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Kites bring ‘a bit of fun in strange times’

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Key vantage point: Callum McIntosh, 11, adapts to social-distancing as he prepares to launch a “hummer” kite from the roof of his home on Good Friday (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)

Closures of beaches and parks were not enough to keep kites out of the air as the island celebrated Good Friday.While families were forced to avoid their usual gathering places because of restrictions imposed by the coronavirus outbreak, many chose to fly kites from their yards. The sound of kite hummers rang throughout the island during the day, and traditional Bermuda kites hovered overhead.Donald Simmons, from Pembroke, said the close quarters and strong winds made it tricky to get his kite in the air, but he was happy to help keep the tradition alive.Mr Simmons said: “I do this every year. We usually go down to the beach where there’s a bit more space.“The idea of not doing it never crossed my mind.”Jeff Conyers also ran into difficulties, as his Bermuda kite landed in the branches of a tree in his front yard.He said: “The wind is very tricky below, but strong up top, so once it’s up it goes crazy. You have to be a little lucky.“We usually go to a nice, flat open area with lots of people. Our yard is beautiful, but it’s not ideal for flying kites. We did get one up earlier, so we’re at 50/50.”He added: “This is the best holiday of the year. I even like the sound of the buzzers. It’s a bit of fun in strange times.”Other long-held Bermuda traditions continued unscathed, with many residents enjoying fishcakes and hot cross buns from their yards.Judith Douglas said her family usually spends the holiday on the beach, but they had to settle for their patio this year.Mrs Douglas said: “It’s a bit smaller than usual and a bit quieter than usual, but the sun is out. There are kites in the air, we’ve got our fishcakes. It’s Good Friday.”

Key vantage point: Callum McIntosh, 11, adapts to social-distancing as he prepares to launch a “hummer” kite from the roof of his home on Good Friday (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)
Kites in the sky on Good Friday (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)
The Davis family are all smiles as they celebrate Good Friday at home (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)
Marlowe Osborne, 3, is set to launch her kite from home (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)
Reggae music entertainer Stevie Dread soaks his traditional kite in the wind on Good Friday (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)
Family fun: a family enjoys some togetherness while kite flying on Good Friday (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)
The Farmstead family keep with tradition while spending quality time on Good Friday (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)
Keeping with tradition: reggae music entertainer Stevie Dread secures the kite tail to the loop before taking flight (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)
Keeping with tradition: reggae music entertainer Stevie Dread secures the kite tail to the loop before taking flight (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)
Kites in the sky on Good Friday (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)
Kites in the sky on Good Friday (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)
Kites in the sky on Good Friday (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)
Steven Costa set to launch his traditional kite on Good Friday (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)
Callum McIntosh on Good Friday (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)
Isaiah Williams 12 on Good Friday (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)