The Friends of the Georgian Society of Jamaica (FGSJ) are mounting a London exhibition showcasing Jamaica’s fine historic buildings and the FGSJ’s and the Georgian Society of Jamaica's work to preserve and restore them.  

Friends of the Georgian Society of Jamaica exhibition, 11-12 June, to include:

• Panels showing and describing Jamaica’s rich architectural heritage 
• Reconstructions of Colbeck Castle and Port Royal by archaeological reconstruction artist Peter Dunn 
• Watercolours by architect Roy Stephenson of buildings in Falmouth and Spanish Town
• A folio edition of James Hakewill’s A Picturesque Tour of the Island of Jamaica (1825)
• Work by Jamaican artists including the internationally acclaimed Laura Facey and Anghelen Arrington Phillips
• Photographs and commentary on past and current restoration projects funded by the FGSJ, as well as other historic buildings and sites
• A lecture  by Kit Martin, architect, authority on historic houses, and co-author of the influential Jamaica’s Heritage, an untapped resource, on Jamaica’s historic buildings
• A lecture by Andrew Smith, structural engineer, on the Iron Bridge, its engineering history, subsequent life and role in the local community as well as its restoration (to which the Friends contributed)
• A Jamaican genealogy corner
• Formal opening by HE Aloun Ndombet-Assamba, Jamaican High Commissioner, followed by a reception with wine and patties

Venue: Hogan Lovells, Atlantic House, Holborn Viaduct, London.  

Entry by pre-purchased tickets only.  Bookings on the attached form below must be received by June 2nd. Also download the flyer for more details and the tweetable suggestions .  
 
Download flyer    Download booking form    Download tweets. 

On Sunday, May 18, the St. Ann and St. Mary Chapter members had an enjoyable excursion  to Worthy Park Estate and Distillery in the parish of St. Catherine.  

We took the scenic route, driving through quaint villages along narrow, winding roads. Many  "oohs and aahs" could be heard as our members appreciated the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding mountains. 

Upon entering the estate, we headed directly to the main house. Our charming hostess, Joan McConnell, who owns the estate with her husband, gave a warm welcome.  She ushered us into her lovely home and to a comfortable outdoor patio. The group expressed more collective "oohs and aahs"  as we took in the majestic garden. See slideshow/gallery below for a pictorial journey:

The name "Worthy Park" was patented in 1670 - this land was given to a Lieutenant Francis Price for his services to Cromwell during the English invasion and ultimate capture of Jamaica from the Spanish in 1655. The commercial production of cane and sugar began fifty years thereafter, in 1720, and the production of cane and sugar has continued in every year to the present day.Since 1670 Worthy Park has been owned by three families including the present proprietors. The Clarke Family acquired the Estate in 1918. Since the time of acquisition by the Clarkes, the Estate has remained private and has always been owner-operated and managed.

The Worthy Park brand is "Rum Bar", an easily recognizable icon of Jamaican life and culture.  The end products of the Worthy Park operation are:  Rum Bar White Overproof Rum, Rum Bar Worthy Gold, Rum Bar Rum Cream and Rum Bar Vodka. To the delight of of our members we tasted them all and were very glad indeed that we didn't have to drive home.