To forget one's ancestors is to be a brook without a source, a tree without a root.

"Descendants" - BBC Radio 4 "Descendants looks into our lives and our pasts and asks how we are connected to slavery. And, in turn, who does that mean our lives are connected to?" - BBC Radio 4 An unexpected opportunity to participate in this radio programme came my way in 2021 when I received an email from BBC Radio 4. The story of my great-grandfather Alfred Sheppard led to this experience. I consider it an honour to have been among those selected to contribute to these important and timely stories. The series of seven episodes was aired each Friday from 28 May until 9 July, 2021. An introductory Zoom call and further exchanges of emails with the producer explained the project. CLICK TO SEE THE BBC RADIO 4 PROMOTIONAL VIDEO 'DESCENDANTS' The series is now available as podcasts that can be downloaded. Listened to in sequence, the stories are poignantly revealing. I find it fascinating to see all the links and connections that people all over the world share. The home page for the entire programme of seven episodes is Descendants . I was featured in Episode 3 , which was broadcast on Friday 11 June, 2021. My husband Meindert is a documenter/editor and filmed me during the Zoom interviews with producer Candace Wilson. He has added video to the portion of the program where I speak, preceded by the story of the evolvement of the steelpan as a musical instrument in Trinidad Carnival (for which there's no video). It is a shortened version of the episode. I might add that I did not know beforehand what specifically I would be asked, and so my answers were unrehearsed. You may wonder about the pile of books with the iPhone on top. That’s because I needed to place it at mouth level in order to record myself. That audio recording was used by the BBC. In listening to the stories on Descendants, I realize that the common thread running through the lives of all of the contributors is the absence of knowledge of their forefathers' lives. I've received several reactions that encourage me to continue writing and exploring our past, and to put into context the world in which our ancestors lived. My great-grandfather Alfred Sheppard was a man of his times, performing his duties as Sergeant-Major with the Colonial Police during an important turning point in Trinidad history. He was a family man, adapting to life in a foreign country, raising his family and being involved with social activities, particularly those held by the Portuguese community in Trinidad. His careful documentation in our family Bible has enabled us to know our genealogical history; delving into those times gives us a better understanding of the circumstances of his life. Below are four of the reactions I received from people in different parts of the world. "I’m so proud you’ve participated in conversations like this! I think it’s a big step especially for your generation to actually own and acknowledge the educational erasure during your upbringing and the general amnesia towards the past. I think there’s an interesting contrast with the young black man from the UK, like spheres of life that usually wouldn’t cross over being presented and shared in this way.” Kayla Archer (Granddaughter, Barbados) University of Leiden, Den Haag, Netherlands (BA International Studies) "I listened, last week, to the whole series of ‘Descendants’ which is the most fascinating and shocking series of our history that should be broadcasted in every school worldwide . I was so surprised and happy to hear your voice relating yet another interesting piece of your family history. I realise that how much we just carry on , without really considering what we know and why we know it and whether it’s correct or needs revising. Like you , I learnt ‘British History 1700 to 1945 at Grammar School but my mother always pointed out that my History text books were exceedingly blinkered and should be renamed as ‘English History’ as there was absolutely no reference to the Scottish Enlightenment or the plight of Scots or Welsh or Irish to maintain their identities so the rest of the world only existed if ‘we’ ( the English!?) went to war with them . I hope that all people , slowly but surely can find their own two feet and be whoever they feel they are and not be told who they are. Congratulations on your fascinating and eloquent story on Radio 4..." Much love and admiration, Susan - (Scottish-born Artist, The Netherlands) "Fascinating and refreshingly honest." - Liz (United Kingdom) "I thought the program was fascinating and I’m delighted that you were part of it. It is true that the interviewer collapses history in a rather efficient way that is not exactly accurate, suggesting that somehow the carnival started after emancipation, when history shows it to have it begun well before. There were a few other generalizations of that misleading kind that often tend to happen when history is collapsed into sound bites. I thought your role was fascinating and that you handled it beautifully and answered the questions in a really informed and thoughtful way. I was particularly interested in the big house aspect of your interview. Certainly those estate houses are beautiful and played a major role in the histories of both Barbados and Trinidad. I think it also useful that cross-links are being established through ancestral histories that show the interconnection of different races and different people with the history of enslavement. That is one of the best features of this project!" Milla C. Riggio James J Goodwin Professor of English, emerita Trinity College Hartford, CT, USA Milla Cozart Riggio has focused her research and much of her pedagogy since 1995 on Trinidad Carnival and the plays of Shakespeare. She has coordinated world conferences on Carnival, and served as a frequent consultant for the Trinidad and Tobago National Carnival Commission. She currently coordinates the Trinity-in-Trinidad Global Learning site, an exchange program that brings students from institutions in the U.S. to study in Trinidad each year. Among her books are included an edited volume entitled Teaching Shakespeare through Performance, as well as three books she edited or co-edited on Trinidad Carnival. She co-edited In Trinidad, a book of photographs by Trinity Professor Pablo Delano, published in 2008 by Ian Randle Publishers. These videos tell the story of Sunbury, referred to in Episode 3 and Episode 4 of "Descendants". The Dining Room at Sunbury Table ready for a private dinner party I attended, hosted by the then owners of Sunbury, Keith & Angela Melville "People are trapped in history and history is trapped in them." ~ James Baldwin

Edith Florence (Flo) Sheppard wife of Victor Colin Johnson (1927 - 2010) Eulogy by Flo's granddaughter, Lorraine Patience at the Service of Thanksgiving & Celebration of Life St. Ann's Church of Scotland, Trinidad - January 2010 Edith Florence Johnson née Sheppard , fondly known as Florence, Flo or Floco, grew up in a large, close knit, musical family and was the “spoilt fish” from the get go; being the baby - twelfth child of Charles & Elsie Sheppard. Granny Flo grew up as a big sister to her sister Ida’s three daughters – Joan, Betty and Helen. She treasured these memories about the wonderful days spent with them in Caura - river-bathing, tram rides around The Savannah in a different and safe Trinidad & Tobago. 4th May, 1946 - Trinidad Granny Flo was blessed in many ways. She met her soulmate Colin Johnson , a very handsome Bajan gentleman working in Trinidad at the time. She had a great marriage (just shy of sixty years) resulting in four children, eight grands and six great-grands. Simply put, her hubby, family and home were her top priorities. Granny never quite got over her beloved Colin’s earlier passing and always referred to him in the present tense. Granny called his name often especially when stressed with computer challenges, looking for something, remembering past times or just frustrated. She loved, admired, supported him in all business ventures, communicated well and was his number one cheerleader – he could almost do no wrong in her eyes. Flo loved music especially the old-fashioned piano pieces and let's not forget “The Sugar Blues”. Of course her favorite piano players were sisters Jessie, Ida and sister-in-law Betty. Gran-Gran played her CDs from early in the morning - often loudly - and at night went to sleep with her Discman and earphones. About four years ago, her sister Sybil encouraged her to learn to use the computer – after a lot of "grand-charge" she agreed to take about eight lessons (probably did not want Auntie Sybil to have the upper hand in this arena). We cannot thank Janine Crooks enough for transforming Granny’s life. We all know Granny was a social butterfly and chatting was one of her favourite pastimes. Granny was not into surfing the net, but those social networking tools (email, MSN, Skype and Facebook) gave her another lease on life. She crossed boundaries, time zones, kept in touch, shared pictures with family and friends of all ages. Needless to say, Granny took to the computer like a fish to water. We also thank Jeffrey, William, Shane, Lorraine, her computer techs and the crew at TSTT etc. for their tremendous patience and support. When Granny's computer was down, she went into withdrawal mode and never rested until she was back online. We were so proud of her achievements. I personally do not know too many 80+ year-olds who use the computer – except for our Auntie Sybil, of course! We kept her updated when in hospital with all the well wishes from her Facebook family and she was happy to hear from you all. Some other memories of Granny Flo shared by her grand- and great- grandchildren: Granny Flo loved to . . . Louanna: Have her early morning cup of coffee Place her early morning call to Joan and Sybil Have several chats a day with Elsa and Rosemary Be in her garden, Tend to her rose beds and bougainvillea. Water her plants Hugo: Go on her computer Talk to Grandpa Jeffrey on Skype Mathew Bathe in the rain Nicola Talk and reminisce about Grandpa Colin (always in the present tense) Keep the Bible open to stop the rains especially for weddings or any important functions Go to Barbados and visit with Auntie Betty and family Stay at Marasol – Dover beach was her favorite Barbados beach Be in her own home, in her own bed Have her hair, nails and feet done Lorraine Have her children and grands close Go out on Fridays for a drink and 'Accra' at the Byte (Grandpa's favourite) Visit family & friends and take drives Watch 'Young and Restless' Take pictures with 'dickie bird' (digital camera) and have me put them on Facebook right away Print her favourite pictures and show them off Shane Tell everyone about her children and grandchildren’s achievements Go on beach limes to Mayaro,Toco & Down de Islands Cook her favorite Steam Pudding Indulge sometimes on the sweet stuff – ice cream and ice-box cake Trisha Look for shells or drift wood on the beach Create pieces of 'art' that we must see NOW Receive presents and show everybody what she got Be called 'Florence Nightingale' Hear the "Morning Miss Johnson” as people passed by on the street Two Rum 'n Cokes after the sun went down Talk some more with Sybil, Joan & Elsa Amelia Visit her friends in the 'Lodge' Talk on Facebook and MSN Colin Drink milk William Have her lawn cut with a mower and not a wakker Have her grand- and great-grands come over and run in the grass and pick oranges or mangoes Walk barefoot wherever she could get away with it (Barefoot Contessa) Keep us up to date on 'who died', new arrivals, weddings and any family trivia Emily Go for lunch with Mary Chat with Lorel Go to any concerts or shows her family was in (Love Movement, Wendy etc.) Go to family gatherings and weddings Pull my feet - said I would get tall Tell us the same thing over and over Tease Grampa when driving to the beach that our sea was far better than Barbados Sing the 'Blues' - The Sugar Blues When all is said and done, Granny, Mummy, Floco was quite a character and we will miss her dearly – keep on singing the blues, dancing, chatting, loving us and be united again with your loving Colin. Rest Peacefully. "Barefoot Contessa" July 2008 - on a steamy, hot day at her home in Diego Martin, Trinidad. A family gathering was taking place The rains came, and Flo just couldn't resist! I couldn't resist taking this photo! On one of her many visits to Barbados while staying at my home there l/r Flo, my mother Betty, me, Flo's sister Sybil (Sheppard) Gibbon

