Queen toasts Bermuda in our anniversary year

by Amanda Dale

Posted on Sat, December 26, 2009

The warmth of the people of Bermuda was reflected in an evening of relaxed ambience last night as the Queen and Prince Philip attended a dinner in their honour. The State Dinner to mark the Royal Visit was a convivial, gentle affair as dignitaries joined Her Majesty in toasting Bermuda in the Island's 400th Anniversary year. In the intimate setting of The Point restaurant at Tucker's Point Hotel, ten circular tables covered in white silk and bathed in candlelight seated the 90 guests.

Visit The Royal Gazette to read more.

National Museum of Bermuda

by Arnold Minors

Posted on Tue, December 15, 2009

The Government of Bermuda has transferred the Casemate Barracks (“Casemates”) and its adjacent buildings and fortifications to the Bermuda Maritime Museum (BMM). The transfer creates a new National Museum of Bermuda on 15 acres of land. Speaking of the creation of the new museum, Premier Dr. Ewart Brown said: “With a 99-year lease granted to the Museum by the West End Development Corporation, this is another example of how public / private partnerships can benefit Bermuda. Cabinet considers our 400th anniversary year an appropriate time to establish the National Museum of Bermuda.”

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Casemates transferred to Bermuda Maritime Museum

by Amanda Dale

Posted on Tue, December 15, 2009

Casemates has been transferred to the Bermuda Maritime Museum, creating a new National Museum of Bermuda. Government announced the move this evening. Premier Ewart Brown said: “Cabinet considers our 400th anniversary year an appropriate time to establish the National Museum of Bermuda.” Edward Harris, BMM executive director, said: “I am delighted that Cabinet has acknowledged the evolution of the Maritime Museum into a National Museum.”

Visit The Royal Gazette to read more.

A glittering Gala To End Anniversary

by Ira Philip

Posted on Sat, December 12, 2009

Bermuda's 400th Anniversary Gala dinner and dance at the Fairmont Southampton Hotel Saturday night, was gala in every sense of the word. In fact it was most glittering. The glitterati, the hoi polloi and everybody else was there, all having a grand time, dining, dancing and otherwise being entertained. Charismatic Mrs. Conchita Ming, who headed the overall Bermuda 2009 celebration committee, summed it up correctly when she said "it is hard to believe that this Gala signifies the closing events for the celebration of Bermuda's 400th anniversary of continuous settlement."

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Island bids Queen, Duke of Edinburgh farewell

by Simon Jones

Posted on Fri, November 27, 2009

There was time for one last wave and then she was gone. Just as the Queen and Prince Philip reached the top of the stairs to board their flight yesterday, they both turned with beaming smiles and waved goodbye to the people of Bermuda. It may be the last time the Royal couple set foot on the Island but their visit will live long in the memory of Islanders.

Visit The Royal Gazette to read more.

Queen bids Bermuda a fond farewell

by Simon Jones

Posted on Fri, November 27, 2009

There was time for one last wave - and then she was gone. Just as the Queen and Prince Philip reached the top of the stairs to board their flight yesterday they both turned around with beaming smiles and waved goodbye to the people of Bermuda. It may be the last time the royal couple set foot on the island - but their visit will live long in the memory of islanders.

Visit Bermuda Sun to read more.

Regal visit marks historic moment for Bermuda

by Helen Jardine

Posted on Wed, November 25, 2009

Nerves were running high on the baking hot ­tarmac of L.F. Wade International yesterday as the Queen's British Airways flight came into sight. Regiment soldiers ­anxiously worked through their salutes and marches, ­organisers practiced the rolling out of the 'pink' ­carpet, and both local and international media positioned themselves behind their ropes all vying for the best spot. A few dozen people gathered near the airport roundabout and marine ­police boats idled their motors by the causeway for extra security.

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Thousands turn out to see the Queen (With Video and SlideShow)

by Mikaela Ian Pearman

Posted on Tue, November 24, 2009

Thousands of people descended on St. George's yesterday to welcome the Queen and Prince Philip to Bermuda. Children in school uniforms, Scouts and Sea Cadets, members of the public all stood waving as the Queen stepped out of her Range Rover when she arrived from the airport - where the traditional red carpet had been replaced by a pink carpet. Altogether about 2,000 people crammed into King's Square, as the Queen did a short walkabout, stopping to speak to some of the people who turned out to greet her.

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Bermuda rolls out the pink carpet for the Queen

Posted on Tue, November 24, 2009

The unusual rose-tinted rug was rolled out for the royal visit which is celebrating the 400th anniversary of the island's settlement by the British. In brilliant sunshine the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were greeted by Bermuda's Governor Sir Richard Gozney and Premier Ewart Brown when their chartered British Airways jet arrived.

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Thousands turn out to welcome the Queen

Posted on Tue, November 24, 2009

It was not the traditional carpet — but it was still a fitting welcome for the Queen when she arrived in Bermuda this afternoon. Instead of red, the carpet that welcomed the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh to the Island was a pink. As she stepped off the plane, she was greeted by the Governor Sir Richard Gozney, his wife Lady Gozney, the Premier Ewart Brown and his wife Wanda Henton Brown.

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Royal fever sweeps BDA as we await Queen’s visit

by Sirkka Huish

Posted on Fri, November 20, 2009

After six months of meticulous behind-the-scenes planning, the island is ready to welcome the Queen. Organisations have been hard at work preparing for next week's royal visit. It is one of the biggest and most significant events they have ever put together. A buzz is now sweeping the island as everyone gears up for the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh's arrival on Tuesday. The three-day tour to mark the island's 400th anniversary includes King's Square, the Town Hall and King's Square in St. George's and the Clocktower, Commissioner's House and the Spirit of Bermuda in Dockyard.

Visit The Bermuda Sun to read more.

Positive reaction on the streets to Queen’s visit

by Chris Spencer

Posted on Fri, November 20, 2009

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will come to Bermuda next Tuesday for a three-day visit in celebration of the Island's 400th anniversary. The Royal Gazette has talked to people to find out what they think of the visit and found the overwhelming majority of people questioned held a positive view on the Royal couple and their visit. Deondre Cumberbatch, a 23 year-old journalism student from Warwick said: "I am excited and I plan on going to see them while they are in St. George's.

Visit The Royal Gazette to read more.

