A new east-end group has banded together to preserve and protect the history of St. David's Island.

Some 30 members turned out for the first official meeting of the St. David's Island Historical Society this week.

And newly-elected president Richard Spurling credited Mrs. Joyce Thomas Hall for the group's creation.

"It began when Joyce Hall felt that there should be some organisation put together for the preservation of Carter House,'' said Mr. Spurling. "It's a very significant historical institution to St. David's and Bermuda as a whole.'' The centuries old building was built by descendants of a shipwrecked mariner aboard the Sea Venture .

Over the years, the small home -- located on the former base lands -- has been used as a museum and beauty salon, and has inspired numerous ghost stories, Mr. Spurling explained.

Now the Society plans to completely restore the building to create a focal point for the preservation of the area's history.

"It is absolutely critical that Carter House be preserved and kept open to the public,'' Mr. Spurling said.

And after opening a museum in Carter House by next year, the fledgling group plans to revamp other sites of historical interest.

At the top of the list for development are the St. David's Lighthouse and Battery.