When Norris Paynter accepted the job of maintenance man with the Bermuda National Trust in 1964, little did he realise that 25 years later he would be supervising an ever-increasing collection of properties (the Trust owns 51 sites, of which 27 are old historical buildings) from one end of the Island to another.

But then, it could probably be said that Mr. Paynter has grown along with his responsibilities, for nothing seems to phase him as he calmly and methodically works through a never-ending list of items needing his attention.

Thanks to on-the-job training as a teenager, when he worked with contractor Felix Richardson and carpenter Charles Trott, Mr. Paynter is a talented mason who knows not only all the elements of that trade, but also can turn his hand to carpentry and electrical work with equal facility, as well as some plumbing.

"If you really want to do major works you have to learn a bit about everything,'' he explains, "and you will be surprised at what you learn as you take on different jobs.'' According to the Trust's director emeritus, William S. Zuill, his former colleague is "a man of great ingenuity and knowledge in the building trade, and a wonderful find for the National Trust''.

"Norris is a true Bermudian craftsman who is able to turn his hand to many things. We had many a good time together, particularly putting roofs back,'' Mr. Zuill remembers.

Indeed, with so many talents at his experienced finger-tips, Mr. Paynter regards each day as a challenge, and as such, something to be enjoyed.

"You never know what is ahead of you when you leave for work, but there has always been a nice atmosphere at the Trust, and I have never had any problems,'' he says.

Naturally, Mr. Paynter has a fund of memories about his long career with the Trust, and willingly shares them -- albeit philosophically and without fanfare.

Citing the restoration of Winterhaven as one example of his work on a major project, the maintenance foreman says that successfully repairing this old building proved quite a feat.

"When the Trust took it over, Winterhaven had been closed up for years, and we had to preserve everything we could, starting with the roof,'' he recalls.

In fact, the roof had slipped to such an extent that there was a gaping hole along the roof line. The complex repair process included driving cedar pegs through the stone into the rafters, inserting new lathes, and rebuilding the bottom up to the main section, as well as building on at the top in order to close the gap.

"When all was done, the only new thing was the eaves,'' Mr. Paynter says proudly, "and we also had to dig a new cesspit.'' When Verdmont's roof was damaged by a hurricane, it was he who repaired it.

Undertaking similar tasks today prompts the question: "Isn't that a hard job for an older man?'' "Well, it is heavy work,'' he admits, "but you get used to it.'' However, the maintenance foreman regards the renovation of Samaritan Cottages in St. George's as his greatest creative challenge.

"That was a major job. They were in pretty bad shape, and there were no plans. One section was completely broken down. We had to shore up floors, and the beams in the cellar were in a terrible state. We had to lower some of them by digging underneath the joists,'' he recalls.

As with all National Trust properties, care is taken, whenever possible, to preserve and recycle original materials, particularly cedar, although Mr.

Paynter notes this precious wood is becoming ever scarcer.

"Whenever we can we try to store old materials for future use, although we have limited storage space,'' he notes.

Like all fine craftsmen, the genial "Mr. Fixit'' approaches a major project first by thinking carefully about how he is going to tackle it, and then by setting about the task methodically.

"We work from the roof down, repairing slates, mending cracks, and whitewashing,'' he explains. "Next, we do the exterior: mending and colourwashing the walls, and painting the woodwork -- shutters, frames and doors. Then we go inside and do all the painting and repairs there.'' In terms of routine maintenance, Mr. Paynter and his crew's responsibilities run the gamut -- everything from repairing shutters to replacing hooks and hinges, and while he admits the work is never-ending, he is also pleased to note that "we have pretty well got (the properties) up to the mark now''.

"They're not perfect, of course, because they will always be a work-in progress,'' he explains.

As well as the Easter season, when he is involved in erecting signs and making log steps for the Palm Sunday walk trails, Christmas is also a particularly busy time for Mr. Paynter.

"There is a lot of work involved,'' he says. "We have to put up the lights and trees, and all of the greenery has to be brought in. We make sure it is taken to all of the places where it is needed,'' he explains.

A trustworthy man Asked what the favourite part of his career is, he quickly replies: "Cedar work -- I like to see a job when it is complete.'' In fact, Mr. Paynter is particularly fond of what he calls "the old-style things'', and finds joy in doing what he can to preserve them, particularly those in the Bermuda vernacular.

"They are part of our heritage,'' he asserts. "There are too many modern buildings today and they don't become the Island. I live in St. George's and I try to show the town as it was. It is quieter, and you feel that old-world style.'' Of the Bermuda National Trust's mission, its longest-serving employee is a staunch supporter.

`I think it is a necessity as far as the future is concerned,'' the father of two and grandfather of five stresses. "You definitely have to have someone to oversee our heritage. So much has been lost already. I think it is necessary to preserve what little we have left for future generations to look back on. I hope to do my part.'' Despite his love of the job and the properties under his care, 68-year-old Mr.

Paynter hopes to retire next year, although he is quick to add that it will be more a case of slowing down than quitting.

"The Trust says it will give me a little something to do,'' he says. "You can't stop altogether.'' Indeed, if he did, Bermuda would be the poorer.