Maude Carlington, senior tour guide, loves coming to work at the historic Tucker House, Water Street, St. George's.

"I most enjoy meeting people. All of my life I have worked in tourism: in a hotel, a restaurant and here for the past 18 years,'' she readily tells with a warm smile.

She takes great delight in giving informative tours of the famous 18th century house which was once occupied by Henry Tucker, President of the Governors Council (1775-1807).

There are many interesting treasures on view such as the pie crust table from a single piece of mahogany with claw and ball feet dating back to 1760, to the family portraits by Blackburn and the Chippendale tallboy of Bermuda cedar.

The charming kitchen conveys a sense of earlier days and features a display in memory of Joseph Hayne Rainey, who worked as a barber in Bermuda before becoming the first black representative in the US Congress.

"I have met so many wonderful people including Her Majesty the Queen in 1994.

She was so gracious and lovely. There have been many others such as the distinguished Stanley Martin, CVO, JP from the Diplomatic Academy of London and even Mr. Rainey's granddaughter,'' she advised.

Mrs. Carlington estimates that she comes into contact with about 150 to 200 tourists per week when the cruise ships are in and she is frequently asked the following questions: 1. "How are the Bermuda roofs built? 2. "What is the population? 3. "Will I adopt them because the Island is so beautiful? 4. "Why are things so expensive? 5. "How do we manage to live here with the high prices?'' A visitor told Mrs. Carlington that he came here seven years ago and it cost $6,000 and that he came by cruise ship this year with his wife for $2,200. He concluded that he would definitely be cruising when he returns again.

"Somehow it seems, from what other people tell me, that Bermuda has out priced itself in many areas. It would be nice if we could get some special fares and packages for tourists visiting Bermuda,'' she said.

Numerous tourists have commented to Mrs. Carlington about how good Bermuda's bus service is. Some of those riding bikes tell her that the bike experience is rather dangerous.

"One of my strongest recommendations about tourism is that all of us need to adjust our attitudes toward the visitors. Kindness means a lot to people. This should work both ways too with the visitors reciprocating our politeness,'' she advised.

Mrs. Carlington says she loves coming to work each day, is very comfortable in her job and almost feels like a part of the furniture.

According to historian John Cox, the Tuckers are one of Bermuda's oldest and most distinguished families. The first Tucker to arrive on the Island was Daniel, who came out from Kent, England in 1616 to serve as the Colony's second Governor.

Tucker House is open Monday through Saturday from 10 A.M. until 4 P.M. and admission is $3 and free to all members of the National Trust. The phone is 297-0545.

Senior tour guide: Maude Carlington meets many tourists and gives a gracious and informative tour of the historic Tucker House, St. George's.

TOURISM TOU