Intriguing links between the largest expanse of the universe and the tiniest fraction of an atom are explored by Professor Peter Kalmus, Queen Mary and Westfield College, London, in this lecture series, which has just begun a grand tour of 30 venues in Britain. Organised by the Institute of Physics for students aged 16 to 19, they will also give parents and teachers a preview of new topics for the A-level syllabus. Details: Catherine Wilson, 0171 470 4800; e-mail: catherine.wilson@iop.org OCTOBER BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Lambeth libraries are celebrating the cultural contribution of black people to the borough. Authors including Buchi Emecheta will read from and discuss their work, the Windrush Exhibition is touring libraries, and a reading group focusing on contemporary black novels will begin on October 22, 7-8.30pm at Brixton Library and be held every Thursday thereafter. Tickets from Brixton and Streatham libraries. Details: 0171 926 1056 or 0171 926 6768.

UNTIL JANUARY 10 COLLECTING CRAFT: THE SOUTH EAST ARTS CRAFT COLLECTION

Visitors to Hove Museum and Art Gallery, East Sussex, can get an insight into the development of craft in the region during the past 17 years. On display are more than 100 pieces, many by renowned craftspeople. Details: Linda Orams, 01273 292830.

OCTOBER 10-APRIL 1999 FOSSILS AND FEATHERS: THE EVOLUTION OF FLIGHT

A life-size replica of a pterosaur with an 11-metre wingspan is the centrepiece of this exhibition at Sheffield City Museum. Other exhibits include: life-size replicas of Jurassic birds and dinosaurs, a specimen of a giant fossil of a dragonfly and artistic impressions of insects, birds and plants showing the move from water to air. Free. Details: 0114 276 5619.

OCTOBER 14-15 MUSIC FOR BANGLADESH

Chris Johnston and fellow students from Halesowen College’s performing arts department are putting on a music concert to raise funds for flood victims in Bangladesh. Venue: Walton Campus Theatre, Halesowen, West Midlands, 7.30pm. Tickets: Pounds 2.50, Pounds 1.50 concessions. Details: Andrea Chapman, 0121 550 1451 ext. 429.

OCTOBER 15-NOVEMBER 26 WORLD WAR 1

The National Army Museum in Chelsea, London SW3, is commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War I with a series of free half-hour Thursday lunchtime lectures starting at 1.15pm. Topics include: the Great War generals; the British soldier of 1914 and 1918; gas warfare; trench life; and the Indian Army on the Western Front. There is also a weekend of special events for families, November 20-21. Details: 0171 730 0717 ext. 22282210.

OCTOBER 18-20 CINEMAGIC

The UK tour of Northern Ireland’s international film festival for young people reaches the Watershed in Bristol offering screenings, discussions and workshops. Tickets: Pounds 1-Pounds 3 (accompanying adults free). Details: 0117 925 3845.

OCTOBER 18, NOVEMBER 1, DECEMBER 6 MEDICINE OF THE PAST

The Old Operating Theatre, Museum and Herb Garrett at 9a St Thomas’s Street, London SE1, is holding talks on: “Keats and the poetry of herbs”; “The surgeon, the cadaver and the Resurrectionist” (about the co-operation between body snatchers and renowned surgeons such as Sir Astley Cooper); and “Shakespeare and the medicines of the apothecaries”, 2.30pm start. Details: 0171 955 4791.

OCTOBER 19-25 NATIONAL ROAD SAFETY WEEK

Events including bringing lorries into schools are being organised by local police forces, road safety officers and others. The week is an opportunity for teachers to bring pupils’ attention to the dangers of the road and the need to take care when crossing roads, wear seatbelts and discourage parents from driving too fast or when tired. Activity packs and events information from: Rob Gueterbock and Jemma Chapple at Brake, the national road safety organisation, on 01306 741113.

OCTOBER 24 SUPPORT COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATION

The Campaign for State Education is holding a public meeting at Jeffery Hall, Institute of Education, Bedford Way, London WC1, to launch this campaign. Speakers include: Roy Hattersley, Labour peer; Tamsyn Imison, headteacher, Hampstead School; Dimitri Coryton, Conservative Education Association; and Michael Mansfield QC. “Say No to Selection” campaign packs will be available. Details: 0181 944 8206 (telfax).