third-floor bulletin board reads: "Please don't forget me. I'm your secret pal.'' Stuck to the board are thank you notes: "To my secret pal -- Thanks for the peanut and raisin mix,'' said one. "What a lovely rose,'' said another. "Thank you. I wish I knew who you were!'' Other notes expressed delight with "the basket of fruit,'' the "wonderful, cool refreshing drink,'' and "the beautiful vase.'' It's not all the work of one secret pal. There are about 25 of them, says Miss Heather Stevens, an accounts clerk in the Ministry's finance section.

"A group of us got together just to spread a little happiness amongst the office staff,'' Miss Stevens said.

Those taking part submitted their names, along with information about their hobbies, favourite colours, anniversaries, and birthdays.

The names were put into a hat and everyone drew a secret pal.

Through the year, little gifts mysteriously appear around the Ministry from secret pals and the bulletin board is used to exchange messages. Around Christmas, everyone gets a special gift and finally learns their secret pal's identity.

Education might be the only Ministry with secret pals. Miss Stevens said she got the idea from Cable & Wireless.

"It's really fun to keep it a secret,'' she said.

*** As he braces himself for another round in his Independence war, the Premier appears ever open to tips on battle strategy.

Even if they come from an unlikely source, Sir John Swan is likely to pay close attention.

This much was apparent when Sir John was a special guest at Wednesday's launch of the Salvation Army's Red Shield Appeal.

During the ceremony, Sir John was handed a book on the Salvation Army. It was entitled `Battle Lines'.

"It sounds like something I should read,'' he quipped, glancing at the cover with a wry smile.

*** You have to hand it to the Masterworks Foundation -- they certainly know what catches the eye.

Take their rather swish publicity notices for the premiere of a film by the Premier's daughter, Alison Swan.

The one mailed to The Royal Gazette provided all the fun of a "spot the howler'' competition.

Oops! Masterworks is trumpeted as "Master Works'' at the top of the notice.

Oops! Same boob at the bottom.

Oops! The Somers Playhouse in St. George's -- venue for the screening -- comes out as the "Sumers Playhouse''.

Some unkind folk may point a finger at The Royal Gazette and talk about people in glass houses throwing stones.

But the temptation to poke fun at the Masterworks' expense proved just irresistible, however.

And, just to show there are no hard feelings, here's a free plug for Alison's film, `Still Water', which Masterworks are presenting.

It will be shown on June 4, starting at 7.45 p.m. Tickets are $75.