Click on the buttons to watch the videos Remembering Audrey Video Tribute by Audrey's granddaughter, Laila van der Meulen Photos provided by Clark and van der Meulen families Video clips provided by Meindert van der Meulen Swing on Down Audrey's daughters Lola and Susan, along with Susan's son-in-law Donavon Frankenreiter and her son Michael, performing at her Memorial Service on October 16,2016 - San Clemente, California. This video was made by Meindert for the Memorial Service of Audrey's husband, Don Clark. Don passed away in San Clemente, California in 2009 when he was 93. Audrey was my father's sister, the sibling who came next after him. They grew up together and and he loved her dearly. Dad would wake early in the morning and write about his childhood memories. I found this sweet recollection about Audrey among his various writings. Daddy passed away when he was only 68, but his beloved sister lived on until she was 92 and I was able to share this with her a few years ago. "AUDREY" by Andrew Sheppard . When I was just a little lad Born 1922 in Trinidad I had a little sister named Audrey Who was so very, very pretty. Audrey was blonde and blue-eyed too And was the envy of all who Had the pleasure of her company Who was a delight to hear and see Especially when she felt happy. She sang and danced both day and night A real treat to behold, that’s right! When Audrey tapped her toes in tune Many a boy was apt to swoon And when she sang those beautiful blues She all but sent you through your shoes! When once there was a contest for a prize For beauty and talent to be apprised T’was between a Chinese-creole named Thora And little Audrey, each of a different colour T’was counted from the number of newspaper clippings The public sent for their choice from their siblings And though we tried so hard to collect The clippings fell short with great regret The result was not fair and was judged By who could buy the most papers with pictures severed The total of each pretty face was counted in favour Of she whose presence on paper exceeded the other. Unfortunately and in universal dismay The result threw our family in great disarray To think that one so absolutely beautiful and gifted Should lose through insufficient pictures counted. From then until this very day, I’ll always feel That popularity can never be decided From the sale of newspapers so guided The Queen of the local Trinidad scene Remained our dear, sweet Audrey supreme. The years went by, and as you guessed Sweet Audrey’s lovely attitude was blessed With thoughts of others of only the best. She met in Trinidad and married a young man Who was a qualified engineer and an American. Don Clark was the name of this affable gent Who met, mixed with and blended his accent With those of our family of La Belle Trinidad And all else whom he met he thought “not bad”. But sorry to say, there came that sad day When Audrey and Don and Susan their daughter Packed bags and left us for the great U.S.A. Taking with them the cause of happy laughter. Don and Audrey were married in March forty-three Still loving and caring for others and each other What a wonderful spirit our Audrey has Optimism rules her every thought and deed. 18 March, 1943 St. Ann's Church of Scotland, Port of Spain, Trinidad Audrey was the 11th child in the Sheppard Family. In this family photo, she is the blonde girl on the far left, holding her baby sister Flo's hand. Next to her is my father, Andrew.

"Belmont" Written on 26th July, 1988 by my father, Andrew Desmond Sheppard (transcribed from personal family memorabilia) Sketch of "Belmont" by my brother Peter when we lived there in 1960. Peter was then 11 years old. It was during the early sixties that my dear wife Betty and I decided to avail ourselves of an excellent opportunity. An English-styled mansion named “Belmont” in the beautiful parish of St. John became available for rent. It belonged to the family of the late Dr. Hanschell, whose son Michael occupied the property, where he lived with his family. Michael was an Agricultural Scientist and he had recently been transferred or accepted an appointment to Belize. He was in the Colonial Service. Belmont was spacious, with seven bedrooms and two bathrooms upstairs. Downstairs contained a front patio which overlooked the beautiful valley and beyond; a large living room and a large dining room. At the west side entrance there was the hall reception area and in the back was the large kitchen and buttery, etc. The house was fully furnished in antique mahogany. In the front patio at Belmont overlooking the valley - early 1960 l/r Valerie, Betty, Andrew, Winifred Sheppard who was visiting, on her lap my sister Frances, standing far right is my brother Peter. Two of the children in the back row were boarders and one a visiting friend. Outside in the front was a sunken garden with a variety of flower-bearing plants. On the western side there was an open clay-tiled patio with a building which was used as the doctor’s office and clinic. A pitch-covered roadway separated the house from the enclosed fruit and vegetable garden within which area was housing for poultry and animals such as sheep, goats, pigs, rabbits, etc. Behind the house was an area of land with breadfruit and other large trees. On the eastern side of the house there was a well-kept lawn. A wall of stone surrounded the property. A large evergreen tree shaded the house from the afternoon sun. The monthly rental was $160.00. Why move from Navy Gardens to this out-of-the-way place? Our family was becoming larger and space was at a premium, Also, the prospect of living in the countryside afforded our five children (at the time) to enjoy the fresh air and wide open spaces. There was, too, the opportunity of accommodating some boarders for the nearby schools of Presentation College and