Rosemary C. Hanna

Lady Jacqueline Fawkes’s Garden – “La Campanella”, JFK Drive

My love of gardening started when Sir Randol I moved into our first home in the 1950s. Our small garden in McPherson Street had mango and avocado trees, and many flowering hibiscus and gardenia plants.

When the family moved to John F. Kennedy Drive in 1966, I found myself with a huge tract of land to cultivate. For nearly fifty years now, I’ve found much joy in supervising the landscaping of the property.

So many of the trees in my garden have sentimental value. I have given hundreds of cuttings and plants away and likewise so many persons have given to me from their gardens.

The photograph at left shows the front yard of “La Campanella” at Christmas time. “Snow on the Mountain Top,” was a gift from Mrs. Miriam (Keddie) Saunders, my daughter Rosalie’s godmother. Every time it blooms we remember her.

Lady Jacqueline Fawkes

Link to Sir Randol Fawkes

Cleophas R.E. Adderley, OBE – Attorney at Law, Musician Extraordinaire, Cultural Ambassador and Bahamian National Treasure

Cleophas R.E. Adderley was born into a musical family in 1955. He is the son of the late Cleophas E. Adderley (former Member of Parliament for the City of Nassau) and the late Helen L. Adderley, formerly Bailey, (daughter of the late R.M. Bailey after whom a public school is named). Cleophas is an Attorney-at-Law and recently celebrated his 25th anniversary as Director of The Bahamas National Youth Choir (BNYC) and 27th year as Director of the Senior Choir at the Church of the Most Holy Trinity (where he formerly served as a member of the Vestry), former Director of Culture for The Bahamas Government, and currently the Executive Director of National Music Heritage and Research. He is also a board member of The Harry C. Moore Memorial Scholarships in the Arts, a trustee of the Cultural Arts Foundation, founding board member of The Antiquities, Monuments and Museums Commission, and founding board member of The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas.

Cleophas’ mother noticed that he was talented at the age of three years, when he was able to sing from memory, and in tune, songs he had heard only once. At seven he started piano lessons with his aunt the late Rosalie Bailey. At age eleven he studied tailoring with his uncle the late Nathaniel Bailey working in his shop for many summers and, until age nineteen, sewing Police uniforms for the Government. At age twelve he started organ lessons with his aunt the late Gladys Bailey. He also studied the organ with Douglas Potts and the late John Gittens.

He studied piano, theory and composition with the late Marion St. George at the Government High School (GHS). He also studied piano with Godfrey Davis and the late E. Clement Bethel. Sylvester George, a former Director of the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band, recalls that when Cleophas was a student at GHS Mrs. St. George brought him and other students to the band practice sessions, where he always took a keen interest in what was going on. Cleophas studied voice with Dawn-Marie Nash and Pauline Glasby and participated in a master class with internationally acclaimed Opera Diva the late Gloria Davey at the University of Indiana at Bloomington. He studied orchestration as a private student of Nancy Petterson-Strelau, then at the University of Miami.

Cleophas is a former President of the Bahamian Students Association of the Mona Campus, University of the West Indies. He is also a former President of the Nassau Music Society.

He received a Bachelor of Laws Degree with Honours from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, Barbados, and a Legal Education Certificate from the Norman Manley Law School, Mona, Jamaica.

He is the composer of a number of works including, the first Bahamian concert mass Misssa Caribe, The Cari-Classics (a group of Choral Compositions based on Bahamian ring plays); music and rhythms for Winston Saunders’ You Can Lead a Horse to Water, which played to rave critical acclaim in San Francisco and Our Boys, the first Bahamian Opera (and perhaps the first grand opera to have been written and performed in the English Speaking Caribbean) which made its world premiere in 1987 with musicians from the Juilliard School of Music Orchestra, conducted by Nancy Petterson-Strelau, and with leading roles played by local and guest soloists from Opera Ebony, New York. In July 1998 the Opera was presented as an official part of the Bahamian Silver Jubilee Celebrations. Cleophas’ music has been performed at Caribbean Festivals of Arts (CARIFESTA) in Jamaica, Cuba, Trinidad and Barbados and throughout the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Russia. He has released numerous recordings of his works and arrangements with The Bahamas National Youth Choir and other artists. Some of his choral arrangements are published by Hal Leonard Corporation, Wisconsin.

