club member from the sale of Nationals in Devonshire to Montessori Academy -- to the Bermuda Maritime Museum.

Several relics from the old club, which has been a sporting venue since the 1940s, were also donated to the museum's permanent collection including old trophies and a scrapbook full of memorable sporting achievements.

Other memorabilia was also donated to the museum and director Dr. Edward Harris, and curator Charlotte Andrews have appealed for other people associated with the old club to donate any memorabilia they may have in an effort to keep the collection together.

Mr. Moniz had fond memories of the site and said that his great-grandfather, J.J. Moniz used to grow celery and watermelons on the old marsh that was later filled in to make the field for Nationals.

He said the sale of the club was the end of a fine institution but that it had been sold to Montessori Academy for a fine purpose.

He said that a number of members expressed disappointment at the sale of the club, but he was trying to point that in a positive direction.

Mr. Moniz said he was hopeful the museum could create a small exhibit to help show how clubs contributed to the continuity of social history and said: "Clubs were a very important part of the social fabric of Bermuda, it was like an extended family.'' Ms Andrews said that although the memorabilia was not strictly maritime, the museum was increasing their cultural diversity and the gifts tied in with current heritage work at the museum.

Just under 150 club members enjoyed a pay-off of roughly $22,000 after the club was sold for $3.5 million to the school.