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Dear Stan, I AM new to Bahrain, I do not work but I want to make friends with other women. I do not have children so I can't even meet parents at school. Are there any ladies' groups that you can recommend?

Edwina,

By e-mail.

Editor's note: If there is one thing that Bahrain has, it is lots of societies and associations. Two of the most popular are the Indian Ladies Association and the American Women's Association. But why limit yourself to ladies-only associations? There are many active clubs and societies where new members are always welcomed. Try the Royal Society of St George, the Awali or Manama Caledonian Societies, The Welsh Society, the Irish Society and also consider applying to join the Dilmun Club, British Club or Rugby Club as they have lots of social activities. My colleague, columnist Betsy, has other suggestions. She said: "I understand how isolated you may feel if you are childless and stuck at home alone whilst you husband is at work. Try joining a gym or fitness class or even volunteering for some of the charitable associations which range from Bahrain Mobility, to the Bahrain Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to the Bahrain Migrant Workers' Association. Details of many of these societies are to be found in the pages of GulfWeekly or you will find them in the telephone directory or online."

Dear Stan,

I WOULD appreciate it if you could advise me as to how I may reach/get in touch with the charity group Helping Hands in Bahrain?

Rehana Gardiner,

By e-mail.

Editor's note: The band of volunteers have been helping Bahrain's migrant labourers, most of whom come from the Indian subcontinent, in any way they can for around 30 years. They can be contacted for donations and volunteer recruitment by calling Gita Krishnan on 39683130 and Shirin Husain on 39402907.

Dear Stan,

REGARDING the case of Bahrain schoolboy Adam Jones who is being kept in Qatar by his mother's late ex-husband's family. I am sure both sides just want what is best for the child, but it is agreed all around the world that the mother is the primary caregiver. This is of course, unless she is seen as unfit and, in this case, I believe the mother is more than fit. Please help her get her child back.

Ameera Ali,

by e-mail

Dear Stan,

ON behalf of Abu Dhabi Investment House and the Lagoon project team I would like to thank you and specifically reporter Mai Al Khatib for the excellent coverage in last week's issue. It was a clear and honest write up and it delivered the exact information we wanted to showcase to the public.

Thank you again for an excellent job done and best regards,

Rua'a Buassally, corporate communications officer, Abu Dhabi Investment House PJSC