An inspirational evening

Dear Sir,

The Kiwanis of Hamilton presented a 'Night of Poetry and Songs' at St. Paul's Centennial Hall on Saturday, March 22, 2003 entitled "Springs is in the Air". The programme included outstanding performances by liturgical dancers, singers and poetry reading.

I was so proud of the significant contribution my fellow Bermudians made and are making to the World of the Arts. Poems by Cecille N. Smith, Denny Richardson, Venetta Dorian, Leo Mills, Leroy T. Pyke and Adallah Ahad demonstrated the tremendous talent that exists in our Island. Aspiring composer and songwriter, seventeen year old Kijean Dill demonstrated his musical talents on the piano by playing a composition that was written by him.

A solo dance performance by talented Kennette Burgess and also a performance by the Vernon Temple Liturgical Dancers displayed grace, focus and a spiritual feeling by their renditions. Singers from the Gilbert Institute and songs by Brittany and Tiffany Smith, Elton Richardson and the Apex Four (who gave an encore performance) all showed professionalism and were enthusiastically received.

The performance by Toni Robinson, which electrified the audience, was truly a chariot ride to heaven. I was so moved with emotion by her performance that I and everyone else shouted "Amen! Amen!" as she was given a standing ovation.

Master of Ceremonies, Mr.Calvin Fox, recognised the Chief Justice, Mr.Austin Ward, the Mayor of St. George, Mr. Henry Hayward and the Minister of Tourism Ms Renee Webb. I was encouraged to learn that they were in attendance.

Thanks to the Kiwanis of Hamilton for organising such an evening. Bermuda can be proud of such dedicated performers, especially the young people who performed at their best. I personally was moved by all the performances. I, and surely others who attended, was inspired by the talented performers. Perhaps the young performers were the first on the "chariot ride" and they should be followed by the entire audience!

EDWARD MCDONALD WELCH

In the pink

March 28, 2003

Dear Sir,

On behalf of the Hospitals Auxiliary of Bermuda, I am taking this opportunity to express appreciation to all the merchants in Hamilton who so kindly decorated their display windows in honour of our 50th Anniversary. We are grateful for the support of the community during this year of celebration for half a century of service.

Over the past 50 years, our "Pink Ladies" and "Pink Gentlemen" have donated hundreds of thousands of hours working at the hospitals. In addition to giving of their time and energy, our dedicated and hardworking members have helped to raise many millions of dollars for the Bermuda Hospitals Board.

We express gratitude to everyone who has been involved in helping us to honour this happy occasion. We held a well-attended Church Service on March 14 and would like to thank all those responsible for this successful event.

The Hospitals Auxiliary of Bermuda looks forward to many more decades of service to the community. We offer our appreciation to your readers for their previous assistance and hope to have their continuing support in the coming years.

MRS. MARIJKE PETERICH

President