Cleophas was recognized by the University of the West Indies for his contribution to Caribbean Music, and received The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce’s Distinguished Citizen Award for his contribution to the arts. He toured the United States under the auspices of he United States Information Services and met with numerous internationally acclaimed composers, singers and conductors. In November 1992, he was the recipient of the Charles H. Fisher Award from The Bahamas Musicians and Entertainers Union, which is the highest award offered by the Union. He is also the recipient of the Seal of the City of Newark from Sharpe James, former Mayor of Newark, New Jersey. In addition, he is the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from The Bahamas Association of Artistic Performers, which was subsequently renamed the Cleophas R.E. Adderley Award in his honour.

He also contributed an Aria (inter alia) to The legend of Sammie Swain, a folk opera by the late E.Clement Bethel, and thus was presented to Queen Elizabeth II when she attended a performance of this work in 1985. He also met and made a presentation to Dr. Nelson Mandela, President of South Africa.

Cleophas has conducted the University of Miami Symphony Orchestra and The Bahamas National Youth Choir in a performance of Haydn’s ‘Lord Nelson’ Mass which was later released on compact disc and cassette tape format. In 1995 he received a Certificate of Recognition for outstanding work from the Gabriel Mistral International Awards of the Organization of American States and later the Meta AWard (which is the highest honorary award offered by the Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts) for his exemplary contribution to the local arts scene.

Cleophas was the tenor soloist at the State Funerals of former Governors General Sir Henry Taylor and Sir Gerald Cash and one of the organists and Choir Director at the State Funeral of former Prime Minister the late Right Honourable Sir Lynden O. Pindling.

In 1998 he received a Silver Medal from The Bahamas Government on the occasion of the country’s Silver Jubilee of Independence in recognition of his outstanding musical accomplishments. He has received many accolades, among them:

The Swedish Ambassador to Canada, His Excellency, Harken Berggren stated that Mr. Adderley’ is “headed for a future of great recognition!” June 1992.

Gloria Anderson, Director of Research and Reference at the Canada Labour Relations Board was compelled to write that she was “overwhelmed by the degree of professionalism” of the Choir (BNYC), and that “the Choir and Mr. Adderley, are indeed national treasures worth preserving.” June 1992.

The late Dr. Keva Bethel, President of The College of The Bahamas commented: “Cleophas himself is such a wonderful musician and instrumentalist.” April 1995.

While the late Kayla Edwards, former Director of Culture explained: “Cleophas is a person who demands high standards. he doesn’t settle for anything less than the best.” April 1995.

Cleophas has travelled extensively throughout the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Mexico Venezuela, Russia Hong Kong, mainland China and the Caribbean. He is married to Francoise Brooks-Adderley and is the loving father of a son and a daughter.

CELEBRATE!!

Update: Cleophas Adderley was made an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of The British Empire (OBE) by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in January 2016, for contributions to music.

BNYC photographs by Donald Knowles
Other photographs courtesy of Cleophas R.E.Adderley

Link to BNYC Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheBNYC?fref=ts

Thanks to Virginia Ballance for link to interview with The International Journal of Bahamian Studies

Andret John – Master Artist

By Rosemary C. Hanna

Andret John always knew that he wanted to be an artist. He was born in New Providence and went to Eleuthera at three months old. His parents are Gardina Cooper Hepburn and Roland John, both from Eleuthera. He has one brother.

Andret always knew how to draw and he describes how, as a child, he would become very excited when given a clean sheet of white paper and had thoughts racing through his head about what he would draw on the paper. And he still feels that same excitement today. He came to New Providence at age eleven to attend Queen’s College (QC) and lived with his mother’s sister who was a police officer. At QC he had two great art teachers in the persons of Ms. Fest who was from Hungary. and Mr. Pickersgill from the United Kingdom. Andret’s love of art and determination to become a professional artist was cemented when Mr. Pickersgill invited Brent Malone to speak to his class. Andret was particularly enthralled by Malone’s Junkanoo paintings and that sealed the deal for him.

