Colin “Dusty” Hind was born in the holiday resort town of Skegness, in Lincolnshire, England, in 1941. Dusty had been involved in professional repertory theatre while attending Portsmouth Art College where he obtained a degree in sculpture.  He joined the Hector Ross Repertory Company at the Theatre Royal in Portsmouth, and he was impressed by one of their productions, “The Long and the Short and the Tall” with its all male cast. This play later made its way to London’s West End – and eventually here to Bermuda, thanks to Dusty!

Prior to coming to Bermuda in September 1962 at the age of 21 he had been a teacher in Portsmouth.  At the time of his joining the Bermuda Police, our new Commissioner, Mr. George Robins, when recruiting officers from overseas,  was a great believer that preference should be given to recruits who had talents that would help them to more easily assimilate into the local community.  Commissioner Robins was an avid sports fan and many of his chosen recruits played rugby, football cricket or other sports.  Playing sports was not one of Dusty’s attributes but it wouldn’t be long before his theatrical talents would come to the fore.

Dusty was one of 8 young men recruited from the U.K. none of whom had any prior police experience.  They were Alistair Garden, James “Jack” Crane, John Cooney, Frank Mutch, David Adam, Frank Sykes, Anthony “Tony” Langford, and Dusty.  A new Police Training School had been established at Prospect in early 1962, and they all attended the 2^nd Basic Training Course held there, along with local recruits, Edward ”Boxhead” Foggo, Phillip Smith, Marcus Packwood, Lennett “Lenny” Edwards, and Henry Eugene "Gene” Creighton.

After successfully completing basic training,  “Dusty” as he was always known, was posted to Central Division, Hamilton, where he would have walked the beat for 18 months, wearing Bermuda shorts, knee length socks and an English style bobby helmet. One of his duties would have been the onerous task of directing traffic in the birdcage on Front Street, much to the delight of tourists armed with cameras.

Whilst working in Hamilton, Dusty struck up a friendship with a fellow constable, Ron Shelley, who had joined the Police in 1960 having served in the Royal Air Force from 1955-1959.  The two discovered they shared something in common  -   an interest in theatre although Dusty later explained that  “Ron had zero experience but he had an incredible entrepreneurial spirit and was intrigued by, and wanted to do something in theatre.” 

 Young P.C. Ron Shelley

It was during one of their conversations in the Police Cub bar that Dusty and Ron came up with the idea of the police putting on a play with a difference at the City Hall theatre which had opened in 1960.  Dusty recalled the West End success of “The Long and the Short and the Tall”, which had particular appeal because it had an all-male cast. The two believed there was sufficient talent in the Police to provide the all male cast  -  and the concept of creating a Police Drama Group was born. 

Although there was some initial resistance from senior officers about policemen taking to the stage, a breakthrough occurred when Supt. John McGregor was recruited from the UK to head the newly created Special Branch here in Bermuda.   He, too, had performed in amateur theatre; he had seen the “Long and the Short and the Tall” playing in the West End, and he was keen to play the role of the Sergeant even if it meant an on-stage reduction in rank!

There were also several young constables such as Jack Rouse and Peter Parnell who had acting experience, and it was quickly realized that not only were there members of the Force who had acting ability,  there were some with the skills to work as back stage crew.

With Commissioner Robins’ blessing the decision was made to put on “The Long and the Short and the Tall” at City Hall Theatre, and with an abundance of volunteers including police wives and girlfriends, and fellow police officers, rehearsals got underway at the Police Recreation Club.  Despite having no previous experience, Ron Shelley directed the play, with assistance from Dusty. They had two weeks of rehearsals,  and with minimal cash they built a set at Prospect, moved it down to City Hall shortly before opening night, and had a 4-night run.   

It has to be said that it wasn’t well attended at first, but Dusty and Ron hatched a publicity scheme to attract a bigger audience - and it worked!   CLICK HERE to read more about their “scandalous scheme”  along with the run of plays subsequently put on at City Hall in our extensive article on the History of the Police Drama Group.   