Codrington High School. The Brothers of the college were very pleased and introduced six boys to us for board, lodging and discipline. One from Trinidad, three from St. Vincent, one Venezuelan, one American. Miss Carter, the Headmistress of Codrington High School, sent three girls to us. One from England one from Canada, one from St. Vincent. Apart from these very interesting children, we further obliged the Presentation Brothers to look after little Jones who arrived penniless by air from Venezuela with a note to the Brothers promising future financial and other arrangements. His parents were American and he worked in the oilfields in Venezuela. We adopted Jones. Very intelligent, good looking, cocky and ten years old. No clothing but what he wore, There were Sonsoles and Carmen, two beauties who were stranded at the Ursuline Convent at Christmas time and whose mother deserted them. She was a Spanish Countess and a divorcee who seemed to travel constantly. We also adopted Sonsoles and Carmen. So here we were, properly ensconced in this lovely old house, the only outer sounds being from birds and breeze. Truly heavenly and so peaceful. Andy and Betty and their five children, eldest 15, youngest 2, six boys and four girls from overseas. All had to be provided with beds, including clean linen, all to be served with breakfast, lunch boxes all filled, tea and dinner. With us two adults, the number of us seated for meals was 14. Just as well I was brought up in a family of 12 children plus 2 parents and 6 boarders. A piece of cake! Poor Betty. I arranged with the owner of a Volkswagen bus to take the children to Presentation College and Codrington. He was very reliable and was a driver in my company when I was a Lieutenant, Royal Engineers, in Trinidad during the war - Mr. Gill. Lawrence, the old chauffeur of the Hanschells, drove my Vauxhall car with our children to the Convent in Bridgetown. I, as Sales Manager of the Barbados Bottling Co. Ltd., had to be at Roebuck Street in Bridgetown at 7.30 a.m. Yes, we did it, but not without the usual problems and worries attending such a challenge. It took much planning, thinking and patience, coupled with love and forbearance. Here was this group of young children, far away from home, the youngest being 8 and the eldest 15. The eldest girl 15, Rachel* , plain, crafty and intelligent, was considered by Codrington to be a misfit. She was English and her father, well placed with Shell Oil in Trinidad, pleaded with us to accommodate and look after her, as the school could not tolerate her as a boarder. After a period of teasing by the boys and living with such a large family, Susan blended with everyone and became quite popular. She even improved in her school work. She is now on the English stage. Annie * was special. Father American, mother Bajan. Lived in Venezuela and USA. Spoilt but quite pleasant with the others. Got married eventually and has her own family in the USA. Little Rosa*. Her father was Barbadian and was a Judge in the High Court in St. Vincent. She was a lovely child, well brought up. No problem. Selena *, pretty, blonde and Spanish, age 10, very talented in singing and dancing. She and her younger sister Aurasita* were very affectionate and helpful. Pity was that their mother did not care enough to even send pocket money and the nuns would not keep them because no money was forthcoming. Likewise, Smith . His parents never communicated with us. Just left this poor little human being out on a limb, at the mercy of the world. We loved him, cared and understood him, but he soon became problematical. A Venezuelan boy from Presentation, much older, tried to persuade him to leave us and go with him. He was wild. I had to enlist the aid of the US Embassy here to contact his father and we had to send Jones back to where he belonged, in Venezuela. We never knew his parents. Financially, a total loss. Then there were the boys. Foremost was Henry* , a model student, pure boy, athletic, with a good sense of humour. He was Betty’s nephew and was a good example to the other children. Rob *, a dreamer - Trinidadian mother and American father, who worked in the oil industry in Venezuela. pleasant fellow who produced some peculiar tales. Roberto* , Venezuelan. Father, General Manager of Ford of Venezuela. Best Scout, good boy, bad temper. Difficult to handle because of language problems. Also, he had difficulty in getting along with others. Last time I saw him, he was a Colonel in the Venezuelan army, visiting Barbados with his family. Manuel* - always a nice person. From St. Vincent, of Trinidadian parents. His dad was an old friend of mine. Cooperative, pleasant, good student. Real boy. Sam *. Unhappy child. From St. Vincent of Vincentian father and Trinidadian mother. Father a wealthy planter. Never liked to study. Smoked too many cigarettes. Hard to reach. Generally very withdrawn. A very sad case. He never improved. Got worse and worse. Returned to live in St. Vincent and became very involved in heavy illegal drugs. One night his father shot him dead. What a waste of humanity - very sad indeed. His father was exonerated on the charge of murder as he shot John who attacked his mother for money to buy drugs. Most important was our family who must have found it very confusing to see all of these strange children invading their privacy. God bless them all. They must have understood because they got along very well with their new-found friends. For entertainment, I hired or borrowed a film projector and films from either the Empire Cinema, Pan American Airways or the Government Information Service, and with a large screen placed at the side of the lawn we showed our young friends a variety of amusing and interesting films. We always invited teachers and children from the nearby boarding houses. Hot dogs, Coca-Cola and