Final preparations are underway for Queen’s visit

by Chris Spencer

Posted on Fri, November 20, 2009

People around the Island are getting ready for the Queen's visit and yesterday students at Sandys Secondary School practised their show in front of the Governor Sir Richard Gozney. The pupils will put on a re-enactment of an old-fashioned Bermuda wedding when the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh visit Dockyard next week, as part of their three-day visit to the Island. Yesterday Sir Richard and Lady Gozney spent the morning in Dockyard following the route that the Royal party will take and observing rehearsals of performances being staged for their visit.

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400 of Bermuda’s key figures are recalled in 400th anniversary book

by Chris Spencer

Posted on Thu, November 19, 2009

A commemorative book compiling 400 prominent figures from Bermuda's 400 years of history was officially launched at City Hall yesterday. 'Bermuda 1609-2009, 400 years 400 Portraits' is the result of more than 18 months of work by researchers, historians and writers, according to Conchita Ming, the Chairwoman of the Bermuda 2009 Committee, the group which compiled the book. "Our sub-committee was given the unenviable task of portraying 400 persons deemed to have made significant contributions towards the evolution of the Island's economic, social, political, cultural, sports, religious life and other realms as well," said Ms Ming.

Visit The Royal Gazette to read more.

School goes all out to celebrate our 400 years

by Sarah Lagan

Posted on Wed, November 18, 2009

From parades and giant birthday cards to random acts of kindness and services to the community, Bermuda High School for Girls has done its best to celebrate our island's 400th anniversary. Pupils aged between 5 to 15-years-old worked with their teachers and parents to make this a year to ­remember.

Visit Bermuda Sun to read more.

Purchase 400 Gala Tickets

Posted on Sun, November 01, 2009

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Loud and proud - Tattoo was a show to shake the walls

by Owain Johnston-Barnes

Posted on Fri, October 23, 2009

The Bermuda Tattoo started and ended with a bang as fireworks and cannons practically shook the walls of the Maritime Museum. Hundreds gathered in attendance to watch the show, which featured marching bands from countries that included Canada, Barbados, the Azores, as well as Bermuda. Following the opening fireworks there was traditional piping and drumming featuring the Island Pipe Band alongside the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa, the 1st Battalion Scots Guard and the Fredericton Society of St. Andrews Pipe Band.

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The crème de la crème

by Jessie Moniz

Posted on Wed, October 21, 2009

When Major Stephen Caton joined the Bermuda Regiment 17 years ago, stage management was the last thing he expected to learn alongside target practice and square bashing. But Major Caton is now the Regiment's Special Projects Officer, and therefore event director for the Bermuda Tattoo which opens tomorrow. "I came in as a somewhat reluctant recruit, but after training and the excitement, I got into it," said Major Caton. "Clearly, the Bermuda Regiment offers a really diverse sort of training. I never thought I would be producing a musical show for thousands."

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Governor plays host with his own 400 year anniversary picnic party

by Sirkka Huish

Posted on Wed, October 14, 2009

Thousands of people partied with the Governor as he threw open the 'natural amphitheatre' of Government House. Sir Richard Gozney opened up the grounds of his home on Sunday afternoon for a Picnic Concert to celebrate Bermuda's 400th anniversary. Sir Richard and Lady Gozney were happy to welcome 1,500-2,000 people to the free local entertainment concert between 4pm and 7pm. The public were treated to performances from the CedarBridge Academy choir, music and spoken word collective Chewstick, sax legend Wendell 'Shine' Hayward and Joy T. Barnum and her backing band The Channel. There was also plenty of 400th anniversary giveaways.

Visit The Bermuda Sun to read more.

Heritage Walk Unveiled In City

by Amanda Dale

Posted on Wed, October 07, 2009

Citizens are invited to follow in the footsteps of their forefathers on a heritage walk to celebrate Bermuda's 400th anniversary year. The Bermuda 2009 Committee and Corporation of Hamilton yesterday launched the two-hour walking tour, which is marked by 25 bronze plaques through the capital's streets. The idea for the City of Hamilton Walkway of History was inspired by Governor Sir Richard Gozney, who told the 2009 Committee of the Queen's Jubilee Walkway in the UK.

Visit The Royal Gazette to read more.

You are cordially invited to The Governor’s

by Sarah Lagan

Posted on Wed, September 30, 2009

It's considered quite a privilege to get an invite to the Governor's for a party. But next month the grounds of Government House will be opened up to the pubic to enjoy a Picnic Concert celebrating Bermuda's 400th anniversary. There will be live music, a picnic delivery service and continuous shuttles to and from Bull's Head Car Park. There will be the eclectic sounds of Joy Barnsum and her backing band The Channel, a range of ­performances from the music and spoken word collective Chewstick, as well as tunes from Bermuda's sax legend Wendell 'Shine' ­Hayward.

Visit Bermuda Sun to read more.

The Queen will come to celebrate Bermuda’s 400th after all

by Helen Jardine

Posted on Fri, September 25, 2009

The Queen and The Duke of ­Edinburgh will visit Bermuda from November 24 to 26, to ­commemorate the 400th Anniversary of the settlement of Bermuda. This follows a report by the British Newspaper The Telegraph on July 28 that the Queen had ­decided "not to attend the ­anniversary of Britain's oldest colony after an argument with the island's pro-independence leader." The newspaper was referring to the July 28 commemorative ­ceremony at St Catherine's Beach of the 1609 shipwreck of the Sea Venture - the flagship of a fleet sent to resupply the Jamestown colony in America.

After Four Centuries Bermuda Landmark Spanish Rock Becomes Portuguese Rock

by Mikaela Ian Pearman

Posted on Fri, September 25, 2009

Spanish Rock was renamed Portuguese Rock yesterday in a ceremony attended by dignitaries from Bermuda and Portugal. The ceremony was held at the rock, which was engraved almost 500 years ago, at Spittal Pond. Minister of Culture Neletha Butterfield and Acting Premier Michael Scott both spoke at the event and Ms. Butterfield said: "This moment is long overdue as there is increasing evidence which indicates that Spanish Rock is indeed Portuguese Rock.

