community during ceremonies marking the start of Senior Citizens Week yesterday.

Hamilton Mayor the Wor. Cecil Dismont welcomed more than 100 senior citizens and other visitors to the City Hall ceremony.

Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan told guests: "We are beginning a week for senior citizens, where the young and old are supposed to get together.

"You have laid the foundation for people like me. I want to thank you all for your services.'' Progressive Labour Party leader Mr. Frederick Wade said Bermuda and Bermudians were committed to respecting the accomplishments and value of senior citizens.

Special awards went to Mr. Herbie Bascome for his years of cooking at senior citizens' Christmas parties and Age Concern's Mrs. Jill Gaade.

Three centenarians -- Mrs. Rosalie Doars, Mrs. Emarrata L. Smith and Mrs.

Blanche Cuffee -- were also honoured.

Other award recipients were Maj. Albert Benjamin, Mr. Thatcher Adams, Mrs.

Elsie Bascome, Mr. George Beek, Mr. James Brown, Mrs. Frances Burch, Mrs.

Maria Carvalho, Mr. Ivan Cunningham, Mr. Joseph DeCosta, Mrs. Louella Douglas, Mr. Lionel Jean Jacques, Mrs. Celeste Jones, Mr. Henry Kellaway, Miss. Inez Kennedy, Mrs. Nea Smith, Dr. Thomas Stowe and Sir John's mother Mrs. Margaret Swan.