?Africa, the Next Destination? is the subject of today?s PowerPoint presentation by professional photographer Lloyd Webbe at the . Mr. Webbe has an extensive knowledge of Africa, having visited the continent many times as the organiser of tours and safaris from Bermuda. He will speak on Africa and share his experiences while visiting particular countries. Starting time is 12.30 p.m. and admission is free.

Warwick Academy?s entry in the s ?Hogge Wilde!? parade of porkers at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess Hotel was the victim of an ?ir-rasher-nal? act of vandalism last weekend when Hogge Trotter?s outsized spectacles were mysteriously ripped from his snout. Alerted to his loss by an observant diner, Masterworks promptly got on the case. The hotel put out an all-points bulletin (APB), and thanks to some excellent detective work by its outraged staff, the distinctive wire frames were found in a guest?s room, and have now been returned to their rightful owner. The thief has not been eye-dentified.

l are celebrating their tenth anniversary with a fundraising book fair at the Stonington campus on Saturday. Patrons will be encouraged to buy a new book from a selection of 150 titles, which will then become part of the College Library collection. The list of books, which includes ?High Price of Materialism? by Tim Kasser and ?Shakespeare? by Michael Wood, can be previewed from tomorrow in a special display at the Library.

Donors will also receive a free raffle ticket, making them eligible for various prizes, including Heather Nova?s new book of poems and drawings, ?The Sorrowjoy?. Donors may wish to buy books in someone?s memory, or to honour a living friend or loved one, and each book will be inscribed with the donor?s name.

The book fair, which will take place in the College Library from 4.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m., will also include entertainment by saxophonist Wendell (Shine) Hayward and storyteller Florenz Maxwell. A special surprise performance will close the fair.

Reminder: The exhibition of never-before-seen photographs of Bermuda in the 1950s by renowned American photographer at the Bermuda National Gallery ends on Friday. Admission is free.

Songstress Gita Blakeney and the Toni Bari Trio will head a sophisticated evening of jazz at the Bermuda National Gallery on Friday. Champagne, wine and hors d?oeuvres will be served, and there will be a cash bar. Tickets (members $10, others $20) can be reserved by telephoning 295-9428. Times are 5.30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Young filmmakers unable to afford to attend the Bermuda International Film Festival (BIFF) could get a leg-up from the organisation this year if its new ?Adopt-a-Filmmaker? programme is a success. Under its terms, anyone wishing to support young filmmakers can volunteer to pay them an airfare subsidy. Subsidies are: $350 for a North American filmmaker, and $500 for anyone living outside North America.

Makes of short films in particular struggle financially to get their film made, which makes it difficult for them to afford to travel to film festivals, yet that is where they need to be.

BIFF is able to house filmmakers attending its annual festival because of the generous support it receives from its host hotels: the Fairmont Hamilton pricess, the Elbow Beach and Ariel Sands. However, the community?s support is also necessary.

Those who adopt filmmakers will receive tickets to the filmmaker?s screenings, plus a ticket to the festival?s Wrap Party. There are also many opportunities to socialise with the filmmakers.

Anyone wishing to adopt a filmmaker should contact the BIFF office at 293-3456 or e-mail bdafilmibl.bm

Tickets for the upcoming Bermuda International Film Festival go on sale on Monday, March 1 online only at www.bermudafilmfest.com Individual tickets are $10. Tickets will be sold at the BIFF box office at No. 1 passenger terminal, Front Street from Monday, March 8 at 10 a.m. For further information ( 293-3455 or fax 293-7769.