Ivy May Gomez Although I never knew my grandmother’s sister, Ivy May Gomez , I had often heard loving recollections about her from my father. Aunt Ivy seemed to have been a very special person who was not only extraordinarily kind and thoughtful, but also very talented. She was born to Joseph and Christina Pereira in 1897, the sixth child in the family of nine. Ivy was born in Queen's Street, in the town of Arima, Trinidad. At the time, her father Joseph worked at Millers Stores Ltd. as a clerk, according to her birth certificate. Later, the family moved to Sangre Grande. Sadly, Ivy lost her father when she had just turned 13 years old. According to the records, Joseph Gomez died of Cerebral Apoplexy (Stroke) at his home in Sangre Grande on the 31st December, 1910. He was only 47 years old, leaving Christina a widow at the young age of 44. I can only imagine the terrible shock and loss his children and wife suffered. The funeral left from the residence of Alfred Mendes, where just a year earlier the whole family had been celebrating the marriage of Ivy's sister Elsie Mabel to Charles Sheppard . Twelve years later, tragedy and sadness once again struck the Gomez family. On 6th October 1922, Ivy's older sister, Audrey died in Grenada at the young age of 33, during childbirth with her son George. Left alone with a four-and-a-half year old boy and an infant son to raise, her husband Louis Franco sent George's older brother Wilfred to his aunt Ivy in Trinidad. By then, Ivy lived in Port of Spain with her widowed mother Christina Gomez, and together they provided a loving home and motherly care for Wilfred. George was sent to his father's maiden sister, Louise Franco, in Grenada who also lovingly raised the young boy at the home where she lived with her parents, John and Clementine Franco. His grandfather John Franco was a successful wine merchant and lived above his shop on Halifax Street in St. Georges, where he owned several other properties. From the records we know that Ivy accompanied her sister-in-law, Jessie Gomez, (George's wife) on a trip to Scotland after the birth of their second child, also named Joseph. Her travel dates were 29th July 1927 - 11th November 1927 and on her return voyage, her occupation was listed as Cashier. "Perhaps she was once again helping to look after the children," suggests Jessie Tamas Hendry, Ivy's great-niece. Ivy and Jessie's grandmother stayed in touch through letters. Jessie said that she knows from one of Ivy's letters to her Grandma that she was interested in our family history. In one letter of February 1973 Ivy wrote: "I hope one day to try to find out Grandma Pereira's maiden name if the books have not been damaged in the riot of 1908. Not all of them were. But the Red House is another dangerous spot and the administration is awful. The greatest carelessness exists and documents are being sold on or left lying about in a neglected way." (Photo courtesy Brian Franco) Wilfred (about 11), Ivy, their pet Jinks and Grandma Christina Gomez née Pereira taken in their garden around 1928/1929. The chimney in the background was located on the Port of Spain wharf. Ivy would have been about 32 and her mother about 63. (Photo courtesy Brian Franco) The home Ivy shared with her mother and nephew Wilfred at 64 A Wrightson Road, Woodbrook, Port of Spain, Trinidad. During her lifetime, Ivy wrote well over a hundred poems, several of which she had published in a book in 1972. In a letter to her sister-in-law Jessie Gomez dated 5th July, 1973, she wrote about what must have truly been one of the highlights of her life: "Two days ago a soirée was arranged for me to have my poems read by tape-recording at St. Ann’s Church Hall. Mr. Cameron, so good, had set them to soft background music of an orchestra of 101 strings. That is a wonderful record. People of both St. Ann’s and Greyfriars churches were invited and poor little Ivy feeling like if it was her wedding day set off with an elegant hairdo. I wanted to sit sideways but Mr. Cameron said he would like me to take a bow before they start, as some may not know me, and another bow at the end. But Miss Rawle, the lady in charge, would not let me move from the front but sit facing the audience near a little table. The function was well attended and got off to a start with Mr. Cameron playing all suitable poems to suit the audience. Many of the Geddes Grant family attended. Sir Lindsay Grant, K.I., O.B.E. T.C. and Lady Grant. His sister, Mrs. Forbes and sister-in-law Mrs. Willard Grant. I said a few words while taking a bow. 'Thanks so much for coming. I may say like the erstwhile abdicated King Edward of England that at long last I am giving you some poems. My heart the violin - and my lips the bow.” Well, they were all thrilled with the poems and Sir Lindsay was very, very impressed and gave a long note of thanks. When it was over, all the ladies and Maurice Brash and Boysie deluged me with kisses. I could not wash my face that night." Ivy gave an autographed copy of her book of poems "Roses in the Rain" to her nephew George Franco who lived in Grenada. The book was passed down to George's daughter Jenny, who has kindly shared its precious pages. Particularly touching is her poem " Farewell to the Sangre Grande Train". The Trinidad Government Railway existed between 1876 and 28 December 1968 and was originally built to connect Port of Spain with Arima. After the railways shut down permanently in 1968, Ivy wrote this poignant poem which was was published in the Trinidad Guardian on 1st January, 1969. The poem recalls her sadness when, as an eight year old, she had to wave goodbye to her mother from the platform when she returned to their home in Sangre Grande, leaving her behind in Port of Spain for schooling. “Mother goodby”, my heart did cry, For I could only stand and sigh While whistle’s hoot did bear her home And I wished soon again, she’d come You see, for then I was aged eight Not grown to womanhood’s estate To go to school in town I must Though for this cause my heart was crushed.” This, and several other poems describe her surroundings, experiences and feelings, growing up in Trinidad in a gentler era, now bygone. She recalls tender memories of her father and childhood home. Her writings and observations are, in fact, a wonderful time capsule as seen through her eyes. Click on the cover below to open the book and step back in time into Ivy's world through her poetic expressions. "Roses in the Rain" A collection of Poems by Ivy Gomez Ivy stayed abreast of current affairs and was inspired to write poems on memorable occasions. On 9 -11 February 1966, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh visited Trinidad & Tobago. Ivy wrote a poem of welcome for them, and the following article appeared in the Trinidad Mirror newspaper on 13 March, 1966. This article about her "Poem to an Emperor" was published the following month in "Evening Hours" dated 15th April, 1966. Ivy May Gomez "Taken in the early 1970's. Aunt Ivy came to Grenada to attend the wedding of Jennifer Hosten , who was Miss World 1970. The picture was taken in the backyard of the Great House in L'anse Aux Epines. She was all dolled up for the wedding. Jennifer had previously paid a visit to Trinidad and Aunt Ivy managed to get through the crowd and presented her with a poem I think it was, so she was then invited to the wedding." - Jenny McNamara Franco Vincent Gomez Ivy's brother Vincent Gomez, taken at the Pereira Studio in Tuscon, Arizona In her later years, Ivy shared a home with her brother Vincent Gomez at 132 Wrightson Road, Port of Spain. There the siblings ran a photo studio named The Rite Studio. Vin had previously spent considerable time with his two uncles John and Joseph Pereira who had immigrated to America and had a well-known photography business - Pereira Studios - in Tuscon Arizona. It was there that young Vin developed his love for photography and received training in the business. Vin worked as a photographer with Pereira Studios for several years, In 1932 he became a naturalized American citizen in Tuscon, Arizona where he continued to work in the family's photography business, as Pereira Studios continued to operate even after the death of his uncle, Joseph Pereira, in 1936. Records show that having first left Trinidad for the USA in 1913 when he was just 19 years old, he finally returned to his island home from America in 1951 when he was 58 years old. Several family members of my generation recall childhood memories of having their photos taken by Uncle Vin at the Rite Studio. Said Jenny McNamara: "Uncle Vin had a tripod with a cloth. He would go under the cloth then come out and jump up and down to make us smile." Unfortunately, both Ivy and Vin became deaf in their latter years. Vincent died on 14 November 1963 when he was 70 years old and Ivy passed away in 1976 at age 78. Neither of them married and left behind no children. Ivy lived a life of caring for others, and we are grateful for the memories left behind in her very own words of poetry. Her story needed to be told. I wish I'd known Aunt Ivy and Uncle Vin - what stories they could have told. Many Thanks to Jessie Tamas Hendry, Brian Franco, Jenny McNamara Franco and other family members for their valued contributions to this story. ~ Valerie Sheppard 30 September, 2020

George Robert Gomez Trinidad school years (Click on photos to enlarge and scroll through) December, 1914 List of successful First Class Honours students in college. George received distinctions in English, Latin and Mathematics. Island Scholar 1916 General Merit - 1915 George is at the top of the College. CIC War Memorial publication Past students who served. George Gomez is seen top centre. Private Gomez - India (4th left) Go to his Letters from India Chief Medical Officer - St. Kitts & Nevis Dr. Gomez, the surgeon (Click on photos below to enlarge and scroll through) Alexandria Hospital Now a heritage site, this is where Dr. George Gomez worked as Chief Medical Officer, Nevis. DSC03673.jpg Dr. Gomez salary: 375 pounds, travel allowance 30 pounds, position of Medical Officer District 3, appointed 5/3/29. Date first appointed to Colonial Government 21/12/24. Authority to conduct private practice. Condolence card The Boy Scout Association of Nevis's condolence card, dated the day of the funeral, 8 September, 1931. The doctor had died at 2.45pm the previous day. He was buried in the morning, less than a day later. At 8am that morning, arriving on the 'St. Ursula' from Nevis, were numerous mourners including the Scouts of the Ist Nevis Troop. George was the Assistant Scout Commissioner and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Boy Scouts Local Association. 22nd September, 1931 The St. Kitts-Nevis Daily Bulletin 9th September, 1931 The doctor's flower-covered grave, Springfield Cemetery, next to the Cunningham Hospital, Basseterre, St Kitts. The cemetery had not been long opened, hence the desolate appearance. The grave around July 1932 By this time, Jessie Gomez had returned to Scotland with her three young children. Probate Notice 1st October, 1931 The St. Kitts-Nevis Daily Bulletin Message from Dr. Gomez' widow, Jessie. Jessie, Joseph and Euphemia Gomez The Gomez children circa 1935, after they had left Nevis and settled in Scotland with their mother, after the death of their father in 1931. See also: GEORGE ROBERT GOMEZ THE GOMEZ SAGA - NEVIS

