have been made to preserve a vacant Hamilton building damaged by Hurricane Ernesto.

While 93 Front Street was torn down last week, the Bermuda National Trust filed a letter of objection to the Department of Planning, arguing that the property was an historical building in an historical area of the City.

“The applicant’s argument to demolish a building in an historical area is based on the owner’s neglect and negligence,” the BNT said.

“This should not be an acceptable argument given the protections of historical areas and historical buildings, even if not listed buildings, which is the case for many buildings that remain worthy of listing in the City of Hamilton.

“Furthermore, there should be some concession from the owner of 93 Front Street should neglect have been observed by the Department of Planning during any site visit carried out after the western wall collapse was reported to the Department of Planning.”

The BNT said any evidence of neglect would highlight the need for the Government, or the City of Hamilton, to develop measures to make the preservation and renewal of historical buildings more financially viable.

“Incentives such as low-interest loans and relief of land tax, duty or payroll tax, with relief capped at the value of the project, need consideration,” the charity said.

According to a planning application submitted by the 93F Trust, a portion of the western wall of 93 Front Street fell after it was exposed to the elements by the demolition of the neighbouring 91 Front Street.

The documents said that interior demolitions had left the building in a structurally compromised position and the demolition of the neighbouring building had left the western face exposed to the elements.

Hurricane Ernesto subsequently caused a portion of the building’s western wall to collapse.

Read the full article.

Royal Gazette: Close to Home: Jonah puts his somerset backyard on show

With Close to Home, Jonah Jones shows where his focus has been in the three years since his art was last on display. It’s easy to understand why. A walk through his backyard is a tour of endemic and native trees, interesting foliage and an ongoing parade of birds. Should he want to switch things up, there is the ever-changing brilliance of King’s Point.

“I’ve called it Close to Home because, increasingly, as I’ve got older, I’ve been painting more and more around my environment here,” the artist said.

“We’ve been living in Somerset now for, I think 20-odd of the 35 years we’ve lived on the island and we ended up buying a house right up in Somerset, with some lovely land around it. It’s become a real creative space for me and that’s what’s coming out in the art.”

Close to Home will have about 80 paintings when it opens on Friday in the main gallery at Bermuda Society of Arts.

The odd picture out is another favoured location of Mr Jones, Flatts Inlet.

“All the other work is within a stone’s throw of where I live.”

With nearly four decades of art behind him the artist decided to include as part of his solo exhibit, a timeline of his work.

It will run in the Edinburgh Gallery at BSoA, as an accompaniment to Close to Home. The pieces are not for sale, some were borrowed from the people who bought them.

Read the full article.

Royal Gazette: BNT Launches Art Competition

Young artists have been invited to highlight the island’s natural and cultural heritage in a competition organised by the Bermuda National Trust

The theme of this year’s contest, which the charity has organised in partnership with insurance company Sompo International, is “Worth Protecting”.

Entries can be in the form of drawing, painting, sculpture, multimedia, collage, photography and digital art, but video is excluded.

The competition is divided into two age groups — nine to 12 years old, and 13 to 18 years old — with cash prizes for the top three entries in each category chosen by a panel of independent judges.

Anna Stevenson, the BNT’s heritage education manager, said: “We are excited to invite Bermuda’s young people to use their artistic talents to show aspects of Bermuda’s natural and cultural heritage that they think are worth protecting.

“Hopefully the theme will inspire students to think about the special aspects of Bermuda that they love the most and perhaps would like their own children to be able to enjoy one day.

“We want to encourage an appreciation of the value of Bermuda’s heritage.”

Entries must be delivered to the BNT office at Waterville on Pomander Road by 5pm on November 1.

The winners will be announced on November 22 and will be invited to an awards ceremony at Waterville, where the winning artwork will be displayed before being exhibited in the reception of Sompo International’s offices.

The artwork will also be featured on the BNT’s website.

Read the full article.

Royal Gazette: Environmentalists balk at remediation plan

Environmental groups have warned that a plan to combat erosion at a property near Harrington Sound could damage a unique ecosystem.

A planning application for Palmetto Gardens, submitted this year, proposed remediation works to address undercutting of the cliff face caused by tides and storms.

However, it has garnered a series of objections and calls for an environmental-impact statement to be prepared, citing concern about the Harrington Sound Notch.

In a letter of objection, the Bermuda Audubon Society said that the notch was a deep undercutting of the rock below the high tide level formed by black date mussels and other rock-boring organisms.

The charity said the area was so unique that in 2004 the Bermuda Government proposed that Harrington Sound and the notch be considered a “Ramsar site”, protected under the Ramsar Convention created to conserve wetlands.

It explained: “According to the Ramsar information sheet prepared by the Bermuda Department of Conservation, it is a ‘globally unique feature and probably supports the greatest species diversity of sponges in the wider Caribbean’.

“This is further reiterated in the monograph, Ecology of Harrington Sound, Bermuda, by Martin L.H. Thomas, which states: ‘There seems to be no other example of a structure like the Harrington Sound Notch anywhere in the world.’

Read the full article.

