Photos: 2024 Peppercorn Ceremony
The annual Peppercorn Ceremony was held this week in St George’s, continuing a tradition that began some 200 years ago.
The RBR Band and Corps of Drums led a Guard of Honour and Colour Party on to King’s Square in the Town of St George for the traditional event.
Governor, Rena Lalgie, who is the Regiment’s Commander-in-Chief, paid a visit to receive the annual rent – one peppercorn – for use of the State House by the Freemasons of Lodge St George.
Among remarks made in front of dignitaries, guests and onlookers, she said: “Allow me to thank the Royal Bermuda Regiment for playing their part in this event and for the important role our regiment plays, together with the Bermuda Police Service, in ensuring the safety and security of these islands.
“I pay tribute to the men and women who serve in all our uniformed services for their commitment and sacrifice, for which we should all be grateful.”
Nancy Satzinger, who lived in Bermuda years ago and was visiting from Amityville, New York, said she was impressed by the Governor’s plumes, the RBR band and the freemasons.
She added: “It’s a very community-inspired event.
“It shows the solidarity of Bermudians and it shows how there is so much history steeped in St George’s, so that’s always interesting.”
Marilyn Scott, a retired receptionist, has always lived close to Warwick Camp and enjoys hearing the regiment’s band rehearsing.
She said: “I grew up with the regiment my whole life, so I like the music.”
Ms. Scott made her way to St George’s with friends so that she could witness the exchange of the peppercorn rent.
She highlighted how the event provided an opportunity for people to understand more about Bermuda’s history and added: “It’s nice that the schoolchildren can get out and learn, hear these things; it’s educational.”
Lieutenant Colonel Ben Beasley, the RBR’s Commanding Officer, described the official visit as a “wonderful parade” opportunity for the battalion.
He added: “Not only is the parade itself an important historic event that we get to participate in, but exercising our Freedom of the Town of St George, given to us nine years ago, is very important, not just ceremonially but also for engagement purposes for the residents of the East End.”
Lt Col Beasley said troops involved today were “fantastic”, and that all of them ensured they were well-prepared ahead of the event and hit their marks during the parade.
Corporal Dijon Arruda, from Warwick, was pleased to be part of the Guard of Honour.
The 35-year-old, who in civilian life is a storekeeper at the Hamilton Princess and Beach Club, said: “I love parades, what you put in is what you get out.
“You practise, and when the day comes you do your best and show off.”
Cpl Arruda enjoyed representing the regiment and the island.
He said: “It feels good that I can do something more than just for myself
“People were pulling out their cameras, some people dance to the drums and the music. There is a morale and appreciation that comes from locals and tourists.
“It feels good to be told ‘thank you for your service’.”
Private Karen Stovell, 47, is a member of the RBR’s B Company, which meets the regiment’s ceremonial responsibilities.
The residential co-ordinator, from Devonshire, said: “It’s nice to be able to parade again.
“For some people, especially visitors, this could be a mark of history for them, something that they might not otherwise get to see.”
Reflecting on the atmosphere among troops, she added: “After you leave recruit camp, you don’t always get to see the corporals who were involved in your training; when we get to a parade, everyone comes together and that’s a good feeling.”