Portuguese Rock Speech

by Dr. Clarence V. H. Maxwell

Posted on Fri, September 25, 2009

Around 1543 Gonzalo Fernández de Oviedo y Valdés, author of the multi-volume Historia General y Natural de las Indias, interviewed some Portuguese men in Puerto Rico. According to Professor David Quinn, who recalled the incident in his article for the Bermuda Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History in 1989, they were the crew of a vessel: “…a Portuguese slaver, returning in ballast to Europe in 1543 [which] crashed bow-on the reefs.”

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Queen To Visit Bermuda

by Elizabeth Roberts and Nadia Arandjelovic

Posted on Thu, September 24, 2009

The Queen is to visit Bermuda in November to commemorate the Island's 400th anniversary, it was announced yesterday. She will be accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh on the trip here between November 24 and 26. The pair will then travel to Trinidad and Tobago, where the Queen will open the 2009 Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have previously visited Bermuda in 1953, 1975, 1976 and 1994.

Visit The Royal Gazette to read more.

Four centuries of Bermuda’s art explored

by Sarah Lagan

Posted on Wed, September 02, 2009

From the first map of Bermuda drawn by Sir George Somers to modern works by Graham Foster, four centuries of Bermuda's art are celebrated in an upcoming exhibition at the Bermuda National Gallery. 4 Centuries: Evolving Art, which has a dedicated space for each century, was the brainchild of the Bermuda National Trust. It explores how Bermuda's art has responded to the changing social, political and economic forces we have experienced over the past four hundred years.

Visit The Bermuda Sun to read more.

Creative artists recognised in cultural awards ceremony

by Sarah Lagan

Posted on Wed, September 02, 2009

Bermuda's creative artists have been celebrated in a creative awards ­ceremony. The competition organised by the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs carried four categories; visual arts, writing, dance and music. The Bermuda Sun's B. Candace Ray was named the winner of the writing category with her poem, Flag on the Reef.

Visit The Bermuda Sun to read more.

A golden moment in time as clock photo wins

by Nadia Arandjelovic

Posted on Fri, August 28, 2009

It was a chance visit, but both the timing and the lighting were perfect for Gillian Outerbridge to snap what would become a winning photo. Ms Outerbridge was at St. Peter's Church in St. George's when she spotted a technician restoring gold numerals on the building's clock face. She captured the image and submitted it to Bermuda 2009 Open Call, a competition which judged visual art, dance, music or writing entries as part of the Island's 400th anniversary and was thrilled to be announced a winner.

Visit The Royal Gazette to read more.

Open Call Winners!

Posted on Fri, August 14, 2009

Click Here To See The Winners Of Bermuda 2009's OPEN CALL For Submissions!

Bermuda marks 175th year of freeing of slavery

by Owain –Johnston-Barnes

Posted on Mon, August 03, 2009

Hundreds of Bermudians turned out over the weekend to celebrate the abolition of slavery with dancing, music, and an acknowledgement of how far the Island has come. Saturday marked the 175th anniversary of the emancipation of slaves on the Island. In honour of the milestone, a number of events were held throughout the Botanical Gardens. Celebrations began shortly after noon, with audiences treated to traditional music and dance, presentations, and demonstrations set throughout the park's grounds.

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Come join in the Emancipation Day fun

by Daniella Jade Lowe

Posted on Wed, July 29, 2009

An Emancipation Day event will be held at the Botanical Gardens from 12 noon to 8pm on Saturday. This event will give any talented cooks the opportunity to demonstrate and provide food samplings to all those who attend this event. The day will begin with Fanfare by the Bermuda Regiment Band Trumpeters in the Main Ring followed by a Processional and opening speeches by the Governor, the Acting Premier, the Minister of Culture and Social Rehabilitation and a blessing by Mr. Austin Thomas.

Visit Bermuda Sun to read more.

Island also celebrating 135th Emancipation Day

by Owain-Johnston-Barnes

Posted on Wed, July 29, 2009

Bermuda is this week celebrating two of the Island's most important historical moments — the 400th Anniversary of the wreck of the Sea Venture and the 135th anniversary of Emancipation Day. On August 1, 1834, the Slavery Abolition Act was passed, freeing the Island's slaves, and to celebrate the anniversary of the milestone in Bermuda's history a series of events are scheduled starting today.

Visit The Royal Gazette to read more.

Honouring Island’s first inhabitants

by Amanda Dale

Posted on Wed, July 29, 2009

Pink and yellow flowers were strewn into the turquoise waters of St. George's yesterday as we remembered the Island's first inhabitants. Descendants of Bermuda's original settlers were among those to make the pilgrimage to the wreck of the Sea Venture for a Ceremony of Thanksgiving. A flotilla of boats headed by the Spirit of Bermuda made the short journey to give thanks for the providence which brought them here.

Visit The Royal Gazette to read more.

Books, Coins, Photos Placed In Time Capsule

by Amanda Dale

Posted on Wed, July 29, 2009

A metal drum wrapped in the flag of Bermuda is to become a treasure trove of history for future generations. Books, coins, photographs and flash drives may be considered antiques in 100 years time but they will provide a wealth of information on the islands of Bermuda. The Somers Day celebrations to mark the 400th anniversary of the wreck of the Sea Venture began with the deposit of items into a time capsule yesterday.

Visit The Royal Gazette to read more.

400 YEARS YOUNG

by Sam Strangeways and Amanda Dale

Posted on Wed, July 29, 2009

Bermuda celebrated its 400th anniversary yesterday with a dramatic recreation of the first moments of its settlement, a proud display of its diverse culture and a birthday message from the Queen. Hundreds of spectators gathered at St. Catherine's Beach in St. George's to watch a re-enactment of the survivors of the wrecked Sea Venture the ill-fated ship which brought the first English settlers to the Island exactly 400 years ago coming ashore.

Visit The Royal Gazette to read more.

Hundreds cheer Bermuda’s re-enactment of settlement

by Sam Strangeways

Posted on Tue, July 28, 2009

Four hundred years ago, there would have been little to welcome the exhausted survivors of the Sea Venture to Bermuda aside from a storm-tossed beach, the screeching of the cahow and perhaps a wild hog or two. But yesterday, as their historic journey ashore was recreated by modern-day Bermudians, the reception could not have been warmer.

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World Heritage Centre is officially opened

by Amanda Dale

Posted on Tue, July 28, 2009

The World Heritage Centre was officially opened yesterday as part of the Somers Day celebrations. The museum and exhibit centre is housed at Queen's Warehouse, St. George's, following years of renovation sponsored by the Bank of Bermuda Foundation. Dignitaries and guests attended a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony, after which they were invited to tour the building.