Royal Gazette: Parents an ‘essential factor’ outside the classroom

The former president of St George’s Preparatory School PTA called on parents to take a central role with the start of the new academic year, and get engaged in their children’s lives.

Rajai Denbrook, who spoke at City Hall in Hamilton yesterday, said: “Engaged parents have long been identified as an essential factor in maximising outcomes for their children, in and out of school.

“These are parents who understand they are their children’s greatest protector and advocate, so their child can walk through this world with a sense of security and confidence only a loving and engaged parent can provide.”

Mr Denbrook, who was accompanied by daughters Sowillo and Winter at an event marking the start of the 2024-25 school year, believes that children who have active fathers in their lives posses additional confidence.

Community activists Glenn Fubler and Dennis Bean, representatives from the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo and the Bermuda National Trust, and mother Wanda Robinson joined Mr Denbrook to mark the occasion.

Mr Bean said gang violence inhibited the ability to receive a good education, and urged people involved in these activities to “cease and desist and allow children to grow up and associate and assimilate in an environment which is conducive to proper recreational, spiritual and physical growth and socialisation”.

Ms Robinson told parents to be their children’s “village”, and to reach out to others for help if they needed it.

She added: “My daughter may not have the same situation as someone else’s, but they can help one another.

“So mothers, talk with your daughters and fathers, talk with your sons, because we can only teach them to be better citizens in this country if we listen to what they have to say and what needs they have.”

The gathering heard that BNT, BAMZ, the Bermuda National Library and other organisations have partnered to create a learning village for children.

This partnership will provide pointers to make going back to school easier in the coming days, and will loan family learning kits to library card holders starting on September 17.

The kits, which can be collected at the library, Caesar’s Pharmacy in Sandys and Somers Supermart in St George, will include books and puzzles.

Read the full article.

Royal Gazette: Aspen adopts Paget Marsh

A “spectacular gift” from an insurance company will support a site that showcases a native Bermudian ecological community for the next five years.

Aspen Bermuda Ltd is to fund the management and maintenance of Paget Marsh Nature Reserve.

In its newsletter this month, the Bermuda National Trust said: “This is a spectacular gift.”

It explained that Aspen, along with the Conduit Foundation, already supported the repair of the Paget Marsh boardwalk.

“We are so appreciative that the company has decided to make a long-term commitment to the future of this significant space,” the BNT said.

The charity highlighted that it still needed volunteers on site at the reserve, which is the least disturbed of Bermuda’s original peat swamps.

It said: “We all understand the importance of having quality green spaces to find solace from our urban living, support biodiversity and reduce the impact of climate change.”

The BNT added: “It is exciting to have a reason for optimism for the future.”

The Paget Marsh boardwalk, which stretches 335ft into the reserve, was closed in 2019 and reopened to the public after restoration work in February this year.

Read the full article.

Royal Gazette: Historic Porch to be Demolished and Replaced

Plans to remove ageing balconies from an historic Hamilton building have been approved on the condition that a replacement balcony is installed within six months.

According to a planning application, filed earlier this year, Mayfair Ltd had sought permission to remove the cantilevered porch from 2 Reid Street because of safety concerns.

The property, which hosts P-Tech, was originally the home of the Phoenix Drug Store, which opened at the site in 1902.

While it was argued that the removal of the balconies was necessary as they had become unsafe, concerns were raised about changing the character of the building.

The Corporation of Hamilton requested that permission for the demolition only be granted on the condition that a new balcony is installed within six months.

The applicant responded by submitting revised drawings that proposed a smaller replacement porch which, unlike the original porch, would not stretch the full length of the building.

A report prepared for the Development Applications Board said: “The CoH reviewed these drawings and, in a letter dated July 11, noted that the building has had a progressive loss of historical character over time due to various modifications.

Read the full article.

Royal Gazette: Interns share the merits of SkillCraft programme

oung participants of a marketing internship programme have spoken about the value of the experience they gained over the past six weeks.

SkillCraft Youth Internship, now in its third year, paired 15 interns with 15 local organisations to provide assistance with social media content planning and creation.

The interns attended workshops three days per week to enhance their social media marketing knowledge, and spent the remaining two days of the week at their host organisations gathering content.

Shenice Maylor, who interned with wellness centre Sweat Suites Studio, said: “There’s a lot to learn from the internship about life in general and skills that you need in your adult life.

“You learn so much about business, how to promote it and much more. You meet new people, can potentially gain a job and learn more about yourself.

“You will step out of your comfort zone, but it’s a very safe space. I will recommend this programme to youths in Bermuda, especially if they have an interest in business or do not know what they want to do.”

Keira Haak was an intern with the Bermuda National Trust. Jordan Smith, development officer at the BNT, said of Ms Haak: “Her fresh perspective brought new insights to our organisation enabling us to see things from a different point of view. Her contributions were invaluable and her positive attitude made a lasting impact on our team.”

Read the full article.

Royal Gazette: Bermuda scholars celebrated at special reception

A special reception was held to honour four outstanding scholars who have been accepted into prestigious schools around the world.

The Bermuda students, who are to attend United World College schools, were celebrated at the Bermuda National Trust Museum of Verdmont on Tuesday.

