farewell from Daniel's Head.

After 30 years, Canadian Forces Station Bermuda is about to be decommissioned.

Starting on May 3, the 87 military personnel who live on the base will begin to leave at a rate of about five families a week. All but caretakers will be gone by mid-August, and Daniels Head will be completely vacated by year's end.

"The majority of people are really going to be sad to leave,'' Chief Petty Officer Mike Olson said. "We feel a very strong friendship with the west end of the Island.'' The 35-member Air Command Band, which is based in Winnipeg and has played all over the world, is to perform free of charge this week.

The band is to play on Wednesday at 12.30 p.m. at City Hall, and again at 9 p.m. that night on Front Street, as part the Bermuda Regiment's regular Beat the Retreat ceremonies.

The Beat the Retreat tradition began in the 1800s as a way of signalling the taverns were closing and it was time for the troops to turn in for the night.

The Bermuda Regiment Band beats the retreat about twice monthly from April to October as an attraction for tourists.

Another ceremony is also planned for Thursday night at Dockyard. At 9 p.m., the Air Command Band is to present a concert "celebrating 30 years of friendship''. The Bermuda Regiment Band and the Bermuda Cadet Pipe Band, joined by members of the Bermuda Police Pipe Band will also take part.

On Friday, closure ceremonies are planned for military personnel and invited guests. HMCS Toronto , a new Canadian frigate, was to be on hand, but the ship is in drydock and was unable to sail to Bermuda.

Among those taking part will be the Governor Lord Waddington, Brig. Gen. R.K.

Martineau of the Canadian Armed Forces in Ottawa, Delegated Affairs Minister the Hon. Sir John Sharpe, and Canadian Commissioner for Bermuda Mr. Alan Sullivan.

The base's first commanding officer, Mr. Mike Ruymar, is also to attend.

Canada opened the base at Daniels Head in 1963. But budget cutbacks and the end of the Cold War have combined to spell the end for the base.

Government estimates the Canadians' departure will leave a $3.2-million hole in the economy.

A special advisory committee is now seeking a use for the site.