THERE S plenty to do this week. With the anniversary of the abolition of slavery almost upon us, Soham s experience at the time is being marked by two meetings. The first is tonight (Thursday) in the Ennion Room at Lodeside when Dr Brycchan Carey will giv

THERE'S plenty to do this week. With the anniversary of the abolition of slavery almost upon us, Soham's experience at the time is being marked by two meetings. The first is tonight (Thursday) in the Ennion Room at Lodeside when Dr Brycchan Carey will give a talk on Olaudah Equiano, a freed slave who married at Soham Church. The talk starts at 7pm.

The second meeting is on Friday in the Community Lounge at Lodeside when Mac Dowdy (of House Detectives) will talk about Soham at the time of the abolition. Starts at 7.30pm.

On Saturday, the Soham branch of the St John Ambulance Brigade is holding a quiz in the Comrades Club from 7.30pm to raise funds for a new emergency vehicle, the old one having gone beyond even their first aiding skills. Teams of six (all over 15 years of age) will get a good evening's entertainment and a ploughman's supper for £5 per head. Entries as soon as possible (so that catering can be sorted out) to 01353 720177 or 07968 503028.

On Tuesday, there is the charity concert by the Joe Loss Orchestra at the Ely Maltings. If you haven't got your ticket yet, contact Anjie on 01353 721748 or 07702 522363.

The following evening, the third meeting of the Neighbourhood Panel takes place at The Pavilion. This is another chance to talk to and hear from the local police. The meeting starts at 7pm. There should also be a chance to meet our newest Police Community Support Officer, Emma Melton. The only time I've seen Emma so far she's been slapping a few parking tickets about on the High Street. Not a bad idea, really, if the scheme at the Church Hall site doesn't come off. It might just get people using the two free car parks that already exist and free up the roadside places.