The reception offered attendees the opportunity to learn more about the educational opportunities offered by the UWC movement.

The scholars are Fergus O’Connell, Taylor Herzog, Juliette Smatt and Gianna Pedro.

Read the full article.

Royal Gazette: SkillCraft launches third annual summer social-media internship

An organisation facilitating internships for young people with an interest in social media has begun its third annual summer programme.

SkillCraft Bermuda has enlisted 15 students to help businesses promote their goods and services.

Margot Shane, programme director, said: “It is an incredible privilege for us to run the programme for a third year this summer.

“Last Thursday, we hosted our launch event where many of our host businesses and youth interns got to meet and mingle in person.

“The programme will see the 15 young people experience working in a place of business and managing real responsibilities like creating social-media content, completing various projects and sharing their opinions and ideas with their team.

“The interns will also spend three days with the SkillCraft team learning the fundamentals of marketing and social media as well as key skills for the workplace.

“The tried-and-tested curriculum and coaching support will ensure the interns are empowered to become knowledgeable mini social-media marketers over the next six weeks.

“Interns will also be required to deliver at least three months worth of social-media posts ensuring that businesses are equipped with a potential source of plug-and-play content.

“We are very pleased to have received the support of Centennial Bermuda Foundation’s Economic Participation Committee through their grant of $100,000 for the funding of our SkillCraft Youth Internship Programme and for the partnership, shared resources and knowledge of the Bermuda Clarity Institute, Digicel Bermuda, Wakefield Quin, iRepair, The Berkeley Institute, CedarBridge Academy, Mirrors and Curb.”

Read the full article.

Bernews: Port Royal Hosts Bermuda National Trust

Port Royal Golf Course recently hosted the Bermuda National Trust for a tour and presentation on its agronomic practices.

A spokesperson said, “Port Royal Golf Course, amidst recent celebrations for its 50 year milestone, extended an invitation to the Bermuda National Trust to visit the facilities and learn about the agronomic practices used by the golf course team.

“Chairman of the Bermuda Government Golf Course Trustees Kim Swan, Junior Minister of Tourism, Culture & Sport, recommended extending an invitation following the recent Bermuda National Trust awards ceremony at Verdmont Museum.”

Mr Swan said, “I was intrigued by the recognition afforded to individuals and organizations for their stewardship of the Bermuda’s environment. It didn’t escape us that our own Golf Course Superintendent Mr. Jayson Jackson, who practices sound agronomic principles, is an environmentalist at heart and I felt it would be beneficial for our team to have a dialogue in the first instance.”

Read the full article

Royal Gazette: Bermuda National Trust elects new council board

Mark Orchard has been elected as president of the Bermuda National Trust’s council board, replacing Alana Anderson.

In addition, Michael Leverock was elected as vice-president of the board.

Ms Anderson stepped down from the role of president, in accordance with BNT bylaws, after serving an extended seven-year term. Mr Orchard thanked her for her exceptional service and presented her with an honorary life membership.

Ms Anderson served the trust for 20 years, starting out as a volunteer in 2004 in her early twenties, first on the fundraising and finance committees, and from 2008 on the council.

Important milestones under her leadership include the 2018 International Conference of National Trusts held in Bermuda, amendments to the Bermuda National Trust Act in 2021 and, in 2023, the adoption of the new BNT five-year strategic plan.

Re-elected to the BNT council are Andy DeGregorio, Stratton Hatfield, Peter Hebberd, Zeudi Hinds, Robin Mayor, Linda O’Shea, Duncan Simons and William White.

There are also three government appointees on the council: Meredith Ebbin and Mariette Savoie, who were previously appointed and continue to serve, and Ms Anderson, who was appointed recently after stepping down as president.

Karen Border, the trust’s executive director, said: “The council members do a great service to Bermuda by volunteering their time and expertise to ensure that BNT is well governed and effective in protecting and promoting the island’s natural and cultural heritage.

“We are very grateful to all of them.”

Read full article

Bernews: BNT Elect Mark Orchard & Michael Leverock

The Bermuda National Trust elected Mark Orchard as president and Michael Leverock as vice president at their Annual General Meeting.

A spokesperson said, “Alana Anderson stepped down from the role of president, in accordance with BNT bye-laws, after serving an extended seven-year term. On behalf of the Council, Mark Orchard thanked Alana for her exceptional service and presented her with Honorary Life Membership.

“Alana has given 20 years of service to the Trust. She started volunteering in 2004 in her early 20’s, first on the Fundraising and Finance Committees and from 2008 on the Council. Important milestones under her leadership included the 2018 International Conference of National Trusts held in Bermuda, amendments to the Bermuda National Trust Actin 2021, and in 2023 the adoption of the new BNT 5-year strategic plan.

“Re-elected to the BNT Council are Andy DeGregorio, Stratton Hatfield, Peter Hebberd, Zeudi Hinds, Robin Mayor, Linda O’Shea, Duncan Simons and William White. There are also three Government appointees on the Council: Meredith Ebbin and Mariette Savoie were previously appointed and continue to serve, while Alana Anderson was appointed recently after stepping down as president.”