Charles Albert (Bertie) Sheppard and his wife Lena Joyce de Sousa Bertie Sheppard - Our Brother Written by my father, Andrew Sheppard Bertie was born in Trinidad on 6th August 1914 and passed away in Grenada at the St. George’s Hospital shortly after 1.00 p.m. on Saturday 13th August, 1988. He was baptized in the Scottish Presbyterian religion, at the St. Ann’s Church of Scotland in Port of Spain, Trinidad. His name was Charles Albert Sheppard. He was the fifth child and the second son of Charles Sebastian Theodore Sheppard and Elsie Mabel née Gomez of Trinidad. I am the last (born the tenth child) of the male sex of a family of thirteen children. Our youngest brother, Arthur, died as a baby in 1928. At that time, there were six boys and six girls. Our father died in 1931 at the young age of 45. Bertie grew up with a strong Christian upbringing and was educated at Queen’s Royal College in Port of Spain, where he proved a person of exceptional ability and dedication to purpose and principle. He gained the Senior Cambridge School Certificate at the very young age of 16. Of necessity, Bertie had to seek gainful employment so as to supplement the family treasure, which was depleted after the premature death of our father. At that time, only two of the twelve children were working. Bertie was employed at one of the largest companies with diverse interests - George F. Huggins & Co. Ltd., which was founded by a young entrepreneur from St. Vincent. After graduating from Office Boy, Bertie was selected for the Stevedoring Department of Huggins & Company, which ran the largest shipping agencies, including Canadian National Steamships among several other important lines. Bertie remained faithful and loyal to his employers from 1931 until 1961 when he was promoted from Head of the Stevedoring Department to become Manager and Managing Director of George F. Huggins & Co. Ltd., of St. Georges, Grenada, from which company he retired, to continue living in Grenada, in 1964. Bertie was employed with Huggins for a period of thirty-three years of unbroken and dedicated service. Bertie was married to a beautiful lady when she was quite young. She was Joyce, daughter of Robert and Alice de Sousa. It was love at first sight and the couple have lived a life of bliss, love, understanding and caring from 1939, when they were married at the Grey Friars Church of Scotland in Port of Spain. They were both Presbyterians and they brought up their three children of two boys and one girl in Trinidad with a similar religious persuasion. In November 1988, they would have been married for 49 years.* As a young man growing up in Port of Spain was not easy for ambitious Bertie, whose income was mainly contributed to the cost of raising a large family of mother, brothers and sisters of school age, but Bertie did it with flair. He was always a stylish person, from boyhood. The way he spoke and carried himself under all circumstances indicated that he was a gentleman of the highest order. With scant resources and good taste, Bertie was assimilated into the society of Trinidad with ease. He was a natural sportsman. At school he played football and cricket and afterwards became a very good hockey player. He also loved tennis. Best of all though, was his love of the sea. He loved fishing, rowing and mostly, sailing. With the help of his good friends, Eddie Symonds, Jimmy Ingles and others, he built a beautiful yacht of the “Snipe” class which won many races and provided all of us with a great deal of pleasure. When the Trinidad Volunteers required young men for military training, Bertie volunteered and rose to the rank of Corporal in the Second or Reserve Battalion of the Infantry. Bertie and Joyce lived a happy, simple life and their interests were similar. They did the best they could for their children. Richard was champion racing cyclist of Trinidad for years until he was involved in a bad accident, which caused him, his parents, family and friends a great deal of grief, pain and expense. Bertie sent him to England for expert medical attention. Richard is now one of the best and most experienced oil drilling supervisors to be found anywhere. He is married to the former Elizabeth Nothnagel and has three children, two girls and a boy. Kathleen, a beauty, after attaining her School Certificate in Trinidad, was sent to Denson Secretarial College in England, where she graduated with first class honours. Kathleen was married to Bernard D'Abreu of Trinidad, but poor Bernard died soon after the birth of their third daughter. She eventually married Denis Henry, a lawyer and Queen’s Counsel, of Grenada, who later became Sir Denis Henry. They lived in Grenada where the three girls of the first marriage were joined by two boys of the second marriage. This period was probably one of the happiest for Bertie and Joyce. They loved their daughter and grandchildren and the feeling was mutual. when Sir Denis and Lady Henry decided to go to England to reside, it was quite a blow to Bertie and Joyce who were now left without any relatives in Grenada. They turned to gardening - his second love. Brian lives in Trinidad and is the Managing Director of a successful finance company - Caribbean Finance Co. Ltd. He is married to the former Diana Mouttet and they have two children. Therefore, Bertie and Joyce have a total of ten grandchildren. Their beautiful home is at L'anse Aux Epines. When Bertie and Joyce and their children lived in St. Augustine in Trinidad, their beautiful home in Carmody Road, which stood on an acre of fruit-bearing land, was the social and athletic centre of the district. Young and old congregated there to socialize, plan and discuss the interests of the day, which were mainly sporting activities. Bertie was always the Chairman, offering criticism and advice when required or requested. He loved and supported winners but tried his best to help the losers or under-dogs. He was an extremely kind person, whose charity was well known. We will never know how many unfortunate people he has assisted in a variety of ways. Bertie joined the Masonic Lodge as a very young man and remained a member of the Prince of Wales Lodge in Trinidad until his passing. He was also a member of the Lodge in St. Georges, Grenada from the time of his transfer to Grenada up to the 13th August, 1988. He was an excellent ritualist and a very successful Master on several occasions. He attained most of the highest degrees in Free Masonry and was always regarded as a man of sterling character. He loved to tease young people and so they loved him in return. His presence was a stimulant to otherwise dull company. Bertie had a special way about him. Everyone who knew him respected him. He turned Huggins in Grenada from a rather dull and losing operation into a viable, vibrant Company with a sensible variety of interesting innovations, including a dress shop and automobile agency. Bertie’s variety of interests were legend. He was an active community worker and helped organizations such as the Family Planning Council and the School for the Deaf, among several others. He was a member of the Rotary Club and the St. George’s Club. I recently had the pleasure and privilege of meeting the Prime Minister of Grenada and told him I was Bertie Sheppard’s brother and asked him if he knew Bertie, to which he replied: “You are Bertie’s brother? Who does not know Bertie? He’s a great fellow. When last have you seen him or been to Grenada? Please come over and often. You are Bertie’s brother - most welcome!” This describes our dearly beloved brother Bertie, who has suffered silently for so long without complaining. This gracious, kind, caring and loving gentleman, father and grandfather and friend of so many adoring people, will be sorely missed by all who knew him - including his brothers and sisters. God, please take him into your loving arms and take care of him forever. This and much, much more from your baby brother, who loved you and admired you very much. Goodbye, dear Bertie. To Joyce , his faithful and loyal widow and his children - Love and Peace. Andrew Sheppard Barbados Sunday 14th August, 1988 - 4.10 a.m. * (Note: In fact, they would have had their 50th Wedding Anniversary three months later) Bertie and Joyce are grandparents of well known Trinidad soprano Wendy Sheppard.

Joseph Alfred Sheppard 1912-1989 A Tribute written on August 16, 1989 by my father, Andrew D. Sheppard (transcribed from personal family memorabilia) Born in Trinidad, February 28, 1912. Died in California, U.S.A. August 16, 1989. In fond memory of Joseph Alfred Sheppard, my eldest brother and best friend. When he returned home from his first day’s attendance as a pupil of Queen’s Royal College at Port- of-Spain, Trinidad, he found a newborn brother, born of Charles and Elsie, at the family residence at Stone Street, Port of Spain. I was the new arrival, being number ten of eventually thirteen children. “Boysie”, as he was affectionately called, felt proud somehow, and thereby started a close affinity between the eldest and the youngest male members of this large family. He was my friend and big brother, being ten years my senior. I followed him everywhere, within certain limits. Boysie was my hero. He could do no wrong. I helped him to clean and lubricate his bicycle and eventually, his motorcycle. I watched as he painted beautiful pictures of cowboys and Indians, ships, airplanes, birds and flowers. I saw him make rocking horses of wood, beautifully painted like those at Coney Island, complete with upholstered seats. I admired him in his college’s military cadet’s uniform. He looked so tall and handsome. He was an excellent marksman and won several prizes for his skill. Boysie was a good student and studied hard. He achieved passes with distinction in the Junior and Senior Cambridge Examinations. He enjoyed woodwork and photography as hobbies. Boysie, or Joseph, if you wish, had the ability to become a professional man of his choice, but unfortunately it was not then possible for him to satisfy such ambitions because of financial constraints, being the eldest son of a large family with heavy commitments. So Boysie had to go to work at the age of seventeen, accepting a job as an office clerk at a firm of traders and shipping agents, William H. Kennedy & Co Ltd. His natural flair for detail and neatness was soon recognized by his employers and he was placed in charge of the company’s accounts. Boysie became an Accountant, sans certificate, but responsible, able and proud. His personal appearance and exemplary conduct proved to be an asset to this firm, who appreciated his services. At this stage of his career, fate caused him to take a sharp turn into the arena of harsh reality. Our father died, leaving our mother with twelve children to look after. Our youngest brother died three years previously, as a baby. Our eldest sister Jessie and Boysie were the only two children who were working. Jessie earned twelve dollars per month and Boysie was drawing a salary of fifteen dollars. The others were at school. Young Joseph Alfred (Boysie) rose to the occasion in his inimitable manner. He faced up to the facts of life. Here was a mother with no husband and a large flock with 24 eyes looking to her for everything. Boysie immediately assumed command of the financial control of the family. He was the helmsman of a large and leaky ship at the age of seventeen, but he stood steady and helped to steer our lives, which established his skill. We did not end on the rocks, thanks largely to a serious, dedicated and responsible young man named “Boysie”. Especially at this time, I, like his adopted son, looked to Boysie for almost everything within reason. He befriended his youngest brother and he took me for many rides on the pillion of his motorcycle. I have not ridden one since. He showed me how to draw and imbued in me a sense of compassion for our fellow human and animal beings. His kindness led him eventually to become a director and treasurer of the local zoo. One day, he drove home a Ford sports car, which he bought from his savings. He was so proud of this mechanical marvel, which had a folding soft-top and a tumble seat for two, with a total capacity of four persons. He was “King of the Road”. He was the best customer for “Simoniz” wax polish. We all discovered the meaning of elbow grease. Boysie’s car had to work and look the best. He did everything with style. Joseph’s reputation as a gentleman was complemented by his tasteful and impeccable attire, at all times. Today he would be called “Mr. Threads”. His sense of humour was sharp and subtle. His tales and jokes were always accompanied by his almost perfect art of mimicry and his performances at family parties and lodge meetings met with universal acclaim. They were always done in good taste and with a sense of timing. Even old jokes were polished and changed to suit the audience present. Boysie was good company. However, his choice of language was always good and he abhorred cursing, swearing and vulgar behaviour. I said “damn” at home once and received a lecture on “mouth control” which I have never forgotten. Boysie loved the sea, and with some help, built a wooden rowing boat in which he took members of his family and friends for cruises and fishing in the Gulf of Paria. He was an excellent and strong oarsman. We younger brothers helped him with the caulking and painting of the boat, which always had to look the best. As Boysie progressed in his work, he accepted employment with Alcoa Steamship Company’s local office and became their Chief Accountant. He represented Alcoa at many shipping conferences in the Caribbean area as well as in South and North America. Boysie was a great favourite with the executives and staff as with his business associates in the general community. His reputation as an accountant and office manager attracted favourable comments from the heads of the company and staff. Joe did not confine his interests to work only. He always extended a helping hand to his children, who considered him to be the best father anyone could have. His emphasis on good family relationships had a profound effect on all of us and we always tried to preserve a feeling of mutuality and cooperation. His advice on important matters was generally readily accepted because his judgment was fair and uncluttered by prejudice. Boysie always preached fairness and Christian charity and his honest utterances cleared the clouds from our vision and enabled us to see the right way. Rather than condemn the actions of another, he chose to question and analyze the reasons for failure and to offer advice and correction in the true spirit of Christianity. Boysie was an Elder of the St. Ann’s Presbyterian Church of Scotland and read the lessons on many occasions. Unfortunately, his wife Elsa and their four children, three sons and one daughter, were adherents to the Roman Catholic Church and could not nor did not attend their father’s church. However, love, mutual respect and understanding prevailed. He became involved in community affairs and was a member of the Rotary Club. As a Free Mason, he became Master of the Prince of Wales Lodge, Port-of-Spain, and his three sons David, Keith and Ronald, eventually joined their father in the Lodge and, in turn, became Masters of the Lodge. Boysie was a source of joy to behold in his Masonic Master’s regalia. He could have been a prince going to meet his subjects. He was strikingly handsome, always immaculate and appeared to be taller than his 5’9”. At times he appeared to me as 6’6”. The saying “the course of true love never did run smooth” proved to be the case with Boysie’s and Elsa’s marriage. The “impossible” had occurred. Elsa sought a divorce. Naturally, the traumatic effects of this unexpected turn of events upset everyone and especially Boysie. He was sent by the Alcoa Company to Dutch Guyana (Suriname) to be administrator of their Aluminium Company there. God, in His Divine Wisdom, arranged for Boysie to meet Winifred Van Amson, and they became married and later returned to Trinidad. Winifred has proven her love for Boysie in so many ways and has stood by him during his most difficult periods and has remained faithful and caring to the very end. It was Boysie’s very good fortune to have met and married Wini, whose courage, devotion and dedication to her husband are to be admired and emulated. She is truly a Christian lady. They produced two wonderful boys, Howard, now 27, and Clifford, 23. At the time of their marriage, Wini also had a twelve-year-old son, Jules, who now works for Universal Studios, and also owns a photography studio and custom lab. Howard is recently married, and is a highly rated singer, with several awards to his credit, and also a Computer Programmer by trade. Clifford is a Flight Engineer of a Lockheed L1011 passenger aircraft for T.W.A., domiciled in New York. Last, but by no means least, are the first four wonderful children of the first marriage – Janet, David, Keith and Ronnie. It was a terribly sad day when Ronnie passed away on May 7th of this year after a long and painful illness. God rest his soul. David and Keith are married and live in Trinidad with their children; so do Janet and her husband and family. They are all greatly admired and respected for their unity as a family and for their loyalty and devotion to their father. I almost omitted to mention that Joseph also held the positions of General Manager of Trinidad’s only flour mill as well as of the largest ice factory, which jobs he performed with his usual efficiency. Finally, I commend all members of this enormous family and everyone who had the privilege of knowing Boysie, Joe, Joseph Sheppard, to consider him to be the ideal human being he endeavoured to be. We all know that Boysie is with the Angels, who will forever take care of him as directed by the Great and Divine Architect of the Universe. Rest in peace, dear brother. Written with love by Andrew Desmond Sheppard August 16, 1989 Boysie's Children Children with Elsa Carmen Fernandes Janet (Sheppard) de Lima (1939-2026) David Sheppard (1941-2024) Keith Sheppard Ronald Sheppard (1945-1989) Children with Winifred Tilly (Winnie) van Amson Howard Sheppard Cliff Sheppard Click on this image to watch a short video of Boysie dancing with his sister Audrey (Sheppard) Clark Boysie with his brother Robert Sheppard

