The Centre on Philanthropy's 1997 Directory of Registered Charities is ready for pickup by interested members of the community.

It's the fifth edition of this valuable book which profiles the Island's charities and describes their activities, services and needs.

In March when the list of charities was compiled, there were 267 registered charities in Bermuda, 34 of which are new.

Representatives of 182 of these charities have voluntarily provided the Centre with organisational profiles that list their activities, needs, structure and origins.

Potential sponsors, donors, or volunteers will find the detailed information in each profile extremely useful in assessing charities they may wish to support.

Members of the public interested in a particular social issue or activity can check the directory to see what charitable organisations are active in that field. And the charities have a chance to let the community know what they do, what they need, and how to reach them.

"A great many people in Bermuda find the directory very helpful,'' said Pam Shailer, a volunteer who leads the team that compiles and produces the comprehensive book.

"I became involved when I returned to Bermuda after living overseas. I went to Centre on Philanthropy to see what organisations might be able to use my help as a volunteer. The Centre gave me a copy of the directory. I not only found what I was looking for but I also found the book so helpful that I wanted to be involved.'' *** To mark the first annual general meeting of the newly formed Bermuda Association for the Advancement of Science and Technology (BAAST), Dr. Hank Trapido-Rosenthal of the Bermuda Biological Station for Research will be delivering a lecture on Wednesday on the fascinating subject of Bermuda's marine life and their potential curative properties.

BAAST's aim is to unite the scientific and technological activities of Bermuda in an effort to inform the community and the scientifically interested student body in particular.

The association already has over 90 members, many of whom play an integral part in the fields of science and technology, making this an excellent network and source of information for enthusiastic youngsters interested in careers in either disciplines.

Members of the public are invited to attend the entire evening's proceedings starting at 6 p.m. sharp on Wednesday, May 21 at the Aquarium, commencing with the AGM, a brief reception and finally the lecture.

Admission is free to all members of the public and there will be an opportunity to find out more about BAAST.