the Bermuda National Trust's gift shop at Waterville in Paget.

Even a cursory glance at the shelves reveals an intriguing array of merchandise suitable for both sexes and all ages.

Everything from children's toys to bluebird boxes to limited edition sets of Flora Bermudiana Coalport bone china plates is there to tempt the shopper.

Many of the items are handmade in Bermuda, while others are unique to the outlet.

Trustworthy has been in existence since 1990 when current Trust president Mrs.

Patsy Phillips recognised the need for a proper shop to sell Bermuda National Trust merchandise.

"Until then people wanting the items interrupted office staff to make their purchases,'' former co-chairman of Trustworthy, Mrs. Laura Butterfield, related.

Precious ground floor office space beneath Waterville's entrance porch was commandeered, and soon the newly-installed shelves began to sport an expanded inventory.

"We received a lot of help from Mrs. Pamela Langton, who assisted us with the selection and importation of items we thought might sell,'' Mrs. Butterfield said. "Our aim, then as now, was to stock merchandise which was different from the Hamilton stores.'' Also pitching in to help was former co-chairman Mrs. Catherine Brown, and Mrs.

Dana Goodfellow. With no funds in the kitty, the women turned to and did whatever was necessary -- including painting -- to prepare the location themselves.

"We got everything except the merchandise from scratch. We even put three pieces of furniture together -- including our work desk,'' Mrs. Butterfield explained. "We opened on a shoestring.'' From its inception in November, 1990, the cosy little store has proved a resounding success -- so much so, in fact, that it outgrew the original site, and on Friday will "re-open'' with due pomp and ceremony in another part of the same building, this time occupying two rooms.

Thick cedar beams and a brick fireplace add to the ambiance of the charming new setting, expertly prepared by Trust artisans Mr. Norris Paynter and Mr.

Cyril Dowling, where shoppers will find an even more intriguing variety of merchandise to tempt them.

Items with the Bermuda National Trust logo include golf shirts and hats, canvas tote bags, tumblers, ties and tie tacks, T-shirts for adults and children, decanters, commemorative coins, and blazer buttons.

Hottest item of the week is bound to be the 1993 Bermuda National Trust Palm Sunday walk T-shirt, with its delightful, colourful motif, which is available in children's and adult sizes.

Lightweight woven cotton throw rugs in various patterns -- perfect for cool knees and legs -- will soon be joined by an exclusive Bermuda National Trust design.

For the nature lover, there are charming metal garden ornaments and handmade bluebird boxes -- painted and unpainted.

Particularly attractive are the newly-commissioned, limited edition plaster replicas of Waterville, authentic down to the smallest detail -- except the infamous ducks! Thanks to the twice-weekly efforts of a group of volunteers, Trustworthy also stocks a variety of unique hand-made items, including bridge table covers, decoupage tissue box holders and trinket boxes, Easter bunny baskets and multi-purpose wicker baskets with stiffened fabric bows.

"We will also make these things to order in specific colour schemes,'' Trustworthy's new chairman, Mrs. Sally Madden, explained.

Local gift, greeting and post cards, Bermuda prints and Bermuda cottage magnets in wood and ceramic make perfect mementoes for visitors and friends abroad -- as do the locally made Sallie's Preserves.

"We also sell banana dolls which we make ourselves, having been taught by Mrs. Ronnie Chameau,'' Mrs. Butterfield commented.

At the appropriate season, the shop is noted for its collection of hand made Christmas ornaments and crackers.

"So we need people who can make those as well,'' Mrs. Butterfield added.

Prolific as this group is -- and it needs to be to keep up with demand -- Mrs.

Butterfield said more volunteers with an interest in handicrafts are wanted because Trustworthy wants to expand this aspect of its inventory.

"Anyone who is interested in helping should call Trustworthy at 236-8306,'' she said.

And speaking of volunteers, Trustworthy is also seeking people to help serve in the shop.

"We have two shifts: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and we are open from Tuesday to Saturday,'' said Mrs. Madden. "Anyone who can help at any of these times should call 236-8306 to arrange an interview.'' Pointing out that Trustworthy is run completely by volunteers, Mrs.

Butterfield was proud to note that their work had been so successful that in just two years the shop had been able to clear its $18,000 debt to the Trust and also turn over to it an additional $12,000.

But success has its price. Like a child coming of age, with the move to its new site Trustworthy must now assume more responsibility for itself, including paying its bills, so work on generating even more sales is necessary.

"While we have a regular clientele, there is a large segment who have never visited us,'' Mrs. Madden said. "The shop is for everyone, and we want to generate more interest in all aspects of it. We are very optimistic about the future.'' ON THE MOVE -- Mrs. Martina Greenstreet (left) and Mrs. Laura Butterfield move Trustworthy's stock around the corner to its new location in Waterville, the Bermuda National Trust headquarters in Paget. The shop outgrew its original location under the front porch, and on Friday re-opens in new space on the western corner of the same building.