“The Council members do a great service to Bermuda by volunteering their time and expertise to ensure that BNT is well governed and effective in protecting and promoting the island’s natural and cultural heritage,” said the Trust’s executive director Karen Border. “We are very grateful to all of them.”

Read the full article online

Royal Gazette: BNT gets $25,000 boost for archaeological project

The Bermuda National Trust will use a recently awarded grant for its archaeological collections management project.

In its newsletter last month, the charity said it was awarded the $25,000 Unesco funding by the Corporation of St George for the project.

The BNT said: “The minister responsible for the municipalities approved our request to support our Archaeological Collections Management Essential Upgrades Project.”

It noted that the project would provide “better conditions for archaeological collections recovered from or associated with the Historic Town of St George and Related Fortifications, Bermuda World Heritage Site”.

The BNT said the project was needed for the preservation and interpretation of artefacts and other finds from more than 40 years of archaeological research carried out by the charity in collaboration with international partners.

It added: “These essential collection management upgrades are also an important step in our plans for Globe and Tucker House museums.”

The BNT said the upgrades would enable it to establish a working and public-facing archaeology lab in the cellar of Globe Museum.

It added: “They will also support other interactive archaeology exhibits in both trust St George’s museums as well physical and digital curation of collections across the World Heritage Site.”

Read the full article online

Royal Gazette: BNT recognizes conservation efforts of supporters

Individuals and organisations that have worked to protect and promote Bermuda’s natural and cultural heritage were recognised for their efforts at an awards ceremony

The Bermuda National Trust’s annual heritage awards were held at the organisation’s Verdmont Museum last Thursday.

Certificates were presented by the charity’s president, Alana Anderson, and Kim Swan, the Junior Minister of Culture.

The Bermudiana Award for Natural Heritage Impact went to the Bermuda Zoological Society for its Micro Forest project. Natural Heritage Award certificates were also presented to Patrick Cooper and Steven DeSilva of the Corporation of Hamilton for the creation of Donleigh Park tree farm, and Christ Church, Warwick, for adopting environmentally friendly landscape methods in the church grounds.

The Cultural Heritage Impact Award, the top honour in the cultural heritage section, went to the Department of Culture for its long-running cultural apprenticeship programme that pairs tradition bearers with young people interested in learning practical skills and knowledge of aspects of Bermuda’s cultural heritage.

Recipients of Cultural Heritage Award certificates included Manuel Lopes, for restoring old Bermuda carriages, as well as the Friends of St Peter’s Church for the restoration of the church clock and training two Bermudians to maintain it.

They were joined by Cecille Snaith-Simmons to recognise the many articles on a broad range of cultural heritage topics she researched and wrote, and Holy Trinity Church for the thoughtful celebration of its 400th anniversary, which involved many cultural and community partners.

Read the full article online.

Bernews: Bermuda National Trust Annual Awards

The Bermuda National Trust Annual Awards were presented, recognising individuals, organisations, groups and schools that have worked to protect and promote Bermuda’s natural and cultural heritage.

A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda National Trust’s annual heritage awards were presented on 20 June. The awards, sponsored by Butterfield & Vallis, recognise individuals, organisations, groups and schools that have worked to protect and promote Bermuda’s natural and cultural heritage, or whose work has enhanced Bermuda heritage awareness or understanding. The ceremony took place at BNT’s Verdmont Museum and the trophies and certificates were presented by Trust President Alana Anderson and Junior Minister for Culture Kim Swan.

“The Bermudiana Award for Natural Heritage Impact went to the Bermuda Zoological Society for their Micro Forest project. Natural Heritage Award certificates were also presented to Patrick Cooper and Steven DeSilva of the Corporation of Hamilton for the creation of Donleigh Park tree farm, and Christ Church, Warwick for adopting environmentally friendly landscape methods in the church grounds.

“The Cultural Heritage Impact Award, the top honour in the cultural heritage section, went to the Department of Culture for their long-running Cultural Apprenticeship Programme that pairs tradition-bearers with young people interested in learning practical skills and knowledge of aspects of Bermuda’s cultural heritage.

“Cultural Heritage Award certificates were presented to Manuel Lopes, for restoring old Bermuda carriages; the Friends of St Peter’s Church for the restoration of the church clock and training two Bermudians to maintain it; Cecille Snaith-Simmons for researching and writing many articles on a broad range of cultural heritage topics; Holy Trinity Church for the thoughtful celebration of its 400th anniversary, involving many cultural and community partners.

“There were two awards for restorations or renovations of historic buildings. Guy and Annabel Cooper, Geoff Parker [architect] and F. Lewis Maintenance were commended for the sensitive renovation of Grade 2 listed ‘Southcote’ in Paget. Butterfield Bank was recognised for the thoughtful renovation of the historic Front Street banking centre to its 1923 design, for the building’s 100th anniversary.

“The Young Heritage Leadership Award, presented to a young person in recognition of their outstanding contribution to Bermuda’s cultural heritage, went to Alexander [Xander] Cook for commitment to Bermuda archaeology. Xander, 26, who is working towards a doctorate in archaeology, has worked on a number of local archaeology projects, including with Dr Michael Jarvis on the Smith’s Island dig for several summers.

