Southampton University is to provide aspiring writers with a year’s support. The centrepiece is a residential weekend of workshops led by six successful writers. In 1997, these writers will be: Henrietta Branford, Russell Celyn Jones, Paul Hyland, Liz Lochhead, Moy McCrory and Matthew Sweeney. Details: Ann Hayter, 01703 593469.

LADY ALLEN OF HURTWOOD MEMORIAL TRUST TRAVEL AWARDS

Applications for awards of up to Pounds 1,000 are invited by January 15 from people working with children - particularly those disadvantaged or disabled - and their families, who wish to travel to enlarge their experience and enhance the quality of their work. Details: Elizabeth Vernon-Hunt, 45 Rosemont Road, Richmond TW10 6QN.