impromptu concerts rounded off the night. This was for Saturdays only. Occasionally we would play music by gramophone and dance and sing, always with other company. Betty was at the centre of all this, being musical director and dance instructress. Sundays we went to Church. Roman Catholics to nearby Verdun, next to Presentation College and Anglicans to Codrington High School Chapel. Imagine the laundry, bathing arrangements, shoe-cleaning, gardening, cleaning. I arranged with Mr. Branch, a planter from Claybury, that he would send to cut my grass for his animals and he would give us yams, eddoes and sweet potatoes. Good deal. Robert Nurse from the tenantry next door became our gardener. He was a field labourer but worked for us in his off hours. He still works for us. On Sundays after Church I would drive them all to Bathsheba or Bath in the tray of the Coca-Cola van which was loaned to me by the Company. This we all enjoyed. Got back in time for lunch and afternoon rest. Some Saturdays I would take the “family” to Drive-In and would reverse the van to the screen. Some special nights they would charge $2.00 per car load. They did not specify VAN-load so I was able to entertain at least 12 children for $2.00. Not bad at all. Entertaining "Superman" at Belmont One of the greatest nights was when I brought “Superman” home. His real name was Hector Fares. He was Argentinian and was a professional wrestler and strong-man. A man of immense strength. We of Barbados Bottling Co., Bottlers of Coca-Cola, employed Superman in conjunction with the Coca-Cola Company, to promote Coke in Barbados. I, as new Sales Manager, undertook the project, hired the Kensington Oval for the biggest show ever staged there, and entertained our large, strong and pleasant visitor. He spoke no English so I acted as his interpreter. I speak and read Spanish. So, after the show I had a large party for Superman at Belmont. We invited many influential people and lots of youngsters. The children, as well as the adults, were thrilled to meet Superman. The party was a roaring success. Susan fell in love with Superman. At the Oval, to a crowd of over 10,000, Superman performed the following stunts:- 1) Pulled a Coca-Cola truck fully laden with 300 cases of King Size Coke with a leather bit in his mouth attached to chains which were attached to the from chassis of the truck, he leaning and walking backwards. 2) Ripped a large American Telephone Directory to shreds with his bare hands. 3) Nailed 2 thick pieces of wood (3” pine) with his bare hand using a 6” galvanized iron nail, then pulled it out with his teeth. 4) Had 4 powerful motorcycles connected to his neck and arms with strong ropes and the experienced cyclists failed to move him from a standing position. 5) Two x 4-wheeled jeeps tried to move him by the same method but failed. 6) The strongest man in Barbados smashed a large stone on his chest with a sledge hammer. Many other stunts were performed by our genial giant, who consumed 12 eggs and 1 lb. bacon plus 1 sandwich loaf and a jug of coffee for breakfast, 4 large steaks and large quantities of other food items for lunch and at dinner similar amounts of food and drink. He needed it, poor fellow. I met him years later in Trinidad and again I sponsored him and his team of large international wrestlers. He was manager and referee. A year later I heard that he died in Argentina from an acute heart attack. He did what he could, when he could. Many afternoons (5.30 - 6.30) we would take long walks along the peaceful country roads. It was a real joy - no traffic, cool breeze blowing. Belmont was over 900 feet above sea level. Accompanying Betty and me were our five children plus ten boarders. Also there were our dog “Sums”, who earned his name after his left rear leg was injured in an accident. He could only put down three and carry one! “Hornick” the big playful white sow whom the children loved, “Elcock” the red strutting rooster, “Marmie” the tomcat and a couple of hand-held rabbits. Belmont was a pleasant and interesting experience. The day came, after 2 years, when the owner died abroad and his English-born wife wished to reside in the U.K. so the property was offered for sale. For myself, it was not in the best interests of all of us to stay there. Our boarders returned home and we moved to central Belleville in the city. I undertook a position requiring me to travel constantly throughout the Caribbean so I was at home on some weekends only. One night, after everyone had settled to sleep, I sat on the bench on the western patio enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. “Sums”, my faithful Labrador, was lying nearby. Suddenly, I heard foot-steps coming up the winding gravel driveway from the public road below, footsteps heavily crushing the fallen leaves and gravel. As they came closer, I stood up and shone my flashlight in the direction from which the sounds came. There was nothing to be seen. And yet the heavy slow steps came closer. “Sums”, his hair standing on end, cringed and howled and rubbed against me, but did not bark. I shouted challenges to the unseen thing but there was no response. In a mood of fear and disbelief I ran towards the sound, flashlight shining, swinging my walking stick and “it” ran ahead of me, going straight through the closed iron gate on the northern side. I gave up. Poor frightened Sums, our faithful brave barking dog, was silent and tried by scraping the front door to the house to get into the safety and warmth of the big house. I quickly followed and got under my blankets. When I related this incident, I was told that it must have been the “old master” taking an after-dinner stroll. This was meant to imply that I had heard and felt a ghost - or what was it? On another occasion, in the rear bedroom, Betty’s sister Clem, visiting from