Visit The Royal Gazette to read more.

Bermuda celebrates 400th today

by Ruth O'Kelly-Lynch

Posted on Tue, July 28, 2009

Four hundred years ago today the Sea Venture was wrecked on Bermuda's reef and St. George's is throwing a party to celebrate. Today's celebrations are being billed as the signature event of the year-long celebration of the 400th anniversary of Bermuda's settlement. And Bermudians of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to attend the festivities in St. George's tonight.

Visit The Royal Gazette to read more.

Ships’ slave shame is no tall tale

Posted on Fri, July 24, 2009

The majesty of elegant tall ships with towering masts of ­billowing sails is now an icon of Bermuda's ­history. The ­lovingly ­reconst ructed replicas, which formed an awe-inspiring flotilla in Hamilton harbour last month, were almost perfect ­imitations of their 18th century counterparts - but for one crucial ­detail.

Visit Bermuda Sun to read more.

400th anniversary should not be a white-wash of the stain of slavery on our island

Posted on Fri, July 24, 2009

Bermuda's 400th anniversary celebrations have focused on the Sea Venture and have been largely celebratory. But here, Rolfe Commissiong, head of Bermuda's Race ­Relations Initiative, insists we must examine the "dark pages" of our history. The 400th year celebrations can be ­problematic for Bermudians of African and Native American ancestry.

Visit Bermuda Sun to read more.

MasterWorks We Are Sailing Exhibition

by MasterWorks

Posted on Tue, July 21, 2009

Visit MasterWorks to read more.

Century-Old Plate That Marked Bermuda’s 300th Anniversary Is Gifted To Museum

by Owain Johnston-Barnes

Posted on Mon, July 20, 2009

A plate initially created in celebration of the Island's 300th anniversary was presented to the Bermuda Historical Society by historian Owen H. Darrell on Friday. The plate, which includes an illustration of Sir George Somers in miniature, was presented to Society president Andrew Bermingham outside the Bermuda Historical Society Museum in Hamilton.

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Sand Ceremony To Mark BDA’s 400th

by Sarah Lagan

Posted on Fri, July 17, 2009

Masterworks is celebrating Bermuda's 400th ­anniversary with a special celebration of the sea and the shore. On the 28th July, the day the Sea Venture crashed on our shores, there will be a sand pouring ceremony in St. George's. Museum founder and ­creative director Tom ­Butterfield hopes to tie the two communities of Bermuda in the new world and Lyme Regis in the old together through sand.

Visit The Bermuda Sun to read more.

Back in business

by Tim Hall

Posted on Fri, July 17, 2009

One of the centrepiece tourist attractions of St. George's, the Deliverance now comes complete with a "life-like animatronic figure" that recounts the perils of 17th Century seafaring. Voiced by actor Will Kempe, the figure - based on the historical William Strachey - will talk about the ordeals of the Sea Venture survivors and their escape to Virginia aboard the Deliverance.

Visit The Bermuda Sun to read more.

Deliverance Replica Re-Opens To Public

by Owain Johnston-Barnes

Posted on Fri, July 17, 2009

The replica ship Deliverance is open to visitors again after more than six months of renovations. The attraction was formally reopened after an overhaul of around 40 percent of the replica's wood, much of which rotted as the ship lay in a state of disrepair. The ship had suffered a great deal of weather damage since its construction in 1967, including losing its mast during Hurricane Fabian in 2003. The ship was close to being dismantled last year until $300,000 was donated toward its restoration by the Bank of Bermuda Foundation following a plea by St. George's Mayor Mariea Caisey.

Visit The Royal Gazette to read more.

Tattoo Spectacular Is Promised To mark 400th Anniversary Year

by Amanda Dale

Posted on Thu, July 16, 2009

Tickets are now on sale for a military spectacular to mark Bermuda's 400th anniversary of permanent settlement. The Bermuda Tattoo 2009 takes place from October 22-24 and will feature more than 400 musicians, dancers and performers from around the world. In keeping with the Island's anniversary theme of 'Celebrating Bermuda and Her People', the Tattoo will feature military bands from the Azores, Barbados, Canada, the UK and the US, as well as the Band and Corps of Drums of the Bermuda Regiment itself.

Visit The Royal Gazette to read more.

Anniversary Week Celebrations!

Posted on Fri, July 10, 2009

Bermuda Landmarks & Holidays Poem

by Kathy Doers

Posted on Fri, July 10, 2009

Bermuda was once an uninhabited land,
Covered in forests of cedar trees and pink sand,
Once people came and settled here,
They created landmarks everywhere.

From farms of vegetables to houses of stone,
For many this little island became their home.
All the landmarks around the island that you see,
Are apart of Bermuda’s history.

In Sandys Parish there is the Royal Naval Dockyard if you go that way!
And the Somerset Bridge we have to pass to go into Hamilton everyday!
There is Fort Scaur and Heydon Trust,
And the Maritime Museum is a must!

Bermuda has celebrations and holidays too,
Heroes Day, Good Friday and Bermuda Day to name a few!
And always remember our Cup Match celebration,
Is when we began Emancipation.

So to all my friends I must tell you this,
Bermuda will always be a paradise of beauty and bliss.
Let’s keep our 400 years heritage alive,
As we press on to always prosper and strive!

A Tribute to Bermuda

Posted on Thu, June 25, 2009

A Civil Translation

by Dr. Edward Harris, MBE

Posted on Fri, June 19, 2009

At such a time as this, we must in all things render to God the glory for all that is good in a person's life, whether they be close in our allegiance and well known by us, or be far removed by virtue of time and relationship . . . And so what, if anything can we do today as we remember the life of Lt. Colonel, George James Bruere, once Governor of Bermuda. Do we observe a few particulars of his life and death? Do we take some view of his character? Or shall we inquire how we may improve upon the awful providence of his removal from us by death?

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Our bond with the sea featured in new Masterworks show

by René Hill

Posted on Fri, June 19, 2009

Anyone who has had the pleasure of talking art with Tom Butterfield, founder and director of the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art, will be aware that he can only be compared to dealing with a kid in a candy store and his excitement is infectious. And certainly he is excited about a new exhibit "We Are Sailing" that opens tonight at the Butterfield Family Gallery, at the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art.