Dusty also managed to find his share of “drama” off stage!  He had been transferred to the newly formed Special Branch in July 1964,  no doubt due to his connection with John McGregor, Head of Special Branch.  He was on duty in "plain clothes" on the morning of February 2^nd 1965 when the BELCO riot took place in which 17 uniformed police officers were injured at the scene outside BELCO. CLICK HERE to view an article on the BELCO Riot. 

Following the outbreak of violence a police riot squad was called to disperse the large crowd gathered on Serpentine Road,  many of those present made their way to Devonshire Recreation Club, where Dusty had apparently been assigned to monitor what was happening in the area. Unfortunately,  he was spotted in the vicinity of the “Rec” and physically attacked and injured by  several members of the crowd, resulting in him being admitted to King Edward Hospital for treatment along with several of the uniformed policemen injured outside BELCO.  Perhaps for reasons of security, the injured policemen were housed in, of all places, the Maternity Ward.

“Boys in Blue” in Maternity Ward -  3^rd February 1965

Dusty quickly recovered from his injuries, and following a spell in Special Branch, he was posted to Eastern Division, St. George’s, in October 1965.  

Our Police Drama Group was in good hands with Dusty as the inspirational leader and creative force behind its continued success. As long as he remained in the Police our drama group thrived but Dusty's creative talents needed to be stretched and he resigned in February 1966.

He returned to the U.K. in 1966 but came back to Bermuda later in the year to marry Nancy Conyers, and he joined John White at Advertising Associates for three years before starting his own advertising company, Aardvark Advertising Ltd. in 1970. It was surely a stroke of genius for Dusty to use the name “Aardvark Advertising” because it was guaranteed to be the first name in the telephone directory!

When then Inspector Roger Sherratt, while working in the Police Community Recreation Department, came up with the idea of creating a series of Sports Superstar cards in 1986, he approached his old friend Dusty, and together with Tim Taylor, Aardvark designed the excellent layout of the cards honouring Bermuda's top athletes, and the cards proved to be exceptionally popular with the Island's schoolchildren - and adults -  so much so that a second edition of high quality Junior Superstar cards was launched in 1969,  as seen below featuring one of Bermuda's outstanding Superstars. 

 Shawn Goater

During the next three decades Aardvark gained an excellent reputation and picked up many major clients including the Bank of Butterfield, A.S. Cooper’s, Bacardi International, the Princess Hotels, Cable and Wireless, Crisson’s and Reveen. Dusty sold the business to their staff in 1998, and returned to his roots in theatre right here in Bermuda which he always believed had an abundance of talent.

Dusty remarried in 1986 to Barbara O'Shaunessy. Their  beautifully picturesque wedding took place on a boat in Paradise Lake by Long Island in Hamilton Harbour, with Barbara arriving by boat.

In 1993 Dusty started the Jabulani Repertory Company with Patricia Podgson Nesbit producing shows in the Gazebo Lounge of the Hamilton Princess. During the next five years, Dusty and Patricia put on 23 different productions including musicals such as “Nunsense”, “Once on this Island” and “One Mo’ Time”. They also produced a series of comedies and murder mysteries utilizing over 100 local actors, actresses and backstage people. Dusty says, “Everyone got paid... Not big bucks...but it was a professional enterprise. Great fun and it introduced our visitors to local performers.”

The project closed in November 1998, and Dusty was proud of the fact that two of their performers, Lana Young and Darren Herbert, went on to successful professional careers as actors.

Bored with retirement, Dusty then started the Crisson and Hind African Gallery in 1999 at 71 Front Street, Hamilton which specializes in sculpture in stone, ten different minerals, by the Shona Fine Artists of Zimbabwe. As Dusty said, “It’s a great excuse to go to Africa once or twice a year. Still having fun.”

Ironically, it was in the Crisson and Hind African Gallery that I finally met up with Ron Shelley and Dusty - who as young police constables in the early 1960’s created our Bermuda Police Drama Group which I’d like to think gave so much pleasure to so many people - myself included. We reminisced about our collective memories of the Police Drama Group and Ron told us something of his life experiences in the entertainment industry in New York.  I had planned to have him write an article for our "Then and Now" column but lost contact with him after his visit.  He did however, send me this photo of himself with one of the greatest stars of American opera and music, Kelli O'Hara. 

