There were smiles all around at the Sunday morning worship service at Allen Temple AME Church in Somerset. But they were tinged with some mixed emotions. The reason was that the church's minister of music, Deon Flash, was saying: "Goodbye Bermuda, it was nice knowing you."

Deon is an accomplished pianist having gained experience in various forms of classical music ranging from Bach to Gerswhin. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Piano Performance from the University of Toronto in 1995 and an ARCT Associate Degree from the Canadian Royal Conservatory of Music.

He came to Bermuda a decade ago to teach in local schools. At the same time, he fully indulged the local musical world, among other things being pianist at Allen Temple and Somerset SDA churches. He also played with the Bermuda Philharmonic Society, gave personal recitals at Hamilton City Hall, played at churches across the island and accompanied noted singers in their performances. He has performed in Anguilla, Jamaica, across the United States and Canada, gaining wide recognition for his virtuosity.

Mr. Flash is a Jamaican-born Canadian citizen. He began studying and playing the piano at the age of seven and gave his first performance at the age of 12 at his local church. Since then Deon has performed as a soloist and accompanist at several venues in concerts across North America including, Winnipeg, Musicfest Canada, Courtney, British Colombia Music Festival, Pickering Rotary Music Festival in Pickering, Ontario, Philadelphia, The International School of Performing Arts in Doylestown, Pennsylvania as well as City Hall in Bermuda and various churches across the island. For the past few years Deon has been the playing with the Bermuda Philharmonic Society. Also he's a contributor to the Gospel Nation recording artist, Expression of Praise's CD.

In our photo at right, Allen Temple pastor the Rev. Mrs. Betty Furbert Woolridge presents Mr. Flash with his departing memento of Bermuda as well as a cheque for a couple of thousand dollars. The Allen Temple Choir rendered a medley of songs, including To God Be the Glory.

The Saturday night before the choir joined at the Somerset SDA Church when he was similarly honoured. Days later Mr. Flash accompanied Allen Temple Choir as they professionally produced a CD that will be made public soon. Trustees of the church looked on as the farewell gesture was made.

Cup Match 2007 has now entered the record books with St. George's CC holding on to the coveted cup for a third straight year. But the real winner this year was clearly the weather.

While it cut play on the field short by several hours, the elements helped the thousands of fans who showed up at the game to more happily focus on the heritage aspects of the two-day holiday, being a celebration of the Emancipation of Slavery in 1834 and commemorating the wrecking of Admiral Sir George Somers' Sea Venture which led to the continuous settlement of Bermuda in1609.

Below is the setting at the presentation following the end of play.

Conspicuously missing from the celebrants was Mrs. Diddy Smith (right). She was confined at the King Edward VIIMemorial Hospital.

We wish her a speedy recovery.