Charles Sheppard Otiginal image restored using AI My great-grandfather's brother, Charles Sheppard born in 1853 in Chichester, Sussex, England Pictured above at 20 years old Charles Sheppard was born on 26 August 1853, the fifth child of James and Elizabeth Sheppard (Shepherd). My great-grandfather Alfred was born two years later on 22 August, 1955. Both brothers would have military careers. St. Paul's Church, Chichester, Sussex, where Charles was baptised on 18 Sep 1853 As a 7 year old school boy, Charles was living with his family at St. Martins Court, St. Martin, Chichester, in the county of Sussex, England. Charles enlisted with the The King's Shropshire Light Infantry at a young age, as military records show that he was honoured for his service in the Afgan War ( 1878-80). In 1882, when he was 29 years old, he married 17 year-old Ellen Mary Fisher in Fullum, London. Their first child, Cyril Charles was born in Woolwich in 1886. By 1887 he was posted with his regiment at Curragh Camp in Kildare, Ireland. This was where their daughter Ivy was born. Charles and Ellen's next two children were born in Cork, Ireland - they were Nellie, born on 1 March 1991, and Charles Alec born in 1893. Charles and Ellen Mary (Fisher) Sh eppard's children right: Cyril and Nell left: Charles and Ivy After his service with the British military in Ireland, Charles and his family returned to England and settled in Wem, Shropshire. There he joined the Wem Company of the Shropshire Rifle Volunteers. The Curator of the Shropshire Regimental Museum sent us the following photo, with a note: "I attach a photo of the Wem Company of the Shropshire Rifle Volunteers in the late 1890s. This photo contains Sheppard on the front row - though we are not quite sure which one he is. The man in front, second from right is Lieut. Corke; we THINK the man to his right (as viewed) is the Regimental Sergt Major and we THINK the man to his left (as viewed) is Sergt. Major Sheppard. All three sergeants wear the Afghan medal. Which ever of those three he is - one of the three IS him !" Charles and Mary Ellen (Fisher) Sheppard lived with their family at 68 Aston Street, Wem, Shropshire. In 1911, Charles was 58 years old and had already been discharged from the military. As head of the household, he was described in the Census of that year as an army pensioner and coal merchant. His 18 year old son Charles Alec worked with him in the coal business. Both of the daughters, Ivy and Nellie, then 23 and 20 respectively, were unmarried and lived with them in the family home. Ivy was an elementary school teacher, Nell was described as a 'domestic' - she took care of the home. Their eldest son, Cyril, was no longer living with them. We have ascertained that Cyril had followed in his father's footsteps and had started a career in the military. In 1935, Charles was honoured to receive this prestigious invitation to an event that would no doubt be the crowning highlight of his life in the military for the eighty-two year old veteran and his family: Ex-R.S.M. Steward and Charles Sheppard were the two surviving seniors who “marched out the Old Colours" at The Quarry, Shewsbury, on 25th April, 1935 When the new Colours were presented to the 2nd Battalion KSLI by H.R.H. The Duke of York (Prince Albert, (Albert Frederick Arthur George - soon to be George VI) in 1935, he handed them to RSM Sheppard. This was indeed a grand occasion and honour for Charles. Unfortunately, the Curator of the Shropshire Regimental Museum has informed us that there is no photo of that part of the ceremony. An excerpt from The Regimental Journal for 1935 reads : The Commanding Officer, in his reply, on behalf of the Battalion, spoke as follows : "I thank Your Royal Highness for coming here to-day to present these Colours and also for the kind remarks you have made. You may assure His Majesty that the honour of the Colours will be fully upheld by all ranks and that the spirit of the Regiment is as proud to-day as it has ever been and should the occasion arise that this Battalion should be called upon to serve, the young soldiers you see here now wiU acquit themselves as nobly as the veterans to whom we owe the Honours already inscribed on our Colours." The New Colours were then accorded a Royal Salute as they were marched back to their position, in slow time, to the National Anthem, and the Battalion, having reformed line, marched past H.R.H., the band playing the Regimental Quick March, "The Daughter of the Regiment." The Presentation Ceremony then concluded with the Advance in Review Order, followed by three hearty cheers for H.R.H. Two thousand Old Comrades of the Regiment were next marshaled on the Parade Ground, in eight ranks, under the command of Brigader R. J. Bridgford, and H.R.H. made a tour of inspection and presented the Meritorious Service Medal to ex-R.S.M. I. Stewart. The Old Comrades were turned about to face the Battalion and the Old Colours were handed over to ex-R.S.M. C. Sheppard, ex-R.S.M. I. Stewart and Ex-Colour Sgt. E. Logan, all of whom were on parade when they were presented in 1877, who in turn gave them to ex.-R.S.M's. J. Evans, M.C., W. Griffiths, D.C.M., J. Threagd, D.C.M., G. Moore, M.C., J. Griffiths and F. Thompson, who were to escort them to the Depot Barracks. The Battlion, headed by the Bugles, left the Parade Ground flowed by the Old Comrades, with the Band. Pictured in 1936 - Charles Sheppard (rt.) with his friend and fellow member of the Old Comrades, ex-R.S.M. J. Griffiths, mentioned in the Regimental Journal of 1935 above. Evidence of Charles Sheppard's distinguished career in the military are his medals (Afghan War, 1878-80, Long Service and Good Conduct medal, Meritorious Service medal), named to him. They are on display in the Shropshire Regimental Museum at Shewsbury Castle. His NCOs peaked forage cap of c. 1890 is also on display. We have been informed by the curator of the museum that these items had been donated to the collection as long ago as 1961. SEE ALSO: Family of Charles Sheppard and Mary Ellen Fisher