Visit The Royal Gazette to read more.

BHS girls enact scenes about historical figure at special tea party

by Nijmeh Marouf, Bermuda High–School for Girls

Posted on Thu, June 18, 2009

Over the past few weeks two girls from Saltus Grammar School, Nalani and Kayla Dowling, have been learning more about their family history. They discovered that they were related to a Sarah Catherine who lived in the 1800s. On May 3rd they were hostesses at an afternoon tea party, organised by their cousin, Trudy Snaith, where young girls could experience traditional Bermudian customs.

Visit The Royal Gazette to read more.

Off to Charleston they go

Posted on Wed, June 17, 2009

The Tall Ships have left and Front Street now looks bare. For days it was all hustle and bustle, flags flying, thousands of people milling around and parties galore. Organisers of Tall Ships Bermuda, which helped to stage the event, said the feedback had been overwhelming with crew and captains alike saying the Island was a wonderful place to stop. But now the ships are on the next leg of the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge sailing to Charleston, in the US. The Royal Gazette's Owain Johnston-Barnes spoke to some Bermudians heading off on The Spirit of Bermuda and the Europa and also took time to talk to one person who made the trip to the Island from Tenerife despite finding the bunk he was due to occupy was already full. He also spoke to John Wadson from Tall Ships Bermuda who has worked tirelessly for years not just the last few days to make it all a huge success.

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Islanders bid farewell to tall ships

by Sam Strangeways and Owain Johnston-Barnes

Posted on Tue, June 16, 2009

It was a flotilla worth waiting a lifetime to see — a majestic fleet of tall ships heading for the horizon, sails billowing in the stiff breeze. Thousands watched the vessels set sail from Bermuda yesterday — after a week of festivities marking the Island's 400th anniversary — as they embarked upon the final leg of the epic Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge 2009. And though not the largest boat, none was more keenly watched or cheered on than the Island's own Spirit of Bermuda sloop.

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The official Tall Ships Festival begins

by Sarah Lagan

Posted on Fri, June 12, 2009

Heading out of St. George's ­harbour aboard a pilot boat at 7 am on Wednesday I caught sight of a giant ship - sails full out - silhouetted against a sun drenched sky. It was barque Europa, the ship I will spend ten days learning to sail aboard across the Atlantic to Charleston, South Carolina from Monday. After months of anticipation it was heartening to know it had made its epic journey to Bermuda. The 145-foot square rig had just sailed for 50-days all the way from Cape Town, South Africa but the crew were all smiles, ­apparently elated to be so close to solid ground.

Visit The Bermuda Sun to read more.

Bermuda’s 400-year history brought vividly to life

by Sarah Lagan

Posted on Fri, June 12, 2009

Never has so small an island played such an instrumental role in international affairs as Bermuda. Filmmaker Lucinda Spurling's does our fascinating 400-year history complete justice in her epic documentary series The Lion and the Mouse released later this month. The three-part docu-drama debuted at the BIOS Station this weekend to sponsors, those involved in making the film as well as Governor Sir Richard Gozney and Lady Gozney, Minister Dale Butler and U.S. Consul General Gregory Slayton.

Visit The Bermuda Sun to read more.

Iconic pottery gets a Bermudian touch

by Jessie Moniz

Posted on Fri, June 12, 2009

At first glance Paul Whiston, with his white beard, apron, and tools, might be mistaken for Santa Claus. But he doesn't so much make toy cars and dolls for children, his offering is more expensive gifts for adults. He is a Wedgwood master potter. Wedgwood, owned by the Waterford Wedgwood company, is known for its elegant blue pottery with white frosting, although it does make other colours and styles.

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Up with People comes to Bermuda

by René Hill

Posted on Wed, June 10, 2009

They are multi-talented, known for putting on extravagant shows and they are headed for Bermuda. Up With People (UWP), best known for high-energy, upbeat, family-friendly entertainment, is bringing its 60-strong cast, drawn from 17 countries, to the Island later this month. The organisation is now looking to residents to help with a centrepiece of the programme the opportunity for students to stay with local families in each community.

Visit The Royal Gazette to read more.

Marlon Brando’s ‘Bounty’ adds movie glamour to Tall Ships festival

by Sarah Lagan

Posted on Wed, June 10, 2009

A ship immortalized in one of Marlon Brando's most famous movies sailed into Bermuda this week to join the fun of the Tall Ships Festival. While the Bounty - pictured here off South Shore at Watchill Park - is not a participant in the Tall Ships race, she is here to be part of the excitement. The American ship, featured in Mutiny of the Bounty (see page 7) had travelled from Jacksonville, Florida.

Visit The Bermuda Sun to read more.

Light winds help create lasting memories

by Sarah Lagan

Posted on Wed, June 10, 2009

From one perspective the lack of wind on the Bermuda to Charleston leg of the race was a hindrance. On the other hand it also gave crewmembers an ­opportunity to enjoy the spectacle of the wide-open Atlantic Ocean and spend some quality time learning about sail training. Certainly for two Bermudan participants aboard the Dutch Tecla, which is ­provisionally second place in the race overall, the down time provided some of the most memorable ­moments of the trip.

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Special Effect – photo of HMS Bounty

Posted on Tue, June 09, 2009

Out of the Kraken’s clutches: Grant Howerton a deckhand aboard the HMS Bounty, docked at Tiger Bay, tars the rigging to prevent weathering. The ship originally built by MGM for the movie 'Mutiny Aboard the HMS Bounty', is also famous for being eaten by Davy Jones' 'Kraken' in 'Pirates of the Carribean: Dead Man’s Chest'. A circular halo appeared around the sun yesterday afternoon. The halo is formed by the refraction of sunlight through cloud suspended ice crystals as opposed to raindrops or other liquid water suspended in the air. Photo: Mark Tatem

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Governor’s proper burial, 228 years after he died

by Elizabeth Roberts

Posted on Tue, June 09, 2009

The remains of former Governor George Bruere have been reburied in a special ceremony attended by current Governor Sir Richard Gozney. The skeletal remains of the man in charge of Bermuda during a significant moment in history were found last year after lying forgotten for 228 years beneath the floorboards of St. Peter's Church in St. George's.

