February Newsletter 2021
Message from the Executive Director
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As we step into 2021, I’m sure we are all hoping the experience we lived through in 2020 is not replicated in 2021. As a community, Bermuda has demonstrated its collective will-power to work together to minimize the spread and human losses tied to this Covid-19 outbreak on our island.
In the last few months of 2020, and the first few weeks of 2021, I’ve witnessed a similar ‘will power’ - both in our staff and those who have supported the Trust. You have helped us fulfil our mandate to educate, encourage engagement, and protect both the natural and historical treasures that are held by the Trust. Thank you.
As most of you know, the Trust had to make significant budget cuts in response to Covid-19. This year, we need to make up for delayed maintenance work and improvements on our historic buildings and open spaces to ensure longevity from a preservation and conservation perspective. We are also looking at ways to collaborate on more diverse cultural heritage initiatives and be a catalyst for providing ways to bring relief to those in need in our community. We are modifying many of our annual events to be Covid-19 compliant and safe, and we look forward to seeing you this year.
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2020 Tree Planting Initiative
In 2020 we started the year with our tree planting initiative, intending to plant 550 trees in honour of our 50th anniversary. The year started well with our first tree planting day on January 1st, when we planted 118 trees. Unexpectedly, in March this came to a halt and during the island wide lockdown we lost some of our best opportunities to plant.
Post lockdown, we had generous support from the community and still managed to plant 382 trees, totaling 500 trees planted all over the island in BNT Properties, Nature Reserves and other open spaces.
Although we did not reach our goal last year, we are proud of what we were able to accomplish with the help of so many of our members and will continue planting.
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Gilbert Nature Reserve
Although Hurricane Humberto seems long gone, BNT is still cleaning up the debris left behind.
The West End endured the worst of the hurricane's wrath, resulting in major tree damage at Gilbert Nature Reserve. We are now pleased to announce that the Anita Wingate Trail that connects the railway trail to Middle Road and the bus stop adjacent to the Somerset Marketplace is safe once again. Thanks to the landscaping team from Brown and Co’s who cut Widowmakers out of the large Rubber tree that was a towering force in the landscape.
What is a Widowmaker?
Widowmakers are any loose or detached limbs or treetops that may fall at any given time, which can be a hazard.
We highly recommend taking a stroll through BNT’s most utilised trail this weekend. You won’t be disappointed!
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Last year we fought hard, advocating for the adherence to planning legislation, to save our neighbouring property at Judkin Lane from being destroyed by excessive development. We were upset and concerned when Ministerial discretion was utilised to allow quarrying within an area zoned woodland reserve in Smith’s Parish, creating a horrible vista in the landscape and destroying biodiversity.
Sadly, the Minister then overruled his team at the Department of Planning and the independent inspector and granted permission for a huge house with hard landscaping outside the scope of what planning was deemed reasonable for the site.
The BNT believes Bermuda’s planning laws are adequate to serve our environment when enforced and can provide a reasonable amount of protection to our most precious resource. Whilst this is a blow, it only adds motivation to our team’s desire to preserve and protect. We wholeheartedly agree with and support the position taken by the Audubon Society with regards to this development, as published in The Royal Gazette on January 21, 2021. You can read their letter to the editor here.
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FOR RENT:
1.46 acres of arable land, Devonshire, Lot J3 Jubilee Road
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The Bermuda National Trust is offering a rare opportunity to lease 1.46 acres of arable land in Devonshire. This land is suitable for grazing cattle and horses.
Before submitting a bid, please visit the site.
Please drop off completed bid forms to our offices at ‘Waterville’, 2 Pomander Road, Paget, or email them to Myles Darrell at myles@bnt.bm by February, 19th, 2021.
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This post is part of a series of architectural articles by the Bermuda National Trust that highlight some of Bermuda's endangered historic buildings.
by Linda Abend and Margie Lloyd
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Wantley, located on Princess Street, has a rich social history and was built by prominent businessman Samuel David Robinson. One of the founders of the Berkeley Educational Society, Samuel David and five other men met in 1879 at his newly-built home to discuss the feasibility of establishing a school that would become the Berkeley Institute. The Robinsons were an influential family in the then Town of Hamilton. Younger brother Joseph Henry Robinson built The Emporium on Front Street and lived at the elegant Finsbury on Court Street.