Canada, shared a double bed with our daughter, Valerie. Clem heard a noise and, quite naturally sat up and looked, to see this old, grey-haired man seated at the bottom of the bed, with a smile on his face. She called to us and we rushed in to find Clem hugging Valerie tightly. They had both seen the nice old man - who disappeared. They both shared our bed with us for the remainder of the night. He strolled leisurely throughout the house on many other occasions. The “old master”. Just checking. After we left Belmont, it was rented to an English potter and eventually was sold to Lt. Col. Herbert Dowding, Parliamentarian and Commanding Officer of the Barbados Regiment, then General Manager of the Barbados Agricultural Development Corporation. He altered the internal structure for comfort and convenience, added a lift and modernised the old kitchen. He sold Belmont later to Mrs. Julien, a wealthy Grenadian widow who spent a great deal of money in installing a swimming pool and other elaborate "improvements". She eventually sold the property to Mr. Philip Goddard, who still lives there. “Belmont” was constructed in 1730, as inscribed on the chimney above the kitchen. This was shown to me by the late Mr. Michael Hanschell on one of his rare visits. To my family and myself, “Belmont” remains a fond memory. *For reasons of Privacy, I have changed the names of the children who boarded with us at Belmont; the story is otherwise unedited, as written by my father. - Valerie Sheppard

Elsie Mabel Gomez wife of Charles S.T. Sheppard My Grandmother 1888 - 1969 - Trinidad Elsie Mabel Gomez was born in Trinidad on 26th May 1988, when the island was a colony of Britian. She was the eldest of nine children born to Joseph Gomez and his wife Christina Pereira, both of Portuguese descent. At the time of her birth, her parents were living in Port of Spain, where her mother's relatives, the Pereira and Mendes families, also resided. Elsie was barely one year old when her sister Audrey was born on 3rd June 1889. Joseph and Christina Gomez' family grew rapidly, and by 1892 when Elsie was five years old, she was big sister to two more siblings - Joseph and Edith. According to birth records, the family was then living at 12 Sorzanoville, Laventille, Trinidad. Public and family records show that by 1893, Joseph Gomez had moved his growing family to Arima, where he became Manager of the Miller's Stores Arima branch. That year Elsie's brother Vincent was born, followed by George (1896), Ivy (1897), William (1900) and baby Euphemia (1905) who died as a baby. By the time her last sibling was born, Grandma Elsie was already a beautiful 17 year old young lady. As the eldest daughter of such a large family, I'm sure Grandma Elsie was a great help to her mother in looking after her younger siblings. Of this I'm pretty sure, because I too am the eldest daughter of a family of seven, my own youngest sibling being born exactly 17 years after me! While we don't have many stories of Elsie's early childhood and education we do know that by the time she was nineteen years old, she had fallen in love and became engaged to the dashing Charlie Sheppard. She describes her romance with him in her memoirs. Gomez Family, Trinidad Picture taken on the day of Elsie's engagement to Charles Sheppard - 1907 l/r: George, Edith, Elsie, Charlie Sheppard, Joseph, Audrey, Vincent. Centre: Joseph (Joe) Gomez & Christina (Pereira) Gomez Front: Ivy & William. Elsie Mabel Sheppard and Charles Sebastian Theodore Sheppard at the Manse of the United Church of Scotland, Port of Spain, Trinidad Grandma Elsie experienced the tragic loss of her beloved Charlie when he was just 45 years old, leaving her a young widow. Their marriage spanned 22 years during which their love produced 13 children. Their story is woven into the story of Charles Sebastian Theodore Sheppard, and the many pages of the Sheppard, Gomez and Mendes Families to be found on this website. With the love and support of her family, she overcame the grief and tragedy of losing her Charlie at such a young age. She never lost her positive outlook to life. Her love and devotion for her family, her optimism and joie de vivre remain etched in my memory of her. Grandma somehow kept her large family united and connected, long before the days of easy texting and communication. She possessed a warm and loving heart and her love was returned to her seven-fold. One of my favourite images of Grandma in later life is in the one of her in the photo below, enjoing a seabath "Down the Islands" of Trinidad, as we used to call them in days gone by before they were known as "DDI". Grandma Elsie went to her rest on 2nd April 1969 at her home in Apple Blossom Avenue, Diego Martin, where she spent the last years of her life in her own cottage next door and under the care of her youngest daughter Flo, Colin and their family. Elsie and Charlie had in all 56 grandchildren and 146 great-grandchildren. Their legacy lives on. On February 26, 1988, my father penned his memories and poignant thoughts about his mother whom he so loved and respected. Her story told through his eyes speaks of her character and induring influence on her children and family. Andrew Sheppard was her tenth child and youngest son. "Our Mother" She was a natural beauty, unspoiled by cosmetics. Her complexion radiated good health and internal peace with her Creator. Elsie Mabel could have been of royal stock. She was indeed a queen. She never would admit poverty, for God had blessed her with many riches for which she so dearly loved and cared – her large family of thirteen children, the last of whom joined the band of angels before he could speak or walk. So there she was, “Queen” Elsie Mabel, with her flock. She had lost her beloved husband and father of these beautiful children, just over three years of her last