When he graduated from QC and announced his plan to become an artist Andret says that a “family conference” was called to inform him that there would be no art and becoming an artist was out of the question, as he needed to find a real job. His aunt wanted him to join the Police Cadet Corps. This was most disheartening to Andret. So he spent a few semesters at The College of The Bahamas. An art programme had just started at COB, but he was studying criminology with a view to becoming a police officer.

He eventually went into the technical field and endured eight years of frustration working at Bahamas Telecommunications. He was very unsatisfied because he was not doing what he wanted to do. At that time he was involved in a tumultuous relationship and one day, when he was feeling down, he saw a photograph of a little girl and went out to his balcony and drew a black and white picture of the girl. He took it to be framed and on the day that he was collecting the picture Cheryl Grant-Bethel and Cathy Lieberman (whose husband was an executive at Atlantis) were in the store. They were impressed with the drawing and asked him how much it was worth. He said maybe $100. So they asked if he would be willing to donate the picture as a prize to be auctioned at an upcoming Zonta Club ball and he agreed. He got his complimentary tickets for the event, bought his tuxedo and says that when he entered the crowded ballroom and saw his work prominently displayed on an easel, up to that point, that event was the most glorious in his life! At auction time the bidding began at $100…silence… at which point Andret said that he became very nervous, but bidding resumed: $200, $300, $400 all the way up to $1,500!! Then he said to himself “You mean I’m giving away all of that money?” However, immediately following the event Mrs. Lieberman came over and asked him if he had anymore work for sale. He did not, but within a week’s time he produced there pieces which he sold to her for $1,000 each. Wow! $3,000 in less than a week! And, as the saying goes, “the rest was history”.

After this, Andret wanted to learn more about art. He attended exhibitions, read books and educated himself. He was also influenced by Antonius Roberts and then transitioned from two dimensional to three dimensional works. His first sculpture “Auset” was a feminine bust and head of a woman. Andret worked from his home for a long time and also with the Korean artist, Kye Shon, who worked in the window on Frederick Street (opposite Trinity Methodist Church). Most of his sculptures have been done in the yard at his home and now at Little Orchard – he never really left the yard and loves working under the trees and around nature. However, he is now looking for a larger space. Andret is mostly self-taught and he says that he is still learning. He has worked in wood for a long time and is now working with clay. His works are in many private collections in The Bahamas and all over the world including: New York and other cities in the United States, Dubai and Italy.

Andret and his former wife, architect Vanessa Clarke John, have five children – four girls and one boy ranging in ages form 15 to 7 years old and, for the past two years, they have been home schooled.

The artist creates lead head carvings for all of the major Junkanoo groups in New Providence. He initially started out doing work for the Fancy Dancers in Kemp Road. Before the introduction of the light weight aluminum rods, 2 x 4 wood was used in the construction of these pieces and they were very heavy. Andret recalls that when his uncle was in charge of a Junkanoo parade in Eleuthera he (Andret) was carrying one of these very heavy pieces and one of his knees gave way, but after a few seconds he recovered and then same thing happened with the other leg; but he was convinced that that the only thing that kept him going was the rhythm of the drums and, anyone who know about Junkanoo understands that it’s hypnotic. However, he agrees with my assertion that the true essence of Junkanoo was lost with introduction of brass instruments and I was a bit surprised to hear that some of the groups hire brass players. Andret recounted an occasion when the brass players who were hired by a group of which he was a member, came to the parade without properly fringed costumes (some in shorts and T shirts) and wanted to march ahead of the members of the group who had spent months preparing their costumes. Andret put his foot down and said there would be no brass and the group paraded without them. Furthermore, it is an unfortunate fact that many of the brass instruments are usually out of tune, which is not a pleasing sound to the ear. Andret has been involved in Junkanoo all of his life and he says there is nothing in this world like it!

The pieces that he’s working on now at The Orchard Hotel came about when Andret was invited by Dr. John Knowles, one of the co-owners of the property, to do something with a massive woman’s tongue tree trunk on the property; and the pieces shown here in various states stages of development have come from that trunk, a part of which is still in the ground. As the work progressed Little Orchard became Andret’s temporary home.

