Historical talks get underway

Minister of Culture and Social Rehabilitation Dale Butler has announced the launch of the Historical Heartbeats Lecture Series 2008.

The series, which consists of one lecture per month from April through to October, is intended to educate Bermuda's residents and visitors about the many threads of Bermuda's history.

The 2008 lecture series features a wide variety of topics including the history of Bermuda's sharks, the Boer prisoners of war, folktales and East End military fortifications.

Mr. Butler said: "Our speakers this year include Andrew Bermingham, Choy Aming, Jeff Manson, Meredith Ebbin, Florenz Webbe-Maxwell, and others.

"Part of what makes this series unique is that these talks are not confined to classrooms or lecture halls.

"They are purposefully designed as interactive talks, giving participants the opportunity to experience the subject matter.

"We invite members of the public to join us on a boat and see where Boer prisoners of war are buried on Long Island; to walk around the recently refurbished Martello Tower while on a bus tour, plus much more."

To kick off the series, a lecture titled 'The Secret Graves of St. Peter's' is being held tonight at St. Peter's Church in St. George's, starting at 6.30 p.m.

BASE bingo moved

The venue for the Bermuda Autism Support and Education Society's (BASE) Autism Awareness Month Bingo Night has been changed to the Mount St. Agnes Auditorium.

Organisers say due to circumstances beyond their control, the venue has been changed but the event will still take place on Saturday, April 12 at 6.30 p.m.

The Bingo Night will have prizes to be won including a Jinanshe JS50 50cc cycle courtesy of Cycle Care. Pizza and soda will be on sale throughout the evening.

In addition to Bingo Night, BASE will host a free panel discussion, "Let's Talk About Autism" on April 29 and their annual tag day will be April 30.

Autism is a neurological and developmental disorder that usually appears during the first three years of life. The core symptoms consist of deficits, in varying degrees, in social behaviour, communications and play or preferred activities.

The cause of autism is unknown and it is estimated that about one in 150 children have some form of autism.

Homes burgled

Electrical equipment and cash were among the items stolen in three burglaries in Sandys and Southampton on Tuesday.

A thief broke into a home at Admiral Walk, Southampton, between 7.55 a.m. and 5.15 p.m., before taking a black laptop computer, silver cell phone and cash.

Between 7.30 a.m. and 6.30 p.m., an intruder took a silver Sony digital camera from an address in Lukes Pond Drive, Southampton.

A ladies watch was stolen from a home in Sound View Road, Sandys, between 2 p.m. and 7.30 p.m.

Police are investigating all three incidents but have not suggested they are linked.

Witnesses or anyone with information should call officers on 295-0011 or the confidential CrimeStoppers hotline on 1-800-623-8477.