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SPIRIT OF BERMUDA IS HOME AFTER EPIC VOYAGE

by Amanda Dale

Posted on Mon, June 08, 2009

The Spirit of Bermuda returned home at the weekend, amid jubilant scenes. The three-masted schooner sailed into Hamilton Harbour and on to Dockyard accompanied by a colourful flotilla of yachts and small craft. It was the end of an epic voyage of more than 7,000 miles, racing against ten other vessels in the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge.

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Wadson’s vision brought Tall Ships to the Island

Posted on Mon, June 08, 2009

With the tall ships now berthing in Bermuda at the end of the latest leg of the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge, Clare O'Connor spoke with John Wadson, who has worked tirelessly to help bring the fleet to the Island as part of its 400th anniversary celebrations. It was nine years ago while watching the Tall Ships leave the Spanish port of Cadiz during the last transatlantic race that John Wadson had a brainwave.

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Captain: ‘It has been a privilege to sail with this crew’

Posted on Sat, June 06, 2009

We are nearing the end of the longest voyage ever sailed aboard Spirit of Bermuda. She has covered more than 7,000 miles of blue water in the last two months, more than a third of that during this last leg from Tenerife. We established records for the ship's fastest days and slowest days, have seen gales and dead calm and throughout she has proven herself safe, reliable, seaworthy, and consistently a challenge worthy of the young people who sail aboard her.

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Lyme Regis welcomes Masterworks charity riders

by René Hill

Posted on Fri, June 05, 2009

They've got sore legs and have travelled hundreds of miles but they can be sure that they have raised thousands of dollars.The Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art's charity ride 'The Wheel of Fortune Last Hurrah' has finished after Tom Butterfield, Michael Hamer and Jay Nichols rode from St. Remy, in the South of France, to Lyme Regis, in the south west UK. Fittingly Lyme Regis was the birthplace of Sir George Somers.

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‘Quo Fata Ferunt’, by the USA

by Dr. Edward Harris, MBE

Posted on Fri, June 05, 2009

"UPON his arrival as the new Governor of Bermuda in 1941, Rt. Hon Viscount Knollys described Bermuda as an 'Island-fortress' and "a symbol and example of the lasting co-operation and understanding between the British and American peoples upon which depend the hopes of hundreds of millions throughout this anxious world".-Marina I. Slayton (Ed), 'Four Centuries of Friendship', Bermuda Maritime Museum Press 2009.

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Tall Ships’ race to Bermuda ends early due to a lack of wind

by Clare O'Connor

Posted on Wed, June 03, 2009

The Tenerife to Bermuda leg of the Tall Ships race was cut short yesterday due to a lack of wind, with the ships heading towards the Island under motor rather than sail. The results for this leg of the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge have now been determined based on where each ship was at 11 a.m. Bermuda time yesterday. The race committee at Tall Ships organiser Sail Training International made the decision to cut the race off early following days without wind due to a high pressure system over the Atlantic.

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Celebrate 400 Years of Maritime History

by Sarah Lagan

Posted on Wed, June 03, 2009

From an ancient tall ship named Sea Venture that left her crew maroooned on these deserted shores, to the ultra-modern cruise ships that boost our ­economy, sailing has ­always played a key role in Bermuda life. Boats of all shapes and sizes have been the lifeblood of this tiny island and Masterworks is marking the significance of Bermuda's maritime ­heritage with a special ­exhibition celebrating our ­island's 400th anniversary.

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400’s the magic number for MSA celebrations

by Helen Jardine

Posted on Wed, June 03, 2009

Students help to educate others about the history of Bermuda. Four hundred is the magic number for students at Mount Saint Agnes Academy (MSA) who are celebrating Bermuda's 400th anniversary with tremendous gusto.In the past few months students have picked up 400 pieces of trash, raised $400 for the Sunshine League and SPCA, and made 400 baked goods for Westmeath nursing home residents.

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Four Hundred Years of Ties Celebrated in Sir George Somer’s Home

by Michel Hooper-Immins in Lyme Regis

Posted on Fri, May 29, 2009

Four hundred years ago, Admiral Sir George Somers left his native Lyme Regis on the Dorset coast in the flagship Sea Venture intending to sail to Virginia, but became shipwrecked on Bermuda in July 1609. The rest is history! Honouring the 400th anniversary of the founding of Bermuda by Admiral Sir George Somers, the traditional civic procession walked through Lyme Regis last Monday, along Marine Parade, to the Cobb, where a plaque commemorates Sir George, sometime Mayor and Member of Parliament for the historic town.

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Final Exit for Notorious Governor

by Tim Hall

Posted on Fri, May 29, 2009

He is perhaps the most unpopular governor in Bermuda's history. There was so much antagonism between Governor George Bruere and islanders that his family believed he was killed by the stress of the arguments. But his reputation is not stopping Bermuda giving Lt. Col. George James Bruere a grand burial - 230 years after his death.

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It’ll be a battle of top R&B performers

by Helen Jardine

Posted on Fri, May 29, 2009

If the lyrics, "I like the way you work it (no diggity) I got to bag it up" mean anything to you - even if they don't - you'll be sure to enjoy an upcoming evening of entertainment. Grammy award-winning R&B groups BLACKstreet and Jagged Edge will be verbally battling it out in a mock 'sing-off' on Friday June 5. Both groups found fame in the 1990s and have been featured continuously on MTV and BET ever since.

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Bermuda Day: Island Rises to the Occasion in Our Anniversary Year

by Ira Philip

Posted on Fri, May 29, 2009

BERMUDA Day 2009 has come and gone and in all likelthood will enter the records books as the most 'bermudaful' of all, with fabulous floats in a colourful and impressive parade accentuating the theme celebrating the island's 400th anniversary year. And there were the 1, 400 runners at the starting line in Somerset marking the 100th year of the running of the Marathon Derby. Also there were a variety of other sporting events on land and the waters around us.

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A Peer Among Piers

by Dr. Edward Harris, MBE

Posted on Fri, May 29, 2009

The old Royal Naval Dockyard holds the largest collection of Royal Engineers' heritage assets in Bermuda, being fortifications, docks and breakwaters and a clutch of major historic buildings. Largely abandoned in 1951, the restoration of those assets began in 1974 when the Bermuda Maritime Museum was created and accelerated a decade later with the establishment of the government's West End Development Corporation.

