Take Me Back to the Good Ol' Days - that was the theme of this year's Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute parade.

And a 'wooden' outhouse with giant bugs and toilet roll hanging from it did exactly that, although some seniors would say this wasn't one of the better aspects of days gone by.

Other floats included a courting couple in a moonlit car, jockeys racing 'horses', as well as a paperboy, milkman and a door-to-door insurance salesman. There was even a 'Jungle room' disco bar with wild sounds from the Seventies - and wilder clothes to match.

Whatever the age of those in the crowds however, everyone had a good time. The 17th Annual Pre-Heritage Day Parade was a real family affair and the support of the local community was vibrant.

Up to 30 participants from MWI's Learning Disability Programme and clients from community homes took part, dressing in costumes from the past. The themes of the floats ranged from 'It Takes a Village to Raise a Child' to 'Disco Boogie', 'Hide-Away Spots', 'Five Shillings on a Horse' and 'Night Watchmen'.

The Pre-Heritage Day Parade was originally created to provide an alternative for MWI clients who were not able to attend the Bermuda Day festivities. Over the years, it has grown in popularity and is now a calendar event in its own right.

"The community has been very supportive of the parade," said Juliette Basden, Activities Coordinator for the Learning Disability Programme.

"It is a wonderful opportunity for our clients to express their creativity and celebrate the approaching Heritage Day with the public. The parade has become an evening of family fun with activities, entertainment, music and food."

Adding to the colourful entertainment last night were majorette and drum groups from across the Island, the Maumbli Akoma Dance Company and the Bermuda Island Pipe Band. One of the biggest attractions - the Gombeys - came last, bringing the festivities to a close with their dancing to the beat of a drum.

Bill Bailey, a local resident, said: "The parade has been very nice. I come every year and think it's important that we should support the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute. I particularly liked the floats of the car and the fort, but my favourite is the Gombeys. They get you moving, they get the blood pumping."

Lynne Cann, 63, from Devonshire, said: "I think this parade just gets better every year. I appreciate the effort that goes into it. It not only brings together the community but also focuses well on the proactive nature of the Wellness Institute."

She added: "And of course the Gombeys are always an asset to any parade. They've been in parades throughout our ages and so this is also a part of our heritage."