tried out the Island's latest craze, bungee jumping.

While all the signs were that Bermuda's economy was rising steadily out of recession, the news of closure of the US and UK bases dampened spirits.

Sailors, too numerous to mention, found seas off the Island unfriendly, and that meant a busy year for Harbour Radio and Marine Police.

It was, of course, election year and both the United Bermuda Party and the Progressive Labour Party spent month after month on the campaign trail in case we forgot the big day was coming.

JANUARY The year started with a roar as Concorde flew into Bermuda with 97 sorrylooking passengers who celebrated the New Year twice on two continents.

In the New Year's Honours List Health Minister the Hon. Quinton Edness received a CBE while Mr. George Ogden, Hamilton Parks Superintendent, received the Queen's Certificate.

One of the major talking points of the year was published, the report of Judge Stephen Tumim which aimed "to scythe through the roots of social tension and slash the prison population''. But the recommendations were expected to be expensive. Later in the month the Police force was again cut in numbers.

The Advocate, a US gay magazine, threatened to investigate Bermuda's laws against homosexuality, initiating a war of words over the issue that ran throughout the year. Bermuda's Anglican and Roman Catholic churches called for changes to the law, but smaller churches asked that gay sex be kept illegal.

Many young Bermudians were reportedly dicing with death by ignoring calls for safe sex and AIDS warnings.

The Royal Gazette followed the lead of many newspapers throughout the world with the introduction of the lively and colourful RG magazine.

American Mr. Ritch Davidson gave lectures on having fun at work but hotel workers were starting a year of dissatisfaction.

There was also displeasure in education where parents and teachers threatened a revolt against $2.2 million budget cuts.

The month saw attacks on dogs by larger dogs including an assault on the new star of Government House, Basil the terrier. His owner, the Governor Lord Waddington, was also attacked in an English Daily Telegraph Magazine article which said he had "the cushiest post in paradise.'' Families of three lost fishermen, brothers Scorcher and Jakes Outerbridge and Geaige Minks, faced weeks of uncertainty after the men were lost on board their boat Simply Red .

FEBRUARY Opposition MP-to-be Dr. Ewart Brown claimed that Bermuda was being sucked into a "Los Angeles-style spiral of crime''.

Keep Bermuda Beautiful admitted their major problem was with young people littering the Island. One Hundred Black Men Plus was set up to offer solutions to other youth social problems by providing positive role models in the community.

While MPs of both parties called for a smoking ban in the House of Assembly, three protesters called for the legalisation of marijuana outside the House.

Devastating news arrived for the families and friends of the crew of Simply Red when the boat was found with no survivors. The families still held out a faint hope that the men had been picked up by another boat.

Psychopath Leroy Burgess received a life sentence for the manslaughter of German visitor Antje Herkommer. The case aired concerns about allowing convicted criminals out of prison on unsupervised work details.

Disgraced lawyer Larry Madeiros also discovered the outcome of stealing more than half a million dollars from his clients when he was sentenced to three years in prison.

But Larry Ebbin walked free after being acquitted of charges of being involved in a massive Cuban drug trafficking ring.

The best news of the month was the amazing recovery of two-year-old Chantia Swann who almost drowned in a pool in the Spinning Wheel Club. Chantia spent days on a life support machine but fully recovered.

MARCH The strength of feeling against Government school cuts was shown with a 1,000-strong petition signed by parents and teachers.

A planned united approach between the US and the UK to run HMS Malabar was scrapped with assurances that the British base would continue alone -- but the story changed in December.

Three locals became victims of a rise in Jamaican crime when they were terrorised while on vacation.

The Rottweiler which attacked a dog in January was destroyed after killing another pet walking with the same, unlucky man, Mr. Bob Nielsen.

Mental tests were prepared for prisoners in the light of the Antje Herkommer killing.

Rap star Shabba Ranks flew into the country, ignoring controversy surrounding his support for anti-gay singer Buju Banton. Banton appeared later in the year.

In the final month of the Temperature Guarantee Scheme for 1993, US college students told the Tourism Department that College Weeks needed more advertising.

Members of Parliament stated that they believed they were giving the public value for money and deserved a raise. Some were not getting paid at all by the middle of October.

APRIL The only showers in Bermuda in April were showers of building materials when a tornado struck the West End. Property damage was substantial but only two injuries were reported.

