Entrants aged 17-27 must use repertoire from the Middle Ages to the 19th century making use of authentic instruments or copies. Preliminary auditions (recordings only) will take place in York in January, closing date for applications January 20. Semi finals and finals will take place during the York Early Music Festival, July 7-16. No registration fee. Details: 01904 658338.

BBC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’S YOUNG COMPOSERS FORUM 1995

Two unpublished composers aged under 30 will be invited to write a piece for the BBC Symphony Orchestra and come to Maida Vale on June 29 to hear it rehearsed. They will also discuss their music with conductor Peter Eotvos, the players and leading British composers. Applicants should send in scores and tapes of previous work plus their CV by January 31, 1995. Details: Richard Heason, education officer, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Delaware Road, Maida Vale, London W9 2LG, 0171 765 2850.

LOCAL AUTHORITY RACE AWARDS (LARA)

The Commission for Racial Equality is inviting entries from local authorities of not more than 3,000 words about any aspect of their work. Closing date: February 28.

Besides an overall winner, there are also awards for the following categories: education, initiatives for young people, funding of projects set up by ethnic minority communities, work with refugee communities, and tackling racial harassment and violence. Details: Executive Policy Group, 0171 828 7022.

PUBLICATIONS

GUIDE TO MINIBUS SAFETY

Driver fatigue and error were crucial factors in the M40 minibus crash. This leaflet for teachers, heads, school governors, youth leaders and voluntary workers, produced by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, recommends that, contrary to a recent Government decision, volunteer drivers should be subject to new European laws requiring a separate test and health check.

Copies available from Safety Education Department, RoSPA, The Priory Queensway, Birmingham B4 6BS, 0121 200 2461.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

In conjunction with the Association of Christian Teachers, John Legge has produced a series of A5 booklets, which can be used for background material in religious education lessons, on “Famous Lives” (30 titles), “God’s Heroes” (21 titles) and “RE Places” (six titles). Send an SAE for list to: John Legge, “Copleston”, 12 Smithfields, Totnes, Devon TQ9 5LR.