Editor’s Note: The National Trust of the Cayman Islands is celebrating its 20th anniversary this week. See some special events happening below and then turn to page 13 to see a special feature on the organisation. There are also two pages of letters on 4 and 5 about the National Trust.
Mission House
In celebration of the National Trust’s 20th anniversary, Mission House is offering a surprise gift for the first 20 visitors to take a guided tour of the property on Saturday.
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Mission House is in Bodden Town and is an historic site of the National Trust. The house is a replica of the original ‘Mission House’ that was built on the property in the mid-1800s. The original structure was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in September 2004; however, the original iron wood posts still remain as the foundation posts for the house.
The property has played a leading role in today’s Caymanian culture as it is closely connected with the early development of Christianity and education in the Cayman Islands, having housed Presbyterian missionaries, such as Rev. Redpath and school teachers such as Edgar and Anna Lyon.
The National Trust offers guided tours of the Mission House where visitors can not only learn about the history of the house and its role in the development of religion and education in Grand Cayman but also about traditional building techniques used in Cayman at that time. In addition to the house, visitors may also walk the grounds of the property which consists of various local flora not to mention a seasonal natural pond that attracts a variety of birds such as the Whistling Duck, American Coot and Common Moorhen. Hickatees can also been seen in the pond.
‘The Mission House makes for a great day out. It is a fantastic replica of the original house and the artifacts and objects on display all tell a story about the history of Mission House. Visitors will certainly learn a lot about the history and culture of the Cayman Islands from their experience at Mission House’ stated Caroline Key, development and marketing manager for the National Trust.
In addition to touring the house and grounds, there is also a National Trust Visitor’s Centre that offers information about the National Trust and has a wide selection of books, gifts and locally made products on sale. Cold refreshments are also on sale. National Trust members receive a 10 per cent discount on all in-store merchandise.
Mission House is open on Tuesday to Saturday from 9.30am to 5.30pm. The last tour is at 4.30pm. Call the Mission House on 947-5805 for more information.
Fired Up!
To help celebrate the 20th birthday of the National Trust, pottery and mosaic studio All Fired Up! is donating half of all studio time Friday to the National Trust.
‘As the 14th September is the official birthday of the National Trust it seemed only fitting to honour the National Trust on this day and give the organisation recognition for its hard work over the past 20 years’ said Liz Whitelock, owner and manager of All Fired Up!
All Fired Up! at The Shoppes in Grand Harbour is open Monday through Friday, 10am – 8pm; Saturday, 10am – 6pm and Sunday noon to 6pm.
‘We are extremely honoured that local businesses such as All Fired Up! are acknowledging our achievements and helping us celebrate our accomplishments over the past 20 years. The National Trust is a community-based organisation and greatly appreciates the support it receives from local businesses. It is generous acts such as this that help us achieve our goals of continuing to preserve the Cayman Islands for future generations’ said Caroline Key, marketing manager of the National Trust for the Cayman Islands.
‘This is a celebration year for us and we are very happy that so many in the community are taking part’ she added.
For more information on All Fired Up! and this fundraising event call the studio on 947-8517.
The National Trust for the Cayman Islands is a non-profit organisation that aims to preserve environmental and historic sites of significance in the Cayman Islands for present and future generations. For more information on the Trust and fundraising opportunities please contact the National Trust on 949 0121 or email [email protected]
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