Much of Bermuda was turned into a film studio with the arrival of the crew filming "Bermuda Grace,'' a TV movie that could turn into a series. Hundreds of residents turned up at an audition in Number One Shed. The show will be aired on January 5.

Mr. Michael Smatt took to the air in his helicopter tour business which was seen and heard all over the Island during summer, and so were the complaints.

Corporation of Hamilton officials were still looking into horse diapers in an attempt to clean up the streets.

More stinks were caused by bad feet. Chiropodist Fiona Rhodes blasted Bermudians for the poor condition of their feet.

There was better news for Front Street when it was announced that British visitor Mr. Fred Bradfield was paying for the return of a Bobby in the Birdcage.

Visitors felt the brunt of the long industrial dispute between the hotels and the Bermuda Industrial Union when Elbow Beach workers walked out, leaving guests to help themselves to breakfast.

MAY Education matters took a new turn when Education Minister the Hon. Gerald Simons lost the Ministry in a reshuffle. Works Minister the Hon. Clarence Terceira took over education while Mr. Simons moved to the Environment Ministry. Headmaster at St. George's Secondary School Mr. Dale Butler later came under fire for accusing Government of racism over the decision.

Malta's head of tourism Mr. James Rizzo warned against allowing a casino in Bermuda, stating that Maltese folk had lost fortunes.

A court battle between two millionaires over the future of Perot's Island went to Canadian Mr. Michael DeGroote. But the other party, Mrs. Marion MacMillan vowed the fight was not yet over.

The maple leaf was finally lowered on the Canadian base at Daniel's Head. And the United States was making early estimates for its departure, stating that it would cost $33 million to clean up the bases after its personnel left.

Two Americans, Mr. and Mrs. Gary and Celia Bradshaw came back to Bermuda free of charge after they had been assaulted while visiting last year.

Intelligent Bermudians doubled according to Finance Minister the Hon. David Saul, with a two fold rise in university graduates.

But one person was not too bright, leaving his false teeth at the Mariner's Club during a quiz night.

Health Minister Mr. Edness was considering a plan to give out condoms to students as protection from AIDS and to cut the number of teenage pregnancies.

Birth control was hardly needed for the Island's toads and frogs, according to Assistant Director of Agriculture and Fisheries Dr. Roberta Dow, who feared the amphibians were dying out.

Some might not be too upset at the thought of the noisy frogs "hopping it'' but there were more complaints about that helicopter. Owner Mike Smatt hit back, claiming that motorbikes were more noisy than his aircraft.

Local musicians made a lot of noise over the numbers of foreign acts on the Island, and handed in a petition to the Government.

JUNE Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan was granted a nine minute meeting with President Bill Clinton in Washington, opening the way for future discussions.

Bermuda's first drug rehabilitation centre for women only, the Fairhavens Home, was opened by Lady Swan. It was to be inundated with interested women.

June proved another violent month with a masked man shooting at a security guard at Telco while stealing thousands of dollars. Supreme Court also heard that a "posse'' battle had occurred during a reggae concert two years earlier.

NASA revealed that the United States Space Shuttle programme depended on Bermuda for every launch. If conditions were not right on the Island the shuttle would not take off.

More than 60 past and present Parliamentarians gathered in the House of Assembly to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Constitution. Later a time capsule was placed in the walls of City Hall to be opened in 100 years time.

Scientific research off the Island was boosted with the return of the ship Weatherbird with its $1.3 million refurbishment.

Mrs. Irene Cook's new lonely hearts agency received a flood of callers looking for love. One couple certainly not in love were Kevin Stokes and a telephone operator. Stokes was fined $1,000 for verbally abusing the operator.

The Queen honoured the Salvation Army's Major Albert Benjamin and artist Mrs.

Georgine Hill with the MBE. And Independent MP Mr. Stuart Hayward called for statues of great Bermudians to be erected.

As an alternative to diapers on horses, buggy owners opted to pay people out of their own pockets to clean up after them.

JULY History was made when MPs talked and talked and talked for more than 28 hours in the final debate before the election. The debate began on Friday, July 2 at 10 a.m. There was a break for lunch. It was the last break until the debate adjourned at 2.33 p.m. the following day.

Opposition Environment Minister Julian Hall made the most of his last speech in the House for some time when he carried out his threat to "put the nation to sleep'' with an address lasting more than three hours.

The Premier flew out to London for a meeting with Prime Minister John Major hoping for support in the base talks with the United States. On the same day it was announced that HMS Malabar had survived UK defence cuts -- for the time being.