He created two Lucuyan head under water sculptures each approximately eight by six feet and weighing about one a ton. The pieces were created at the Airport Industrial Park and took about a month to complete. They are made of marine grade concrete and were deployed into the water at Clifton Cay in October 2014. Regrettably, the sculptures have been contaminated by the oil spill in the area.

Andret has had many solo exhibitions, the last one being at The Central Bank of The Bahamas Art Gallery in 2006; and also group exhibitions at The Bahamas National Trust, Government House and Albany. He plans to exhibit a new line of work by the year end or early next year.

Dr. Judson & Marcheta Eneas – The Gentlemen’s Club

Judson Eneas was educated at Jamaica College, Fisk University and at the Medical School: University of California Medical Center in San Francisco. He is the recipient of many academic, professional and civic honours, and is now in private practice in Internal Medicine and Nephrology at Doctors Hospital. He is also Medical Director and Founder of RenalMed Associates, Ltd., Nassau, Bahamas. Judson met his wife, the former Marcheta Q. McManus, of Maryland, at Fisk University. Their children are: Kemba Tiombe Eneas Walton, an attorney in Washington, D.C., Judson Picot Eneas, MA, a portrait artist, and Kashta Kandia Eneas, LL.B, an attorney in Los Angeles, California. Both Judson and is older brother, Dr. Cleveland W. Eneas, Jr. (Fritzi) are members of Eta Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity at Fisk University. When Fritzi returned home he became a charter member of Pi Xi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity in Nassau, of which Judson is also a member.

Like her mother-in-law Muriel Eneas before her, when Marcheta came to The Bahamas she immediately became involved and started the Links Chapter in The Bahamas with new found friends. Marcheta also introduced the Beautillion to The Bahamas in 1991 and the first Ball was held in 1992, when twelve (12) young men were presented to society, as members of The Gentlemen’s Club. Since that time the Committee has been doing a wonderful job in preparing young men for life. To date they have mentored 824 young men and awarded over $5 million in scholarships in cash, awards and school scholarships to Morehouse College, Fisk University and St. John’s University. In addition to Judson and Marcheta, the charter members of the organisation were Dr. Eugene Newry, Mr. Alain Newry, Mrs. Rose Braynen, Mr. Patrick Rahming, Mrs. Marilyn Rahming, Dr. Barry Russell., Mrs. Missy Russell, Mr. Rodney Williams and Mrs. Frances Williams.

The History of the Beautillion states in part:

“In October 1991, Mrs. Marcheta Eneas organized a group of professional men and women in her home and organized the first Bahamas Beautillion Committee. In today’s society, many events, Cotillions, and scholarships are presented to young ladies. The news of the increasing crime statistics and the negative press on men in The Bahamas, demonstrates the need for positive programmes to further develop the young men of our society. As a result, the Committee met and planned the production of the First Bahamas Beautillion ball. A number of workshops and cultural events were planned. The young men were chosen by the counselors at the various public and private secondary schools and submitted to the committee. Thus the Gentlemen’s Club was formed.”

In 1994 the Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity adopted the Gentlemen’s Club as its community responsibility. Similarly, in 2009, the Nassau Chapter of the Links, Inc. joined the Beautillion Committee as co-sponsors of the Gentlemen’s Art and Talent competition. Collaboration with both organisations continues.

I find it wonderfully refreshing to see the members of the Gentlemen’s Club attending, concerts plays and other events, thereby fostering an appreciation for the arts and helping them to become well rounded individuals. Were it not for the Gentlemen’s Club many young men would not have had the opportunity to further their education. Thank you to Judson, Marcheta and the Beautillion Committee, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity and the Nassau Chapter of Links, Inc. for their generosity in helping to allow Bahamian young men to realize their full potential.

