MEMBERS of the Business & Professional Women’s Association of Bermuda (BPWA) celebrated their 35th anniversary in grand style with a gala banquet complemented by their impressive annual candle-lighting ceremony in the ballroom of the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club.There were many features that marked this event as super-duper. One was the presence of the president of Business and Professional Women (BPW) International, South African-born Elizabeth Benham. Another was the induction into BPWA of 15 new members, representing an impressive combination of academic and professional achievements and a wide range of careers.Mrs. Benham hailed the inductions as an extraordinarily significant accomplishment in a time when the trend for many organisations is a membership fall-off. She highly lauded BPWA president Patty-Ann Flood and presented her with a coveted international pin.Mistress of ceremonies was second vice-president Judith Morgan-Swan. In formally welcoming the many guests and members, Katie Parington said BPWA members were extremely proud of their 35-year affiliation with BPW, which she described as one of the most influential international networks of business and professional women with affiliates in more than 90 countries in five continents, educating and advocating for women and girls all over the world.Miss Partington paid tribute to the vision of BPWA’s founding member, the late Dame Marjorie Bean, who was on a world tour with the late Mrs. Frances Burch when in Geneva, she put the wheels in motion for the BPWA. A few of the original founding members attended the anniversary banquet, along with many longstanding members of over 25 years.One of the historic milestones of BPWA was the election in Japan of its member Dr. Yvette Swan to a term as President of the International Federation, President Benham noting that Dr. Swan was the only woman of colour to hold that distinctive office. She described her as a personal friend and a great inspiration.Dr. Swan, who is engrossed in further doctoral studies abroad, sent congratulations in a video presentation, and detailed some of the achievements of BPWA that helped change Bermuda during the past 35 years.The candle-lighting ceremony was presided over by former treasurer Velda Smith.“As we perform this ceremony we will evoke historical memories, applaud the many accomplishments and celebrate today’s BPWA achievements, “she said.She added the candles symbolise the achievements and endeavors of dedicated women in every country of the world whose primary aim is to focus on developing the professional and leadership potential for women at all levels.Mrs. Smith called on BPWA’s oldest member, Mrs. Doris Corbin, MBE, aged 99, to light a candle for the United Nations; Mrs. Lucille Dixon to light for Bermuda and the group’s youngest member, Tiffany Faries, to light a candle for the future.The anniversary planning committee was headed by Mrs. Morgan-Swan and comprised president Patty Flood, Mrs. Millissa Butler, Chislaine Lemay, Mrs. Emancia Outerbridge, Pamela Carlington, Omed Joseph and Mrs. Velda SmithPhotos: Newly-installed members of BPWA are seen at top with their Bermuda president Patty-Ann Flood and the president of BPW International, South-African born Elizabeth Benham, third and fourth centre left. Mrs. Benham, whose varied profession and business career began as a high risk obstetrics specialist, serves as a permanent delegate to the United Nations. She is seen giving Odessa Philip (above) the insignia of a new member; and below she receives tokens of appreciation from her hosts. The candle-lighting ceremony was marked (top right) by Mrs. Doris Corbin, MBE, who is aged 99, and BPWA’s oldest member lighting a candle for the United Nations. Below, the association’s youngest member Tiffany Faries lights a candle for the future.