In the topsy-turvy climate of Australia where the long, hot summer holidays have just ended, one of Bermuda's oldest traditions is being carefully preserved.

Bermudian Dave Gamble, who moved to Australia some years ago, decided that a spot of kite-making -- Bermuda style -- would go down well, Down Under.

Writing from their home in Queensland, his wife Lillian told The Royal Gazette that he decided to hold the two-day "encounter'' as part of a children's Anglican Church summer camp. Determined that the art of Bermudian kite-making should not be lost, he introduced the class of 12 to the wonderful world of coloured tissue paper, pots of glue, strips of wood, and endless trails of string.

"Despite knots coming undone, glue all over the place, cutting the tissue too small -- and just a few tears of frustration -- everyone enjoyed this new experience,'' wrote Mrs. Gamble.

Eventually, the children were given some lessons in the art of flying their kites ("not so close to that tree!''). They were also pleasantly surprised to find, that, provided the sticks were not broken, a Bermuda kite could be "mended forever.'' Thrilled that an old, Bermudian craft has been successfully adopted by "Aussie kids'', Mrs. Gamble wrote, "A good time was had by all -- not the least being Dave!'' MAKING KITES DOWN UNDER -- Dave Gamble.