importance of Bermudian architecture.

Edwin Chappell of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation in Virginia wrapped up a five-day visit to the Island with a presentation at the Town Hall in St.

George's on Monday night.

"The visual character of Bermuda, and St. George's in particular, are extraordinary and are well worth preserving,'' he said.

Mr. Chappell was on the Island to give a couple of lectures and a Saturday workshop -- mostly for architects, preservationists and planners -- on how to preserve old houses.

And he took part in the National Trust's Friday night Christmas Walk-About in the historic East End town.

"Things are going very well in St. George's,'' he said. "They are well on their way to reaching their object of cultivating a healthy community, improving the area without destroying the history.

"St. George's has the narrow, curving old roads and many buildings from different periods. They are improving it without loosing these aspects. It's going very well.'' Mr. Chappell returned to Williamsburg yesterday.