Ron Shelley with Broadway superstar Kelli O'Hara

In August 2017, former members and friends of our Police Drama Group gathered for a reunion at the Officers Mess at Prospect.

The Drama Group "Get Together" was a great success as several of those in attendance brought along photos, press cuttings and programmes of our drama group productions, including Kate (Byrne) Shaw who unveiled a suitcase of memorabila collected by her father, Denis. It certainly brought back many fond memories of our magic times in the Police Drama Group with Dusty at the helm.

Dusty had for many years been fascinated by African Art, and as a Trustee of the Bermuda National Gallery, he along with fellow Trustees Cyril Packwood and Dr. Charles Zuill, were instrumental in the BNG deciding to create a National Collection of African Art as both a national platform for local artists and to honour the cultural heritage of Bermuda's African diaspora.  CLICK HERE to read Dusty's account of sourcing artworks for the National Collection of African Art consisting of 37 works, representing 22 peoples from 12 countries in sub-Saharan West Africa, ranging from ritual sculpture to masks, functional objects and textiles.

There is no question that from the moment Dusty stepped off the plane in Bermuda back in September 1962 as a young police recruit, he devoted so much of his time, energy and talents to enhance the arts on the Island that he rightfully called his home.

Dusty with his son Peter, and grandson William

On behalf of all Dusty's friends from his days in the Police Force, we offer our sincere condolences to his loving wife Barbara O'Shaunessy-Hind, sons Peter and Mike, and grandchildren Nina, Lexi and William.

 Sergeant Derek Fletcher

This biography of the Late Retired Sergeant Derek Fletcher has been compiled with the kind assistance of his son Rees and includes the contents of several articles written by Derek during his time serving in the Bermuda Police. 

George Daniel “Derek” Fletcher was born in Tonteg, Llantwit, in South Wales on 8^th January 1930. He was reared in Reading, Berkshire, attending Wilson Junior School from 1934 - 1940, and Reading Boys School from 1940-1947 where he excelled in English Language and English Literature.

 Young Derek

On leaving school Derek was employed as a trainee Mineral Water Factory Manager at Corona Fruit Drinks Ltd.  He then did his 2 years National Service from 1948-1950 in the Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers. 

After his two years in army uniform, Derek chose to continue wearing a uniform when he joined the Birmingham City Police in September 1951, where he served for 6 years until he successfully applied for and came out to Bermuda to join the Bermuda Police in February 1957 as an experienced police officer.  

As Derek explains, “My [Bermuda] story begins at the offices of British Crown Agents in Milbank, London, England, in November 1956, where I was summoned for interview and medical following my application to join the Bermuda Police Force as it was then titled.  Having successfully completed the interviews I was then sent to Harley Street, the home of Britain's leading medical specialists. Towards the end of the examination I was requested to show my teeth - to the horror of the eminent doctor - I was completely toothless, having had all my teeth extracted several months previously and awaiting the fitting of "National Health" dentures in the following month.

“I was nevertheless accepted and arrived in Bermuda in February 1957, designated as an 'Overseas Constable'. On arrival, after a 14 hour plane journey, I was posted to Central Division, City of Hamilton. At that time all 'Overseas Constables' were required to be unmarried, so I was to be billeted at the Single Mens' Quarters, located on Victoria St. in the old staff quarters of the (subsequently) burnt-out Hamilton Hotel, (an area now occupied by City Hall Car park) which proved to have no vacancies.“ 

 P.C. Derek Fletcher in khaki uniform

“I was temporarily accommodated at the "American House Hotel" then located at the junction of Queen St. and Church St, where the Boyle Building now stands. The quarters consisted of single bedrooms, communal kitchen and dining room, and a bar and recreation room, restricted soley to the residents (who at that time were all white expatriate males). Locally appointed Police Constables (the majority of whom were black) were only permitted access on invitation of a resident. This situation was compounded by the inequality of conditions of service between the two groups, in that although all were entitled to 3 weeks Annual Leave, the overseas personnel on serving for 2 years were entitled to have their vacation time doubled, (i.e. - take 3 months off) whilst the local members were restricted to the lower amount of leave, regardless of if they went abroad. This was a hangover from the days when 'overseas members' traveled by sea to their destination, a matter of a 10 days voyage each way.”