baby’s demise. What to do? “Mama”, as everyone called her, or “Ma”, turned to her best friend and Saviour without whom we would all surely perish. She believed in the power of prayer and prayed day and night, usually in the absolute privacy of her bedroom, and her very Christian upbringing that she passed on to her children has stood us all in good stead. This very special person was left with many hostages to a fortune that did not exist. Truly, there was the very large house with 10 bedrooms, which our father had deemed very necessary to accommodate such a large family. And a soft drink factory, complete with horse-drawn trucks, motor trucks, hand-carts and some 25 employees. Elsie Mabel did not have a clue. You see, domestic affairs took up all of her time, so when Charlie left her in a hurry on 17 June, 1931, she had no business experience to that date. But, live we must, and the show must go on, and so it did. How could she leave her beautiful home filled with precious gems to administer the Record Soda Water Factory? And so far from home? She sold the building and had another built in the yard of our home so that she could see everything from the kitchen and bedroom windows, when her time had to be so divided. The factory was now part of home. We all loved Mama dearly and stood by her at all times. We really respected her and would never deliberately do anything to hurt her, or say anything rude. Bad words were not allowed at home. Meal times were serious times and to be sure, competition was furious, so we were always on time. Everyone had a task and we did our chores cheerfully. It could not work otherwise. Of course, Elsie Mabel’s religion was of paramount importance, and she insisted that we all observe Sundays by attending Sunday school and church. It was so tempting and certain friends tried in vain to persuade Mamma that she should attend the church just 3 buildings from home. But no, we could not. You see, we were Presbyterians and the church next door was Roman Catholic. In those bad old days you just could not attend a church other than your own – you would be ostracized. So we journeyed to the St. Ann’s Church of Scotland , a beautiful, strongly built church which was constructed by the European victims of religious persecution, and who arrived with their faith intact in Trinidad, in spite of Cromwell’s detestable and cruel policy. So be it. Mama was a pillar of the church and main organizer of fund-raising events. She was a powerhouse and a charming persuader. With good help all around, she prevailed. Of course, necessity being the mother of invention and money being of great importance for our survival, in addition to running a large family and a soft drink factory, and tending her beautiful garden, Mama decided that we needed a few boarders, so this genius of improvisation created additional bedrooms with the help of a carpenter and cellotex partitions. Returning from school daily was facing unexpected surprises. Space was reduced to accommodate paying guests, so we had to squeeze. I almost forgot, additionally we had 10 cousins who lived in the distant Sangre Grande, many of whom were of similar ages to ourselves and they needed to be accommodated in Port-of-Spain in order to attend school. Of course, where else but the No. 30 Richmond Street. So there we were with 6 cousins at a time sharing our single beds with us – head and toe – the pillows a problem, but we soon solved that by waiting for one or the other to fall asleep and then zoom, pillow gone! Ten boarders, 6 cousins, 12 of us, Mama and “poor” little friends (usually 2), say 28-30 people to be fed each and every day, breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner. We all ate a lot of bread, so Ma employed Harris, Barbadian baker who had a problem with testicular hernia always getting in his way. Harris would arrive home and start baking between 3:30 and 4:00 a.m. He supplied us with 100 hops loaves, and 6 pan loaves, plus other sweet breads for tea. He also baked some 30 other pan loaves which had to be delivered to the customers before 7:00 a.m. These were friends of the family who lived the general neighbourhood. Ma had several bread bags made, some to hold one or two or more pan loaves. Each customer had a nail on the back or front porch to hold the stringed bread bag. The empty bag would be replaced by the full one. Each bag had the customer’s name. Problem – transportation. Andrew, Robert, George borrow Boysie’s, Bertie’s and John’s bicycles, surround the bicycles with bags of bread and make sure you return for the owners to get their bicycles to get to work. We “students” had to eat breakfast quickly and walk to school – and get there in time. Many times we failed as evidenced by the black and blues on our hands or backsides as administered by our school masters. But this was all part of life. We loved Mama and understood the situation. The miraculous thing about this wonderful lady called “Mama”, “Ma”, or Elsie Mabel was her abundant optimism and love of her children, which was reciprocal. Of course, we all got married and produced 55 grandchildren for her – all of whom she loved, some in the USA, some in Trinidad, and the largest contingent in Barbados. My wife, Barbadian born, had 7 children. We would not reach a dozen. All through the rough and tough times happiness and sadness were shared by a grateful, lovely Mama, with her tribe. In 1960, her worst blow to date was George’s death. He was number seven – “all good children go to Heaven”. Everyone looked forward to Mama’s Christmas parties, which combined food, drinks and entertainment by the children – all 50 or more. The tradition continues with the grands and great grands. She invented the “Mama pool”. This was a devise to lighten the load on your pocket, whereby everyone brought presents for their own, which Santa distributed. In addition, through stipulated donations, other gifts were purchased along with food and drink. All good things must end. As we have become older and wiser, we all know that whatever strength and courage we have had to possess over the years to survive and achieve in this mind-boggling world, has come from our Divine Creator and this faithful servant, Elsie Mabel, “Mama”, “Ma”. You will never be forgotten. We all hope to eventually join you in Paradise where you went with a smile on your face on April 2, 1969 My father Andrew Sheppard with his mother Elsie Mabel (Gomez) Sheppard In her own words, her children were her "Precious Jewels" Click on the picture to read Elsie's memoirs Click HERE to see more photos of Elsie Mabel (Gomez) Sheppard Click HERE to see the story of Charles (Charlie) Sheppard and his wife Elsie Mabel

