The Bermuda National Trust is hoping to add a new chapter to its history programme through a dedicated classroom for children at its Paget headquarters.

The organisation has applied for Planning permission to turn the basement of 'Waterville' into a classroom, office and kitchenette. The mansion house, in Pomander Road, was built by John Trimingham, President of the Council, in the late 1720s and is a listed building.

The plans however, do not alter the structure but request a 'partial change' of use, from communal to 'social development' - "for the purpose of education".

In a letter accompanying the Planning application, agent OBM Ltd. says: "The purpose of the classroom would be for a summer camp for pre-teens, where the focus would be the teaching of Bermuda History, with the use of records stored within the National Trust. The maximum number of students would be 12 at one time."

Education Director Dr. Nicola O'Leary told The Royal Gazette that a dedicated classroom at 'Waterville' would not only save money on renting out church halls, but would save on time as well, due to the need to transport teaching equipment.

"St. George's is a wonderful place to teach because it is a World Heritage Site, but what this allows us to do is not rent someone else's space, and it enables us to have our own resources, to set up our own environment for children to learn and engage in exciting ways," said Dr. O'Leary.

"Having a classroom here at 'Waterville', we will not only get the luxury of this space but it will enable us to offer more classes, not just in the summer but over the winter holidays, and after-school and on weekends as well.