Saturday evening as the residents, known as "alley cats'', came together to celebrate their heritage with a delightful block party.

The event was organised by Corporation of St. George's activity committee members Mareia Caisey, Ruby Smith and Alison Outerbridge.

Neighbours enjoyed the company of each other and those who lived in the area many years before -- some of whom were born on that street.

Mayor Henry Hayward welcomed everyone and members of the St. George's Foundation were on hand to support the interest in the heritage of one of the Town's most historic streets.

Mr. Hayward said: "This event is the first of a series via the Corporation and the Foundation as a means of generating interest, particularly as it pertains to the history of families and businesses that have lived on Shinbone Alley.

"We hope that by people getting together, stories will come out not yet recorded. We are trying to gather records on the background of the town.'' The music, provided by Brian Steede, was rhythmic and mellow and people danced in the street and children played hopscotch.

Later many enjoyed playing musical chairs and doing the limbo while others sat at tables playing cards, eating and drinking, talking and laughing.

People chatted about their heritage and spoke of their ancestry, especially the oldest alley cat present, Warrington George Somers Zuill, who was born at Shinbone Alley on Somers Day (July 28) in 1931. Mr. Zuill introduced the next oldest alley cat, the vibrant Yola Smith, who once lived on Shinbone Alley.

Shinbone Alley is situated on the eastern edge of St. George's and has an amusing history.

It bears this name because of a tavern which was situated there that offered drink, food and a bit of risque entertainment of the female persuasion. That tavern, `Hillside', is now a private home.

It is described in the Bermuda Atlas and Gazetteer: "The establishment was popular with troops of the garrison and on many a night the soldiers were seen to crawl from their favoured haunt up nearby Barrack Hill.

Block party "In their inebriated state, the men's hands and knees offered the only safe means of locomotion, this `shinbone' was humorously applied to the lane!'' Mr. Zuill said: "Many young people have grown up on Shinbone Alley and have gone on to establish themselves in the community. The Premier's cousin, Ross Smith, was an alderman whose roots came from here.

"One outstanding cricket player, Wellington Buster Smith, was from here and he was a wicket keeper and batsman for St. George's Cup Match Team.

"Billy Boyle grew up on Crooked Elbow, just down from Shinbone Alley.'' According to Mr. Zuill, carriage drivers used to park their horses and buggies on Shinbone Alley.

Shinbone Alley is a charming old street where giant palms sway in the breeze, quiet neighbours live and small businesses thrive. The barbershop and laundromat are side by side. Somer's Park borders the street on the other side.

The alley cats are very friendly and charming so next time you are in St.

George's stroll around this quaint area.

If you get lost, just ask for Ruby Smith, the post lady, as she knows everybody and every lane in St. George's.