Development Committee.

"We wanted to restore and revitalise our lovely village and, with the inevitable increase in traffic, make it a safer place to visit,'' explains spokesman W.A. (Toppy) Cowen.'' There was also a realisation that as a through-road to both the east and west of the Island and the increasing popularity of the Aquarium, traffic had become a serious problem. "There was also a feeling that some peace had to be restored to the village, so traffic awareness has also been an important consideration,'' says Mr. Cowen.

After more than four months of intensive planning, the committee's dream will become reality when historic Flatts takes on an unusually gala air, with a huge list of special events planned.

Roads usually clogged with cars and bikes will instead be covered with `market' booths as Flatts artists, craftsmen and traders set out their wares, along with tempting arrays of Bermudian food. Fishermen will be on hand to talk about adventures of the past, while Florenz Maxwell and Jennifer Walzholz will be telling stories to younger children; there will be a fun castle (donated by Barritt's), the `Splash' mini train and mini Ferris wheel, a fish pond where children can fish for toys, face painting with Gina Thompson, dough play organised by Four Star Pizza, clowns, street chalk and glow sticks and historical displays and exhibits by the students of Harrington Sound School.

In addition there will be various boats -- some of them classic -- on display, and some offering rides. A fleet of Triumph motor cycles will drive (slowly!) through the village and antique cars, some dating back to the 1940's (when cars were first introduced here) will also be on show.

The winner of their Flatts Sign will be announced, the design having to serve as a `welcome' sign -- and a warning to traffic to slow down as it passes through the ancient village.

The Bermuda Police are choosing this occasion to `christen' their new, 35-foot `Caravan' which will be parked at St. James Court and is due to be officially opened during the day.

The performing arts and entertainment will be strongly represented with the Jackson School of Performing Arts, the Somers Isles Jazz Band, Bethel AME Choir, Gandhi Burgess, `Bootsie', and street buskers being just some of the entertainers taking part.

Mr. Cowen is gratified to note that just about everyone in the Flatts area is actively participating in this ambitious event. Entitled the Festival Partners, participants include the Aquarium, Bermuda Bell Diving, Flatts Victoria Cricket Club, Flatts Fishermen, Harrington Sound Primary School and Whitney Institute, Bermuda Bonsai Club, Bermuda Biological Station (which began its own life in the old Frascati building), Antique Cars, and various guest houses, stores and restaurants. Also taking part are the Bermuda Police Service, St. John's Ambulance, the Bermuda Regiment and Fire Service, Keep Bermuda Beautiful, Works & Engineering, Marine & Ports, the Parks Department and the St. George's Foundation.

Principal sponsors are the Bank of Bermuda, the Shell Company of Bermuda and Belco.

Explaining that the committee has been co-chaired by him and Aquarium chief curator Richard Winchell, Mr. Cowen says, "The festivities will officially begin at 3.30 p.m. when C.V. (Jim) Woolridge will declare the village closed to traffic. The activities will go on through the evening and I think people will enjoy seeing the Flatts Bridge decorated with palmettos and twinkling lights for the occasion. There will also be historical loop tours around the village area.'' The Evening Finale will bring a display by the Gombeys and the Bermuda Regiment Band in a spirited rendition of Tchaikovsky's famous `1812 Overture' -- complete with booming cannon.

LAZY CORNER -- A reminder of quieter days, when two cyclists could pause to take in the scenery at Flatts Village.