“Diana Chudleigh was awarded the DeForest Trimingham Awareness Award for her ‘History of a House’ book series on four important Bermuda National Trust’s buildings – Waterville, Verdmont, Tucker House and Globe Museum. The Globe book was published early in 2024, completing the series, which tells the stories of the properties and the people who lived and worked in them.

“In the Service to the Trust category, the Trust’s highest honour – the Palmetto Award – was presented to Mariette Savoie for exceptional service to the Trust since 2009 as a member of the Council, Finance Committee and Governance Committee, and as chair of the Fundraising Dinner Committee for three very successful years.

“John Cox received the President’s Award for decades of support for BNT in many ways, including volunteering at Verdmont, holding ghost story-telling events, opening his historic home and gardens for tour groups and for hosting the 2023 gala dinner for over 300 people at his property Orange Valley House.

Read the full Bernews article.

Royal Gazette: Bermuda National Trust objects to planned porch removal

Plans to remove a porch from an historical Reid Street building have sparked objections from the Bermuda National Trust.

According to a planning application, filed last month, Mayfair Limited is seeking permission to remove the cantilever porch from 2 Reid Street because of safety concerns.

The property, which now hosts P-Tech, was the original home of the Phoenix Drug Store, which first opened at the site in 1902.

Read the full article online.

A derelict building on Coney Island could soon be revived as a facility for scouts.

A recent planning application proposed converting the vacant Fisheries Cottage in St George’s into a new meeting place for members of the organisation.

The Scout Association of Bermuda said in a letter included in the submission it believed that, in order to grow, it required facilities for all levels of scouts to meet and camp regularly.

“When the opportunity came about to lease these premises, careful consideration was given and we felt this would be best to grow our presence in the East End and provide a unique property to do so,” the letter stated.

“Our plans for the premises without changing the exterior footprint and minimal interior work is to provide a meeting and assembly room for our current and future scout groups to meet along with a basic kitchen, storage room and restroom facilities, which will also allow for camping on the grounds and within the premises.”

The documents noted that the Bermuda National Trust helped the organisation appreciate the history of the Grade 3 listed building, and that displays would be installed at the site to highlight its past.

The Department of Parks expressed support of the plan in a letter, and said: “We are in agreement that the fencing proposed for this property is in keeping with their proposal for additions and alterations for their purposes.

“We have discussed that the fencing will not impede those that regularly use the park and will not take away from the fact that it is a public park for all to use.”

The Bermuda National Trust website highlighted the cottage, which includes decorative features such as raised gable ends, corner pilasters and a small parapet on the south end.

While it is not known when the property was built, it appeared on a 1898/1901 ordinance survey map and the building was likely used as part of an isolation hospital for infectious diseases on Coney Island.

“Fisheries Cottage became known as Crockwell’s Cottage when it was rented by the late Inspector Custerfield Crockwell and his family,” the BNT website said.

“Afterwards it was used as a storage and lab facility by Marine Resources.

“However, its location in a public park with a nearby beach made the cottage a target for vandalism and it was often broken into.”

Read the full article online.

Royal Gazette: Trust seeks public input on expanding cultural impact

Residents were invited to help the Bermuda National Trust make plans to revitalise its museums.

As part of Heritage Month, which carried the theme “Culture=Energy”, the charity also hoped to expand how the sites impact cultural tourism and offer benefit to the community.

Charlotte Andrews, the BNT’s head of cultural heritage, invited members of the public to attend Verdmont Museum from 10am to 3pm on Saturday — International Museums Day — to discuss the trust’s vision for its central historic house museum.

She explained: “We believe this African Diaspora Heritage Trail Site and former site of enslavement can be an extremely profound memorial and site of healing.

“We extend an especially warm welcome to residents from the surrounding Collector’s Hill and wider Smith’s areas, who may live on original Verdmont land and may have a special interest in our elevating the historic house museum as a cultural tourism attraction and community heritage hub.”

The BNT will also share its plans for two museums in St George’s at the event.

On May 30, from 11am to 6pm, residents and especially fellow World Heritage Site partners, householders and businesses, are invited to Globe Museum in King’s Square, St George’s.

Dr Andrews added: “Come and learn about our plans for our two St George’s museums and Verdmont.

“Our vision is for visitors to the museums to have meaningful and memorable heritage experiences.

“We want to hear your thoughts about the Trust Museums plan to reflect your ideas and concerns and to ensure the museums meet community needs and are financially sustainable moving forward.

“Trust museums are your museums so come be a part of the plan.”

BNT’s Tucker House Museum on Water Street is temporarily closed for conservation and restoration.

There are plans to reopen the museum and African Diaspora Heritage Trail Site next year with new exhibits.

The Trust Museums plan will be posted online at www.bnt.bm/heritage/historic_houses in June after integrating input collected from the free open houses.

Read the full Royal Gazette article.

Bernews: BNT Invites Public to Free Open House

The Bermuda National Trust invites the community to free open houses in May to gather input on plans to revitalize Trust Museums.

