playing its cards close to its chest! In its latest bid to raise money for its many community projects, the registered charity has produced a charming set of playing cards featuring two water colour paintings by the late Miss Catherine (Kate) Tucker: An Ancient Buttery and Long Bay Road, Somerset.

Already a big hit with players in the recent Bermuda Regional Bridge Tournament at the Southampton Princess hotel, where they made their debut as prizes, the League hopes the playing cards will prove popular with locals and visitors.

Their arrival on the market coincides nicely with the current Tucker sisters (Kate and Ethel) exhibition of watercolours at the Bermuda National Gallery and indeed, it was Mrs. Joan Tucker Fowle, a relative of the Tucker sisters, who gave permission for the paintings (which she owns) to be reproduced on the playing cards.

League market research confirmed the need for such a product, and project chairman Mrs. Laura McBeath said that with in mind, the League decided to go all-out to produce a top quality product.

"These are bridge-quality cards,'' she said. "Although designed for all card players, we felt it was important to consult bridge players about the best size and weight, and we also chose a plastic coating to keep out Bermuda's dampness.

"Mr. Horst Augustinovic provided invaluable expertise in having the cards printed and packaged for local distribution.'' The cards have been produced in a limited quantity, so in time they could become collector's items. They are packaged in an attractive plastic box with an oversleeve featuring the Tucker paintings on the front and information about the League project on the back.

Ideal for mailing, as gifts and souvenirs, they are currently available in retail outlets throughout Bermuda at a suggested retail price of $12.50 per set.

SLEIGHT OF HAND! Members of the Bermuda Junior Service League (from left) Mrs.

Karen Stout, Mrs. Laura McBeath (project chairman) and Mrs. Jenny Bradley distribute their new cards to stores in Hamilton.