which a group of Bermuda's young people are honoured by the Birthday Ball Committee for their accomplishments. It takes place this Saturday evening at the Sonesta Beach Hotel.

"There had been a feeling that the whole thing had become a little stale so we decided not to hold it last year. But we received a lot of calls from a lot of people who were very disappointed by the decision, so we decided to reinstate it this year,'' explains Cultural Affairs officer, Miss Ruth Thomas.

"Usually, it is under the patronage of the Governor, but as Dame Marjorie Bean was named as Bermuda's first `Dame' this year, and she instigated the Ball nearly 45 years ago, we thought it would be nice to invite her to be patron this year.'' Miss Thomas explains that Dame Marjorie had the idea of a `Debutantes' Coming-Out event to celebrate the coronation of the Queen, on June 2, 1953.

"It actually started out as an afternoon tea for girls who had achieved high academic standards. Dame Marjorie, who was then a teacher at Berkeley Institute, was anxious to establish a library for the school, and she thought this would be an excellent fund-raiser. I think it was the following year that it evolved into a Ball.'' Gradually, the annual event embraced other secondary schools on the Island, "but, initially, only the academic secondary schools were involved. We always had a `Queen's Party', consisting of three young ladies and three young men.

The most outstanding were chosen as the Queen and her Consort and the others became her `couriters', says Miss Thomas. "Dame Marjorie continued on with that tradition until the '80s and the Ball -- a very grand affair -- was always held at the Bermudiana Hotel.'' Eventually, however, it was felt that some deserving youngsters were being left out, so it was decided to invite all secondary schools to recommend students who were academic achievers, good role models, or involved in community activities.

"At first, only the girls were recommended, but the young men soon let us know that they wanted to be involved, too! So, about four years ago, we changed it to include three young ladies and three young men from each secondary school. We emphasised that this is not a `school prom'. Once they realised that, and that we were treating them as young adults and re-vamping the whole approach, it worked well.'' In preparation for the big event, a series of seminars are held, with a different theme each year, but focusing on, say, life at university, how to organise finances, AIDS, date rape, or choosing the right career.

"We try to get people working in the professional world, but still young enough to relate to these students, to talk to them on these sort of subjects,'' says Miss Thomas.

Rehearsals are held beforehand for six weeks, sometimes twice a week, mainly to learn the special dances, the choreography for which is done by Conchita Ming and Barbara Frith.

"We try to tell them not to be too extravagant, but it does become a very special occasion for these young people,'' admits Miss Thomas. "It all seems worth it on the night, when we can see how much they have all matured during that six-week period.'' A new tradition is that, as the Queen's party arrives, information is read out on their various accomplishments. "This is to encourage the other students, to hear how people only three or four years older than they are, have achieved their educational aims. It's wonderful to see the parents -- they beam with pride!'' Miss Thomas believes that the revival of the Ball is especially important at a time when there seems to be an emphasis on negativity. "There are so many fine young people out there who are striving so hard to be contributing, useful citizens and to maximise their potential. All too often, we don't hear too much about them! I would like to point out that, funnily enough, we have been pleased to find that the young men respond to all of our instructions extremely well. They are very mannerly and reliable -- we have always expected this from the girls, but I am very, very pleased with the men!'' The Queen's Birthday Ball, which takes place on Saturday, June 10 at Sonesta Beach Hotel, is co-chaired by Elonda Stevens and Gloria Martin and is being part-sponsored by Belco.

BELLES OF THE BALL -- The Queen's Birthday Ball will be revived this Saturday at Sonesta Beach Hotel. Pictured are participants who were honoured at the 1993 Ball, the last occasion on which it took place.