10 Dec 2007.  If you live in Sydney and have an interest in Military History and Defence Affairs, the Royal United Services Institute of NSW (http://www.rusinsw.org.au/  ) is currently conducting a membership drive.  The RUSI has a 30,000-item library, including many rare books on military topics (in some cases, unique to Australia).  This is a fantastic resource for authors, family historians, or anyone interested in military history.   On the last Tuesday of each month, the RUSI presents lectures on diverse Defence topics in the Commonwealth Defence Dept. building in Pitt St., Sydney City.  Speakers are often drawn from the top ranks of the ADF, or may be experienced Defence Journalists, Military Historians, or  Veterans with fascinating stories to tell.   Excursions to ADF sites and formal dinners are also arranged a few times each year, and the current membership list includes many people who have served their country with distinction and are great to get to know, with interesting personal stories to relate.  Membership is excellent value at $30pa, and is open to people from all walks of life, Service or Civilian, who have an interest in these topics.  The membership drive is being coordinated by Capt (Retd.) Noel Christensen Tel. (02) 9341-7099.