Review: Rosalie Gardens In The Spotlight Again

[Written by Dale Butler]

Rosalie Gardens on 35 Angle Street, Hamilton was officially opened July 10, 2021 by former entertainer Bobbie Smith. Named in honour of my mother, Rosalie Stella Butler, the garden has a variety of plants from citrus and vegetables to flowers. After the opening, 16 jazz shows were added to The Heartbeat of Hamilton, a title given to the area by Atlantic Publishing House: the main sponsor of this House of Bermuda Music.

Resident artist and saxophonist Miles Manders, with his artistic and creative flair, complemented the gardens with:

• The Music Wall of Fame [comprising names of performers and music venues]
• The Clarence Hill boxing ring
• The 10 Wonders of the Heartbeat
• The Footsteps to Heaven [additional names]
• The Staircase to Heaven [names of bands]
• VIP Terrace, and
• Repainted a diversity of cultural masks from around the world

Just across the road, beside the iconic Hubie’s Nightclub, which closed in 2010, one can appreciate a large mural depicting photographer and author Ras Mykkal, and The 10 Wonders of The Heartbeat. A 10-minute tour of this area highlights an extensive history of accomplishments.

The past two years have been used to develop the gardens with a glow which was recognized in one week with a National Trust Cultural Award and a Bermuda Parish Gardening Award. A celebration of the awards took place on Saturday, July 15th with a night of poetry by June Caisey, dance, song and fashion show, and jazz performance by saxophonists Keith Lee and Miles Manders, together with a three-course meal.

It was an excellent celebration and, much to the surprise of the audience, they enjoyed a visit from The Gombey Gardener and tourist, Richard Barnes, who was making his 22nd trip to Bermuda with wife Beth.

Richard was armed with a bag of Talbot Brothers’ songs which he delivered on guitar and voice, right from the start, in front of a giant bass with a Talbot hat and vinyl record covers, and additional covers of Stan “Lord Necktie” Seymour, Hubert Smith and The Coral Islanders and George Smith his son. He was very well received and joined by June Casey and band members.

The programme continued without a hitch. However, just when the audience thought it was over, they were treated to an international fashion show commentated by well-known personality and author Margaret Rose Giloth who concluded: “The fashion show sparkled…the entertainment was fantastic, your tour was characteristically historical and entertaining…food was uniquely Bermudian with a twist or two… the garden is absolutely beautiful…we all had a fabulous time.”

Rosalie Gardens has hired a variety of people, in-between jobs, who want to work four hours a day. As a result, the total payment has been $8,000 dollars plus over two years, with 35% from the events and 65% from the Butler family. Going forward, some private events have been scheduled and the last public event filled with entertainment will be The Toni Bari Trio [Toni Bari, Earl Leader and Derek Simmons] with Jade Minors as special guest in Wednesday, August 9th at 5.30 p.m. Tickets at $50 include entertainment, a 3-course meal, fashion show and more.

With an outstanding band of seasoned veterans, I think this show will also sell out in an hour. For tickets, contact Dale Butler on WhatsApp [595-9841] or email daledbutler@gmail.com. On another note, short tours will be given on the hour from 10am on Saturday, July 22nd and Sunday, July 23rd until 3pm.

There is no charge and our visitors and taxi drivers are welcome. Plants and Bermuda books will be on sale.

- Dale Butler, The Gombey Gardener, learned his gardening skills from his grandfather, the late Vaughn Butler, Central School, and later as a teacher from fellow teacher Eugene Brangman. When he was appointed principal of St. George’s Secondary School he made gardening and chess compulsory for students in years 1 and 2 during his fourteen-year sojourn. Mr. Butler currently resides in the family homestead “Rosalie Gardens.” He was also honoured with an award that night from Wendell “Shine” Hayward [Danji Productions] for his assistance during International Jazz Night and for being the Professor of Bermuda Music.

#DaleButler #Music

Category: All, Entertainment, Music