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WHILE it is heartening to note the courtesy extended by the officials at the traffic department, I humbly request a review of the existing policies and procedures for the issuing of driving licenses.

From the initial phase of securing an instructor to the actual test, the entire process is very traumatic.

I do not know how others feel but for a law-abiding citizen who has respected the policy of live and let live, there is only one hope ... wait for the year 2030. The metro may be there to answer my prayers.

Naina. M,

By email.

NOW that everyone is back from their vacation I am pleased to be able to arrange our very first Bahrain Writer's Club meeting. It will be at 7.30pm on Sunday, February 6 in the annex at Shift7, which is on the 15th floor of the Elite Resort and Spa on Shaikh Hamad Causeway (next to Novotel).

This first meeting will be an informal affair, mainly to introduce ourselves to each other and to network with other Bahrain-based writers.

I will also be giving a 20-minute talk on getting your book published. I am a best-selling author of six books (non-fiction/true crime) with a small number of different publishers including Random House and Constable Robinson.

So, if you have a book inside you, or you have completed one but struggling to get published, then please come along for some great tips and hints.

The room at Shift7, will be reserved especially for us. The more the merrier but kindly RSVP as I need to tell the manager approximate numbers just prior to the event. If enough people are interested we will then arrange meetings thereafter on the first Sunday of every month.

Call 38357801 if you have any questions.

Robin Barratt

THE best young musical talent in the Gulf will be visiting Bahrain for the 14th year of the prestigious 'Young Musician of the Gulf' competition and we are accepting corporate sponsors to add to our committed sponsors for 2011.

Over 80 young musicians will perform and compete in a week of solo, ensemble and composition categories, culminating in the Grand Final at the Gulf Hotel on February 10. Audiences will experience a series of competition rounds and a panel of expert musicians will judge the competition.

Many businesses in Bahrain recognise the benefits of being associated with talent, youth and performance and enjoy the high profile of the Grand Final where the best musicians compete for the title in front of a VIP audience at the Gulf Hotel Convention Centre.

Please email us at office.infants@st-chris.net

Ian Fellows,

St Christopher's School,

Head teacher - Infants