Janet Elsie (West) Miller Barbados, 24 March 1936 - Florida, 16 June 2024 MY FOREVER FRIEND Janet, around 1965 “And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.” Those words of my favourite poet, Kahlil Gibran, perfectly describe the special sweet friendship shared by Janet and me for over sixty years. It was through our husbands and the Barbados Polo Club that we first came to know each other in 1965, as our men were both playing members. Trevor and Janet were a young married couple and their children would come to polo afternoons at the club - Niki was 9, Roddy 7 and Juliette was just 5. I was completely new to the polo scene, just about to start off married life with my handsome Tony and begin a family of our own. I remember how stunningly beautiful Janet was, with her long raven hair sometimes worn in a single thick braid over her shoulder. I admired how she always looked so stylish. She was always warm and friendly, we hit it off from the very start. Although Janet was 11 years older than me, we never noticed the age difference. She took me under her wing, so to speak. Little did we know then how entwined our lives would become, and that we would share a life-long bond born out of tragedies and heartbreak on the one hand, and happiness and joy on the other. Janet and I were both married when we were only 18 years young - she to her first love Trevor Davis in 1954, me to my first love Tony Archer in 1966. We both enjoyed a very happy married life as young couples raising our families in Barbados. Tony and I lived on the south coast, and I still remember the Sunday afternoon drives to the countryside with our young ones to visit them at the 17th century Colleton Plantation Great House in St. John when Trevor was the Manager of the sugar-cane plantation there. Janet always insisted on serving up an impromptu supper, and we never went back home without Trevor giving us bags of some home-grown produce. Being “polo wives” we were always entertaining or being entertained in our shared circle of friends, as is the custom in Barbados. Janet was a fabulous cook and hostess, she had a flair for throwing memorable parties. She was one of the most positive, talented, industrious and energetic women I ever knew. She sewed beautifully, making her own outfits, home furnishings and always things for others. When I was expecting my first child in 1967, she turned up one afternoon with a locally hand-woven basket, beautifully decorated with dainty flounces of blue chiffon and lace, filled with everything I would need to look after changing and bathing the baby - right down to diaper pins. Yes, pins, for home-made cloth diapers, no Pampers back then! Along with the basket, she had made me a pretty blue hanging holder for stacking folded diapers. Janet must have had a feeling that my first would be a boy, so chose blue! These I used for all five of my quickly produced family, and they remain vividly in my memories. We had no idea then, in those first blissful years, what lay ahead for both of us. In 1973, eighteen years into their marriage, Trevor was involved in a car accident that tragically took his life. He was only 41. We were shattered by this tragedy and filled with compassion for Jan and her young children. Our friendship grew in a different and deeper way. We included each other in whatever was going on. We admired her courage and resourcefulness as she coped with her grief while working hard to develop her Victoria Florist business. She operated this from her home in Victoria, St. John - the beautiful new home that she and Trevor had built and moved into shortly before that fatal accident. Several years later when we learned about her Dr. Arthur Miller in Florida and met him, we couldn’t have been happier for her. They were a beautiful couple. Art was a real gentle sweetheart and adored “the Bajan lady” as he liked to refer to her, with a twinkle in his eye. Art shared Janet’s love of family and Bajan ways of family life. Tony and I became close friends of Art too, and life went on with several happy visits back and forth. I even remember a time when Art’s son Bret worked for a while with Tony at our family business J.A.K. Archer & Co. Ltd. in Barbados. But in 1984, also eighteen years into our own marriage, another cruel twist of fate would suddenly take my own Tony from me and our children. He suffered a fatal cardiac arrest in our car while I was rushing him for emergency treatment in an asthma attack. He was just 45. By incredible and poignant coincidence, Trevor died on Saturday July 14th 1973, and Tony died on Saturday July 14th 1984. Janet and I were both widowed when we were only 37 years old. Just as Trevor’s sudden death had been a shock to the Barbadian community, so was Tony’s. Upon hearing the news, Janet and Art took the next plane to Barbados to be with me and my 5 young children. That first Christmas of 1984, Janet and Art insisted that I come and bring the children to spend the Christmas holidays with them at their Bal Harbor home in Florida, and even extended the invitation to Tony’s parents. He was their only child. We will never forget their kindness and generosity. To this day, my children remember Janet with utmost love and affection. My eldest, for whom she made the blue baby basket, summed it up: “Auntie Janet didn’t have a bad bone in her body”. Janet and I loved to go shopping together in Florida, and often bought the same clothes and accessories, as we had pretty much the same taste. She took me to all her favourite stores and loved to fool the store attendants that we were sisters - and they believed us! She loved that game and it brought giggles galore – “bare sport” as she would say! Well truth be said, we really loved each other like sisters, in every possible way. As for me, in 1985 I got married again to someone Janet knew. David MacKenzie had been married to her cousin, Anne Bayley, sister of Patti Mull who introduced her to Art. Anne had died in December of 1984. Janet took me shopping for the wedding, helped me select the guipure lace and style for my wedding gown. She and Art flew to Barbados to be with me on the big day. During my 22-year marriage to David, we continued our friendships through visits and went on several cruise holidays together. Janet was always full of fun, and the laughs and adventures we shared, together with our mutual Bajan friends Keith and Angela Melville were epic. Unfortunately my second marriage ended in divorce, and again Janet and Art flew to Barbados and helped me through the second most difficult phase of my life. A few years after my divorce I remarried and was delighted to introduce my Dutch husband, Meindert van der Meulen, to my dearest of friends, Janet and Art. They welcomed him with open arms into their homes in Jensen Beach and Hutchinson Island, Florida. Their home was filled with handcrafted Barbadian mahogany furniture - heirlooms from Janet’s family. We have had wonderful visits with them and their family and our lives have been enriched by their friendship. Where else could I stay and have an African Grey greet me “Good morning, Auntie Valerie”? We miss them dearly and treasure every memory of the laughter and sharing of all the inevitable ups and downs of life. I settled in the Netherlands with Meindert, and because of the physical distance between us now, I regret that we could not visit Janet and Art as often as we used to when we were living closer to each other. Janet’s birthday was 24th March, Tony’s was 23rd March – how could we ever forget? It was one day we always made sure to call each other to celebrate and appreciate our shared life experiences. It’s hard to put sixty years of this special friendship into one short story, for there are so many layers and times to remember. Suffice to say, we were always there for each other, and for this I will always be grateful. Meindert and I, along with my children Paul, Wayne, Richard, Ingrid and Phil, extend love and condolences to all Janet’s family. I shut my eyes and see her beautiful face, hear her laughing, always fun-loving and forever young at heart. Sleep easy my dearest friend, Janet, you have lived a life of beauty, goodness and kindness that will long be remembered. Your children will make you proud as they carry on your legacy. You will always be remembered by everyone who was lucky enough to have known and loved you. Especially me. Valerie Sheppard – 7 September, 2024 Janet, Art and myself - Florida 2007 In the tapestry of life, friendships weave, A bond so strong, you’d never believe, The way they light our darkest night, Guiding us with their unwavering light. Through stormy seas and skies so gray, Friends stand beside us, come what may, Their laughter, a melody that warms the heart, In this timeless dance, we’re never apart. In the garden of memories, they’re the bloom, In every corner of our heart’s sweet room, The tears we share and secrets confide, In the realm of friendship, we cannot hide. Through trials and triumphs, they hold our hand, In the intricate web of life, they understand, The unspoken words, the silent plea, Friends know us better than we often see. When life’s burdens weigh heavy and low, Friends offer solace, a safe place to go, Their kindness a balm for every wound, In this symphony of love, our souls are attuned. A lifeline to happiness, to soothe our pains,
 Friendship, a treasure, so precious and true, 
In the garden of hearts, it forever blooms for you. By: Vyomi Shah Trevor de Lisle Davis - 1931-1973 - Barbados Trevor's Way, Bridgetown, Barbados named after the late Trevor Davis. Trevor was initially responsible for the beautification of this recreational space. It extends from the Cheapside Fish Market, down to the Port of Bridgetown. (video by Barbados Port Inc.)

George Vincent Gonsalves husband of Mary Marjorie (Madge) Sheppard In Memoriam VIN GEORGE VINCENT GONSALVES 13th July, 1914 to 4th September, 1988 A Tribute written on 4th October, 1988 by my father, Andrew D. Sheppard (transcribed from personal family memorabilia) Vin bore the hallmark and stature of the perfect gentleman. I shall never forget his first visit to our family home, obviously to court our beautiful sister, Marjorie (Madge) . One must have had great courage and love to confront such a large group for the first time – 12 brothers and sisters and our mother. But Vin did it and with great success. Vin’s brothers and sister and himself had recently arrived from Antigua to settle in Trinidad. On this momentous occasion, Vincent Gonsalves conducted himself so diplomatically and with such good manners that he was accepted by all of us instantly. When he shook my hand, on being introduced, he said, “Andrew, I am delighted to meet you and hope we will see a lot of each other”. I was only 14 years of age and a shy and unsure No. 10 in our family. Vin made me feel like an equal. Therein lay his talent. Vin was very proper in his general appearance and his speech was flawless. He resembled a famous English film star of the period, Leslie Howard. If he so desired, he could have become a famous actor. He had the good looks and decorum. But Vin’s ambitions lay elsewhere. He wooed and married beautiful Marjorie (he never called her otherwise). They enjoyed marital bliss for 48 years until that very sad day whence was called to greater service on 4th September, 1988, at the age of 74, at the home of their daughter, Virginia Ryan and her husband, in Miami, Florida, U.S.A. We all grieve his loss and remember Vin fondly for all the good he had done during his stewardship on earth. Vin worked with Esso, an American Oil Company, in their accounting department, and rose to the position of Comptroller of accounts for the Caribbean area. His employment took Vin, Madge and their three children to reside in Santo Domingo, Cuba and Miami, where he finally retired to reside with his wife and family. This, apart from an initial spell of duty in Trinidad. Vin was highly regarded by his employers, who depended on his utter reliability. All of his employees and business acquaintances and friends regarded him with respect and endearment. On his last foreign assignment as Chief Accountant for Esso in Havana, Cuba, Vin, Madge and their three children were among the huge crowd to welcome and congratulate their new leader, the victorious Fidel Castro, when he arrived at the Havana waterfront on the famous boat “Granma”. Meticulous Vin, who kept detailed records of certain events, also had a comprehensive library of home movies which included his 16 millimeter movie recording of that memorable occasion, which clearly shows George, Virginia, Douglas and of course, Fidel Castro. I saw this movie at their Miami home. However, it was soon afterwards that Mr. Castro declared his real intentions of transforming Cuba into a communist state. Panic set in. All who could, left hurriedly – for Miami. Vin sent his family, excepting George, to Miami to await his arrival there. George offered to stay with his daddy, which was very good; but this is called love. Noble Vincent gallantly decided to remain in Cuba to try to complete his job as chief of Esso’s office. You see, Castro had ordered his army to confiscate all American and foreign property – but why make the transition easy. After shipping most vital information in files, etc., to Miami, it was decided to destroy all remaining records. This Vin did. All the Cubans got was confetti and ‘shreddies’. Vin and George had to run for their lives and caught one of the last flights from Havana to Miami. This was the kind of stuff of which Vin was made. Vin was Roman Catholic and Marjorie, Presbyterian. They were married at the Roman Catholic Sacred Heart Church in Port of Spain on 14th September, 1940. According to the dictates of the Church, their children had to be instructed in the Catholic religion. This was accomplished without discord and with understanding and love. They were a beautiful family. Both parents were strict, loving and mostly, caring, not only for themselves but for others less fortunate or in need. Acts of Christianity and charity simply flowed from the hearts and minds of Vin and Madge. For example, when my wife and I were faced with a financial embarrassment in our early married life, it was Vin who came to the rescue, unsolicited. He only heard of it and promptly dispatched an envelope to me containing $100.00, which saved the day. With it came a note stating simply “Glad to be of some help, old boy. Forget repayment – just stop worrying.” Was not that wonderful and extremely kind? How could anyone forget someone like Vin? Vin and Madge made many fast friendships all over the world and whenever any of their friends visited their home they just knew they were welcome. Vin was always the gracious host and Marjorie the wonderful hostess. They were a great couple. Vin possessed an aura of goodness that shone through. What he spoke was truth. Whatever he promised was fulfilled. Love ruled the day – each and every day. When poor Madge began to be affected by the serious problems of her cardio-vascular system, which necessitated intensive e-care treatment and surgery on her heart, her beloved husband was always at her side, praying with her and encouraging her. A most faithful and loyal person he was. In her delicate state of health, Vincent had, and accepted, the great responsibility for Marjorie’s care, treatment, diet and mobility, without complaining. Vin very conscientiously attended to her every need and they always tried to be pleasant in company, in spite of their constantly stressful situation. Vin and Marjorie were encouraged and persuaded by Virginia Ryan, their daughter, to give up by sale or rental, their lovely home on a lake, and to live with her husband and herself in an apartment within their home, which would comfortably accommodate them. This was gratefully accepted by the two senior citizens, who were glad to be with their daughter. Things to be considered included the fact that they would be leaving their love-nest of many years where they were quite happy. And who would go twice or more daily to call and talk to and feed the fish in the lake? They really knew Vin and poked their heads out of the water in the lake next to their house and made fish noises – and he would feed them. And the birds – they arrived right next to him and chirped and whistled happily. He was their friend. I witnessed this scene time after time and it was the same incredible happening. But, if you knew Vin, it was easy to understand. God knows, he was a very special person. Less than one week after removing to Virginia’s home, Vin suffered a heart attack and was rushed to hospital where he was kept for a week and returned home. Two weeks later, Vincent suffered a fatal heart attack and died at Virginia’s home. I recently received a friendly note from Vin informing us of their new address. Vin never got the chance to mail it. All of their friends and family were to have received such a friendly note. We must never question the works of God Almighty. In retrospect, when one remembers that Vincent Gonsalves entered and was immediately accepted by our large, complicated but friendly family, it could better be appreciated that Vin always had that rare gift of being able to relate to and mix well with persons of all ages and types, which must have been a far different scene to his former Antiguan environment. But he made so many friends so easily and there was always mutual respect. During their early married life in Port of Spain, accommodation was scarce and so was food. It was a challenging time, but they succeeded and produced three lovely children, George, Virginia and Douglas, who are married – George living in Canada and the other two in U.S.A. Vin was an ardent oarsman and enjoyed rowing his boat and sailing, as well as fishing. He soon was called “Nautical Vincent” – a term of endearment. He loved healthy habits and took his daily choice of vitamin pills. This attracted another nickname ‘ “Vitabs”. All of this Vin endured or enjoyed with good humour, of which he was adequately endowed. He knew that we all loved him and admired him for his great spirit and excellent qualities. All good things and people must end but what we must remember is that we are on loan to prepare ourselves for membership of the Divine Club and when we are called to join that Blessed Band of Angels, we must go. We pray that our dear, kind, Vincent is at peace, as he so well deserves. Madge, George, Virginia and Douglas, accept our deepest sympathy and emulate Vin’s sterling example. Andrew Sheppard (Brother-in-law) Barbados – 4th October, 1988 Tribute to Vin written by his son, George Gonsalves 13 July, 2021 Vin and Madge Gonsalves née Sheppard with their children Virginia, George (centre) and Douglas April 1953 Our Dad, George Vincent (“Vin”) Gonsalves was born on the 13th July 1914 in the Great House at Marble Hill, near St. John’s, Antigua. He was the third child and second son of Planter, George Reginald (“Reggie”) Gonsalves and Adele Matilda Harris, the first to be born in Antigua. His elder siblings were both born in Jamaica, as was his mother. Dad attended Antigua Grammar school until he was ten, when dark clouds changed the family’s life drastically. Our grandfather sold one commodity, cane sugar and he dealt with Redpath Sugar Company in Montreal. He had a sister, Sarah Mildred, in Montreal. Her husband, Reggie’s brother-in-law, António Rodrigues Anjo, appears to have handled some of his business there. In the early 1920’s. cane sugar became a depressed commodity. Beet sugar was produced cheaper than cane sure could be. Cane sugar production was very labour intensive. The two family estates ran up huge debts. Then disaster happened, Reggie died in 1924. Our grandmother had no business experience and, with the help of her brother-in-law, had to liquidate the estates for little or nothing in return. Adele decided to move to Trinidad with her five children. Life was not easy for them, but they were able to survive on little,. The depression started early for them. By 1931, the eldest of my father’s siblings, Mary Louise, married a wealthy Venezuelan and went to live in Caracas. At this time, Adele, our grandmother became ill with cancer. In those days, this disease was considered to be a curse, and people treated her as though she were a leper. By then, her second son, Stanley, was hired to work in a lime estate in Montserrat. I am not sure what his function there was. After school and on Saturdays, Dad worked for Canning’s as a messenger delivering groceries. He was also responsible for assisting with the upbringing of his younger brothers Herbert and Patrick. Adele died in January 1933 and the remaining children were split up. Dad went to live with the family of Suzanne Ferreira on Belmont Circular Road and completed his education, having signed up for an accounting course in which he excelled. His younger brothers went to the Martin family. By 1937, Dad was proficient enough to obtain a job with Esso in their accounting department. He was earning enough to strike out on his own the next year and rented a room at our Grandma Sheppard’s Boarding House on Richmond Street in Port of Spain. At this time, he was also supporting his two younger brothers. Dad soon became closely involved with his adopted family. The affection they had for one another always impressed him. He loved Grandma and called her Ma. (He always referred to his own parents as “Father” and “Mother.”) He provided guidance to Uncle Andrew and my mother once said that Dad “put Andrew in long pants.” If you have not done so, you must read Uncle Andrew’s beautiful eulogy and biography of my father. Of course, it was here that my parents met and fell in love. They were married on 14 September 1940. Dad had a long career at Esso (Standard Oil Company of New Jersey) Caribbean. He had a troubleshooting job and travelled throughout the operation from Bermuda, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico to British Guiana and Suriname. In 1953, Esso decided to move him to Santo Domingo (then called Ciudad Trujillo, named after the dictator. Rafael Leónidas Trujillo Molina), which was more central to the area than Trinidad was. In 1956, he was promoted to the ESSOSA head office in Havana, where we lived for four years, until the company was intervened by the Castro government. In 1960, we moved to Coral Gables, FL, where Dad remained until he retired and subsequently passed away. Dad would have been 107 years old today. He was an amazing gentleman, a perfect husband and father and he was everybody’s friend. He was generous to a fault. We love him and miss him today and always. It is thirty-three years since he left us and there are still occasions when I wish I could pick up the phone and talk to him. Rest in Peace, Dad.

