Community walk will explore history of Warwick Academy, '#10 Down de Road' store and other neighbourhood landmarks
Imagine Bermuda is holding another community walk on Sunday – this time focusing on the important role that Warwick played in Bermuda's history.
The walk will begin at Warwick Academy's front door at 2.30 p.m. The highlights of this "Walk" will include the significance of Warwick Academy being not only the first school in Bermuda, but one the oldest continuing institutions in the Western Hemisphere, having been established in 1662.
Imagine Bermuda founder Glenn Fubler said there are only a few schools in North America that claim to have started before that year. Walkers will hear about the significance of that aspect of the school's history from the Head Boy and Head Girl.
In addition, Karen Woolridge, one of the very first black students to attend Warwick Academy will share her experiences in that watershed that came in 1963, Mr. Fubler said, adding: "That episode spoke to a paradigm shift for the entire island that was rooted in the success of the 1959 Theatre Boycott."
In addition, former Warwick MP Walter Brangman will share the story of Martin Wilson's Store (adjacent to Lindo's) which was nicknamed #10 Down de Road.
His shop was a "gathering place" for politicians and community activists, especially those in the western part of the Island.
Wilson was active in the Samaritans Lodge and started a youth club for the neighbourhood. He became the president of the Bermuda Industrial Union in 1960 and was eventually appointed by the Governor to the Legislative Council, which is now known as the Senate.
Also being highlighted on the Walk will be the Cobb's Hill Methodist Church which was built in 1826 by a group of men who were enslaved. The church is a testament to the indomitable spirit of those taking charge of their lives regardless of circumstances.
In addition the Walk will highlight Warwick Workman's Club as an example of the network of organisations throughout the Island which have played a key part in strengthening the fabric of community.