"Morne Jaloux" - Grenada Written on July 1, 1988 by my father, Andrew Desmond Sheppard (transcribed from personal family memorabilia) January 1941. An automobile accident in Trinidad, I was thrown out of the “rumble” or “dicky” seat of a car when a drunken taxi driver collided with the car in which I was a passenger. This occurred at the early hours of the New Year. When I could, I accepted an invitation by friends to go to Grenada to recuperate. I suffered broken ribs and was black and blue all over. Otherwise fine. My mother’s sister was married to Uncle Louis , a Grenadian, who survived his wife who died in childbirth. Louis owned a basic hotel “Halifax” and I spent my stay between Uncle Louis and my cousin George, whose mother died upon his birth. The natural charm and friendliness of all Grenadians was impressive. My house is your house. I quickly made several friends and visited many places. The one place that has stuck in my mind is “Morne Jaloux”. It was a beautiful morning and we swam at Grand Anse beach and picknicked in the countryside. Around 5.00 p.m., another cousin took his sister, her friend and myself for a long drive over the hills, passing the Richmond Hill Prison on the way. We were to visit “L’Anse aux Epines” which area is now occupied by the airport. While driving, I noticed a derelict building at the end of a long driveway. Inquiry informed me that this was the notorious Morne Jaloux Estate Great House. Youthful curiosity and the quest for adventure attracted us to investigate this ancient and obviously neglected abode. Diffidently, our nervous driver, Gordon, drove his little Hillman down the badly overgrown dirt road which appeared to be unused for a long period. It was still light, but the sun was about to disappear. We cautiously approached the forbidding looking structure, whose 12 front steps of concrete were cracked and dangerous to climb. We all stayed close together, being uncertain of what lay within the crumbling walls of this erstwhile mansion of better days. Doors did not exist. Those there were rotted and lying on the wooden floor. Windows were hanging at various angles. The floors had long rotted, which was due to the lack of a roof, which had also “gone through the eddoes”. The base of a large concrete water cistern was all that was left. We carefully picked our way through this victim of time, neglect and weather. It must have been a beautiful residence and was quite large. We searched diligently for some evidence of human habitation, but there was none. Morne Jaloux house looked so unattractive that no one would really choose to stay there. So there she stood, a skeleton of the past overlooking the quaint city of St. Georges and the roaming countryside. Beautiful site, but not for living. Satisfied that there was nothing at Morne Jaloux we continued our drive to “L’Anse aux Epines”. On our return trip, I persuaded Gordon to take us back to the old house to see if anything had changed. You see, this gaunt, lonely structure had gained the unenviable reputation of being a “haunted house”. Under protest and with much apprehension, we went back to the house. It was now dark, about 7.30. We parked facing the front steps with headlights on, engine off. Sitting quietly in the car and with nothing happening, we decided to walk closer to the house - car lights shining on the entrance, but what were we looking for? - there was just nothing! After a few minutes we headed back to the little Hillman. No sooner had we entered the car than all hell broke loose. There, right in front of us with the car lights shining on it, was a man-sized figure, not solid but transparent and glowing white, moving quickly to and fro in front of the house and the steps. Simultaneously, the most horrible and loud sounds emanated from the house - like grinding metal - like a sugar factory. This was accompanied by other dreadful noises which sounded like several footballs being bounced all over the interior of the old house. Meanwhile, the remaining windows were flapping and flying. The fallen doors were being flung out of the house, down the steps. Worse was the constant flying through the air of large pieces of wood and stones which were slamming into our car. The two ladies fainted from sheer fright. Poor, nervous Gordon could not get the car started. In anxiety and altered judgement he had flooded the carburetor. We had to wait - now truly fearing for our lives. The theatre of horror played on - getting worse - we had to get out of there now! To get to the high grass driveway, we had to reverse towards a cliff which plunged at least a thousand feet down. Luckily we made it and pelted down the long, long driveway. All the way, with glasses rolled up, we were hearing and feeling sticks and stones hitting the poor little car. Later checking showed not a scratch. Once out of there, we hurried to the Richmond Hill Prison, where our good friends, the Banfields lived with their parents. Mr. Banfield