Just a reminder that the dance is on Saturday 12th August at North Eltham Hall at 8pm. We will set up and decorate the hall in the afternoon beginning at 2pm. We'll need help to move tables and chairs, blow up balloons (with helium), string up streamers and lights and organize the kitchen.

Thanks to those who promised at the last meeting to contribute homemade goodies for the "delicious supper" we are advertising. Beth will be pleased to receive more promises. I hope you have been saving and washing your wine bottles to be used for water on the night.

Please remember it's BYO glasses and drinks.
If you haven't let Jan know the numbers of people you are inviting, please do so in the next few days -9439 0342.

There is now a child/student price of $10.

If you are not coming on the night but are happy to make food, please phone Beth on 9439 1716 to arrange a delivery. Also can you let Ruth know if you are able to help with the set up.

Carole is very involved with MAPW, the "Medical Association for the Prevention of War", which is a world wide organization of doctors who seek alternative methods of conflict resolution without resorting to war. They work closely with the UN, which Carole will tell us about, especially to reform the UN, so it does not become another dysfunctional body.

In September 2003, Kofi Annan declared that the UN was at a fork in the road.  He called attention to the deep division amongst Member States on the nature of security threats faced in the world today, and the differences in opinion around the use of force as a last resort to address those threats.

The UN, Kofi said, faced a decisive moment in relation to the aspiration set out in the charter to provide selective security for all.

Carole wants to develop these issues especially UN reforms, in the light of the present world conflicts, both in the Middle East and in Africa. She sees it very much as a participatory night, with possibly some quite controversial discussions. Every body has a view on the current world situation, so come along for a lively discussion night.