first-class facilities of a new clubhouse.

The multi-purpose building at Ocean View Golf Club will also play host to wedding parties, community groups and conferences.

Due to open in August, the clubhouse is a major milestone in the history of the Devonshire course, which was started in the late 1940s by black Bermudians who were excluded from segregated clubs.

The nine-hole course attracts visitors as well as Bermudian golfers, and the new building is part of plans to make it one of the Island's main attractions.

"It's a beautiful facility, so beautifully designed and with beautiful views,'' Works and Engineering Minister the Hon. Ann Cartwright-DeCouto told an official roof-wetting ceremony on Tuesday. "I can't wait until it's up and running.'' Mr. Millard Beach, chairman of the trustee board, said: "Today is a delightful time for me because it's been a long path for us to get to this point.

"Today what we're seeing is a multi-purpose facility. The primary function is going to be a golf club, but we also tried to incorporate a multi-purpose community centre.'' The building's large hall will be capable of being divided into smaller areas depending on the size of a function.

The clubhouse was started last fall with a budget of around two million dollars.

ROOMS WITH A VIEW -- Works and Engineering Minister the Hon. Ann Cartwright-DeCouto wets the roof of a new clubhouse at Ocean View golf course, accompanied by chairman of the trustee board Mr. Millard Beach and permanent secretary at Works and Engineering Mr. Stanley Oliver.