was the Resident Superintendent of the prison. We were heartily welcomed by this lovely family who breathlessly listened to our horrible tale and were most concerned for the two young ladies who were still in a severe state of shock. Gordon was crying uncontrollably. He eventually suffered an irreparable nervous breakdown. Also, his sister, whose nervous nature was further provoked. She had many subsequent nervous traumas. The other lady had a most disastrous marriage, ending in her tragic demise. I pretended that it was all a big joke, but my hair still stands on end when I think, talk or write of this awful event in my life. By way of useless explanation, Mr. Banfield of the prison, and later Gordon’s grandfather, Uncle Louis, and several reliable people condemned our actions as irresponsible and crazy. For instance, we did not know that the area of Morne Jaloux was a large sugar estate. The house we investigated was the Great House where the French master resided with his family. We were told that this person was a tyrant and treated his staff and labourers with contempt, deprivation and cruelty. He was reputed to have put to death or tortured many who crossed his path. He was as ruthless as Napoleon. The resentment and ire that this terrible man evoked, built up to a crescendo, when one night he and his entire family were butchered and their remains scattered in and around that hateful house. Thereafter, the estate was abandoned and deserted. It was said that unseen knives and cutlasses had killed or maimed many intruders. The premises were uninhabitable. No one could tolerate the aura of hatred and terror which pervaded the atmosphere - Morne Jaloux house would also perish violently. Several years later, I visited the scene of that horror-filled evening. To my great relief, I saw that there was a beautiful residential settlement in place of the Great House and its surroundings. “Morne Jaloux” house was mysteriously destroyed by fire. Our of evil cometh good. Richmond Hill Prison, Grenada (source: The U.S. National Archives)

~ Wedding Photos ~ The children of Charles Sheppard & Elsie Gomez (Click on the photos to enlarge and scroll through) Jessie & Man Jessie Mabel Sheppard and Bernard Henry McNee Brash 29 Aug 1936 Boysie & Elsa Joseph Alfred Sheppard and Elsa Carmen Fernandes November 1938, Trinidad Lena Joyce de Sousa married Albert Charles (Bertie) Sheppard who was ill with malaria on their wedding day, 25 November, 1938, Port of Spain, Trinidad John & Juliet John Herbert Sheppard and Juliet Inez Fernandes 20 April, 1939 - Sacred Heart Church, Trinidad Madge & Vin Mary Marjorie Sheppard and George Vincent Gonsalves 14 Sep 1940, Trinidad George & Norah George Havelock Sheppard and Elenora Juliet Laing 27 Feb 1942, Trinidad Audrey & Don Audrey Ethel Sheppard and Donald Elias Clark Trinidad, 18 Mar 1943 Robert & Angela 11th April, 1942 - Trinidad Andrew Sheppard was bestman Sybil Sheppard standing next to groom Sybil & Patrick Sybil Elsie Sheppard and Patrick Vernon Acland Gibbon 19 Jun 1943 Andrew & Betty Andrew Desmond Sheppard and Frances Elizabeth St. Hill 31 Jul 1943, Barbados Colin & Flo Edith Florence Sheppard and Victor Colin Johnson 4 May 1946, Newtown, Trinidad Boysie & Winnie Joseph Alfred Sheppard and Winifred Tilly van Amson 29 July, 1960 - Lutheran Church, Suriname

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

John Herbert Sheppard When John was 24 years old, he married Juliet Fernandes, a stunning beauty whose sister Elsa had married his older brother Boysie the previous year. The couple lived in the south of Trinidad, first in San Fernando where their eldest child Desmond was born during Christmas week of 1941. Three years later a daughter who they named Suzanne Margaret was born, completing their family unit. John was employed with Trinidad Leaseholds Ltd. which owned and operated a large oil refinery in Pointe-a-Pierre. During that time, he and his family lived on the company's “Camp” - a village complete with a school, yacht club and a staff club equipped with a pool, tennis courts, squash courts and an 18 hole golf course. The Camp also contained a hospital and a small chapel. There John rose to the important position of Fire Chief. His daughter Suzanne recalls that when he was Fire Chief he bravely saved two lives. Once when he performed mouth to mouth resuscitation on a young boy found at the bottom of the pool and another time when a worker fell into the sea full of oil and couldn’t swim. John and Juliet's marriage ended in divorce, and they both remarried. Juliet settled in Barbados where she remained close to her family until she passed away at the age of 91. John and Juliet's handsome son Desmond lost his life in a tragic car accident in Trinidad when he was just 20 years old. This was an enormous tragedy that would be remembered by him and his family with sadness and grief for the rest of their days. John's second marriage was to Valerie Ludlow, who hailed from Warwickshire, England. Val was a gifted young artist and teacher who who taught at the school in Point-a-Pierre. The couple had four children - Judith, Jason, Jessica and Jill, all born in Pointe-a-Pierre Trinidad where they spent their early childhood living in the Pointe-a-Pierre Camp. When John reached the age of retirement, he emigrated to the UK with Val and their family. John enjoyed life in England, but always returned to the Caribbean to spend special times with his eldest daughter and her family in Barbados. He enjoyed traveling and also loved visits from his overseas family. I remember my Uncle John as a handsome, unassuming gentleman with a dry sense of humour. He loved to tell a joke. I think of him playing the piano with his own special stylings that reflected his easy-going personality. It is thanks to Uncle John and his friendship and