Fresh from the Festival Del Mar weekend – relatively large crowds patronised the main Easter Monday holiday events.
They were the annual Easter Monday fair on the grounds of St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral Anglican Church and the Scouts and Guides Ruthwill Auditorium and the customary boat race at Road Bay, Sandy Ground.
The church function provided opportunities for the women of St. Mary’s, in particular, to raise funds not only through the sale of food and drink, but, for the first time, an assortment of clothes as well.
The recently-refurbished Old Boys’ School building, now being used as a St. Mary’s Church Hall, and as an extension of The Valley Primary School, was the scene of a clothing store for men, women and children and for other items in the home. The clothing, sold at very affordable prices, was donated by friends of St. Mary’s in the United States.
As part of the church’s activities, children ran to and fro among the grass and shrubs in search of scores of “Easter Eggs” hidden by a number of adults engaged in the fun of the day.
Nurse Nanton, known for her cultural activity and costume, played the role as a pink bunny munching a carrot – and mixing in with the children.
A friendly cricket match, involving teams from the Anglican and Ebenezer Methodist Churches, was among the other activities.
Not far away, students at The Valley Primary School engaged in kite-flying. A total of 16 kites danced high up in the western sky, their darkened images silhouetted against the afternoon sun – not a good photo shoot for a discerning photographer.
Bishop Brooks, a keen observer of the activities, commented: “Today, we had our annual Easter Monday luncheon and fair. It was well-supported, and later we will also have our cricket match – an annual event, for a number of years, between the Anglicans and Methodists. It usually is a lot of fun and draws a crowd. I am so pleased with the camaraderie that exists. It is something we really need in our community.
“As I speak, I am looking at the kite-flying at The Valley Primary School. That is under the auspices of another group; but it brings back memories of my boyhood days of kite-flying. It is nice to see these cultural activities going on.”
Meanwhile, Road Bay was a beehive of activity with large crowds roaming around, and vehicles occupying every available parking space above the beach and along the main road. Restaurants and bars were overflowing with patrons as they dined and awaited the conclusion of the boat race – from Road Bay to Sandy Hill Bay and back – travelling around the south coast of the island.
Seven boats returned to the shore with two of them in the lead: Real Deal in first place and Sonic in second place. Minutes later, Tree Again sailed in third.
The race ended, but the feting continued on the bay front until well in the late evening.
