Far too often Governors are looked on as "figureheads'' when the truth is that their independent advice, free of Bermudian prejudices, old feuds and family interaction, can often be invaluable. Lord Waddington came to Bermuda having had a distinguished political career in Britain. He knows people. He knew the political ropes. He was experienced. He could open doors for Bermuda.

He was in an ideal position to say, "If I can help, I certainly will.'' And he did help. Yet, unlike some of his predecessors, we have not detected a tendency to meddle in local affairs.

Lord Waddington has been outspoken, and rightly so, in areas where he has responsibilities. The most recent instances have to do with bail being granted to a man on drugs and gun charges and on the attempts by some young men to avoid service in the Bermuda Regiment of which he is Commander-in-Chief.

Probably Lord Waddington's greatest contribution to Bermuda was the decision to bring in outside help to redevelop the Police Service which resulted in the hiring of Colin Coxall. The decision was certainly not universally popular at the time but Lord Waddington can take enormous pride in both the extraordinary results and the fact that the decision is now popular with a great majority of Bermudians.

Lord Waddington's public duties have been extensive and there are very few places in Bermuda he has not seen. From sporting events to international company dinners and from charity fund raisers to formal parades he has played his part. He has done so with grace and considerable wit. Being by nature a politician, he has a gregarious approach to people which serves him well and has led him to talk to everyone from small children to visitors.

There is a long tradition now that when Bermuda gets a Governor it gets two workers for the price of one. That has certainly been true with Lady Waddington who has been tireless in her work for and with Bermuda's charities.

She has even been instrumental in forming a new charity, the Bermuda Mental Health Foundation. Governors' wives do not have to work as they all seem to these days, it would be acceptable to chair a few meetings and buy a few tags.

As the mistress of Government House which has for years been one third home, one third entertainment centre and one third VIP guest house, she has been very, very generous in allowing charities to use the house for fund raising functions. It is not a joke when you hear that Lady Waddington has raised more than her husband's salary each year for charities.

Smiling, chatty and direct, Lady Waddington has often been refreshingly candid about their work in Bermuda. Her interview this week in the Living section of this newspaper must be the most open and candid interview ever given by a Governor's wife.

It would be possible for a couple at Government House to warm the seat, appear at selected events and give a few receptions. The Waddingtons worked as a partnership, and worked very hard for Bermuda.