had time to sit down and rest.

But that is no problem for the Governor who prefers to be out among Bermudians rather than spending all his time at Government House.

Lord and Lady Waddington have quickly settled into their roles and are welcomed by all sections of the Bermudian community.

And their relaxed and cheery personalities are infectious to any groups they visit.

"When I look back on all that has happened I can hardly believe I have only been here for six months,'' Lord Waddington said. I did not know I would be expected to lead such a full life.

"I really do think it is important to get around the place try and understand what makes the place tick.

"I could sit here having meetings in this study, doing the paperwork, inviting people to Government House and little else.

"But that is not my idea of how I should be functioning. I should be getting round the schools, organisations and individuals. The job can be as demanding as you wish to make it.'' Official visits into the community, his duties with the Police and Bermuda Regiment and accepting visitors to Government House, are matters that fill each and every day. Visitors have included Prince Michael of Kent and, this week, Mr. Peter Morrison former Parliamentary Private Secretary to Mrs.

Margaret Thatcher He believes he has been given a good overview of Bermudians during his six months and he is full of praise.

Lord Waddington said: "In a small community you need to be self sufficient in many ways. You cannot just rush off to the big city and get pleasure from the stage, the theatre or orchestral concerts. You have to do it for yourself.

"The marvellous thing about Bermudians is that to a great extent they can organise many things for themselves.'' As an example he mentioned the wide range of sports like the World Cup football, yacht racing in Harrington Sound, the international rugby tournament and the Equafest. He said: "Every weekend there is something happening.

"In England I was so absorbed in the work in Parliament that when I got home for 24 hours there would be little time for entertainment. Now, there are so many aspects of this work that I do enjoy.'' Lord Waddington admitted that when he was first told he would be appointed as Governor of Bermuda he felt no little trepidation. It meant a move from the beautiful English parliamentary constituency of Ribble Valley.

He said: "You do worry a bit if you have never been abroad before and you worry if you are leaving your family. All but one of our five children are back in England.

"My wife said, at the time, that we could always fly back regularly but we have not been back and she has not said a "dicky bird'' about it since! That shows contentment.'' All three sons and two daughters will have visited the Island by this time next year.

The Governor's life is not completely wrapped up in his official duties and he has had time to take up golf. He said: "It is an infuriating game and I seem to be getting worse, but I will not let it beat me.'' And the future? Lord Waddington is looking forward to some important guests over the next year and is keen to meet more Bermudians.

But he said: "I am looking forward to getting back to swimming in the summer.

I did not realise that winter would be so cold.'' SIX HAPPY MONTHS -- Governor Lord Waddington in reflective mood, but enjoying his role.