Gentlemen’s Club 2011 – Photograph by J & J Imaging

Creative Nassau Market @ Pompey Square – The Place to Buy Authentically Bahamian Arts and Craft

The Creative Nassau market at Pompey Square, down town Nassau, Bay Street (adjacent to the Pompey Slave Museum), and less than a five minute walk from the cruise ships in Nassau Harbour, is the place for residents and visitors to The Bahamas to buy beautiful authentically Bahamian art and craft items made here in The Bahamas. Shoppers can enjoy harassment-free shopping as they browse through the market and view the many and varied items for sale. They can also enjoy entertainment provided by local musicians.

Presently the market is held every Wednesday and Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Vendors and artisans include: Craft Cottage, Third Eye Artworks, Everything Comes up Art, Naturally Bahamian, Lignum Vitae Centre, Outten Designs, Culture in Action, Shells ‘n Things, Isle of Design, Creations by Redalyak, My Bahama Sponge, Junkanoo Souvenirs, Bows and Bands, Val’s Handicrafts, Island Creations, Judy’s Creations, High Tide, Puzzles Bahamas, Nancy’s Fancies, Ejay Jewellery, Sasha’s Foxy Paws, Island Vibrations, Fine Ocean Jewellery, Sterlin Ann Creations, Trevor Tucker Artworks, Blissful Creations, Fabric, Islandz, Coco Reef, Shellcraft, Love Yourself, Craft Items, Hands Up, Ridge Farms and Down Too Earth Adventure Farm.

Link to Creative Nassau on Facebook.

Tribute to Cleophas R.E. Adderley

Sunday, 27th September 2015 at Church of The Most Holy Trinity, Trinity Way, New Providence, The Bahamas

Congratulations to Leona Hepburn, Eugenie P. KNowles (Peggy) and the Senior Choir of the Parish Church of the Most Holy Trinity for the glorious tribute and outpouring of love showered upon their Director of 27 years Cleophas R.E. Adderley.

Evensong at the church included renditions by: Angelic Voices of Praise, Echoes of Dawn, Voices of Trinity Choir, The Senior Choir and The Choraliers (all Holy Trinity Church Choirs); Festival of Choirs included: St. Ambrose Choir, St. Agnes Senior Choir, The National Youth Choir, The Highgrove Singers, The Bel-Canto Singers, and the Holy Trinity Senior Choir..so many different genres of music and all beautifully done!

This was followed by a reception in the beautifully decorated Activities Centre where we were further entertained by church musicians, Candace Bostwick, Joann Callender, Nikita Thompson and Antoine Wallace, and a beautifully produced video presentation created by Utah Taylor, which chronicled Cleophas’ 27 years as the Director of the Senior Choir, given through interviews with former and present parish priests, members of the choir and church, and other friends.

To view more pictures go to Facebook link: Tribute to Cleophas Adderley

Andrew Knowles – Artist

The story of Andrew Knowles, a 12^th grade student at St. Anne’s School, is a fascinating one about overcoming tremendous odds in life and being well on the road to a successful future. With the help of friends and mentors Andrew has survived the most difficult of circumstances. He and his mother and six siblings lived with their grandmother and when she became ill and was hospitalized they were left with their mother who he says “went from pillar to post” and abandoned then 7-year old Andrew and his siblings. The neighbours called Social Services and the seven children were placed in the Nazareth Centre for Children operated by the Roman Catholic Church. Andrew remained at that home from age 7-13 and then he was at the Elizabeth Estates Children’s Home from age 13-16, followed by a short stay at Coleby House, which could not accommodate his desire to paint as they required their residents to work. So he had to leave the home and was homeless for a week or two, until he and his brother, Livingstone, were taken in by friends with whom they are living temporarily. Andrew is most grateful for this support. This is such a beautiful example of what it means to be our brothers’ keepers and how people with challenges can make it in life if they are given a hand up. Regrettably, one of Andrew’s brothers died and another is in prison. His two sisters live with their respective paternal grandmothers.

Andrew is also grateful to the sisters at the Benedictine Convent on Nassau Street where, as a small boy, he used to go to get something to eat, and was encouraged by the sisters to draw. About three or four years ago when he was living at the Elizabeth Estates Children’s Home, the wife of the Prime Minister, Mrs. Bernadette Christie, visited the home and as she walked about and talked with the children Andrew told her of his desire to be an artist. Shortly thereafter she bought art supplies for Andrew and they have had a very close relationship since that time, with her referring to him as her son. Andrew painted a portrait of Mrs. Christie which hangs in her home.

