Cambridge University Library is commemorating two world wars through photographs, literature and music. Exhibits include: an illustrated manuscript by soldier-poet, Siegfried Sassoon; the score of Sir Arthur Bliss’s “Morning Heroes”; work by Rudyard Kipling, Vera Brittain and Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle; and a Puffin booklet produced by the Government to explain the significance of war to children. Free admission. Details: Nicola Thwaite, 01223 333122.

NOVEMBER 20-21 WORLD WAR I WEEKEND

Visitors to the National Army Museum in Chelsea, London SW3, 11am-5pm, can try on First World War uniforms and handle original weapons and artefacts. Illustrated talks will include: medicine in the war; the horse’s role in war; and life in the trenches. Free admission. Details: 0171 730 0717 ext. 2228.

NOVEMBER 21-28 CHRISTMAS FAIR

Exhibition of children’s book illustrations at the Mary Kleinman Gallery, 14 Highbury Terrace, London N5. Events include: storytelling, mask decorating, puppet shows and evening workshops and lectures on such topics as “On becoming old enough again for fairy tale” (an exploration of the parent-child relationship), and “Reading and cross-cultural themes in storytelling for children” by Mary Hoffman and Wendy Cooling. Free admission. Details: 0171 704 6492.

NOVEMBER 23 WORLD’S LARGEST ORCHESTRA?

Sir Simon Rattle is conducting the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and 4,000 schoolchildren in an attempt to smash the record for the world’s largest orchestra and to commemorate his father, who died in a Marie Curie hospice. Organised by Music for Youth, the concert is being held in Birmingham National Indoor Arena in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care, sponsored by CGU insurance. Details: 0171 201 23322375.

NOVEMBER 26-29 BIG BASH ‘98

Among the highlights of Children’s BBC’s annual jamboree and pantomime are two arenas set up by Shell Education Service: one for interactive workshops, where classes can build solar-powered models and experiment with everyday chemicals; the other for science shows and dramas including a planetarium show with children as the planets. Plus free schools’ activity trails, teachers’ notes, exhibitors ranging from London Zoo to the West Midland Fire Service, and a Little Bash party for under-fives. Tickets: Pounds 9 adults, Pounds 6 children; Pounds 6 panto (discounts available) from 0121 767 4477.

NOVEMBER 29 CHARITY GALA SHOW

The 50th anniversary of the National Health Service is being celebrated at “Spread a little happiness”, a concert by David Essex and guest stars at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London WC2. Proceeds will go to Save the Children and Safe Motherhood. Tickets: Pounds 15-Pounds 25. Details: 0171 494 5064.

DECEMBER 1 WORKING WITH TRAUMATISED CHILDREN

Lecture by Dr Judith Trowell, consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist, organised by the Forum for the Advancement of Educational Therapy and Therapeutic Teaching. Venue: The Tavistock Clinic, 120 Belsize Lane, London NW3. Admission: Pounds 6, Pounds 3 members at the door. FAETT details: 0181 998 4224 (evenings).

DECEMBER 14-15; JAN 12-13 FOOD TECHNOLOGY TRAINING

Organised by the British Nutrition Foundation at Lincoln University, Grimsby, and Manchester Metropolitan University respectively. The functional properties of food in relation to food product design, development and manufacture will be examined. Fee: Pounds 100. Details: Emma Dhesi, 0171 404 6504.