Alcoholics Anonymous of Bermuda will be staging its annual convention this US Thanksgiving weekend at the Hamilton Princess.

More than 50 visitors from the US and Canada are expected to join locals for the November 27 to 29 convention.

And three overseas speakers will give lectures on this year's theme, `It's All About Change'.

Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share experiences, strength and hope with each other so that they may solve common problems and help others to recover from alcoholism.

The only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking -- there are no dues or fees.

There are 18 AA meetings a week in Bermuda, with at least one meeting every day of the week. For details about the meetings or the convention call AA's 24 hour answering service at 236-8293.

*** This weekend, Stewardship for People in Need will be filling a container to ship to poverty stricken areas in North Carolina.

The public is asked to donate blankets, household goods, furniture, winter clothes, baby supplies and toys to the cause.

Goods should be brought to the Art in the Park Christmas Fest at Kindley Field in St. George's on Saturday, Nov. 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Items can be dropped off on Sunday, Nov. 29 from 1 to 4 p.m. 293-2529 or 297-2920.

*** The Bermuda TB Cancer and Health Association invite all to attend their Christmas Open House this Saturday. Crafts, refreshments and tours will be available during the 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. event.

The Bermuda TB Cancer and Health Association is located on Cedar Avenue in Pembroke. There will be ample parking for visitors near the Tennis Stadium.

295-7738.

*** The Bermuda Historical Society will be hosting a book signing with author John Cox at the Historical Society's Museum.

Mr. Cox will sign copies of his book `Life in Old Bermuda' each Friday between November 27 and Christmas from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Part of the proceeds from the sale of the book will go to the Bermuda Historical Society. The Society's Museum is located in the Bermuda Library on Queen Street in Hamilton.

*** The Bermuda Pharmaceutical Association yesterday kicked off its promotion, `A Healthy Partnership', for this year's Pharmacy Awareness week.

Throughout the week the community will be presented with opportunities to learn about the many ways pharmacists help families.

Information leaflets will be distributed through all the pharmacies outlining tips for good health care, what goes on behind the scenes every time a prescription is filled and a medical IQ quiz.

Health care professionals will also visit pharmacies Island-wide to provide the public with free blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol testing.