This time of the year sees the return of many dry season activities such as Mindil Beach Markets (from 29 April) and the Deckchair Cinema (from 21 April).

The BabyWebsite recently carried out a search of unusual – and unfortunate - names in the UK and the USA. Amongst the most bizarre names discovered in Britain were Justin Case, Barb Dwyer and Anna Sasin.

Breast Cancer Network Australia does not collect funds for cancer research, but is a support network that aims to ensure that Australians diagnosed with breast cancer and their families receive the very best information, treatment, care and support possible, no matter who they are or where they live. From 22 April to 12 May, all 630 Bakers Delight bakeries around the country are taking part in the Pink Bun Campaign to raise not only funds for BCNA, but also awareness of the support available to those who are affected by breast cancer The proceeds from all the sales of pink buns and paper pink ladies will go directly to BCNA, and $1 from every pack of the new pink tarts will go to the organisation.

At the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, the exhibition of works produced by fibre artists from around Australia, ReCoil, continues until 2 May. At 11am on 10 April there’s a floor talk open to the general public.

Ever wondered where some expressions came from? Well in medieval times in England, the floor of dwellings was dirt; only the wealthy had some other type of floor, hence the expression “dirt poor”. The wealthy had slate floors that would get slippery in wet weather, so they spread “thresh straw” on the floor to help keep their footing. As the winter wore on, they kept adding more thresh until, when the door was opened, it would all start to slip outside. To prevent this, a piece of wood was placed in the entrance way; this was the “threshold”.

This Newsletter could not be produced without the cooperation of two local MLAs, Jane Aagaard and Chris Burns – and in particular the practical help of their assistants. So, from a very selfish point of view, we are sorry to learn that Judy Herring has decided to retire from running Dr Burns’ office. The occasional gentle upbraiding aside, we are extremely grateful for all she has done for us over the years. Judy, we wish you all the best for your retirement; now you have time for bridge, golf, travelling - and, perhaps, even joining U3A.

Our year has started off well with good attendances, with the return of members and new members, I hope this continues.

The Statehood Steering Committee is planning for a major Constitutional Convention to be held in Darwin in 2011, the 100th year since the Northern Territory was last part of a state. By way of preparation for this, the Committee has embarked on a series of Forums taking place across the Northern Territory as part of an Information Roadshow.

At the Forums the Committee will provide information on becoming a State and on drawing up a new constitution that will reflect the wishes of Territorians, and on how members of the public can participate in this process and be part of the 2011 Convention. The Forum will be in Darwin on 23 March; details of the venue will be published in the press nearer the time.

For further information call 8946 1437 or 1800 237 909, or go to www.ntstate7.com.au.

International Women’s Day, on 8 March, recognises the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. On that day, at 5.15pm, the Northern Territory Library in Parliament House is launching a newly-completed online database and display Territory Women which contains biographical information on women who have lived here and contributed to the Territory way of life.

The first speaker in this year’s National Trust, Larrakeyah Branch, Speakers’ Program is local identity Grant Tambling who will be talking about The Changing Face of Darwin’s Landscape: some stories with a little bit of politics thrown in. The meeting takes place at Burnett House, 4 Burnett Place, Larrakeyah on 19 March at 5.30pm for a 6pm start. Drinks will be available from the bar and light snacks will be provided. Admission is by gold coin for members and $5 for non-members.

For further information, call Julie on 8927 9459 (home) or 8946 6835 (office).

‘The NT Library’s current exhibition in Parliament House, Serving in the Territory 1941 1945, which runs until 28 March, makes use of photographs, newspapers and original documents to reveal the adverse conditions the military forces had to cope with whilst protecting the northern part of Australia during the Second World War – by 1944, some 64,000 men and women were serving in the Territory and in most cases were experiencing the tropics for the first time.