A spokesperson said, “Bermuda National Trust invites the community to learn about and give input into plans for Trust Museums at free open houses in May. In line with this year’s Heritage Month theme, Culture=Energy, the Trust hopes to revitalise its museums to expand their cultural tourism impact and community benefit.”

Head of Cultural Heritage Dr. Charlotte Andrews asks, “What better time to invite you than on International Museums Day on Saturday 18 May to visit Verdmont Museum from 10am-3pm to discuss our vision for our central historic house museum? We believe this African Diaspora Heritage Trail Site and former site of enslavement can be an extremely profound memorial and site of healing. We extend an especially warm welcome to residents from the surrounding Collector’s Hill and wider Smith’s areas, who may live on original Verdmont land and may have a special interest in our elevating the historic house museum as a cultural tourism attraction and community heritage hub. We will also share our plans for our two museums in St. George’s with everyone who comes by.”

Dr. Andrews continued, “Then on Thursday 30 May from 11am-6pm we invite the entire community but especially our fellow World Heritage Site partners, residents and businesses, to Globe Museum on King’s Square. Come learn about our plans for our two St. George’s museums and Verdmont.” BNT’s Tucker House Museum on Water Street site is temporarily closed for conservation and restoration. It is planned to reopen the museum and African Diaspora Heritage Trail Site next year with new exhibits.

“Our vision is for visitors to the museums to have meaningful and memorable heritage experiences,” said Dr. Andrews. “We want to hear your thoughts about the Trust Museums plan to reflect your ideas and concerns and to ensure the museums meet community needs and are financially sustainable moving forward. Trust Museums are your museums, so come be a part of the plan!” The Trust Museums plan will be posted online at www.bnt.bm/museums in June after integrating input collected from the free open houses during Heritage Month in May.

Read the full article online.

Royal Gazette: Concern over future of endangered yellowwood trees

The Bermuda National Trust raised concern about the future of a “critically at risk” grove of trees at a nature reserve in Hamilton Parish.

In its April newsletter, the organisation said the yellowwoods, a rare, endangered species protected by law, thrive on a 6.6-acre area of land in the nature reserve at Paynters Hill.

The charity feared that the trees could be under threat from works associated with the Government’s planned demolition of the historical lookout tower at the site.

Read full article online.

Royal Gazette: Michael Darling (1930-2024): A Soldiers soldier

A former Commanding Officer of the Bermuda Regiment through turbulent times was also deeply committed to Bermuda’s environment and social welfare.

Lieutenant-Colonel Michael Darling was twice president of the Bermuda National Trust; a former chairman of the Defence Board; one of three founders of the Bermuda National Gallery; and a proud chairman of the board at the Elbow Beach Hotel.

His family recalled him as a man of deep-seated community passion who loved gardening and agriculture — and regretted that his bid for a political career never took off, after running unsuccessfully for the United Bermuda Party in 1976 in Southampton East.

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Royal Gazette: Parks protection body back with Zane DeSilva at helm

An advisory body set up to help protect Bermuda’s national parks has been re-established, about 15 months after it was disbanded.

The National Parks Commission will be chaired by Zane DeSilva, head of a construction company and a government MP, according to a notice in the Official Gazette.

One environmental charity yesterday welcomed the return of the commission but said its re-establishment should not have taken so long.

Karen Border, the executive director of the Bermuda National Trust, said: “BNT is very pleased that the National Parks Commission has been re-established.

“This important statutory body should never have been dismissed in the first place and it should not have taken more than a year of lobbying to get it reinstated, but we are glad that it will once again be able to carry out its function of advising on Bermuda’s national park system.

“Bodies such as the National Parks Commission are a critical part of maintaining a healthy democracy in Bermuda, as they provide an arena through which Government can seek the advice of individuals or organisations with specialist expertise and independent perspectives.

Read full article online.

Royal Gazette: Archaeological dig seeks to confirm site of first settlements

Archaeologists hope to confirm the site of Bermuda’s first settlements on Smith’s Island in St George’s Harbour when a dig takes place this summer.

A team of professionals and volunteers will carry out the excavation and related lab work at Smallpox Bay from May 24 to June 28.

The project is part of continuing archaeological and historical research into Bermudian history on Smith’s Island, led by Michael Jarvis, a historian and archaeologist at the University of Rochester, New York.

Read full article online.

Royal Gazette: Significant’ artefacts found during Fort Hamilton works

An archaeologist has discovered “significant” artefacts while sifting through the soil at Fort Hamilton during ongoing restoration works, it was announced today.

“The items will be catalogued and the archaeologist will make the recommendations on what to do with them,” Patrick Cooper, the city engineer, said at a press conference at City Hall.

He said the archaeologist made the discoveries while “doing test digs and sifting through the soils over these structures and remains”.

Read the full article online.

BNT Children’s Nature Walk 2024

BNT’s annual nature walk for children took place at Spittal Pond on Tuesday, 3 April with the free guided walk, sponsored by Arch, aiming to inspire young people with a love for Bermuda’s natural and cultural heritage.

