Give the gift of Bermudian heritage this Christmas

Make this Christmas extra-special by giving the gift of Bermudian heritage to your loved ones.

Beautiful, aromatic and timeless, Bermuda Cedar gifts are as study and long-lasting as the endemic tree our island is famed for.

Bermuda Cedar has strong historic and cultural roots for Bermudians. Its wood has been prized for construction, ship building and furniture through the ages.

The soft, red wood was also used for boxes and carving, while a seedling is traditionally placed on top of wedding cakes.

The signature smell of Bermuda Cedar — a juniper tree — is familiar to most Bermudians, and symbolic of their heritage.

If you are looking for a family present therefore, a hand carved wooden gift will make a beautiful and touching addition to any home.

Generations

At the BS&R Group, carpenters can create custom Bermuda Cedar trays, pens, jewellery boxes and lamps to order.

The family firm is renowned for its quality carpentry and antique restoration.

Anthony Madeiros, general manager, said: “Our lamps, jewellery boxes and small trays are always popular gifts at Christmas.

“They are traditional family gifts which the older generation will buy for the younger generation.

“It is almost like the traditional Bermudian wedding gift of the hope chest —parents and grandparents see it as passing on a piece of Bermuda to the next generation.

“Bermuda Cedar is probably the rarest wood in the world.

“It can only be found on this small island, and you can only obtain it from trees which have fallen down through age or hurricanes, because Bermuda Cedars are protected.

“The wood also has an aesthetic appeal. The tradition is embedded in us as Bermudians.

“It is also very aromatic — people love the smell of Bermuda Cedar. If you buy a jewellery box, your bedroom will smell of cedar.

“These items are definitely the antiques of tomorrow, and can last for hundreds of years. If you take care of them they will last forever.”

The craftsmen at the BS&R Group carve 9 in x 4 in x 12 in jewellery boxes for $1,000.

You can choose the felt interior and the box also features inlaid Maple, providing a contrast to the darker wood.

The company also creates smaller ornamental Bermuda Cedar boxes, from $20.

Bermuda Cedar pens come in two different styles for $60 each, or $65 including engraving.

The wooden trays can be custom made to your size, shape and specification, whether  square, hexagonal or rectangular.

The order time is three weeks and prices start at about $250. The more ornate the tray, the higher the cost.

As for Bermuda Cedar lamps, Mr Madeiros said the company has items in stock ready for Christmas, so there is no need to pre-order.

The lamps cost $385, excluding shade, but the BS&R Group is running a Christmas offer of two lamps for $300 each.

The BS&R Group also specializes in antique restoration and reproductions.

Expert craftsmen can bring your antiques back to life through hand techniques and all-natural oils, waxes, stains and polishes.

An alternative Christmas gift for a loved one would be to restore a favourite antique.

Mr Madeiros said: “If someone has an antique with sentimental value, we can bring it back to life.”

BS&R Group, 99 Middle Road, Devonshire. Call 236-2886 or go to www.bermudastripping.com