Mr. Major heard a different side of the Bermuda story from gay rights campaigner Mr. Bill Courson, who continued to pressurise Government to scrap its law banning gay sex.

The British PM had his own problems when he faced a vote of confidence in Parliament. All Conservative MPs were instructed to vote but only one missed the debate, Mr. Rupert Allason believed by some to be at his home in Bermuda.

Mr. Allason later denied he was here. So where was he? Workers at the Grotto Bay Hotel walked out to add to the summer of discontent in the hotel industry.

Shocked staff at the Aquarium discovered two rare yellowfin groupers had been killed and gutted by hungry thieves. The fish had been vital for research.

As the weather got hotter, the smell from Pembroke Dump became worse. Shadow Health Minister Nelson Bascome felt it was causing a health risk for local folk.

Bermuda's stray cat problem was reaching crisis stage according to the Bermuda Feline Assistance Bureau. But one stray that found its way home was Sylvester, belonging to oil magnate Mr. John Deuss. Sylvester was found close to home after Mr. Deuss had offered a huge reward.

Another reward was offered by Cablevision -- $250 for people to sneak on friends and neighbours dodging their cable fees.

AUGUST Everyone, it seems, was looking up or down in August. If it wasn't up at the spectacular meteor light show, it was down from the new bungee jumping platform at Dockyard.

Top TV newsman Sam Donaldson arrived at the US Naval Air Station and informed everyone that the base should close because it was "a Club Med for the Navy.'' A film studio was the latest proposal for the US Navy Annex.

MPs promised to crack down on prostitution after reports of teenagers turning to the oldest profession.

A long haul to refloat the sunken incinerator boat Corona finally ended when the boat was lifted from the seabed -- and then sunk again because it was irreparable.

Controversial singer Buju Banton arrived under threats to his life. He dismissed the threats from homosexuals annoyed at the anti-gay lyrics to his "Boom Bye Bye'' song. He had his supporters, who warned the gays not to touch their hero and then joined in the song with him at St. David's.

Mr. Earl Richardson found out what it was like to be a hero -- for a second time. He swung into action when he heard a toddler who had his hand trapped in an escalator. A year earlier he had rushed to rescue a cyclist who had suffered a head injury.

A group of prisoners were allowed out to produce their play "Time for a Change'' at City Hall.

Miss Kellie Hall used brains, beauty and a sparkling personality to win the Miss Bermuda Islands title but, despite high hopes, failed to make a mark on the Miss World contest.

SEPTEMBER Election fever grabbed the country with the Premier's announcement of October 5 as the day the country would go to the polls. Opposition leader Mr.

Frederick Wade was in Washington when the announcement was made, meeting US officials. A few days later he reportedly gagged his candidates from speaking to the media, except through written statements.

A nursery named in allegations of child abuse was cleared by Police Commissioner Mr. Lennet (Lennie) Edwards after a comprehensive report had been prepared.

Young people called for a safe alternative to pack racing after the tragic death of Stephen Smith.

A row which looked like running well into the New Year began when the National Trust issued a hands-off warning on Pembroke Hall, to the trustees of the proposed Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute.

Hands off may have been mentioned when ZBM pulled the plug on the US "soft porn'' cop show "NYPD Blue.'' The show features a number of "hands-on'' scenes.

On a higher frequency, it was announced that Bermuda could have a Christian radio show by January.

OCTOBER Voters braved torrential rainstorms on Election Day to vote the United Bermuda Party back into power, but it was close. The UBP victory party was dampened by the defeats of stalwart Minister of Delegated Affairs the Hon. Sir John Sharpe and Environment Minister the Hon. Gerald Simons. Sir John called it a day while Mr. Simons kept his Ministry with a move to the Senate.

The following day the UBP gave their continued backing to Sir John Swan as Premier. He said: "I have the full support of my colleagues to carry on. To basically carry on where I left off.'' Opposition leader Mr. Frederick Wade said he remained "buoyant'' after his party gained three seats despite the defeat. Before the election he had likened a PLP victory to the abolition of slavery.

There was no such buoyancy for the National Liberal Party which lost its only seat, as did Independent MP Mr. Stuart Hayward.

Former Policeman Mr. Mike Kelly described how he came across a Rottweiler savaging 21-month old Donte Brown while his aunt tried desperately to rescue the child. Mr. Kelly managed to get the dog to release Donte by punching it between the eyes. Despite nasty injuries, Donte made a full recovery.

