The rain could do very little to dampen the atmosphere at Raynor’s Shell Service Station’s grand re-opening last weekend. Taking cover under the fuel court’s roof, about 100 people joined in the day’s activities, which included the sizzling sounds of a live band and a fun castle for the children.

The festivities started on a quiet note with a prayer led by the Reverend Pedro Castro from the Vernon Temple Church, followed by a moment of silence.

The church’s Praise Team, accompanied by a live band, performed several times, much to the delight of the crowd and passing motorists.

But it was the Premier, Alex Scott’s heartfelt speech that moved the crowd to loud applause.

“This is Raynor territory,” Mr. Scott told the crowd.

“The Raynor family have always been leaders. Not only in the church, but also in the community.”

Reminiscing about days when the Raynor family built a tennis court on what is now the fuel court, Mr. Scott added: “Today we are hear to recognise, salute and sing the praises of an extension of the community’s activities.

“You could always find the community at Raynor’s Theatre, the tennis court and now the service station. The community met here and always will.”

Mr. Scott congratulated the family on the revamping of the service station to include the convenience store and deli and jokingly asked if they were planning to extend the property to the rear to include a marina.

Following his speech, Mr. Scott cut the ribbon to mark the official re-opening.

It was at this point in the day that owner Reginald Raynor Jr. paid tribute to several members of the community whom he said played an important part in his life. “These are my role models,” he shared.

The honourees included former teachers Elsworth Christopher, Alfred Carey, Dr. Clifford Maxwell, Tom Smith, Mr. Raynor’s older brother and well-known sportsman, Sheridan Raynor, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Stanley Lowe and a family friend and former MP, Reginald Burrows.

Prizes and gift vouchers were awarded at the end of the day from various sponsors including the Southampton Princess, Reid’s restaurant, Island Cuisine, Creative Tile and Stoneworks, J. Harvey Ltd., Haywards Supermarket, KCC Island Painting, Data Tech, Henry VIII, Bermuda Gas Utility, Bermuda Security Group Ltd., Meyer Travel, Barretts and C Travel, as well as a patio umbrella donated by Dunkley’s Dairy and goody bags from John Barritt and Son Ltd.