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Trust Treasures
We will continue to bring our museums to you with interesting featured stories on artefacts from our collections
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Washboard, late 18th/early 19th century
Attic, Verdmont
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Before electricity and washing machines, a washboard was one of the methods used to clean clothing. Laundry was a labourious and lengthy process. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it would have begun with collecting a great deal of water. Enslaved children at Verdmont, for example, would have spent much of their day fetching water from the water catchment along what is now Sayle Road, carrying their heavy load back to the house. Clothing would be soaked overnight, then soaped, boiled, scrubbed, rinsed, wrung out, mangled, dried, starched and ironed. During the 1700s, garments were made of silk, wool, linen or cotton. The soap of the day would have been highly caustic – harsh on the hands of the enslaved women responsible for the work – and silk garments would likely have been left outside to air or lightly sprayed with scented waters. This artefact is currently on exhibit at Vermont Museum.
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Bowl, c.1770, Tucker House
Accession Number: 70-736
Acquisition: Bequeathed to the Trust by Robert Tucker of Baltimore in 1952
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This porcelain bowl was made in China during the Qianlong period (1735-1796) and is currently on exhibit in the library at Tucker House. Surprisingly, it was considered a rather standard piece in the late 18th century. These bowls were extremely popular with foreign merchants trading between Macau and Canton and were often used for punch. This one is beautifully decorated with colourful hand-painted scenes of a family relaxing in a pavilion, possibly playing Go. It also depicts a curious and clearly desired object grasped in the hand of a child. It is not a common artefact and is proving difficult to identify. Experts have suggested a paper butterfly stretched over a bamboo frame or a musical instrument. |
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Want to learn more about the artefacts in our museums?
Sign up for a walking tour of St. George's with BNT Museums Manager,
Anna Ridgeway, every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am - 12:15 pm.
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Saturday, February 20th
9:-00am - 12:00pm
Volunteer day at Warwick Pond.
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Saturday, February 27th
10:30am - 12:00pm
Compost workshop at Tivoli Community Garden.
Join BNT Conservation Officer and Vanese Gordon for a FREE compost workshop at Tivoli Community Garden. This hands-on workshop will explain the importance of composting, what we use compost for, various styles of composting, and how to make your own compost!
Please bring water, solid footwear, and gloves.
This event is limited to 25 people so sign up now! Following Covid-19 protocol, all volunteers must wear a mask and observe social distancing.
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Auction & Jumble feedback
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Have you ever attended our Auction & Jumble Sale?
We want to hear from you! Please help us by taking this short survey as we consider what shape this event will take.
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Conservation architect Tony Short died recently in England. Tony provided the first manuscript and drawings for The Traditional Building Guide, a project sponsored by the Bermuda National Trust and the Department of Planning. Tony came to Bermuda in 2001 as a volunteer under the auspices of British Executive Services Overseas. He spent several months drawing his charming sketches and writing the text for the guide. The book was edited by Sylvia Shorto, designed by LaVerne Richardson and published in 2002. Since then, it has sold steadily, purchased by those interested in Bermuda’s architecture. We extend our sympathy to Tony’s family and reiterate our appreciation for his dedicated work. |
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Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Kevin Britten
Volunteer Location: Vesey Nature Reserve
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Why do you volunteer with The Bermuda National Trust?
I had a change in my employment situation, resulting in having some free time, so I thought I should volunteer. Since we are in the midst of a pandemic, I was reluctant to have a lot of interpersonal interaction so I thought maybe there would be something I could do for the Bermuda National Trust where I could provide my time to help maintain some of their properties without having to be around lots of people. In addition, I have always appreciated the natural beauty of Bermuda and working with the Bermuda National Trust might allow me to contribute to maintaining some of Bermuda's natural environment.
What do you see as the benefits to you from volunteering with The Bermuda National Trust?
There are a few benefits from volunteering for the Bermuda National Trust. I have learned a great deal about Bermuda's natural environment. I am now able to identify many of the natural endemic and invasive plants. The work I do is very physical, so I get a good workout each time I work on site. I have had the opportunity to meet and learn from Dr. David Wingate and Myles Darrell; both have much knowledge of Bermuda's flora and fauna which they have shared with me.
How do you feel our volunteer activities could act to promote conservation, preservation and or education?
The Bermuda National Trust volunteer activities provide opportunities to teach people about the natural environment. As a result, I am sure these people will become more aware of the need for conservation and preservation.
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