recognition? Bermuda's former Chief Justice the Hon. Sir James Astwood had certainly been presented to her Majesty before. In 1982, to be knighted at Buckingham Palace -- this time it was to be honoured as a Knight Commander of the British Empire.

"I think she may have recognised me, she certainly pretended she had,'' laughed Sir James.

But, of course, Sir James knew the lady before him had the professional polish of years of greetings handshakes.

Nevertheless it was nicer to believe otherwise.

Sir James' meeting with Royalty came yesterday afternoon during an Investiture ceremony at Government House.

Bermudians named in the Queen's New Year's Honours List were present. Each received their award.

"I think the Queen is really charming. She is a lovely person and I love her,'' said Sir James, now a Court of Appeal judge.

"She is also a very genuine person. I'm very fond of her.'' Also at the ceremony was Mr. Calvert (Kelly) Zuill, known as Mr. Gospel, who received the Queen's Certificate and Badge of Honour.

He has devoted 30 years to the development of gospel music in Bermuda.

"She asked me why I was being awarded, and I told her it was for religious radio.

"She came to have another chat with me. I told her I arise at 4 a.m.'' Mr. Zuill described the Queen as a "really classy person''.

For inspirational Mrs. Alice Jean Howes, who lost her sight at an early age, it was an unforgettable moment.

"It was very exciting, really nice. She is a very pleasant person, very natural.'' Mrs. Howes, who also received the Queen's Certificate and Badge of Honour, went on to chat about music. "I told her I played the accordion and the piano.'' Mrs. Howes is the same age as the Queen -- 67.

"She easily lived up to all my expectations,'' she exclaimed.

Others who received the Queen's Certificate and Badge of Honour were community worker Mr. C. Orville Bascome; Agape House volunteer and fund-raiser Mrs. Lucy Willitts; Bermuda Botanical Society founding member Mrs. Claudine Wilson; and former head of the Women's Advisory Council Mrs. Kim Young.

MBE recipients included Cultural Affairs officer Miss Ruth Thomas, marine explorer Mr. Edward (Teddy) Tucker, and Salvation Army Advisory Board member Mr. Gordon Alwyn Ashford.