Rotarians of the importance of using the past to predict the future.

During the club's weekly luncheon at the Pier Six night club on Front Street, Owen Darrell emphasised this creed by reviewing the history of Sir George Somers and stressing his importance.

He outlined the achievements of Sir George from his first arrival in Bermuda after the wreck of the Sea Venture in 1609 to the burial of his heart in what is now known as Somers Garden in St. George's.

Mr. Darrell noted Somers' significant contributions to present-day Bermuda as a way of "forging links with the past''.

He added that students often found history "boring''.

But he said: "It doesn't have to be if we take pains to link it with the present and the future.'' He also spoke about his newly-published booklet. It solely highlights Sir George Somers and has been described by reviewer Cyril Packwood as "charming'' and containing "valuable information which is not easily accessible''.

"We can use a knowledge of the past to forecast or explain possible, even probable lines of historical development,'' Mr. Darrell said.

SOLDIERS SKIPPED DRILLS CTS MIL Soldiers skipped drills Two Bermuda Regiment soldiers yesterday pleaded guilty in Magistrates' Court for failing to attend various regimental events.

Genghis Khan Ebbin, 20, of Friswell's Hill Lane, Pembroke, admitted skipping training events between February 12 and May 28.

Ebbin told Senior Magistrate Will Francis: "I had some problems.'' Mr. Francis ordered a social inquiry report to be carried out and presented in court on 20 August. Bail was set at $500.

Meanwhile, Marcel A.R. Rubaine, 19, of Secret Lane, Pembroke, also pleaded guilty to missing training sessions between May 8 and June 16.

Asked by Mr. Francis why he failed to show when he knew it was his responsibility, Rubaine replied: "I was going through a rough period at the time, sir, but everything is sorted out now.'' Mr. Francis ordered a social inquiry report and told Rubaine to return to court with Ebbin. Bail was also set at $500 for Rubaine along with a like surety.

PHONES OUT OF ORDER BUC Phones out of order The Ministry of Youth Development, Sport and Recreation yesterday apologised for two of their telephone lines being out of service.

"For the past few weeks, the Bermuda Telephone Company has promised to restore the lines but at present have overlooked the situation,'' a spokesperson said.

When contacted yesterday, Telco spokeswoman Karla Lacey-Minors said the problem was expected to be resolved today.

She said the problem occurred in a secondary line which fed into the Ministry's main line.

Anyone wishing to reach either the Youth Development Ministry's camping office or summer day camp office can do so by dialling 295-0855.

MAN POSSESSED DRUGS CTS Man possessed drugs A 21-year-old St. George's man pleaded guilty yesterday in Magistrates' Court to possession of cannabis.

Prosecutor Sgt. Phil Taylor said Tyrone Burchall, of Slippery Lane, was at the St. George's Police Station on February 13 for another matter.

Burchall was searched and officers discovered a manila envelope containing plant material in Burchall's trouser pocket.

Asked what the plant material was, Burchall replied: "You know what that is.

It's something to smoke.'' Yesterday in court, Burchall apologised and was fined $150.