I first encountered Andrew Knowles in 2014 when he was one of a number of young artists chosen by Penelope Nottage to exhibit their work at Doongalik Art Gallery for her birthday charity event. She contacted Andrew online to extend the invitation. I again ran into him earlier this year at Peter Bowe’s 85^th birthday celebration, during which Andrew painted a portrait of Peter that he presented to him following the birthday cake cutting and other tributes to Peter.

Andrew was mentored in drawing by Canadian resident Kim Smith, a former teacher at St. Anne’s School and the proprietor of The Place For Art now located in the Doongalik Art Gallery property, as well as by Patricia Sharp, another former art teacher at St. Anne’s. In addition to Kim Smith, it was also most encouraging to see the number of well established artists who were present in support of Andrew’s exhibition, namely: Kishan Munroe, Andret John, Jamaal Rolle, Jerome Miller, Allan Pachino Wallace, Cindy Mullings, Jodi Minnis and Chris Symonette.

Andrew’s first solo exhibition held at Doongalik Art Gallery on Village Road on Thursday, 22^nd September 2015 was a smashing success! There was a large crowd on hand to view his bigger than life and boldly colourful pieces. Andrew explains that his use of the vibrant colours help to take away some of the pain he feels inside. He also writes poetry to express himself.

The exhibition will be up until 14th October 2015. You are encouraged to view the show and, most importantly, to support this wonderful young artist by purchasing his work.

Email address: andrewknowlespaintings@gmail.com

Coming Soon – Ivan James’s book on the History and Demise of Hobby Horse Hall

On thursday, 24th September Ivan James gave a fascinating talk at The Bahamas Historical Society on the history and demise of Hobby Horse Hall and his soon to be published book on this topic.

More to come…

Eric and Dorothy Butler’s “Secret Gardens” – Gleniston Gardens

I began gardening at age 11 years when my chore was to keep the family yard. In those days there were no lawns; only dirt, rocks and fruit trees. My job every Saturday was to sweep the yard with a broom made from tree branches. At that time most yards had native rose bushes, gardenias, ferns, aralias and croton trees which were planted from cuttings, and I was fascinated to watch them grow.

My garden is divided by hedges into ‘rooms’, hence the name “Secret Gardens” and visitors are often pleasantly surprised when they enter behind the hedges. Gardening is very therapeutic and I enjoy watching the stages of growth and blooming of the various plants. As a member of the Horticultural Society of The Bahamas (HSB) and also having served as a past president of the organization, I have gained invaluable expertise in horticulture through the lectures and demonstrations at meetings in members’ gardens, shows, field trips and attendance at various conferences abroad. My knowledge of horticulture was also enhanced when serving as a clerk at various shows and listening to the judges’ comments and observations, added to which I have often been on the classification team at HSB and other local garden shows. I am passionate about my lifelong hobby which I turned into a successful lawn care and gardening business.

Eric Butler

Errol and Dorothea (Dorrie) Strachan’s Garden – Soldier Road

I was a gardener for many years and always liked to see how things grew. However, I must give credit to Marina Greaves for inviting me to join The Horticultural Society of The Bahamas (HSB). Being a part of this organization helped me to learn more about plants and horticulture, and it has made me what I am today with regard to gardening. One of the greatest pleasures of the HSB is visiting the gardens of other members for monthly meetings where we have interesting speakers, demonstrations on different methods of propagation, and exchange ideas.

I grow all manner of flowering plants including desert rose, (adenium) hibiscus, bougainvillea (in many colours), orchids, hibiscus and crotons; fruit trees: sapodilla, ju jubes, sugar apple, soursop, plums, avocado and mango, just to name a few. Or as the saying goes “I grow from soup to nuts”. I propogate by seeds, clippings and air layering get much pleasure from watching these methods developing into mature flowering or fruit bearing trees. This is where my belief in God comes from when I can see how things grow and produce from year to year and on time.

Errol Strachan