Chief Justice Sir James Astwood decided it was time to hang up his wig. He was replaced by Puisne Judge the Hon. Justice Austin Ward. New Minister for Human Affairs the Hon. Jerome Dill promised to tackle racism "like never before''.

Bermuda's justice system worked well for Jamaican woman Angela Raphael who was released after being found not guilty of drug importation charges. Miss Raphael said she bore no grudges after spending eight months in custody.

Extra Police were called in to deal with ghoulish behaviour on Hallowe'en night after problems in previous years.

More than 100 tons of weapons worth an estimated $20 million were removed from the US Naval Air Station as part of the still unconfirmed wind-down.

Gardener Mr. John Pacheco received a shock when he awoke to find a bull in his garden. Mr. Pacheco removed the bull by hitting it with a stick in its "privates.'' His German Shepherd dog Sheba hid in the kennel during the ordeal.

NOVEMBER US Congress confirmed fears by giving the US Base two years before closure.

They will cut off funds on September 1, 1995. The Premier gave a rallying call, stating that Bermuda must get on with the job of taking over operations.

Opposition MPs were celebrating victory after the opening of Parliament proved to be an embarrassment for the Government. Government whip Dr. David Dyer had been expected to get the job of Speaker of the House but three rebel Government MPs backed the PLP to give the job to Deputy Speaker Mr. Ernest DeCouto.

Police Commissioner Mr. Edwards gave a grim warning that he could not put enough officers on the beat because of Government cuts, a shortage of recruits and a spate of resignations.

A mock riot involving Police and the Bermuda Regiment caused a rumpus after three officers received injuries. Police complained that rather than throwing just fruit, members of the Regiment hurled bricks and molotov cocktails.

Bermudian Edward Durham dunked controversial basketball star Charles Barkley during a nightclub brawl in Arizona. Durham claims he floored the shaven-headed Phoenix Suns star in a row after the player insulted a woman.

Mr. Durham said he was a fan of Barkley's.

World Rugby Classic organisers were banned from using Number One Shed for their annual Up Front Friday celebration, after raunchy antics for the second year running. The Australians, New Zealanders, Americans and the Bah-Bahs (or was it "Bare Bares'') were all involved in showing a little too much to the audience.

Christian Mr. Arthur Blessit made Bermuda his 188th stop on a pilgrimage around the world to spread the word of Christianity.

Bermuda's bankers were reportedly confident that the Island had emerged from the recession.

Angela Raphael left Bermuda but only after giving a warning to school children of the dangers of dealing with drugs and couriers.

DECEMBER Britain announced the closure of HMS Malabar in two years' time, in the second batch of defence cuts during the year. The Hon. Sir John Swan described the news as "a further erosion of ties with British Government''.

Later Deputy Governor John Kelly denied that the closure was a sign of Britain pushing Bermuda towards independence.

Lorraine Booth gave birth to twin girls on Christmas Day. Brianna and Britanny were born just after noon.

It was reported hotel losses had dropped to $5.37 million, half the loss of the previous year. But over the past six years the loss has been a staggering $47 million.

Convicted sex attacker Brian Rogers escaped from the Prison Farm and was suspected of two armed robberies, threatening a woman with a knife, car thefts and burglaries, in a five-day rampage.

Jesus the Bull went on another rampage at John Pacheco's place, again damaging his car. Mr. Pacheco again chased the bull off with a stick.

A trio of sailors were plucked from the sea in a daring rescue by the US Coast Guard. The trio then spent days arguing at the Mariners Club.

Butcher Mr. Charles Ricketts made a knife-wielding burglar the victim when he gave chase, wounding the would-be thief in the process.

Finance Minister Dr. Saul announced the economy was recovering but warned that the closure of the US Base would have "severe'' implications on the Island's financial health.'' The Bermudiana Hotel was sold for $14.5 million with the new owners planning to turn it into a Wall Street style financial centre. Deaths in '93 Mr. Leroy Maxwell (Nobby) Clark , the former Commissioner who led Police through the Island's worst period of civil unrest, died on March 13. He was 67. Mr. Clark was promoted after the murder of Commissioner Mr. George Duckett and commanded the force during the investigation of the murder of Governor Sir Richard Sharples and during the 1977 riots. He retired in 1981.

The man who preceded Mr. Duckett as Commissioner from 1961 to 1969, Mr. George H. Robins , died on April 24. He was 83. Mr. Robins is best remembered for restructuring the Police force and establishing the Police narcotics unit.

