Red Cross collects $44,000 for Pakistan

The Bermuda Red Cross has collected $44,322.15 for the Pakistan Earthquake appeal.

The director of the Red Cross, Ann Spencer-Arscott, said contributions in the Hurricane Katrina appeal still stands at $226,956.21, while the West Africa Appeal has raised approximately $70,000.

"We wish to advise the public that we will be closing the Hurricane Katrina and West Africa Appeals at the end of November," she said, adding that if anyone was aware of any outstanding fundraising activities for either of these two appeals, they should let the Red Cross know as soon as possible.

Thieves targeting juke box money

A thief stole a bottle of scotch and tried unsuccessfully to get at juke box cash after breaking into the Mid Atlantic Boat Club on North Shore Road, Devonshire early yesterday morning.

Police are warning of a recent increase in burglaries of licensed premises where thieves are targeting juke box money. Police advice pub managers to secure juke boxes and empty the cash regularly. Proprietors should also be vigilant for suspicious people loitering and report them to the nearest Police station.

Mayor pays tribute to Lyme Regis author

The Mayor of St. George's has paid tribute to the English writer John Fowles, arguably the most famous resident of twin town Lyme Regis, who has died at the age of 79.

Mr. Fowles lived in Lyme Regis, Dorset, from 1968 and set one of his most famous works, "The French Lieutenant's Woman" in the historical English south coast town.

He is regarded as one of the most outstanding English writers of the 20th Century, particularly on the strength of his novels "The Magus" and "The Collector".

On hearing the news that the writer had died at the weekend following a long illness, St. George's Mayor E. Michael Jones said: "I'd like to say, on behalf of the good folk of St. George's, we send our sincere condolences to the people of our twin town Lyme Regis regarding the passing of this incredible author. He will be missed and our thoughts are with his family."