7/17/2009 11:26:00 AM Back in business Deliverance reopens after restoration
Return to glory: The Deliverance has been completely restored and is better than ever with an animatronic figure and audio to help people learn about Bermuda’s history. *Photos by Kageaki Smith
This animatronic figure is on the refurbished Deliverance is based on William Strachey and is voiced by Will Kempe.
The replica Deliverance has been fully restored and is open to the public.
One of the centrepiece tourist attractions of St. George's, the Deliverance now comes complete with a "life-like animatronic figure" that recounts the perils of 17th Century seafaring.
Voiced by actor Will Kempe, the figure - based on the historical William Strachey - will talk about the ordeals of the Sea Venture survivors and their escape to Virginia aboard the Deliverance.
Another Bermudian actor, Adrian Kawaley-Lathan, has given his voice to other audio accounts in the ship's galley and captain's cabin.
Over recent years the Deliverance had deteriorated to such an extent that it was feared it would never again open to the public. Nick Duffy, who owned the replica, gifted it to the Foundation of St. George's so renovations could begin.
This week the Mayor of St. George's Mayor Mariea Caisey, opened the attraction to visitors.
Dr. Kenneth Snaith, chairman of the foundation said: "We thank Bank of Bermuda Foundation for their generous donation, which allowed the Deliverance to be ready for Bermuda's 400th Anniversary commemorations this year...This restoration is an excellent opportunity to bring history alive to our students, our residents and our visitors.
"Persons setting foot upon the restored Deliverance will be able to imagine life aboard it as it travelled to Virginia."
Mr. Snaith congratulated Michael Hooper, who restored the ship's woodwork, ropes and rigging, and also Brimstone Media Ltd, who designed the new onboard exhibits.
Anyone who wants to help upkeep the replica for the future is urged to make a donation by visiting www.stgeorgesfoundation.org or by making a cheque payable to The St. George's Foundation, PO Box 58, St. George's GE BX.
