The Barbados Association is holding a series of events to celebrate Independence Day -- November 30.

On Thursday, November 25, "Bajan Men can Cook'' -- mouthwatering traditional dishes prepared by Barbadian chefs -- can be sampled for just $5.00 at the Spring Garden Restaurant in Hamilton.

The celebrations end with a glittering gala banquet -- to be addressed by Barbadian Minister of Housing and Lands Gline Clarke -- at The Harbour Room, Number One Shed, Front Street, Hamilton, on Saturday, November 27. Tickets for the dinner -- $50 or $75 for patrons -- can be bought from Jeans Plus Boutique, Spring Garden, Ja'Nuzzi's Hair and Beauty Salon, as well as from Barbados Association members.

*** St. John Ambulance still has spaces in the following late Fall courses in CPR and emergency first aid: First aid emergency: November 23 and 24, from 5 to 9 p.m.

First aid emergency: November 30 and December 1, from 5 to 9 p.m.; CPR B (initial cert.): November 27 from 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.; CPR B (recert.): December 4 from 9.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m.; and CPR (initial cert.): December 11 from 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.

To register for a course 236-7831.

*** Lovers of classical guitar music will not want to miss this week's concert.

Stephen Crawford will play classical guitar music of Spain and Spanish America this Friday at St. Andrew's Church in Hamilton.

All proceeds from the 8 p.m. concert will go to the Windreach Village.

Tickets are $15 and are available from the Bermuda Academy of Music at Astwood Hall on Church Street.

For more information 296-2289.

*** If you are looking for original Christmas gifts, check out the Bermuda Society of Arts Winter Show.

Over 200 BSoA artists have submitted entries for the Winter Show currently on exhibit at City Hall.

The show is aimed at giving locals the opportunity of purchasing an original gift for this last-of-the millennium Christmas. The show includes paintings, sculptures, photographs, jewellry and crafts.

The show will run until December 17.

*** Alcoholics Anonymous of Bermuda will be holding their 20th annual convention this weekend at the Hamilton Princess Hotel.

More than 50 visitors from the US and Canada will join locals for Recovery On The Rock, The Bermuda Convention 1999.

The theme for the November 26-28 convention is Recovery: It's A We Thing, which emphasises that alcoholics cannot recover alone, but thrive on the fellowship, unity and support of fellow alcoholics.

The weekend will feature three overseas guest speakers -- Scott R. from California, Beth G. from Ohio and Jennifer H. from Florida.

AA is a fellowship of men and women who share their experiences, strength and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.

The only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership, they are self-supporting through their own contributions.

AA's primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.

There is at least one AA meeting every day of the week in Bermuda. For details call the 24-hour answering service on 236-8293.