IT was neither a boast nor an exaggeration when Social Rehabilitation Minister Dale Butler remarked: "Well, we have packed them in like sardines tonight!" He was surveying the overflow audience at St. Mary's Church Hall, Warwick who braved the elements for the Annual Senator Q. Charles Bean Memorial Lecture and Awards Night.

The event proved to be entertaining and enlightening for the cross-section of folks from all over the island who attended.

They were rewarded with a lively address by the guest lecturer, Rodney Smith. He's the building contractor well known for his longstanding, passionate 'get yourself a home with no money down' promotions.

This time his theme was on 'reversible mortgages', and their benefits for senior citizens who are aged 62 and over. He was in full flight, expounding with some engaging audio-visual aids and plenty of audience participation for a variety of prizes given away.

In the end, those attending were treated to refreshments by sponsors of the event, the PLP branch of Warwick North East, the constituency Mr. Butler represents in the House of Assembly.

Members of Senator Bean's family were present. They assisted in the presentation of awards to nearly a dozen individuals and bodies, who in the words of Mr. Butler displayed the community-minded spirit of the late Charles Bean in giving of their time and skills in building a better Bermuda. The awards were donated by The Ka-lam-ka Trust and the Atlantic Publishing House.

Among the recipients were the National Youth Jazz Ensemble. It was commended for the musical experiences provided since its inception eight years ago to talented young Bermudians under the leadership of Wendell (Shine) Hayward.

They had toured numerous countries showcasing their talents, and had benefited from annual workshops held in Bermuda and abroad, Mr. Butler said.THE Artistic Award went to>Eugene Stovell. He was cited for being producer of the Bermuda's first book of political cartoons. Titled Plutocracy Vs Democracy, it was launched in 1978 by the Bermuda for Bermudians organisation, with a second printing in 1984. His cartoons have regularly appeared, among other places iI>The Worker's Voice, the organ of the Bermuda Industrial Union.The Charles Bean Shield for Writing went to Mrs. Shernette Somner. She's the eldest daughter of Earl and Onley Bean, a graduate of Gilbert Institute, Warwick Academy, North Carolina A & T University and Miami University. Mrs. Somner now owns and operates Star Academy.

The History Award went Andrew Bermingham. He chaired the Application Committee for the granting of World Heritage Site status to St. George's, and he's an active member of The Renaissance Heartbeats Committee that promotes Bermuda history.

A former Bermuda police officer, he joined the service in 1964, retiring 30 years later with the rank of superintendent and various medals for gallantry and distinguished service.

Blake Sonnenfeld, a 14-year-old Saltus student, was cited for elocution. He has been dubbed Bermuda's 'Junior Minister of Tourism' for his extraordinary comprehension and ability to articulate the features of the island's tourism.

Blake was roundly applauded when he was showcased at the opening of the Charles Bean Awards programme, speaking off the cuff about his favourite subj.

Kayla Tucker, a nine-year-old Purvis School student, was cited as a natural born leader who puts her skills to great use at school, willingly assisting teachers from nursery through to her P5 Class.

Lunch-time callers at Purvis can hear Kayla answering telephones in a professional manner. She sings in the school choir, plays on the netball and softball teams, and recently joined the football team. NOTABLY, when the tsunami struck Southeast Asia on Boxing Day 2004, Kayla felt for students in that region. She suggested to her principal that a special fundraising Casual Dress Day should be held at Purvis. Her principal shared the idea with other school principals, resulting in funds raised being donated to the Bermuda Red Cross for Asian studen

Isaiah Robinson was another Purvis student cited. He is the eldest of three boys in his family and enjoys a variety of sports including football, hockey, badminton, rugby, bowling and tennis. He has maintained first honours from Primary 1 through to P5. Also he is an active member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Warwick Longtail Adventures Club where he has earned 30 honours.

Nhoj-Trebor Steede was another student presented with a Charles Bean Award.

He is a multi-talented 18-year-old Ambassador for Christ, who is currently enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Programme at Warwick Academy.

He received the Ernie Owen Memorial Award in 2004 at the school for academic achievement.

In addition to his academics, Nhoj is a talented singer and dancer, having performed in public since age four in numerous festivals and plays and as a soloist.

Also honoured from Warwick Academy was its head stut, Natasha Butterfield.

The daughter of David and Marcia Butterfield, she is enrolled in the academy's International Baccalaureate Programme.

She has won prizes for the highest achievement in business studies, design and technology, and has gained ten GCSEs in physics, English literature and business studies.

Her ambition is to attend university in Canada and become a school teacher. Two Spice Valley students received awards. They were Rakeem DeShields

Rakeem exerts a lot of energy in the classroom and sports arena. He dreams of becoming mechanic and a professional football player.OLIVIA has been on the honour roll at Spice Valley for three years in a row. She's involved in many activities in and outside her school, involved with the Bermuda School of Music, playing with the Diamond Netts netball team and badminton at Bermuda College. She's also enrolled in the Gifted and Talented Programme taking courses in maths, English, science and the humanities.Mrs. LucilEvans<$>, matron of Lorraine Rest Home for the past 19 years, was presented with the Rodney Smith award, donated by the guest lecturer in honour of his late grandmother Mrs. Esther Smith.

Prior to taking charge at the rest home, Mrs. Evans managed the Sarah Kempe Foster Home at Cedar Hill and for 13 years worked at the Salvation Army Nursery.

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My photos show Cabinet Minister Dale Butler (top) with honourees at the Annual Senator Q. Charles Bean Memorial Lecture and Awards Night at St. Mary's Church Hall, Warwick. Also seated are two members of The National Youth Jazz Ensemble, Leron Minors and Aaron Daniels, Purvis School students Isaiah Robinson and Kayla Tucker; Blake Sonnefeld of Saltus and cartoonist Eugene Stovell. Standing: Andrew Bermingham, Nhoj-Trebor Steede and Natasha Butterfield of Warwick Academy; Mrs. Shawnette Somner; boxing trainer Alan (Forty) Rego; Mrs. Lucille Evans, matron of Lorraine Rest Home; and Spice Valley students Rakeem DeShields and Olivia Onyia. Above left: Guest lecturer Rodney Smith with MP George Scott handing Kayla Tucker her award. Above right: Members of the family of the late Senator Q. Charles Bean were singled out at the memorial event in his honour. At centre, sons Quinton and Mark Bean are pictured with sister Grace Bean. On the left is his granddaughter Vanessa Bean and, right, niece Marlene Smith. Son David is not seen. The family was presented with a bouquet for the senator's widow, Mrs. Grace Bean, who did not attempt to brave the inclement weather. Below right: A view of the audience packing the St. Mary's Church Hall, despite the adverse elements. Below left: Boxing and marathon champion Alan (Forty) Rego moves up for his award, after having been seen and heard telling of his exploits over the past 50 years in a sparkling video presentation