Meindert van der Meulen and Valerie Sheppard Little Bentley, Barbados - 27 July 2013 I'm Valerie, a Trini-born Sheppard, now the eldest of my family. My father, Andrew Sheppard , was the tenth child in a family of thirteen children. From my early memories of family life with my dad, Barbadian-born mother Betty and my six siblings I remember evenings in our drawing-room hearing him relate with love, humour and passion, stories about his boy days and the joys and challenges of growing up in a large family at their Richmond Street home in Port- of-Spain. I was a child in the fifties, there was no TV in the West Indies yet, certainly no computers but always music, conversations and stories. I remember and treasure his stories about the old times, many of them left behind for us in his beautiful handwriting. Family means the world to me, and I have inherited my father's love for writing and for telling the stories. In our younger days, we seem not to have time nor perhaps enough interest to really find out about our families. I mean, really find out. I look back now and wish I had asked all the questions I want to ask now, from all those beloved family members whom I knew and loved so well, but who have now passed on. We tend to think we'll always have them around. I wish I had taken notes, or even recorded some of the tales on tape. Now that I'm older and have finished raising my family, I find myself absorbed in knowing more about my ancestors, where they came from, how and where they lived, what are the things that helped make us, as a family, who and what we are. I feel it is important to pass these stories on to our children throughout the generations. I was blessed when someone who shares my love and appreciation for family and family history came into my life. My Dutch husband, Meindert van der Meulen, has encouraged me to pursue my passion for this, and has helped me and taught me the ins and outs of his hobby, genealogy. It's a time-consuming, precise, but very enjoyable and rewarding pastime. Together, we have worked on building our Sheppard Family Tree. To achieve this, we have contacted family members directly by email, traveled to Trinidad and spent a few days pouring through the ancient official registers lodged in the archives of the Legal Department in Port- of-Spain. We've talked with the older generation who have shared their memories and treasured family Bibles containing notes of births, marriages and deaths. We've contacted archival departments, including those of the military, in Trinidad, England and Ireland. Meindert and I have spent endless hours sifting through the data, and recording it. We have also scanned and archived the old photos. Using all these ingredients, I felt it was time to put them into a narrative to share with family members. Since launching my website in 2010, starting with my paternal Sheppard family, I expanded into my maternal side doing all my own research, aided by photographs and accounts from living family members. While doing this I find myself imagining what life was like for our ancestors, without all the conveniences and technology we have nowadays. Family traditions and stories were handed down orally, and for this I'm truly grateful. Nowadays, we are able to access information like never before, and we also are able to share to family outside of our own small family circle. Over the years, Meindert's feeling for preserving and archiving special family moments drove him to film various occasions. Years later, we digitized and edited these so that they could be shared with the family. They are a reminder of the importance of appreciating the precious moments with our families. Here he is pictured in Trinidad with my eldest cousin, Joan Bodu filming for the documentary "50th Wedding Anniversary - Audrey & Don", which was filmed in Trinidad and Barbados in 1993. Click here to see all the family videos For reasons of privacy protection for living members of the family, I have not included the family tree on this site. If you would like to have more information, please email me, I'd love to hear from you. I also administer two private Facebook family groups and would love to welcome family members. See also: Friendships - Partnerships - Family Ties Archer Family Barbados J.A.K.(Tony) Archer - Babados Polo Club Descendants - BBC Radio 4 Contact me YouTube