Bernews: Children Enjoy Nature Walk at Spittal Pond

Royal Gazette: Children explore Spittal Pond in BNT Nature Walk

BNT Annual Awards 2024

The Bermuda National Trust has invited the public to nominate individuals, organizations, schools, or groups for its annual awards.

Bernews : Nominations Now Open For 2024 BNT Awards

Royal Gazette: Nominations open for BNT Awards

Royal Gazette: Conservation Plan put forward for Paget Marsh

A new walking path could be established at Paget Marsh as part of a proposed conservation management plan for the nature reserve.

The CMP, produced by CK Landscape Architecture and Consultancy for the Bermuda National Trust and the Bermuda Audubon Society, proposes measures to remove invasive species and bolster native and endemic plants in the reserve.

The plan also includes the creation of a raised berm to make a walkway linking St Paul’s Anglican Church cemetery to a bus stop near the eastern corner of the property.

Read full article online.

Royal Gazette: Environmentalists welcome springtime events

The first day of spring was welcomed yesterday by green groups across the island.

Speakers from five environmental advocacy groups met at the Bermuda National Trust’s Waterville property in Pembroke to share their events planned for the change in seasons.

Glenn Fubler, of Imagine Bermuda, welcomed the warmer weather and encouraged people to take this time to appreciate nature.

He added: “We can all take advantage of a hug from the sun, and pass on that warmth to our neighbour, to a friend or even to people that we don’t know.”

Karla Lacey, the executive director of the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, said that the institute would celebrate World Water Day tomorrow with a symposium for senior schools and Bermuda College.

The annual celebration carries the theme “Water for peace”, which emphasises the human right of clean water and how better sanitation could lead to less conflict over resources.

The symposium will be followed by an open house on Saturday that will be held in tandem with the BUEI’s monthly Kid’s Hour.

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Royal Gazette: Commissiong : UNESCO should be briefed on Benjamin Benson

The historical significance of a building in St George’s that was the property of a slave owner should be highlighted to visiting Unesco officials, it has been argued.

Unesco representatives are due to return to the island this month for the first time in 24 years after the Government invited them to conduct an “advisory mission” to review Olde Towne World Heritage Site.

Rolfe Commissiong, a former Progressive Labour Party MP and race adviser to two former PLP premiers, said the visit offers a unique opportunity to promote the contents of a document unearthed in 2022 by Neil Kennedy, an associate professor at the Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Read full article.

Globe Museum, The Story of a House & It’s People

The Bermuda National Trust [BNT] announce the publication of ‘Globe Museum – The Story of a House and its People’ by Diana Chudleigh.

Bernews: Globe Museum, The Story of a House & Its People.

Royal Gazette: Book offers insight into 300-year-old Globe Museum building

Royal Gazette: Networking event showcases women in science

Women working in the field of science have been celebrated at a fundraising event to mark International Women’s Day.

More than 50 female representatives from major non-profit, financial, industrial and governmental organisations gathered at Verdmont for an evening of networking and collaboration.

Rosemarie McMahon, a climate scientist, moderated a panel discussion featuring Rachel Parson, a research specialist at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, Noelle Young, a sustainability solutionist and Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme associate, and Hannah Horsfield, Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute’s programmes co-ordinator.

Read full article online.

Royal Gazette: US Consulate hosts walk to mark Black History Month

The US Consulate invited the Government and community leaders to take part in a walking tour as part of a Black History Month series.

The tour took place at Spittal Pond Nature reserve and included landmarks connected to the enslavement, resistance and empowerment of people of African descent.

Led by the Bermuda National Trust, the tour explored Jeffrey’s Cave, an important landmark on the African Diaspora Trail because it was the hiding place of an enslaved man who escaped but was later found.

Read the full article online.

BNT Palm Sunday Walk 2024

Registration is open for the 49th Palm Sunday Walk, which will be held by the Bermuda National Trust starting in Warwick Parish on March 24th, 2024.

Bernews: BNT Opens Registration For Palm Sunday Walk

Bernews: BNT Opens Registration for Palm Sunday Walk

Royal Gazette: Palm Sunday Walk to explore parts of Warwick

Bernews: Traffic Notice for BNT Palm Sunday Walk

Royal Gazette: Road Race and Walk will affect traffic

Bernews: BNT Palm Sunday Walk – Photos & Video

Royal Gazette: National Trust’s Palm Sunday Walkers brave the rain

BNT Auction & Jumble Sale 2024

The Bermuda National Trust’s popular annual Auction & Jumble Sale fundraising event starts at the Jack King Building and Commercial Slat House in the Botanical Gardens on Thursday, 29 February, 2024.

Read the full article on Bernews.

Read the full article on Royal Gazette.

Royal Gazette: Alana Anderson working to widen BNT membership

Alana Anderson likes to say she has been a member of the Bermuda National Trust since birth.

Her parents, Henry and Conchita Ming, were heavily involved in the BNT when she was a child, and her father is now a past president.

“I can remember watching the ducks while my father attended a meeting,” Ms Anderson said.

She became involved with the charity in 2008, right after university.