The man who gave the Anglican Church of Bermuda its name died in England in September. Bishop Eric Trapp , aged 83, served on the Island from 1970 to 1975.

Political figures who died during the year included Mr. John Ernest Peniston Vesey , at the age of 90 on July 18. A longtime Member of Colonial Parliament and a businesseman, Mr. Vesey was chairman of the finance committee for about 15 years, beginning in 1945. He was awarded the CBE in 1954.

Former Independent Senator Arnott Jackson died on August 11, aged 72, after a lengthy bout of cancer. He was appointed to the Senate in 1976 by the Governor. His political career ended in 1985.

Sir Nicholas Bayard Dill , who helped found the law firm Conyers, Dill and Pearman in 1927, passed away on September 10 after a heart attack. He was aged 87. A longtime member of Colonial Parliament, Sir Nicholas represented Devonshire for 30 years after being elected to the House of Assembly in 1938.

Travel agent and alderman Mr. Donald Smith died in March at the age of 73. He held the post of common councillor from 1971 until he became an alderman in 1988.

Former Registrar of Companies, Mrs. Ada Verbena Daniels , died at the beginning of August. She was 57. Mrs. Daniels received the MBE for her contribution to the development of the Island's international business sector.

Another civil servant, former Health and Social Services Permanent Secretary, Mr. David Critchley died in September after suffering from kidney problems. He was 68.

One of the longest serving members of the St. George's Corporation, Mr. Fred Roberts , died in March at the age of 76. Mr. Roberts was co-owner of St.

George's liquors.

A giant in Bermuda's international business world died on November 18. Mr.

Frederic M. Reiss , aged 68, helped to found the local insurance market in the 1960s. He died at home in Bermuda, arriving the previous day after battling a long illness in the United States.

Surf Side Beach Club, Warwick owner, Mr. Earling Dekke Naess died in February at the age of 91. Born in Norway, Mr. Naess moved to Bermuda in 1964. He once owned Anglo Norness Shipping Company Ltd.

Marketplace owner Mr. Alvin Ferreira died in England on August 11 after a short illness. He was aged 50. Mr. Ferreira was a former treasurer of the UBP from the end of 1989 to the summer of 1990 when he left to study law in London.

Fifty-year-old Mr. Ferdinand Arnold died on August 11 after a heart attack at the wheel of a truck. He was the owner of Somerset shops, Arnold's Hitching Post and Arnold's Supermarket, as well as Arnold's Tile in Paget.

One of the local quintuplets born to Troy and Robin Smith on October 27, 1991, died in July. Makesi Kamal Parris Smith suffered from pneumonia before his death at age 21 months.

AIDS campaigner Mr. James Thatcher died in Canada on January 2. He was 36. Mr.

Thatcher was appointed to the board of Bermuda's new AIDS service organisation -- the Allan Vincent Smith Foundation. He was an AIDS sufferer when he died.

Bermuda's oldest Cup Match cricketer Mr. George Fielding Swan passed away in July at age 97. He represented St. George's in 10 Cup Matchs and captained the team three times. Mr. Swan was a former president of the St. George's Cricket Club.

Founding member of the Blue Waters Anglers Club Mr. Reid Johansen died at age 72 in February. He was the first president of the club -- a position he held for 29 years. Mr. Johansen was well known as the owner of Reid Johansen Shoe Repairs in the Washington Mall.

Musician and outspoken letter-writer Mr. Maxwell (Mack) Smith died in August at the age of 76. He was best-known as a bass player in local bands. and for his many letters, commenting on Bermudian issues, to The Royal Gazette .

TAKING THE PLUNGE -- Stuart Kirkpatrick takes his first bungee jump from a 140-foot crane in Dockyard.

CARRY ON JOHN -- The Hon. John Stubbs is "chairlifted'' to the House just four weeks after a serious operation.

PRINCESS GRACE -- Serena Scott Thomas, who played Princess Diana recently, is the lead actress in "Bermuda Grace''.

OH DEAR -- Curtis Linnell's face says it all as he surveys the damage on his boat Corona after a freak February storm.

FULL RECOVERY -- Tiny Donte Brown and mum Lisa just weeks after the toddler was attacked by a Rottweiler.

GET THE PICTURE? -- Regimental Police Corp. Bernard Woods makes certain this recruit will never be late again.