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IS there anybody out there who can play and teach bagpipes? The Whisperer has been approached on a few occasions recently for help in finding a bagpipe player.

Of course, we all remember big Murdo, a giant of a man who would whip out his pipes at the merest suggestion, but who left these shores a few years ago. If there is anyone out there can you please email me your details?

THE_bars and restaurants may be closed for Ramadan but the house parties are in full swing. Bob (Abs) Marley celebrated his 50th with a small soiree for about 60 people.

This time no mobiles were wrecked by their owners being thrown in the pool.

Bahrain Rugby Club has for some time been unable to hold an AGM as it has been organising a new constitution with GOYS, but it is going to have to get a new chairman as the whisper on the street is that the current one is off to China soon.

GulfWeekly received a press release from a local hotel celebrating the hand-over of a luxury car to a lucky contest winner and is featured it in this week's Social Scene.

Could this be the same champagne-gold coloured X-Type Jaguar with zero mileage advertised as an 'unwanted prize' in our sister newspaper, the GDN?

The owner declined to comment.

THE_editor of this fine newspaper is as proud as punch after his grandson Arthur was featured on the front page of the latest Babies-R-Us catalogue.

A model child, he tells anyone within earshot. Please avoid him at all costs.

Dear Stan,

I am doing a research project on the impact of inflationary pressures and the rising cost of living on expatriates in Bahrain, for which your weekly article 'Shilpa's shopping list' is a God-send.

I've been collecting your weekly article so I can generate a table illustrating the rise in food prices over the last six months but I went on summer vacation in August and missed some of the articles.

I was wondering if there is anyway I can get my hands on them. I'd greatly appreciate any help you could offer.

Stephen Nash

Editor's note: Delighted to help. We will send you the articles requested. Shilpa's back from honeymoon: See Page 12 & Social Scene.

Dear Stan,

AS part of its schemes for the welfare of the local Indian community, the Embassy of India, Bahrain, is organising an 'Open House' at the embassy premises on Friday from 8am to 11am.

The event will provide an opportunity for the members of the Indian community to meet the ambassador and senior officials of the embassy dealing with consular matters, particularly for taking up non-routine consular and labour issues.

Members of the Indian community are requested to bring along with them complete sets of documents pertaining to their respective cases. Local Indian associations which have cases for consideration may like to send one representative each to participate.

Embassy of India,

Kingdom of Bahrain.

Dear Stan,

International aid agency Oxfam needs help to bolster its support to thousands of people uprooted from their homes by floods in Bihar, India.

Water purification kits, buckets, tarpaulin and shelter sheets have been distributed. Funds are needed to provide clean water and sanitation in crowded camps.

Hannah Durrant,

Campaigner, Oxfam