This was before the Bermuda Police had their own Training School, but the Police occasionally held refresher courses and brought out an experienced police training officer from the UK to deliver the courses.  We believe the photo below is of one such training course and amongst those in attendance is young P.C. Derek Fletcher. 

 

Derek’s first posting was to Central Division where he spent 10 months on the beat patrolling Hamilton.  Having  spent 6 years in the Birmingham City Police in England he was already an experienced officer.  

His prior experience was demonstrated in December 1957 when he received a commendation "For vigilance and persistence in effecting the arrest of a youth which led to the clearing up of a case of shopbreaking."   Derek later received a second Commissioner's Commendation in November 1962  "For keeness and initiative displayed in the arrest of a man for attempting to steal from motor cars."

After just 10 months in Hamilton he was transferred to Western Division, Somerset,  in April 1958,  as a detective in CID – the only posting he ever worked where he was not in police uniform.  

 Derek and Helen on their wedding day - 1958

It was while working in Somerset that Derek married the love of his life, Miss Helen Hill, on 4^th September 1958.  

By 1958 Derek was a contributor to the Police Magazine which started publication in 1955.   (CLICK HERE to view our collection of police magazines which are now in the process of being made available here on our ExPo website.)  Derek wrote the Central Division Notes in the 1955 Winter edition and he had good reason to write about two very significant events that occurred on 4^th September that year, one of which lit up the night sky when a disastrous fire completely gutted the Bermudiana Hotel overlooking Hamilton Harbour.  

 Catastrophic fire at Bermudiana Hotel -  1958

In his Central Division notes Derek wrote that “if anyone cannot remember the time and date of when the (Bermudiana Hotel) fire started, they could ask him for the answer - 4.50pm on Thursday, September 4, 1958 – which happened to be the day of my wedding which all but came to a halt because the whole Police Force was called out in the emergency.”  As Derek explains, “The fact that I made the wedding – 30 minutes late -   is due to the kind consideration shown to myself and three colleagues by the Commissioner and Senior Officers.  We felt like singing ‘Feeling ever so lonely’ as we were the only policemen present - most unusual at a police wedding in Bermuda.”

Derek described the momentous move that occurred when the Police Headquarters, which had been located in Hamilton Police Station on Parliament Street,  was moved to Prospect.  In his words, “In 1959 the Police H.Q. moved from its location in the Hamilton Police Station on Parliament St. to the vacated British Army Compound, Prospect, Devonshire, with the added privilege of taking over the Army Officers' Mess there located as the Police Recreation Club. As a result of this move all Police Officers became members, (local and overseas) with the result of all having equal privileges; This, to my knowledge, being the first fully integrated social club in Bermuda - although due to outside situations the various sports sections remained separated for several more years until the amalgamation of the various national sports bodies.”

“The Police Club organized various committees to run the operation, one of which was an Entertainments Committee, of which I was privileged to be chairman, and we proceeded to organize our first social event, a dance, to which all members were invited as well as many civilian guests. It proved to be an unqualified success, to be followed in later years by many other unrestricted functions - another first for the members and Bermuda at large.”

“Although up to this time there was an inequality of privileges amongst overseas and local personnel, there was a very close personal relationship amongst both parties, who worked harmoniously together, both in their duty time and free periods. I was the grateful recipient of mentoring and personal friendships from a number of Bermudians, the late Oliver (Vic) Trott, Maurice (Syke) Smith, and Leon Bean to mention but a few of my deceased friends and mentors. Also must be included is gratitude to retired Commissioners of Police F.C. (Penny) Bean Q.P.M. and L.M. (Nobby) Clarke Q.V.M., Q.P.M. who both went out of their way to assist me at crucial periods of my service.”

