It’s that time of year again when The St.George’s Foundation hosts its Island-wide Tag Day on Friday, April 21. This year is their third annual Tag Day!

Bermuda’s public is always very generous with contributions.

Every penny is accounted for and greatly appreciated. Tag Day funds support the operations of The St. George’s Foundation.

Tag stations will be located throughout Bermuda. In St. George’s they will include the following locations: The main bus stop, Duke of York Street, the banks and Somers’ Supermarket.

Barbara Holmes Simon, membership coordinator, has been busy coordinating several interesting events to support the Foundation.

Ms Simon said: “Last year on Tag Day we raised about $7,000 and we are hoping to exceed that this year. Much needed are volunteers to help with tagging on April 21.” In addition to Ms Simon, The Events Committee is comprised of several other energetic members: Mariea Caisey, chairperson, Sharon Jacobs, Gayle Evans, Joan Davis, Karen Martin, Jeannie Siggins, Mary Malone and Alison Outerbridge.

Tag day is followed on Monday, April 24, by The St. George’s Foundation Red & White Day for Schools.

Ms Simon said: “For a small donation, and in support of the Foundation, students, corporate partners and their staff wear a red and white article of clothing. These colours comprise the flag of St. George. This year Corporate Red & White Day will be held on Friday, April 21.

The English ship, the Sea Venture <$>foundered on the reefs of the East End in 1609.

Bermuda was claimed for the Crown and in 1612 Bermuda’s first settlers arrived to begin life in what is today the oldest continuously occupied town of English origin in the New World.

The Town of St. George, named after the legendary dragon slayer and patron saint of England, was Bermuda’s first capital for more than 200 years.

Today, nearly four centuries later, evidence of St. George’s remarkable history abounds and is tended by the Foundation.

It is their nurturing goal to preserve and share the Town’s history with residents and visitors.

When walking about town, you may notice the various historical markers which aid to identify many of the historic buildings.

These were installed by The St. George’s Foundation.

Ms Simon said: “Fundraising continues and The Orientation Exhibits Gallery at the World Heritage Centre will open in June.”

The Exhibit will feature the early days of St. George’s such as the landing of the Sea Venture, dioramas on shipping and whaling, and a model display of the town”.

Be sure to mark your calendars on June 30 for a special event hosted by the Foundation: “A Somers Evening in St. George’s — Bringing History to Life”. It will be held from six to eight thirty p.m. All heritage partners are participating in this special evening. St. George’s museums, ancient buildings, a few historic homes, restaurants and shops will be open with historic re-enactments performed throughout the town. Please also mark calendars for (the Second Annual) Funday Sunday on November 5, 2006 at The World Heritage Visitors Centre.Should you wish to volunteer with The St. George’s Foundation or have questions please call Ms Simon: 297-3686 or e-mail her at membershiptsgf[AT]logic.bm.