UNTIL MAY 31 SOLDIERS OF THE RAJ: THE INDIAN ARMY 1600-1947 Last chance to check out the story of the Indian and British men and women - Hindu, Sikh, Christian and Moslem - who served in armies in India from the 17th century to Independence. This National Army Museum exhibition in Chelsea,London SW3, features paintings, uniforms, and such items as: the telescope used by Sir Henry Havelock during the siege of Lucknow; General Sir Sam Brown’s pistols, the first Victoria Cross to be awarded to a Jewish soldier and a copy of the last order ever issued to the Army of British India. Free admission. Details: 0171 730 0717.
MAY 10-16 ISLEWORTH FESTIVAL Music, dance, poetry and art events linked by the theme of “Time Changes” are being held in venues including Syon House, Chiswick Town Hall and All Saint’s Church on the river Thames. Highlights include: the Allegri String Quartet, London Sinfonietta soloists with local schools, members of Rambert Dance Company and The Hothouse, a showcase of all that’s new in music. Details: 0181 891 0143; tickets from the Robeson Theatre, 0181 577 6969.
MAY 10-16 GIVE ME 5 Eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day is the theme of the British Dietetic Association’s food awareness week. Activities led by dieticians across the UK will include: children’s wards in Swansea having fun with fruit and vegetables during play; youth groups in Northern Ireland using computers to learn more about healthy food; and a food fun day and recipe competition for local pupils at Oxford College of Further Education with prizes awarded by chef Antony Worrall Thompson. Details: 0121 633 9555; e-mail: bda@dial.pipex.com MAY 14-JUNE 27 CUBA PRESENTE!
Wiggle those hips to son, salsa, changui and rumba rhythms at free events being held during the Barbican Centre’s Cuban festival of music, dance, visual art and cinema in London EC2 to mark the 40th anniversary of the Cuban revolution. Concerts include the AfricanCuban combination of Cameroonian saxophonist Manu Dibango and Clave y Guaguanco, prime exponents of the rumba, and the legendary Ibrahim Ferrer, Ruben Gonzalez and Pablo Milanes. Other events include a collaboration between international artists, the Unicorn Theatre for Children and pupils from two local primary schools, which will culminate in free performances of a music-theatre piece, Yemay - Goddess of the Sea, on May 27 and 28. Bookings and details: 0171 638 8891.
MAY 15-23 MUSEUMS WEEK To promote museums’ value to everyone, special activities on the themes, travel, food or treasures, have been organised nationwide. The British Library in London NW1, for example, is running a special treasure trail and, on May 12 is also launching the 24-Hour Museum, a Campaign for Museums and Museums Documentation Association project, which will provide round-the-clock access to the collections and knowledge of Britain’s museums and galleries. Details: 0171 233 9796.
MAY 17-23 ADULT LEARNERS WEEK Events have been organised up and down the country to celebrate adult learners and highlight learning opportunities. Details from NIACE, the adult learning organisation, 0116 204 4200.