In an article written by Derek titled “BIG-BANG BAN” he describes an horrendous crime committed in Warwick Parish related to the annual Guy Fawkes Night celebrations  which plagued the Island for many years:-

“The date was 5^th November 1959, ‘Guy Fawkes Night’.  The location was Cedar Hill, Warwick Parish. The characters were groups of local "tweenies" and older teenagers;  Jeremiah Sergeant, a shopkeeper and local character of West Indian heritage; and several Bermuda Police Officers, and their patrol car.

“A call was received in mid-evening at Police H.Q. of a disturbance at Cedar Hill, Warwick.  Myself and my C.I.D. partner, the late Asst. Commissioner of Police Maurice (Syke) Smith, (at that time a Detective Constable), and Traffic patrol crew Harry Lister and Hilton Wingood were dispatched to the area.  

“A group of local teens and 'tweenies had decided to demolish the windows of Jeremiah Sargent's variety store and residence, by throwing rocks and bricks at the house as part of their "Guy Fawkes Night" celebrations. Not content with the damage caused thus far, the older teens, who had obtained a supply of dynamite sticks for the occasion, complete with fuses, proceeded to toss them through the then damaged windows. This action caused major damage to floors, furniture and showcases.

“The following article appeared in the next day's edition of the Royal Gazette:-

"Explosion Wrecks Cedar Hill Shop" 

A shop comprising part of Mr. Jeremiah Alexander Sergeant's home on Cedar Hill, Warwick East, was severely blasted by an explosion last night, allegedly by a group of 20 youths.

“The casement window in the front of the store was completely shattered. The front was blown off the counter and not one piece of glass was left whole in the showcase. The explosion also caused a hole in the floor, measuring approximately six by seven inches. Comparatively little of the stock, which mainly consists of groceries was damaged, although the entrance looked a shambles. Mr. Sergeant, interviewed by a Royal Gazette reporter early this morning, said that a gang of youths smashed the window of the store at about 9.p.m. He went to a neighbour's house to telephone the police. While there he heard an enormous' explosion. "There goes my house" he remarked at the time. He said he knows those responsible for the action, since they had threatened to "blow the place up" a few days ago. Mr. Sergeant gave his occupation as a debt collector, commercial photographer and shopkeeper. He said he was also in the real estate business and held a license as a public auctioneer. He added his shop to his house in August this year, and carries a variety of goods.

“He came to Bermuda in 1930 from St. Kitts, but was born in the Dominican Republic. He was alone in the house at the time, since his wife has been away since June.

“Police officers were still investigating the explosion in the early hours of this morning.  Not content with the damage caused at this single location the youths then proceeded to toss dynamite indiscriminately throughout the area. One stick struck a roadside sign, causing it to disintegrate and a piece struck the arm of an innocent person sitting on the verandah of a nearby house, causing a wound requiring many stitches; another was thrown under the parked police vehicle containing the two uniform officers investigating the incident, fortunately they chose that exact moment to move their location, and the result was a rather impressive 'pot-hole' in the road surface only.

“The history of these acts of vandalism stemmed from the bad relationship between the main victim (Sergeant), and the youth of the area. He was what may be described as an "Old Curmudgeon”, and continually berated the youth of the area for their actions and behaviour. Their relationship had been for a long time belligerent and confrontational.

“The perpetrators of these acts were subsequently charged and appeared in Magistrates Court, facing a whole host of charges for with they received various penalties consisting of periods of correction at the (then) Senior Training School to periods of probation.

“An amusing side-bar to the events that night was that Mr. Sergeant, who was also employed as a "Greeter" on weekends at the "Empire Room" Night Club, Queen St, City of Hamilton, was already fully arrayed in his customary garb of top hat, tails, and white bowtie which he always wore for these duties, this among all the carnage and confusion of the evening. He would wear this uniform even to ride his pedal cycle into town, complete with two sets of cycle clips and safety pins to support his 'tails' from damage.

“The subsequent outcome of the whole affair was that legislation was eventually enacted in the House of Assembly banning all fireworks and explosive material to be sold, or possessed throughout the island. In more recent years it has been relaxed somewhat, in that Government Licensed personnel may now put on "Firework Displays" on special occasions and locations.”

