Diary: 31 January - 6 February

Tuesday 1 February: Performance of Handel's Messiah in aid of the National Children's Homes Action for Children, to celebrate their 125th anniversary, Westminster Abbey, London SW1.

Thursday 3: 1994 Road Racing and Superbike Show, Alexandra Palace, London N22.

Friday 4: Frogmore Gardens and Royal Mausoleum open in aid of the National Gardens Scheme, and Frogmore House in aid of the Royal Collection Trust (and 5 February), Frogmore House, Windsor. Athletics, AAA Indoor Championships begin, National Indoor Arena, Birmingham.

Saturday 5: Nepalese textiles study day, Museum of Mankind, London W1. Rugby Union, Ireland v Wales, Dublin; Scotland v England, Edinburgh.

Sunday 6: Eighth Sunday before Easter. Sexagesima.