A hat parade and a lovely legs contest spiced up the annual Seniors' tea at Westmeath nursing home Saturday afternoon at the start of Seniors' week.

The sun came out, as it does every year, according to activities organiser Elizabeth Wingate, on what was another successful event.

"It went fine," she said. "We had wonderful weather, but we've been doing it for a number of years and have never been rained out."

Starting with performances from the Bermuda Island Pipe Band and Dancers and the In Motion School of Dance activities then moved on to the hat parade and contests.

Of course the men were able to compete in the best Bermuda knees competition so as not to feel left out.

Finally the afternoon was capped off with a performance from the Paget Primary Steel band.

The Saturday tea, which was attended by between 40 and 50 of the rest homes' seniors, was just the start of what Dale Butler, Minister of Culture and Social Rehabilitation, said would be a week of recognition for the Island's seniors.

On Sunday, a more sober topic for seniors was recognised as the Island observed the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day with a proclamation and purple ribbons.

It was in support of the United Nations' acknowledgement of elder abuse as a significant public health and human rights issue.

In Bermuda, by the end of April this year, there had been 254 cases of elder abuse reported since statistics were recorded.

This year the Government tabled the Senior Abuse Register Act 2008 which will provide a database of people in caregiving capacities and a legal basis to deny their employment for those who abuse.

In Parliament on Friday, Minister Butler said: "Bermuda's seniors are valued members of our society and it is our collective responsibility to ensure they live safely and with dignity and respect."

In order to recognise the Island's seniors and the contributions they have made to the country, Mr. Butler also announced the beginning of the annual Senior's week.

He said: "Every year the Government sets aside time to recognise, honour and salute our elders. Seniors week has become so popular that we have outgrown the previous venue of the City Hall Theatre.

"For the first time most of the events that are being organised by the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs will take place in the Show Ring of the Botanical Gardens.

"However, I would like to convey my appreciation to the Mayor of Hamilton and his staff for the many years that they have worked with the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs to ensure a wonderful opening Ceremony."

This afternoon, at 1 p.m. a Senior's Talent and Fashion Show will be held along with a display of craft items put together by the seniors and tomorrow there will be a seniors awards ceremony, held in the show ring at noon, where those nominated by their respective clubs will be presented with citations given by Mr. Butler and Health Minister Nelson Bascome and Premier Ewart Brown will present citations to the centenarians.

The Premier also hosted a tea for seniors in the Botanical Gardens on Sunday. Other events this week include a jazz concert and a seniors picnic at Shelly Bay Park.

Mr. Butler added: "I urge the community to reflect on the many ways that seniors played a central role in the growth of our Island home and should be cherished for the many qualities and attributes which make them respected members of our community."