Derek was promoted to Sergeant on 1^st November 1963 and remained in Central Division at Hamilton Police Station until he was transferred to Police Headquarters where he served in Administration.   Derek went on to serve as a Watch Sergeant and Station Sergeant in Hamilton and in Western Division, and was Senior Divisional Sergeant at the time of his retirement in March 1981.

 

During his time in the Bermuda Police, Derek was always an active participant in social activities.  In addition to his work as Chairman of the Police Entertainments committee, and as a contributor to the Police Magazine, he also served on the Police Boxing Committee, and was a football referee.   He was a member of the Hamilton Lions Club and served on the Executive Committee of the Senior Learning Centre.  He was also actively involved in the Atlantic Phoenix Lodge,  Prince Alfred Lodge, Bermuda installed Masters Lodge, the District Grand Lodge of Bermuda, serving as Chaplain of the three Lodges. 

Not content with sitting at home as a civilian, Derek joined the Bermuda Reserve Constabulary within a month of his official retirement in April 1981, and 6 months later he was promoted to the rank of Reserve Inspector on assuming the role of Executive Officer of the Reserves in October 1981, where he was able to utlilize and pass on his many years of police experience to the Reserves.  

In August 1981 Derek became the Assistant Storeman at Police Headquarters where he served for 5 years before transferring to the Supreme Court as the Court Attendant.  He finally retired in June 1994.

Derek was also actively involved in church activities and since Palm Sunday in 1993 he served as a Licensed Lay Reader in St. Mary’s Church.

Unfortunately, while serving in the Police Force, Derek had a problem with alcohol that no doubt hindered his promotion prospects, but in November 1980 Derek reached a critical point in his life, when things came to a head after he turned up for night duty in Hamilton much the worse for drink.  He was relieved of his duties and sent home. 

Several days later he was summoned to appear before a Board of Senior Officers, including Deputy Commissioner  F.C. “Penny” Bean, the Police Welfare Officer. Prior to this incident it had been Service policy to deal with such matters through disciplinary action which would inevitably lead to dismissal.  However, in a reversal of the previous policy, Derek was offered the opportunity to attend a rehabilitation course for treatment.  In Derek’s own words he was the first “guinea pig” to be offered the option of undergoing treatment - and the result was remarkable.  Derek not only completely gave up alcohol, never to drink again, but he also became an exceptionally effective AA counsellor who established a great reputation for helping others afflicted with alcoholism.  He was the first police officer to be offered treatment and he certainly made the most of the opportunity to start afresh, so much so that it became the official policy for the Service to offer treatment to other members of the Service.  Derek had always been willing to help others, and he was able to fully utilize his talents to do community service and to help others need.”

In looking back on his career Derek wrote, “I believe that the situation of ‘integration’ within the Bermuda Police Service has for many years been a shining example of what can be achieved by patience, understanding, and camaraderie amongst all involved, this is not to say there have not been or continue to be pockets of misunderstanding and dissent, for to err is human, but I firmly believe that overall the Bermuda public, some of whom for their own selfish reasons may disagree, have a right to be proud of the records set by "Bermuda's Finest" and I, for one am proud to call myself a retired member.

The Fletcher Family

Sadly, Derek passed away on 24^th September 2008. 

Editors notes  -  I arrived in Bermuda as a young PC in 1964, and 6 months later Derek and Helen kindly invited me to their home on Alexandra Road, Prospect, for my first Christmas dinner in Bermuda.  Their home was a hive of activity with their three young children, 4 year old Rees, and 18 months old twins. Elizabeth and Kevin. Helen cooked a superb meal complete with turkey and the trimmings - a real treat for a young single man living in the barracks at Prospect -  including something on the menu that had me puzzled!  It was, of course, cassava pie and I’ve had it just about every year since then.  I had worked in South Staffordshire near to Birmingham so Derek had reached out to me as a fellow Midlander to make sure I was settling in to life in Bermuda.  I always found Derek to be a kind and considerate Sergeant with an excellent knowledge of the law and a great sense of humour.  

Sections of several of the comments quoting Derek Fletcher (in italics) in the above article were originally published by the Senior's Learning Centre, Bermuda College, in their collected volume Legacies. Permission to republish courtesy of the Lifelong Learning Centre."