Jessie Mabel Sheppard 1909 - 2002 Jessie (Sheppard) Brash in 1947 when she was 38 years old Early Background & Childhood Charles Sebastian Theodore Sheppard and his sweetheart Elsie Mabel Gomez got married on the 20th of January 1909 at the Presbyterian Church of St. Ann's, and settled down to married life in Port of Spain, Trinidad. It wasn't long before 23 year old Elsie was expecting their first child. Their daughter, Jessie Mabel, arrived on Monday 22 November that year. Jessie's grandparents were English and Portuguese. Her Sheppard grandfather was Alfred, a Sergeant Major with the Trinidad Police Force born in Sussex, England, and her grandma was Virginia de Freitas , Trinidad-born daughter of Madeiran immigrants. Her Gomez grandparents on her mother's side were also all from Portuguese families who had settled in Trinidad. Jessie's father Charlie played the mandolin and violin, and Elsie also played the piano. As in many middle-class homes of those times, a piano took pride of place in the Sheppard drawing room - one could say it was the centerpiece of the home where family and friends socialized and many musical evenings took place. About home life, Elsie wrote in her short memoirs "Music pervaded the air, father and children being the musicians." Little Jessie Sheppard sat at the piano from an early age, and began to play before her little feet could even touch the pedals. Encouraging young Jessie's love for the piano, Charlie and Elsie arranged for their daughter to have music lessons with Herr Christian Wilhelm Nothnagel, a German musician and teacher who had settled in Trinidad and set up his school of music at 18 Gray Street, Port of Spain in 1899. His fees were $5 for 8 half-hour lessons and Jessie was tutored by him twice weekly. Jessie was privileged to have been given this opportunity, as Herr Nothnagel was no ordinary piano teacher. He had come from a family of notable musicians and had studied at Segeberg Seminary in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. He was qualified to teach with special emphasis in music, choral training and conducting and studies in the organ, piano, violin and cello. At his music school, called The St. Clair School of Music, he taught Piano, Organ, Violin, Cello, Singing, and Theory of music. He held students’ evenings for playing before small audiences monthly and prepared students for Trinity College of music or London exams. Undoubtedly, Jessie's early exposure to this classical musical environment led her to be the accomplished pianist she became. As time went by, she realized that her real talent was playing music by ear, and this she humbly considered as a gift. An interesting family connection is that well-known Trinidadian soprano and vocal coach, Wendy Sheppard, is the great-granddaughter of Herr Nothnagel. She is also the great-grandaughter of Jessie's father, Charles Sheppard. Aunt Jessie would fondly recall that when she was a little girl, she would take the train to Sangre Grande, where she loved to spend school holidays with Grandma Christina Gomez. The manager of the local cinema there would often ask her grandmother's permission for her to provide the live piano music for silent movies when the resident pianist was off. This she did when she was just eight years old. Jessie attended Bishop Anstey High School where, as a twelve year old, she would play marches on the piano for the students to march to their classroom. This would be the pattern of her long life - generously giving of her musical talent at countless venues and charity events, with joy and love. Some of these are recounted in a couple of newspaper interviews with her, and in an appreciation published after her death. By age nineteen, Jessie had become the eldest of a family of thirteen children, with seven younger brothers and five sisters to help look after. Then tragedy hit the large Sheppard family. Their father Charles died in 1931 at only 45, leaving them and their young widowed mother to grieve and cope with his sudden death. Fortunately, after graduating from high school, Jessie had obtained a steady job at the Post Office. Her mother Elsie wrote in her memoirs "this was of great help, as she could buy for herself such fineries as were needed and put by something for the "Bottom Drawer". It was at her workplace that she met Bernard, the dashing young man she fell in love with. Bernard would bring mail to the Post Office from the company for which he worked, and what started off as an "office romance" blossomed into courtship and marriage. The eldest Sheppard sisters, l/r Ida, Jessie, Madge at their Richmond Street home, Trinidad (photo colourized from original black & white) Bernard Henry McNee (Man) Brash Husband of Jessie Mabel Sheppard 1910 - 1970 The "Man" Jessie Married How, when or why Bernard Brash acquired the nickname "Man" is anybody's guess. But the amusing story has been told that it started when he was a pretty cocky little boy and his mother's old lady friends used to call him "little man". The moniker stuck with him and he became known as "Man" for life. Bernard Henry McNee (Man) Brash came from a most interesting family. Like his four siblings - Bianca, Francis (Frank), Victoria (Vicky) and Louisita (Toots) - he was born at Tucker Valley, Macqueripe, in the north of Trinidad where their father, Harris Brash, was the Manager of Sir William Ingram's large estate. Man's mother was Trinidad-born Corina Hart, daughter of Daniel Hart and Louisita de la Croix de Martini who was of Italian parentage. Man's paternal grandparents were a Scottish couple - Francis Banks Brash and Jean (Jane) Graham McNee - who had emigrated to Trinidad shortly after their marriage in Glasgow in 1867. Man's mother Corina had been sent away to school at a Catholic convent in America where her aunt, Emmanuel de Martini was a nun (Sr. Mercedes). Corina also had an uncle who was a Catholic priest in Arima, Monsignor C.B. de Martini. Harris and Corina Brash raised their children in the Catholic faith, and lived in the rural Tucker valley estate. Harris Brash later managed San Carlos estate, about 9 miles north of the town of Arima, in the Heights of Guanapo, Northern Range. Man's early education was by a Governess called Miss le Cadre, who lived with the family in their Tucker Valley home. He later went to St Joseph's Convent Arima from Heights of Guanapo, along with his sisters "Toots" and Vicky. When he got his first job in Port of Spain, he boarded with Addie Devenish, a lady whom Man loved and always referred to as his second mother. Roaming the estates among crops of cocoa, bananas, coconuts, coffee and citrus must have been an idyllic and carefree childhood for Man and his siblings, though I'm sure they each had their share of chores around the homestead. They grew up joining in with the estate workers "dancing the cocoa". It is therefore unsurprising that in later years, he formed his own company, B.H. Brash & Co. Ltd., curing cocoa and coffee beans for export. His grandaughter Isabel Brash carries on the family love for cocoa beans in her Trinidad artisan chocolate business called Cocobel Chocolate. Harris Brash and Corina Hart in 1904 Bernard (Man) Brash's parents The Sheppard Family in 1828 Nineteen-year old Jessie is seated next to her mother, holding her sister Florence With the blessing of her widowed mother and much to the excitement of her younger siblings, Jessie and Bernard Henry McNee (Man) Brash were married on 29 August, 1936. In her memoirs, Jessie's mother Elsie wrote "he was a fine young man and she a happy bride". Though the Sheppards were staunch Presbyterians, they were married at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Richmond Street, Port of Spain, a stone's throw away from the Sheppard family home. Jessie vowed to raise their children in the Catholic faith, as was required by the Church. She faithfully kept her promise. Jessie & Man's Family One year after Jessie and Man were married, they welcomed the first of their four children into the world, on 17 August 1937. They named their firtborn Bernard Harris Michael Brash - Bernard after his father, Harris after his Brash grandfather. Bernard married Ruth Ann Ganteaume and they had three children - Elizabeth, Rosanna and Bernard. He passed away in 2017 when he was 80 years old, having had an impressive career as Commander of the Trinidad & Tobago Coast Guard. On 29 October 1939, along came the child that Jessie would affectionately call her "gold bead". Charles Anthony Brash was named after his grandfather Charles (Charlie) Sheppard. Charles joined the oil industry in Trinidad, becoming one of the country's leaders of the oilfield services sector. He is the Chairman and Founder of Well Services Petroleum Company Ltd. and has recently been honoured as a Trinidadian Hero for his his outstanding contribution to oil production over the past sixty years. Charles and his wife Rosalind Thavenot, are the proud parents of six children - Charles (known by his second name Anthony), David, Charlene, Rachel, Daniel and Isabel. Maurice Brash, Jessie and Man's third son, became a well-known actor, singer, radio personality, and a highly sought after voice-over artist for many advertisements. He has performed in numerous television shows and soap operas, stage plays and presentations. Born in Woodbrook on June 10, 1947, Maurice was educated at Fatima College where he went on to teach French after studying Languages at the University of the West Indies. On his return from a scholarship to France in 1975, Maurice led the St. Dominic Savio Choir to become most outstanding Secondary School Choir. In 1989, the French Government awarded him the “Palmes Academiques” for his contribution to the teaching of French language and culture. In 2015 Maurice was inducted into the Fatima Hall of Achievement for his outstanding contribution to his Alma Mater. After three boys, Jessie must have been thrilled when, at 42 years old, she delivered their last child - a girl! Rosalind Elsie Theresa Brash, born on 5 April 1951, was the beautiful blonde baby of the family and was given the name Elsie after Jessie's mother. Her growing up years were filled with piano and vocal training. She has performed in several concerts, sometimes singing duets with Maurice. As small children, she and Maurice even sang duets on the Sunday afternoon "Auntie Kay Show" - a Radio Trinidad programme showcasing children's talent - before the days of television in Trinidad. Rosalind is an accomplished soprano, having won many awards at the annual music festivals. She has sung at countless weddings in Trinidad and Houston, where she lived for a while with her husband, David Voisin. Rosalind and David have one son, Daniel. Jessie saw to it that all her children were sent to piano lessons at an early age. As very young children, she would seat them on her upright piano where she accompanied them during her numerous tea parties and social functions, many held for charity. At Christmas time she would have them perform for the sick at hospitals, as well as for the Princess Elizabeth Home for Children. Maurice recalls: "Her home at 23 O'Connor and then at 38 O'Connor Streets welcomed so many members of our family on both sides. At 23 O'Connor people we had never met would come into our drawing room and play the piano, because the neighbours said Mrs. Brash wouldn't mind. That was when you never locked the house. Our homes were always full of music and singing." I have warm and happy memories of my Aunt Jessie playing the piano at Grandma Sheppard's legendary Christmas Parties where all of her grandchildren would be asked to perform. Auntie Jessie brought the family together around her piano at countless family gatherings. She also was an accomplished organist, and provided music at church for weddings of many family members. Sadly, Jessie's husband Man passed away on 20th February 1970 at age 59. After his death when she was 60 years old she decided to start teaching and took over a small primary school called St. Anthony’s Private School. Three years later, she ran her school from her Woodbrook home, on 38 O'Connor Street. Her closest sister Ida, by then also a widow, moved in to live with her and together they nurtured and taught young children, always including music in their daily curriculum. Jessie's contribution to music and culture in Trinidad has been invaluable. The newspaper articles which I've transcribed below give testimony to her life of music and the high esteem in which she was held. It's heartwarming to know that The Jessie Brash Memorial Trophy is presented each year to outstanding musicians at Trinidad & Tobago Music Festival. Jessie passed away on 23 April 2002 in her ninety-third year, leaving behind a large family of whom she and her husband Man would be very proud today. Her rich legacy of music and kindness will live on forever in the hearts of all her family and everyone who knew and loved her. 1985 - Valerie singing at a family party in Barbados accompanied by Jessie, Standing behind us are her sisters Flo and Ida Newspaper Articles Sunday Express, February 28, 1993

 In 1918 she provided piano music for silent movies. She was only eight then. She remembers feeling sad during a movie she played for “The Transgressors” about a father who neglected his daughter. How could one forget some of the “beautiful” actors - Ramon Navarro and Mary Pickford? 

“I played for silent films when I went to spend holidays with my grandmother” said Jessie Brash, 83, of her grandmother Christina Gomez from Sangre Grande. There was a resident pianist, but I just filled in for fun. I did it about a dozen times.” The name of the Sangre Grande cinema eluded her, but not all of the memories were a blur. She recalled the “cocoa people” would pay monthly for a cinema box which was available to any family member. The cinema manager, one Mr. Watson, usually asked Jessie’s grandmother for permission for her to play. for the movies. During sad scenes, she played such tunes as Hearts and Flowers or I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles.

 “The piano was below the screen so I had to look up at the screen while playing and change the music as was necessary. Silent movies were very nice. They had lovely actors and very handsome men,” said Brash, mother of Maurice Brash, opera singer, actor, teacher and Prime 106 news announcer.

 She didn’t play for silent movies at the London Theatre, now Astor, in Port of Spain, but Brash remembers that it cost a shilling to go to balcony, six pennies for house and three pennies for pit. Ever so often, management had an “egg night”. Patrons who showed up with an egg got in free. Egg night, as you can imagine, was special.

 As Bishop Anstey High School students, Brash and a friend, Lynette Brown, took turns at the piano playing marches and show numbers from the English musicals Showboat and The Girlfriend for their fellow students to march into their classrooms. They were about 12.

 As a child, Brash received some basic training from a German music teacher living in Gray Street, St. Clair, who she remembers as Nothnagel. Twice weekly she was tutored in the classics. However, she thinks her talent lies in playing music by ear. She considers it a gift. It must have been a trait she inherited from her father, Charles Sheppard, whose instruments were the violin and mandolin. Her father was a partner in Salvatori, Scott and Co. Ltd., a general dry goods store that was located where the Salvatori building now stands on Independence Square, Port of Spain. “We used to have some beautiful music evenings” said Brash of her upbringing.

 From the cinema to the school, Brash then took her talent to the Music Festival. She formed the Brash Quartet with violinist Elsie Pereira and cellist Beatrice Tibbets. They won at least a dozen certificates with their renditions of chamber music.

 During World War II, Brash, comedian Lundy de Montbrun, Boscoe and Sheila Holder, and blind pianist Maurice Connor, entertained the American soldiers stationed in Trinidad. The Holders weren’t married then but Boscoe played piano and Sheila sang. Brash dressed her two sons, Bernard and Charles, like soldiers in khaki jacket and pants and took them to the weekly Sunday concerts which were organized to boost the Yankees’ morale.
The musical evenings that Brash enjoyed during childhood have not disappeared entirely. She sometimes teams up with Syl Dopson on clarinet, John Henderson on cuatro,vionists Carl Stodart and Elsie Pereira, bass cellist Philip Habib and Ken Kelshall on the mouth organ at the Diego Martin home of pianist Yvonne Burnett, to make music.

 This spontaneous orchestra plays such waltzes as Ramona, Charmaine and Desert Song. When the spirit becomes infectious, some of the musicians give in to the mood. They drop their instruments, put their arms around one another and do a tango, waltz, fox trot or the rhumba.
 These old-fashioned dances are a throw-back to the days when popular music had mellower melody and gentler rhythm. The times when people really danced. They moved around the room. Launched their heads back. Threw their feet in the air.
 The ballroom dances have been replaced by the soca bogle, the flex, the butterfly and the bubble. Style and grace in motion have given way to waves and gyrations.
Nowadays, said Brash, people listen to noise.
 And couples, she notes, “rent-a-tile.”