“I thought it would be something really cool to do,” she said. “I got involved with the finance committee and fundraising. Then they asked me to join the central council. I did that for quite a while. I have always really appreciated the things that the BNT does.”

Ms Anderson took on her present role in 2017 and is preparing to step down in June, as per BNT rules. She has already held her seat for longer than the norm.

“I would be happy to remain on the Board if they want that,” she said. “It has been an amazing journey. I have always had a real affinity for culture, whether that is our natural heritage, or built heritage.”

She volunteers here time, while working as a full-time actuary at Sompo International.

“I am very lucky that they give me time to do this,” she said.

Much of her work over the last seven years has been focused on diversifying what has traditionally been a White, ageing membership.

“We just changed our membership platform so it will take a full year of renewals before we have hard data on race, gender, age and nationality,” she said. “But I don’t need hard numbers to know that our membership is not reflective of the population.”

To figure out why more Black Bermudians are not joining, they partnered with Curb in 2022.

During a Curb workshop held last year at the BNT’s headquarters at Waterville in Paget, some people pointed to portraits on the walls.

“They said the BNT is trying to be inclusive, but there are only paintings of White people,” Ms Anderson said.

She and other staff members took the paintings off the walls, right there and then.

Read the full article.

Paget Marsh Boardwalk Reopens To Public

The Bermuda National Trust announced that the boardwalk at Paget Marsh Nature Reserve “has now been restored and is once again open to the public.”

Read the full article on Bernews.

Read the full article on Royal Gazette.

Bernews: Plant & Bake Sale – photo’s and videos

The Bermuda National Trust held its Plant & Bake Sale today [Feb 10], offering a diverse selection of plants, baked goods, and local produce at its headquarters in Paget.

BNT Executive Director Karen Border previously noted they will have a “fabulous selection of plants, from bedding annuals to unusual trees and shrubs, native and endemic species, Bermuda roses, succulents, orchids, palms and much more,” with all items are donated by Bermuda’s plant nurseries, landscape companies and private plant growers.

View the full article.

Royal Gazette: Photographers sought for BNT 2024 nature calendar

Photographers have been called once more by the Bermuda National Trust to put their skills on display for its annual calendar contest.

Last year’s contest — which the charity threw open to the whole community for the first time — took in more than 200 pictures of the island’s architectural heritage, with top entries chosen for the final design.

Dörte Horsfield, BNT’s head of development and engagement, said it resulted in “a beautiful, very well-received 2024 calendar”.

Read the full article.

Royal Gazette: Myles Darrell Speaks out for green Community

This year’s Bermuda College Roche Science Week speaker has often found himself at the centre of some of Bermuda’s most contentious environmental debates.

As Bermuda National Trust head of natural heritage, Myles Darrell examines 300 to 500 planning applications a year looking for negative impacts on Bermuda’s green space, heritage and biodiversity.

He came to prominence after speaking out against a 2008 proposal to turn Southlands in Warwick into a hotel development.

“I didn’t really realise how that was going to take off,” he told The Royal Gazette. “I got a phone call from someone in the community who asked me to show up at Southlands to make a video. I said I’ve got 15 minutes.”

He came with coffee in hand and started talking about the things that get him excited: the environment, trees and biodiversity.

“We went for a walk in a place that is critically important,” Mr Darrell said.

Southlands was saved from development in an historic land swap with Morgan’s Point in Southampton.

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Bernews: BNT Plant & bake Sale this Saturday

Bermuda National Trust’s Plant & Bake Sale is scheduled for this Saturday at BNT headquarters, offering a diverse array of plants, baked goods, and local produce.

A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda National Trust’s popular Plant & Bake Sale is set to go ahead rain or shine this Saturday 10 February from 8:30am to noon at BNT headquarters, Waterville, 2 Pomander Road, Paget.”

“We invite everyone to Waterville this Saturday to choose from a fabulous selection of plants, from bedding annuals to unusual trees and shrubs, native and endemic species, Bermuda roses, succulents, orchids, palms and much more,” said Karen Border, BNT Executive Director.

“All items are graciously donated by Bermuda’s plant nurseries, landscape companies and private plant growers. There will be plant experts on hand to help you select plants suitable for your house and garden and explain the best conditions for growing them successfully.”

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Royal Gazette: Exhibition recognisees work of four Black Bermudians

A special display recognising Bermudians “who played a significant role in building the social fabric of our island” opened in Hamilton this week.

The mini exhibition will run in the Washington Mall until February 29 and features four Black Bermudians, each with a link to the City of Hamilton, who made a positive difference in Bermuda.

The City partnered with the Bermuda National Trust to curate the exhibit, with assistance from the Bermuda National Library and the Bermuda Archives.

It features John Henry Thomas Jackson, Brother William “Syke” Smith, William Henry Thomas Joell and Blanche Louise Smith.

Jessica Astwood, the City’s director of marketing and communications, said: “We wanted to showcase impactful exhibits for Black History Month this year in the hopes of educating the public on the legacy and rich history of those who played a significant role in building the social fabric of our island and capital city.

“These stories are important, and we are proud to highlight them.

Read the full article.