Five Capture Worthy

I remember when “Auntie” Evie passed away. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for her husband, Sherman ‘Red’ Crise, as I was not yet born – likely even a passing thought – before he died. Described to me as the founder of the original Bahamas Speed Week with a vision and personality to match his ever-growing waistline I have no doubt I would’ve liked him. Evie, more delicate in nature, was a dear friend of my grandmum’s and a maternal figure to my own mum. While I wasn’t mature enough to understand the depths of my mum’s sorrow – especially over the estate which was left in such disrepair – upon entering Evie’s Florida home I recall feeling as though the world had lost a remarkable woman, and that I had stepped in to Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations.

Except playing the role of protagonist Ms. Havisham was Evie. With her closets full of custom-made gowns, jewelry boxes brimming with baubles, and albums thick of well-thumbed photographs.

Just as I’ve inherited several of those gowns and a handful of those baubles I have also inherited her memories and those that live on through my mum’s narrative, a greater gift indeed.

My mum recently spoke of a time when she was no more than 10, when her own mum would pack a picnic basket full of meat-loaf sandwiches, to this day a lunch she is still nostalgic for, and an ice cooler – an invention no more than a decade in existence. Arriving to Bahamas Speed Week at the Oakes Field Course they would always be seated right above the pit, squished among press. She paints the picture and excites the senses by describing the smell of fuel in the air, the feel of heat coming off the tarmac and the blinding sight of sunlight reflecting off a procession of thoroughly-waxed cars. Then she describes the bang of the gun, marking the start of the race, and all I can think is how nostalgic I am for what once was and how hopeful I am for what will continue to be with the revival of Bahamas Speed Week.

– The 700 Experience Personal Collection. The 12th Annual Bahamas Speed Week Official Program, year 1965 –

– The 700 Experience Personal Collection. Photo Credit: Bahamas News Bureau –

– The 700 Experience Personal Collection. Photo Credit: Bahamas News Bureau –

– “Ferrari from original Speed Weeks now back at the Revival of Bahamas Speed Week” writes Experiencer of The Week + Instagram User @daltonwatsonfinebook –

– Island “I Do.” One to call my own. Another engagement photo sneak peek. Spot the ring so beautiful captured by Lyndah Wells Photography –