 MELODIES FROM AN AGE OF GRACE 

 Newsday, Sunday May 5, 2002 

 We observe the passing of another outstanding woman, Jessie Brash, on Wednesday April 24. The funeral service took place on April 25 at the St Theresa’s Roman Catholic Church in Woodbrook where Jessie had been the organist for 30 years, never accepting any payment for a talent she felt she owed to her God.

 Born Jessie Mabel Sheppard on November 22, 1909, the first of Charles and Elsie Sheppard’s 12 children, she married Bernard “Man" Brash in 1936, a union which produced four children, Bernard, Charles, Maurice and Rosalind, 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

 When her husband died in 1970, leaving no estate, Jessie acquired a small school from Marion De Montbrun at the corner of Roberts and Alfredo Streets in Woodbrook, and determinedly turned St. Anthony’s Private School into a haven for young children on whom she lavished love while giving them an adventure into learning, singing and an awareness of God.

 But it was Jessie’s passion for music which was overriding. With her father she shared a love for music before her feet could barely reach the pedals.
 He even had her play the piano for a silent movie in a neighborhood cinema when his friend, the cinema owner, found himself minus a pianist one evening.

 My memory of this upright woman was seated at the piano accompanying the dancers of Thora Dumnbell’s dance school with heart and soul. And this she did for more than 30 years.

 Those were Jessie’s happiest years and we are told “Thora’s friendship was very dear to her, as was her friendship with Elsie Pereira and Beatrice Tibbits with whom she spent many years playing beautiful music, winning Music Festival awards and driving her late husband who had no ear for music, round the bend.”

 In 1973, the indomitable woman purchased No. 38 O’Connor Street on the strength of her good name alone. A time when your good name was worth something. The house became a haven for many, from her children for whom she was a healing force, to her sister Ida and many whom she helped by holding charity events at the Woodbrook house. Her mother, Elsie, in a short appreciation of her children, once compared Jessie to a diamond. 

Jessie’s children and friends felt the comparison was only valid in the worth of the stone, but not as a cold, hard and showy jewel, for Jessie was the essence of warmth, gentleness and genuine, unpretentious beauty.
 Hazel Ward-Redman once described her as the prettiest lady she ever saw.

 But, said eulogist, Bernard Tappin, “her beauty lay in the gentlest of her voice and in the generosity she showed everyone, for none entered her home without being invited to share a meal, even when she didn’t know if there was anything in the kitchen to eat.”

 Jessie’s faith in God was so strong that nothing phased her and up to the day before she was admitted to the nursing home, where she died peacefully, answered the question “How you going?” with the words “I’m going but ah eh gone yet!”

 Jessie had begun a short semi-autobiography called “An office affair” which she eventually dictated to her close friend Ann Pouchet after diabetes had claimed her eyesight. 

Jessie smiled at the piano, smiled when telling the only joke she could remember about the king who was castrated, smiled when organizing some little concert for someone in need, and smiled when singing the “ole lady walk a mile and a half” calypso as she tried to negotiate the walker with the help of Josephine, Anne Marie and Angela. JESSIE’S GONE, CHURCH ORGAN SILENCED

 By Angela Pidduck Compiled by Valerie Sheppard - 27 September, 2022 With thanks for contributions from: Rosalind (Brash) Voisin - Jessie's daughter Joan (Sutherland) Leggett - Niece of Jessie's husband, Bernard "Man" Brash Research reference for Nothnagel: "The Germans in Trinidad" by Fr. Anthony de Verteuil Videos by Meindert van der Meulen - Valerie's husband Jessie's children Charles, Rosalind and Maurice surrounded by some of her grands and great-grands at a Sheppard Family gathering Trinidad, 11 September, 2022

Patrick Vernon Acland Gibbon husband of Sybil Elsie Sheppard Patrick and Sybil were married on 19 June, 1943 at St. Ann's Church of Scotland, Trinidad Patrick Gibbon was born on 27th October, 1915 in San Fernando, Trinidad. He was the middle child, one of three sons born to Linton Gibbon and his wife Ellen Mary Date, known to the family as Nellie. His older brother was Roddy and Dennis was their younger brother. The boys grew up in Five Rivers, Arouca, where their father was a farmer. They all went to school at Queen's Royal College in Port of Spain, and would commute back and forth each day in a horse-drawn cart. An Ellis Island Passenger List shows that his father Linton traveled to New York from Trinidad, arriving there on 20 April 1919. It states that he was a thirty-year old planter, of Irish stock. In later years Linton, Patrick and Roddy purchased the Springvale Estate. There Linton grew cocoa and had a small cocoa factory. He also grew pineapples and made pineapple jam. Sybil Elsie Sheppard was born a century ago, on 12 September 1921 to be exact. She was the ninth of thirteen children born to Charlie and Elsie (Gomez) Sheppard. Her 100th Birthday was celebrated with a special service at St. Ann's Church of Scotland, Trinidad, attended by close family members and live-streamed to family around the world. Seventy-eight years earlier, the beautiful Sybil became the wife of her sweetheart, Patrick Gibbon, at a ceremony conducted by the late Rev. Adamson at this same sacred venue where she had also worshiped and participated in social events all her life. Patrick first caught sight of the lovely nineteen-year old Sybil at a Carnival fête in 1940. She recalled many decades later while chatting on the beach in Barbados that this handsome young man came over to her and the first thing he said was “Beautiful eyes!” She remembered the excitement she felt when he invited her to go with him to Manzanilla, where all of his family would be spending the weekend. Giggling, she recalled that she fell for him right away, and confided in her big sister Madge that she had met this fellow and about his invitation, and did she think that Mama would allow her to go. In those days, you had to get permission and approval! It so happened that Sybil’s brother Bertie worked at Huggins & Co. Ltd., the same place as Patrick had been working since he was a young boy - so with big brother’s nod that he was a good fellow, permission was granted and off Sybil went. It was to be the adventure of a lifetime for her, as from there on, the couple dated steadily for three years before they tied the knot. A newspaper article appeared in the Trinidad Guardian of June 19, 1993 on the occasion of their Golden Wedding Anniversary. It describes the wedding in lovely detail. The newlyweds spent their honeymoon in Barbados - one week at The Crane Hotel, and another at Cacrabank Hotel in Worthing. They returned to Trinidad and started off married life in Arouca, where their first child was born. Soon after that they found just the place where they wanted to make their home, and purchased a house on a large plot of land surrounded by nature. It was there at their St. Augustine home that they lived their entire married life and raised their family of four children - former Trinidad & Tobago cycling champion Roger, Jennifer MacLean who lives in Australia, David who died by accident in 1963 when he was 15 and Don, a civil engineer. Dave's death was an unspeakable tragedy for the family, a sorrow that Sybil and Patrick bore bravely, supported by their deep faith and love for each other. Together they tended their home and cultivated the beautiful gardens and orchard that all of their relatives and friends remember so fondly. Their St. Augustine home was a welcoming one and for us as children, visits to the Gibbons meant roaming the grounds, climbing the orange trees and eating freely whatever fruit was in season. I remember Uncle Patrick as kind and funny, a most down-to-earth and unpretentious man. His qualities and character, as well as the loyalty and love Patrick and Sybil shared, were eloquently described by his eldest son in the eulogy which follows. The short video clips here capture moments of the couple's family life and hospitality. We recall with love and appreciation this genuine salt-of the earth man who was a part of our Sheppard clan for over half a century. The video at the foot of this page is a time capsule of an era that has passed, one that shows Patrick Gibbon in his element. Patrick passed away on 8 September 2000. His beautiful June Bride continues to sparkle at age 100 and still attributes her youthful appearance and longevity to her "good husband." "What is your secret?" - September 2017, age 96 Family gatherings at the Gibbons Sending congratulations to Sybil's sister Audrey and her husband Don in California for their 50th Anniversary Eulogy delivered by Patrick's eldest son, Roger Patrick Gibbon on 11 September, 2000 Eighty five years ago a baby boy was born to very humble parents. Linton (a farmer) and Nellie raised their three sons in a healthy environment. They also moulded them to go forward with the highest of moral standards. Patrick or Pat, or PVA (but to us Daddy and Grandpa) was truly an exceptional person. He was our friend. He was everyone’s friend. He lived a simple life and taught by example. His boyhood was eventful and he did all the things that country boys did in those days - including mischief. He had a great calling to the outdoors and from very young he developed an addiction to the forest and to his main hobby of hunting. But he was more than just a hunter. He was a husband, a father, a grandfather and a great grandfather. He was a storyteller who told few lies. (Of course, we all know that hunters don’t lie!) He was everything else that a good man can be. His love and caring for his family was exemplary. Two main days on his calendar were Christmas day and the 1st of November (the opening of the duck hunting season). He loved Christmas with family and all the traditions. We will forever value the many vacations that we enjoyed as a family unit in Mayaro. Daddy was a very careful person who planned his life in great detail. He took no risk for fear of losing the little that he had. He was loyal to the highest. He worked with the same company for almost fifty years. At age 15 when he received his first salary, he went to Sir George Huggins to say that something was wrong as he had worked for only half a month but got $10.00 and felt it should have been $5.00. Sir George told him "Son, for your honesty you could keep it". This honesty he carried for the rest of his life The Gibbon family home in Circular Road, St. Augustine He lived in his little home of great warmth for 55 years, and he cared for his superb wife for all of 57 years. He was such a devoted husband, a loving father, a caring grandfather and a proud great grandfather. He was a sincere friend to all - you could count on daddy in times of need - regardless of the circumstances. His life was filled with happiness, love and kindness, but he also had his tragic times. As rugged as he may have looked, inside he was such a soft and sentimental person. During his final days, he was so concerned about what would happen to his "mummy" when he was gone - and even though we tried to convince him that mummy will be cared for just as she cared for us all, it remained foremost in his mind. We think though that he became comforted by the extent of kindness that was showered upon him by his family, Mummy's family and some of his sincere friends, and he knew that this same support will be given freely on to his beloved wife, who devoted her life fully to caring for him in his final years. He was so fortunate to have had mummy with him full time. Such is the love of this great man that the last uttering from his weak and dying lips was "I love you". Daddy, we are so saddened by your passing on, but we shouldn't be - for we know and believe that you are reunited with your parents, your brothers and your son, and that you will be there to greet us all some day. May God be with you. It was not hard to love this beautiful man - so many wonderful memories will remain with us forever. He showed us so many examples of what it was to be honourable, trustworthy, just and fair. He was humorous and could be serious, he was generous yet careful, and he had such a great capacity to love. Most important, he was a man of great faith and he loved the Lord. ~ The loving sentiments of Patrick's only daughter, Jennifer Gibbon MacLean, also expressed at his Service of Thanksgiving. Painting of the Gibbon home courtesy Jennifer Gibbon MacLean Artist: Joanna Aldred - Sybil's niece (Click on the image to enlarge) Story compiled by Valerie on 11 November, 2021, with thanks to Auntie Sybil for sharing her memories and memorabilia My cousin Jennifer for contributing photos and information My husband Meindert for videos