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Island Celebrates a Joyous Bermuda Day

by Don Burgess

Posted on Wed, May 27, 2009

Monday's Bermuda Day Parade had plenty of ­winners as the island ­celebrated 400 years. The parade had 59 ­entrants and lasted over five hours from start to ­finish. It was the first Bermuda Day Parade to be broadcast live by CITV so for those souls who preferred the cool of their air ­conditioned houses, they didn't have to go out in the sweltering heat.

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Massive Mural Depicts 400 years of Bermuda History

by René Hill

Posted on Wed, May 27, 2009

He began his project in late 2005 and thought he'd be finished by Christmas the following year. But Graham Foster had taken on a bit more than he realised and actually ended up finishing his project last March. What is it? 'The History of Bermuda' mural an enormous piece of work charting major events in the Island's life.

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Bermuda 400 Open Call Radio Spot

Posted on Wed, May 27, 2009

Click here to listen to the Open Call Radio Spot

Joyful Celebration Brings Island’s People Together

Posted on Tue, May 26, 2009

Vintage cars, motorbikes horns honking and the sunshine from their bodywork dazzling the eyes Glamourous Granny Joan Dismont soaking up the attention and the Bermuda Regiment Band in all their pomp. Wow! And that was just the start. Yesterday thousands of people lined the streets of Hamilton to celebrate the Bermuda Day Heritage Parade.

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Anglicans kicks off Faith Venture

Posted on Sat, May 23, 2009

The Anglican Church of Bermuda will transform King's Square, St. George's into a concert stage next Sunday, May 31 when its Faith Venture 2009 mission kicks off. The high light ofd the day will come when the Rt. Rev. Patrick White, Bishop of Bermuda, presents a gift to the Island. The historic square will be a sea of vibrant colour as congregations from each of the Island's nine parishes turn out in their designated parish colours to celebrate at the open air community concert, according to a press release. The event is free and all are invited.

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Mock Jumbies will be walking tall during parade

Posted on Fri, May 22, 2009

THIS year those watching the Bermuda Day parade will be treated to the sight of floats, the return of Marc Anderson, the Queen of Bermuda and the sight and sounds of two international entries - the Mock Jumbie of Africa and St. Kitts and the Afropan Steelpan of Toronto. The parade will start at 1.30 p.m. from Albouy's Point, Hamilton. In the past, the "Mock Jumbie" danced on stilts to the exotic rhythm of the old fashion tambourine band, which had its origin in West Africa.

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Anglicans help celebrate BDA’s 400 years

by Don Burgess

Posted on Fri, May 22, 2009

Not everyone or everything can say they've been in Bermuda since the beginning, but the Anglican church can. On Sunday May 31, the church will transform King's Square in St. George's into a concert stage. That's when the Anglican Church of Bermuda kick off their Faith Venture 2009 mission with the Rt. Rev. Patrick White, Bishop of Bermuda presenting a gift to Bermuda. The Anglican church plans on doing it right too - making sure the town square will be a sea of vibrant colour as congregations from each of the island's nine parishes turn out in their designated parish colours to celebrate at the open air community concert. The event is free and all are invited.

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Celebrating life, Bermuda with soaring young voices

by Jennifer Hind

Posted on Mon, May 18, 2009

While often the negative few grab the headlines, hundreds of young people are quietly getting on with doing amazing things, enriching our lives and our culture without fanfare, so when their talents are showcased, as they were in the Heritage Concert at St. John's Church on May 16 and 17, it is especially delightful to give them the kudos due them, and due their director Marjorie Pettit.

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Spirit of Bermuda leaves Tenerife, Canary Islands

by Amanda Dale

Posted on Mon, May 18, 2009

The Spirit of Bermuda is on her way home. The Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge fleet left Tenerife yesterday en route to Bermuda to mark the Island's 400th Anniversary celebrations. Although other North American tall ships will join the fleet in Bermuda, Spirit is the only 'New World' vessel doing 'Old World' legs as the ships sail some 2,600 nautical miles to the west north west.

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Oleander Celebrates 1,500 Voyages

by Elizabeth Roberts

Posted on Mon, May 18, 2009

She's sailed to Bermuda for 19 years in fair weather and foul, bringing in items ranging from pink buses to an elephant. And yesterday, the Oleander container ship was greeted with water cannon and a VIP reception when she marked her 1500th voyage from Port Elizabeth, New Jersey. The Bermuda Container Lines (BCL) vessel hosted directors and other guests in St. George's early in the afternoon.

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Friendship story is a real page-turner

by Helen Jardine

Posted on Wed, May 13, 2009

A book celebrating the close relationship between Bermuda and the United States hit the shelves this week. Four Centuries of Friendship: America-Bermuda Relations 1609-2009 highlights the role each country has played throughout our 400-year history. The book's editors, U.S. consul Gregory Slayton and his wife ­Marina, claim it is purely by chance that the book is being ­released on Bermuda's ­anniversary.

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US Consul General and Mrs. Slayton Release Book

Posted on Wed, May 13, 2009

Consul General Gregory Slayton and his wife Marina officially released their new book yesterday recounting the historic relationship between the United States and Bermuda over 400 years. Entitled 'Four Centuries of Friendship: US-Bermuda Relations 1609-2009', the hardcover book is the brainchild of Mrs. Slayton.

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Mayflower Opens Its Doors

by Nancy Acton

Posted on Wed, May 13, 2009

The public is being given a rare opportunity to tour one of Bermuda's historic estates on Saturday. The Garden Club of Bermuda is hosting a gala party in the grounds of 'Mayflower' in Devonshire, as part of its celebration of Bermuda's 400th anniversary. The event, appropriately entitled 'Mayflower in Bloom', will allow residents and visitors to enjoy the fine collection of furniture and paintings in the home, as well as the many beautiful floral displays created especially for the occasion by skilled Garden Club members.

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Bermuda Heritage Month Exhibit

Posted on Mon, May 11, 2009

A Good Start To Heritage Month

Posted on Mon, May 11, 2009

One of the pleasures of celebrating Bermuda's 400th anniversary is attending events which have been thoughtfully conceived, meticulously prepared, and beautifully presented all qualities which Bermuda's Ensemble Singers and the Copley Singers of Boston, Massachusetts happily met in their recent joint concert at Wesley Methodist Church. Directed by Lloyd Matthew and Brian Jones respectively, the 47 voices, accompanied by visiting organist/pianist Geoffrey Wieting, got Heritage Month off to a stirring start. Against the colourful backdrop of stained glass windows brilliantly backlit by the afternoon sun, and before a large and appreciative audience which included Governor Sir Richard Gozney and Lady Gozney, the combined choirs worked their way through a programme which acknowledged heritage, patriotism, and mutual friendship in fine style.