visits with his English cousin Nell Sheppard in Wem that we have been able to learn more about our Sheppard ancestors. After Nell passed away, he inherited from her a large number of old family photos, on the backs of which she had identified everyone. These he passed on to his niece Kathleen who has contributed the collection for our archives. Among them was a letter sent to him by Nell's dear friend after she died revealing John's thoughtfulness and generosity. John Herbert Sheppard was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad on 28 September 1915, the sixth child of Charles and Elsie (Gomez) Sheppard . He grew up in the Sheppard family home at 30 Richmond Street , Port of Spain and went to school at Queens Royal College along with three of his brothers - George , Bertie and Boysie . John had eleven siblings and was just 16 years old when his father died. John's wife Valerie passed away in 2017 at the age of 89. During recent conversations with their eldest daughter Judith, I learned that he had been an active member of the Masonic Lodge near the village where he lived in Wareham. When he passed away on 7 September 1996, his funeral was attended by a large number of his Masonic Fraternity. I wanted to find out more about his involvement at the local Lodge. Now, for the first time we have become aware of John Sheppard's outstanding contribution as a Freemason, and the high esteem in which he is held, recorded in the history of his Lodge. We realize that Freemasonry played an important role in his life and that he was a part of this fraternity from much earlier days in Trinidad. He lived by the tenets of Freemasonry, displaying brotherly love, charity and good will to everyone. The research and memories of John provided by his fellow brethren are touching testimonials to his personality and fine character, and a legacy of which we all can be very proud. Play on, dearest Uncle John. Your niece Valerie - 27 August, 2021 Masonic History Worshipful Brother John Herbert Sheppard PPrGSuptWks1 by Brother Mark Burstow, PPrSGD, ProvAsstGScrE, The Provincial Grand Lodge and Royal Arch Chapters of Dorset Craft John Herbert Sheppard was balloted to join The Lodge of St. Martin No. 7986 at the 18 March 1982 Meeting and joined at the Installation meeting on 15 April 1982. The 1983 Dorset Masonic Calendar tells us that WBro J H Sheppard was Master of St. Andrew’s Lodge No. 3963, Trinidad in 1969 and held the rank of Past District Junior Deacon (Trinidad). WBro Sheppard never held Office in St. Martin but that isn’t totally surprising as at that time St. Martin had well over 100 members and there were plenty of Brethren anxious to serve in office and well-established Brethren in the non-Progressive roles. I am told that in those days, 12 - 15 years from first becoming a Steward to The Chair was not unusual. He was appointed, on 27 October 1990, to the Craft Rank of Past Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works. WBro Sheppard joined Dorset Masters Lodge No. 3366 in 1992 Royal Arch He was Exalted into the Holy Royal Arch in The Chapter of Unity No. 386, Wareham in 1985. He is not listed as a member in the 1987 Dorset Masonic Calendar but appears as a Joining Member in 386 Chapter in 1988. Again, Companion Sheppard didn’t hold Office in the Holy Royal Arch Chapter of Unity. He became a Founder of The Chapter of St. Martin No. 7986 on 4 April 1995 Mark WBro Sheppard was Advanced into the Mark Degree in Anglebury Mark No. 763 in 1984. In the Dorset Masonic Calendar entry for the Mark, he is referred to as Jack Sheppard. He progressed through the Offices, becoming a Steward in 1987 and having a slightly accelerated journey to the Chair, serving as Inner Guard in 1988, Senior Deacon in 1989, Senior Overseer in 1990 and 1991, Senior Warden in 1992 and finally Master in 1993. He was appointed to Past Provincial Grand Deacon in Dorset Mark in 1995. Further Information WBro Sheppard remained a member of all three orders until he passed away on 7 September 1996. I am grateful to WBro Mark Giddings PPrGReg PPrGSwdB, the Worshipful Master of The Lodge of St. Martin 7986, a Past First Principal of the Chapter of St Martin No. 7986 and a Past Master of Anglebury Mark No. 763 for helping me to decide “where to look” for the information above. WBro Giddings recalls WBro Sheppard well; described him to me as having a “Lovely sense of humour ”, being “laid back ” and “quiet ” - “a lovely old fellow ”. Dining being ever important to Freemasons, WBro Giddings remembers WBro Sheppard having an aversion to Pork and made sure he didn’t have it at the Festive Board. Mark recalls that “one of his .. foibles was to put a mint in the collection bag or ballot box you always knew he had done it by the look in his eyes. ” WBro Sheppard’s proposer into Lodge of St. Martin was WBro Giddings' late Uncle, WBro Alastair McKechan, who is one of only two initiates in the history of St. Martin to be honoured with Grand Rank. WBro Sheppard is remembered fondly, and his Trinidad apron badge and collar jewel are still on display in the Committee Room in Wareham Masonic Hall, 25 years after his passing to the Grand Lodge Above. I attach photos of the regalia and the Summons and Agenda from the meeting when his ballot to join was taken. Most sincere thanks to David A. Reid for his kindness in requesting this information about Uncle John's masonic service from the United Grand Lodge of England, and to Mark Burstow for his research of all factual information which was extracted manually from Dorset Masonic Calendars (Year Books) 1983 - 1996. The information was received on 27 August 2021. David Reid is my brother-in-law, married to my yougest sister Audrey. He is a Freemason and holds the rank of PM 1557, PPGM Renfrewshire East, Proxy DGM Sierra Leone and The Gambia, Grand Architect.