Trust calls for new members

(CNS): With a membership of only 875 the National Trust has begun a concerted effort to raise its profile and started with an open day on Wednesday evening which continues through today at the Trust’s headquarters, Dart Family Park in South Sound. Focused on preserving both the natural environment and the country’s heritage it receives only a small grant from government and depends heavily on the support of the community for finance and volunteers.

An eclectic organisation the National Trusts takes care of a diverse range of projects from the Mastic Trail to the Mission House (above).  “Anyone with an interest in Cayman’s environment and heritage should become a member,” said Frank Roulstone the General Manager. “That way you keep up to date with everything that is going on with the trust and you can get involved with some of our projects. We are under constant pressure to preserve what is being lost but we really need the community’s help to do the work. ”

Janice Brown (right) the office manager explained that there is a lot happening at the Trust and that an increasing number of tourists too were visiting the retail centre not just to purchase great gifts but also to sign up for the eclectic tours and events that the National Trust organises.

“We have built up the merchandise now and have a great selection of gifts and local crafts on sail but we also some great new tours and excursions that visitors really enjoy, but these are available to local residents as well,” she said.

The trust works hard to fund raise and is often thinking of creative ways to raise money. It recently held a car boot sale and raised $620 which will go towards the Uncle Sammy’s Pond project in West Bay.  A site acquired by the Trust in December 2007 it is raising funds to make it a wildlife reserve, open to the public.  The site has particular significance to migrating water birds such as Blue-winged Teal, the Lesser Scaup and a wide variety of herons who stop at the site for food and water on their way to and from South America.  A total of $90,000 has been estimated to see the project to completion which includes such features as a boardwalk, fencing, a bird-watching blind, parking and other public facilities.

“This was the second boot sale we have held this year and the turn-out was great.  It is a good way to get the community together and help the National Trust”, added Brown.

This weekend on Saturday between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm the trust is partnering with the National Museum to host a display at the Mission House in Bodden Town illustrating the life and work in traditional Cayman backyards.  ‘As many of our senior generation will recall, homes were mostly for formal entertaining and sleeping,” said   Denise Bodden, Historic Programmes Manager. “Much of our lives were carried out in the back yard. Washing, cooking and playing games were just a few of the activities that went on.  The “Out in Back” exhibit encompasses the Wash Day and the Caboose experience for visitors to learn about and appreciate.”, said Denise Bodden, Historic Programmes Manager for the National Trust for the Cayman Islands.

 “There will be light refreshments available for those who come early enough.  As you know, the cassava heavy cake goes pretty fast!” she added.

For more details of the work of National Trust, how to become a member or a list of forthcoming events log on to www.nationaltrust.org.ky