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Mural: Why My Initial Estimate Was Wide Off The Mark Says Artist

by Chris Spencer

Posted on Fri, May 08, 2009

IT took 1,000 square feet of wall space, roughly 7,000 hours of tireless attention to detail and three and a half years to fully portray Bermuda's 400-year history as only Bermuda's own Graham Foster could. The artist has recently completed his massive mural depicting Bermuda's diverse and storied history. Officially opening this summer, the mural is located in Pillared Hall at the Maritime Museum in Dockyard. Mr. Foster began work on the mural in August 2005 with an intended completion date of Christmas 2006.

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Sea Venture wreck reconstructed for TechArt 09

by James Whittaker

Posted on Fri, May 01, 2009

Is this how Bermuda looked to the island's first settlers? The footprints of shipwrecked sailors are seen walking away from their lifeboat as a battered tall ship wilts in the shadow of a raging hurricane. The image, meticulously compiled by the Bermuda Sun's creative director Gerri Saltus, shows the seminal moment in Bermuda's history - the wreck of the Sea Venture. The artist's impression of the scene at Gates Bay, St Georges - where the island's first settlers scrambled ashore 400 years ago - is digitally pieced together from a series of stock images. It is one of more than 100 entries to the TechArt 09 exhibition, which challenged digital artists to create pieces reflecting the spirit of Bermuda's anniversary.

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Family favourite returns to Victoria Park

by Lindsay Kelly

Posted on Fri, May 01, 2009

THIS summer the Corporation of Hamilton plans to revive a favourite concert event that has been missed by families and live music lovers alike for the past five years. From May until September on the second Sunday of each month, 'Summer Sundays in the Park' will feature live music, children's activities and food vendors in Victoria Park located on the block between Dundonald and Victoria Streets in Hamilton.

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Students hit States for island anniversary

by Helen Jardine

Posted on Wed, April 29, 2009

Most people on a trip to Washington claim a highlight is visiting the White House. But for a group of Bermuda school students, the real stand-out moment was meeting local kids to celebrate their shared ­history. Year Six pupils from Saltus Grammar School visited Washington and Virginia to learn about the connection between the­ ­island and the latter's Jamestown colony. Teacher Rosie Doughty said: "The aim of the trip to Virginia is to connect what the students are learning about the early history of Bermuda and America. "They do a lot of work in Year Five on Bermuda's early beginnings, then in Year Six they study early American history."

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Barons who banked on Bermuda

by Dr. Edward Harris MBE

Posted on Fri, April 24, 2009

In this 400th anniversary year, I thought I should write to you, dear Bermudians, about some of the big wheels, who, unlike Sir George Somers that you appear to have elevated above his station almost to sainthood, were the real founders or fathers of Bermuda, if you prefer to take the chauvinistic line.

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Town criers do battle

by Tauria Raynor

Posted on Tue, April 21, 2009

The Canadian winner of Bermuda's sole town crier competition is on the Island preparing to reclaim his title. Ten town criers from around the world will go head to head to determine who among them is the best and the loudest in a series of events planned for this week. Held in commemoration of Bermuda's 400th anniversary, the competition will be hosted by Bermudian criers David Frith and Ed Christopher. Daniel Richer dit La Flèche the only Native American crier has been a town crier for 28 years.

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A wedding in the midst of a gathering of Pilot Darrell’s descendants

by Sam Strangeways

Posted on Tue, April 21, 2009

When Pete Darrell got married in St. George's he was surrounded by scores of his smiling relatives — most of whom he'd met for the first time just a few days before. The New Zealander travelled more than 9,000 miles from his home in Christchurch for a reunion of descendants of Pilot James (Jemmy) Darrell — and got hitched to fiancée Jan Carter at the former home of his famous ancestor. "This is so spiritual to me because of the connection with my forebear," he told The Royal Gazette after the ceremony. "We couldn't have done this back in New Zealand. It was more than we could have hoped for."

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Slave’s descendants pour in to pay homage

by IRA PHILIP

Posted on Thu, April 09, 2009

More that 350 direct descendants of a slave born in Bermuda in the 1700s will be gathering at their ancestral homeland next week to pay homage to their celebrated ancestor James Jeremy Darrell. Jeremy's offspring will be coming from as far away as New Zealand, the UK and the US for a family reunion that has all the makings of an out-of-the ordinary social and cultural event. Last June the Bermuda National Archives opened what it called the best ever exhibition it had mounted, highlighting "The Life and Times of Pilot James Darrell". He was hailed then as a "freedom fighter" whose "tremendous legacy" was a national treasure, bringing light to Bermuda's dark past.

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Postcards appeal gets a huge response from kids

by LINDSAY KELLY

Posted on Thu, April 09, 2009

IN celebration of the island's quadricentennial, the St. George's Foundation along with Masterworks, ACE Gallery and the Muscarelle Museum of Art in Williamsburg, Virginia have come together to bring Bermuda's shared history with Virginia to life through student art. More than 18 schools from around the island responded to a call for 400 postcards of original artwork for Bermuda's 400th anniversary. Students were given a loose set of parameters relating to the Bermuda-Virginia connection that could be artistically interpreted. From scenes of the Sea Venture to early settlement images of the town of St. George's, students aged five to 14 took to the programme with great enthusiasm.

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Celebrities to help teens salute our 400th anniversary

by Helen Jardine

Posted on Wed, April 08, 2009

A visit from American Idol winner Jordin Sparks is one way a group of teens wants to celebrate Bermuda's 400th anniversary. In a bid to include teens in the festivities a new youth group has formed called the '400th Year Anniversary Youth Task Force.' It was created so that young Bermudians can organize events they want in order to recognize the island's milestone birthday. Among the list of events they came up with is a visit from American Idol winner Jordin Sparks in June - who is well-known for her duet hit 'No Air' with Chris Brown. Youth Task Force coordinator Gladstone Thompson was asked to start up the group in December.

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