to stand proud, and told to prepare for Government.

One of the party's founders Mrs. Aurelia Burch appealed to them: "Keep this party a great party, where you are happy to say: What a party!'' In a call for members to get stuck into the political process, she said election victory remained the one big trophy still to be claimed.

There was, however, a greater need for "cooperation and participation''. For too often party meetings were poorly attended.

And Mrs. Burch added: "Many of us also fall down with financial assistance.'' Mrs. Burch spoke out at the PLP's annual Founder's Day Luncheon at its Alaska Hall headquarters in Court Street.

About 100 people, including party leader Mr. Frederick Wade and other members of the Shadow Cabinet, packed the hall for the function.

Earlier, party members attended a service at Christ Church, Devonshire, at which Shadow Finance Minister Mr. Eugene Cox's wife, Mrs. Alinda Cox, read a lesson.

Mr. Wade, whose party is celebrating its 32nd anniversary, spoke as well, expressing "words of reflection''.

At Alaska Hall, former party leader Mrs. Lois Browne Evans introduced Mrs.

Burch as an example to women of any era.

Mrs. Burch, a teacher by profession, had become the first treasurer of the PLP, and had served continuously on the party's National Central Committee.

Educated at Berkeley Institute, Shortwood Teachers College in Jamaica, and universities in Canada and England, Mrs. Burch, who was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1987, demonstrated her caring nature by teaching slow learners, said Mrs. Browne Evans.

"She is a woman of inner strength.'' Mrs. Burch, the only woman among the 10 founding members of the PLP, spoke of the party's birth on February 10, 1963.

She paid tribute to Mr. Wilfred Allen for conceiving the idea of a party for the working man.

The party originally carried Bermuda in its title, for it was to be an organisation embracing everybody, of whatever colour.

And that is how it has remained, despite attempts to portray the PLP as a "black man's party'', said Mrs. Burch.

Mrs. Burch said the party quickly took off during a series of meetings -- some of which took place at a building which has become Global House.

It augured well, perhaps, that PLP roots should now be in a Government building, Mrs. Burch joked.

In May 1963, the PLP had progressed to such an extent it could compete in a general election, capturing six of nine contested seats.

"We ploughed and broke up solidly compacted ground,'' said Mrs. Burch.

From its earliest days, the PLP campaigned for improvements in old age pensions, public health insurance, affordable public housing and racial integration of Bermuda's schools.

It also articulated the need to protect Bermudians, and curb unnecessary foreign labour.