December 6, 2021

Dear Sir,

I am writing to report that the second annual drive-through for gifts was held on December 4 on the grounds of Bradlaw on North Shore Road, Pembroke. It was preceded by the arrival of Her Excellency the Governor, Rena Laglie, and her aide de camp. She was met by David Thompson, president of the Bermuda Overseas Missions Charity; Bishop Nicolas Dill, the Anglican Bishop of Bermuda; and myself as the hostess and event planner of Seniors Appreciation Day, now entering its 23rd year.

The event was held at a home that in the 1920s was featured on postcards and has gone all around the world. Not only that, but these grounds were the grounds where tennis was started in Bermuda many, many decades ago. (Just a little information for the young people to know).

The yard was decorated in festive style and the theme was “doves”, accented with red, white and green balloon drops and shingles to give it the Christmas touch.

I started the preamble memorial programme and took on the role of mistress of ceremonies. Mr Thompson welcomed the audience and the Governor invited Bishop Nicolas Dill to give the opening prayer and the doves were released in honour of stalwart warriors who have been called from labour to reward this year.

They are the late Dr Faith Burgess-Clarke, the late Reverend Malcolm L Eve, and the late Sis Marjorie (Pat) Whitter. Lastly, but not least, all those who succumbed to Covid-19, in particular, the late Reverend Danny Durham. All the above were stalwart prayer support for the seniors’ party held annually until 2019. The doves were released by Naché Anderson-Clarke. This was done under the direction of Mrs Nelda Smith who had gifted them as a kind gesture. We thank her for this. It is amazing the doves all return home.

Community Contact Ministry pastor Reverend Gladstone Thompson said a few words. It was then the duty of Luria Ray McCarthy-Clarke and Naché Anderson-Clarke, who turned 11 on December 8, to present Her Excellency with a bouquet of flowers. She was also given a gift of perfumeries from Gibbons Company and a basket of Bermudian Tantalising Delights (home-made, of course).

The first car arrived at 10am and the drive was officially started, and this ran until 12 noon. The other invited guests were the Deputy Premier, Walter Roban who was standing in for MP Michael Weeks and two gentlemen who had been assisting with sponsorship for a number of years, Jim Butterfield of Butterfield and Vallis, and Tim Smith of AF Smith. The other sponsors are Aon, Deloitte, Argus, Orbis, William Storie, Robertson’s Drug Store, Caesar Pharmacy, Paradise Scents, BGA, Dennis Wainwright MBE, MP Scott Simmons, Assistant Cabinet Secretary Cherie Whitter, Donna Clarke, Susan Masters, Kennett Burgess, Lovette Pemberton, Mr and Mrs Sean Tucker, Ceta Tannock, Kyquan Brown of NMAC and Lynn John. Sir John Swan gave his annual support as well.

The volunteers for the day were Walter Brangman, Walter Ingham, Leroy Tucker, Mickey Butterfield, Renee Wilson, Marcelle Williams, Pam Trott, Gary Douglas, Andrea Wade, Lynn John, Alesha Anderson, Ché Clarke, Erin Telford, Ojyr Hodson, Odhari Hodson and Naché Anderson-Clarke.

The children even had time to go on the fun castle and play with the wheelbarrow. A brand new Christmas Green Trooper was donated by Glen Smith of Auto Solutions.

The day was beautiful — great weather, great atmosphere and everyone was truly blessed with gifts and gift cards for everyone. PC Singh distributed $25 vouchers, compliments of SOL Petroleum, to passing cars as an added treat for the community.

Best wishes to Bermuda for the upcoming season and have a great 2022. Blessings always. Over and out!

CAROL A.E. CLARKE QCBH

Event planner/hostess in collaboration with Bermuda Overseas Missions