Red Cross target night as means of closing funding gap
Flashy cars, big explosions and widespread international intrigue — the latest James Bond movie ‘Skyfall’ has it all.Bond fans will have the chance to watch Daniel Craig in the movie premiere, and help the Bermuda Red Cross at same time.“Yes, I would say I am a fan of James Bond,” said Red Cross director Ann Spencer-Arscott. “I’ve seen every single one of them. My favourite was the first one with Daniel Craig. That was ‘Casino Royale’ in 2006. I also love all the ones with Sean Connery.”Tickets to two showings at Speciality Cinema are already selling well.The charity held a similar fundraiser when the Bond film ‘Quantum of Solace’ was released two years ago, which sold out.“With that one we did a dinner, but we decided not to do that this time to keep costs down,” Ms Spencer-Arscott said.The evening will begin at Astwood Dickinson’s on Front Street with a special martini drink, prosecco and canapes.An Omega watch created to commemorate the 50th year of the James Bond character, originally penned by writer Ian Fleming in 1953, will be on sale.Raffles will also be drawn.“The money raised from the movie will go toward general Bermuda Red Cross projects,” Ms Spencer-Arscott said. “Donations are down so the money is much needed. It will be a fun night. It will be a great way to start off a holiday weekend.”The film will screen at Speciality Cinema at 6.45pm and 9.30pm on November 9. Tickets, $50, can be purchased from the Red Cross on Berry Hill Road in Paget, by calling 236-8253 ext 226, or by e-mail: redcrossdevelopment@logic.bm.
Bermuda Connection
Some historical scholars believe that the character of James Bond was based on Canadian Sir William Stephenson, also known as “Intrepid”.
Early in the Second World War he was sent by MI6 to lead British Securities Coordination in New York City. This was an under-the-radar organisation tasked with stopping Axis espionage that was blatantly operating out of the United States.
His mission was also to help convince Americans to enter the war, by any means necessary. He worked very closely with the British Censorship Department in Bermuda, for whom Bond creator Ian Fleming worked, to achieve his objectives.
After the war Sir William and his wife moved to Bermuda and lived at the Hamilton Princess for many years. He died here, in 1989, aged 92.
