Cheers to shop limes (SLICE OF BAJAN LIFE)

Some WALTZED the night away. (Nigel Browne)

By Wendell Callender | Tue, January 10, 2012 - 12:01 AM

They ushered in the New Year with a grand celebration at Tiny’s Bar & Hideaway in Fairfield Road, St Michael, on January 2.

In the process they recognized those among them who had made a significant mark on the entertainment landscape, particularly through Sunday limes during the past year held by a group called the Sunday Extravaganza Shop Lime.

Tony Welch, president of the 26-member group, invited us to share in the occasion and, in giving directions, he advised us to use the new R. L. Seale outlet on Tudor Bridge, St Michael, as our landmark on our way from the Eagle Hall junction and then turn left and follow the winding road until we reached our destination.

We followed his instructions and, sure enough, we were delighted to discover the well appointed recreation spot that was suitably decorated for a celebration.

The well ventilated verandah with its inviting atmosphere also lent to a kind of free spiritedness. Indeed, the venue looked like an ideal hideaway for relaxation.

As we ventured inside the main area the cosy ambience added to the wow factor.

When we finally met the proprietor it was evident that the establishment bore the characteristics of the owner herself, Ometa “Tiny” Marshall. From all appearances she was a free spirit and a welcoming soul spiced with an agreeable demeanour.

We were truly captivated by Tiny’s Bar & Hideaway and thought it to be more of a hideaway with the bar as an added feature. The scene was set for a grand event.

The members of the Sunday Extravaganza Shop Lime came to the occasion with a high degree of reverence. Dressed in fine evening wear, both gents and ladies evidently were there to honour their own efforts at keeping their businesses afloat and their customers happy.

A celebration of camaraderie and cooperation had brought them together. It was their salute to the spirit that kept them united as a Barbadian group using positive self-help to sustain a micro sector that is part of the Barbadian cultural experience.

The awardees for the year and the toasts of the gathering included “Tiny” herself, who was recognized for her contribution to the organization. The others were Janice Estwick, of Stall 22 in the Fairchild Street Market, Bridgetown; Erskine “Tasco” Prescod, of JD’s Bar in Chelston Gardens, Culloden Road, St Michael; Patricia “Big Sweet” Archer, of Big Sweet’s Bar in Haggatt Hall, St Michael; Gloria Stoute, of G’s Bar in Bourne’s Village, St George; Marva Grazette, of No. 28, 1st Avenue Friendship Drive, St Michael; and Veronica Greenidge, of Vest Bar & Cook Shop in Bath Land via Welch Village in St John.

Awards were presented for the lime with the largest attendance, the most original activity, the most community involvement, and those with high entertainment value.

The function, with 130 guests in attendance, epitomized Bajan style in its most refined form. The meal was typically Bajan – ham, turkey, pork, chicken, beef stew, rice and peas, macaroni pie, sweet potato pie, tossed salad and potato salad.

The dancing was a pleasure to behold. The waltzing couples showed off the dexterity of maestros of the art form and were an attraction in themselves. Later in the night the line dancers took their turn as they had their moment in time.

The bar was in full swing with wines and the usual drinks, both mild and alcoholic, flowing and being consumed.

We caught Welch and group coordinator Arundel Forde at the bar late in the night having a drink and a pleasant chat with members Shirley Small and Stephanie Waithe. They were clearly relishing the success of their first annual awards ceremony.

Speaking of the shop limes, Welch later said: “The year was successful generally and attendance was good overall. We plan to build on our success.”

As we departed we could not help but conclude that the night at Tiny’s Bar & Hideaway was really worthy of celebration!