Spirited BDF Armoury tours this Saturday

Bajans have a chance to take a stroll down memory lane on Saturday, November 19, when the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) presents Barbados National Armoury Tour and Rum Tasting in association with the National Cultural Foundation.

 From 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. the historic St. Ann’s Fort, The Garrison, will be a hive of activity with tours of the Barbados National Armoury and a Rum Tasting of rums from five distilleries on the island. Admission for the tours is free. Simply call 4176610 to book.

The event, which is one of many on the National Independence Celebrations calendar, will highlight the historic significance of St. Ann’s Fort, the Garrison. Those in attendance get to view artifacts housed on the historic property and indulge in rum and its by-products as a preferred beverage on the island.

Specifically, each patron will be allocated four tokens to sample the rums available from Patrons Mount Gay Rum, Plantation Rum, St. Nicholas Abbey Rum, Four Square Rum and Bajan 1966 Rum.

They can also partake in sampling the menus. Specialty attractions include the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc Accelerator Programme which will showcase locally made food products.

A traditional coconut vendor with branded coconuts to celebrate the Independence Season as well as a snow cone cart loaded with rum mixes and Bajan syrups. Non-alcoholic beverages will also be on sale.

NCF Event Planner Stacia Bryan says the event will be a mixture of information and fun.

“We are inviting Barbadians to come out and be a part of this event as we celebrate 56 years of Independence. We have an exhibition of decommissioned artillery and other machinery used by the army in years past. It is an opportunity to take a stroll down memory lane and to get a renewed appreciation for our history and the many sacrifices made by our forefathers.”

The Independence season has created the opportunity for Barbadians and visitors to the island to celebrate the military history of the island. The event provides a look into the cannon collection housed at St. Ann’s Fort. And provides an opportunity for rum products and its and by-products to be sampled.

Those interested in the event should pre-register for the tours and be guided from the Drill Hall Building (Officer’s Mess) to the entry of the National Armoury. A maximum of 25 persons is recommended for each tour. After each tour patrons will then be led to the lawns for the rum tasting and product sampling.

(PR)