with a touch of pomp and a pounding drumbeat.

But there will be no razzmatazz or grand fanfare when ties of 30 years are officially cut.

"It will be fairly low key,'' said the base's commanding officer Major Sam Gillespie yesterday.

Although the base shuts down at the end of the month, no immediate pull-out is planned.

The 220 military and civilian personnel will withdraw in phases over several months.

The last man will have left the 17-acre site by December 31 at the latest, said Major Gillespie.

He added communications equipment, including antennae, would be gradually dismantled over the coming months.

"We won't be tearing down the buildings or anything, but basically removing all the contents, and our communications system,'' he explained. "After most of the personnel have left there will be a small rear party of about 20 people here in the fall.

"They will stay behind to tidy up a bit, and pack up all the kit.'' Asked about morale, Major Gillespie replied: "Everybody is reconciled to leaving, although naturally sad. I wouldn't say the mood is sombre, however.

We are all very busy, preparing for the closure.'' Major Gillespie said the final week of April would see a series of "farewell'' events.

The programme details have yet to be finalised, and VIP guest invitations still to be sent out.

But the activities pencilled in include a Beat the Retreat in Front Street on April 28, featuring the Canadian Forces Band.

It is hoped the arrival of the frigate HMCS Toronto will provide a backdrop.

The next day the Bermuda Regiment and the Bermuda Pipes and Drums band should perform at Dockyard.

And on April 30 there will be a small ceremony at the base, with VIPs, including senior officers, from Bermuda and Canada.

"The base personnel will be present, and it will be an opportunity for people to say a few last words.

"It will be more of a sit down ceremony rather than a formal parade.'' In the evening there will be a formal dinner and dance at Sonesta Beach Hotel.

Among those present will be former base personnel who have flown in for the occasion.

And on May 1 the forces will have a farewell "brunch'', said Major Gillespie, who has been at the base since July 1990.